18 Winter: I Cried; And I Cried And I Cried; And Then, I Laughed

"Depra!"

I looked towards a battered and nearly broken boy, tied up within a chair, the hair I had tied up hours earlier covering his face.

He looked up at me before clenching his fists. "L-Lachesis? Why the hell are you here?"

"It's not just me!" I looked back at the other members of our merry band, nodding at them before looking back to Depra. "Erebus, Eros, Aether, Hemera, Nyx, Necessitas; we came here to save you!"

"… run away."

"Wha-What do you mean run away!? Hold on just a moment and I'll come rescue you, got that!?"

"Run Away!" Depra screamed out, sending a shiver down my spine.

"Now now, we can't exactly have intruders ruin our most wonderful family reunion, right?"

I could see Depra tense up, before he started to struggle in his chair. "Run away Lachesis! Damn it, run away bef-!"

"Pierce."

At those words, Depra slumped back into the chair, his mouth slightly open.

We all turned towards the voice, a man who was walking from a nearby door along with three others.

"Ah, much better, that should keep him quiet." He stopped in front of Depra, along with the three others, and he gave me a grin that showed all of his teeth.

"After all, he's the key to our glorious family reunion, which has taken many years in the making!"

The man's brown face was flushed red as he held himself tightly, and his outfit consisted of a black suit with a top hat to hide his small brown afro. "Ah, but where are my manners dear child! Allow me to introduce myself!" He took off his top hat and bowed slightly, showcasing another grin that showed his yellowing teeth.

"My name is Iapetus, Iapetus the Piercer!"

Suddenly, Erebus was positioned in front of me, his single red eye glaring him down. "I see, so you're one of them then. What the hell do you want with our King?"

"Oho, so impatient! You remind me of one of one of my dear sons over here! Isn't that right Meno?"

The one called Meno bared his teeth at Iapetus. He had a frizzly dark afro, with tanned skin. He cracked his knuckles, rolling his eyes.

"Hey Father, can I deal with these bastards already? Thanks to that comment you just made, I'm feeling extra pissed off today, and I need to blow some heads off some bodies to calm down."

"Calm down Meno, rushing into things won't help. Let's come up with a plan to take these buffoons on. Although, I've already come up with 10 just while we've been standing here doing nothing," another said. This one had a light tan, with his brown hair with red tips cut low. He readjusted his glasses, his light brown eyes looking down at us.

"Hey Promie, how about we just talk it out? I'm sure they'll understand!" The third one said, smiling gleefully at the one he called Promie.

"Epi, how many times have I said not to call me that name when you're facing enemies!?"

The one named Epi looked up, thinking. He was wearing a simple white t-shirt and light blue jeans and had the darkest skin out of the four. He had white tips in his hair whose length was in between his two supposed brothers.

"Well, didn't you say to call you that because you don't like me calling you Prometheus?"

"You absolute dumbass, now you just had to give away my damn name!" Prometheus yelled out, and Epi grinned in response.

"Oh, don't worry, I have the perfect idea. My full name is Epimetheus, and the angry one is Menoetius!" He nodded, looking at Prometheus. "I did good, right?"

"Now, now, children, enough about that," Iapetus said, clearing his throat. "Once he's awake, you can kill them all you like, promise."

"Um, what the hell did I just listen too guys?" Nyx said as the five behind walked to my side.

"What a wacky family indeed!" Hemera said, laughing.

"Careful you two. If it's what I think it is, then they're quite dangerous; far more than the demons we've faced thus far," Erebus warned, and everyone nodded.

I frowned, looking at the four we would have to take out in order to save our dear companion Depra. "Sorry guys, I didn't think there were more than one."

"Don't sweat it. I can handle all of these guys, no problem," Aether said, nodding to himself, and Menoetius' face grew angrier.

"Who the fuck are you punk, huh!?'

"I'm the best, and I don't care to learn the names of those beneath me."

I sighed. This was gonna be a long night.

"Well, as much as I would love to stay and chat, we are ever so busy getting ready for our family reunion! Oh, alas, if only my dear wife could be here!" Iapetus yelled out, clutching himself once more before leaning forward, his eyes suddenly eager.

"Oh, you might know her! She's my beautiful wife Clymene, owner of Clymene Corp! Oh, she is just too famous for her own good, and has to miss this wonderful moment within our family history! Oh, woe is me Mother!"

Clymene Corp!? I glanced at the others, and it seemed we had all reached the same conclusion.

Clymene Corp was a massive organization within our City and had many stakes within various companies. It mostly dealt with manufacturing and delivery services, although recently it had tried to take over many small businesses to expand its sphere of influence. Just hearing their name pissed me off especially, due to what happened during the latter half of sophomore year.

"Yeah, I heard of them," I responded, and his face lit up even more.

"Oh, you have indeed!? Truly!? Oh, it makes me so happy to hear that my wife's business is doing so well!"

"I've heard of them, and I personally hate them."

"Oh, I see, you hate them- wait, what did you just say?"

I felt a shiver go down my spine as his tone changed mid-sentence, his dark brown eyes seemingly piercing through my very being, and I couldn't help but tense up.

"Yo-you hate Clymene Corp? Hehe, HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" He let out a ferocious laugh, pointing at me, his gaze still piercing through me.

"Well, I guess you die first."

Eh? I scowled as I felt a sharp pain near my belly button, and I looked down to see a hole about the size of two fingers right through me, blood soaking my shirt.

What the… I couldn't finish the thought as I collapsed to my knees, a gleeful look on Iapetus' face.

"Ah yes, what perfect timing indeed! Isn't that right, the one they call King!?"

"L-Lachesis?" Depra had finally woken back up, and his hands were trembling at the sight of me on the floor.

"Ah but, but, but! Dear me, it looks as if you can't see well enough, can you!? I know, how about I move that hair out of the way for you!?" He proceeded to pull Depra's hair out of his face, yanking it upwards as he pointed him in my direction, making it the second time I could see his face today.

His dark brown, almost black eyes, widened as I fell forward, clutching my stomach.

"Lachesis!? Oi, what the hell did you do to her!?" Erebus roared out, and I could feel myself getting picked up by Hemera, who was looking me over.

"Damnit, don't you dare die on us!" Nyx yelled out, glancing back and forth between me and the four opponents in front of us.

"Ah, well, she should know better than talk bad about family," Iapetus said, smiling at us. "After all, family is the most important thing to a man!" Iapetus moved closer to Depra's ear before almost whispering his next words.

"Right? The one they call King? Are these people like family to you? Well, I have people who are just like family to me, so I'm gonna need you to bring them here, understand? Oh, but your 'family' is gonna have to die too, sorry about that!" He pulled him in even closer, letting out a grin.

"After all, it's your fault this happened."

"No, no, it, it wasn't!" I watched his eyes water up, before the tears that could once never fall fall once more as he watched me slowly bleed out, despite Hemera's and Eros' best efforts.

"Oh, what wonderful entertainment this is! Are you enjoying this Mother!? This is the appetizer before the main event, before our family is finally complete once more!" He turned to Depra, who's eyes were still locked onto me, and let out a soft smile.

"So, let's speed this along, okay?"

"Ah, ah, AH!" He started to squirm around in his chair, tears and snot flying all over the floor as he let out screams of terror, screaming out repeatedly.

"Huh?" Iapetus looked closer at Depra, frowning. "Huh? Huh? Why are you screaming? You're the honored guest, don't scream like that." He slapped him. "Hey." Slapped him. "Hey." Slapped him. "Hey. Slapped him. "Hey, stop screaming." Slapped him again.

"Leave King alone!" Erebus roared out, rushing towards Iapetus.

"Whoa, don't fight!" Epimetheus went in front of Erebus, shaking his hands. "Come now, let's all be kind and friendly, and it'll all work out, okay?"

"Get out of my way!" Erebus pulled out a wooden sword from his cloak to knock him out the way to rush towards Iapetus.

"Huh?" I murmured, my vision starting to go hazy. That's strange, it looks like Erebus stopped mid-swing for some reason.

"What, why can't I-!" Erebus got cut off as he got sent flying towards the left, crashing through the wall before continuing onwards.

"Damn fucking annoyance." Menoetius glared at us, shaking his right hand as he started to wrap it with something. "Took out my hand, dumb bastard."

"Honestly, they are so underprepared it irks me to no end." Prometheus sighed, readjusting his glasses. "Hey Father, we can kill them now, right?"

"Hey." Slapped him. "Hey." Slapped him. "Hey." Slapped him. "Hey." Slapped him.

Prometheus sighed. "Well, I'll take it as a yes.

Suddenly Aether was gone, and I could feel my body growing uncomfortably warmer as I continued to bleed out.

"He-!" Iapetus stopped, frowning.

Depra had stopped screaming, had stopped crying, and stopped trembling.

"He."

He looked at me, a smile arising on his face.

"Hehe."

"Wa…it… Depra… don't…" I was barely able to speak as Depra continued to smile, his smile growing into a grin.

"Hehehehe."

"Oi, what's up with you. Why are you laughing?"

"Hehehe, Hahaha."

Depra let out another giggle, trying hard to contain his laughter.

"Hehe, HAHAHAHAHA!"

He laughed.

He laughed and laughed, and the whole room grew quiet as he continued to laugh, his tears dried up, laughing so hard as he finally looked away from me, looking up at the ceiling.

"HAHAHAHAHA-!"

He stopped laughing as he let out a sigh, the biggest grin on his face.

"It well and truly is all my fault huh?"

No, you can't-!

"I'm so damn tired Lachesis…"

Wait, please don't-!

"But, if you're gonna die, then I have nothing else I need, right?"

Sto-!

"So, that's why, all of it, can just-!"

The world around him went white as he uttered the last word, a look of relief on his face as he started to laugh once more.

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Eh?

I woke up in my bed at home, staring at the ceiling.

I could feel tears welling up in my eyes, as I started to wail out in anguish, crying my eyes out before mommy rushed into the room.

"Lachy!? What's wrong, what happened!?"

She lifted me up and hugged me tight as snot and tears streamed down my face.

"I-I had a nightmare!!" I wailed out again, clinging tightly to my warm mother.

"Oh baby, I'm sorry." I felt my mommy hug me even tighter, caressing my head as she said soothing words to me. "There, there, it'll be alright."

"I-it was scary! There was a bad man, and the bad man did awful things to people, a lot of people, and, and-!" I suddenly couldn't catch my breath, the nightmare coming back to me, and I felt my mommy put her forehead against mine.

"Deep breaths, okay? Follow my lead, it'll be okay." I did as I was told, taking deep breaths with her, finally starting to calm down.

"You feeling better now?" I looked up at her and nodded, sniffling. "That's a good girl."

I sniffled again, snuggling up to her warmth. "It was really scary."

"I bet it was. I'm sorry you had to see something like that." She caressed my head once more, still hugging me tightly.

Footsteps, and I peaked my head to see Daddy by the doorway, a worried look on his face.

"Hey, what's wrong? Is everything okay?"

Mommy nodded, smiling at him. "Yes, don't worry. She just had a nightmare is all. A frightening one it seems." She looked at me again, sighing softly. "You wanna sleep with us for the rest of tonight?"

I nodded, and my parents led me to their room, where I snuggled in between the two, their warmth guiding me to a far happier dream…

December 25th, 2009, 12:40 am.

Yeah, I guess that night would be where it all started, with that single nightmare of mine…

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"Lachy's a big ol' crybaby!"

It was the afternoon of that same day, and the three of us, Major, Captain, and I, were all playing outside in the snow that had fallen the night before. The snow was piled high all around us, being taller than even we were. Oddly enough, the place where we were playing at, Major's backyard, was the only place with not a lot of snow. We had just finished making three snowmen before Major decided to start teasing me.

"I am not a crybaby!" I yelled out, pouting at him.

"Uhuh, I heard you cry last night really loudly from my room! It woke me up!" Major continued, laughing to himself.

"You're so mean Major!"

"Stop fighting!"

I felt a snowball hit my face, and I fell on my butt, wiping the snow off me. Major had also got hit, although he didn't fall over.

We turned to the culprit, Captain, who had his arms crossed over his chest as he sniffled at us. "Friends shouldn't fight one another!"

"Does that mean we can't have a snowball fight?" Major asked, frowning.

"Eh!? Uh, no, that fighting is okay? Um, only bad fighting is bad!" Captain said, nodding to himself.

I threw a snowball in his face, laughing. "Major, let's attack Captain together!"

"You got it Lachy!"

"Hey, don't fight against me!" Captain complained, and we all started to laugh as we threw snowballs at one another.

"Hey, how are you not getting hit Major!?" I yelled out before getting planted with another snowball, falling backwards again, my hat falling next to me.

"I could ask Captain how he's making so many!" Major exclaimed, lying down next to me, breathing heavily.

"Hehe, had enough already?" Captain said, taking my other side as he also laid down, also breathing hard.

Major sat up, grinning at the two of us. "Oh man, I can do some really cool things now guys!"

"Not as cool as the things I can do!" Captain said, sitting up as well.

"Nuhuh, I can do way cooler things than you!"

"No, I can!"

I frowned, looking at a nearby snowman. "Oh, I wish I could do cool things too…"

"It's okay Lachy, I'll do enough cool things for the both of us! After all, I'm gonna marry her!" Captain yelled out, shooting to his feet.

"No, I'm gonna do even cooler things so I can marry her!" Major retorted, standing up also.

"No, I'm way cooler than you are, no way she'll marry you!"

"I know way more about cool than you Captain!"

I sat up, starting to get annoyed. "Don't fight guys! I'll just marry both of you! There, problem solved!"

"Wait, you can do that!?" They both exclaimed, and I shrugged as I got back to my feet, brushing the snow off my back.

"I dunno, but it'll be fine!" I said, smiling at the both of them. "But what cool things can you guys do?"

"I wanna see Major's first, so that way I can blow his stupid thing away with how awesome my thing is," Captain said with a hmph.

"Fine, but you'll be so amazed, your thing will look stupid in comparison!" Major exclaimed before clearing his throat.

"Alright, look at Lachy's snowman for me please!" I couldn't help but feel a little bit excited over what cool things they were about to show me, before something strange happened.

"Now, I'll use it on Captain next!" Major exclaimed, and Captain nodded.

"Ready when you are Major!"

"Lachy, what do I do?" Major asked, tears and snot running down his face. "I, I can't bring him back!"

Huh? I blinked, frowning to myself as I wiped my eyes. Major noticed and scowled at me.

"Hey, you can't look away Lachy! It's important!"

I shook my head, twirling my hair around my finger. "Sorry, I imagined something weird!"

"Then stop imagining it!" Captain said, and I pouted.

"I couldn't help it!"

"You guys!" We turned towards Major, who was pouting.

"Oh, sorry Major. We're watching, promise!" I said, keeping my eyes on my snowman. He nodded, grinning at the two of us.

"Alright, watch as I make this snowman, disappear!"

And then the snowman was gone like that, the only thing remaining was the slight indentation it had left within the snow. I blinked, squinting my eyes.

"Wait, it's gone?" I asked, and Major gave me two thumbs up.

"Yeah, isn't it cool! I can make stuff go away! It's why there isn't snow around here, so we could play!" He said, nodding excitedly. "Isn't it super cool!?"

I was speechless, and I glanced at Captain, who was having a similar reaction.

"Since when can you do that!?" We exclaimed, and he started to laugh.

"I dunno, when I woke up this morning, I just knew I could," he said, shrugging. "But my thing is way cooler than yours, right Captain!?"

"Eh!?" He exclaimed; a bit taken aback before shaking his head. "Well, while your thing may be pretty neat, my thing is still cooler though." He hesitated, looking back between the now gone snowman and Major.

"But, can you try it out on me?" He asked, and Major grinned.

"I knew you thought it was cooler than yours!"

"N-no! That's not it! I just have to see how cool it is, so use it on me next!"

"Hehe, well if you say so!" Major said, and he turned to Captain.

"Now, I'll use it on Captain next!" Major exclaimed, and Captain nodded while I frowned.

Huh? That's weird, didn't he say that when I was daydreaming?

"Ready when you are Major!"

"Then, I'll make Captain, disappear!"

And then Captain was gone, just like the snowman from before.

I felt my stomach start to hurt as I started to get a weird feeling, and I looked at Major, who was smiling to himself.

"Hey Major?"

"Oh, do you wanna do it too?" Major asked, and I shook my head.

"No, I was just wondering. Can you bring Captain back?" I asked, the feeling starting to get worse.

"Huh? Oh, I never thought about that. I think I can?" Major said, frowning to himself.

"Um, can you bring him back then?"

"Yeah, all I have to say is, reappear!" But nothing happened as the place where Captain stood was still empty, and the feeling that grew within my stomach grew even worse.

"Um, give me a second, I can bring him back, promise!" Major said, nodding to himself.

"Reappear!" Nothing happened.

"Appear!" Nothing happened.

"Emerge!" Nothing happened.

"Show up!" Nothing happened.

"Come back!" Nothing happened.

"Come back!" Nothing happened.

"Co-come back!" Nothing happened.

"COME BACK!" Nothing happened.

I could only watch as Major collapsed on his knees, the feeling worsening by the second as I stopped playing with my hair, slowly approaching my dear childhood friend Major.

"L-Lachy…" He murmured, and I fell to my knees in front of him, tears starting to well up in my eyes.

"Lachy, what do I do?" Major asked, tears and snot running down his face. "I, I can't bring him back!"

If only I realized what I could do earlier, if only I knew what I saw would come to pass, maybe that wouldn't have been the last day I saw my dear childhood friend Captain

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He cried a lot that day, words unable to comfort him. He cried the next day, our parents unable to console him. He also cried the day after, and it was that day I was finally able to see him.

He was in his room, hugging his legs as he was leaning against the wall, his face buried within his clothes, his black hair messy.

"Major, it's me, Lachy," I said, and he looked up at me, his eyes red and puffy from the constant crying.

"L-Lachy…" He murmured, and he sniffled before diving back into his clothes. "I, I'm so sorry…"

I felt my tears start to well up, but I shook my head, not allowing them to fall. "Major, it's not your fault. No one thinks so."

"But, if only I thought ahead…" He trailed off as he started to cry again, and I walked to his bed, sitting down next to him.

"Major, I miss him," I started, and I watched him tense up at my words. "I miss him so much, and we both don't know if he can ever come back…"

"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry…" Major whimpered out, starting to shake.

"But he would want us to be happy!" I yelled out, grabbing Major's shoulders, and he looked up at me, startled.

"Huh?"

"I, I think he would want us to be happy Major!" I said, my lip quivering. "He would want us to have fun, even without him. I don't think he would want us to be sad…"

I trailed off, unsure of what exactly I was trying to say, but Major looked at me with wide eyes before wiping away his tears.

"I think I get it," he said, sniffing up his snot as he wiped his face off. "I don't know if I can make him appear, but I'll make sure I don't forget him so if when he does come back, I'll be able to laugh."

He turned to me, a small smile on his face as he started to cry again. "So, I'll keep at it, okay?"

I nodded, giving him a watery smile. "I won't forget him either, okay? Pinkie promise."

I held out my pinkie, and Major did the same as we wrapped them around each other.

"Cross my heart, hope to die, swallow a thousand needles if I lie!" We connected our thumbs at the top, sealing the promise, and I let out a soft laugh.

"I'm glad I was able to help Major," I said, laying down on the bed.

He started laugh at my reaction, giggling to himself, wiping away his tears that continually fell.

"How are you supposed to help when you're a crybaby?"

"Eh!? Hey, look who's crying right now!" He laughed harder at my reaction, finally stopping his tears, laughing for the first time in three days.

After that, he always tried to smile and help people as much as possible, but he always managed to cry too.

He cried that day, with Erebus as they wailed out by the edge of the forest.

He cried that day, with Eros and Erebus after his plan worked for against his parents.

He cried that day, with Aether, Eros, and Erebus, huddled together after conquering the problems that plagued Aether.

He cried that day, with Hemera, Aether, Eros, and Erebus and I, after we gave Hemera one of the best presents imaginable to her.

But he laughed that day, with Nyx, Hemera, and I, after we saved Nyx from the darkness that haunted her wherever she went.

Tears of Happiness and Laughs of Gratitude.

However, he cried and wailed out in despair on that day…

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"Major!" I yelled out, rushing after him as he fled into the woods.

I managed to grab him, and he turned around, and I gasped at the sight of his eyes, his once clear brown eyes now almost a murky black.

"L-Lachy?" He pushed me away, starting to stumble backwards as he held his head.

"Who's Depra!?" He yelled out, and I felt my head start to throb at that name.

"We're here to save you Depra!"

"No, you can't die on me yet Lachesis!" Depra yelled out, crying and screaming out as he watched me die in front of him.

"Depra, don't, don't do it…" I managed to stammer out, watching him laugh maniacally as he watched me die.

Huh? I winced, shaking my head. "Major, it's me!" I yelled out, and he started to claw at his head, leaving deep claw marks over his forehead and on his head.

"What's wrong Major!?" I yelled out before turning to Necessitas, whose glasses had dropped onto the grass. "What did you do!? Why is he like this!?"

"I, I don't understand what's happening," she stammered out, falling to her knees.

"What do you mean you don't know!?" I yelled out, and Major let out another scream.

I turned to Hemera, who nodded as she rushed towards Major, hugging tight. "Major, calm down! It'll be al-!" She got flung back as Major started to claw at himself again, this time around his chest, blood starting to drip down as his wounds got worse.

"I wanna forget!" he yelled out, stumbling backwards once more as he started to claw at his face again.

"Major, what's wrong! Tell us so we-!"

"NO! I wanna forget!" Major roared out, cutting me off mid-sentence as shook his head.

"MAJOR!" I screeched out, rushing towards him again, and he shook his head, holding it tight.

"It would be better for me to forget! I, I can't do it anymore! I don't deserve such happiness when, when!"

Eh? Is he talking about Captain? "Wait, Major! He wouldn't want-!"

"DISAPPEAR!" I felt a large force of wind blow all of us back as Major screamed out that word, and I groaned, sitting up, wincing in pain.

Major collapsed onto the ground, convulsing as he let out a scream of pain before passing out.

"Major!" I was the first to reach him, and I cradled his head in my arms, looking at the various injuries that he had inflicted upon himself.

"We, we need to get him to the nurse's office now!" I yelled out, and the others groaned as they sat up as well, holding their heads in pain. Erebus was the first to get up, making his way over to me before lifting him with ease.

"I got him Lachy, don't worry. I'll take him there now." I nodded, before Erebus started to walk away.

"What did you do King?" He murmured before shaking his head. "Shadow Step."

And then he was gone, leaving the rest of us alone in the woods.

I made my way to the others, wincing in pain as I held my side. "What just happened Necessitas?"

She didn't answer me; it looked she had hit her head against a nearby tree when she got sent flying back, knocking her unconscious. I grimaced before shaking my head, the pain having gone away from earlier.

"Hey, c'mon guys, get up," I said, shaking Hemera awake. She groaned as she sat up, holding her head.

"Oh, what happened?" She looked around and shot to her feet, her yellow eyes darting around. "Where's King!?"

"Ugh, quiet down you ball of sunshine," Nyx groaned sitting up as well. "I'm pretty sure Erebus took him already, so hurry up and sit back down."

"Yeah, Erebus took him to the nurse's office, so hopefully he'll be okay…" I said, trailing off before waking up the others.

Soon, everyone except for Necessitas had awoken, who was still knocked out from hitting a tree.

"Hey, let's take her to the nurse's office too," I said. "She could have a concussion or something bad."

They nodded, and Aether lifted her up, carrying her over his back before we made our way back into the school, where Erebus was waiting outside the nurse's office.

"Is he gonna be okay?" I asked, twirling my hair around my finger and he sighed, shaking his head.

"They decided to take him to a hospital to get treated, so who knows," he responded, his red eye gazing upon Necessitas. "What happened to my beloved Dark Empress?"

"She hit her head on a tree and went unconscious," I explained, and Aether handed her off to Erebus, who took her into the office.

"Well, what should we do now my dear Lachy~?" Eros half-heartedly purred, glancing over at me. "It seems two of us are out for the time being."

"I guess we wait for both of them to wake up…" I murmured, and so we waited three weeks for both of them to wake up, the first one being Major.

I was lounging around his hospital room when I heard a groan emerge from the bed, causing me to nearly fall out of my chair.

"M-Major!?" I yelled out, rushing to his side. He had bandages over his head and chest, and he groaned again as he opened one eye to look at me, the color a murky brown.

"L-Lachy? W-where am I?" He winced in pain as he tried to sit up, and I gently pushed him back down, a smile of relief on my face.

"Oh, I'm so glad you're alright! It's been three weeks, you know that!?" I yelled out, and he winced as he held his head.

"Hey, you're quite loud you know."

"Oh, sorry," I said, starting to twirl my hair around my finger. "Um, you've been in the hospital for three weeks now Major…"

"Huh? Why, did I get into an accident or something?"

"You mean you don't remember? You started to scream out in pain after Necessitas used her ability on you before-!" Major cut me off as he held up his hand, shaking his head.

"Um, I'm sorry, but who's… Necessity? Was that what you said?"

Eh? I blinked at him, and he blinked at me, both of us having confused looks on our faces.

"Necessitas, you don't remember her? Wears glasses, has a fluffy afro, she's quite nice," I said, and he shook his head.

"I really don't know who you're talking about."

"Wait, you're not joking?" I asked, and he shook his head.

"Nope, never heard of her."

What? "Wait, do you remember Hemera? Nyx?"

He frowned, shaking his head again. "Nope, can't say that I have."

Huh? "But, you remember Aether and Eros right?"

"Again, I have no clue who you're talking about, but their names are pretty cool though."

No way. I took a step back, my brain in a flurry. "But surely you have to remember Erebus, right!? I mean, you've known him since the first grade!?"

He frowned again, looking up towards the ceiling. "First… grade? Huh, I don't remember much about first grade actually. How weird."

"You, you really don't remember any of them?" I said, starting to shake slightly, and once more, Major shook his head.

"No, I really haven't heard of these people. Are you sure you aren't messing with me Lachy?"

"Wh-what did you do to yourself Major!?" I roared out, and he held his head, wincing in pain.

"Hey, I really don't remember, so stop yelling already!"

"You don't remember any of them!?" I yelled out again, and he held his head, groaning out in pain.

"Ow, that really hurts," He muttered, before looking at me with his murky brown eyes. "Um, what were we talking about again?"

I took a step back as I heard the door open behind me, doctors starting to pour in to begin examining him.

What just happened? I felt myself walk out the door and sit on a nearby bench, starting to shake slightly once again.

"Major, what did you do to yourself?" I whispered out, holding myself together within my arms.

"Lachy? What's wrong?" I felt myself tense up as I heard Hemera's voice, and I slowly looked up at the five of them, all coming to visit Major.

"He, he's awake now…" I said, looking away, taking a shaky breath.

"Wait, King's awake!?" Erebus exclaimed, but his excitement died down as he saw my reaction. "Is something wrong Lachesis?"

"doesn't remember…"

"Hmm? What was that?"

I looked back at them, tears staining my shirt with its salt. "He, he doesn't remember you guys; none of you, except me…"

A look of shock passed over their faces, but they all ended up having different reactions.

Erebus immediately rushed into his hospital room, Eros started to cry, Hemera went to hug me, Nyx continued to stare at me, a blank look on her face, and Aether just looked up towards the ceiling, sighing to himself.

A couple seconds later, Erebus walked out, holding his right eye as he collapsed on the spot, starting to visibly shake.

"What did King do, for him to end up like that?" he asked, and I shook my head.

"Maybe he used his abilities on himself for some reason, I don't really get it myself…" I trailed off, and he gritted his teeth, letting out a hiss.

"Maybe it's a part of an elaborate plan of his? Maybe it involves getting rid of his memories so that he can go undercover so we can slay a demon properly? Or maybe it's so he can handicap himself, since he realized he was getting to strong, so this was a way to help seal his powers? But it could possibly be…"

I could only watch as Erebus continued to mutter off crazy scenarios to himself, before turning to Nyx, who started to slowly walk away.

"N-Nyx! Where are you going?" Hemera asked, sniffling as she started to wipe her tears away.

She didn't respond and continued to walk off towards the stairwell. Hemera leapt up from the bench and ran after her, grabbing her hand to pull her to a stop.

"Hey, we can't leave yet! Where do you think you're going!?"

Aether sighed again, his silver-grey hair covering his eyes. "I see, so that's how it is then…" He glanced at Eros, who was silently crying to himself, before looking back up towards the ceiling.

"It's unbecoming of those of your stature to act this way you know. So what if he doesn't remember? I only need myself anyway, so that's why, that's why…" He trailed off, and all of us turned to him as his tears started to fall, sobbing without making any noise.

"You're a stupid idiot…" He said, trailing off as he looked away from us, hiding away his tears.

Eros wiped at his eyes, nodding to himself. "You always seem to have a way with words Tae~Tae…"

"He's gone…" We turned to Nyx, the first words she had spoken since she had gotten here.

"No, he's not gone Nyx, he's right-!"

"He may as well be gone Hemera!" she lashed out, brushing away Hemera's hand. "I, I don't…"

Hemera's faced scrunched up, trying to hold back the tears that had already started to fall long ago. "But, he's right there. He's right there, but he's not here at all anymore." Hemera turned to me, her lip quivering. "Hey, is he really gonna be gone forever? He won't ever remember us?"

She clutched her shirt tightly, shaking her head. "I, I would hate that. I haven't even repaid you all for the kindness you've given me yet, let alone King! How am I supposed to pay him back now…?"

We all fell into silence, before Erebus perked up, looking down the hallway.

"Dark Empress?" he let out, stopping his ramblings before bolting off.

"H-hey! Wait up Erebus!" I yelled out, and we rushed after him to Necessitas' room, where we could hear them conversing.

"E-Erebus? What are you doing here?"

"I heard you coming too, my beloved Dark Empress, and I rushed to be by your side!"

"H-huh!? What sort of weird nickname did you just give me!? And beloved?"

"Huh? What's wrong, you sound confused. You were the one who called yourself Dark Empress, remember?"

"Only you would give me such an absurd nickname Erebus, so stop lying."

I felt my blood turn into ice at her words, and we stopped just outside the open doorway, continuing to listen to their conversation.

"But, you were the one who came up with that glorious epithet about yourself, when you first introduced yourself to King and myself!"

"Um, who is King?"

"Surely you cannot forget our leader of our glorious group that we are in, for we are ones who slay demons for-!"

"Hey, stop trying to bring me into your fantasy! I really have no clue what you're talking about!"

Silence.

"Huh, what's up with you now Erebus?"

"Uh, it is nothing my dear Dark Empress. If you will excuse me…"

Erebus walked out of the room, his hair covering his face before stopping next to us.

"Hey, Erebus, are you…" I trailed off as I looked at him, my lip quivering.

"Huh, whatever do you mean Lachesis? I have never been better! Yes, this has to be a plan both King and the Dark Empress planned in secret! Surely, they must've left some clues somewhere, possibly within the hideout? Come, we haven't a moment to waste you guys, so I'll use my Shadow Step to take us all there, got it?"

Hemera started to cry, giving Erebus a fierce hug. "I, I'm so sorry Erebus!"

"Huh? Why are apologizing Daytime Beauty? Now let's tarry onward before we lose track of any hints-!"

"It's okay Erebus, don't push yourself anymore!" Hemera yelled out, looking up at him. "Please don't act like this, especially, especially when…"

I felt my face grow wet again as Erebus frowned. "Hmm? What's the matter with all of you? This is no time for tears, trust me on that one! If we don't hurry, a demon could-!"

"Please, when you look like that, I don't wanna hear anymore Erebus!" Hemera wailed out, burying herself into his shirt.

"H-huh? Look like what?" He felt his face, which had long been wet, and he frowned as he licked his hand.

"Hmm? Why is face wet, let alone salty? Huh, how strange, it seems no matter what I do, I can't wipe them away. How, how odd…" he trailed off as he tried to wipe away his tears, only starting to cry louder now.

"Oh, I see. These are my tears then…" he said before collapsing to his knees, sobbing out heaves of tears, shaking almost uncontrollably as he buried his face within Hemera's shirt.

We all lost a lot that day. Some memories, others friendship, but deep down, I think we all lost hope for our group of eight ever becoming complete once more…

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"Well, what should we do now?"

It had been three days since they had woken up, and the six of us who weren't hospitalized had met up in our hideout, which had grown bigger over the past year since we had gotten it.

It was Erebus who had posed the question, and everyone looked towards me, somehow becoming the de-facto leader with Major out of commission.

"I, I think I should tell you guys something important…" I started, and everyone tensed up at my words.

"I never really knew for certain before, but after what Major said that day, I am sure of it." I looked at each of them, preparing myself.

"One day soon, Major will destroy the world."

"On what evidence do you say that!?" Erebus yelled out, getting up from his chair, and I shrunk back, hesitating.

"It's the truth, I swear! I never really knew for certain, since from what I saw, he goes by Depra King, but once I heard Major say Depra from his mouth that day, I had feeling it was him I saw destroy the world in front of my very eyes."

"Depra?" Hemera's eyes widened at the nickname. "Yeah, I heard it too! He did say that name, as if someone was calling him that!"

"Wait, you too Daytime Beauty?" Erebus said, scowling. "Why would he do something like that?"

I bit my lip, unsure of how much to say. "Well, we were saving him from somebody, and then he watches something very painful happen to him…"

Everybody was hushed into silence, and Erebus leaned back into his chair, letting out a sigh.

"Um, this isn't the first time I've seen it though! I just thought it was a reoccurring nightmare I've been having since I was five years old, but after that day, I really know for certain that it'll come to pass!"

"So, what do you want us to do about it? How soon do you think it'll happen?" Nyx asked, wrapping herself in a black blanket.

"It looks like we're pretty old when it happens, so about 6-7 years from now," I said, and Nyx nodded, sighing to herself.

"It's just one thing after another, isn't it?" She murmured.

"But, do you have a plan then?" Hemera asked, and I shook my head.

"No, and I don't really know when I'll have one."

Aether scoffed. "Typical of those below me. Why haven't you come up with one yet?"

"Because," I started, staring down at my hand, "I can't control what I see just yet. It always happens pretty randomly, although I'm slowly getting better at it." I squeezed my hand shut, nodding to myself.

"Hmm, I see then dear Lachy~. But why tell us now?"

"Because you all were there, including Necessitas," I said, and all of their eyes widened. "And we all completely and utterly lost, each and every time, despite the small variations within each one."

"So, you want us to get stronger, is that it?" Erebus guessed, and I nodded.

"We've trained plenty together, but when was the last time any of you learned more about your abilities by yourself, without King's help?"

They couldn't respond to that, and I nodded before continuing. "That's why, I think we should split up for now and go our separate ways."

I could feel everyone tense up at my words, and I raised up my hands. "Wait, let me rephrase that. I think the seven of you should go on your own and train. I'm not saying you can't still hang out, but I won't be there."

"And what will you be doing?" Aether asked, frowning at me.

"Keeping an eye on Major and figuring out a plan. Once I come up with it, I'll contact you all, got it?"

Silence, and I started to twirl my hair around my finger, anxiously looking at all of them.

"Okay then," Erebus said, standing up. "If this is what I can do to help repay the debt that I owe him, then I'll do it."

"I must agree with you dear Eru~," Eros purred, a soft smile arising on his face as he stood up. "Saving our dear King is the least we could do after he saved all of us."

"I also agree. As the only one who can be my equal, I'll save him from that destiny of his," Aether nodded to himself, standing up.

"Alright then, I'll do it! It's not much, but if this will be able to help him, then so be it!" Hemera exclaimed, getting up also.

"Well, guess I'm gonna be bored for the next couple of years then, but for him, it's worth it," Nyx said, smiling to herself as she stood up.

"Oh, what about Necessitas? I murmured, getting up as Erebus put his hand in the center of our makeshift circle.

"I'll take care of her, so don't worry about that Lachesis," Erebus said, a sad smile appearing on his face. "I still have a promise to fulfill that me and King made to one another after all."

We all put our hands together before cheering aloud, that being the last day we all had gathered within the hideout together for almost 7 years…

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Huh? I frowned at what I had just seen, twirling one of my locks of hair around my finger.

What is Major going to leave his house for? I thought as I stood up from my bed, stretching out my tired limbs. I walked out of my room to see my mom humming to herself in the kitchen.

"Oh, what's wrong Lachy?" She asked, noting the hesitant look on my face.

"Um, I might have to go out for a bit, okay?" She simply nodded before continuing to cook.

"It must be about Major again, isn't that right? I swear, you love him too much, you know that?"

I felt my face grow hot at her words. "H-hey! It's not like that!"

She smiled, chuckling to herself. "Now, now Lachesis, we both know it isn't good to hide your feelings like that. It's okay to love him. He probably needs a lot of it, judging on what's going on his family lately."

"I, I guess you may be right about that…"

"Aren't I? Now go and confess your undying love for him already! I want grandkids you know."

"M-mom! Stop that!" She giggled to herself, and I could feel my ears starting to burn from embarrassment. "I'm leaving now, okay?"

"Okay, have fun out there with your date!"

I pouted before walking to the front door to put my shoes on. I swear, my mom loves teasing me a bit too much. I feel like I'm gonna die of embarrassment at this rate.

I finished putting them on, grabbing a key from off the wall before heading outside.

"Now let's see, where did he go again?" I closed my eyes before seeing it.

"Ah, he went right then." I started to jog towards where I would eventually find Major, which would be in a park that we had once visited many times in the past with our group.

I looked up at the sky, it being painted orange by the setting sun in the west and let out a sigh. It had been about 3 years since our group had departed from one another in order to save Major from his fate in about 3-4 years, and I was just on the cusp of being able to see whenever I wanted too, meaning our plan would soon be put into action.

Speaking of Major, he had changed a lot in the 3 years our group disbanded, starting to hate and lash out against adults for what he would probably consider no reason. Then again though, adults had already labeled him a troublemaker from all the trouble he used to cause, so maybe that's why he ended up like that. And, even if he doesn't remember, I'm sure he still harbors the feelings of those four years with him from seeing how the adults treated himself and his friends…

I started to see the park ahead, and with it Major, on his knees as he started to clench his fist.

"Maybe, I should be the one to disappear instead…"

Eh? I felt myself slow down until I was just about a foot away from him, my brain trying to process what he just said.

"Disappear me. Disappear! Damn it, I just want to go away, never to be seen again!"

Disappear.

That one word already ruined his life twice now, and hearing him say it to himself was enough to make me crumble to my knees as I managed to get his attention.

"Why are you, saying such things?"

He turned to me, a look of shock on his face as I continued to speak.

"Not you too. I can't lose you too! Not after the first time, you can't leave me as well!"

"Lachesis…" He could only watch as I continued.

"SO, DON'T YOU GO AND DISAPPEAR ON ME, YOU HEAR ME!?"

I started to shake with sobs as I watched Major look up towards the now dark sky, before he took another look at me.

"You're right. I, I don't wanna disappear too. I want to stay and live damnit! I WANT TO LIVE!"

"Then live!" I yelled out, holding out my arm, my hand in a fist. "If not for yourself, then live for me!"

I managed to give out a smile underneath all my tears, hoping I would get through to him before he did something he would regret once more.

"Because, I want you to live too!"

I watched him clutch his shirt, his tears soaking his face. "It hurts so much! And yet, why does it feel so good at the same time!?"

He gave me a fist bump, giving me a watery smile. "So, I'll live for you, and for me!"

I managed to nod before we embraced each other, crying our hearts out, him crying tears of happiness and sorrow, I crying tears of guilt and happiness.

It was unfair of me after all, to say those words to him, but I said them anyway, because I knew just as he was all I had left of our trio from long ago, I was all he had left, one of his last rays of hope in his world. His family hating him, losing his friends, I was truly the last one he had left.

But thinking back on it, maybe it would've been better if he had disappeared that day too. He might've been happier in the long run.

And so, the next day, we found out that he had caused his family to vanish from the face of the world, and just like with Captain, no one was able to find them nor bring them back, leading to an unforeseen third regret.

"DAMNIT!" I roared out, punching my bed as I screamed out those words into my pillow.

Why couldn't I have seen this coming damnit!? What good is this if I can't see anything that's important to me!?

I let out a sigh, turning over to look up at the ceiling. And Major? When he found out, he collapsed onto his knees, a look indescribable on his face, one filled with absolute despair and grief as he couldn't even let out a whimper as his tears fell from his face, just there in the living room, food and decorations still around.

A lot of government officials came by his house to ask him questions, but there he stayed, unmoving as he continued to look at the empty house he had caused. Eventually they left, and I cleaned up the house along with my mom, Major still stationary as he continued to stare at the empty couches.

It wasn't until about a month later, when they wanted him to sign papers declaring them dead, that he finally looked somewhere else, his hand moving to sign paper after paper after paper, and before they left, he asked to sign one more.

When I saw him next, he was still standing in the living room, although he had gone out before. But tears no longer fell from his eyes, and they were instead replaced with a broad smile along with the sound of laughter that felt like you could hear from miles away.

To me, that was the day that my dear childhood friend no longer cried, and I had lost the Major I had once known.

That was the day he had broken beyond repair.

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I bolted up from my bed, a huge grin on my face as I quickly wrote out the scenario I had just seen.

After seeing my friend break, I had finally gained full control, and with it, I had spent three weeks looking over and seeing things over and over and over again, to the point where I thought I might have broken somewhere along the way.

But it didn't matter to me, so long as I could save him from committing what would be his final regret.

I wrote down everything I saw, all the way to the minutest of details, not sleeping or eating until I was sure I had everything I needed in order to formulate my plan.

I looked it over again, twirling my hair around my finger. But, with this plan, it seems I won't be the one to save him…

I shook my head. No, it'll be fine, so long as I save him, it'll be alright, regardless of who really does it in the end, regardless of what I might have to do.

"I swear Major, I will save you from this fate…"

So, I meticulously planned out everything I needed to do. I managed to figure out it would happen in senior year of high school, I found out about the girl who would save him, and all the events I needed to accomplish in order to reach this future that would save my friend.

And everything went according to plan. Major had gotten accepted into the most prestigious high school in this city, it being known for its academic prowess, and I managed to get in so I could keep an eye on him, using his family situation as my reasoning.

While it wasn't in the plan, we did end up joining the Hidden Club, which seemed to have cheered Major up quite a bit. When it's all over, I'll have to thank Mrs. Cardea in person.

Yep, everything went according to plan, until the day he showed up.

It was sophomore year when I met him, the boy, along with the silver-haired girl who always tagged along with him.

I first met him in a coffee shop I was planning to go with Major and found him chatting with Major.

I found it strange that he didn't wanna walk home with me that day, but even stranger when I saw him leaving the school with a boy I had never seen before.

I followed them, and there was my first confrontation with him.

I walked into the coffee shop, my anger rising as I walked to their booth.

"Yeah, so long as you keep being yourself, we won't have any problems."

"Then what about me?" I asked angrily, and Major nearly jumped out of the booth.

"La-Lachesis!? What are you doing here!?"

I managed to get Hiro to leave after that, but not before Major wanted to say goodbye to him. I waited by the booth, watching their farewell before Major came back in, sliding in the seat across from me, a smile that could almost be called his genuine smile on his face.

"So, what's up with you and him?" I asked, and he turned to me, frowning.

"Eh? Oh, he's someone I met in my class earlier today, and we became friends!" he said, nodding happily.

"Major, don't you know not to trust strangers like that?"

"Oh, speaking of Major, he even gave me a weird nickname!" He said before declaring the nickname he would go by thereafter.

"I'm The Depra King!"

Depra…? I felt my jaw drop at his words, my eyes widening. Major noticed and frowned at me.

"Is everything okay Lachesis?" He asked, and I quickly managed to recover.

"Um, yeah, sorry about that. The Depra King, huh? Do you like it?"

He shrugged. "I think it's pretty cool, although it has something to do with wordplay? I really don't see how it does though."

Ah, I see it now. I glanced out the window, the boy long gone now. Who the hell is that guy?

I closed my eyes, trying hard to see.

"Um, Lachesis, are you okay?" I opened my eyes in shock, looking at Major.

"Um, yeah, I'm fine, like I said earlier. Who was that guy earlier anyway?"

Major's face lit up. "Oh, I got his phone number, so it should be, wait, huh? Unnamed Boy? Why would he put himself as that?"

So, I don't even know his damn name? I let out a sigh, taking some of Major's strawberry shortcake.

"Hey, why did you take some?"

"You promised you were gonna come here with me first, remember? No complaining," I said, taking another bite of his cake.

Well, maybe I won't see him again?

Alas, it seemed this guy started to invade my life, wherever I went. He was always hanging around Depra, and Depra seemed to have taken a real liking to him as well, oddly enough.

One day, while I was eating lunch with him, he asked me a strange question.

"So, you haven't told me what I did to get on your bad side. I have to at least speak first for people to hate me."

I looked at him, scowling before glancing around the cafeteria.

"I can't see it…"

He rolled his eyes at me. "Vagueness is never a good fit for you."

"I just don't understand," I continued, lost in my thoughts now. How is it that I can't see whenever he's around? "Where did you even come from? You and that silver haired girl, this wasn't a part of the plan. How will this change things I wonder…"

What role might this boy have? Oh, if only I could see, this would be no problem at all.

Later that day, I found out that he went by the name of Hiro, and he was the first person who I couldn't see anything at all.

But other than that, things went pretty smoothly. The plan proceeded nicely, and then junior year came around, where I started to ramp things up once again.

I contacted our group for the first time in over 5 years, and they all managed to get into our high school, except for Eros, who only got in because Hiro helped him out at my behest.

And while I despised dealing with Hiro since I couldn't see whenever he was around, I do have to admit that he helped the plan out in more ways then one without even realizing it sometimes. Although, I still found it strange how he vanished for about half a year during sophomore year…

Anyway, after the events of Junior year, quite possibly the hardest part of our plan, we had finally reached the end goals. Despite Depra getting progressively worse, in part due to the actions taken within our plan, we were still on course.

Our fellow members helped Depra on their own in the hope that we could possibly bypass following this plan altogether, but once he got his memories back, it was then that I realized that this was how he had managed to get so bad, he would resort to using such methods to free himself.

"So in the end, was it all for naught?" Erebus murmured.

We were back in my house, having just finished trying to talk to Depra, but no matter how hard they tried, he couldn't hear them. It seemed that I was one of the exceptions however…

"Not true Eru~! He was absolutely getting better. It just so happened that he managed to retrieve his memories again," Eros said, a sad smile on his face.

I turned to Necessitas, who was staring down at the floor. In the end, she still hadn't gotten her memories back. The doctors said it was a psychological block, and they had no clue what the key could be to unlocking it. So, we ended up telling her everything that had happened back then, but even now, she doesn't realize just how important Depra is to her, or to us…

"Hey, I have a question. It's a long shot, but if it works, then maybe we won't have to follow this plan anymore."

Everyone tensed up, and Necessitas sighed. "I already know what you're about to ask, and no, I can't. It seems whatever I did in the past, I screwed it up so bad that I can't even remember that I did it." She looked up at me, a sad smile on her face.

"And I already tried anyway, just to check. I can't undo my ability, nor can I rewrite such a huge event either. In fact, I bet it's partially my fault that Depra lost his family that day, and why you couldn't see anything beforehand about it…"

"That isn't true, and you know it," Aether said, causing looks of shock all around. "We were all there, and you were trying to help the best that you of lower ranking than Depra and I to the best of your abilities. If anything, we're all at fault for learning more about what you could do."

"A-Aether…" Hemera murmured, and Aether shrugged.

"It's not really a problem of mine of what you people who are beneath me do, but when it messes with someone of the same ranking as myself, then it pisses me off." He glanced at Erebus and Eros and sighed. "Besides, you're crucial to this plan needing to work, so you can't back out now. If you really feel shitty about it, then use up your meagre life in order to help save the person we all care about. Then you can feel sorry about what obviously didn't do."

"You know Aether, you really do have a unique way of getting your point across," Hemera said, and Aether rolled his eyes.

"Yeah, whatever."

"But it's what makes you, you, and it's what I quite like about you," Hemera continued, and Aether scowled at her before turning away.

"You should save your nice words for someone who might actually listen to you bright words."

I smiled. "Well, although it could've been better put together, he basically said what we were all thinking."

Necessitas looked away, hesitating before nodding to herself. "Honestly, you really need to work on your motivational speeches Aether."

"My speeches are fine."

"But thanks anyway. I may not have my memories, but…" She clutched her chest, looking at us all. "I feel that it's important to see this through till the end. So, I have no plans on giving up here, okay?"

Erebus let out a wicked grin. "As expected of my beloved Dark Empress! She always pushes through to see things through till the end!"

"And haven't I told you not to say I'm yours!?" We all laughed at their exchange; our resolve renewed once more.

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So, in the end, it seems today's the day, huh? Who would've thought it would've been this day of all days though, the day we tell our dear childhood friend everything that has happened to us over the past year, on his dear birthday.

I got tossed to ground, and I coughed, the pain from being carried still aching throughout me. I looked up to see a rusted over sword pointed at me, the wielder of the sword looking down at me with his glowing red eyes.

"So, it looks like today is the day you die."

But, the one thing I didn't consider at all, would be the boy standing in front of me, about to end my life here and now.

"I really don't know what you're talking about," I started, and his sword grew closer to my neck in an instant, pressing against my throat.

"I have but one thing to ask you before you die."

I looked up at him, scowling. "Yeah, what?"

"Your name? What is your name, so I can remember it with all the others I killed before you."

Seriously, who the hell is this guy, Shit, am I really about to die today?

"Answer me now."

"It's Lachesis." I said, and his eyes grew wide at my words as he pulled the sword back.

"L-Lachesis? You're not lying to me, are you!?" I flinched back as he yelled, the fear finally starting to creep into my being.

"N-No! I'm really not, my name is Lachesis!"

He grit his teeth as he sheathed his sword over his back. "Damn it all to hell then." His eyes stopped glowing, revealing a pair of black eyes. "It looks like it's your lucky day today then. I'm not allowed to kill one of you. You're too important to this world to die."

Eh? I watched him sigh, pushing his odd hair, which were white at the tips but transitioned into black the closer you got to his roots, away from his face as he glanced at me.

"If I were you, I wouldn't mess with that boy you were with. Him and the others, you should stay away from them."

He started to walk away, and I managed to stumble back to my feet before asking him something.

"Who are you?"

He stopped, looking back at me. "A living fucking Catastrophe, that's who."

I closed my eyes before opening them in shock. "I can't see anything with you either, just like with Hiro…"

"Don't compare me to that fucking bastard. I swear, I'll kill him one of these days," he growled out, his eyes flashing red before turning back to black.

"Wait, why can't I see with you either!?" I asked out, and he started to walk away as he waved me goodbye.

"Because there's nothing to see. Sorry for the trouble Lachesis, and I'll let you know if I find the others like you."

Huh? But before I could ask him anymore, he slashed his sword through the air and disappeared, leaving me alone at the bottom of the mountain, a small layer of snow on the ground underneath the clear blue sky.

"Oh, it stopped snowing," I groaned out, glancing up at the sky. Still, that guy is dangerous to be around. I shudder to think what might happen if I saw him with Iapetus in our plan…

I shook my head, pulling out my phone. I don't have a time to think about this right now, just follow the plan and everything will end up okay. "Okay, let's call this guy." I clicked on the contact named Stupid Idiot and called them, the phone ringing once before it answered with a click.

"Lachesis? Wh-!" Static cut him off, and I frowned at my phone before the static cleared back up. "Isn't here."

"Wait, what did you just say? I didn't hear any of that."

"Ugh, just… minute… okay?" Where the hell is he at where the reception is that spotty?

"Better?" His voice came out suddenly crisp and clear, and I let out a sigh.

"Yeah, it's good now. Where are you right now?"

"Hey, unless it's important, I really can't talk right now, since-!"

"It's happening today Hiro," I said, cutting him off, before a brief moment of silence on his end.

"Are you sure?"

"He got taken right in front of me before this catastrophe guy almost killed me."

"Wait, you don't mean the Invincible Catastrophe!? Why the hell was he with you? Wait, how are you not dead right now? He normally kills people like us without hesitation you know."

"So you do know him then," I said, starting to talk towards the bus stop. "I dunno what you did to him, but he seems pissed at you."

"Oh, he's just batshit crazy, don't really worry about him too much. He thinks I did something to him, but I only met him like 2 years ago. Enough about that, is it really happening today? You're absolutely certain?"

"Yeah, it is. Iapetus came and took him away about 30 minutes ago."

Silence again, before I heard a sigh on his end. "Damnit all to hell then. It just had to be today too…"

I stopped, glancing at my phone. "So, you can't make it?"

"No can-do sweetie, I've been preparing for something major on my end, and the plan goes into motion today. I might be able to get there later, but who knows how things will go…"

"Well, it was worth a shot anyway. I'll do this on my own, like originally planned then."

"You know, you really did go around this the wrong way."

"I have no clue what you're talking about," I said, continuing my slow walk to the bus stop, kicking up snow as I went along. "All this is for him and only him, so I can save him from doing something he'll regret again."

He let out another sigh. "And what about that other part, hmm?"

"Again, no clue what you're talking about."

"Like I thought, you really are a hopeless idiot. Hmm, what's up?" I could hear someone talking to him in the background. "Yeah I know, let me just finish up here, alright?" I heard the voice again, and even though I couldn't see him, I could feel the eye roll through the call. "Yeah whatever you say Miku rip-off."

"I'll send you the address just in case, alright?"

"Yep, thanks a bunch. And remember that a "Hiro" always arrives late just in time to save them all!"

"Shut up," I said, and he started to laugh.

"Anyway, Sayonara Lachesis."

"Yeah, bye Hiro." And with another click, the call ended, and I found myself in front of the bus stop.

I sat down on the bench, calling the next person I needed to speak to, the contact named Friend that is a Boy.

It didn't even ring once before it answered. "It's happening today then?"

"Yep, it sure is. How did you know that anyway?"

"You never call unless it's important, especially since it's today." Ah, so he did remember that today was important to me.

"So, what are you gonna do? I already talked it over to the others, so you're welcome to help with our plan."

"I'm good," he said curtly, and I scowled at his response.

"And why not?"

"Because I don't wanna be there when it happens."

"What are you talking about?"

"Don't play dumb, you know exactly what it is that I'm talking about, and I'm not going there just so I can see you fall flat on your face."

"… It'll work."

"Goodbye Lachesis." I looked at my phone in disbelief. He actually hung up on me. I called him again, and this time, he didn't answer.

I exhaled sharply through my nose. "Ugh, whatever. We should be able to do it with the seven of us." I looked up at the clear blue sky before sighing.

"It's gonna be a long day today."

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"It's finally here guys!" Hemera yelled out, a gleeful expression on her face.

We were inside our hideout, and I had gathered everyone crucial to our plan in here, which consisted of Hemera, Nyx, Necessitas, Aether, Eros, Erebus, and myself.

"No need to sound so happy about it, our King just got taken in one swift move you know. If this were chess we would've already lost," Nyx complained, shoving Hemera's head down.

"Enough guys, let's get focused here, since we don't have much time left," I said, and everyone quieted down as I began to speak.

"Like Nyx said, if this were chess, this fight of ours would be over by now," I started, and everyone's faces went grim at my words.

"But luckily for us, this isn't anything like chess. For one, as far as I can tell, they have no plans on killing our King," I said, looking down at a chessboard with seven pieces on one side and four pieces on the other.

I moved one of our pieces, the King, to the opposing force's side, leaving us with six pieces. "So instead, think of this like a search and rescue, or capture the enemy's prize, or something along those lines. So long as we get our King back away from them, we win, got it?" They all nodded as I started to go over the plan with them again.

"And our strategy to get our King back is quite simple: We're gonna rout each of their three main forces away from their King before going after their own King." I pulled three of the enemy's pieces, which were white, and pulled them forward. They were a Knight, Bishop, and Rook. "If we try to face all of them at once, we'll most definitely lose, no matter what we try to do."

"So we separate their three commanders and deal with them separately. Divide and Conquer so to speak," Aether said, and I nodded.

"Exactly. I won't be able to see who faces who until we get there, and the fighting starts, nor will I see their abilities, so be cautious when we start off, okay?"

"That's no matter to us. We'll be able to take them regardless of what they do~," Eros purred. "After all, they're all just lost lambs in my eyes~."

"Of course, nothing will be able to stand up to my strength," Aether agreed, and Nyx just rolled her eyes.

"You're the one I'm the most worried about Mr. Useless. You didn't even train over the last 7 years!"

"Please, I have no need to train against those beneath me," Aether said, nodding to himself, and I giggled.

"You'll all be fine, got it?"

"Is there anything else to the plan?" Necessitas asked, and I nodded.

"Getting to that. There are two important jobs that need to be done involving out two Queens," I said, pulling two black Queens from our side of the chessboard. "I'll tell you two more on the ride over there, but for now, everyone get ready. Grab everything you need for the fight, okay?"

Everyone nodded and dispersed within our hideout to grab what essential items they needed. Erebus grabbed a practice wooden sword, hiding it in his cloak before leaning against a nearby exit, waiting for the others. I walked over to him and pulled out an earpiece.

"Here, so we can stay in touch," I said, and he nodded, putting it in his ear before looking out the window. "By they way, why aren't you bringing your other sword with you?"

He let out a wicked grin. "I have no need for it against opponents such as these. After all, the only thing I slay are demons. There is no need to kill people, right? Besides, even without the power sealed within my right eye, my blazing red eye is more than enough to handle any of these enemies, and with my beloved Dark Empress on my side, we shall be unstoppable in getting glorious victory!"

"Who the hell said I was yours Erebus!?" Necessitas exclaimed, grabbing a pair of goggles before storming over to us.

"But remember, we have always been together since time immemorial! The love we feel for each other is unlike anything the world has ever seen!"

He got punched in the gut for that one, causing him to collapse on one knee. "A-as expected of my beloved. Her strength rivals my own…"

"Hey, maybe let's hold off on attacking each other until we get our King back, okay?" I said, looking at Necessitas.

I could see her eyes flaring red before rolling her eyes. "F-fine then, I'll let it go." I handed her an earpiece before she went to the other side of the hideout, and I let out a small smile.

Hopefully those two will end up together after all this.

I walked over to Aether and Eros, the latter who had just got done changing before wrapping a cloak around him.

"Hey, what did you just change into?" I asked, and Eros gave me a wink, sending off sparkles into the air.

"My dear Lachy~, you shouldn't ask me such things! It's a secret filled with love after all~!"

I handed him an earpiece, still curious before turning to Aether, who hadn't grabbed anything.

"Thanks, but you don't need to worry. I'll send those peasants flying," Aether said, who took the earpiece before putting it in his ear. "So, save your strategy making for the others, got it?"

"Whatever you say, I'll still worry. You're a dear friend and comrade of mine you know." I patted him on the shoulder before going to Hemera and Nyx.

I watched as Hemera put something around her hands before beaming at Nyx. "Oh man, thanks a bunch Nyx! My old ones melted, so I'm glad for these ones!"

"Seriously, how do you even manage something like that?" Nyx murmured, putting something on her fingers.

"For both of you," I said, handing them each an earpiece.

"Hey, so do you really think we can do this? I can't help but be worried…" Nyx muttered, and Hemera just slapped her on the back, laughing.

"Of course it'll be fine Nyx! You're too pessimistic, you know that!?"

"Ugh, and you shine too damn brightly to see anything wrong with anyone, you know that?" Nyx retorted, and I giggled.

"I spend years coming up with this plan, so it better damn work. We'll need that pessimism and optimism from you two though, so keep on at it!"

I received a cheery thumbs up and a dreary thumbs up in response, and I put on my headset, grabbing my bag before heading to the exit.

"Alright guys, I'll tell you the rest on the way there, got it?" I asked, and I got a chorus of yes' before we left, heading out to save our King.

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"So, this is the place then?" Necessitas asked, and I nodded, pulling up a safe distance away.

It was a giant white warehouse owned by Clymene Corporations, near the southernmost part of the city, with cameras all around the perimeter and inside the facility. There were also plenty of guards around too, armed with a mix of modern and medieval type weapons, from stun-batons and handguns to swords and spears, and from what I saw, they numbered in the hundreds. Another thing to note is that everything, from the ground to the badges the guards were wearing, all had a Clymene Corp logo on it, which was two white C's surrounded in a blue circle.

"Damn, that's some tight security Lachesis," Nyx muttered. "Are you sure the stuff I got you will work?"

I nodded, pulling out a computer that had access to Clymene Corp's security network that Nyx managed to buy with her connections her family had made when they abused Nyx's powers earlier in life. "Yep, if what Hiro gave me actually works, all we have to do is sit back and wait."

I booted up the laptop, it automatically logging in for me before I got taken to a firewall. I pulled out a small, white, strange device that Hiro lent me, placing it on the back of the laptop and turning it on, it whirring to life as it turned blue.

And in a blink of an eye, it took me to the camera feeds of the warehouse we were located at. I honestly had no clue how that device worked, nor do I know how Hiro managed to get his hands on this, but I appreciated it nonetheless.

"Alright then, I'm about to turn off all the security in the building," I said, looking back at the six people, all of them grinning at me. "Well, one more thing before we do this."

I pulled out a box from behind me, opening it up to see a variety of headgear inside.

"Oh! You remembered about these!?" Erebus exclaimed, pulling out his headgear, which was a purple Kabuto. "It has been far too long old friend! Let us go into battle once more!"

Necessitas pulled out her headgear, which was an orange Motorcycle helmet before scowling. "Is, this one mine?"

Everyone nodded, and she hesitated, looking it over before clutching it to her chest. "I see. It feels… familiar."

"Well, you're gonna need it for your part of the plan," I said, looking at the back of our van, where a black motorcycle was. "I wish we could've grabbed the most important part of our plan in the beginning, but I couldn't see her until now…"

Necessitas looked back at it and nodded. "Don't worry, I'll be sure to get back in time."

Hemera pulled out her yellow cowboy hat, grinning to herself. "Oh, it's been so long! I can't wait to feel like a cowgirl again!"

"In a way, you are one though," Nyx muttered, glancing at her chest before pulling out her hat, a blue tiara. "But man, why did I choose this back then? What am I, some sort of princess?"

"In my eyes, you are nothing of the sort," Aether said, grabbing his red baseball hat. "After all, even if you are princess, you are still beneath me in every way."

"Jeez, thanks Aether for the motivational speech," she responded, rolling her eyes as she placed her tiara on her head.

"Hmm, yes, I quite remember these things. I remember our King giving us all these after we gave him his crown," Eros purred, pulling out his pink beret. "Honestly, all of them were too big for us, but it seems we've grown into them rather well~."

I put the box away, looking back at the laptop. Let's see if it'll work…

"What do you mean security is down?" Iapetus yelled out.

"I don't know, it just happened so suddenly! The entire system is down, and we have no clue when it'll go back online sir!" A random guard reported, beads of sweat dripping down his face.

"Oh, why must this happen on this wonderful occasion! Our family reunion will at long last commence, and this occurs?" Iapetus squealed out, holding his body as his face flushed red.

"Do you think it's an attack?" Prometheus asked, readjusting his glasses. "It's a possibility, since we took the key away from that girl."

"Oh, she's dead. Mr. Catastrophe killed her after I went away!" He hummed in response, before turning back to the security guard with the utmost seriousness.

"SO, get it back online immedi-!"

There was a loud boom that shook the entire facility, and another guard came running up, going on one knee in front of the four.

"Sir, we're under attack! They just busted through and are making their way here!"

"OH, MY POOR SOUL!" Iapetus screeched out, and his three sons sighed.

I grinned, nodding to myself as I opened my eyes. "Alright guys, put your hats on, and then I'll tell you the last thing I need you all to do!"

They put their hats on, and Necessitas wheeled the motorcycle out of the van while the others turned to me.

"Take out all the guards in the area first, got it?"

Suddenly, Erebus disappeared before reappearing again. "Done, now what?"

I turned to front of the car, where all of them had been taken out. "Alright, then you just need to do this…"

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"Hey, are you sure it's okay to do this? It is private property after all."

"Oh, don't worry Nyx! They've kidnapped our friend, so what's some property damage?"

"I must agree~! After all, it's not like they'll know it's us with these hats on."

"Speak for yourself, mine doesn't even cover my face!"

"Hmph, worrying about trivial things is such like you all."

"Hey Aether, why're you sweating so much?"

"Guess I'm not the only one worried about this then…"

"Alright guys, you ready for this?"

"Yep!"

"As ready as I'll ever be."

"Hmph, dare you even ask?"

"Of course, dear Lachy~, lead us to victory~!"

"Let us save our King!"

"Very well, then say it loud and proud!"

"Shadow Bomb!"

"Nightfall!"

"Daybreak!"

"Love Prevails!"

"…"

"Let operation Save Depra King Commence!"

BOOM!

"WE'RE HERE TO SAVE YOU, KING!"

8:00 pm, The [Redacted] attack the warehouse to save their King.

And So, Let Their Battle, Commence!