———

Paper gently held Balloon in his arms. He let him cry— bawl— shriek. Whatever he needed. He held the young boy comfortingly, crying with him. A gentle hand pet his head and wiped his tears away. Providing soothing words to ease his pain. Paper could tell this wasn't the only time he's experienced something like this. The way he reacted made that clear.

Paper held Balloon and provided the comfort he needed as Balloon curled up in his arms a cried softly. His trembling never ceased as he hid in his wings.

OJ sat down next to Paper silently... looking worriedly at Paper, concerned on why he was behaving this way.

Paper ran his hand against his feathers. Hushing him and holding him as if he was an infant. Of course, not to belittle him, but because to Paper this WAS his baby. His child. He'd grown attached... every instinct told him to comfort him. To protect him.

Balloon went through so much... Held so strong for so long. He could defend himself— he could stand strong. But this was all just too much for him. Every single bit of stress crushing him like thousands of bricks. He never once got a break from his sorrows... All Paper wanted to do was shield him from the world.

He shifted Balloon in his arms so he could be more comfortable. He saw Balloon's spike of fear when this happened. He was scared Paper was going to abandon him. A clear sign of separation anxiety. He held him in a more comfortable position, whispering comforting words.

"It's okay... I've got you..." he reassured softly, brushing stray feathers and ooze from his wings, and running his hand across them comfortingly, tears in his eyes evident as he tried not to break down in that moment.

Balloon held onto Paper's cloak now. Not wanting him to let him go. Not letting him let go. He couldn't take it. The contact of someone he trusted provided him with the safety he desperately needed. His wings curling around him, his cries shifted to small whimpers. And they slowly eased as Paper hugged him tightly now... protectively holding him.

Balloon only wished Nickel could be here too.

Paper held onto the child in his arms allowing him to rest and cry. He finally took a moment to take in his surroundings. A cave. Right... they were in a cave... he tried to process what he'd saw...

The repeating events blurred together... But the one thing he couldn't get out of his head... What Cobs did to Balloon one of those times... The pain and taste of his own blood and tongue meat... he shivered and held Balloon tighter. Stroking the feathers with worry.

OJ reached out. "Paper are you alright—?!"

"DON'T TOUCH!!!" He slapped OJ's hand away, feeling Balloon flinch, followed by his own flinching as he looked into OJ's now hurt eyes. "I—I'm sorry! I'm sorry I'm—I—I'm so..." he covered his mouth and choked out a few tears. "..I didn't mean to I—..."

OJ scooted closer taking the two closer arms wrapped around them both. "It's alright... I understand." OJ murmured.

Paper leaned onto his husband and cried curling up around Balloon and into OJ's arms. "I want to— to protect them! It's so... So hard I... I just can't! I cant... do this!" He cried, blinking out tears through a shaky breath.

"We're all safe now... It's okay." He continued to comfort his husband. He gave him a few kisses on his forehead as he gave soft words of comfort.

Nickel sat there silently. His eyes teary and full of hopeless despair. He was shaking as his legs curled to his chest. He felt his bottom lip tremble and tears slowly fall down his face. He promised he would protect Balloon— he couldn't even save HIS BROTHER! Balloon is hurt and scared and it's all his fault!

He choked out a sob... but that's when he heard someone sit down against the cold stone wall next to him. Nickel glanced over, teary eyed into the eyes of Baseball.

Baseball stared back. "Are you alright...?" He asked softly, already knowing the answer.

Nickel didn't know what to say. He couldn't even shake his head he just— looked away silently. He blamed himself for all of it... He was such an idiot for thinking he was worthy. That he could ever make Balloon happy.

"It's not your fault. You know..." Baseball muttered in a slightly darker voice. "Don't beat yourself up over it."

Nickel said nothing. But looked to the side towards Baseball, still avoiding his eyes.

"That man— cobs was it? From when we got the battery... He— He wanted to hurt Balloon. He didn't even want anything to do with you... There's nothing you could've done. It was a lost cause." Baseball reassured, smiling softly.

Nickel sniffled and covered his crying eyes with his purple claws that flickered due to the overwhelming emotions that filled his mind.

"Maybe you should... Stay with me for a while? I can help you with anything...! And it's probably safer to stay away from Balloon for now since he's— uh... upset. Yeah. Upset." Baseball nodded.

Nickel mad a small 'm-Mhm...' in agreement... He didn't want to hurt Balloon more than he had already been hurting in this moment. He wanted to cry and vent to baseball. To search for comfort— but no matter who he turned to in this moment, he felt like he'd hurt them.

Baseball felt bad for taking advantage of the situation... but he was kind of desperate at this point. "It's going to be okay... I'm here for you." Baseball soothed.

Nickel curled up more and cried into his knees.

Lightbulb huffed as she sat down against the cave wall, poking at the coloured rock before her. Man it was all so weird... so stressful. She kinda sympathized with Fan's previous mindset— but only slightly. Things before were never really normal. She knew that. But... She really wanted it to be like before... she tugged at her eyelids to keep herself from crying and sighed slightly.

Baxter noticed her sadness and nudged her slightly with his nose. The beast kept doing so until it got her attention.

Lightbulb looked up at Baxter and was met with the roughness and slobber of a the Dragon's tongue. She yelped and spat out what little got in her mouth. As Baxter then attempted to be a— lap— dragon??? And laid on her legs. Which crushed them a bit. Lightbulb stared at Baxter silently cursing the pain beneath her breath. And patting his scales with a sigh. Despite the pain...

Baxter was a good boy.

Paintbrush soon sat down next to her. They look over at Lightbulb and opened their mouth to speak. But Lightbulb cut in.

"I'm fine." She gave a forced smile, before turning her eyes away with uncertainty and distress.

Paintbrush was caught slightly off guard, but frowned at Lightbulb's clear lie. They put their hands at their sides so they rested against the cold stone bellow. "It's okay to not be okay." They say, looking ahead rather than at Lightbulb.

"No—no it's not." She said with agitation clear as day. "If I'm not okay then you get upset! And if you're upset because I'm not happy then it's MY fault! And when YOU'RE upset everyone else is upset because EVERYONE likes you! And if it's my fault— everyone will hate me more!" She cried, rambling out her feelings. "They all think I'm weird..." She huffed.

Paintbrush immediately placed their hand on her shoulder. "No! Nono— no they don't..." they soothed worriedly.

Lightbulb looked to the side, her eyes narrowing. "They all baby me. Direct me and praise me like I'm a child...! And while I appreciate the extra help— I hate the little things! Like when they try to micromanage me when I play board games. 'Oh! Now you have seven properties! Good job!' But their faces seem uncomfy— and belittling! I'm not SIX. I can COUNT! I don't need praise for tiny things like a toddler! I don't need excluded from conversations because I'm immature! I can take it!" She ranted, throwing her hands up in the air in outrage.

Paintbrush frowned, and hugged themselves, rubbing their own forearms.

"The only person that hasn't treated me like a baby is— well... You..." Lightbulb admitted, turning her head to Paintbrush. "You scold me! Get angry with me— sure. But you treat me like a peer. Not a— silly kid that needs direction! Y'know? You never once questioned if my transition was— a faze or not...? You talk to me like an equal! And... You give me a kind look instead of a condescending one." She gave a small smile, that faded almost instantly. "I couldn't make you worry for somethin so stupid like my silly ideals..." she huffed.

Paintbrush's eyes fully softened. "I'm so sorry... I didn't notice everyone was... Treating you like that." They muttered off to the side. "But... Your ideals aren't silly. Even if you're often silly as a whole, that doesn't make your problems any less important." Their gaze returned to Lightbulb's face, which was stained with tears.

"But compared to everyone else— it's stupid! It's practically nothin!" She whined leaning up against Baxter.

Paintbrush sighed, and moved their hand back down, grabbing Lightbulb's hand so she'd pay attention to them. "Lightb—... Lighty...—" they corrected, "—The worst thing that's ever happened to you... Is still the worst thing that's ever happened to you. Other people's problems aren't something you should compare to yourself. You're allowed to grieve and feel bad about it..." They said softly, their eyes glinted with sympathy.

"I just...—" she felt tears more rapidly fall down her face, and had difficulty keeping her nose—that couldn't be seen—from dripping as she cried, "—I hate all of this! It throws off my whole life! Cant deal with it— It's so hard! There's nothing that's the same! I want to go back to before! I hate it! I hate it Painty!" She bawled wiping where her nose would be.

Baxter whined like a puppy from Lightbulb's distress.

Paintbrush didn't know what else to do, so they scooted over to the shorter girl and wrapped their arms around her, patting her back.

Lightbulb leaned into their comforting embrace and cried. It felt good to be able to talk about her problems... It was relieving she didn't have to bottle it up anymore.

Fan poked at some rocks on the ground. And avoided eye contact with Test Tube. Probably something to do with shame, though it was unclear what it was about. Fan didn't talk much anymore unless it was to Test Tube— or... Himself? He was very strange. But then again...

When was Fan NOT strange?

Test Tube watched Bot walk around in their digital world. She was curious on why Bot was observing the colourful rocks so closely. But shrugged it off. Test Tube then turned her eyes to Fan.

"How did you know where to find this place? I never saw anything like this in the episode and— this location seems deliberate." They asked, as she folded her hands in her lap.

"I trained myself here..." He answered straight forwardly, continuing to poke at the rocks.

"What?" She raised a brow.

"I used this cave to feel out my powers. Learn to use em." He shrugged uncomfortably. Still not looking up.

"Oh." She nodded, turning her gaze ahead again in thought. Fan learned to use his powers here which explained the rubble on the ground and the unnatural wall formation. "Did you— blow up that wall?" She pointed at the one across from them.

Fan perked up, and looked over. He grumbled and turned his gaze back down to the ground. "Yeah? It's just a wall..." he huffed.

"It looks like it used to... Have something on it." Test Tube squinted her eyes, picking up a piece of the rubble and observing it for a moment. The colours and symbols that looked like writing littered the stone, and ones similar around them.

Fan knocked it out of her hand. "It's nothing. The stupid thing was pointless anyway." He growled, now a bit agitated.

"Sorry..." Test Tube frowned, looking down.

Fan turned back to Test Tube with a softer gaze. "I did... Find something else." He admitted, he then sat up straight and adjusted his scarf.

Test Tube turned back to Fan, her ears open.

"It's further down the tunnel. I could show you." He shrugged. He seemed eager to show her for some reason.

Test Tube was intrigued, and nodded, beckoning Bot over and standing up. "Sure...!" She gave a kind smile, in the hopes Fan would return it.

He smiled for a moment. Fan then jumped to his feet, and then began towards the dark section of the cave tunnel. He made his hands glow as he guided Test Tube through the catacombs. He thought about what he should say. What he should show her first.

Test Tube followed, Bot observed every little detail. They documented things and found all of it fascinating, but that was nothing compared to both of their surprise when they saw the clearing out into the temple like structure within the cave. Test Tube let out a gasp. She observed the markings on the wall— and guided statues that were eroded and destroyed by time. Test Tube's hand traced the carvings.

"Do you like it?" Fan placed his hands on his hips triumphantly as he watched Test Tube's awe with slight pride.

"Yeah..." She whispered in awe, looking around at the temple further. She then turned to Fan. "Where— how did— what... What is this place?" She asked stepping closer to the the boy before her, glaring at his paper face with astonishment.

"I'm... Not sure. I kind of stumbled across it." He gave a small shrug, and turned to the stone arch with the two glowing symbols across the temple. Test Tube's gaze followed.

She took a few steps towards it, and Bot observed it in addition to the woman next to them. They approached the arch and observed each symbol that was engraved into it, and their eyes landed on one that seemed familiar to something they seen before.

"Isn't this the same symbol that's on the back of that Paper guy's hand?" They ask pointing towards it.

Test Tube observed it quietly and then gave a small nod. "I believe that is the same one, yes..." she walked over and placed her hand on the arch. "Hmm..."

Fan walked over in suit, he turned to Test Tube and pointed to one of the glowing symbols. "I touched the arch and that one began to glow." He stated, moving his hand back down looking between the vial and the arch.

Test Tube hummed in confusion. "Nothing happened when I touched it..." She muttered. "Maybe it has something to do with the cards..." she said in regulation.

"Do you think something will happen if Al of them light up?" He asked curiously, much more invested than he was before.

Test Tube made a sound of... Discomfort, as she thought about it. "What if it does something bad?" She suggested worriedly, Bot returning a nervous glance.

"We won't know until we try!" Fan shouted with excitement, he seemed to be shaking with it. His smile wide and his eyes sparkling despite the liquid shadow that soaked his body.

"I suppose... It would help my studies..." She shrugged with a nervous smile, happy for Fan's excitement.

He squealed and fist pumped, then grabbing Test Tube's arm and running back towards the others through the temple and down the tunnel.

Silver sat and adjusted his cloak over part of his face with a huff. He didn't want to be sitting on the filthy dirt below. He brushed any little piece of dust or grime that managed to find its way onto him off.

Candle laughed softly watching his futile attempt to clean himself. She placed a hand on Silver's shoulder. "You won't be able to keep yourself completely clean. It is something you simply must accept." Candle chuckled calmly.

Silver scoffed, "as if I would listen to your pestering dear!" He huffed, continuing his obsessive cleaning.

"You act worse than the one who calls themself a cleaning product." She sighed, glaring at him. Something in her eyes that almost seemed too nice. Too welcoming. "Perhaps you should relax...? I'm sure you're... very tired, yes?" She clenched her hand around his shoulder. What was meant to seem comforting to Silver. It was accompanied by her kind smile.

Silver felt... tired all of the sudden. Weaker. He stopped cleaning himself off so aggressively and just... gave in. Lying back against the wall. "I guess you're right? Ugh...! I feel disgusting." He spat. The energy loss wasn't too extreme, but was evident.

"It's only natural. The filth of a cave one isn't meant to be within naturally must be quite distressing." She sympathized calmly.

Silver grumbled and turned away.

Candle, now feeling more energized, took her hand off of the taller one beside her and faced Paper and Balloon. She glared silently, and sighed in annoyance. Maybe she should go for someone more vulnerable in the meantime. Her eyes then fell on Taco, who Microphone had put down and gone off to talk to the others around the cave.

Taco was the next best thing.

But also had many many people near her. It's not something she could tackle alone.

Her eyes glanced at each of the many that received a card, until her eyes landed on the smallest one of the bunch. Cobs didn't need her power... but... She was an easy target.

She silently noted Bow, and turned her gaze towards Test Tube and Fan who came rather quickly down the tunnel.

"Hey Uhm...—" Test Tube called, but Fan quickly cut in, pushing her to the side slightly through his excitement.

"—We found this super cool temple thing! It has glowing symbols!!! Like the one on your hand Paper!" He pointed with a smile. Eager for them all to follow.

Paper flinched, he looked over to Fan as he lifted his head from OJ. His eyes spilled their last tears and he sighed. Clutching Balloon tighter and standing up. "Do we really have to do this now? I— I just... I think we should rest...?" He whined, stroking the boy's head.

"We need time to recover." OJ growled, standing up behind Paper, and crossing his arms defensively.

Fan frowned and grumbled something under his breath... Thinking... "Guys...! Come on! What if it's important?!" Fan pushed, jabbing a finger at the three of them.

Paper jerked back defensively, and OJ growled in response, trudging over and grabbing him by his scarf, which made Test Tube yelp in surprise. Fan just grunted and bore teeth.

"We can't ACT without a PLAN. You did! And look where that got you..." He seethed, clenching his fist around him, feeling the squelch of the black ooze that had soaked into the scarf. "You may have been... Tossed around by Cobs... Yeah? But I STILL don't trust you..." OJ spat.

Test Tube shoved the two apart. And cleared her throat, staggering as words spilled from her mouth to try and defuse the situation. "G-guys! Hahah— Maybe it's worth a s-shot? To give it a try? We could learn more...! Perhaps figure out why all of th-this is happening! Eh?" She gave a nervous smile, her hand pushing Fan out of OJ's reach.

OJ scoffed and crossed his arms.

Paper whined and looked down at Balloon, who had his head buried into his chest. Paper bit his lip trying to stop it from trembling as he pondered his options. His eyes turned to Looseleaf.

Looseleaf was glaring at Fan but turned their gaze to Paper and sighed. Nodding bitterly, as if he was hesitant.

Paper sighed and took a few steps closer. Hushing Balloon's sobs beneath his breath. "Fine... We can take a quick look..." he muttered. If this had even the slightest chance of providing the answers to what was going on, he'd take it. Anything to protect the kids. He would do it.

Fan cheered and fist pumped. In contrast to his annoyed face he had a moment earlier. "Follow me!" He exclaimed rushing down the hall.

Test Tube sighed and face palmed, looking back at everyone who Paper and OJ were reluctantly ushering up from the ground. "He's... uh... excitable? I guess?" Test Tube shrugged.

"He seems to know more than he lets on." Mephone4 huffed, putting the jar back on his back. "He only gets like this when he rambled on about the show."

"People can change..." Test Tube frowned, her eyes nervously staring into Mephone4's more hostile ones. "He's trying his best! He wants to help now."

Mephone4 grumbled, and glared off to the side.

Many others also averted their eyes from Test Tube. Which made her feel isolated and nervous. "A-atleast some of you believe him right?" Test Tube asked, her lips raised into a nervous smile as she tried to reason with the crowd.

Lightbulb went to raise her hand but, looked at Paintbrush's face that said they didn't at all, and lowered is again, rubbing the back of her hand she was previously going to raise and averted her eyes to the floor.

Goo raised a gooey hand.

Yin and Yang, who had him on their hand both gave a sigh in unison. Yin then spoke up. "Goo, you don't even know Fan..."

Goo melted a bit looking down at the two. "Well yeah! But um... everyone should be given a chance!"

Yang growled.

Test Tube ignored their bickering and clenched their fists as she took a step forward. "Guys! Cant you tell he feels bad? He barely even LOOKS at me anymore! I can see the shame in his eyes! He SAVED Paintbrush! HES TRYING HIS DAMN HARDEST!!! WHY CANT YOU ALL DROP ALL OF YOUR STUPID GRUDGES?! The show is BEHIND us now! EVERYTHING IS CHANGING! WE NEED TO ADAPT AND BE THERE FOR EACH OTHER! There's no ROOM for spite!" She slammed her foot through her rage against the stone floor of the cave.

Many flinched and backed away.

Marshmallow sighed and stepped forward towards Test Tube, giving a firm nod. "I agree. Maybe it's time to work as a team. All of us as one, instead of our previous devisions like in the show... It's what's best for all of us." She explained. "You don't necessarily have to LIKE anyone here. But if we don't trust each other we will never make it through!"

The crowd talked amongst themselves and agreed. Some more reluctant than others.

Test Tube sighed and gave a kind smile then turning to Paper and OJ. "We can go now..." she turned and began walking towards the tunnel.

OJ and Paper looked at each other. Paper looking unstable, and OJ understood this nearly instantly, and wrapped his arm around him as they began to walk.

Microphone went over to help Pickle and Knife, but flinched forgetting about Taco. She turned and saw Taco standing up stubbornly on her own and limping by herself. "Taco... I don't think you should be walking on your own." Microphone informed worriedly.

Taco raised her hand as if to tell Microphone to stop. "I g-... I got it it." She muttered. Man her head was pounding ever since she laid eyes on that man...

"Are you sure? I could..." Microphone offered.

Taco shook her head. "I need to think about... s-something anyway..." She bit her lip, and turned her head away from Microphone. She was trying to stop Mic from worrying for her.

Microphone felt a little hurt, but gave a nod. Respecting Taco's space, and rushing over to Knife and Pickle.

Taco limped towards the tunnel. She was then approached by someone from behind, which caused her to flinch. Her head whipped around as she defensively raised her hands Assuming it was an attack.

Silver and Candle stood above her.

"My, my! You look like quite the mess my dear." Silver observed crossing his arms.

Candle nodded in agreement. Studying the girl below.

"Ugh... you don't need to remind me..." She boarded herself off, and growled through her teeth. Not wanting conflict, but also wanting to be left alone.

"Don't be so hostile, we only observed your condition and wished to help." Candle replied with a serene voice. Her eyes staring deeply into Taco's nearly piercing her soul.

Taco grumbled and clenched her fists. "I don't NEED any help." She spat, which caused Silver to flinch not wanting any of which on him.

Candle sighed.

"Why, I never!" Silver recoiled with a disgusted look. "Candle! Why in heavens name would you drag me over to this FIEND." He hissed.

"I saw her deny help that someone gracefully offered to her. I suppose I didn't think her selfishness and rudeness would seep into the everyone else around her. Perhaps she is just selfish like that?" Candle smiled at Silver. Giving a mean smile shortly after to Taco.

Taco flinched and panicked. "That's ridiculous! I—D—don't twist my words! Im just— I—!" She cried out in rage.

"Some people are just born to be terrible people... And just... Don't change I suppose." She sneered. Silver scoffed nodding his head as they walked off. "They don't deserve relationships with those who are chivalrous enough to offer them a hand in their time of need."

Silver, crossed his arms and gave a mean look to Taco before continuing on.

Candle—...

Echo had her third hand melt from her body and waved it, causing black Ooze to creep up towards Taco as she tried to Process what just happened. It deeper into her body, and she yelped, as a jolt of pain shot into her head. She... Felt so hopeless... and had to fight off tears as thoughts she previously never had crept into her mind and ate away at her.

Thoughts and memories spiralled through her head. She could've sworn she heard a whisper in the back of her mind. Telling her to do things.

She fought back everything as her legs barely moved, it dealt like she was dragging weights against the stone as she trudged her way down the cave which felt like it had been closing in around her...

The shadows crept into her back and rested inside her shell. Waiting for a time to strike. And fully take hold.

Taco could only bare through the beckoning whispers within he'd. She was too distraught to care where they even came from.

She just wanted to cry.

But the tears wouldn't come.

Marshmallow watched as everyone began to pass by. She gave a kind smile to everyone and took Apple's hand as she ran over trash to go. She clutched her teddy bear with a nervous smile. Marshmallow smiled down at Apple, and turned to Bow. But... Saw Silk there instead.

Bow jumped up and took Silk's hand. She gave a smile up to Silk, one of happiness that she had never previously displayed towards Marshmallow. The way she laughed and talked to Silk.

Marshmallow wanted to reach out. She felt tears sting her eyes, but quickly shook her head and approached the two. "Hey...! Uh... You gotta be careful! Bow might make you grow flowers!!! Ahah!" Marshmallow laughed.

"Oh! I, like, totes already know! But, like, thanks for the warning! She's quite the talker!" Silk smiled, as she held Bow's hand.

Marshmallow's hand trembled, and she thought of some sort of— excuse? Or something??? "W-well Uhm... If Bow ever wants to hang out! Im here!" She chimed, barely managing to keep her voice from trembling.

Silk nodded, "of course. Whenever she wants! Oh— uh. Thanks for, like, taking care of her kid! I was thinking she'd go on tour with me? After all this is over." Silk looked down at Bow, who seemed excited.

Marshmallow froze, and took a sharp yet shaky inhale. She was so happy for Bow... she finally found her family! B-but... now she felt... abandoned. "R-right... Yeah...." She whispered. If she spoke in a Normal volume she'd cry. And she knew it.

Silk gave a nod and Bow squealed excitedly. They both walked away and disappeared down the tunnel.

"What does tour mean?" Apple asked.

"Not now, Apple..." Marshmallow whined as she also began to reluctantly drag herself forward.

———

The group finally reached the arch. Many gasped at the temple that now surrounded them. Markings and gilded statues littered the area. Fan waiting for everyone excitedly near the arch. His feet tapping against the ground as he tried to contain himself.

Test Tube walked over, and turned to Paper, OJ, and Balloon who were following. They looked up at the massive arch and observed each symbol. Paper's eyes fell on the one that matched the back of his hand.

"Hey... that one looks like...—" Paper reached out to touch the massive structure, but upon contact with it the symbol began to glow. He flinched, startled. Everyone else observed the phenomena.

Test Tube gasped and Fan seemed ecstatic. Test Tube turned to Paper with a smile. "It must have something to do with the cards...!" She exclaimed, to Paper who was simply astonished.

OJ raised a brow, and reached over next. Once again, upon contact, the one that looked like a water droplet began to glow and sparked to life. "W-woah..." he muttered, a slight curious chuckle following.

Test Tube turned to the crowd as they approached in awe. Bow let go of Silk's hand giggling and ran up touching the wall. The one that looked like a square circling towards the centre flared up next. She stumbled back, part of the arch now covered in moss, but she was too wowed to notice. Bow clapped her hands with a grin.

"Do we even know what this does?" Silver asked reluctantly. "What if we let— I don't know... a Demon out." He waved his hand dramatically.

"Demons aren't real, Silver." Trophy grunted, turning to him with crossed arms and an annoyed glare.

"They might as WELL be! Considering what we saw back at that filthy mansion!" He retaliated, throwing both hands in the air, causing his cloak to be thrown around.

Trophy shook his head. "Just go touch the damn wall. Alright?"

"Well then! Fine! I suppose I will! Some cousin you claim to be... hmph...!" He walked off turning his nose up as he strode over to the arch. He then stuck out his hand with a now disgusted look. Silver poked the dusty thing, and then wiped it on Test Tube's scarf before crossing his arms spitefully with a scoff.

Test Tube recoiled and dusted her scarf off with a scowl.

The symbol that began to glow was one that resembled a lightning bolt.

Trophy rolled his eyes at Silver's snobby display. Disappointed in how his cousin was behaving.

Lightbulb was next to run up and touch the wall, and touched the structure with an exited smile, a star like symbol began to glow! She looked in awe, then she spun around and waited for Paintbrush to do the same. She placed her hands behind her back and swayed from her heals to her tip toes with a smile. Her face still a little flushed from her cry earlier.

Paintbrush sighed reluctantly touching it. They look up as the symbol on the carved stone flowed up like a flame to life. The carving itself looked like a fire. The glow mesmerized them, and they continued to glare at it as they stepped back to be with Lightbulb. This just... felt right for some reason.

Baxter huffed a sparkly light from their snout and let his tail sway happily, like an excited puppy.

Baseball nudged Nickel up comfortingly, touching only his sweater so he wouldn't die. And Nickel whined sadly, and walked reluctantly towards the arch, and placed his foot against it. He felt anxiety tug at him as he avoided the gaze of OJ, Paper, and Balloon. His mind clouded by horrible thoughts as he watched the symbol that appeared to be a skull glow on the structure embedded in the temple walls before him. He then backed up and retreated to Baseball.

Paper wondered why Nickel was acting so strangely.

Test Tube glanced around the room, and saw Taco in the back. She saw Microphone was off helping Knife and Pickle, and gave a sigh, jogging over to Taco and helping her up towards where she needed to be. Taco tried to tell or fight Test Tube off, but she was feeling so... overwhelmed and hopeless to fight against it.

Test Tube placed her down and watched her step towards it.

Taco placed a hand on the stone wall before her and watched the symbol that appeared to be an eye glow on the arch. She sighed and stepped away. Slumping down and frowning as she rested deep in thought.

"One more!" Fan exclaimed, rushing up to Test Tube. He smiled practically shaking in excitement. And looked back noticing something... "Wh..."

Test Tube looked up. at the arch. All of them were glowing... There was nothing. Nothing happened... Test Tube looked at all the glowing symbols. "Uh..." she looked at them all. The one that had been glowing prior to Fan's symbol caught her eye. "Who made that one glow?" She pointed out.

Fan shrugged "It was like that when I got here." He said, putting his hands on his hips. Not saying how there was another symbol.

She observed it. Two swirls going in opposite directions. "Looks like wind? Should have been Balloon's right?" Test Tube asked raising a brow. "That's the powers he's displayed if I'm remembering correctly." Test Tube pondered out loud.

"I don't think he's touched the arch yet." Fan narrowed his eyes looking towards Paper who was holding him still. Having to speak up due to the chattering of everyone behind them.

"That's... weird..." She huffed, placing a hand on her chin as she pondered, perhaps there was a hidden symbol or crest... "I wonder..." Test Tube turned to Paper.

Paper perked up, and turned to face Test Tube, noticing her clear desire for his attention. He spoke up, "yes?" He asked.

"Can you uh... get Balloon to touch the arch? Please?" Test Tube asked politely, she then folded her hands on her lap.

"Oh... uh...r-right..." He nodded, and looked down at Balloon to speak, "hey buddy...! Do you think you can— uh... reach out and touch the thing?" He whispered, stepping towards the arch.

He looked over and sighed shakily. Giving a little nod. "Yeah..." he whispered, still a bit shaky. He was scared but... Would listen to Paper. His hand reached out and pressed against the stone arch. He made a sound as if it was— hurting him. Or expending some sort of energy. The entire wall of the temple began to glow. And the ground began to rumble.

Everyone gasped and panicked as the walls began to move and turn. Symbols lining up and creating patterns as they began to glow and shift becoming a bright light. The glided sections of statues now glowing and sections of stone clicked into place.

The archway began to glow, and the centre emitted a light that was brighter than anything they'd ever seen before. People shielded their eyes as wind blew and emitted from the archway as it glowed brighter and brighter. Balloon cried out his eyes glowing that shimmering collection of colours from before, his hands and feather tips following.

Paper gasped and tried to pull Balloon away from the arch, as it continued to glow brighter. The temple still changing almost like it was refurbishing itself. OJ grabbed onto Paper protectively.

Collective screams and cries rang out as everything changed and shifted. Light overwhelmed the group until it all suddenly stopped.

Silence.

"What the FUCK was that?!" Paintbrush hissed, their gaze then snapped to Fan, as they let go of Lightbulb to approach him. "YOU! You wanted this! why?! What did we just do—activate—WHATEVER!" Their flame flashed from purple to a blood red as they clenched their fist. "What's with the arch thing?!" Paintbrush snapped.

Fan was just staring at the glow coming from the arch. "It's... a gateway I think..." he whispered in awe. As if it was the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen.

Test Tube walked forward and reached their hand out. Into the light. A cold breeze was on the other side, which startled her and she yanked her hand away and stood back. "Woah..."

"I wonder where it goes..." Fan muttered, stepping towards light, his stride certain, and his face mesmerized.

"F-Fan wait— we don't know if it's safe!" Test Tube called worriedly.

Fan stepped through it and disappeared. Into the light of gateway before him. Being engulfed by whatever laid behind it.

Test Tube flinched, frozen in fear and worry. "F-Fan...?!" She called, hoping to receive an answer. But nobody called back. Test Tube swallowed nervously and glanced to Paintbrush with a worried look in her eye.

Paintbrush took a step back and looked towards Lightbulb. Reaching out a hand to grab her shoulder. "We should really—..."

...

"Lightbulb?" They looked around, as their hand failed to grab onto the object they were just standing next to. "Lightbulb—?!" They look towards the gateway.

Just as Lightbulb curiously leaped in without a second thought. Baxter bounded over and looked at the gateway. Then sniffing the air to locate where Lightbulb had gone.

Paintbrush grabbed the side of their head out of panic. "LIGHTBULB?!" They called with wide eyes.

Test Tube's worried calls soon followed.

Paintbrush looked back at the panicking individuals that were unsure and scared and whipped their head back to Test Tube and the gate. They made an unsure whine looking between the two options they had. Worried about Lightbulb. Their fire glowing a bright purple as they chewed their nails out of nervousness. They yelled in fear and frustration. "For FUCKS SAKES!" They cried, before running towards the light after Lightbulb.

Baxter flinched and followed.

Test Tube yelped as Paintbrush bolted past her. She tried to call out to Paintbrush— but they were gone.

Paper and OJ panicked and looked between the many that now were panicking.

Yinyang stared at at the light. "Yin! I want to go into the big door!" Yang called through grinning teeth.

Yin tried to pull Yang away. "No—! It could be dangerous!" He warned, but Yang quickly over powered the will of Yin and dashed towards the light and jumped through.

"Weee!!!" Goo shouted.

Silver narrowed his eyes and took a step back, but Candle grabbed his wrist and began to walk towards the gateway with closed eyes and a calm smile. "Have you no faith?" She asked in a serene calm voice.

Silver tried to pull away. "Wait— I— I don't think this is a good Idea dear-!" He warned but Candle just kept walking until they stepped through.

Paper took a step back slashing Balloon down to the floor and holding his hand with a disturbed look on his face.

Balloon's wings wrapped tightly and defensively around his body. Watching one after another people approach the light of the arch, and jump in.

Knife groaned and stepped towards it with Microphone and Pickle behind him. He ended up stopping behind Trophy, who seemed nervous. Calling out Silver's name.

"Move..." Knife growled glaring up at Trophy as he leaned on Mic and Pickle for support.

Trophy took a step away. "I don't think that—..."

"Fucking move!" He then kicked Trophy in, hearing a yelp that faded quite fast. Knife then groaned turned to the other two. "Let's go I guess..." he muttered, irritable due to injury.

Pickle and Mic both bud in unison, and the three enter in suit.

Taco watched them enter, and gave a nervous sigh, before going through. The cold breeze on her lettuce and face helped soothe the pain of her burns as she disappeared from view.

Bow moved up to it. Marshmallows worriedly watched this happen. And stepped towards the glowing gate as well. Silk nervously walked up to Bow. Silk reached out her hand but...

She was stopped.

Her eyes narrowed and she tapped the force that kept her from entering. "What...?!" She pushed and hit it.

Bow looked at the phenomena and reached out to her sister. But her hand was grabbed by Marshmallow. She gasped and tried to pull her hand away. "Marsh—?! Marsh! I need to help my sis!" She called.

"We have to go with everyone else!" Marshmallow beckoned, feeling bad for forcing the situation. Apple clutched Marshmallow's hand tighter.

"No! Marsh! Let go—!" She called, but was quickly pulled through the portal.

Silk hit the force field. She pounded her fist against it calling relentlessly for Bow and Marshmallow to return. But to no avail. She was left alone.

Baseball helped Nickel towards the gateway and huffed as they stood next to each other. "It's going to be okay..." Baseball comforted.

"I don't trust this..." Nickel muttered with a frown.

"I'll be with you every step of the way...! C'mon." He stepped forwards into the light.

Nickel took a step forwards. And made the mistake of glancing at Balloon. He looked so sad and lonely. Like he was calling for Nicke to go to him. Nickel almost took up on that offer— but stopped himself. Remembering what Baseball told him. He didn't want to hurt Balloon more in this moment... he didn't know what to do. Him being there had always helped before... But... Balloon had Paper now, right?

He made a whine, and tore his eyes away, jumping into the gate.

Balloon flinched with his mouth agape. His body ached from the energy he just expanded and he held back tears. His hand that had been help by Paper's clenched as his bottom lip trembled.

Paper looked to OJ once more. "We shouldn't be doing this...!" Paper muttered his body shaking.

"What other choice do we have? Cobs knows where we are... and he will just... Keep coming if we don't leave. Whatever is in there MUST be better and safer than what's out here." OJ informed with a certain and determined stare.

Paper looked into his husband's eyes, and took a shaky breath, nodding shorty after.

OJ took a step towards the light, and let the glow of the arch embrace him as he disappeared into whatever lied behind it.

Paper watched this happen. Now the only people here was Silk, who was standing off to the side, him, and Balloon.

Balloon shakily looked up at Paper.

Paper looked down at Balloon and sighed, "we can do this... Okay?" He smiled. His eyes landed on Looseleaf next, who gave a nod to Paper. Paper smiled softly and blinked, his eyes back on Balloon. "I'll keep you safe."

They stepped towards the portal. And allowed the light to take them too.

———

—𝓐𝓡𝓒 𝓣𝓦𝓞, 𝓔𝓝𝓓—

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Oops! Accidentally wrote 7000+ words!!! 😝

Hope you enjoyed!!! <3

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