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

-tallyinghalls-

CHAPTER #15 | CLOCK CHIMES 6

WHAT DO YOU MEAN HE WON’T PICK UP HIS PHONE?! I started pacing my room, tugging at my hair. * it! * IT! NO! I threw my phone against the wall as if that would fix anything. ATLAS. GONE. FOR HOW LONG?! 3 DAYS! JUST DISAPPEARED. He’s not back yet! Just gone suddenly! How did I find this out?! 12 A.M., Juno calls me, I was still sick, by the way, a little loopy right now, but Juno calls me. I answer, like any good friend.

Do you want to know what he said to me? Just I’m going to wait a second for you to guess right now. “I THINK ATLAS IS DEAD.” WHY WOULD HE SAY THAT?! I want to grip his shoulders and shake him violently. So, most obviously, as one does, I stay up fretting all night. But it’s okay. I’ll take a deep breath. No one’s going to panic. I know Juno has my ring. I tried fiddling with it an hour ago, then I realized it wasn’t there. The last thing I remember is being with Juno.

No! I should have been there. I should have been there! I should have known. I should have done something sooner; I should have come over a month ago. This could have all ended in November. What is this. I pulled out a chunk of my hair. The strands laid uselessly in my hands; those should be in my head. It wasn’t a big one, at least nothing my hair won’t cover up, but it came out so easily.

It’s my fault, isn’t it?! I should have been a better friend; I should have noticed the signs! I did notice the signs! And now it’s my fault that ATLAS IS GONE! My breath was hollow. No, no, no. The last thing I need to do right now is panic, please, please don’t panic. IS THAT ALL I DO? IS THAT ALL I DO?! ALL I DO IS PANIC!? I’m just some malfunctioning robot that can’t do anything right? I stumbled a bit, catching myself on my desk. I can’t even move right; I swear to Harmonia.

“Hello, 6.” It curled around my arms, no, no, no. I bit back the tears that threatened to spill, I hate this, I’m the logical one. I’m supposed to be logical. Logics, numbers, * it. “May I for a moment?” A seat creaked behind me, presumably someone sitting down. The dark was sitting in my chair. My shadow, more specifically. I didn’t want to look back anymore. “That’s all you are, right? A malfunctioning robot that can’t do anything right?” What. “Well, listen, how about a new set of powers and in return you let me feed a little bit, doesn’t that sound nice? You can find out whatever you want, and I’ll provide the needs necessary.”

My hands shook against the counter, my vision was already blurring. I hated this, I hated this so much. “I-I can’t…” I muttered, glancing at my reflection in the cleaned desk. “I can’t do that for you…”

“But you can. All I need is a little bit of help and I’ll help you. Scratch my back and I scratch yours.” The arms behind me wrapped around me. Over my chest. Were they hugging me? It was difficult to distinguish. They were very cold; their breath was cold too. Why. “All I need is something to hold me over, you get whatever the hell you need. Isn’t that nice, Apollo?”

“Stop, stop, stop, STOP!” I covered my ears. Why were they hugging me?! I didn’t want to be touched right now, the last thing I want right now. I hate this, I hate this, I hate this, I HATE THIS. Get me out of here right now. “I don’t need you! I don’t need any stupid false promises you’re going to make.”

“Why must you assume everything is false, Apollo. You’re quite close minded.” A hand tilted my head up to look at my computer screen. It was just the reflection of my panic and pain. It was a faceless entity. “A real scholar would take the chance and learn from it.”

“A real scholar would know it’s a trick.” I retorted; my breathing only hastened. I need to focus on something different. The hand brushed my waist again. No, no, no, no, no, not the tailor again. No, no, no. It held there, tight.

“But sometimes they take the bait. You wouldn’t know, maybe you would. Did you eat today, Apollo? You’re really thin. Thinner from when I first met you.” The hand trailed a bit lower. STOP, STOP, STOP, STOP. I couldn’t think straight, the memories were back, memories of something I can’t talk about.

“Stop touching me.” It pushed lower. Stop the memories, stop the noises, stop the people. PLEASE STOP. The tears finally let loose, dripping onto the desk, I watched my face as it was forced to look in the hollow reflection of the computer. “FINE! FINE! I’LL TAKE YOUR STUPID DEAL! JUST STOP TOUCHING ME.” Suddenly my head slumped, and my joints felt stiff. Just like that month ago, just like that month when I could have saved Atlas.

It really is just what I am huh? You never look in a reflection and think “I can’t be this” but you really can. That’s assuming you looked in your reflection recently, I know a lot of people don’t. But I was forced, I was crying, I was touched. I shouldn’t be upset about it. After all, it was bound to happen one day. Maybe the Reaper was destined to win, and Harmonia was just delaying the inevitable.

Time. That’s all I needed. I need time, and time, and time. I went back. I went back to November, I stared at the panicking me on the floor. I looked at him, really looked at him. I saw the boys that hurt him. “Go.” I told him. I told him to go to Atlas right now. That his health matters more than school and his panic. My headache only got worse, but it’s the thing I need to do.

The weight was suddenly a little bit lighter from my shoulders. I went to a little bit earlier. Juno was trying to protect others; he was trying to save me. I went to a little bit before that time. I placed a hand on younger me’s shoulder. My phone buzzed. It was a voice message. It played automatically.

“Hi, Apollo! I hope this message comes to you well. It’s me, Atlas, surprise, surprise. I’m headed home right now. I know you’re worried and I tried my best, and I kinda failed. Sorry dude. But if this gets to you know that I care about you. I would notice if you disappeared suddenly and I’m here if you need to talk. I know how difficult it’s been for you, and if you ever need to come over, I can provide excellent excuses. Oh hey, that was an alliteration… no wait that was assonance. Anyways, I just came to tell you that I’m back! You’re super cool and I really hope I can see you soon! Maybe we should get ice cream sometime? Or if you’re really sick and tired of eating, we could like- just take a walk around the block? Even though you should still definitely eat, I’m just throwing ideas out there. But yeah! Talk to me if you need it. I love you!”

We, and by we, I mean little me and I stared blankly at the phone. How did this get here? I shoved him against the whiteboard before going back to my time. I walked through the full streets, seemingly invisible to the public eye. I was heading to Juno’s. Or I could cause a panic and have Heart come to me. That I did. I picked someone random and held them up.

I wasn’t upset anymore; I can say that much. I yelled. “He better come here before this one’s sent back to the dinosaurs!” They were dropped as soon as Heart came over. The blind man rolled his shoulders back a bit and tilted his head.

“Apollo?” He whispered, stepping closer. “Apollo, what happened?”

“Just purify me, Heart. Be sure to slam your bow in the ground.” The bow was already aimed at me, drawing back the string. I glanced out the corner of my eye to see another Mind. Wait.

“Tripower Heart: Purify.” And I was shot. The bow was slammed, and the Mind disappeared. Everything I did was reverted. Time. “Do you need me to take you home, Apollo?”

“No, I’m fine. Just go back home.” I muttered, shoving my hands in my pockets. Time was such a fragile thing; one mistake can make all the difference. What if I didn’t push the younger me into the whiteboard? Would there still be a Heart to purify me or would I be a villain forever?

Time and time again I end up panicking because what? Why? Do I just not have enough? I have all this time in my hands, but it slips like sand in a sieve. It’s weird, I lose myself in these numbers that have no meaning aside to make people proud. Who am I making proud?

Who cares if I win or lose? I could date a woman, or I could date a man, I could be a woman. I don’t even have to date! I don’t have to scramble for time when I could make it myself. I could make the most of summer break and experiment with who I am as a person.

But time is so limited, I only have a month and a half, that’s not including time I spend with family for Christmas and New Years. No. I didn’t have to spend New Years with my family. I could drop out last second. I could pretend to fall asleep at precisely 10 P.M. and sneak off to Atlas’.

Time is so limited, but there’s so many things I could do, so many people I can be. I don’t have to be so perfect. Time is a funny thing that everyone will experience the passage of, but not the rewinding. I can be me.

The realization struck me like nails. I’m free. This time I didn’t go home, I went to Atlas’ and knocked on his door. Miss Venison looked a bit shocked when I asked for Atlas. He opened the door shortly after and he showed the same expression as his mother, a startled deer. I pulled him out almost immediately.

“W-what!? Apollo, where are you taking me?!” He stammered as I pulled up my phone, showing him the voice memo he sent me. “Oh. That.”

“We’re going to the Chadstone Mall.” I glanced at my finances for a moment. “We’re not going window shopping. Pick what you want, and we’ll try it on. I just want to be far away from my parents. We might also go thrifting.”

It felt so liberating, Atlas showed me how to thrift, that was sweet. I got a couple of jackets from the 60’s. They’re cool looking, and I like how they fit. One’s a bit puffy and brown, an aviator jacket, while the other was a black leather one. It’s weird being shown something you don’t know how to do by a friend. You must awkwardly stumble through the process while they help you. It was fun though.

There were a LOT of a band t-shirts. Way too many to specify. Atlas nearly freaked out when he saw a Tally Hall t-shirt and insisted that I get it for myself. I don’t know why; I’ll check out the band later. There were a lot of cool jeans and cargo pants. I’ve never seen so many cool pairs of jeans in my life, just chino pants and slacks. He was happy.

I looked at him for a hot moment, bright smile peeking through, amber eyes bright and cheerful, I saw the little specks of green flicker about filled with hope. His movements were sure, like he’s done this a hundred times before. Hell, he probably did. I found a satchel of all things! That must have been a rare find, because Atlas was on his toes and ecstatic. He said finders keepers, so I bought the satchel.

My parents are going to KILL ME when they read my card bill, but anything to stand up to them. I bought a skirt. I know what you’re going to think, and no. I’m not a girl. I don’t want a girl, but I bought a skirt to have a skirt. I thought I looked cute, and Atlas was supportive. So, I bought it. It felt nice wearing it. And of course, other feminine items, but I’m not going to mull over those.

I laid the stuff on my bed and threw on some of Tally Hall’s music as I sorted them away. It was a nice band; I’m surprised I didn’t listen to them sooner. I especially like Zubin’s writing. The Trap was my favorite track while Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanical Museum was my favorite album. Apparently, they also have another side project called Miracle Musical and their album Hawaii Part II, but I’ll spare you the details.

I wore the skirt again, but this time I made an outfit. I felt like myself, and I looked pretty. I couldn’t help the smile from growing on my face, icy blue eyes finally softened into something acceptable and loveable. The tailor was right when he said I looked cute when I smiled. I look adorable.

I did a little spin, and I couldn’t help the laughter from bubbling in my chest. I let my hair down, curls cascading just a little bit past my shoulders. The only thing my parents let me have a choice over. I saw her in the reflection.

Last edited by -tallyinghalls- (July 16, 2026 15:55:01)

-tallyinghalls-

CHAPTER #16 | KINDNESS BUCKET

Apollo. He sat with me in my bed, letting me rest my head against his chest. His heartbeat was calm, much like the affect it had on me. “Apollo what?”

“I think I’m agender.” He admitted, he ran his hands through my hair, scratching the scalp a little bit. It was a quiet admission, like he was scared to say it. “I-I don’t know what else I would be.”

I pressed myself a bit closer in the hug, nuzzling under his chin. I love cuddles too much; I’m going to be so honest. But right now, he needs me. “I accept you.” I whispered, twirling a long curl around my finger. “Have you decided pronouns? Terms? What about padding? Are you taking HRT down the line?”

“W-what?” I think I confused him. I definitely confused him because his heart raced a little more. “I’m okay with anything. I’m fine with my body.” Yeah, I think I got a little overboard.

My phone rung and the screenreader blared Atlas. I put it on speaker, because Apollo deserved hearing what Atlas had to say. “Hi, Juno, do you know where Apollo is? He randomly picked me up and went shopping then kinda disappeared without much to say. I’m worried if his parents caught him.”

“She’s right here with me.” His heart raced under my ear, just a kilometer a minute. He held me a bit tighter, shoving his burning face into my curls. “She’s actually very calm right now, it would be cool if you came over. Hold on. I can make it a video call.”

“She? Is Apollo trans? Does she have a name yet?” Oh, I could just feel Apollo’s embarrassment radiate from him in waves. Just very strong waves of ‘Juno please stop’. I didn’t mean to make him feel embarrassed, I just wanted him to tell me which pronouns he liked on him.

“No…” Apollo muttered flustered into my hair. “No. I’m not transgender I’m agender. Please, this is so weird; please stop discussing this.” He flushed even deeper when I turned it into a video call. Him in all his softcore glory… At least I think its softcore. It’s so cute.

“AWH! YOU’RE SO CUTE!” Atlas immediately exclaimed. “Look at you! I knew bringing you thrifting was a good idea. It looks like you went back! Anyways, I forgot why I called in the first place!” Atlas laughed nervously. “Oh right! Apollo, do you have your phone?”

“Not yet. It’s still at my home. My parents think I’m studying and applying for colleges.” I then was given a really firm pat. My ghost syrinx would have been chirping beyond imagination. My shoulder blades twitched. “Little do they know I’m planning to get into hacking it.”

It was weird. It felt like I spend half my life as Heart and half my life as Juno, but it’s at most 10% Heart. I still feel the syrinx and the wings. Although it’s in much less of that reality. I still felt the feathers’ ghost against my neck and forearms. It was weird.

I relaxed into his hold a bit more. “Woah! That’s probably sick as hell.” Atlas’ voice chirped. “I uh… mama’s boyfriend broke up with her again.” He muttered absently, like it was an afterthought. Like he wished we didn't know but needed it off his chest.

No! What?! I would have protested louder, but Apollo sounded very peaceful. “Oh man, what?! Are you okay, Atlas?”

“Y-Yeah… I just wanted to say that if I sound off… that’s why. And uh…” He pointed the phone out the window, I heard it press up against the glass. “It appears we need Heart, Mind and Soul.”

“What the hell?” I sat up, letting Apollo look out the window himself. “Apollo, who is it?”

“Oh hi, Xavier.” Apollo muttered. It was more of a scoff than anything. He adjusted the jacket on his shoulders. “Probably some trip he got on. Or some stupid old person disliking the way he acts or dresses. You know how he is about that stuff.” Apollo glanced toward his ring like he was about to transform before realizing his hand was baren. “Oh man, Juno, you still have my ring.”

“Oh right!” I scrambled for the ring in my nightstand drawer. I couldn’t help but mess with him, I got on one knee and held the ring to him. “Apollo, will you be my beautiful Mind to my Heart?”

“I’m not looking for that kind of relationship right now.” At least he played along with the joke as he let me slip his ring on. “Thanks for the magic ring though.” He still had my phone in his hands, he turned his head toward it. “And you should have been Soul already, Atlas. Blocked!” He turned off my phone and handed it back to me.

“You didn’t really block him, right?” I glanced awkwardly toward my phone, sliding it in my pocket before transforming in a brilliant shade of purple.

“No, I just feel like a social media queen today.” He chuckled warmly; the flash of blue turned him stunning. “Anywho, I think we need to remind 20XX about the year, Little guy seems to have forgotten.” He cracked his knuckles, popping open the window near the top of my loft and reaching downward. “C’mon, shortie, you’re not that fat.”

“I’m not fat period.” I shimmied out, poking my head out to see that the times had indeed changed to 20XX. I’d have to give it to him; he really went all out this time. “Okay. So… Can I make an educated assumption?”

“You can make a hypothesis, yes.” Mind was also looking toward the city and how everything was suddenly not of this year anymore. Everyone, and I mean everyone was using their tech in some way, and I mean little kids as young as 2 had I-pads when they should be focusing on… like life.

“So… it’s probably not gender related.” I muttered. I wish I could have seen it all in color. I just wanted his eyes, just for a moment. Then again, I wanted to take everyone’s eyes. Not violently, but in the sort of clear the cataracts ways.

“It’s a massive eyesore, Heart. I’m quite jealous of your blindness right now.” Mind scoffed. He pulled me from the window and gestured to the lights. Thank Harmonia I have a blindfold.

Stars, then 20XX’s voice came blasting, “This is what the world COULD be if we understood their perspective!” Who’s them? We both (Mind and I) audibly said in unison. We both burst into laughter. “Everyone.” 20XX’s voice replied. We then, now completely aware that he’s honest to god serious, continued laughing.

I understood his perspective as much as he understood mine. And now, Soul was probably on his back fighting like some super soldier, which being honest, he probably was. We had to help him. The last time we were there that stupid game controller deleted all my progress. I’m using Mind as a human shield. I told him this and he agreed, so that’s one thing.

We both quickly arrived to see Soul pinning 20XX, trying his hardest to control that game controller. It didn’t work to well. “DON’T STAND SO CLOSE TOGETHER HEART AND-” We were already shot before he finished his sentence. “* IT.”

What did he mean, * it?! Did something change with me again? Was it really gender… wait. I COULD SEE! I stumbled about in the heels, but I COULD SEE! I could see the bright reds of Atlas and the neons of 20XX’s technicolor world. And… OH MY HARMONIA!

I COULD SEE! I could see that Mind’s hair color, but Mind wasn’t here. I glanced around uselessly for a moment before realizing something. Heart… no. Why was I standing next to me? This is a weird trip. My costume was pretty, though. I got surges of a mixture of dysphoria and euphoria. I looked down to what I was wearing. A skirt, heels, the ribbon around my neck. It was weird. I looked down to the ring on my finger. OH, MY HARMONIA.

I pulled Heart…? Mind??? Out of the way of a rogue kick, trying to get a grasp on what was happening. Lucky for me, Mind…? Heart?? No, Mind. Mind was already figuring it out quickly. “So, Heart, how do you feel about body swaps?”

“I think the plot is extremely cliché.” I admitted, trying to figure out how to summon Mind’s ribbon wand. I was failing miserably. “Why?”

“So. Your body’s interesting to live in.” Mind…? Heart? My body??? Mind said it like it was a simple fact, drawing the bow and manhandling 20XX immediately. He didn’t even try to negotiate or plan. Just head on. “I can admit, you’re a lot lighter than I thought.”

“Yeah, thanks, and you are too.” I struggled for the ribbon wand, and when I finally did get it out, it tangled around me and brought me to the floor. “How do you do this?!” I watched helplessly as Soul untangled me from the mess.

“Simple. Every move I make is precisely calculated before the enemy is brought down.” He tilted 20XX’s head toward his face, sighing when he remembered that I was indeed blind, and he would have to deal with that. “To put it simply? I think before I act, even if it’s a millisecond before I act.”

“Great. I just… love that!” I’m stupid. I don’t think that would work for someone like me. Wait. I saw what might happen. “MIND, THE CONTROLLER, SIEZE IT.” The stupid ribbon wand worked like a lasso. Harmonia bless America apparently. 20XX’s arm was now aiming helplessly at a random building.

Soul walked over casually, literally whistling, and stepped on the controller with his boot, crushing it a little bit. “Do you have anything to say, Mr. 20XX?”

“Duck.”

“What?” Soul was immediately hit in the head by some random flying vehicle, he dropped to the floor, holding the area of injury. “OW… * IT! YOU- YOU-”

“Did I not warn you?” 20XX shrugged, which only resulted in a tighter grip. He too winced.

“HEART, TELL ME HOW TO PURIFY HIM!” Mind said helplessly as the enemy scrambled, he then pressed his head against the ground, making sure he couldn’t move another inch.

“Okay, so you’re going to want to reveal his true emotion, like why does he want to do this. To do that, you’re going to need to say ‘True Heart’ and then to purify the spirit, aim your bow and say ‘Tripower Heart: Purify’. Does that make sense for your mechanical brain?” I teased.

“True Heart.” He audibly and visibly shuddered, hand shaking a bit on the back of 20XX’s head. “Oh, that’s freaky.”

“Okay, and what do you feel?” I prompted him to talk about his feelings, as much as he didn’t want to.

“He’s upset, mostly angry and vengeful, and apparently wants justice.” Mind said simply, trying to expend the heat from his system by panting. “According to his previous evidence, someone clearly didn’t treat him well and didn’t know the kind of situation he was in.”

“Exactly!” I rushed to my knees in front of him, gently taking the game controller from his hands. “A simple thing taught in elementary schools. The kindness bucket.”

Soul laughed in his disoriented state. He then sat up and rubbed his head. “I loved the kindness bucket. A lot of people forget that when they grow up though.” He took his place next to me and leaned his head on my shoulder. “Then it could lead a lot of people to experience depression or anxiety.”

“That little bucket metaphor really helped me get a grasp of it.” I whispered, gently taking care of 20XX in Mind’s hold. “And by doing what you’re doing, hurting people and swapping bodies, you’re not really filling your bucket, you’re dipping into it.”

I watched as Mind’s arrow was aimed right at his skull. “Tripower Heart: Purify.”

“Are you gonna let us purify you, Xavier?” Soul asked quietly, running a hand through his hair. “It’s taking a minute max.” He got a nod.

The arrow was shot, and suddenly Xavier took the place of the original villain, like it always did. Like every time we had been doing this. It feels nice to have the entire team back together. But this time he was paler. The powers he had, while already powerful in the past, seemed more powerful now.

He read us and extracted our brains to place in another body. He modified it so much. Instead of just simply reading for our concepts and what we believe it was the entire brain. I shuddered at the thought. “Mind… slam your bow in the ground.” And he did.

I was now holding my bow, and Mind was on the floor in front of Xavier, Soul picked the boy up and left. I need to have a chat with someone. Harmonia. But before I could leave, I was gripped by the bicep. Mind stopped me.

“Are you… transmasculine, Heart?” He asked simply. “Call me anytime. You can borrow anything you want.” And he hugged me, resting my head between his shoulder and neck. “Mind out!” He was away before I could confirm or deny anything. I had to do something.

I didn’t have time to mourn. I needed Harmonia NOW. I lit the candles, didn’t even transform back and I was half detransformed when he finally appeared. “Why is he stronger?! I thought we were doing something right!”

“You are. He’s just feeding more.” Harmonia said simply. Like it wasn’t a big deal when it certainly was.

“Do they know? About the dream state? About the strength of his abilities? Apollo was able to travel through time, Xavier warped the mind, what next? What’s next?! Do they know?! Do they know everything?” I demanded to know, I couldn’t stand by and watch them be ignorant to everything. “They need to know!” I felt the tears behind my eyes.

“I… I’ll tell them.” He muttered, voice suddenly quiet against his usual cheery, booming tone. “But knowledge is a weapon that can be used for destruction. Knowledge is a blessing and a curse, and you know this well. If I tried to tell them all you know…”

“Tell them all I know.” I gritted my teeth. I didn’t want to punch a voice more in my life. “Tell them all I know and tell them. I don’t want them to be in the dark. Don’t talk to me until they know everything!” I stopped our meeting early, blowing the candle out.

Mind swapping, time traveling, the fact that he trusts me to hold multiple. Can I hold multiple jewels? Can I wield the Mind and Heart? What if I wield all three? What would happen? Would nothing happen? Oh, how many answers I want but I want them to have the answers I have.

I wish I could tell them. I want to tell them everything, but I can’t. Why did I snap at Harmonia? That’s quite literally a god. Imagine snapping at a god, couldn’t be me except it was totally me. “I’m sorry Harmonia.” I whispered.

“It’s okay. I still love you.” Harmonia replied. So, he was still there.

-tallyinghalls-

CHAPTER #17 | SISYPHUS

I need to do lots of work often. Do you ever just stare at an empty project that’s supposed to have some electronic fabloo? No? Just me? I showed mama one of my earlier projects and she said I had a knack for this sort of thing. I’m older now, and I understand a lot of things.

This, the block of an empty midi score and lack of effects? I do not understand how to fill it. At some point I just click randomly, and I hope I get something good enough to be some sort of melody, but that didn’t happen this time. I groaned, pressing my head into the table. My bed creaked.

“We need to talk.” Harmonia’s voice rang out, invading my senses and completely throwing me off guard. I looked at the empty project on FL studio, then back to the candle now burning on my wardrobe. When did that get there? I stood up and nodded. “Atlas. I haven’t been honest with you.”

“Uh… in what way?” I was suddenly now extremely nervous. Did the other two have a sort of thing going on? They were cuddling the other day, maybe he was talking about that? Honestly, I don’t mind being a third wheel… actually, I do mind.

“The villains are getting stronger, and I can’t do much about it.” What. No, no, slow down, Harmonia. “Not to mention the dream state, that’s why I held you before you almost died, you can access that anytime when you’re asleep.” Wait, WHAT I ALMOST WHAT?! “And when you’re abusing your power, if you use it too much your power source drains your lifeforce.”

“Wait, wait, wait, wait, this is way too quick, my head’s not on straight. Explain?” I spun around in my chair, almost seeing the ghost of Harmonia on my bed.

“Okay, Since the Reaper has been eating more, their powers have gotten stronger. Haven’t you noticed? 6 had been able to travel through time, 20XX and mind warping, The Spider and just… being able to kill anyone and everyone??? I can’t do anything yet.” Harmonia’s ghost ran his hands through his hair. The subtle shake in his knee.

“But you’re here! You’ve manifested… kinda?” I muttered. He was a pretty god with gentle, caring eyes, a small, downward curve of his lips and slender hands that fiddled with his fingers. He looked about my age.

“I can’t do anything against them. And all I’ve been able to do is let you know that your bracelet could potentially hurt you if you abuse your power.” He sniffled. Awh, wait, no, Harmonia. He pushed a few of the tears from his eyes, struggling with the hair that flayed wildly. He took a deep breath.

“Harmonia, it’s okay.” I gently took his hand, he was warm. “It’s going to be okay, there must be something we can do. T-tell me about the dream state.”

“When you sleep, my presence is most powerful. I only gotta manifest in your mind, not physically.” He said simply through barely any tears. Oh, his profile. He had soft features but a firm jawline keeping them in place. Bright eyes that were fireworks shooting with his emotions. Oh, his profile. “And then you get to rest. I help take the tension away. Even when you’re scared or nervous. I tried getting in touch before your near-death, but you were dwindling.”

Oh, my heart dropped. He tried comforting me after? I pulled my sleeves down a bit more. I rested my head on his shoulder. It was real. Days when my mother worked at the restaurant, and I wasn’t allowed suddenly felt a little less lonely. “I see.” I whispered. I fiddled with his hand. There was a mark around his right ring finger and wrist. That’s where my bracelet settled.

I looked to his neck to find that same imprint. Juno’s necklace. Hm. That was very interesting. I looked to that killer profile again, smiling warmly. “It’s going to be okay.” I whispered to his breaking form.

“I-I don’t know.” He whispered, fiddling with my hand. His were warm. I couldn’t help but to gently hold it. “I’m scared, Atlas. I know I’ve done what I can, but I can’t help but worry.”

“The last thing you need to do is worry. We need to stay positive!” I tilted his head to face me, and oh my stars he was so close. The calm, amber eyes and ugh. Someone just pinch me because I think I’m dreaming. “I know it’ll all be okay. Every time, we save them, we may stumble a bit, but we’re the same people, Harmonia! They may get stronger, but we do too! In experience, in weight training, and in friendship and love!”

He was so close. Oh, my Harmonia or the Harmonia that’s sitting right in front of me. “I-I just think that with everything going on, it’s near impossible. Everyone and everything is crumbling down around me, everything is splitting apart, and everything is-” I watched the Reaper wrap around his ankle. I thought he couldn’t get that way.

No. They can’t get a hold of Harmonia. They can’t!!! “Harmonia!” I gripped his shoulders tightly, shaking him and trying to knock the Reaper off his foot. “Harmonia, I have a serious question to ask you and instead of spiraling you gotta answer, okay?!”

“O-Okay!” He snapped, I continued to try to kick the Reaper away.

“I uhm… can I show you something us humans use to express affection and shut people up before they spiral?!” I didn’t mean that last part, but he nodded. Oh, there’s no way I’m going to do this. There’s no way I’m going to do this at all. I gently took his face and pulled in.

I’ve had multiple kisses before. Not many, but some girls, some guys. Both wanted different things, but Harmonia didn’t really feel like he knew what he wanted. It was his first time, cute. He was warm, and now flushed slightly. “Woah. What’s that called?”

“Kissing, Harmonia.” I watched the Reaper pull away from him. Oh, he was so cute the way his eyes widened slightly. “We do it to show affection to people we really love.” I just kissed a god.

“Awh, you’re so sweet.” He giggled, putting his head against my shoulder. Oh, he’s so cute. Oh, he’s so cute. I’m freaking out in gay panic. “Humans are so cute; I admire you all. How can people come in such huge differences but still hold some of the same basics?”

I gently held him, if this is what he needs right now, I’ll give it to him. Also, because… well… you know. I gently ran a hand through his hair, watching his shoulders relax. I felt a bit different. I felt like something coursed through my veins. Just something. “Are we done panicking, Harmonia?”

“Y-Yeah. I think so.” He laughed against my shoulder. His physical form was disappearing fast and flickering. “Love you, Atlas!” He was gone before I could tell him I loved him back. Probably because there was ANOTHER STUPID VILLAIN! COME ON, WE JUST FOUGHT 20XX!!

What do you mean half the ground is gone. Oh, I just love earthquakes except they aren’t really earthquakes. What do you mean Heart and Mind were fighting this while Harmonia and I were- Well, I’m not talking about that. They need Soul.

I popped out of my window as Soul took my place. What’s happening?! The ground shook below us. Twice in one day and while one brings us to 2099, another brings us to whatever the hell this is. A hill was being formed.

“SOUL! WHERE ARE YOU!?” Heart’s voice blared from my bracelet, “SHE’S LITERALLY THROWING STUPID BOULDERS.”

I groaned, glancing over and looking around. Maybe she’s at the top of the hill? I started to head out to the villainized-made hill. Maybe it all was different. Oh *. She really was throwing boulders. I watched Mind and Heart struggle with the weight on their shoulders and I glanced upward to see the woman…? Man…? I don’t know, it was just about the fact that they need help.

I started heading up the hill in a march. I then was sent back down a minute later. Okay, now I can see why Heart and Mind were struggling. We were back at the same point every time when trying to get to them. It was like the myth of Sisyphus, where he carried the boulder up but could never get to the top. No progress was made.

Maybe this was a sign. Something had to have been different. The Reaper was stronger while we were at a magical standstill? No, we couldn’t be, we had friendship and love. The manipulative relationship the Reaper has is nothing compared to the love we have shown state Victoria and our Harmonia.

I will not stop until we are at a Pax Victoria and peace is restored to the planet! I won’t stop! I will never stop! I climbed the hill again, sent down after a minute, then again, sent down after a minute and a half. Each time I got slightly closer but still ended up at the bottom of the hill like my peers.

I sprinted up the hill and watched as the boulder neared my eyes. This time something changed. I stopped it. I can’t stop ever. It broke in my will. I continued sprinting and took him down.

The world seemed to only expand beyond the horizon of what I once knew. I took a moment, looking to the world and where I came from. Then I focused on the now, the person struggling against my hold, and how I struggled against theirs. Another boulder was dropped but a move was made to stop it in its tracks before it could hurt someone. I tied something, I don’t know what it was around them and they were now contained.

I looked to my hands, now slightly warmer than before, then the person. I couldn’t see a face or make out features, it was like a copper statue, but the stuff that defines it were whacked off. Weird. My hands still burned. I realized something. There wasn’t a rope around here.

No shot. I flushed a bit. Had Harmonia helped me out a bit extra today? Did I just remember I had a power? I don’t know, and the spirit was purified before my brain could catch up. No shot. The hill slowly lowered to the ground as Heart’s power did its thing. “Great job, Soul. Hopefully that’s the last time this thing happens today, Mind’s really tired. I’ll take ‘er home, kay?”

I watched as Heart took Day away, and I was there to stand awkwardly in the field. Was there really something I was missing? If so, what is it? I ran back home and flopped in my bed right before mama came home. She smiled at me in my bed, slightly flushed.

She walked over and sat down on the edge. “Whatzit, my fawn?” She laughed once more. “The restaurant was boring today, little to no traction. I’m still raring to so something. Do you wanna go for an early dessert? You look hot.” She brushed a bit of the messy curls from my forehead. “Ice cream?”

Oh, she does NOT know about Harmonia at all. She doesn’t understand the reason I’m so flushed. I just laughed a bit nervously. “Yeah, I could go for some ice cream.”

Last edited by -tallyinghalls- (July 18, 2026 04:07:38)

-tallyinghalls-

CHAPTER #18 | CHANGE

“I-I don’t know how to take this.” I told Harmonia, I didn’t even get to process half his words. “This is a lot of change.”

“But that’s what the leading generation does, right? You said it yourself, Apollo.” Harmonia gently tilted my head up to look at his pretty face. My shoulders relaxed a little bit. “You’re supposed to change. I can see what you’re changing right now.” He gestured to my outfit.

I crossed my legs, adjusting the skirt a bit lower. “Y-yeah. It’s more of a myself thing.” I just thought about it all. That’s why I was sick that day? I felt like death. “I think I look nice.”

“You do. You remind me a lot of a certain superhero.” He laughed, taking a seat next to me at my desk, he looked over my shoulder to see the phone I was hacking. “What’re you doing?”

“Hacking my phone. My parents like tracking me, so if I get the location device bugged or outta there, then no more tracking!! I think.” I glanced at the phone, then back to Harmonia. “It’s a er… it’s a hypothesis. I’m hoping it’s right.”

“Oh! Smart!” Harmonia giggled, resting his head on my shoulder. He looked calm, the silhouette of the person swung his legs like a little kid. I found it adorable. “I knew I picked you for a reason! You always give it your all no matter what. That’s why I love you, Apollo. You’re always so smart and resilient.”

I begged to differ. Out of everything I’ve done, I can only panic. I remember my first encounter with 20XX. I remember not changing and being scared for a moment because I wasn’t the man my parents wanted me to be. I wasn’t… ‘manly’, or any different than the women. I just made up boloney to seem calm. I believe it now, though. Gender sucks.

I begged to differ. I remember stumbling through the hallways due to my illness. I kept falling asleep and I generally wasn’t resilient at all. I wanted to go home. I remember wanting to quit when I couldn’t find Cognito after an hour, but I knew someone was going to get hurt if I didn’t find her. I loved Mori, but she ran to me at midnight and talked about a boy problem while I was half asleep. And then she transformed into an invisible monster. That was not how I wanted to spend my night.

But then again, if Harmonia said it? I’ll accept it. “So, I can contact you in my dreams?”

“Yes, it would be much easier for me than to manifest physically.” Harmonia said simply, glancing over my halfway disassembled phone before, placing his finger to some sort of circuit board. “Try that one.”

I moved it away and wouldn’t you know, the location apparatus was there. I looked to my computer screen again and looked at the upsides and downsides. “Harmonia, would this cause me more harm than good in the future?”

“I know, but I can’t say. Time is very fragile, you know this, Apollo.” He gently took my hand on the computer mouse. He was still smiling, after all we’ve been through. I couldn’t help but smile back at him. “If I told you what happened in the future, it could be detrimental to the future. I can’t say something that could make or break future realities. Not just this one.”

“What?” Oh, it was basic philosophy. Sometime, somewhere somehow, you made a decision that would result in one of multiple possibilities. Those dozens of possibilities are different universes, and dozens of other universes converge from that one. I just didn’t think of it to be 100% true.

“If I tell you what the future held, you will try to prevent the bad outcome, but the outcome was already determined before you even tried to prevent it or know about the future.” Harmonia said. “There’s no point in telling you the future outcome because it’s only going to make you fret.”

I glanced at the phone for a moment, then Harmonia. I started reassembling the phone. “I don’t want to do something I’ll regret. If I’m really paranoid about my parents, I’ll find another way. But protective services rely on the phone’s location.” I packed it all back neatly, screwing the phone back together. I looked at the blank screen and just turned off my phone’s location. A temporary fix, but a fix, nonetheless.

“That’s my uh… person.” Harmonia said.

“You know?” I stared at her with wide eyes. I didn’t think he knew; it was nearly… no it was so possible to tell that eating a cookie would be harder. I was wearing a skirt for heaven’s sake.

“Oh, I knew long before you knew.” He laughed knowingly. “I’ll check on you in about 2-3 years after the world’s saved, Apollo.” Oh, I had the sneaking suspicion something was going to be in my future. No, I’m happy.

“Don’t tease me.” I rolled my eyes, glancing at myself through the reflection in the phone’s screen. I pulled at my eyebags shrinking with nights of actual good sleep. “But you knew about the comfort?”

“Yeah. You seemed to enjoy it.” Harmonia whispered quietly, he looked to my face again, features softening. “You look happiest when you’re Mind.” He said. I looked at him for a moment, gentle expression and all and smiled. “You’re a lot more confident in yourself and tend to smile a lot more.”

“I do like it when I’m Mind.” I admitted, watching as Harmonia’s face copied mine. “I like it because… I can be me. I don’t have to conform to my parents or strict schedules. I only must beat up the bad guy.” I laughed at my next thought. “And sometimes those bad guys are my parents, that’s a plus.

“Why do you wanna beat up your parents?!” Harmonia sounded genuinely confused that I liked it when I got to save my parents. It was some backward thinking on my part, I can see why he wouldn’t get it.

“Well, when I get to save my parents, I get thanked for the work I do. Apollo doesn’t really get that.” I’ve been used to referring to myself in the third person, even. Sometimes when differentiating between my civilian and heroine life. Even if it was to Harmonia, it’s easier differentiating Apollo and Mind by just blatantly referring it in the third person. “It feels nice.”

“Yeah, I understand.” Harmonia glanced at the now reassembled phone and smiled warmly. He always seemed to like smiling, and I liked it when he smiled too. It was something in the way he adjusted his posture to sit a bit straighter or bolder. I mimicked his facial expression. “That’s what a lot of magical people say. Or at least the ones I’ve been with over the years.”

“Oh? Can you tell me about them?” Believe it or not, I was a massive history buff. I loved learning about anything and everything, and if I could hear it firsthand? Oh, I love it more. “What happened?”

“Well, during the American revolution I assigned 2 girls and a guy magic to fight for America’s half.” He kicked his feet on the desk, clicking his tongue. “I should have looked in the future before doing what I did because the way things are now, I don’t think I should have.”

I laughed at the outcome. Yes, I see it. I’m a bit afraid of Americans as well, they’re loud. This is coming from someone who has studied there for half a semester. Worst 9 weeks of my life. “Anyone else?”

“Then, shortly after, the French Revolution, then to Japan to beat some Yokai, you know the works.” He checked his nails, frowning at them before sitting back in his normal position to look at me. “You know, right?”

Wait. Does that mean I passed superheroes without even giving a second glance? How was I supposed to know? “So, some of those statues in the British Museum I went to a year back…?”

“Were likely heroes I assigned.” Harmonia chirped. “Fun, right?”

“Very fun. And interesting.” So many miracles in the world that happened in battle were likely a cause of Harmonia. Huh. I didn’t think about that, even if I should have. If he had done it once, he would have likely done it before. That’s why he knew so much. But this is a much bigger monster. It’s a god, or so Harmonia spoke it like it was. That’s why he didn’t know.

I pulled him into a hug, as much as I hated touch. He probably needed it. The hypothesis was proved right when he melted nearly immediately. He laughed in my arms, barely keeping himself back. “I’m so sorry, I’m such a mess.”

“Don’t worry. We’re all a mess at some point.” I pulled back for a moment, watching him wipe at his eyes. Crystalline tears lined his cheeks, shimmering from his presence or mine. It slowly travelled until it dripped onto his leg. “It seems to be hurting you a bit.”

“Yeah. It’s a lot. I’m sorry, Apollo.” Harmonia continued his bird-like laughter, filling my room with song that normally wouldn’t be there. I liked that. “I just think that maybe, once the world is whole again, I could get to know you all better. You humans are beautiful.”

“Are we? Not all humans are. Have you seen my parents?” I joked, but he immediately shut me down.

“Your parents included. Humans are a beautiful species; I love how adaptable you are and how well you create. I love your little creations and the times they worshipped me I hold close. All these songs, artworks, writings, pieces of tech, farms, and everything. From the littlest child to you.” Harmonia pushed some of the hair from my face, giggling as he did so when he saw my less than amused face at the touch. “All of you are beautiful.”

I couldn’t hold back the smile that formed on my face, it really was a way to look at it. Our ways of expression are primed in a way that I’ve seen no other animal do. We really are interesting. “I guess we are interesting.”

“Interesting is an understatement! The only issue is that you use fighting to solve situations.” Harmonia pouted a bit and at that moment I really wanted to stop all wars happening right now. I swallowed the lump in my throat. “I just don’t see how violence works. Parents who hurt their children, countries that throw away beautiful men and women…”

“I don’t either.” I shuddered thinking about the scars and bruises. “Harmonia. Will it at least turn out okay?” I gestured to my parents downstairs and myself. Maybe he’ll let me know? I don’t want to turn out how they want me to. I don’t want children nor a wife, nor a fancy car nor anything! I don’t know what I want, I just know I don’t want that. Maybe.

“Yeah. I’m not allowed to say much, but you learn to love yourself. You learn to express yourself freely and become one of the best people I know.” He pulled me in, chest to back, and shoved his face in my hair, smiling warmly. “And one of the prettiest girls ever.”

I laughed at that, even though I scrambled out of his hold. As much as I loved Harmonia, the memories of who hurt me remained in my head. That descriptor stuck with me. I felt a little weird in my stomach now, my face felt a little warm. I adjusted the skirt. “I uh… thanks.”

“You’re welcome. You’re going to do great, Apollo.” He gestured to the me in the mirror. Its reflection looked beautiful. I flushed even more looking at myself. My stomach did flips. I didn’t know how much I liked seeing myself.

I think I was about to cry with how nice I felt with myself. Sure, there was something that still bugged me, but seeing me finally looking like me felt like a weight off my shoulders. The skirt ran to my knees and the tights felt right on me. The mary janes were cute, the buckles on the heels were adorned with a little bow. The cardigan was cozy, covered in adorable little strawberries and the top was nice.

I couldn’t tear my gaze away from her. Her jawline was sharp, eyes cold, but maybe that would change? No, no. I didn’t even think I was her for a moment, it all looked so weird. But it was me, and I couldn’t help but feel the heat flush my cheeks a deeper red. I was the perfect son for so long.

I am the perfect son. This visual of me is nothing. But it made me feel so light and free. I took a deep breath. I took the cardigan off. I shouldn’t be feeling this way. Harmonia watched helplessly as I changed back into the clothing my parents approve of me in.

Suddenly, everything felt a bit drearier, as boring as it was. At least it’s safe.

Last edited by -tallyinghalls- (July 19, 2026 21:04:47)

-tallyinghalls-

CHAPTER #19 | CANDELABRA

sorry this is short, I wanted to get to Atlas' chapter for this one.

“Soul!” I called and heard him stumble down the stairs. He laughed as he reached the bottom, with the fuzzy image of him running a hand through his hair. He gripped my shoulders and looked me dead in the blinded eyes. “Hey! Have you seen Candelabra yet?”

“Who!?” Soul pushed me out of the way as I felt the warmth from the fire consuming him. Or at least that’s what I would have thought had his new magic failed him. “No. I haven’t seen him, but I’m almost sure he’s here somewhere.”

Mind scrambled from the alleyway, turning his head wildly. “Where the hell is he!?” I sensed the anger tense his shoulders and morph his expression. “I can’t do anything if I don’t know what the hell he is!”

“Well, I know one thing. He likes arson.” Atlas brushed the charred hair from his face, rolling his eyes. “I really hope this also reverts when you do your little bow thing.”

“Maybe if he believes hard enough, he can undo everything to before the Reaper even tried attacking people.” Mind cracked his knuckles, tying his hair back before looking over to me.

“I hope it does too.” I said it not very convincingly, but I said it none the less.

“We should get ice cream after this.” Soul suggested, even though we all knew he just had ice cream yesterday. “Y’know, something cold and sweet, like someone else here.”

“What’s up with you and flirting with people every second you get?” Mind chuckled warmly, he did pose for him a bit, tossing his ponytail to make a cuter silhouette. His voice was raised, just a bit more feminine. Hm. He must be really good at this hero thing. “Hm, maybe, if I was interested, I would take the compliment, but thanks for this hypothetical ice cream.”

“I’m down for ice cream after this burning hot day.” I dodged a completely random burst of flame. “Sweethearts’ ice cream or something else?”

“I’m always down for Sweethearts’.” Atlas grinned. He finally looked excited after a week of stress and worry over the stronger baddies. He laughed. “Unless Mind here won’t take my offer?”

“Ice cream is ice cream; I don’t believe in the legends.” Mind took one look toward the Peninsula Hot Springs, noting the catastrophe there. “I hope you brought your swimming suit, Heart, something’s telling me we’re going to need them.” He shuddered at his own joke.

I started hoisting myself in the air with my wings. “Yeah, yeah, we’re not getting wet though. Remember: Water evaporation exists.” I watched him grip my hand and start winding me up to throw me for speed. Weird that Soul stayed behind.

-tallyinghalls-

CHAPTER #20 | RED

I knew him. I knew Candelabra, more like Red. I knew him well purely because we had one thing in common. If our future were trees, we’d burn the forest down. I didn’t think he would try it. But he did. And as I watched Heart and Mind fly to the Peninsula Hot Springs, I knew that they wouldn’t find him there. Why did I know that? Because I always knew he hated the Hot Springs.

I watched them leave me behind once more, and I watched as they were oblivious as to who caused it. I caused it. I was stupid enough to cause it. I didn’t deserve to be Soul at all. I took a deep breath, trying to manage the hatred and anger that boiled up within my system. I detransformed.

Alone in the alleyway. No one cares. The last thing the Reaper needed was to get a hold of my magic. My hands twitched against my sides, almost begging for me to do something. I was so good at repressing these urges. I ran. I couldn’t get far enough from the misery that came from this place. Stupid, stupid, stupid! I was so stupid.

I was talking to Red. He was venting, angrily, and I had just done something horrible. I had to swallow down the memories while he vented. Every word hit way too close to home, and I was starting to get uncomfortable. I couldn’t take it. I politely asked him if he could leave me alone, that I wasn’t okay right then.

Instead of understanding, he only got worse. He didn’t say anything to me or act out, I just saw it in the way his jaw tightened. I also realized he took my lighter. The one that sat on the desk for a couple of reasons, like to get the gas stove running when the power was out. It was gone.

I wanted to chase after him and tell him not to do anything, but I was too late. He was already Candelabra before I could get a word out. I couldn’t help but feel like it was all my fault. That’s because it was.

It’s all my fault. I headed toward the Eureka Tower. It was a residential building. All I had to tell them was that I was visiting a friend and wanted to surprise them for the holidays. I went to the roof. The elevator was so slow.

Red called me yesterday. He said he needed to talk to me, and I said I wasn’t up for it. Talked to me anyways. Floor 3. Said his ideations were getting worse and his bouts of violence were too. Floor 17. I couldn’t say anything about it, as I’m no hypocrite. But he kept talking and reminded me of some hurtful stuff that happened. I didn’t mean to hurt Day. It just happened when I couldn’t take it anymore. He was talking so loudly, and my thoughts were swimming.

Floor 30. I watched as the Melbourne below me started to flutter in the distance. The hot spring they were fighting at seemed so far away. I kept ascending through the floors, even if the light seemed further and further away from my grasp. I would climb that mountain when I got to it. I remembered Red’s words. How much they hurt, but I knew he was in more pain at that time. I couldn’t help but listen in gruesome detail.

Floor 46. I remember him talking about the blood and how warm it was against the cold of the night. I swallowed down the familiarness and bile. He was so upset. I didn’t know how to help him; I should’ve just hung up.

Floor 64. Everything seemed so small. It’s funny how massive the inside of your skull can seem when everything clicks together. How everything doesn’t matter in the end. Do you remember that paper your counselor told you to crumple up, uncrumple then apologize to?

Floor 80. Now that paper can’t be anything good. You’ve ruined the paper. Sometimes it’s best to let it go to the shredder.

Rooftop. I exited the elevator, the cold night air hitting my skin. For once it didn’t feel so cold, it just felt empty. I stared into the empty night sky and the empty world beyond of what I thought was possible. I started walking.

It was so high that it caused vertigo. I couldn’t go back, and I couldn’t just run. I peeked over the ledge, hands shaking as I took another step. Someone gripped my hand.

“Atlas. What are you doing?”

“What am I doing?” I responded back, staring over the ledge. I saw the street below me. I didn’t even recognize the voice; I was too lost in my own * head. My stupid, stupid head. They didn’t answer, just pulled me back onto safer ground. I turned around to see him. Red…? Candelabra…? I think. My stomach churned. “Oh.”

“Atlas, if I knew you were like this, I wouldn’t have talked about it with you.” His hand gripped mine tighter, knowing if he let go, I would do something we both would regret. His hand was warm, almost burning. “You deserve the world, dude.”

“Really? Are you going to burn it down first then hand it over?” I didn’t feel good, nor did I feel bad. Just a feeling I can only describe as empty, like I’m in a trance. I took a deep breath, the first of today. “It’s what we talked about. Right? I’m burning the forest for the trees.”

I watched his expression morph. “No, Atlas, you don’t do that-”

“Words of a hypocrite.” I snapped, narrowing my gaze to him. “Is that really what you want? Do you want to be a hypocrite?”

“I WANT YOU TO LIVE.” He yelled. “I’M SORRY, OKAY? I’M NOT WELL RIGHT NOW.”

Not well right now? NOT WELL RIGHT NOW? He should have thought of that; I should have thought of that. I hated everything and nothing while he was just…? There?! Where?! Existing? “THEN YOU’RE IN NO PLACE TO TELL ME WHAT TO DO.”

“I AM.” He pulled me closer to the safe ground, holding my shoulders to his chest. Tears started running, streaking mascara across his usually anger-ridden face. “I am.” His voice broke on the word. “I-I don’t know what I’d do if I lost you, Atlas. I know you have friends and someone you love. Your mama too?” He pulled away, but still gripped my hand with as much strength as he could. “I’ll prove it.”

It was silent for a moment, and slowly, the darkness dissipated on its own. No need for Heart. I stared in near awe as he rejected the Reaper’s offer. Mascara-stained cheeks still looked at me, not as Candelabra, but as Red. He pulled me in for a hug, pressing my face between his neck and shoulder.

“I couldn’t take a day without you knowing that is how you went.” Red admitted through tears. He pulled me a bit tighter, and that lump in my throat grew. I couldn’t take how everything started to finally make the smallest bit of sense. But most importantly… he rejected the Reaper.

“Y-you rejected the…” I couldn’t get the words out of my mouth without tears spilling. I really considered that. I just hugged him tighter. Once we pulled back, we took a good look at each other. Both faces were messy, his eyeliner was smudged, I think my lipstick was too, his mascara ran, mine did too, I think. “You should get back to your brothers. They’re probably worried sick about you, mate.”

I took the elevator down with him. It felt much faster now that I wasn’t alone with my thoughts. He didn’t take a while before hugging me again. “Don’t go AWOL on me, Atlas.”

I wanted to say I won’t. I wanted to say that I’ll stay until I’m 60 and fighting the people in the retirement home. I couldn’t make that promise, or at least promise that to myself. “I won’t.”

All collateral damage was fixed by the time we exited the building, Heart and Mind must have caught on that Red rejected his powers. I wanted to tell him that it would be okay, and everything would magically fix itself like the city does when Heart activates his magic. Unfortunately, that’s not how everything works.

“Red, I need you to listen to me.” I gently took his hands in mine. “As much as time passes through, and as strong as these emotions are, you need to stay strong. This world we live in is broken beyond repair, and as much as I wish I could fix it for you, I can’t. So please, you have so much to be here for, and if I have to say it blatantly, I will. I enjoy your company, as scary as it is.” I didn’t know if he agreed or not. I hope he did, because otherwise I wouldn’t be able to do this. I rested my head against his forehead, trying to force a smile on my face.

“I understand. Atlas, you need to be here too. It’s not your fault.” Red stated simply, looking at me through heavy lashes. “It was never your fault. You try your hardest to keep the garden so pristine, even if it’s obscene. I don’t mean to light the match, and you don’t mean to burn it down.”

“You’re always so poetic with it.” I struggled a laugh, more tears spilling despite how I felt in that moment. “It’s so weird, talk like a normal person for once.” I was back again, teasing him after everything that happened. Maybe it was a coping mechanism.

He bowed dramatically, grinning at me as he stood straight. “I’ll pass, but yeah. My brothers are probably worried sick. Don’t burn when I’m gone!” He started running off.

Oh right! Ice cream! At Sweethearts’! After remembering, I immediately ran to the botanical gardens. I was severely out of breath when I caught up to Juno and Apollo. I laughed at myself as they greeted me. “Hey, guys.”

“Atlas!” Juno pushed to hug me, hoodie soft against skin and bandages. “I’m so glad you could make it!”

“Hey, nice seeing you around here, you come here often or are you a tourist?” Apollo smirked at me, like he was winning. He always was winning, but I didn’t want to give him that satisfaction. I shoved him a little. “C’mon! It’s called a JOKE.”

“You’re the last one to know what a joke is, Apollo.” I ran to the scooper before Apollo could snap back and smiled brightly at him. “3 cones, please!”

She looked at us for a moment and smiled, “Ah, young lovers, I love those.” She took a fine glance at me before scooping an orange and chocolate flavor. “Orange for his soul, chocolate for his eyes, vanilla for the purity of his heart. You’ll bag yourself a lucky one, Atlas.” I flushed thinking about Harmonia, but I accepted the ice cream.

She took another look at Apollo and Juno, trying to stifle back laughter as she scooped something for Apollo. “Blueberry is so sweet, but strawberry in the middle, top it with vanilla and you’ll get your fill. It’s always what’s on the inside that counts now. Nice meeting you, can I get a name for this beautiful creation?”

“A-Apollo.” He stammered, accepting the ice cream gracefully. “Thank you, miss.”

“And you, Juno. The world is your oyster, much like your love. A strong chocolate base for the land, cotton candy for the sea, and vanilla for the clouds. It gets prettier when you take a closer look, huh?” She handed the ice cream to Juno, making sure he got it easily.

I still looked at my ice cream, orange, brown and cream colored. Harmonia would have loved this. He would have found it to be so adorable and obsess over it for about 5 minutes until it’s gone. I looked back towards the scooper, who just smiled at me. “You really like him, huh?”

“W-who?!” I defended, gripping the ice cream tighter. There’s no shot she could know about Harmonia. Harmonia technically didn’t exist on our plane.

“I don’t know, but I do see how he makes you feel.” She smiled brightly, and for a moment, I was scared. I didn’t know how she knew. But then again, the ice cream thing was utterly adorable. I didn’t know how to feel. And she said she didn’t know about Harmonia, so…

I let my shoulders relax a little bit, and I let myself smile. Out of everything going on, maybe now is a time to relax. I looked at the other’s ice cream, and thought everything had been so big before we came here. Our problems seemed so large that we couldn’t solve them. Now, they’re just little ice cream cones. “Thank you, miss.” I cheered. We all went to the benches.

Oh Harmonia. Apollo was right, the myths aren’t true, but I can’t help but think that maybe they are? I want to believe the myths are true, because that would mean Harmonia is with me technically. He would find this adorable. He would giggle about it and get all smiley.

I can’t wait to go to sleep.

Last edited by -tallyinghalls- (July 20, 2026 14:51:34)

-tallyinghalls-

CHAPTER #21 | THE GIRL IN THE CAGE

I saw the signs. I sat down at my bed with Atlas sitting next to me. I couldn’t help but feel awkward. Not because I felt more for him, but because there was more to me that met the eye that even I couldn’t see. “So, what did you call me in here for?” Atlas asked, “If it was simplistic, you would have just come over.”

“I know.” I just didn’t know if I wanted to tell him. My thighs should be a bit bigger, shoulders a bit narrower. My chest, I hated it so much. And my parents liked me the way I was. This problem is so much larger. “I’ve been thinking about the ice cream a few days back.” There. Make it smaller.

“You know those are myths, right?” Atlas laughed, running a hand through his curly hair. That stupid curly hair that made me question something in the first place. The hair I was jealous of. It’s weird that mine was coiled. I don’t think my parents had coils, nor my sisters. It’s probably a miracle from my aunty. Still jealous.

“I know those are myths. I said it.” I couldn’t help but keep my mind off it though. The time I spent with Harmonia the other day felt like magic I couldn’t understand with my human mind. The way I liked myself, just for that fragile little moment. “But that doesn’t stop me from thinking about the myths.”

“Why are you thinking about the myths then?” Atlas asked, putting a hand on my knee. My stupid, angular knee. I didn’t know how to tell him. I knew he kept secrets well, hell, he was Soul after all.

“Just- well, I just think that they’re true? Maybe a little bit?” I whispered, staring at the not so dainty hands in my lap, the ones that should be smaller. “Just a little bit?” It had to be a little bit real, how would she know? How did she know? I didn’t even know.

“What makes you think they’re true?” Atlas took one of my hands, placing it back to where he had his hand originally, but now it was a warm comfort against something of mine that was usually so cold. I wanted those kinds of hands. The ones that were warm and comforting.

I swallowed back my fear, but then it immediately lumped back up in my throat. How was I supposed to tell him? It was so difficult to even talk about myself in that sort of way. How am I supposed to tell him?! I couldn’t! It was so difficult, but I had to get this off my chest. “I uhm…” My vision blurred slightly.

“Yeah, what is it?” He interrupted. I was going to tell him if he just gave me a moment. Now I can’t. My courage seemingly dissipated as soon as he spoke once more. “You know you can tell me anything, right?”

But sometimes, that doesn’t seem like the case, Atlas. Sometimes, you need to shut up for people to open up to you, Atlas. Sometimes, I need to shut up in my head. Sometimes these thoughts swirl around, and I can’t get a grip on reality. I want to get a grip on reality. I should be able to get a grip on reality without blatantly saying I’m panicking.

My flat chest tightened again, and my breathing became hollow. He took my shoulders gently, trying to keep me in this reality. It was so hard to tell him. How was I supposed to tell him? I can’t even get the words out without panicking. “I-I was just thinking about the ice cream. No reason.” I deflected.

Atlas continued to gently urge me for the truth. Stupid. “Well, why do you think it’s true?” My fingers became colder while my head increased in temperature. My body became a warzone of hot and cold fragments, all overstimulating me.

“I uhm…” My stomach did flips, how was I supposed to tell him? I can’t tell him it’s too hard. I can’t tell him but I really, really want to. It would help me out so much in the long run. I know it too.

Please don’t interrupt me. I couldn’t make eye contact anymore. I felt a bit faint as I tried to piece together the words in panic. Don’t panic. I don’t want to panic, not right now, this should be a safe thing. He’s a safe person. I’ve already established that in my brain, the last thing I need to do is panic.

But it was so hard to tell him. It was like trying to force a frog out of my throat using words alone. But I needed to tell him. Otherwise, I don’t know how much more sleepless nights my heart can take. Days where my mind felt like a prisoner in my body was torture, and at that point it felt like every single day.

“I’m transfem.”

“You’re what?” Atlas’ eyes widened. Oh no, no, no, no. What if he doesn’t accept it, what if he hates me suddenly? It isn’t right. I shouldn’t have told him, what. What do you mean. He’s so silent. Why is he silent?! Please speak, please speak, please speak, please speak. “Transfem? So, you’re a girl?”

“I-I think so.” I whispered, twirling my fingers into my coiling hair. It felt weird, but I liked it. It made my chest feel warm in the way it framed my face. “It feels right.”

“Then you’re a girl!” Atlas hugged me, smiling warmly. I couldn’t believe it. I wanted to cry right there; the panic was for nothing. I hugged him back, laughing into the softest brown hair. “Do you want to go by a different name? Do you feel dysphoric with your name?”

“I-I like Apollo still. I haven’t thought of a name yet.” His jacket was so soft and warm. It was weird to like warm things on a hot, summer day, but it was something, nonetheless. “Merry early Christmas, this is your present.”

He just laughed in our embrace, adjusting the hair in the back of my head to sit more prettily. I think. Maybe he just liked my hair. “What about voice training? Are you thinking about estrogen?”

“I uh… I haven’t thought about estrogen, but I might try voice training.” Man, did he always ask these questions when people came out to him? Maybe. That hurdle was jumped. I told… 1 person!!! I’m so good at this transgender thing.

“Just know whatever you do, you’re valid. Have you told Juno?” No. I haven’t told Juno. But I didn’t want to tell him that I didn’t tell Juno. Juno would probably understand the experience. I remember the time I was in his body shortly. Pure euphoria, yes, but also, I learned something. Something Atlas didn’t know, and I think he would prefer to keep it that way. Atlas thinks he’s a cis male. “Whatever, you’re going to be the prettiest girl I know, I just know it! Prettier than literally everyone!”

I flushed a bit, but I couldn’t help but giggle. Just a little bit. My parents would kill me if they saw it coming from me, but they aren’t here right now. Christmas shopping, they said. “Thank you, Atlas.”

“Do you wanna go thrifting for more fem stuff? We can go to a couple ‘alt’ stores. Or just online shopping if you want to. I saw a couple Sanrio t-shirts the other day, we can go for those.” Sanrio? What the hell is Sanrio? Atlas pulled out his phone, punching something in the search bar before showing me what Sanrio was. OH! THOSE LITTLE GUYS! I love them! They’re so small and cute. AWH!

“This is the first time I felt a maternal instinct. What’s the blue one? The rabbit?” I pointed to the most adorable pastel blue rabbit. I loved it’s floppy ears, I need to hold it close. Cuteness aggression at its finest.

“He’s a dog, for starters, and his name is Cinnamoroll.” I love Cinnamoroll. I want to do more research on these little guys. “He has an entire movie for his introduction. I think some have an anime. I’m not sure though. They have a Roblox game. I know you don’t play Roblox though.”

What the hell was Roblox? I heard about it occasionally, but this is the first time someone’s blatantly mentioned Roblox in a conversation. Wasn’t that game for children? I-pad sniffing toddler babies that play Roblox on the daily. Whatever, genuinely. “I think I would overthrow the government for this little dog.”

“We all would.” Atlas admitted, putting his phone in his pocket. “A-about your gender still. Is he still he/him or do you want to go by something else?”

“She/any.” I whispered, springing the coils of my hair. “He/him feels like a nightmare though.”

“Okay.” Atlas gently adjusted my hair to frame my face better and smiled. “You wanna tell Juno?”

“Yeah.” I whispered, standing up and brushing myself down to get rid of imaginary dust. You could never know, there might be dust. “Let’s tell Juno.”

We hopped in Atlas’ car, which was his mother’s, Miss Venison’s, car before turning up the radio. Will Wood’s I/Me/Myself played. How ironic for the thing that just happened. It was so ironic that it was funny. I think he planned this, because he was trying his hardest not to laugh.

We were there by the end of the song, it wasn’t that far of a drive, but it would have taken a while if we walked. I stood by Juno’s door and knocked on it cautiously. I didn’t know what I was supposed to be doing, but I was encouraged by Atlas. I might as well. His father answered.

“Hello, Mr. Baker. Can I talk to your son?” Was that way too formal? I think it was too formal. It’s alright, right? This is why Atlas always did the talking because I simply can’t. I’m always way too formal.

I was let in anyways. We climbed to the loft where Juno basically lived, and we poked our heads into his room from the ladder. “Hi!” Atlas greeted, climbing over me to distribute a firm hug to Juno. Just like he always did. “There’s something really important we have to tell you.”

I climbed over and sat on the ground. I then was pulled over to the bed, sandwiched between the two boys. Now prompted by Atlas, I swallowed that stupid lump in my throat. I was shaking a little bit, it never got easier. Especially now that I was going to get the same dozen questions again. “I uh… I’m transfeminine.”

“Okay.” Juno chirped. “It was only a matter of time before you told me.” WHAT. WHAT. HOW DID HE KNOW? I think he noticed my silenced shock, because he gently took my hand. “When I’m Heart, I get to see how happy or upset you are. Also, pinpoint emotions. It’s a really cool power, actually. I noticed you’re happiest when you’re Mind and when you get to dress in a feminine way. I also noticed how awkward you felt in your own body. And with the body swap… it was blatantly obvious. And your ice cream was the trans flag colors.”

I raised an eyebrow. I can’t believe that Juno knew. ALREADY!? I didn’t even tell him. “So, you knew?”

“Of course I knew, that’s why I asked about pronouns and stuff.” He gently took my hand in his and rested his head on my shoulder.

“Well, that was easy, wasn’t it, Apollo?” Atlas laughed, after all that happened today, it felt so weird. “Well, I guess we aren’t really a team of magical boys, huh? We’re magical people.”

“Yeah! You’re gonna be a great magical girl!” I was hugged from all sides. I couldn’t believe it. Typically, I hated hugs, and I hated touch. This wasn’t that bad. And after everything that happened, I really wanted it. I felt like I deserved to be hugged. I did a good.

And now, technically, I’m a girl to my two closest friends. I still hated everything about my body, and I wanted it to change, but I’m still kind of a girl. Even if it’s just a little bit. Even if it’s just to two people in the world. But I still felt sick to my stomach.

My parents wanted a son, not a daughter. My family was… complicated. Every generation had to have a son, and that son was perfect in every way. He had excellent grades, good looks, and everything. That son was determined to have a wife. I think they chose Mori because they always talk and giggle like teenage girls when we’re close. Then the couple continues the bloodline.

But I don’t want to do that. How am I supposed to tell them I’m a girl? How am I, Apollo Daybreak, the only son, supposed to tell my parents, the most conservative people I know, that I am their daughter?

It would be a horrible Christmas gift to have your only son, the one you’ve been weighing everything on, to come out as your daughter. A tear slipped before I could stop it. I would never be a daughter.

Just a stupid son, for this stupid family. A girl trapped in a cage that she cannot escape from because it’s molded to her body.

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