Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

"Your up early."

"..h3y"

It had been a few years ever since they moved in together. All coming into an agreement to retire from being god-like beings into domesticated-like beings.

It was hard to live with 6 people in one huge house (including them) with the occasional of house visitors that stayed too long to be considered as visitors anymore.

With one already been here for a few weeks now, rotting in couch of the living room.

"1s [ANY] 0n3 0f us g01ng 70-"

"Just let them be."

"R1gh7.."

For a moment, she stood still at the door, trying to remember what was her objective again before finally taking a good few steps into the dinning room. The room was littered with a few concerning stains or splotches of magic left behind. There are a few feathers too along with random hexes across the floor as she stepped passed them.

She make a quick look at the clock across the dinning room. '5:15 huh..' she thought to herself, usually she wake up at 6 or more but seemed like yesterday wasn't that good of a sleep for her.

Adorning her body right now usually just a Window XP wallpaper slapped onto her bare body from neck to toe with a few old classic pop ups that occasionally tells people her thought if she wanted to, completely destroying the any thought of possibility this is a human body, she still put on simple white t-shirt with a few "anonymous stains" for modesty and hiding her panels to look less "messy" in the morning.

Her face showing obvious signs of no sleep last night with a panel covering half of her face that showed a tired emoticon, a feature she installed to cover up some "glitches" of her face, and also to look more approachable.

Her tail swinging behind, which looked like a burst of light, left a familiar small trail of concerning rainbow black soot when she dragged it along, it slightly flicked every time it bumped into something. She yawned before sparking up a conversation with Rue, who is now reading newspaper of the latest terrorist attack.

"S00000..H0w 4b0u7 [THE] 07h3rs.?"

Windowy voice came out groggy and glitched out as she plopped herself down a seat on the suspiciously large dinning table and yawned again.

"Sleeping, isn't that obvious?.."

A tendril emerged behind them, slithering it's way to kitchen counter, proceeded to grab a cold mug of coffee instead of the freshly brewed one and placing it in front of her.

She huffed but still took it, chugging it down her non existence throat made of out codes. Even though her body is completely destroyed from leaving any human organs, she felt the need to act like one, to reminisce the old times of her human years and now living as an actual domesticated person.

If she still considers herself to be one.. She sighed as she put the mug down, leaning against the chair.

"W3ll.. 1 m34n 1 jus7 [WOKE] up fr0m my slumb3r, 0f c0urs3 1 [DIDN'T] n0t1c3, 3h?"

"Hm.. I'm had to say that I'm quite surprised to see you in this state considering your presumably "better sleep schedule",.. eh? "

They let out a low chuckle. Even though upper half of their face is always covered by a shadow, only leaving their crocked smile in the view of their face, Windowy could tell that they're looking at her with a playful glint.

"0h c0m3 0n.. L37's [NOT] d0 th1s and l3t m3 h4v3 my m0rn1ng 1n [PEACE]. 1'm t00 t1r3d f0r 0ur us4l f1gh7 ykk??"

She flashed an obvious fake smile that's threatening to crack along with a emoticon slowly changing itself to irratation towards Rue as she stood up from the table to pour more coffee, Rue just hummed in respond as they flipped the pages of the newspaper they are reading.

"Hmmm too tired to put up the "energized" energy now huh?.. such shame.. I thought i had the upper hand today for causing you having a bad sleep yesterday."

"Y0u d1d wh47 n0w."

"I thought you said you were too tired?"

"[UGH] jus7 f0rg37 4b0u7 17 y0u b-[HELLCAT]"

Rue only chuckled while Windowy groaned, her last words coming out sounds like hysteria presumably because of the filter she installed into her own codes incase some house visitors have children coming by which is a lot. If Windowy hadn't hide her pop ups of her own thoughts, they would have been at each other throats now.

She approached the coffee machine that was stolen from a couple's yard sale but both of them didn't seemed to mind. Or that was her other 'roommate' in the house told her. It had a few dents and couple of stains here and there that they were meaning to fix and clean it but couldn't care less.

The machine itself worked still fine, except for sometimes accidently overflowing coffee but looked like it is one hit away from collapsing. Again, the people living here couldn't care less.

She shrugs as she put the mug back in, pressing the button and waited for her coffee, once again leaning onto the kitchen counter. She moved her gaze from the coffee machine towards the supposedly chores chart that was badly written and littered with multiple of doodles and curses across the battered paper. Even with all that, she could still make out a few words, enough to fully understand what's todays objective.

Yes, it seemed even though your a retired deity with your powers still intact and can still destroy everything, it does not mean you have escaped your "usual duties". No matter how much everyone hated the damn thing, they all can't stand living in a dirty house.

Back to the paper, it seemed that Rue is still forever stuck in charge of everyone's meals with the occasional help from some members of the house that has been listed in today's "Starr hleper" (written by Rue themselves too). Ever since everyone came to the conclusion that the dark cocky being is able to cook without causing a fire or accidently spawning random beings, actually having some sense of self control and common sense still left in their brain, they decided that Rue is suitable for that job more than anyone.

And surprisingly, today's helper for Rue is Windowy herself! For some reason her name was written in bold letters with a sharpie but finally! Something "good human things" to do! Its been 6 weeks since it had been her turn ever since her tail accidently sparks a big fire that's definitely not caused by her wanting to annoy the cooker of the house that made her ended up with a banned message from touching the stove for "when your name started to show up", anyways..

Its also something to spark a conversation with the other.

-"4b0u7 70d4y's-"

-"Your coffee is fucking overflowing you know that?"

-"[WHAT]"

Windowy's head snapped back at the coffee machine as quick as the words left her mouth. The coffee machine is shaking while still pouring out coffee, muttering a few curses under her breath. Just then, a small towel was immediately thrown towards her by a tendril from Rue, who still haven't lifted up their head from the newspaper. It made her wonder what's so interesting about today's news more than her suffering right now.

Sighing, she quickly grabbed the towel handed to her and hurriedly wiped off the excess the coffee. Luckily for her, the cleaning didn't last long as it coffee just started over pouring seconds ago. The panels on the side of her face is now showing a much more tired emoticon. Dang, what did Rue do to her sleep last night?

Throwing the towel away, Windowy quickly resumed to her first sentence after making sure there is no substance left on the counter.

-"4b0u7 70d4y's [BREAKFAST], wh47 d0 y0u g07 1n m1nd s0 1 c4n s74r7 h3lp1n'?"

For some reason, Rue raised a brow and lifted their head up to face Windowy with a face that one can describe as "Are you sure?" that also made Windowy suspicious looking at their expression.

-"..Oh it seemed like my today's servant is you huh?"

-"1dk l00k 47 7h3 ch4r7 l0l."

She shrugs, taking a sip of her coffee. Rue turned at the chore chart and sure enough, her name is written crudely right next to today's date "Starr Hleper". Their face slowly scrunches up in concern. Looking back at the clock, their got up and put away the newspaper as they make their way to the fridge.

-"Well.. I caught myself not able to decide between waffles or pancakes.."

They opened the fridge, putting a hand over their hips while the other still on the door.

-"W3ll 1f y0ur 4sk1ng m3.."

She put the mug down and trotted towards them. She put both hands on their shoulders, giving them a sly smile.

-"1 th1nk 3v3ry0n3 h3r3 1s cr4v1ng s0me sw33t 0l' [P-"

-"Waffles? That's a great idea Windowy. Its about time I should make something good with the old waffle maker there.."

She blinked in surprise. Now its Rue's turn to return the sly smile.

-"[WHAT]?? N0! 1 w4s 7h1nk1ng 0f s0m3 blu3b3rry p4n-"

-"Blueberry waffles.. Sounds like a much better idea than any other ideas both you and I have."

They nudge her hand with their elbow as they looked at her with playful features, contrasting with the o_o displayed on Windowy's panel.

-"Right Window?"

-". y34h [RIGHT].'

She gets her hands off of them with an annoyed smile now, grounding herself with thoughts that this is just Rue messing with her to get them into their usual battering. And it will not push her to that limit due to her knowing she will not be winning here today.

-"Oh, since today your the one helping me, go buy some groceries, we are out of eggs and butter aanndd a few other things here. Oh and some sugar too"

Yeah they are gonna fight later after she regained back her strength

They closed the fridge with their tendril, the other getting some paper to write down what seemed to be a groceries checklist before shoving it to Windowy's chest. They walked away to get their apron while Windowy just stared down at the paper.

-"Why are you still standing there? Go do your objective."

Letting out a huge sigh filled up with pent up anger, quickly turning the paper into a small folder file she could open more easily with the work of her codes, she make her way towards the door.

-"Make sure to get Domino Sugar one okay?!"

-"F-[BOG OFF]"

Before she close the door, she heard some shuffling sound from the couch.

Chapter Text

Windowy strolled down the isle with a cart in hand, looking for a specific kind of sugar that Rue told her to get. Opening the folder again which already had half of the stuff crossed out, it sure did seemed a lot to look for but nonetheless, she does feel like she needs a exercise and socialize a bit, incase if she come across someone familiar to her.

-"Wh3r3 c0uld 7h1s [DOMINO] Sug4r b3..?"

She mumbled to herself, looking past at all the various kinds of sugar displayed and people around her, who doesn't even spare a glance at her weird and unkept appearance.

Its a good thing that they didn't choose a place where there's lots of cults and religious acts that believed in gods or mythology type stuffs, since there was once a sighting of someone that emits so much ungodly amount of dark energy and bad omens that they thought it was the devil themselves undercover as human to spy on humanity. But really it's just Resent trying to get ice cream for the house. That was the time where they had to actually do proper research before moving into anywhere.

It was It's nice that they settled in a place where people don't really care about people like her and her housemates or any mythical beings to worship to. The people here is super chill anyways that you leave baby unsupervised and come back and seeing them still safe and sound.

It makes going outside for any thing much more easier and less weary of someone taking photos of you. Like, who else would want to take photos of someone who had a Windows XP background as their body?

It was funny to think of, so funny that she almost bumped her cart into someone else's cart without looking. That made her snapped out of her own tranced but looking away from the folder, it made a smile grow on her face.

-"W3ll 1f 17 1sn'7 my [FAVOURITE] s0ld1er!"

She beams at the tired woman in front, looking deadpanned in seeing her but still let out a small smile in return.

-"Windowy.."

-"17's b33n 4 wh1l3 r1gh7? H0w y0u d01n' s0 f4r?"

-"mmhm, I'm doing quite great actually.."

The woman shifted her weight into one leg, scratching behind her neck. She wore a simple black tank top under a transparent black jacket, paired with camouflage khaki pants that has one pocket bigger. On top of all that, it really matches the dog tag necklace she is wearing right now.

'Hm. F1n4lly r371r3d..' She thought to herself, a small smile creeping up to her face.

Her hair was lazily tied into a small low bun with a few strays here and there, the same could be said with a her face, dark eye bags and gray hair falling into her forehead. She's tired, Windowy could tell it with her eye repeatedly scanning the woman's face over and over again, but she only laughed half-heartedly.

-"1 s33 th47 [VERY] w3ll,! G00d t0 h34r 17 fr0m y0u th0ugh [THEA] lol :D"

Her panel shows a smile which Thea chuckled at as she looked at Window's cart, already filled with some groceries.

-"I take it that your here for groceries and not for late night play things stuff?"

-"Y34h, [RUE] g1v3 m3 th1s l0ng l1s7 0f th1ngs 1 w4s supp0s3d t0 f1nd [EARLIER] th1s m0rn1ng, 1 w1sh3d sh3 s74r73d s00n3r th000.. L4zy b-[HELLCAT]"

-"Woah there."

Thea gave her a stern look, in which she responded with a question mark in her panel.

-"Luckily you already got your filter one.. My kid is around you know."

She pointed behind her. Windowy looked over her shoulder at the direction she was pointing and sure enough, a small child was standing not too far away from her, looking at the ice cream and sugar isle.

-"Recently found out that my kid got quite an abnormal good hearing, no matter how much distance, the kid always manage to overhear it somehow."

-"0000hhh.. 7h47's qu173 [SCARY] lol."

Windowy looked back at the Thea, who was watching her kid.

-"4444nnnddd 1'm gu3ss1ng 7h3 k1ds y0urs?"

-"..."

She looked at Windowy in the eye with an unreadable expression, her blank stare says it all. Windowy just clicked her tongue as she looked away, seemingly back at the sugar isle.

-"4h, und3rs74nd4bl3.^_^"

-"Mom mom!! Look!!"

She turned her gaze back at the sound, it was the child coming over at their mom with a bag of sugar in hand.

-"I found this huge back in the candy section!! Can we pleeaaaseee get it??"

The child pleads while Thea just ruffles his short brown hair, a chuckle was let out.

-"No, we cant sweetie, that's a bag of sugar can't you see? Didn't we also just picked out some candies?"

-"Buuutt it had the name of favorite character on itt!! ANDDD it's even the last one in stock too!! Look look!!"

The child raised the bag up close to Thea's face, practically smothering their mother with the bag of sugar in hand while their mother is gently shoving it out as she tried to console her kid tiredly. Windowy can't help but laugh at it until she actually saw the brand name of the bag of sugar.

'Domino Sugar'

-"Sweetie- I know Dr Domino's name on it doesn't mea-"

-"H3y k1d. C4n 1 [HAVE] 7h47?"

The kid's head raised slightly, taking in her weird appearance as they stared at her. Of course she noticed, she changed her panel emoticon in an animation of saying hi which really made the kid's jaw dropped as pointed at her while shaking their mother, tugging at her shirt.

-"MOM LOOK! THAT WOMAN GOT A CREATURE SAYING HI TO ME LOOK!! ITS SO COOOOLL!!"

-"A-ah, sweetie- don't shake mommy yes I know the woman's very cool too."

-"H3h3 1 kn0w r1gh7, 7h4nks 7h000 :DD"

She nudges Thea's arm with a grin before continuing without looking at her expression.

-"H3y [KID], 1'll l37 y0u s33 4 f3w [TRICKS] 1 c0uld d0 w17h my g00d p4n3l h3r3 [IF] y0u l37 m3 buy h4v3 d47 sug4r."

The child's smile falters a bit, clutching the bag tighter than before as they contemplates. The mother shot a puzzled glare at her and whispers

-"What the hell are you doing."

-"1 n33d3d 7h47 f0r br34kf4s7 g1rl. "

-"Can't you think of anything else that doesn't involves your ablities or something??"

-"H4h4- 1 d0, bu7 17's b33n 4 [WHILE] 1 g00f3d 4 b17 ykk?"

-"I should've expected it from you.." "[HUH??]."

A sigh escaped from her as she looked back at her kid, still thinking while Windowy snickers at the expression. It made her remember the good ol' days of her giving her victims a chance to decide a hard desicion, often times they also made the same face as the little kid right here. Just less more fear and tears running down their faces as they think.

After 10 seconds go by, the kid reluctantly raised the bag of Domino Sugar towards her which she "gracefully" took it away from their small hands and put it into her cart. With a quick research on the internet integrated in her mind, she raised her hand to cover the panel as she crouched down at kid's level.

-"R34dy t0 s33 s0m3 [TRICKIES]?"

Thea visibly cringes at the way she called it but her kid just giggles and nodded excitedly, already impatiently putting a hand over her hand but she didn't budge and also chuckling with the child.

-"3...[TWO].. 1! T4D4!!"

It was an ai version of the kid's favorite character, Dr Domino in her panel, happily waving at the kid accurately in-character possible. Thea's kid beamed again at the sight of their favorite character animatedly waving at them like at every start of the show the character in. They scoot up closer at the side of her face as if trying to talk the character in her panel, once again tugging at his mom clothes to get her crouched down like them.

-"MOM LOOK IT'S THE CHARACTER DR DOMINO!!! LOOK HE'S WAVING AT ME AND AND HE'S EVEN GOT HIS SIGNATURE FACE ON LOOK!"

Thea, forcibly crouched down, tiredly tried to calm her kid down but really, she's also curious by the animation too . Windowy's tail whipped behind her as she look up to see what kind of tricks she could put the character in.

A few people walked by, glancing at them but didn't day anything, ignoring 2 people staring at a woman's face. Its better off like that anyways.

-"He's doing backflips!! Like in the show! He's signature style too!"

-"Mmhm, I also noticed that as well."

-"Its so accurate mom! It's likee um- actual show!!"

The kid's voice was already lowered down to manageable volume but the kid's laughter hadn't lowered down a bit. Meanwhile Windowy keep chuckling at the behavior, '17's r34lly b33n 4 wh1l3 1've [ENTERTAINED] p30pl3 4nd l4ugh3d 4l0ng w17h 7h3m..' she began thinking to herself again. She stared at the mother and child duo, laughing with each other.

Ever since she changed her lifestyle along with her friends, it really had been much more peaceful, or rather boring for her when living with the other house members. Either they just hang around their own pocket dimensions doing god knows what or going out to handle some 'personal deeds' as an average human. And then proceeded to always come back with money in hand??

Windowy herself couldn't do much but lounge herself around the social medias, catching up with recent news or just helping others around the house, which she never thought would find herself in any those situations. She would rather go out perform for people than becoming someone who live rent free in a shared home doing nothing, except being used as a fucking search engine for the whole house. Its boring and unlike the person she knew herself before even thinking about playing house for-

-"[years..]"

-"uhh Window?"

A voice cut her thoughts, she shakes her hands to snap out of her own trance. The animation she was playing was being in boring loop that had already been noticed by the kid, who is making a disappointed, mixed with confusion and concern face. Her chuckle had already died down and her face was blank.

-"[HUH?] 0h s0rry k1d! 1 k1nd4 l1k3- [ZONED] 0u7 4 b17 l0l.. "

-"You sure.? You seemed like your having a crisis earlier."

Thea lifted her kid up with one hand while the other grabbing her cart. Windowy did the same, dusting off non-existence dusts off her lap. The panel already had returned to normal but with a more flustered emoticon.

-"00h.. 1 d1d O_o?"

She asked noone and looking at anything but her and her child faces. God it's embarrassing to not act like the person they usually knows and getting even the slightest pity. Or atleast it's for her. Thea instantly noticed.

-"mmhm.. I really should be the one asking "How's your day" from now on right?"

The mother nudges her cart with the other playfully. She giggles at this, looking at her in the eye.

-"0h y0uuu! 1'm 4lr34dy l1k1ng [THISS] p47h371c v3rs10n 0f y000uuu!"

-"Please stop with the voice."

Windowy whipped her head around and moved closer to the kid's face, and booped him many times in the nose making the kid letting out a silly smile. Thea flicked her visual forehead.

-"I think that we should really get going. My kid's got summer lessons today."

-"y3344hh m3 t00, 1 c4n'7 g0 h0m3 t0 b3 m37 w17h [SEVERAL] p30pl3 h0ll3r1ng 47 70d4yy.."

-"haha I sure do hope so.. Say goodbye to Ms.Windowy now sweetie."

-"Goodbye Ms.Windowy and Dr Domino insidee!!"

-"Cy4 k1d :D"

And with that, both of them left, leaving her with her own thoughts again. She shakes her head again, quickly opening the folder and reading over the list of groceries over and over again. After all this, she's determined that today, something will change with her usual boring and painful routine around the house.

Her tail thrashed in anticipation, her body glitches for a moment as she sways her hair with unusual confidence, feeling like she could change the world with whatever act she's gonna pull off after getting her breakfast done. It's silly to say the least for her.

-"Excuse me, can I get by please?"

-"4-4h! S0rry.."

The next thing on list are eggs.

Chapter Text

 The bedroom door was open with delicacy, yet the person who opened it was anything but 'softness'. The person standing at the door had the most god-forbidden bed head looking more like sea urchin going absolutely haywire, eyes squinting from the light and some loose eyelashes stabbing into it's eye making them rubbing it profusely.

They trudges thru the living room, making their way to kitchen with one hand under their nearly invisible dark flayed shirt, probably due to how similar their skin tone and the colored shirt are, scratching whatever place feeling irritation growing. Rue peaked their head thru their shoulders, glancing at the person then at the clock from the counter.

-"huh. how weird.."

Usually, people in this house often wakes up after groceries arrives but it seemed like today Windowy is late which is quite shocking due to her speed equivalent to the fastest Wi-Fi network in the world.

-"morning.. you."

And as usual, they always are met with a hoarse voice. This ones voice sounded more surreal than the last one they last talked to. In a weird way they must say that they were slightly shaken from hearing.

-"Ah. Morning to you too, Lian.. Coffee.?"

-"mmmm.."

Lia mumbled incoherently, moving closer the counter with their hand already pulled from it's shirt, letting it submerge to the darkness of their body once again, slithering on the kitchen counter to reach a coffee mug that was once hot now cold. They preferred it like that anyways. They took small sips from the mug almost carefully, treating the mug like porcelain

Even after several years of living together, Rue couldn't help but shake at that sight. From afar Lian probably just looked like a huge blob of black and void with the silhouette of some unknown entity trudging around the counter but from up close and from Rue's perspective, it should probably been like that. And their voice was definitely something that could be use to psychologically torture someone if heard from a much more louder volume. Maybe potentially could be use as a war weapon..?

Anyhow, they easily shake the feeling off when Lia asked a question.

-"how's breakfast..?"

-"Window's getting the groceries.. You should wake up your.. other 2 people since your voice is killing me here.."

Rue picked up their own coffee and took a big sip. The newspaper was already being use to make origamis by using their very own tendrils to pass the time while waiting for the groceries. It stared.

-"..it is awake."

They hold a chuckle.

-"They are?. I bet she's mixing the shampoo bottles together if they're not with you... And I sure do hope they don't taste test it.."

-"perchance.. both of them may come out when Windowy comes back.."

Rue nodded subconsciously and they both enjoyed their cold coffee in peace. Moments passed by in silence and they already had folded all the remaining's newspaper into different kinds of origamis. They're not exactly perfect but they didn't really bother as fidget one of the swans they made. Lian hold a frog, silently reading the words imprinted on the frog's back that talked about some random terrorist attack, but it seemed mildly interested when slowly undoing the frog to read more. Rue let's it.

Those 8 months had really helped them get over their conceited ego back when before considering the option of retiring. Their only reason at first was to see "What do retired people do?" but now was to live to "pay off" their own debts to the whole house after realizing that there's a difference between actual old retired people and just retired deities. They realized that they just can't live freely in this house without doing anything for all eternity.

-"N0 P41N = N0 G41N !! (╬▔皿▔)╯"

Windowy said, a panel summoning behind her as she floated herself like standing on a stadium while the other had to kneel down and look up. She looked at Rue sternly, her tail thrashing behind.

-"..what?"

-"Y0u h34rd m3 [LOUD] 4nd [CLEAR]!! 17's 4b0u7 71m3 y0u d0 [SOMETHING]!!"

-"likeee what?"

-"[hm..]"

She bought a hand up to her chin, mimicking someone thinking before snapping her fingers and her eyes lighten up. Before they know it, each of the house members were given a specific job to do around the house. Rue ended up being part of the "Keeping this house intact: Physically and Mentally" charges, being with the chef role since everyone had collectively agreed that their cooking is more edible than others. They didn't even know what to say at that point since all they did is throw stuff on the stove, mixed with whatever herbs spices that didn't expired or contaminated by the magic caused by others.

Along side with a pray that everyone will die because of the dishes they made that always seemed to backfire, turning those into the opposite of what they intended to be.

-"it seemed like.. Windowy's will be helping you.. today."

-"Yep. I sent her off to get groceries if you haven't noticed.."

Lia and it's other half is in charge of cleaning the house, one of the mains of "Keeping this house intact: Physically and Mentally" . Since none of them in this household likes co-operating much, only a hivemind could do that. Of course, they always had someone to help them cleaning once 5 days because it's a house for families of 10, they choose a house incase there's people wanting to crash over or making that extra room for their own 'personal storage/hang out room'. Three people couldn't clean a house like that, talk about a house that was littered with suspicious stains, hexes and questionable stuffs that they don't want to talk about.

Similarly to Rue, the hivemind now also had 'Starr Hleper".

-"ours is Vizserca.."

-"Vizserca huh?.. Hope you guys knows her "cold hearted" body language to make this work.."

They mumbled the word ' or something..' under their breath.

-"..we will."

Sighing, they picked a swan one and grinded it with their tendril's sharped edges. They gathered it all up in one hand and sprinkled it all over their own coffee. Lia watched after it's done reading from the once an origami of a frog, into a normal scrapped paper from a random newspaper. Suddenly-

BANG!

-"16 YEARS!! S0M37H1NG W1LL FUCK1NG CH4NG3 T0D4Y 4ND 1 W1LL B37 3V3RY7H1NG 0N WH47 [GOD WILL OFFERS] F0R 7H47 70 H4PP3N!!!"

Windowy busted thru the door with a strong aggressive will of energy, 2 hands holding bunch of plastic bags hanging on her arms, some could be seen on her artificial tail too.

She hurriedly make her way towards to the both of them with starry eyes, quickly putting the bags down and summoning a bunch of panels already to assist her on whatever trick she's gonna pull of before them. But Rue is not having none of that, their tendrils are already clutching together already, Lian just stared from their own abyss of a body.

-"[RUE], [LIAN]!! 1 jus7 h4d 7h3 b3s7 1d34!!-"

-"Nope. Nuh uh. Breakfast first Windows. Go prepare the waffle maker right now.. "

-"Heeeelllooo everybody!! Whereee's breakfaasstt? Oh! Hiii Windowyy!!"

The others had began to wake as well

Windowy placed each waffles to every seat, humming to herself. She had become comfortable enough to let show her panels wide, one of which showcases her thoughts right now with words showing up vigorously fast. Nel noticed the fast typing when settling in her own seat as soon when Windowy comes by.

-"Windowy, what happened todayy?"

She asked, reaching their hand out to take an utensil.

-"W3lll, [NEL],1f y0u w0uld 4llow m3 t0 r4-"

-"Windowy, the dishes are getting cold you know.?"

She let a small sound that imitates a grumble, they laughed at her expression before inspecting the meal in front. Lia walked by and sat right next to Lian. They almost took half of the table. If you look from afar to the hive mind and pretended they are triplets, Nel would be the hyper one while the other 2 likely are the reasons why the first one look the most the sane one, even though it's not. Windowy knows this very well of the hive mind, she mostly wants to keep distance away from Lian though. 'And god their voice oughhh-'

-"Haha, I'm sure that you had so many things to express today than usual!"

-"Don't worry, we will listen."

-"mmm.."

-"[AWWWW] 7h4nks y0u guys! S4y wh3n 4r3 y0u g01ng 70 m3rg3 4g41n-"

-"WINDOWS."

-"j3sus [OKAY]!"

She ran back at the kitchen just in time to see one of Rue's tendrils working beautifully to put a singular blueberry on top stacks of waffles. There's 2 plate and one is much more bigger than the other. She could obviously guess whose that's for.

-"Windowy, did you finally found the men of your dreams?"

-"Huh?? Wh47 n00!?? Wh0 70ld y0u 7ha7?? 1 h4v3n'7 4bl3 70 4ppr04ch 4 m4n 1n [DECADES]??"

-"No one. Must be my sleep tampering have heavily effected you.."

-"[HMMMMMM] y3s m4yb33.."

Picking up the plates, she shot a dramatically suspicious look to Rue. Even though clearly half of their face is covered by the shadows of their bangs, she could vividly visualize Rue rolling their eyes when she gave them that look. Her tail swiftly grabbed the sirup bottle and returned to the dinning room. Now the trio have been long gone, possibly emerged together already to the tall person that held resemblance both of them talking to the person that recently entered the dinning. Yet, there's still 2 people missing.

-"[VIZSERCA]! M0rn111nngg t0 y0uu ^_^"

She chirped at the disheveled woman in front. The said person facing her back towards Windowy slowly turned around and was met a familiar black box on her face, or a 'censor box' covering. It's hard to tell how is someone's feeling in the morning, mostly she just guess and embrace a 50/50 between a gruff voice telling her to fuck off or a cheerful tone welcoming her back, or depending on the person she's talking to. This one is quite difficult for her.

-"Morning Windowy."

The woman simply replied. Her hair was unkept mostly from sleeping, and her clothes are all wrinkled but still kept it cleanliness as well as her shorts. If it's not for the end of her fingers and toes to be black and gradient as well as the 'censor box' covering her facial features, she would have look like a normal human teenage girl despite her age. And to some outsiders, they might mistaken her as some victim who got their face covered for privacy because of the black box. To Windowy, it's just a manifestation. She grown used to it, even finding it awesome in some cases.

-"Waffles huh? I was kind of hoping for pancakes."
-"1 sugg3s73d 7h47 t0 [RUE] 34rl13r 7h1s m0rn1ng bu7 sh3 d1nd'7 c4r333 >:("

-"Sucks huh?"

Vizserca took a seat opposite to the other tall figure, humming softly as she begins a conversation to them.

-"What's my work today, Neli?"

-"We suppose you could help us with the dusting in the second floor today! 3-4 rooms in that same area."

-"L00ks l1k3 y0u'r3 g0nn4 g37 busy t0d4y!!"
Viz only let a small hum. Rue had already done their work in the kitchen and stepped out to eat.

-"Windowy, after breakfast you be cleaning the dishes."

-"Wh4- 0h c0m3 0n."

She took a seat down next to Vizserca, while Rue took one next to the hive mind already waiting for anticipation to dive down the waffles. Since they're made from 3 people, they got 2 bonus plates to finish. Looking around, there's still 2 empty seats left that haven't taken yet with 2 plate of waffles on each spot.

-"God those two.. Must be drunken over themselves from last night 'taunt' or something.."

Rue mumbled, their tendril stretching out to reach for an fork. Vizserca tilted their head in return, rubbing their own fork with a napkin.

-"'Taunt'? Do you mean that both of them went back to the rehab last summer we all went to?"

-"Maybe, they sure do like fucking things over and over that made them mad."

-"We liked that rehab though. Remember Jake? He's soooo unreasonably emotionally stupid in all those talks we had with him!"

Nelliian grabbed a bottle a syrup, popping off the cap and quickly drenched their waffles with a godly amount of syrups. It made Windowy winced a bit, her panel switched to a kind of a mortified face while the panel behind said "Oh god". The script that she was writing earlier had already gone to a halt.

-"[NELI] 1 sw34r 1 h4d t0 run b4ck 70 7h3 s70r3 4g41n 70 p1ck up m0r3 syrups jus7 b3c4us3 y0u 4lw4ys w4s73 7h3m [EVERY] [BREAKFAST]."

-"I remembered you could summon things out of thin air, why don't you do it?"

They licked their fingers, putting away the syrup that was once full. Windowy grimaced a bit as she continued.

-"M0s7 0f 17 1sn'7 3v3n [CLOSE] 70 7h3 r34l 7h1ng. 4ls0 17 k1nd4 dr41ns m3 ou7 4nyw4ys :/"

-"Both of you shut up. I can see a migraine creeping up on me.."

Out of the corner of her eye while munching on waffles. She saw white line in thin air just below her. Vizserca found it oddly to be familiar enough to pay close attention to it, otherwise she would think it's just another one of the dead hexes coming alive again. Putting her fork down, she leaned down to take a closer look.

The line would rather looked like a tear in reality, a small one with how distorted it look up close. Thinking fast, it must be someone she knows coming thru to surprise them in the middle of breakfast. Rue had started to noticed as they also looked up from their breakfast. But before any of them could do anything, the tear had began to expand rapidly making Viz to let out a small gasp upon seeing move. With this kind of speed, it might be someone the same level as them. Others had also began to notice to move out of their seat.

-"W04h w04h, 1s [ANGES] 7ry1ng 70 74k3 0v3r 0ur h0us3 4g41n??"

-"We thrown them to the deepest of seas last time and moved our location 5 times already, how is he supposed to find this quickly??"

-"We dwon't tthwink it's hwim"

Nelliian managed to muffle out from a mouthful of food while staring at the expanding tear, unmoving. The tear had began to open big as a portal as multiple white and blinding chains sprout from it, slamming roughly down to the table as it made it way to the 2 remaining untouched waffle plates, pulling it back to the tear. Realizing this, instead of stopping the chains, Rue quickly stomped over the tear, shoving Viz and Windowy out of the way who's still processing the whole thing. They pulled one of the last chain that took a small box of napkins from returning. Their tendrils clenched and curled up in fury, Rue shouted.

-"HEY. NEXT TIME IF YOUR GONNA BETHAT LAZY OF AN ASS TRY TO MAKE IT MORE RESPECTFUL AND COME DOWN TO SAY THANK YOU FOR ONCE."

With that, they let go of the chain with a sigh after hearing a small sound of someone saying "sorry!" from the other side. They could feel their tendril's slowly relaxing as Windowy walked over to them and patted them on the shoulder as if she is trying to soothe them.

-"Th3r3 th3r3.. 17's 4lr1gh7, l37 17 4ll 0u7."

-"What the hell are you doing."

Viz hold back a snicker, feeling relief that she had something to cover her face as she sat back down. Nelliian had already done finished their second plate and now devouring their third one.

-"7h47 w4s c0rny d4wg, y0u [KNOW]?"

-"Don't dawg me, I know what your trying to do. Go finish your breakfast."

-"1 d0n'7 kn0w wh47 y0ur s4y1n' bu7 ok4yy."

Maybe next time Rue ever shout in anger, she could make them think how embarrassing it was. Viz only let out a small chuckled as she resumed her eating.

-"Windowy, go run back to the store and get us another bottle of syrup would you?"

Chapter Text

 -"4h3m."

Windowy clears her throat dramatically, eye's slowly opening and staring down at the people kneeling before her like servants. Just like she wanted. Now that most people are here, she could finally properly announce something that she's been longing to let out. Nelliian fidgeted with their locks of hair, full with anticipation to hear what kind of show she will pull today. The others don't seem happy having to bruise their knees in the fresh morning.

-"16 y34rs and 4 m0n7hs, 0f l1v1ng w17h y0u guys h4d 74ugh7 m3 a [LOTTTT] 0f 7h1ngs. Wh1ch 1sn'7 3x4c7ly wh47 1 w4n7 70 74lk 4b0u7 70d4y."

She started, exhaling as she continued. Hearing Rue slightly groan when realizing its one of those again fueled her more to make this longer than intended to be.

-"4nd 1m n07 [exactly] s0 c0mf0r74bl3 w17h h0w w3'r3 l1v1ng 7ogh37h3r. D0n'7 g37 17 [WRONG] 1 h4d s0 much fun l1v1ng w17h y0u guys."

That part kinda makes Viz srcunch. It sounded kinda familiar to her in someway.

-"S0 70d4y 4f73r h4v1ng 4 l177l3 700 much 7h0ugh7s 4nd 1 kn0w 7h47 s0m3 0f y0u d0n'7 w4n7 70 d0 7h3s3 7h1ngs 4g41n. [WE'RE] g0nn4 g0 0n a sm4ll [TRIP]!!"

-"Pardon?"

-"70 g37 70 kn0w 34ch 07h3r b3773r 7h4n b3for333!!"

Raising her fingertips, a panel swiftly summoned beneath as she scrolled. Her own panels are already scrolling rapidly and flashing colors, presumably pictures. Too many pictures, Viz could feel that an epilepsy is going to come very soon so she squinted her eyes for good measures. Nelliian liked it though. Rue does not likes it however and tried to stand up to stop whatever information or conclusion that will soon come to Windowy.

-"Hey now, I don't what the fuck is going on in your head after getting groceries but 16 years living already made me know more about everyone here than i should have so-"

-"4h4!"

She clicked her fingers, tail flicking rapidly and smacking them in the leg to make them sit back down. The panel under her fingers had grown a big size like a big tv screen, showing them a certain familiar mountain terrain to them. Rue's expression turned grim upon recognizes the place, tendrils clutching again. It made them forget what they are trying to talk about now, and focuses on their new problem in front.

-"Seriously.? That place? Ough I feel nauseous every time I meet that one girl.. "

-"Couldn't you choose a better place Wind?"

Nel scooted closer hovering their fingers over the screen as they asked her.

-"1 m34n. [YEAH] bu7 7h3r3's 4 h1gh ch4nc3 w3 m4y g37 susp1c10us l00ks."

She opened another panel and started scrolling again but this time much slower, to carefully inspect any other spaces.

-"N07 70 m3n71on 4ll 0f 7h3s3 pl4c3s 4r3 [VERY] cl0se 70 7h3 0c34n [RUE] dr0pp3d [ANGES] 1n 4nd 1 d0n7 w4n7 70 r1sk 1t 4ll :("

The big screen changes pictures again, this time another side of the terrain showing a much livelier and more cottage than before. With someone in the distance that made Rue scrunches their face.

-"Can't we just stay home? If you want something to change in your life so bad we could go in dead dimension and make it your own play place.."

-"..N0p3! 1'v3 4lr34dy d3c1d3d. B3s1d3s c4n'7 y0u s33? 7h3y 3v3n r3v4mp3d 7h3 wh0l3 7h1ng!! 1 b37 7h3y pu7 b4ck 7h0s3.. [TINY LITTLE] cr347ur3s 7ha7 y0u l1k3d b3f0r3 ^^"

-"Maquities."

-"[MAQUITIES] y34h!"

A small panel appeared under the screen showcases a GIF of a Maquy, a small pitch black fluffy creature with bodies flat as a pancake and 2 little stubby horns poking out, doing.. backflips with other Maquys watching and cheering it on. Vizserca giggled quietly as she scoot closer to the screen next to Nel. She remembers bringing one home in hopes to soothe Rue's stone of a heart, but it ran away making their heart harder than obsidian now. Again.

-"I'm kind of interested, Rue. You may get attached to house too much if you don't get out. I myself have been bored lately."

-"We bet there's gonna be a looottt of food there.."

Upon hearing both people agreeing, Windowy flashed a grin to Rue. One of her pop ups saying "3 vs 1" implying something. They stayed silent, but their tendrils loosen up as they think about it more. While the others scrolled thru the pictures Windowy could find of the mountain terrains, they thought how could they even show up to that place again without getting extreme discomfort when talking to the people who accompanied that place. Rue already had a rocky relationship with the holder of the place, making a bad reputation of themselves to the people working there is going to make everything worse.

But if they don't agree going this place, it would probably make them come off as a coward.. That's also gonna make them look bad and not someone they used to perceive back then. And god do they misses that? Maybe. Choosing one of the options that decided what's gonna make them remember hell and back and torment about their past situationship is already impossible for someone like Rue. But didn't they like taking risks back then? Maybe living with friends have gotten them loosen up a bit too much now.

They stared at the repeated GIF at the bottom of the big screen. Contemplating. Nelliian nudges them, the hive's mind could sense their distress as always. Its no wonder too, naturally their perception would double the standards of a cat natural emotional senses along with other enhances for being a collective people mushed together.

-"Thought about it yet?"

-"Mm., give me some more time.. If I even had the choice."

They looked over at the Windowy talking to Viz. The hive mind quickly catches on and letting out a soft chuckle as they moved closer to Rue, putting a hand over their shoulder.

-"We personally think you should go to meet old friends there! I'm sure Mirael would be happy to see you how much you have changed. It is guaranteed she would be shocked "

Listening to their voice isn't that much of a comfort with 3 different voices overlaying each other at the same time makes them kind of hard to make out what they were saying, but its easy to recognize who is talking right now. Rue gently pushes them away as they giggled at the thought.

-"Yeah yeah. I'm sure she is.. What about the other 2 anyways, arent they going too?"

-"We think they might be better off not going with us. Hatey hates that place."

-"Makes sense well.."

Windowy appeared behind them with a grin. A sudden imitation of a human breathing have gotten both of them jerk back, but it took Rue to register it before smack Windowy in the head out of instincs. Even though it just phased thru her.

-"[GUYS], 3sp3c14lly y0u."

She pointed at Rue. She grin grows.

-"[SCREW] y0ur 7h1nk1ngs r1gh7 n0w w3 4r3 g01ng [TODAY] XD!!"

-"Oh! Guess we should get going!" "Huh?! Wha- WHY so sudden??"

Without missing a beat, Nelliian had already dissappeared from both of them views and dragging Viz off with them. Leaving only Rue and Windowy sitting on the floor together as she patted their back.

-"B3c4us333 1 jus7 ch3ck3d my 1nb0x 4nd s33n [MIRAEL] h4d 4lr34dy 1nv1t3d us 70 c0m3!!"

-"..And? Can't you just schedual it a day later from now on.?"

-"Sh3 s3n7 7h3 m3ss4g3 l1k3 [17] w33ks 4g0. 4nd 1 f33l b4d f0r l34v1ng h3r 0n r34d f0r 7h47 much 71me :("

-"..What?"

Now this is something strange that Rue did not expect. It gave them a little ease when deciding their options now.

Leira waited at the sidewalk, scrolling on social media and consuming whatever content it give to her to ease up her boredom when waiting for her friend. The place she stood at wasnt so busy either so it looked like today was rather chill. With occasional wind gusting to her face that messes her hair dark hair a bit, grunting and fixing her bangs repeatedly. Seeing orange and presumably crunchy leaves on the pavement, she can't help but walk around a little whilst waiting. Taking pictures of her own dark academia like style clothes while she's at it, twirling around her skirt. Until then, her friend finally comes.

-"Leira!! You came early!"

-"Irene!"

Looking up from her phone, the first thing she noticed was a woman with pure white hair flowing and swaying behind her running up to Leira, her fashion style was just tad simple with a small light golden cardigan tucked into her beige pants, and under it was just plane old white formal shirt . Looking up was a the same familiar face of her friend called Irene. Odly enough, they have known each other for more than 2 years now, but she never seen her friend's closed eyes. She always had them squinted close upwards like a one of those kind souls grandmas she often meet.

The only difference that Irene looked far more younger, less wrinkles, and too pretty to be counted as one in her eyes.

Lei blinked to herself, before chucklingly when Ire finally came close enough. No matter, not seeing her friend's eyes is not going to stop both of them being friends. Even how much it bothers her.

-"You looked like you just got chased! And you enjoyed it too."

-"Do i? Really, I just lost my way when getting here. So where we heading again?"

-"Uh, Oo! Remember the cafe I told you? Just few blocks away and that one barista I've been telling you about works there right now!!"

-"Oh? I'm guessing that's Willow?"

-"No! It's Issac this time."

True to her words, in no time they have come to the cafe and was quickly seated at a nice spot with a view outside, and a view to Leira's favorite barista working behind the counters. It made Irene nudges her in her elbow to 'Keep it down'. Lei only giggled in respond as she started her conversation.

-"How have you been doing lately? I'm assuming you've been seeing someone?"

-"Oh please, not really. I just gotten a big breakfast with my dear friend."

-"Is that so? I'm pretty sure there's other reasons why you looking so cheerful than usual today."

Irene raised a hand up to the side of her face, her other hand twirling a lock of her hair as she bounces her leg in an elegant manner. Sometimes, Lei wonders to herself how did she became friends to someone so dainty and careful considering her own nature around people she likes. If she remembers clearly, it was Irene who reached out to her the first time they met outside of a university after both of them didn't get into. Maybe it was connection they felt when looking at each other, one is crying and one is deadpanned. Leira was the one crying though.

-"Is my face really that obvious?"

-"All the time! Did that breakfast today ended with you having a super 'wholesome' moment with your 'dear friend' I'm guessing?"

That question made both them stopped for a moment, one staring at another close eyes. It may seemed like what she said had been too out of hand for the other, but with the slightest sign of mouth twitching upwards from Irene had made both of them giggling to one another. It died down quickly when someone walks by and handed them their drinks.

-"I guess you could say that.."

Her face showed a sly smile to Leira, swishing her white hair away as she took a sip from the cup. She quickly catches on what she was saying as she huffed at her words before also taking a small sip from her own drink of latte, before returning a slight smile.

-"So when can I meet this dear friend of yours? I'm just curious because lately from every reason you had it's always that 'dear friend' of yours."

Irene raises a brow, then quickly looks away shyly. Of course, she noticed it, already piecing something together.

-"I mean.."

-"Don't tell me.. You guys were dating??"

-"No! Never that between me and them!. Honestly, our relationship was quite complicated to say the least with mishaps here and there but still the most dearest friend to each other!"

The moment those words left her mouth, it felt like Irene looked down for a second, even when her eyes is not presence or her expression doesn't showed it clearly much. A pang of amusement rose in her chest as fidgeted with the straw of her drink.

-"Ooh so like uhh situationship I guess?"

Silence. But she leaned in closer to Leira across the table, her hair almost brushing the tip of her drink.

-"Why do you want to know anyways? Don't you already had someone looking out anyways?"

Her voice sounded like teasing to her, and in return, she leaned back. Tilting her head looking up like someone deep in thoughts as she semi-chuckled at Irene

-"Hm. I don't know.. Maybe in my mind is thinking that YOU should try pursuing your dear friend!"

For a brief second, a surprise look flashes across her face when she said that, almost cracking an eye open to her. Leira took both of her hand in hers as she looked serious into her face with a sly grin, clearly saying that she had an idea in her mind

-"How about later this evening, we go back to my house and see what technique we could use to pursuade our interests? I already got that cute barista number and I was hoping.."

-"Wait, you really think about it?"

-"Uh. I mean, you've always talked about how you and your dear friend talked so much and had such a "strong"! And "unbreakable bond"! Even sad that "there's no term for more than best friends but still less than lovers" last time we met. That almost made me felt like I'm an NPC standing over and watch an unrequited love story between the 2 of you you know?"

After Leira finished saying that, a faint blush come across Irene's face for a brief moment before replaced by both of them laughter at her response, taking a small break from small talk to at least finish their drink. But the question she asked still hung in the air above them, like one of them is still waiting or the other wanting to answer but still couldn't find the right words to it yet. Silence soon take over as both them enjoyed the atmosphere upon them, with Irene looking in deep thoughts occasionally fidgeting with her locks of her.

It made her think what she said may or may not have ruined their friendship with her attempt to convince her friend chasing someone that even her doesn't know clearly about their relationship about.

-"Well, I've been wanting to do that anyways. How about this time-"

Her face almost lighten.

-"You come to my place instead of yours?"

She choked on her drinks, not much crucial but it's worth noting that she didn't overreact to such a simple question.

-"Holy- YOU, are inviting me to your place?"

She wiped the supplements off her mouth that still left agape. Irene tilted her head, silent for a moment before continuing.

-"I think I can understand why I never once invited you to my place in our 4 years of friendship but I didn't expect such an outcome."

She chuckled. Leira shakes her head, taking sip from her drink as if to prepare a long talk, and replied with a straight face.

-"I always thought that your place is always so messy and maybe quite depressing with stuffs like that you will never invite me to your home. Guessing this had broken almost all of my pictures about what your home looks like now."

-"Haha, I also thought like that when I came to your house the first time ever. Still, that doesn't answer my question-"

-"Yes! Of course! I've been DYING to know what your home is like!! I know that you got housemates and it may exceed or not my expectations again but the feeling of a long mystery finally opens to you is much better."

Hearing this she burst out laughing, holding her stomach and hair almost fuzzy now. Swiping off her tears across her face towards her friend's utmost honesty. And honestly? She's quite glad that she's able to hold a good long friendship with her to achieve this level of honesty.

Leira also chuckled when seeing her friend's reaction, drinking her latte again as she stared at her friend slowly recovering from her laugh before continuing again.

-"So. After finishing our drinks and my little talk with the Issac?"

-"Haha.. Sure."

She grabbed her drink and bought it up to her mouth. It wasn't long before both of them ended up at Irene's doorstep, where she is now fidgeting with bunch of her keys to figure out the right one and insert it in. Meanwhile, Leira stood across the porch, admiring the big house. It's only 2 stories tall and looked like any other regular family homes, but almost looked like it is a mansion for a family size.

-"Dang, Irene, did your family also lives with your housemates too?"

-"What? No, my family lives in another continent silly."

-"Yeah I know, maybe the housemate's family.. Just checking."

-"It's not even that big.. And why is this so har- Ah here we go."

After juggling and juggling the keys altogether, the door finally let out a small click indicating it was unlocked. Quickly putting her keys away she looked back and waves her hand towards Leira, which she quickly comes over in time.

-"I'm home-!"

Silence overcomes as she looked around the home. Peeking her head over her shoulders, she saw no one in the living room or any of the distant rooms left opened. The room was not quite messy, but there are signs of people using it. What catches her eye the most was strange sigils across the floor in random places though.

-"Huh.. I didn't know that they left without telling me."

Chapter Text

This is unpleasant.

In fact, everything is unpleasant to them right now as a slow infuriating feeling expands in their chest, knuckles turning white and their tongue threatening to bleed out.

The only thing that's pleasing enough to loosen the irritation is the thought of jumping off this mountain and waking up at home in their snuggly bed. Too bad that knowing it will never happen today makes the effect number.

They shake their head slightly when another cold gust of wind hits them, their hair fluttering against the breeze while their head wings remain stiffened, along with their tendrils too. They can hear the chains that adored their coat and around their lower legs rattling, something they have kept as memo from their past.

If this continues any further, may their joints be blessed.

Of course, no one wants to suffer climbing and hiking mountains especially when you aren't exactly settled yet. Especially when you know you don't have a choice because of your annoying housema-

Windowy quickly noticed as she nudges them in the elbow with a playful manner.

-"C0m3 0n n0w! F33l1ng 71r3d 4lr34dy?"

-"Don't touch me"

-"0h 0k4y 1 w0n'7 [GEEZ]"

Awkward shuffles and glitches could be heard from her as they continued their journey, Vizserca was also behind them but is steadier than them just to enjoy the scenery around..

Much like Nel is enjoying picking up weird things left by other people that hiked here. Currently they are looting with a lost battered backpack. When all of them get there, they want to see what trinkets they have found in that bag.

The only sound accompanying them through the journey was the hums from Windowy, occasional sound of a faint flute whistling in the air and a faint random chirp coming from below. No one wants to comment on the last one though, nor do they wanna find out.

Their tendrils are starting to get numb and tired from the intense stiff that they applied to themselves, slowly lowering it down and drag it along with them behind. Viz avoided their tendrils, not wanting to trample over them to avoid the already irritated being, as well as to not get whiplashed by Windowy's static blazing tail from behind. but she does comment on something when she looked forward and far back above them.

-"I'm guessing that we are close to the destination."

Even though it's not clearly, she slightly smiled after saying that. Her eyes shot up as she stopped humming and looked back then looking upwards where Viz was implying. There in the distance was overgrown looking poles surrounding what seemed like a traditional Japanese gate. The one usually seen fronts of shrines, the difference between them is that there's diamond shaped sigils and incoherent words beautifully carved into the wood frames and a few tweaks on the upper half of the gate. Just to make it seemed more original (okay please fuck off author).

And if you were to squint your eyes and look far far back again, someone stood not so far from the gates. It looked blurry, but there’s hints of red on that person all over.

-"You sure? Looked more like a statue with.. stains and strange red blotches to me.."

-"Th47's b3c4us3 1 c4n z00m 1n w17h my 3y3 [DUH]"

Her emoticon flickered between panels of different annoyed expressions, glaring at Rue with a strained smile. Vizserca tried to come closer to see more clearly at the said person. A part inside of the hivemind perked up randomly.

- “Is that so? Let me see.”

-"Is that-"

Suddenly, Nelliian dashed forward before finishing their own sentence, almost knocking the three of them over as they leaped forward to the gate. She let out a 'yelp' or what seemed like to be one as she tried to regain her footing, Rue didn't even bother to move a muscle when seeing her like that.

-"Woa slow down there!- And they already made it to the gates."

Vizserca tried to call out but it slowly died down to soft sigh. Honestly, climbing the mountain terrains wasn't exactly physically draining since they're still deities and their powers are still intact, just slapped in the word "retired", kind of act like one from their own knowledge and called it a day.

That obviously didn't stop that all of them will still get tired or mentally drained from one another energy though. Why wouldn't they? Am I right lads. With the best prime example are splaying in front of us now.

-"1 f3l7 l1k3 w3 4r3 g01ng [TOO] sl0w, l37's sp33d up 4 l1ttl3!.. Pl34s3?"

Her tail thrashed into Rue's leg to get their attention as she stared at Vizserca, searching for any answers.

Before replying, they looked back at Viz even though the black box is hiding the result, unlike Rue whose only upper half is hidden, therefore they don't know if there's even same sarcastic reaction she had like them, but always predict with your own knowledge from what you known from the person. So yes, they are thinking the same thing, looking back at Windowy with a deadpanned face, who is displaying a cute puppy pleading.

-"Years of living and knowing you let me know that we have no decision here."

-"I want to wipe off that puppy off your face.."

-"Gr334477! W3 c4n d0 17"

Before a fist could fly. For a split second, they found themselves in a white void and bodies both pixelated. A second isn't really enough to describe what both of them have felt but It does not hurt of course, but in singular motion in that second Rue can feel like hundreds of volts running thru every singular blood cell of them. And again, it felt familiar like they've done it a million times in their whole life. Before appearing back to the real world now standing infront of the gate.

Vizserca shook it off like nothing as she made her way thru the gate. Rue took a moment to regain their muscles and composing themself before also tailing Viz from behind, followed by Windowy who just recovered her physical form and swings her hand over their shoulder like an old friend with her usual smile. Rue only shuffled under the small weight of her hand and sighed

Another breeze of air hits them but this time much harsher than other times, hair and wings ruffling as they both tumbled forward tracing the footsteps the hivemind have left behind from their dash on the slowly descending from pale darkish green into white snowy grass the more they moved forward. They kept their head low to avoid the light above that's seemingly getting closer and brighter.

At this rate due to the cold weather, their joints and muscles should have been tightened up right now.

But luckily, those things have been all too familiar to them and so do Vizserca and Nelliian to deal with it and keep moving like hundreds of times they've done it. Except for Windowy though, no amount of act from her or pulled off could really capture the feeling of it accurately.

-"There you are, you two."

Despite the gentle smooth feminine voice, it quickly made their skin crawled upon hearing it, but they knew that wasn't the voice they expected from someone. Yet they still have small unease inside their chest.

Slowly raising their head, is a woman in what looks like a short Victorian dress standing in front of them with both of her hand behind her back. From the distance, they couldn't really make out any distinct features that stood out but they could tell there's strange red blots littered around her body. Especially her left eye.

The woman had a soft smile on her face and her eyes half lidded, gazing at the both of them, patiently waiting for them to get closer like she's about to welcome and introduce herself and the place like its the first time they've been here. In all honesty, it is their first time in God knows how long since the last time they visited here. She looked peaceful. Really suits the atmosphere that’s beginning to come close to them.

Getting closer they could see that the red blots come clear as crimson red flowers huddle together in various shapes of deformed circles surrounding her body, more specifically hyacinth flowers. They remembered that Vizserca mentioned about these types of flowers, how the way it sprouted was always pleasing to look at. There’re also a few faint red stains across her white blouse when they squint hard enough.

Windowy didn't care enough as she tried to make Rue walk faster. When coming face to face, the woman finally spoke up in a soft tone

-"I've been expecting all of you to come visit this place one day. Nice to meet you again."

-"G00d 70 s33 y0u s71ll k33p1ng 7h0s3 [FLOWEYS] n1c3 4nd fr3sh [SOVIE]!"

Windowy chirped as she pushed herself off Rue that made them stumble a bit, they forgot that she had collision on. Quickly skipping towards Sovie, her hand brushing against her bangs and the flowers that looked freshly bloomed from her left eye. Her voice comes out a little glitchier than usual.

-"W40h, d1d y0u r3c3n7ly h4d 4 h41rcu7? Y0ur d4rk 3nds 4r3 sh0w1ng!"

-"Nelliian also noticed that, Vizserca told me that this haircut suits me but I'm just trying something new with my hair."

-"H0p3 y0u d0n't r3gr37 17! 0h [MY], y0ur fl0w3rs 4r3 much m0re r3dd3r 7h4n 7h3 l4s7 71m3 1 [REMEMBERED]."

Windowy's panel showed a quick excited emoticon as she looked towards Rue, gesturing for them to come closer which they do out of curiosity of what she might have found out.

-"D0n'7 y0u 7h1nk 7h3 fl0w3rs 4r3 g3771ng m0r3 pr37713r 4nd r3dd3r 0r 1s 17 jus7 m333?"

Sovie let out a small giggle upon hearing her comment before looking over at Rue. They stared at her face for a good 5 seconds, tilting their face with a hand on their cheek as they pondered before answering with a toothful grin, adjusting their hat.

-"You sure do looked much more different from what I remembered, darker in fact but I think you should really check yourself out with a personal ophthalmologist lately.. Right Sovie?."

A jab flew towards their rib cage, but they didn't budge or stumbled, instead just chuckled at her irritated expression, clearly expecting another kind of response. Sovie covered her mouth as she laughed at the two banters before settling it down and telling them to get going.

Whilst walking across the terrain that starts to show more hospitality, Sovie spoke up.

-"The others I've already shown a place to rest since it seemed like all of you walked from your home to get here, right? Even though it might not seem like it doesn't affect you guys a lot but you guys must be tired."

-"Yup.. It's all this person’s fault of the idea getting us more time to 'bond more'.."

-"4nd 17 w4s 4 g00d 1d34!! 1 jus7 l34rn3d 4 f3w 7h1ngs 4b0u7 [RUE] 0n 7h3 w4y h3r3 y0u kn0w?"

-"Have I ever told you that silence suits you."

A soft chuckle could be heard from Sovie as her shoulders slightly shake. Strange that the sky hasn't started to get darker, it remains the same as clouded sky. They've already passed so many clouds now but not a single of them have any sensation against Rue's tendrils trailing behind.

-"You guys still have the same energy like the last time I've seen you 2 stood together."

-"Believe me when I say I do not want to walk in the path as her right now."

-"Sh0uld'v3 d4rt3d l1k3 [NELLI] h4v3 d0n3 l0l. Sp34k1ng 0f wh1ch h0w d1d 7h3y g0t s0 f4r 4nyw4ys?"

She took a moment to answer, as if thinking on how to give out her answer.

-"Viserca tried to match Nelliian pace to pin them down to check the.. things that I think they picked up along the way after I pointed out a place to rest."

Rue huffed, imagining a vivid image of the 2 of them running. 'Comical' They thought, a small smile creeping up to their face. Windowy can imagine it too, the panel behind her is animating it clear as day too though they are pretty sure their image is funnier.

It doesn't take them long to arrive at the said resting place. The mountain that they were hiking along had big flat surface on top of it being expanded by multiple wood planks that seemed tough and trustable enough to step on. Whether the flat surface was made by nature itself did it or the person that runs this place, they don’t really want to know more about this place than they already have.

Even when the sky still hasn't really changed color, it now had a faint dark pink mixed with a blueish hue surrounding the place now. As usual, the wind and the temperature around has remained the same like normal but it had strange warmth to it, at least making it more bearable being on top of a mountain.

The place itself was decorated by various kinds of multicolored flowers that somehow survived the cold climate. Every step they take was always cautious to not step on it, it's easier to spot these flowers when the ground is practically white.

Even when Sovie said it's okay to step on it, it will grow back in no time, there will be no amount of time to convince them to step on flowers that the person runs this place had personally grown.

And sure enough, the three of them have made their way in front of what looks like to be a large outdoor lounging area, guarded by medium tall fences in case someone fell. Stepping onto to the wooden planks that hold many seats and tables and the the people above ground, just at the edge of it was the 2 people that had went first both of them was Nelliian and Vizserca fidgeting trinkets, sitting on large sofas and behind them was the whole terrain that they had to walk thru to get here.

The faint occasional sound of a flute playing seemed to be clearer now.

It made them wonder who could it be playing? They sure do not a human to start off since who could even properly play a flute high up in the skies? Rue stopped midway after the entrance, letting the 2 get to the table where Viz and Nelli sit first. They looked around to find any signs of a familiar silhouette but in the end didn’t find any.

-‘Guess it was one of those weird noises from below then.’

They thought, walking over the 2 and sitting next to Vizserca, peeking their head over her shoulder watching her reading a small notebook. They do remember that they were planning to ask the 2 of them what Nelliian have found on the way.

-"..Is that someone's diary you’re reading."

Though the word came out more like a statement than a question. Viz wasn't bothered by their attitude though, she only shrugs in response to them.
-"Guess you can say that."

-“hm.”

They hummed in thought. They haven't noticed how relaxed they are right now, especially their tendril's muscle which is quite odd really considering how much history they’ve associated with themselves to this place.

A cup slid right in front of them and judging by the pleasant but strong aroma from it, it must be chamomile tea which they gracefully accept after nodding to Sovie in acknowledgement. Bring up to their lips and feeling the sweet flavor hitting their tongue was pleasing to them after years from last time they have ever enjoyed themselves a cup of tea.

It felt nostalgic to them. Often which they found it to be displeasing to feel but maybe this one is an exception.

A small chuckle escaped from Rue. Maybe, as long as they don’t see the person they are expecting to meet then this trip is worth it.

-“0h my g4h. 7h1s p3rs0n r34lly l0v33s h1s f4m1ly 4l07!”

-“ We could see that! Also, there’s this other guy’s picture that also had the same mother as this guy!”

Rue eyes shifted from the notebook Viz was holding to the Nelli’s hands, holding various photos of the same guy. They didn’t noticed that they picked up more than 2 backpacks on the way. Were they too excited to uncover these things anyways?

-“Must be twins then.”

-“N0 1 d0n’7 7h1nk s0. [THEY] l00k f4r t00 d1ff3r3n7 70 b3 tw1nss. 4nd 1 7h1nk 7h1s guy 1s [OLDER] th4n th1s 0n3 tbh.”

Vizserca put the notebook down to scoot closer to Windowy, in which she did the same to show off the picture.

Okay, there’s no way loitering other people’s stuff is that fun. Or they are just having fun guessing people’s backstories judging by their family pictures and notebooks. It can’t be right? Also are we losing our motive here? Aren’t we supposed to-

A petal fell on their face

-“I think this person is in an affair.”

Sovie’s finger landed on an old looking guy’s face, must be the father of this said guy or something they don’t exactly remember. Rue scrunches up as they learned in further.

-“Oh yeah… Makes sense now isn’t Windows?”

Viz half-heartedly said, chuckling between her words. It’s weird when you can’t see her face, otherwise they’d be imagining her laughing with a straight face. How long has it ever since they saw her actual face…?

Before Windowy responded back with her own story about the guy in the picture, the sound of a flute was played louder than the other times they’ve heard catching her off guard. Nelliian perked up at the clearer sound, immediately snapping her head at a certain direction from the distant mountains that surrounded them in this terrain.

Others quickly followed their direction, Sovie walked towards the rail to get a closer look while Windowy aimlessly floated towards it, almost hitting Rue with her spark.

A gust of wind hit them, but it’s clearly not from the skies itself since it’s not so subtle to notice. Ugh, how many times did they get hit by the wind today?

-“Oh!”

Sovie said, her face almost lit up upon realizing. Nelli shifted, glancing at her from their seat and tilting their head curiously

-“Wait.. Is it who we think it is?”

Rue shuddered, a clear image slowly forming in their head. But no, it can’t be that person. They’ve known that person well enough to not make a grand appearance on purpose. Maybe someone who works here..?

Ah.

-“[HAILEE]!!”

As if on cue, the said person’s silhouette slowly became clear now, emerging from the clouds like a ray of light with battered wings descending from one of the highest mountains in view and diving down below. The harmonical sound of flute becoming increasingly clear as the person came closer.

With a swift sound of ‘Swoosh!’, she flew up, wings flapping as they cut through the clouds with ease. They looked beautiful from above with the light shimmering behind them, shining through every possible crack around her. And her face was covered by her head wings but still showing her kind smile.

Her black gown adorned by little sigils of glimmering stars around their waist flowing freely just slightly above their knees to show their blackened joints, instead of red?

From afar up in the skies, she may look beautiful, easily be mistaken as an angel. Yet up close was rather the opposite when you realize, even before interacting. How much their movement was rather more robotic than angelic. How her skin shines more like metal than human skin.

How both light and dark orange, brown like metal rust staining at the ends of their fingers and knee joints to both of her feet was stained mixing with other strange dark red stains, even on their wings that looked like they had gone through multiple events under the weather without proper cleaning.

Not counting how unkept her hair was, how white slowly descended to a grayish black at the end of her hair. The same could be said with the head wings covering her face that sprouted 2 lines down her face, screwing her face intact.

That’s what Rue had thought of the angel-looking robot when they first met decades again. But recalling back, the robot had changed a few features now. Everyone did.

They slowly landed right next to Sovie with practiced moves as the other watches. Her wings quickly folded and touched the ground, adding another reason why it’s so dirty. In her hand was holding a small wooden flute.

- “[Friends! I thought it was you guys when I notice 3 people walking up to the mountains!]”

Her voice came out robotically smoothly and sounded high with a chipper tone. Hearing from the voice alone, most people will mistake it as an average teenage girl’s voice, bright and innocent. But this one is artificial, and it doesn’t suit their appearance.

- “Oh Haile! How have you been? From the looks of it, you seemed more fixed…?”

- “You noticed that huh Nellii?”
Sovie softly remarks as Nelliian got up from their seat and approached her, placing both of their hands on top of her shoulders as they greeted with a toothful smile. And they really did, opening several eyes as if it was their own way of saying hello.

But she wasn’t shaken by that, and like old friends, they leaned into it, wings ruffling but doesn’t lift away from their eyes as her soft smile deepens.

- “[It’s nice to know that you guys finally came to visit! You should’ve told sooner otherwise I’d come down help you guys already.]”

Vizserca twirls a lock of their hair from behind and softly combing thru it, a soft sigh escaping from her.

- “Dear, it wasn’t our idea in the first place anyways.”

- “17 w4s m1n33!! 1 n3v3r r3gr3773d 17-!!! [OUWCHH] wh47 w4s 7h47 f0r-?!”

A tendril snapped behind Windowy’s head, making her let out a yelp and glare at Rue’s slight shrugs and mockingly avoiding eye contact as if they don’t know. Whilst poking fun, their eyes landed on the flute in her hands.

- “So it was you whistling the flute?”

They pointed at the flute in her hand before continuing with a small smile.

- “I thought it was the ghosts living here trying to lure us down below.”

The hive mind lowered their head towards where Rue pointed at her hand as she bought it up closer to inspect the object.

- “[HAILE] 1s pr4c71s1ng wh1s7l1ng? 1 sh0uld’v3 kn0wn s0 1 c4n br1ng y0u 4 [NEW] 0n3!”

They’re pretty sure if Windowy known beforehand, she would use their money instead of hers.

- “[Haha, I appreciate it very much but this one’s special.]”

The robot waved their hand towards her as they caressed the flute in her hand with adoration. If they must guess, it must be someone significant to her.

- “[Lady Manoka gifted me a while back after my recovery as a respect for me.]”

Huh. It’s older than they expected. But speaking of the lady, the usual stomach twisting of nerves is starting to return as their cup of tea seems to resonate.

It’s funny how only a mere mention of the lady makes them feel this way. If their muscles haven’t already been tired and still tense enough, then it is now.

And how pathetic they feel when acknowledging this. Even more when Windowy patted them on the back for no reason. Viz sit back down to her spot as she asks in a curious tone.

- “Now that you speak of her. Where is she? She usually lodges around here..”

- “Well., unfortunately she’s have gone to have some business with other acquaintances of hers.”

Sovie softly said head slowly lowering down, the flowers sprouting from her eyes had little velvet petals falling to the floor in a slow motion but wept away with the wind before making contact to the ground.

The hive mind let a small sound of ‘ah pootey’ as they slouch on the robot shoulder, but they patted them on the back with their usual chipper tone.

- “[But don’t let the missing presence of someone lower your spirits! You guys could stay here until Lady Manoka comes back! While waiting, there’s a plenty of new stuffs you could try here!]”

- “Dear, we weren’t even sad- OUGHHKHK??”

Out of instincts, they clutched the side of their stomach where had Windowy had sent blow into, their tendrils immediately pointing sharply at her from a low angle while she excited with her tail flicking.

- “[WE] 4r3 f0rw4rd 70 17 wh1ls7 w4171ng ^_^!”