'Am I breathing?' He'd pause as his brain was pulsating trying to function. 'How could I be doing such a thing? I lost that right..awhile ago' His head, and lungs throbbed horribly. His body felt leeched of all life, yet here he was breathing. His throat felt like scars ran down on the inside, and itched like a hell. That blood still leaving it's horrific taste at the back of his mouth. Blood that was to be thrown up, but he was breathing again. 'Why am I alive?' Shaiapouf's cold blue blood felt itself roaming his body again, and he found himself terrified feelings such things. His guts swirled and turned to the point of Pouf wanting to sob lightly. 'What's making me breathe?..' This line of thinking made him crave information desperately. Even if it it felt like ripping apart glue on his eyes, they flung open trying to make sense of anything. Their amber color only showing the emptiness that laid within his heart when he was presumably dead. Those colors shifting into confusion, and displaying hollowness from not being able to think much. As more seconds passed, more light was able to seep into his eyes that made blurry shapes. However, none of them were familiar to him. The touch of the fabrics beneath him, nor even the smell was comforting. Nothing was the same as when he died on that filthy dirt in front of a destroyed palace. A pure metaphor for how he saw the Ant Kingdom crumble purely.

His eyes were glossy as the fuzzy things turned into an actual environment. A tired frown stuck to his expression, and all his skin was insanely dry. Water gently left his eyes to rehydrate them, and to clear Pouf's vision even more. The ceiling were simple white tiles, and in the corner of his eyes were walls of glass with machines on the outside. They seemed to be medical devices with their light glow, but he refused to think about such small details right now. The wings folded behind his back managed to slip out, but only a sliver to try and stretch them. Their multi-colored glow barely making a visible appearance without the eye of nen. After a minute, he was finally able to just sit up in such a mysterious area. The bed making the tiniest squeak, and Pouf's Chimera senses taking in more details of his surroundings. His legs slowly raising themselves as if on a puppet on a string. Or that's how Pouf imagined it. He was having a hard time being comfortable in his body right now. He then noticed his change of attire by glancing down. They weren't the clothes he climbed out with after leaving his egg. It was strange to feel something so new against his skin, but he oddly didn't mind. It was called a night gown, but he didn't know that. Rather thinking of it as a formal medical dress seeing as he seemed to have woken up in a hospital like setting. But no one else was here? " What..?"

Pouf said his first word. His throat still hurt horrifically, but he needed to express himself in someway. He suddenly felt alone realizing he had no idea where Pitou or Youpi had gone. With that jab of realization came another one like a strike of thunder to his soul.

" Where, Where is my King?!"

He loudly yelped, and tried to shoot out the bed with his weak legs barely being able to hold up his body. He gridded his teeth, and leaned against one of the glass walls with his hands. His eyes were wide while his pupils shook and darted anywhere for an escape. Shaiapouf's brain pounded already being filled with this much stress, but he had to know. More water was filling up his eyes, but not to hydrate himself but to sob sadly at how weak his body was. How scared he was at just the thought of the king being hurt triggered him. Soon enough, flowing tears were streaming down his face as he desperately tried to use nen with even brute force to leave the room. Unfortunately, it was like his nen couldn't be used in here from stress and his body had gotten so fragile that he couldn't even break glass. His cries filled the inside of his glass cage as well as the outside observing area.

" I am.. a truly terrible royal guard."

He'd weep to himself as he now tried clawing at his confinement. There was a door just beyond this glass wall that could set him free, yet he couldn't even muster up that strength. The daggers in his eyes targeted that door just wishing for some kind of miracle. But Pouf knew better than to think positive in situations like this. His clothe-like wings would slowly wrap around him for warmth as he slid down to the ground unsure what to do. There wasn't anything else in the room besides the bed. The ceiling, and the wall behind the bed were white tiles and everything else around him was a large glass window. It was a strange build considering there didn't seem to be a door built in. Making him wonder how he even got in there. Eventually, he would slowly let his large wingspan comfort him as best he could. If he even wanted to plan to get out of here, Pouf needed to calm down first. His antenna gently twitching as a stim to see if that repetitive movement could make him soothed. Pouf stared down at his skin once more, and he seemed puzzled seeing his skin had somehow gotten even paler.

" W-Where is my King?.. But even if I did know, would he want this as a royal guard? I am worthless now. I'm supposed to be dead.."

A hand went to his nose as he sniffled. Finally, he closed his eyes for a moment hoping to regain some strength after rest. However all of that calming down would be in vain as he heard that door on the other side open. Instincts kicked in as he swiftly launched himself towards the other side of his glass prison to look back at this new person. He couldn't trust a thing. Not in any condition like this at least. With his back against a wall, he was willing to accept the worst of the worst. If it meant possibly rejoining back with his king, then it was worth it to face off any size of brute. However, he laid eyes on someone who didn't even appear to be a monster. The new voice that rang out didn't even sound annoyed with his awakening.

" Please don't worry! I'm not going to bite, or anything. Promise!"

This was definitely a human In Shaiapouf's eyes. His own breathing was irregular until the stranger came in though. He would finally create a fair pattern of breath as he watched this oddly cheery man enter the room. A behavior he never thought he would see in a hostage holder. At least in the Ant's eyes.

The human would take a chair that was hidden behind one of the large grey machines outside and simply take a seat down close to the glass. It even managed to creep him out how this person seemed to not find him as any type of threat. The blond outside even looked highly interested with a smile. What emotion was behind that smile? Pouf couldn't tell. The chimera ant went quiet to simply stare.

" Oh, I'm sorry. You must be confused. I'm Pariston Hill. Or you could call me Paris if you wanna be friends!"

Paris chuckled a little knowing damn well what kind of torment this ant could be going through. He just needed to see Pouf's behavior first to figure out how to approach him. Every single profile that this man has gotten on Shaiapouf told him that he was one of the toughest ants to work with. A very emotionally unstable one he wanted to see what he could do with. But as it seems, the ant didn't even wanna speak with him. However, his smile would keep going.

" Your wings are awfully pretty, have you always had them? I didn't get to see much, but when you flew they were amazing. Heard your cries, and couldn't help myself but try to help."

His leg would cross over his other as he was sitting. His hands also coming together to hold each other from excitement from the thought of a new toy.

Back inside the glass room, Pouf was losing his mind trying to figure out what this man could possibly want. Surely, he had to know what a threat he could be to his life.. right? As Pariston was about to open his mouth again to speak in the one sided conversation, Pouf slowly stood back up.

" You.."

He bit the inside of his cheek as he would walk his way closer towards Paris' side.

" You think I'm a joke! I am a royal guard! I could kill you in less a second!"

Paris was a bit drawn back, but was somewhat expecting it too. He put a hand to his chest, and gently slid back gently in his rolling chair.

" What makes you think that, dear? We've just met. Ah yes, I am aware of your previous position. What a grand job... What was great about your king?"

The glass was as thin as paper yet tough as steel. Thankfully, Pouf could even hear his mumbles behind the glass. Even with how helpful it was, Pouf almost wished he couldn't hear the other at all. What were these kind words such as 'dear'? Did this human see him lower and did he trap him? What did Pariston feel towards him? It badly confused him which just made him even more upset. A hand would be put to the glass in anger hearing the king being brought into this conversation. It reminded him of his real goal.

" You've trapped me like an animal. Treating me no more than a pet in a zoo cage. And get my king's name out of your mouth, you filthy human. Let me out now. I need to see my King." The worst voice leaving him due to exhaustion, and pure rage towards this new human he barely knew.

" Awwwwee, I wish I could! Really. You seem like you'd be happier out here, but there's something you need to know. Well actually two, but I can save the worst for last." His own brown eyes would seem more intrigued in this reaction of pure destructive loyalty Pouf had for his King. The poor shaking butterfly on the other wall could only stare wondering what awful news he could bring. His aggressive mouth soon falling back towards a frown as he made eye contact with this new human. Nothing came off as deceitful in his tone, and all he could really do was listen to his captor.

Paris would clear his throat.

" When we found your body, you were in a awful condition. So I had you put in here to recover is all. I didn't want something as handsome as this going to waste, you know?" He'd somehow mange to laugh at this sick situation.

" Why? Just.. Just let me go. I don't even want to waste time with you. My king needs me. Don't you get it? Why keep me alive if I can't serve my King?" Pouf's attitude simply got worse glaring at him. Paris would quietly exhale some air, and then he would mimic the other's hand against the glass. Pariston would slowly slide in his hand on the glass where Pouf's was on the other side. His eyelids would lower, and his voice would turn nearly silent. He needed to make sure this message came across as crystal clear. With the sincerity that came with a show of innocent eyes, and a warming hand on the other side of the wall. Something that almost reached into Pouf's heart seeing how upset he supposedly was.

" Shaiapouf."

Paris would lean closer towards the glass slowly looking up at him.

" Your King is dead."

A shockwave of emotion would soar through his guts like a hawk tearing open his insides. This couldn't be real. Shaiapouf would stare at the human. His pupils conveying that he had just lost his spark for living. Surprisingly, he didn't react by attacking the glass. Screeching at the other blond. Or straight up try to kill Pariston for lying to him. Rather, it looked like he took a simple step back to take a deep breath. Paris leaned in close to watch this royal guard's emotional breakdown, but even he couldn't find pleasure in the way Pouf reacted. He exploded.

—

Shaiapouf's body physically exploded with a horrifying wail. The agonizing truth, and believable truth sent him into a frenzy. His nen particles being so disturbed that suddenly there were thousands of tiny beezlebubs swarming, and creating a tornado within the glass prison. The normally beautiful rainbow glitter distorting into the many mini terrified screams of Pouf. The core of himself being the eye of the storm. Inside he was squeaking how he had truly failed as a royal guard, and that this was all his fault due to his incompetent actions. There were now thousands of voices wailing about how he deserved his death. How he wish he were dead. And how he wish this human would just kill him already. There were so many tears coming from each little Pouf that the ground was becoming flooded.

Pariston on the other side of the storm had flown back observing this horrific scene that he had caused. His eyes becoming wide for once, and his hands shaking under all this intensity. He'd shake off his worries and go back towards this depressing infestation.

" Shaiapouf.."

He'd sigh out almost as if he were annoyed. His stare becoming a dissatisfied look, and the man would go to one of the machines attached to the glass. There was a gentle rumble of the machine, but it's volume couldn't be louder than the ant genuinely losing their mind. A light pink gas had dispersed inside of the glass room, and Pouf was quick to determine this as a poisonous to kill off his variants. But as much as he inhaled, his lungs and body stayed rather strong. As much as he wanted to gag and cough to the end again, this was only a sleeping gas. Just as quick as the mayhem had started, flies suddenly dropped to the ground in exhaustion. Shaiapouf's particles slowly seeping back into the core as he thought previously over everything he had done to protect his dear king. The main Pouf was growing back to his usual form, but you could see the lifeless expression on his face. He wanted to fall asleep, but all this stress was keeping him up to regret all of his past. Just because the main Pouf had been brought back, doesn't mean that the crying would end either. The gas had stopped spraying making it easy to see what a vulnerable position the ant was in. His back was against the bed, and sitting on the floor surrounded by puddles of his own tears that frankly could make anyone cry at. Fountains leaked out of his face still, but a new noise would enter the already tense atmosphere. A quiet shifting of metal made it where a bit of the glass slid down into the floor. Just enough to be a doorway, and for the man in the suit to slip in to get his first look at this creature in person. His shiny shoes making a light squeak in the water that surrounded them now. Both of them were quiet for awhile. They both knew Pouf was in his weakest state. A perfect time to actually talk. Eventually the butterfly would slowly raise himself back up again. His thin legs trying to step away from this weird looking human. Another rare instance in his ant life that he understood fear. A million questions raced through his mind as Paris looked at him with intent.

" Why?"

" Hm?"

" Why am I here? Did you keep me alive to torture me for the humans I've hurt back at East Gorteau?"

His glossy eyes making eye contact with the other. The sleeping gas he inhaled earlier would take long to affect him, but that doesn't mean he wouldn't eventually go to sleep. His senses even starting to get woozy.

" Oh goodness, No! I just.. needed your assistance is all."

" And after that you'll throw me out?"

Pouf quickly retorted not wanting to speak with a lowly human that could possibly have him bested in this situation. He couldn't bare having positive thoughts anymore. Not with his king probably dead. Pariston simply responded with a firm shake of his head opening his mouth again.

" You believed me rather fast about your king being dead.. Why is that?" His eyes would purposefully go soft, and his body would ever so slowly sit on the ground with the other blond. Odd behavior but this was an odd situation. Pouf however didn't appreciate this kind approach compared to his stabbing words.

" Are you insinuating that I thought my king was weak? Even if it is my responsibility to take protect him, I know his power but.. I know the strength of human trickery too.."

" Trickery?" A pleased look would go across his face as he felt the hand of the other wrap around his neck. Pouf's glare piercing through him, but Paris' excitement of his life on the line was far greater of an emotion. It confused the chimera ant to no end seeing a human being so relaxed in his blood ridden hands. Countless humans had fallen under the king's rule, but this one seemed so intriguing to this royal guard. Pouf's fingers would lightly press against the middle of Pariston's throat, and do a rather immature growl.

" It was a damned bomb at first that left him in that weakened state and-and he wouldn't stop thinking of that stupid girl! Once he was reminded, it was all over! Everything I had worked so hard for was for nothing..nothing.." His rage simply causing more tears again. The ant's eyes starting to turn a light red from how much he had wept in that hour. He shut his eyes with his grip on Paris simply getting tighter. Instead of the hostility he expected from someone choking him out, this embrace was rather soft in nature.

" You wouldn't kill me.. would you? I am simply here to give you a new purpose afterall."

Paris hummed as he would slowly wrap his arms around Pouf's sides, and pull him into an embrace the ant had never experienced before.

A hug.

He felt his insides somewhat calm down, but his skin was still on edge. The human's warm blood combating with his own colder one. His eyes were wide from fear, but his own hands would stop applying pressure on the human's throat. Unlike his, Pariston's movements and hands were firm against him. He knew what he wanted, while the ant simply shook uncontrollably. The human's chin would soon rest against the butterfly's shoulder, and Pouf would let out another sound of pure agony. Not from all his physical injuries, but from this mental exhaustion and a haunting question that came to his mind fast.

" Purpose..?"

He'd repeat in a whisper wondering what exactly he would do now with his king gone. All of his literal life had been serving a being that couldn't even show affection towards them. Something Pouf didn't care all that much about because he knew his existence. Why he was born at all. But with his king gone, what was he to do? No one he knew previously was close by, Pouf he could only assume that they were dead as well. It physically hurt to cry anymore. That didn't stop him though. The ant silently sobbed as this utter stranger was trying to calm him down with a weird gesture. Paris would notice this pain, and slowly withdraw his arms from the other. It was to not overwhelm anymore, but this new lack of physical touch made Shaiapouf lonely.

" Sorry, Should I not have said that? I mean.. I."

Pariston was immediately, and forced back into the hug he originally started by the extremely love-craving and touch starved being. This was Pouf's arms going from his neck frighteningly fast towards Pariston's back to pull him closer. Not to harm him. Just wanting to feel this physical touch that made him feel content again. Humans were difficult for his mind to wrap around, but he did know how soft these creatures were. But he never expected to have given into their softness of emotions. It was really quiet for awhile with the ant telling Paris to be quiet whenever he would try to speak again. The royal guard that had once formally hated the human race for ruining his own kingdom, was now holding one close in his arms. Something he had never done before. Even with Komugi, he was never allowed to lay a single finger on her as much as he hated her. Yet, here he was grasping for any form of comfort that forced him to latch on to this weirdo. Pariston's soft golden hair reminded him of his own, and he would start really wondering how similar they could be. His eyes would glance down with his heart going rapid from anxieties, but him finding an inner peace from feeling the weight of the other on him.

" Pariston, was it?"

Pouf said rather quietly looking into the man's browner eyes just trying his best to look for any malicious intent, but again nothing. His eyes were finally becoming weary.

" Yes, sir?"

Paris smiled knowing he remembered his name.

" Is there anyway I could see my king's corpse? A goodbye would at least soothe me.." His sad eyes drifting away towards the door outside this glass room. However, he wasn't sure how to feel about escaping anymore. There would be nothing familiar on the outside, and all he had was Pariston after only a few minutes of meeting.

" Getting back to the NGL would be difficult now considering everything that happened a month ago. But I'm sure you could find him with your wings whenever you wanted. But please rest for now." He'd explain back, and slowly start moving his body back up.

" A month ago..?"

Pouf's eyes was simply losing more, and more hope. Pariston cherished this sight, but he realized he probably signed up for more hug time with Pouf seeing what a frown he had now. He was barely moving his body. It was an odd position, but finally the butterfly would fall into a reluctant slumber. Paris would slide out of the other male's arms, and look down at the broken soldier. He'd used what strength he had to lay Shaiapouf on the hospital-like bed, and carefully wrap him in the thin blue sheets. The human would then leave the glass room, but stay in the observing area just outside the glass to watch the butterfly from afar. He seemed to be breathing peacefully despite the volcano eruption he went through. Paris would take the chair he had gotten out earlier, and put it back behind a desk.

" You poor poor thing. I'll take care of you.. but be careful."