("Everyone keeps telling me you're the bad guy." "Then you should probably listen to them." "You don't seem like a bad guy." "No?" "No! Why? Do you believe them?" "Kind of... Whatever just leave me alone. I have a reputation to uphold." "Yeah well it's a bad one!" "Yeah well so far it's kept me alive")

??? P.O.V

I walk through the forest, keeping my head down. If it weren't for that stupid Prince I might've had something to eat today.

I hear leaves rustling and my head shoots up. I look around and notice some light blue hiding behind a tree. I take out my knife and stare at the tree.

"Who's out there? Show yourself!" Slowly, a man comes out from behind the tree. He has his hands in the air to show he isn't armed but I don't believe it for a second. Actually, I think I recognize this man.

A blue polo shirt with a grey cardigan. Wearing glasses.. Wait- is this one of the main three?

"Who are you? Why were you following me?" The man looks nervous and I lower my arms a bit, still keeping the knife pointed at him.

"I-I'm Morality. I wasn't following you- I swear! I just got lost and..." He trails off as he looks me in the eyes, my black mask covering my mouth and nose.

"Are you... Anxiety?" I tense at the name and hear a gun cock from behind me. This was a trap. Of course it's a trap why wouldn't it be?!

"Drop the knife." I'm surprised it isn't the Prince himself. It's one of his guards. I can't believe I let a guard sneak up on me.

"Wha- hey no! It's ok! I was the one who snuck up on him he was just defending himself!" As Morality talked he came over towards me. I feel an uneasiness in my stomach. I need to get home soon.

"Morality! You realize that the Prince has ordered me to receive this villain, correct?" I turn around and see Morality talking with the guard.

This might be my chance to escape. But if I run then I could get shot and teleporting would waste my energy, the same energy I need to open my door in the first place!

I speed walk past Morality and punch the guard in the face, knocking him out. I then proceed to run off, towards my home. I must have strong punches or something because every time I punch a guard in the head it's always one punch and they're out.

I've never fought hand to hand combat with Princey. He's too obsessed with that sword for me to safely fight with my hands.

I get to my house and open the door, feeling like a bunch of weight was just lifted from my shoulders. I go inside and close the door, walking to my couch and laying down.

Today could not have gone any worse. Why did Morality have to distract me? Now word will get to Princey and then I'll be hunted down and when- no IF- what am I saying? Of course they'll find me. And when that happens, I'll be sentenced to death or something like that.

I sigh and yawn, still feeling the effects of Sleep's presence. My therapist prescribed him to me. He literally sent someone to my house to sleep with me, because they make people fall asleep. My therapist said Sleep would be coming at least every other night just so I'd get more sleep than I already do.

I close my eyes and just breathe, letting Sleep's effects do their thing.

*le next day*

I walk down the forest, holding my bleeding arm. I'd barely gotten away. That's only because I had just enough energy to teleport to the beginning of the forest.

Now here I am, staggering down the path and possibly leaving a blood trail. I can't go back to my house if I am. But at the same time Sleep is coming over tonight and I don't want him to get mad at me cause when he gets mad, he shows it.

I look behind me and see small drops of blood, following behind me. It looks like I was drunk. The blood being all over the small path.

I hear the small crunch of leaves. I look around and see Morality peeking out from behind a tree, watching me with this confused, concerned look on his face. There's no way he's worried about me.

"Just come on out, get it over with." He slowly walks out from behind the tree and I put my free hand in my pocket. Ya know, the one with the cut in the arm? The one in pain.

"H-how did that happen?" He points to me arm and I sigh. I don't know why he cares. Nor why he wants to know.

"One of the Royal guards caught me off guard. It's no big deal. Why do you care? Or are you just messing with me?"

Morality smiles a bit and comes closer to me. It takes everything in my power to stand my ground.

"I-I could help you.. If you would be ok with that?" Wait- is he actually trying to help? Maybe he's just trying to get close to me so he could gain my trust and kill me!

"Do you always start off with a stutter, or is that just because you're around me?"

Morality looks down and rubs him arm. "W-well... Everyone keeps telling me you're the bad guy" I sigh and look around, making sure nobody else is here.

"Then you should probably listen to them." Morality looks up at me and I feel my walls start to crack.

"Oh please don't look at me like that." Morality tilts his head a little and I grip my wound tighter, using the pain to keep myself level-headed. I'll be honest I didn't mean to say that out loud.

"Like what?"

"Like you care about me. Like you're hurt that I don't trust myself. Like I'm not the bad guy." Morality's eyes soften and he takes another step towards me. I take a step back and see him pause.

"Well... You don't seem like the bad guy to me." I'm a little shocked at that. Is he being honest? No, this has to be one of Princey's tricks. Still, I can't help but hold on to that little sliver of hope that someone cares about me. Even slightly.

"No?" Morality takes another step towards me and I don't back away. I let him come at arm's distance before backing away again.

"No! Do you believe them?" I look around and see nothing. Nobody is around. It's just me and Morality.

"Kind of..." I pause and look at Morality, seeing him looking at me, worried. I shake my head and feel a little dizzy.

"Whatever I gotta go." I start walking back towards my house and hear him follow after me.

"Wait! Hey don't go!"

I stop and look back at Morality. He's persistent. I'll give him that. But, he's kinda pushing my buttons.

"I have a reputation to uphold just, go away." I start walking off and feel a tug and my sleeve, pulling my hand away from my wound. I look back and see Morality, holding the sleeve of my jacket. He looks mad.

"Yeah well it's a bad one!" Tsk. He's about as threatening as a duck with a plastic knife.

"At least it's keeping me alive." I rip my arm away from Morality and keep walking. I hear him mumbling behind me.

"Not for long it won't." I stop and turn back to him. What did he just say?

"Excuse me?" He looks up and I can see he's crying. Is he this emotional all the time? Is this what Princey puts up with because if so, it'd explain a lot.

"Your wound. It could get infected. In fact with the swords the guards use, it most likely already is. You won't even make it to your destination before you drop dead."

.... Ok first off what the hell? Secondly how does Morality even know I was struck with a sword?

I hear a horse in the distance and I run into the woods, hiding. Normally I go up in the trees, but I kinda can't use my arm right now.

"Morality! What are you doing out here? Are you hurt?" I peek through the bush and see another man in a black shirt and pants, wearing a blue necktie and a dark blue scarf. He also has glasses.

"I'm fine. Don't worry!" I think that's another one of the main three. Logic, I think it is.

"Then what's with the blood?" Logic looks around and stares in my direction. He looks back at Morality before taking a small pocket knife out of his pants pocket.

"Stay here Morality. Do not move." I watch Logic slowly come closer and I hide my face, knowing that there's nothing I can do about it. I don't have enough energy to teleport, and I'll be stabbed if I show myself now.

I close my eyes, ready to accept my fate. There's silence for a second, before I hear leaves rustling close by.

"Anxiety? I think he's unconscious. What happened to him?" I feel someone pick me up and start walking. I don't know where I'm being taken to, but I can only assume it's to the castle.

"He was attacked by one of the guards. I don't know how bad the wound is but it's been a long while since that happened."

I'm laid down and someone starts to remove my jacket. If only I wasn't playing unconscious I could do something about it.

I hear a gasp and a barely audible "oh shit"

I can only assume it's the wound because my arms are bandaged heavily. "Morality, would you mind grabbing my med kit?"

"Y-yeah.." I guess it isn't just me. Or maybe it is. I feel someone taking off the bandages.

It's most likely Logic. I'm just gonna assume so.

I feel something wet rub softly at the skin around my shoulder. Most likely cleaning the area around the wound.

I keep myself still while he continues to care for my wound. After around fifteen minutes I feel the cloth cleaning my shoulder again. That was less painful than expected.

The ground starts slightly vibrating and I groan, rolling onto my side.

"L-Logic! We have to go!" I hear them frantically picking everything up. The vibrating becomes more prominent and I can hear thumps against the ground. Multiple. Horses.

"Wait we can't just leave him here!"

"Morality if we're seen by him we could get in serious trouble."

"Yeah but if he gets seen he'll die!"

I hear a sigh and I get picked up again.

"Anxiety, Anxiety wake up." I groan again and open my eyes, shutting them again quickly. It's really bright out.

"Logic, he's gonna freak just, get him on the horse and let's go." Wait- I never got my hoodie back. I open my eyes and look around. I see my hoodie laying on a horse, presumably Logic's.

I feel calmer but now I gotta worry again. Because we have a bunch of guards heading this way. If I grab my hoodie and hide in the woods, they'll be safe.

I grab my hoodie and run into the woods. I wrap it around my waist and climb into a tree. My shoulder is killing me, but I have to hide.

I settle on a branch, pretty high up. I look down and see Princey approaching the other two. A bunch of guards on horses follow behind him.

"Morality? Logic? What are you doing out here? This place is forbidden, you out of all people should know that, Logic."

"I'm aware, but when I see a blood trail and I haven't seen Morality all day, I got a little concerned. I'm sure you would too, Prince."

Princey goes up to Logic and looks him in the eyes, possibly trying to tell if he's lying.

"Alright. Morality, why are you in here?"

"Well.. I... Thought I saw someone come here so... Yeah." I watch Logic sigh and give Morality a look of irritation. Princey looks PISSED.

"Morality. Your aren't the best liar. Why don't you tell me why you're here? With honesty, this time." I have to do something. He might kill Morality!

I look back at the immense amount of guards. 32 if I'm correct. I only have 13 throwing knives so I'll have to make them count.

"Well, it's true! I DID see someone come down here!"

"Then who is it?" Whelp. Screw it. If I'm going to keep Morality safe I have to act now. I can't kill any of these guards though. That'd mortify him. I throw a knife at one of the guards and hit them in the shoulder, causing them to fall off their horse and their horse to run.

"WHAT THE-" I throw more knives, making sure they only barely pass each of the horses eyes. Soon only 7 guards are left standing. Others are either knocked out from falling off their horses or stuck on their horse's backs, heading back towards the kingdom.

"SHOW YOURSELF ANXIETY! I KNOW THAT'S YOU!" I grin at how easily Princey can tell me apart from others. I stand on the branch and walk down it, towards the end. I slowly clap on my way over and watch everyone's scared and shocked faces.

"Good job Princey. It only took you one injured, four off somewhere, and about... Ehhh about 20 knocked out to finally realize who I am. So, what's up with your little party? That was about half of your guard staff that I just rid of in less than a minute."

Princey glares up at me, clearly pissed off. I smirk at this. He's so easy to piss off. He let's me do it, most likely. I bet no other villain can get under his skin like I do.

"Why don't you come down here and let me wipe that smirk off your face you little-"

"Not now, Prince. He isn't worth it." I see Logic glare up at me but he smiles in gratitude. I understand. He has a reputation to uphold. No biggie.

"Aww come on! Don't let Mr. Books ruin the fun! I just got here, why don't we stay a little longer and have a chat?" I watch Patton, he's been silently staring at me this whole time. Not moving or making a different facial expression. Just staring.

"Guards, take Morality and Logic back to the kingdom. I'll have a word with them when I return." I watch the last of Princey's guards walk over to Morality and Logic. I can't let them get to them. I jump down, landing on my feet right in front of the guards. I take out my sword and point it at them. I could simply knock them out and deal with Princey, but maybe I can use his guards against him.

"What are you doing? Are you asking to be killed?" I hear the harsh whisper from Logic behind me. I chuckle and nod, glaring at the head guard. If I knock them out and attack Princey, I have so little a chance of surviving. I think I misinterpreted my injury a little bit. I have enough strength I could teleport Logic, Morality, and I to my place but they'll know where I live.

I hear someone run towards me and I swing my sword, blocking Princey's hit. This is too risky. I back up slowly, blocking and dodging Princey's attacks. I get to the other two and wrap my arms around them, teleporting us to my house.

I fall to the ground landing on my knees. I start to breathe heavily. That took a lot more energy than expected. It's been a while since I've had to teleport anyone with me so I guess I forgot how strong it is.

"Anxiety! Are you ok?" I hear Morality's worried voice and I nod, not being able to speak.

"I believe we have more to worry about than that. Anxiety, where are we?" I catch my breath and stand. My legs are shaking underneath me but I just walk up to my house.

"Sorry guys. I had to get us all out of there. If you still trust me, then come in. If not, then I can teleport you back to the kingdom but I gotta know now."

I look back at them and see Logic glaring at Morality who, looks excited and cheerful.

"I still trust you!" Morality looks at Logic and Logic's expression changes completely. He's no longer glaring. He has a blank expression. I feel like he's hiding something,

"Prince was acting irrational so it's no wonder your reflexes would have told you to play defense. From my understanding that is what you are. The fight or flight reflex, am I correct?"

"Yeah.." I guess that makes sense. I never really thought about it like that.

"Then, there has been no dent in my trust in you. So long as you keep it that way."

I nod and put my hand on the handle, feeling the door slowly drain my energy. It was designed like this so that no strong feelings enter the house. It'll only happen to whoever opens the door, though. It only opens to me because, as far as I'm aware, I'm the only one with enough energy to not be completely drained.

I push open the door and hold it open for the other two. Morality comes in first, looking around immediately. Logic comes in next, giving a small nod to me in thanks.

I close the door behind them and sigh, ungracefully walking over and falling onto my couch. I groan and look around, seeing the other two just standing, watching me.

"Well you gonna stare at me or are you gonna sit down?" Logic sits down on my armchair and Morality sits on the floor next to him.

"My apologies, I suppose I wasn't expecting your sudden change in demeanor." I sigh and nod. Makes sense.

I mean, when you go from cautious, on-guard, and tense to not caring, trusting, and relaxed just by walking into a house you'd think people would notice.

"Yeah I just don't really care anymore. I've showed you where I live, I've let myself be weak around you guys, and I've opened up a little to Morality so, do your worst. You have any insults, get it out now. If you wanna hurt me, feel free to. I don't care anymore. Just make it quick."

I close my eyes and turn my head so I'm back looking at the ceiling. When nothing happens I open my eyes and sit up, looking at them. They seriously don't have anything? Logic looks lost, and Morality looks sad. Oh, right. The whole villain thing must be on his mind again.

"Well? Go ahead. I won't judge. I won't fight back, neither of you will get hurt." Logic looks down, fixing his glasses before looking back up at me.

"Yes but Anxiety, you must realize that you're giving us permission to hurt you? Not only is that an uncharacteristic thing of you but it also sets off a few red flags."

I switch my position so my entire body is facing the two. I don't understand. What red flags would consent be giving off?

"What do you mean? I'm just giving you consent to do what anyone else would do in your situation. I'm the bad guy, I'm always causing trouble don't you want revenge or something?"

I don't understand. Why would they not want to hurt me? Everyone does. Do they actually care about me? I mean surely Logic wouldn't just waste his medical supplies but there's just something holding me back from believing them.

"Anxiety, what are you thinking right now?" I look at Logic, realizing that my gaze had shifted towards my kitchen. More specifically the sharp knife hanging from the ceiling. It was something Picani had me do.

"Jeez Logic you're starting to sound like my therapist." I watch his and Morality's faces shift with confusion. Did they not know I could have a therapist?

I watch Logic sigh, possibly pushing his confusion off for later. "Just answer the question."

"What question?"

"Are you stupid?"

"Yes"

"God damnit."

"Watch your language!" I snicker while I watch Morality slap Logic's leg, pouting. Logic looks down at him and they both stop for a second, just watching each other. Are these guys gay or what?

I hear a single knock at the door. Oh god he's here. What do I do about Logic and Morality? Do I just leave them there and hope that I'm not judged? I can't just kick them out that's rude and I can't ignore him because he'll just let himself in and then he'll probably be knocked out for a few days and oh god how long has it been since he knocked?!

I run to the door and open it, seeing him standing there like normal.

"Hey babe, you alright? You look like a mess. Let me guess, you got caught today?" I whine and nod, already feeling the exhaustion kick in.

"Well, come on. I ain't gonna stand out here all night." I let him in and rub my eyes, trying to stay awake.

"Rem, it's still 5 in the afternoon we have plenty of time before bed." He looks shocked for a second before relaxing again. I feel more awake and smile, happy that I won't pass out. I'm already tired enough as is.

"Oh.. My mistake. The sun burns my eyes so I don't take these sunglasses off often." I nod and lead him into the living room, forgetting about Morality and Logic briefly.

I walk back to the couch and sit down, expecting Remy to sit next to me. I look at him and see him staring at the armchair. Staring at Morality and Logic. Who are both staring back.

"Not going to lie, when you admitted to getting caught, I thought you'd gotten away." I sigh and hide my face in my hands. I really didn't need them knowing about Remy but... here we are.

I watch Morality look up at Logic, who looks back. Morality seems confused and Logic doesn't look any better. I guess I'm just too tired to care. I've had most of my energy sucked out of me, I think I'm done for today.

I lay back and let my eyes flutter closed, feeling my breathing even out.

Morality P.O.V (one hour later)

I lay the blanket over Anxiety, leaving only his head visible. After we had learned who Sleep is, we decided to get Anxiety to bed. So, here he is.

I smile, looking down at Anxiety. All these years of isolation, shame, fear, and he still let us in. I wonder why that is. He looked very hesitant on it.

"Morality?" I look behind me and see Logic, with his usual serious face.

"Yes Logic?" I turn my body around to face him and notice he's actually different. He's fidgeting. A lot. Something he's never done before and if I'm being honest, it's kinda scaring me.

"I hate to break it to you, but we will have to return to the kingdom. Eventually, that is." I feel my heart break and I become defensive.

"Why? So that I can be put in prison for deceiving the Prince?!" Logic looks confused before attempting to keep control over himself.

"Morality he probably isn't even slightly concerned about that."

"Yeah but doesn't it seem suspicious? I lie straight to the Prince's face about who I saw come in the woods only for Anxiety to show up? Doesn't that seem just a tad bit weird to you?"

I hate yelling. I hate everything about it. I'm becoming too hostile, why am I becoming hostile?

"Yes but Morality the Prince just watched his two best friends be kidnapped I don't think he cares about you lying."

"Smarten up, Logic! Of course he'll care! I never lie, telling the truth is my thing! So I won't be surprised if he makes the connection and I get thrown in jail for putting you in danger! Or even because the Prince thinks I've been secretly working for Anxiety. I've been seen around him, unarmed, twice now. That isn't really good for my defense!"

I glare up at Logic and see his concern. He also looks scared. Of course. He just wants what's best for me. He's probably trying to calm me down so I think rationally. I soften my gaze and stand up, hugging him. I feel him stiff before relaxing and hugging back.

"I'm sorry... I know you're just trying to help. I'm sorry for getting so worked up." Logic pulls me away just enough so we can face each other.

"It's ok. I understand your concern. Just, try to relax. We don't have to go back any time soon." I nod and bury my face in Logic's chest, keeping my arms wrapped around him.

I wanna go back. I wanna see Prince again! But... I don't want to be hurt or shamed. Prince probably wouldn't care at first but he'd be suspicious after the shock of getting us back was over.

"What do I do?" Logic rests his chin on my head and rubs my back.

"You could always just leave, ya know." I look at the door and see Sleep just drinking his coffee.

"You know, as someone named Sleep, you sure do drink a lot of caffeine." I smile at Logic's (most likely accidental) dad joke.

"Wow. I come in here because you two are basically screaming about this 'Prince' guy and what he's gonna do when you guys return, and I get treated like a joke."

"Hold up- you don't know the Prince? How is that possible?" Sleep shrugs and walks towards us a little bit.

"Duh. I'm not a side. Or a trait. I don't live anywhere. I don't exist if it's not over 4 PM and if it IS over 12 PM. So of course I wouldn't know this 'Prince'. Is he like, an actual prince or is that just what he calls himself and everyone just kinda goes along with it?"

"It's complicated, I guess. He's half of our king so we call him the Prince. Nobody knows his real name though. I overheard him talking to one of his guards about it and he said something about being embarrassed to have a name close to his brother's."

I'm glad Logic knows stuff. I mean, he's Logic, of course he would.

".... Ok then. Well, whatever just keep it down. I don't want the wolves to get pissed."

"WOLVES?!" I hear a howl and I look at the window. It's slightly open and I rush to close it. I let out a sigh of relief at the window being closed but shriek when I look out it and see a wolf glaring at me, snarling.

"This house is.. Magical. Some might say cursed but those who know the owner well enough knows that all of this is just safety precautions."

I look back at Sleep and run a hand through my hair. Ok. So this house is cursed. The wolves are a safety precaution. Is there anything else?

"Oh, right. Also you can't leave until Anxiety wants you to." I look at Anxiety, fear rushing through me.

"Oh and, don't have too many strong emotions or else."

"Or else what?" I look back at Logic. He took the words right out of my mouth.

"Just, something bad will happen. Very bad. So if you like Anxiety in the slightest, you will try to remain calm. Everything is under control."

I nod. Everything's under control. I have nothing to worry about. All I have to do is wait.

(Well goodbye word count 4696)

Word count 4707