Lucifer Marigold

> Her mask was off, no need to wear it around friends allies. She smiled and pushes her own goblet to Lucy.

"Appreciated."

> She nods gratefully at her before sipping the wine and looking towards Coffee with an easy expression. She's clearly not very worried about this war, it feels far off and they have a lot of planning to do so no need to stress now.

"We have plenty of time to gather armies, the Greater Essempi's forces practically at my beck and call, we'll be fine. And plus, we have the Blood God on our side."

> She swirls her drink before taking another sip.

> Coffee makes no effort to hide their eyeroll. Fae yanks the knife out of the corkboard with little care for how it smacks back against the wall with a loud clunk. Their expression is cold as they move to the table in a singular step, dropping the knife unceremoniously back in front of faer brother.

We do not in fact have my father on our side. The Blood God is not on anybody's side. Technically, I'm not supposed to be either. I just get away with it because we're fighting a government.

(Don't call it father It doesn't like that remember? Want a repeat of last time, little Axe?)

> The voices rising in their head has faer wincing ever so slightly. They refuse to sit, to sit would be to give in. Fae forces their expression back to neutral.

There is no instance of a people benefitting from prolonged warfare, Sun Tzu. Well, we've been prolonging this war effort. Both of you are generals, surely you see the wisdom in a quick strike. Manberg is unstable still. Enough doing your homework in class, let's talk actual efforts.

> Fae spins a nearby chair so the back is facing the table, sitting on it with their arms crossed over the back of the chair.

"Well, there's more than one god in the fray, isn't there?"

A twisted smile from Luce, uncanny. It disappears a second later.

"But you're right, we have been pouring over maps far too much. Do you have the required resources, Crow? I hear you've been busy on that front."

She tipped her glass back, downing the wine in one smooth swig. The goblet clatters onto the oak table, dipping and spinning before coming to a stop.

She moved to pick the knife back up, pointing the blade against the table and tilting it back and forth.

> She nodded at Lucy.

"Yeah I have most of them. I can have all we need within the next few days, the resources aren't going to be an issue."

> Her easy mood had been quickly turned sour at the interruption of map studying. She didn't even need it. She knew where good places to strike would be. Go for their supplies first, cut off any methods of profit, weaken them at the foundation so that have nothing to fall back on. It was simple. She finished her goblet then poured more.

"Do you have any bright ideas Coffee? You seem keen on getting this done as soon as possible. For being such a skilled soldier you seem to be rushing in, another bad strategy."

> Coffee's lip curls slightly. They snatch the bottle of wine away before Crow finishes pouring, holding it out of reach of either of the other two.

I think that's enough wine there, old rival. Your tongue, it appears, has been caught by the liquor devil.

> Fae grasps the bottle tight, their dagger gleaming threateningly in faer other hand.

And don't speak to me as if you don't know me absurdly well. If any person in this room doesn't assume I haven't been working tirelessly for far longer than her, she ought to leave right this very moment.

> They wait a moment, glancing between Luce and Crow.

Thought so. First off, you forget everything you were taught. Let your plans be dark and impenetrable as night, and when you move, fall like a thunderbolt. The speed of action is paramount to the battle. We must move quick, before they have the chance to settle.

And we're going to need allies. Far too many neutral parties on this server. We should be focusing on turning them.

> Fae takes a very short swig from the bottle and glances to their brother.

Luce, what's that group you created a while ago? The Anti-Doctor Collective?

She laughs, for a long moment, as if what Coffee said was the funniest thing she had heard in a while.

"That? That was a joke, Coffee. A bit made up by my siblings and I."

Another laugh.

"As if they're able to help though, anyway. Etsu's too young, undefined. I can't sway them to green up their lawn let alone join a war they don't believe in. And Method..."

She trailed off, nose scrunched before she started looking through papers and letters. "Right, yeah, he's off in Barbados dealing with a court case. He will be for the next few months."

She turned to look at Coffee, and then at Crow. "So... We are friends are we not? And our interests are the same in this matter. What. Is. The. Plan?"

"Of course we're friends."

> She exclaimed, looking offended Lucy would think anything otherwise. They weren't of course, well - maybe Crow had become a friend to Lucy. She'd given her enough stuff.

"The plan is We blow them up to kingdom come and done, poof, Manburg is no more - then Lucy can take her country back."

> She looked to the others like this was obvious.

"I can start laying TNT even since Coffee is so keen on getting this done as soon as possible."

> She looks down at the map, eyes drifting over Manburg's layout but then flicking to the east end where her little house fell just off the map.

"Striking the stage and podium or the White House is too risky, they'll expect us to hit big targets to get to them faster. These will and have already been checked nearly every day for threats."

> She crosses off the two spots on the map with loose charcoal from an extinguished torch.

"We could strike their farms first or go for civilian houses, scare them and make them paranoid. If they're so scared that they can't trust each other then they'll destroy themselves from the inside out. People are already on edge with the way TSchlatt is managing the country."

> Coffee bristles at the thought of Manburg returning to L'Manburg. That's not their plan at all. Fae wants it gone, reduced to ashes. They haven't denied that at all. That being said, fae will humor the other two. For now at least.

> And by humor, of course they mean use all faer sarcastic ability.

Ah yeah, because terrorist attacks against civilians will definitely have them accepting Luce back should the country stay upon solid ground after we overthrow TSchlatt. In fact, that sounds like the perfect plan, when do we start?

> The voices do not mix well with alcohol, but Coffee drinks again and finally sits. Twirling the wine bottle in faer hand. Trying their best to ignore faer bouncing leg.

Or, we can come up with a real plan. We need information from inside, we need information on their numbers and armory. We set up closer strongholds to fall back upon in battle if needed. No blackstone stairs this time.

> A quick glance to their brother.

Avoiding bigger areas may not be as safe, but it also makes a statement. Overthrow the tyrant. We lay the TNT there the same day as the fight. Make it appear as if we're hosting a class revolution. Nobody likes taxes, we could gain turncoats.

"Turncoats this, civilians that. Fuck all that. I say we just fucking blow the White House up, vandalise one of the towers with a message and fucking be done with it."

She snapped, slamming her palms flat against the table, rattling it. Her wings arched behind her, like a horrid frame to this deranged picture.

"There's a saying I once heard back in Ecet. It goes like this," She paused, picking up her glasses from her face before folding them and setting them down neatly. "A war isn't a war if you don't know what you're fighting for. Otherwise it's just a massacre with the pretense of honour."

She ran her fingers across the bridge of her nose. "Is this honourable?"

"Nothing about any of the ideas you've mentioned have been honorable."

> She points out before leaning further back into her chair and looking at the stolen bottle in Coffee's hand.

"And we can't just blow up the White House, we need to be more strategic than that - they'll expect something like that. If you do that then you become the common enemy, we may still have allies within Manburg. What you're suggesting is how you lose a war."

> She shot Lucy a look.

"You gotta use your head in battle, you can't keep letting your emotions and opinions get the better of you in planning, that's how you lost the last war."

> She knew it was a risky thing to say here but someone had to say it. Lucy was unstable and should probably leave the planning to Coffee and her.

> Coffee rolls their eyes and finishes the last half-inch or so of the bottle. Gods, these two children really are driving faer to drink, huh? They never thought fae could relate to that statement, but here they are.

> Not great on faer head though. The voices start distorting. So this is why Techno always said he couldn't drink. It's weird. They squint to see better.

If that was the case, old rival, very few of the revolutions I've led would have been successful. You always plan to go for the keep at one point or another. If you don't, your people do, and things get very messy very quickly. And I'd much rather one of us go for the keep than, say one of the children. They're far more liable to make a mess.

> The voices are acting weird. Coffee frowns at the empty bottle and sets it down, going back to spinning faer dagger instead.

Lucy reached across the table, dragging the decanter across the maps and popping of the worn crystal cap with a pop.

She tipped the amber liquid into her goblet, maintaining direct eye contact with Coffee from across the table.

It was far too fancy to be made in Log. Stolen then, perhaps?

"Coffee's right. Putting that aside for the moment, there is one issue." Her gaze shifted, snapping onto Crow. She held the goblet between loose fingers swinging it back and forth as she spoke.

"It's such an annoying one too. Like a orphan you just can't kill."

She tilted her head in a smile, raising an eyebrow towards Coffee like it was some kind of in joke.

"Crow, you're a liability but also an asset. Prancing around playing house and being TSchlatt's body guard. How can we trust you're not going to betray us?"

She shifted her drink back, taking a long sip of whiskey.

"I mean, you've got a nice little track record of traps. Beautifully done though, that control room. But what can you guarantee us other than some gunpowder and tnt?"

> Her mask was off, no need to wear it around friends allies. She smiled and pushes her own goblet to Lucy.

"Appreciated."

> She nods gratefully at her before sipping the wine and looking towards Coffee with an easy expression. She's clearly not very worried about this war, it feels far off and they have a lot of planning to do so no need to stress now.

"We have plenty of time to gather armies, the Greater Essempi's forces practically at my beck and call, we'll be fine. And plus, we have the Blood God on our side."

> She swirls her drink before taking another sip.

> Coffee makes no effort to hide their eyeroll. Fae yanks the knife out of the corkboard with little care for how it smacks back against the wall with a loud clunk. Their expression is cold as they move to the table in a singular step, dropping the knife unceremoniously back in front of faer brother.

We do not in fact have my father on our side. The Blood God is not on anybody's side. Technically, I'm not supposed to be either. I just get away with it because we're fighting a government.

(Don't call it father It doesn't like that remember? Want a repeat of last time, little Axe?)

> The voices rising in their head has faer wincing ever so slightly. They refuse to sit, to sit would be to give in. Fae forces their expression back to neutral.

There is no instance of a people benefitting from prolonged warfare, Sun Tzu. Well, we've been prolonging this war effort. Both of you are generals, surely you see the wisdom in a quick strike. Manberg is unstable still. Enough doing your homework in class, let's talk actual efforts.

> Fae spins a nearby chair so the back is facing the table, sitting on it with their arms crossed over the back of the chair.

"Well, there's more than one god in the fray, isn't there?"

A twisted smile from Luce, uncanny. It disappears a second later.

"But you're right, we have been pouring over maps far too much. Do you have the required resources, Crow? I hear you've been busy on that front."

She tipped her glass back, downing the wine in one smooth swig. The goblet clatters onto the oak table, dipping and spinning before coming to a stop.

She moved to pick the knife back up, pointing the blade against the table and tilting it back and forth.

> She nodded at Lucy.

"Yeah I have most of them. I can have all we need within the next few days, the resources aren't going to be an issue."

> Her easy mood had been quickly turned sour at the interruption of map studying. She didn't even need it. She knew where good places to strike would be. Go for their supplies first, cut off any methods of profit, weaken them at the foundation so that have nothing to fall back on. It was simple. She finished her goblet then poured more.

"Do you have any bright ideas Coffee? You seem keen on getting this done as soon as possible. For being such a skilled soldier you seem to be rushing in, another bad strategy."

> Coffee's lip curls slightly. They snatch the bottle of wine away before Crow finishes pouring, holding it out of reach of either of the other two.

I think that's enough wine there, old rival. Your tongue, it appears, has been caught by the liquor devil.

> Fae grasps the bottle tight, their dagger gleaming threateningly in faer other hand.

And don't speak to me as if you don't know me absurdly well. If any person in this room doesn't assume I haven't been working tirelessly for far longer than her, she ought to leave right this very moment.

> They wait a moment, glancing between Luce and Crow.

Thought so. First off, you forget everything you were taught. Let your plans be dark and impenetrable as night, and when you move, fall like a thunderbolt. The speed of action is paramount to the battle. We must move quick, before they have the chance to settle.

And we're going to need allies. Far too many neutral parties on this server. We should be focusing on turning them.

> Fae takes a very short swig from the bottle and glances to their brother.

Luce, what's that group you created a while ago? The Anti-Doctor Collective?

She laughs, for a long moment, as if what Coffee said was the funniest thing she had heard in a while.

"That? That was a joke, Coffee. A bit made up by my siblings and I."

Another laugh.

"As if they're able to help though, anyway. Etsu's too young, undefined. I can't sway them to green up their lawn let alone join a war they don't believe in. And Method..."

She trailed off, nose scrunched before she started looking through papers and letters. "Right, yeah, he's off in Barbados dealing with a court case. He will be for the next few months."

She turned to look at Coffee, and then at Crow. "So... We are friends are we not? And our interests are the same in this matter. What. Is. The. Plan?"

"Of course we're friends."

> She exclaimed, looking offended Lucy would think anything otherwise. They weren't of course, well - maybe Crow had become a friend to Lucy. She'd given her enough stuff.

"The plan is We blow them up to kingdom come and done, poof, Manburg is no more - then Lucy can take her country back."

> She looked to the others like this was obvious.

"I can start laying TNT even since Coffee is so keen on getting this done as soon as possible."

> She looks down at the map, eyes drifting over Manburg's layout but then flicking to the east end where her little house fell just off the map.

"Striking the stage and podium or the White House is too risky, they'll expect us to hit big targets to get to them faster. These will and have already been checked nearly every day for threats."

> She crosses off the two spots on the map with loose charcoal from an extinguished torch.

"We could strike their farms first or go for civilian houses, scare them and make them paranoid. If they're so scared that they can't trust each other then they'll destroy themselves from the inside out. People are already on edge with the way TSchlatt is managing the country."

> Coffee bristles at the thought of Manburg returning to L'Manburg. That's not their plan at all. Fae wants it gone, reduced to ashes. They haven't denied that at all. That being said, fae will humor the other two. For now at least.

> And by humor, of course they mean use all faer sarcastic ability.

Ah yeah, because terrorist attacks against civilians will definitely have them accepting Luce back should the country stay upon solid ground after we overthrow TSchlatt. In fact, that sounds like the perfect plan, when do we start?

> The voices do not mix well with alcohol, but Coffee drinks again and finally sits. Twirling the wine bottle in faer hand. Trying their best to ignore faer bouncing leg.

Or, we can come up with a real plan. We need information from inside, we need information on their numbers and armory. We set up closer strongholds to fall back upon in battle if needed. No blackstone stairs this time.

> A quick glance to their brother.

Avoiding bigger areas may not be as safe, but it also makes a statement. Overthrow the tyrant. We lay the TNT there the same day as the fight. Make it appear as if we're hosting a class revolution. Nobody likes taxes, we could gain turncoats.

"Turncoats this, civilians that. Fuck all that. I say we just fucking blow the White House up, vandalise one of the towers with a message and fucking be done with it."

She snapped, slamming her palms flat against the table, rattling it. Her wings arched behind her, like a horrid frame to this deranged picture.

"There's a saying I once heard back in Ecet. It goes like this," She paused, picking up her glasses from her face before folding them and setting them down neatly. "A war isn't a war if you don't know what you're fighting for. Otherwise it's just a massacre with the pretense of honour."

She ran her fingers across the bridge of her nose. "Is this honourable?"

> Her mask was off, no need to wear it around friends allies. She smiled and pushes her own goblet to Lucy.

"Appreciated."

> She nods gratefully at her before sipping the wine and looking towards Coffee with an easy expression. She's clearly not very worried about this war, it feels far off and they have a lot of planning to do so no need to stress now.

"We have plenty of time to gather armies, the Greater Essempi's forces practically at my beck and call, we'll be fine. And plus, we have the Blood God on our side."

> She swirls her drink before taking another sip.

> Coffee makes no effort to hide their eyeroll. Fae yanks the knife out of the corkboard with little care for how it smacks back against the wall with a loud clunk. Their expression is cold as they move to the table in a singular step, dropping the knife unceremoniously back in front of faer brother.

We do not in fact have my father on our side. The Blood God is not on anybody's side. Technically, I'm not supposed to be either. I just get away with it because we're fighting a government.

(Don't call it father It doesn't like that remember? Want a repeat of last time, little Axe?)

> The voices rising in their head has faer wincing ever so slightly. They refuse to sit, to sit would be to give in. Fae forces their expression back to neutral.

There is no instance of a people benefitting from prolonged warfare, Sun Tzu. Well, we've been prolonging this war effort. Both of you are generals, surely you see the wisdom in a quick strike. Manberg is unstable still. Enough doing your homework in class, let's talk actual efforts.

> Fae spins a nearby chair so the back is facing the table, sitting on it with their arms crossed over the back of the chair.

"Well, there's more than one god in the fray, isn't there?"

A twisted smile from Luce, uncanny. It disappears a second later.

"But you're right, we have been pouring over maps far too much. Do you have the required resources, Crow? I hear you've been busy on that front."

She tipped her glass back, downing the wine in one smooth swig. The goblet clatters onto the oak table, dipping and spinning before coming to a stop.

She moved to pick the knife back up, pointing the blade against the table and tilting it back and forth.

> She nodded at Lucy.

"Yeah I have most of them. I can have all we need within the next few days, the resources aren't going to be an issue."

> Her easy mood had been quickly turned sour at the interruption of map studying. She didn't even need it. She knew where good places to strike would be. Go for their supplies first, cut off any methods of profit, weaken them at the foundation so that have nothing to fall back on. It was simple. She finished her goblet then poured more.

"Do you have any bright ideas Coffee? You seem keen on getting this done as soon as possible. For being such a skilled soldier you seem to be rushing in, another bad strategy."

> Coffee's lip curls slightly. They snatch the bottle of wine away before Crow finishes pouring, holding it out of reach of either of the other two.

I think that's enough wine there, old rival. Your tongue, it appears, has been caught by the liquor devil.

> Fae grasps the bottle tight, their dagger gleaming threateningly in faer other hand.

And don't speak to me as if you don't know me absurdly well. If any person in this room doesn't assume I haven't been working tirelessly for far longer than her, she ought to leave right this very moment.

> They wait a moment, glancing between Luce and Crow.

Thought so. First off, you forget everything you were taught. Let your plans be dark and impenetrable as night, and when you move, fall like a thunderbolt. The speed of action is paramount to the battle. We must move quick, before they have the chance to settle.

And we're going to need allies. Far too many neutral parties on this server. We should be focusing on turning them.

> Fae takes a very short swig from the bottle and glances to their brother.

Luce, what's that group you created a while ago? The Anti-Doctor Collective?

She laughs, for a long moment, as if what Coffee said was the funniest thing she had heard in a while.

"That? That was a joke, Coffee. A bit made up by my siblings and I."

Another laugh.

"As if they're able to help though, anyway. Etsu's too young, undefined. I can't sway them to green up their lawn let alone join a war they don't believe in. And Method..."

She trailed off, nose scrunched before she started looking through papers and letters. "Right, yeah, he's off in Barbados dealing with a court case. He will be for the next few months."

She turned to look at Coffee, and then at Crow. "So... We are friends are we not? And our interests are the same in this matter. What. Is. The. Plan?"

> Her mask was off, no need to wear it around friends allies. She smiled and pushes her own goblet to Lucy.

"Appreciated."

> She nods gratefully at her before sipping the wine and looking towards Coffee with an easy expression. She's clearly not very worried about this war, it feels far off and they have a lot of planning to do so no need to stress now.

"We have plenty of time to gather armies, the Greater Essempi's forces practically at my beck and call, we'll be fine. And plus, we have the Blood God on our side."

> She swirls her drink before taking another sip.

> Coffee makes no effort to hide their eyeroll. Fae yanks the knife out of the corkboard with little care for how it smacks back against the wall with a loud clunk. Their expression is cold as they move to the table in a singular step, dropping the knife unceremoniously back in front of faer brother.

We do not in fact have my father on our side. The Blood God is not on anybody's side. Technically, I'm not supposed to be either. I just get away with it because we're fighting a government.

(Don't call it father It doesn't like that remember? Want a repeat of last time, little Axe?)

> The voices rising in their head has faer wincing ever so slightly. They refuse to sit, to sit would be to give in. Fae forces their expression back to neutral.

There is no instance of a people benefitting from prolonged warfare, Sun Tzu. Well, we've been prolonging this war effort. Both of you are generals, surely you see the wisdom in a quick strike. Manberg is unstable still. Enough doing your homework in class, let's talk actual efforts.

> Fae spins a nearby chair so the back is facing the table, sitting on it with their arms crossed over the back of the chair.

"Well, there's more than one god in the fray, isn't there?"

A twisted smile from Luce, uncanny. It disappears a second later.

"But you're right, we have been pouring over maps far too much. Do you have the required resources, Crow? I hear you've been busy on that front."

She tipped her glass back, downing the wine in one smooth swig. The goblet clatters onto the oak table, dipping and spinning before coming to a stop.

She moved to pick the knife back up, pointing the blade against the table and tilting it back and forth.

-Potatoe looks around. A bit scared. They haven't seen Lucy in a while. "You- you left a note in my house with- with the cords?" -They sound unsure. "I mean- I'm pretty sure it was you? I don't know who else it could've been-" -They cut themselves off from rambling, "um yeah. You said, you said to come here. That Tommy and Lullah needed, help? i think."

-Their hands nervously pick at loose feathers from their wings.

"Let-"

She practically storms over, wings raised. She's angry. She practically slams the pot down when she drops it.

"Let me see the fucking-"

A long pause as she stopped, inhaling deeply with her hands pressed together.

"The letter, Potato. May I see it?"

Guys.

Here’s some doodles I forgot to post

"Hi brother. Long time no see?"

She's shuffling back and forth, still just as awkward. Her arms are held just as strangely, like she's going for a hug but stops mid-way. She taps her foot a couple times, clearly building up the gall to ask something. She has something green in her right hand, clenched together tightly.

"I need advice."

> What- how- why on the Blood God's name would Luce come to Coffee to ask them for advice? After- after everything fae's done- after the anger and spite and distance between the two of them-

(Turn her away She disowned sonboy She broke the anarchy rule She made her own nation She disowned sonboyyyyy She does not deserve a place in your home)

> Coffee hears the voices, they understand what Chat's saying, but Coffee could never hate Luce, and fae sees the almost-hug stop midway and something in their heart hurts, screeches with pain.

> But they understand why Luce wouldn't follow through. Despite it being the voices that were in control, it was still Coffee's hands that killed the little one, Lullah. Coffee still doesn't even know what they said in the Final Control Room, but thankfully it doesn't seem enough for Luce to completely disown Coffee too.

Uh- uh, yeah, sure. Come inside, you must be frozen. *jokingly* I have mashed potatoes?

"Do you still use the salted butter I like?"

She's trying to joke too, but it falls flat. She smoothes her suit out a little, stepping inside. She looks like someone pretending to be in control but she doesn't waver again. Nor does she acknowledge the sheer awkwardness of the situation.

"This is hardly a presidential welcome but... Yeah... Nevermind." She stiffles her own joke again, idly tapping her foot.

"How have you been? Uh, any... Any news from Dad lately?"

> Coffee chuckles a little, uneasily. Thank gods there's no more chests everywhere, at least the Refuge looks a bit more lived in now.

Yeah, of course I still use that butter. I love it too, remember?

> The presidential welcome comment doesn't fly as smoothly. The voices are practically chomping at the bit over it, screeching anarchy and calling for blood. But Coffee does faer best to ignore it, and moves towards the back to get a blanket for Luce, she has to be cold after all that time outside in the freezing cold.

I've been uh, fine. Haven't heard from Time recently, but he's been doing his own thing. 'M sure I'll hear from him at some point or another.

> They grab up a blanket and turn back to see Luce still standing awkwardly.

Why don't you take your jacket off, stay a while? Tell me what you've been up to, how things are going in uh, in your country.

"I'm alright."

She shuffles her coat off, draping the black woolen blend fabric over a nearby chair. Her suit jacket follows, adjusting her tie slightly afterwards .She's curt and to the point.

"Things are fine. I've got a good cabinet. We've passed new education laws recently. I... Uhm..."

She inhales, running a hand through her hair. It's more brown than purple since the last time they both had seen each other.

"Look, I might as well cut to the chase. I need help with... Something. Something important. And I have nowhere or no one to ask. I'm not asking Time about this either. I just... I need help, Coff."

> Coffee nods a little, refusing to flinch as the voices spike again, gnashing their nonexistent teeth over being asked for help.

Yeah, sure. Tell me what's going on.

> Fae crosses the room over to Luce and drapes the blanket around her shoulders to warm her up, noting the coloring difference in her hair. To be honest, Coffee had forgotten Luce's original hair color, only remembering the hours they had spent when Luce was little, dying her hair together. They imagine Luce had kept that up for Dragon when he was growing up.

> Fae sits on the couch, gently pulling Luce down to sit with them. Watching her expression for any hints.

What do you need?

"Ah.. well.."

She inhales sharply, laughing to ease the tension in her bones. It doesn't work.

"I'm in some deep shit. I have been for a while. A long while, Coff. I..."

She grows incredibly serious, biting her lip like it had personally betrayed her.

"Can you promise me that whatever I tell you won't get out? That you won't tell others what you know? Because we both know what we know, and..."

She's being genuine, desperately so.

"Please? Swear it?"

> Coffee tips their head, concerned.

Luce, I wouldn't tell. I swear.

> They hold out faer hands, palm side up. A symbol of comfort, understanding, promise.

And you know I very rarely break my promises. Please, Luce, you're worrying me.

She nods once, sitting down on the same chair as her coat. Pressing her hands together, she looks up at Coffee with grave seriousness.

"What do you know about God Avatars?"

(Don't tell her Don't tell her Something's wrong Don't tell her Don't tell her about us Don't tell her what your true purpose is Don't tell her Don't tell her Something's wrong Don't tell her)

> Chat's almost uniform response to whatever's going on sinks in Coffee's gut heavily. They're never this much in agreement, and fae hates to admit it, but Chat may be right.

I uh- a little. Techno's one. Or uh- was one, I guess. I dunno. I know more about the Blood God's Avatar than general Avatars.

> A lie? No, of course not, Coffee's not saying a single thing that isn't true. Just in case this is a test. (Even after close to two decades of being one themself, fae still knows very little actual detail about being an Avatar.)

> Luce's a smart one, she's probably figured out what happened in the Final Control Room. Coffee just doesn't know what Luce will do about that, but if the voices are right, it probably won't be good.

> Coffee takes a shaky breath.

What about them?

"Do..."

She seems almost afraid about something. Almost.

"Do all Gods have them? Like... Even the bad ones?"

She swallows her own nerves in one breath.

"Do Avatars know if they're one? Do they remember?"

> Coffee blinks, confused.

Uh... yeah, all Gods have them. I don't- I don't know if I'd count any God as a "bad" one, some of them are a bit more selfish than others I think, but that doesn't make them bad or good, really. Then again...

> They chuckle a little.

I was created by the Blood God, so maybe take that with a grain of salt.

> The Avatars question does make fae very nervous.

Uh yeah, Avatars usually know if they're one. The only ones I couldn't really say for certain is uh, Tempus, the new one RES, and uh, the Void. Luce, what's going on? Why are you asking all of this?

She doesn't say anything for a moment, a painted expression on her face.

"The Void has an avatar, Coffee."

A very long pause.

"I... I know who it is."

> Coffee's face falls. Despite themself, despite what fae said about no god being inherently good or bad, there's definitely something malicious in the Void choosing an Avatar and they know it.

(Don't tell her Don't tell her Something's wrong Don't tell her)

> ...And the voices clearly know something Coffee doesn't, and the little shits, knowing fae can't throttle them into submission, are refusing to disclose what that may be.

L- Luce- you're saying somebody on this server is the Void's Avatar? That's a serious accusation to make, kid.

> The Void choosing an Avatar... Coffee shudders to think what kind of damage that could cause, and starts making a mental list of preparations that should be made in case the Avatar comes after anyone they care about. Dragon, Crow, Rex, Time, Lucy! Fuck, especially Lucy, the Avatar must know she knows by now. Coffee's going to have to convince her to go into hiding, at least until fae can take care of the threat, maybe after. The Void is spiteful after all.

Are you- are you positive they're an Avatar? Because- they could be a Hero maybe, a task runner. Or a- or a Champion, a blessed - or cursed depending on which way you look at it - servant. Just because they can wield some power doesn't mean they're automatically an extension of the god themselves.

> Chat's becoming a waking nightmare in Coffee's head. They're screeching, almost like tearing at each other. So many arguments in their head, fae feels the migraine coming on but they have to have answers.

How do you- how do you know they're an Avatar? What did you see? Luce, who's the Avatar of the Void?

"I mean, not quite an Avatar... but also definitely not a Champion."

She's hesitating AGAIN. She moves to undo her tie, shaky gloved hands hovering over the yellow fabric.

"Don't... don't freak out. Please. I haven't told anyone about this-"

> Coffee frowns, watching Luce's hands shake. She must be freezing- but she's not holding the blanket around herself-

> Wait. Wait a godsdamn fucking second. Between the raging din of Chat's screeching and the sheer confusion, the pieces click. How scared Luce is. What she's been asking. The way she's been acting. The almost begging, which Luce never does, to keep this a secret.

> Coffee pales, and for the first time in over twenty years, fear melds with the dread in their gut and grasps fae by the throat.

Lu- Luce- Luce what did you do-

"I... You've got to understand that it was years ago. Years, Coffee. I... It wasn't that bad at first-"

She's shifted to her own awkward panic now. Almost crumpling over her need to stay in control in this singular moment. It strikes Lucy when she looks back over at Coffee that they're afraid.

Afraid of her or for her, she can't tell.

"It's so fucking hungry, Coffee."

I- Luce, what- fuck.

> Chat is going absolutely wild. Screeching, screaming, fighting, chanting. Coffee can't even think over the raging storm in their head. Thousands of voices fill faer mind, they can't even hear their own.

Luce, what- why- why would you-

> Fae doesn't even have the words to ask the question they need to ask. Fear has taken a hold of them entirely. Fae needs to- to tell somebody- tell Time maybe he can help- no they promised not to tell anyone, fuck! Coffee can't break another promise to Luce.

> And Luce looks scared, she looks scared like the first time she fought a zombie, she looks lost and desperate and panicked and in that moment Coffee just wants to go back in time, even to before their deal that limited the possessions and the voices if it would mean that fae could fix this somehow, could make it all better so they aren't faced with this, so that Luce can just be happy.

> They weren't strong enough. Fae wasn't strong enough, and once again their family pays the price.

> Coffee leans forward and pulls Luce into a tight hug.

Luce- Luce I'm so, so, so sorry- we'll fix this. There has to be a way.

> There has to, because Coffee doesn't know what they'll do with faeself if there isn't.

Lucy completely freezes, stiffening in Coffee's embrace. She doesn't know if she should hug back or not.

"Why are you apologising? I... Didn't... It happened years ago, Coffee. I just... It's become unmanageable. It's getting worse."

She pushes Coffee off in an instant, curling into herself a second later.

"Stop. I can't... No hugs. Don't. I can't spread it to you too. Even accidentally."

> It hurts, oh it hurts it hurts to be pushed away so easy. Luce didn't even hug back, she kinda just froze, and Coffee probably should've asked first but it was a spur of the moment decision and oh, this is so awful, just seeing Luce look like she doesn't know what she's doing, that confident swagger gone now.

> Coffee wants to tell her. The voices do not.

(Don't tell her don't tell her Don't tell her Actually stupidblade Don't even think about it You cannot trust her She is the Void's chosen She is our enemy She is the villain Don't tell her you'll only be hurt)

> But she's not the enemy, she's not the villain, she's Luce and she's scared. She's so scared, Chat.

> The words tumble out before the voices can turn the migraine bad enough to stop fae from speaking.

Luce- you can't spread it to me.

> You can't spread it to me because I'm an Avatar, too.

"No, no, no. Not that... this."

And she tears off her one of her gloves, gloves she hasn't been see without for over a decade.

Every picture, every painting, she's worn them, or a variant of them.

And there, without the glove, and with her long dress-shirt sleeve pulled back, it something horrid, black and inky and speckled with growth.

Sculk.

> Coffee recognizes the Sculk instantly. And it's an instinctual response, it's their body just knowing what that shit does, but fae backs up from Lucy really fucking fast, to where they're almost tripping over Floof, passed out in a giant lump of fur and love on the floor.

Lu- Luce- Lucifer Marigold that is Sculk what the fuck.

> It comes out snappy, it comes out so harsh, it comes out in a way that's mean and cruel and Coffee can't even register faer tone over the absolute howling of the voices. Their eyes flash momentarily, irises turning dark red and sclera black as even the divinity with fae reels away. Then it's gone again, and the screeching in their head doesn't stop, but the tone stays.

Luce you- you were exposed and you didn't tell anyone?? You just- you have children, you have- family! You didn't seek treatment?? You didn't think to say to anyone "yeah I've been exposed to the worst most nasty possible cross-server disease that always leads to a horrible death when left untreated???"

"Oh don't look at me like that! It happened sixteen years ago, Coffee. Sixteen! It's not the same kind of Sculk. It doesn't spread the same. It... it only happens when I'm stressed."

She starts pacing back and forth, clearly agitated, upset even.

"But it's started to spread. It wasn't... it's moving. It hasn't done this is years, Coffee."

She sits down again, pressing her fingers together.

"You don't think I've looked for treatment? I've been to countless SMPs in search for a cure over the years. It isn't... this is the Void's influence."

She takes in a shuttered breath, looking away from Coffee's gaze.

"It fucking latched onto me. I've tried every method I could. Ever potion maker, every sorcerer. Nothing, Coffee. Nothing."

> The- the sheer shock of it all has Coffee's head spinning. Luce is... the Void's uh... the Void has definitely taken a liking to her, yeah we'll go with that. And she has Sculk, and she's had Sculk for sixteen fucking years. And Luce, she's just been carrying this emotional weight around. By herself. This whole time.

> Oh, Coffee can practically feel their heart shatter. The fear is of course still there, but it's Luce. They don't even have to look at her to hear her little kid giggle, to see her face down monsters with them as a teen, to feel what must be barely a scratch in the surface of her pain.

> Fae almost doesn't want to suggest it. But they have to, right? For faeself, for Time, for Luce. The Blood God was lenient in their deal, and the terms were still wildly tipped away from fae. Nether only knows how bad the Void's terms would be.

*under their breath* Son of a motherfucking government.

Lu- Luce- have you tried making a deal?

> Oh, the words are barely out of their mouth and fae already hates themself for it.

"A deal? Ha. Very funny."

She looks back over at Coffee incredulously.

"What do you know about making bargains with Gods, Coffee?"

She shrugs, sarcastically rolling her eyes.

"Yeah, the Lord of Darkness, Dread Itself, God of Tyranny, Hate, Strife, Consumer of Light sat me down for a cuppa and negotiated it all like a real estate agent drafting up a rental agreement."

She laughs, desperate and hollow and sardonic.

"Sorry, do you mind if I smoke?"

She doesn't wait for an answer, lighting a cigarette anyway and taking a drag. She looks at the embers as if they'll help.

"No. The deal was I got to live, he got to die and it got a vessel. But that was a long time ago and it's just been content sitting and watching. Until..."

> The comment about making bargains really makes Coffee want to say it. Luce just told them a lot, now might be the right time to share it, but...

> The smoking's a bit annoying, but fae'll live. It's Luce's deal that really hits them in the gut. "He got to die..." and Coffee just knows who she meant by that. Inadequacy and the feeling of failure hit fae hard. Maybe if they had made faer deal sooner, if they had been able to be there during the divorce... Fuck, none of this would've happened. That's something that's going to tear at fae later for sure.

> And that makes it click, that sixteen years ago was the divorce, and when Luce contracted with the Void, and when she got Sculk, and oh gods when was the last time Luce hugged her son Dragon without fear of giving that to him? When was the last time she hugged her other children, Tommmy and Lullah and- does she have others Coffee forgets-

...Until you came here, to this SMP, and really finally settled. Yeah, that's how it works. Deals go like that.

> They hesitate.

I uh... Luce, I do know a bit more about "making bargains with Gods" than you realize.

> Fae looks down and lightly traces the pad of their finger over a scar on their lower arm.

She looks tired, almost sad. She flicks ash a little, taking a longer drag.

"I know. Well, a little bit. Cause the Void just looooves to share details. You weren't... hmm."

She pauses, shaking her head.

"You weren't there in the control room, were you? I had a hunch but..."

She scowled, nose scrunched.

"It's not happy I'm here. It's not happy I'm telling you. It's incredibly not happy that it's you."

> Coffee is quiet for a moment at the mention of the Final Control Room.

...No, it wasn't me. I uh... one second, I was on the battlefield, and the next I was home with several days just- just gone, Luce. Took a lot of time to figure out exactly what happened.

> They hesitate, then look back at Luce.

I still uh, still don't know the full story. Just bits and pieces that the voices told me, and some from other people.

> Fae supposes it makes some sense that the Void doesn't like them very much.

Yeah, that's uh, I wouldn't be surprised. The Blood God has never liked the Void, I would expect the same in return.

(Traitor girl How dare she ask for your help Can't believe you told her smh Stupidblade Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee She betrays you and you still accept her back Techno would not be proud Blood for the Blood God Failureblade)

...Chat's not too happy you're here either. But they'll get over it. They're just... ah, let's say salty.

"That's been happening to me too lately. I'm at my desk, drafting a new document and next I'm outside in the woods. And of course, it has no answers for me. Why the fuck would it?!"

She screams out the last part, vicious and angry and hurt. She goes quiet for a moment, gaze lowered, thinking.

"I forgive you by the way. For what you did. But do you remember what you did to Lullah? She was seven, Coff."

She laughs again, haunting still and empty.

"You know, there's one thing I don't understand about the Void. I mean, there's quite a couple, but this thing in particular irks me. It fucking adores you, Lullah and Dragon. And I have no idea why. I thought maybe, just maybe, it wanted me to have connections or something, but I don't know anymore."

> Coffee nods a bit to the first part, quietly.

That's uh, that's common to possession. That's an Avatar thing, Luce. Gods sometimes like to just... take charge and wander around a bit.

> They do flinch in the face of plain forgiveness.

*quietly* I don't- I don't remember, no. I don't know what I did to Lullah. It's... terrifying, Luce. You know now, you don't even know what's happening. You don't even know it happened until it's already gone.

> Knowing that the Void adores them is... weird.

It's... I don't know, maybe it's family. Chat's been weird like that too, ever since I got the little shits.

> Knowing the Void likes Dragon though, fae doesn't like that nearly as much.

Has the Void's feelings about Dragon changed since you disowned him?

"No... It hasn't changed."

She takes another drag, flicking the ash off.

"I'm afraid that this'll progress further, Coffee. Of what it's after. It wants something. Something back in the Greater SMP. I don't know if it's someone or if it's just power that the Void wants."

She rubs the back of her neck with her spare hand.

"I have emergency plans in place but I need your help with it."

> Oh, this is going to be good, Coffee thinks sarcastically. That's never a good sign.

What kind of emergency plans, Luce? What can I do to help?

"I... I need to you promise me a couple thing. That... if this,"

She motions to her arms, at the Sculk. She means more than the Sculk though, clearly.

"If this gets worse. If... If I start to change. That'll you'll take care of Lullah. Tommy can fend for themselves but Tallulah, I... fuck she's only eight and I can't...."

She raises her head, steadying herself as if she's about to sign her own death warrant.

"I need you to kill me."

> Everything else Luce just said disappears behind those six words.

> "I need you to kill me."

I- what-

> The fact that Luce's even asking this, son of a monarchy. This is bad, this is very bad. How is Coffee even supposed to respond to that??

Lu- Luce- why would you- why would you ask that-

> The voices. The voices are singing.

"If it takes over Coffee, I can't... I can't... fuck."

She's exasperated, desperate.

"Please, I'm begging you, if I become a monster, I want, no, I need you to kill me."

She runs a hand across her face, pushing her glasses upwards in the process.

"I wouldn't ask you of this if I knew I didn't have another choice, brother. I can't let the others get wrapped up in this or hurt because of a singular decision I made over a decade ago."

She shook her head.

"As if that decision matters anymore."

> Fuck, Luce's really serious about this. And the voices, the voices are rejoicing, the shits. Whether it's over "the traitor child" asking Coffee to kill them or the... the way they- they can't really describe how fae feels about this (nausea? panic? anger? fear?) but they know Chat loves when they feel like this, when they act like this. Afraid. Trying desperately not to lash out.

> It's Luce, for Nether's sake. Coffee's helped raise her, Coffee's trained her, Coffee's failed her countless different ways and she's failed Coffee in return but it's never mattered at the end of the day, they're still brothers. They've always had each other's backs. And this is- this is a huge ask, it's the biggest favor anyone's ever asked them, and promises versus family tears through their mind, the voices split. One voice starts betting for a coin toss, whatever the fuck that is supposed to mean.

I- uh-

> Fuck, fae looks like an idiot. It's- it's not like that'll ever come to it, right? They know to look for something, anything, now. Coffee's the Blood God's Avatar, damn it. Fae has pull in a lot of places.

> They sigh shakily.

Okay- I- I guess. I'll take that responsibility on.

> The voices boo fae for deciding before the coin toss was done.

How- how many lives do you have left, Luce?

"Two..."

Another long pause.

"But if I keep at it, I think alcohol poisoning might take out my second one sooner rather than later."

Her voice is dry, almost sarcastic.

"I'll give you a warning. Before hand. It can't have power. It's been fighting me every step of my presidency. Every single moment these past couple months. I can hold out.. I think for a year? Maybe more, maybe less. But gods, Coffee, I just need assurance that if I become a threat, you will neutralise me like all those other tyrants before."

She inhaled, wiping away actual tears. She's crying.

"I didn't want this. I never wanted any of this."

> The Piglin within Coffee screeches in pain as the voices howl in delight.

Luce, you're- you're not-

> Their voice finally, truly breaks. The pressure, the knowledge, and the voices that just won't shut the fuck up. Fae longs for the days when they could have actual, private conversations with other people, without the threat of Blessings / Curses looming over faer head. Without hundreds of people watching their every move. It's suffocating actually, that pressure.

> When fae speaks again, it's quiet, but with every ounce of sincerity they can pour into faer voice.

Luce, you're not a tyrant. I- I know we have our differences in opinions on government, but you don't have the capacity to be a tyrant. And even if you did, I would give you a far more humane death than that I've given to tyrants.

> They want to hug Luce, but between the knowledge of the Sculk and the way she had pushed fae away earlier, it'd probably be smarter if they didn't, so fae settles for putting a hand on her shoulder instead.

I'm sorry you've had to go through this alone, Luce. 'S not something anybody should have to do. I at least had Timeza, but I can't believe you did this all by yourself for so long. That's strength, kid. Even I couldn't've done that. But I know now, and I'm here for you now, and you don't have to keep doing this alone. You call, I'll come. Shrike's journey by a day, I can make it to L'Manberg in less, yeah?

She stills but doesn't push away Coffee's hand.

"I don't deserve a good death. Not with the things I've done. The lives I've ruined over the years to get here. The thing is did to protect..."

Her voice wavers, breaking.

"Do you wanna know what the worse part is?"

She's crying. Shaky tears falling down her face as she tries desperately to wipe them away.

"I made that stupid fucking deal to protect Dragon. And in the end, my own son betrayed me. Do you understand how that fucking hurts, Coffee? The sheer pain I feel knowing that I sacrificed everything for a lie?"

She inhaled again, sharp and hollow.

"That the ground my very legacy was built on is worth nothing without my son?"

> Coffee stills as the voices howl for vengeance for Luce's words.

(She disowned him! Blood for the Blood God Vengeance for sonboy He's allowed to grow and learn She doesn't deserve sonboy She doesn't deserve you Stop being nice Prometheus Defend sonboy's honor Blood for the Blood God Destroy the Sculk before it spreads Destroy the Avatar before it makes things worse)

I uh- heh.

> They don't know exactly what to say to that.

Luce I- look, shit happens. People change all the time. And while the betrayal of Dragon switching sides stings I'm sure, sometimes things aren't just meant to be. Trust me, I have some experience in this matter.

> Fae cracks a slight smile as the voices sing names of those who have betrayed them over the centuries.

The best you can do is live and learn. Who knows, you and Dragon may still reconcile. He probably doesn't understand what you're telling me, they're just a kid. And sometimes kids do stupid shit. I recall you doing some pretty crazy things when you were his age. You both just need a little time, and perhaps an open mind. I can try talking to them if you'd like. There's no pressure, though, you're free to refuse.

"Good luck with that. I don't even know where they've gone."

The cigarette is dying, spluttering.

"Thank you for this, by the way. I know you and I haven't been on good terms since the war. But I'd like my list of enemies to be shorter now. Having Crow in there is enough. Coffee, I-"

She stops talking abruptly, face twisting in confusion and then horror.

"No, no, no, no-"

The horror and dread grows, before, suddenly she stills, raising her head in a way that is so unlike her, tilting and grinning like a Cheshire cat.

"Hello Coffee."

> Coffee's been around Possessed before. They've been around Techno possessed, fae's been around Time possessed. But seeing the Void, basically in the flesh, is a whole other level of terrifying.

(Rrrrrrrrrrrrrr Protectnoblade We don't like Lucy but we like that even less Protect protect Banish the Void)

> They have to stay calm. There's no way out otherwise, unless fae calls on the Blood God, and Coffee would prefer that the two didn't tear each other apart in Luce and Coffee's bodies.

Void. I don't think we've had the pleasure of meeting. But I think it's about damn time we had a chat.

"Oh. Oh oh oh. I'm not here to chat with you though, little Slayer."

Lucy's body jerked slightly as she stood up, wing tips brushing the floor like the Void didn't know what to do with them properly.

"No. I'd like to chat with an old friend."

The smile is too wide, too many teeth. Lucy never smiles with her teeth.

"C'mon old friend, let's have a nice long talk since my little pet seems really keen on chatting with yours."

> Coffee can feel the voices rising to meet the Void, but they shove them down with a snarl.

Yeah, right, bitch. You don't just get to go over my head. You came here, to me, you get me. Not the Blood God. It can't be bothered by the likes of you.

(You tell it!! Protectnoblade Protect Luce from the yucky evil one Void go away we were having bonding time :((( Eeeeeeeeeeeee Spill its blood see what happens)

So let's start talking.

It tilts her head unnaturally, like a cat interested in a bug. The laugh that comes out is so uncannily removed from Lucy's.

"Oh sweeet little Slayer. Little knife. I'm not interested in talking to you. But,"

Lucy's fingers shift from their normal human ones to sharp angular claws, it using the shifters body to split her jaw in a mass of teeth and spikes, wide and gapping.

"I suppose we can talk."

Another gurgled laugh, Lucy's own tone bleeding through like its desperate and clawing it's way out.

"So talk, Coffee."

> Coffee stands their ground with as much strength as they can muster. The Void's on their territory, on the Blood God's territory. Fae's already pretty sure the Blood God is listening in, keeping an eye on things, ready to tap in if the Void gets to be too much. For once, that's a comfort, not a concern.

> They ignore the fear in faer heart and the shaking in their hands. Coffee has to be in control of the situation. This... god before fae could take everything from them and not even bat an eye.

Great. I want to know about your deal with Luce. I want to know what makes you think putting her through Sculk is going to do to further your own goals. And most of all, I want you to leave right afterwards.

> Something else, something divine bleeds into Coffee's tone at the end, but fae doesn't even notice. They just stare the Void down, unflinching of the horror before fae.

"Oh child of murder. Are you... afraid?"

It laughs, and laughs, like what Coffee said was the funniest thing it's heard in centuries.

"My little vulture was honest. But her leash needs a bit of a yank, don't you think?"

It licks it's sharp teeth with an even longer tongue.

"No. I don't think you're allowed to ask other part. Ask something else or let your master have a go instead."

> The voices screech in anger. Their tones, their messages seep through Coffee's very being. Fear is not something Coffee deals well with, but anger they are very, very familiar with.

> Faer hands curl into fists at their side.

To speak down to another god's Avatar is an act of war, Void. Even you should know that. And I don't think I quite like your tone, bitch. You're not talking to my "master".

> They make air quotes around the last word.

You're not worth its time.

It sighs, long and winded.

"I was hoping for a diplomatic solution, but if you're going to be like this little bloodspawn, well,"

It rears like a lumbering creature, snapping forward like a preying mantis, grabbing Coffee by their hair and slamming.

Slamming down as hard as it can against the wooden table, laughing along with the sound of cracking bone, thoroughly intending to crush Coffee's skull against the mahogany.

> The Void is able to smash Coffee's head against the table once, twice, thrice before a hand grasps the Void's wrist with inhuman strength from an unnatural angle. A low, dangerous laugh echoes from Coffee's chest before the hand twists and flips the Void, slamming it onto its back on the floor.

> Coffee stands from the table slowly, running their hand over the sticky red blood left behind. Fae turns, back straightened, eyes opening in the air around them in star patterns. Blood red irises and black sclera match the master's and the Blood God faces the Void, blood from the head wound dripping down its face.

What did I say about touching my toys, Void.

> The Void doesn't get a chance before the physically stronger god snatches it up by the collar and slamming it into the wall by the door.

Looks like we forgot our place, did we.

"Ah.. hello old friend. Still upset about last time we talked?"

It just tilts its head again, licking away the blood dripping down its nose, letting its face shift back into a somewhat humanoid form.

"Sorry about, uh, the mess. Your little knife was being uncooperative. I'd just want to talk, brother."

It cooed, like an adult talking to a child. A psychotic laugh echoed out. The Void just loved to laugh apparently.

"You can let me go, I'm not here to fight, little brother."

*noncommittally* Hm.

> The Blood God unceremoniously drops the Void on its ass, turning away and retreating towards the table. It runs its hand over the blood again, and its fingers glow slightly as it starts to heal the head wound.

I don't like when you mess with my toys, Void. We both know well you were trying to break this one. That doesn't fly.

> The blood from the table flows back up over the Blood God's arm, slipping up its face and back into the wound. The damage to the table from where Coffee tried to fight remains.

I ought to banish you right this instant. Prime won't be pleased with your actions, not on the little god's server. We were told not to interfere.

> It turns to look the Void in the eyes, its expression devoid of emotion.

Then again, you never were one to follow the rules.

"Ah, well, you know me, Blood. I don't do rules at all."

It sanders over, slinging itself across the couch with absolutely no decorum, propping its boots against the table. It wipes away the blood with the inner part of its wrist.

"How many years has it been since we last talked? Thirty? Forty? Your new toy is... interesting."

It stretches, cracking its neck slightly with the movement.

"Ugh, what has she being doing to this body? At least your past vessels keep their forms in good shape."

The remark carries a lot of strange implications about the past history of these two.

> The Blood God smirks at the last comment.

Maybe if you demanded better upkeep from your vessels, you'd be able to keep up.

> It settles on the couch next to the Void, hitting its feet with its own to knock them off the table.

At least show a little respect. This is not your home.

It's been a while alright. If I recall correctly, that's your fault. Maybe if you tried to kill my vessels less, we'd see each other more often.

> It sits prim and proper on the couch, glaring at the Void, but there's no rage behind its gaze.

And you will leave this toy alone. At least, unless you want me to just take yours out of the game entirely.

"You and I both know they both won't be happy if either of them gets... Damaged. How have you been, old friend? Murdered any children lately?"

It rolls its eyes, grinning.

"I gotta say thank you for that. Really helped speed my plans along. She's been so content before the war. Uh, what's the word?"

Clicked together fingers, snapping as it tries to remember the word.

"Ah, yes, complacent."

It sighs again, leaning back against the couch.

"Things have gotten so boring since after the war. No more fussing over suicidal little godlings or angsty little offspring. At least you made it.... Entertaining, my friend."

It leans forward, flicking the emerald dangling from Coffee's ear. Dangling a matching one between it's fingers with its spare hand.

"You've grown complacent too."

> The Blood God smacks away the Void's hand.

Don't be coy, darling. You know me far too well. I am simply... biding my time. As I suspect you are as well.

> Its eyes trail over the Void's other hand and the Sculk that's crept along it. It watches the dangling earring for a moment.

The godling will keep things interesting, for sure. To have enough power to create this... copy-server of Prime's, to thrust so many into mirroring those players. But not enough awareness to realize what it's doing, or what it really is.

> Its curiosity appears rather drawn by the Sculk. The Blood God reaches out and takes the Void's hand, turning it to study the disease.

You speak of upkeep on your vessels, yet you riddle them with disease. I suppose I should expect nothing less of you, but it is rather more hypocritical of you than normal.

> It runs its fingerpads over dark blues and blacks. When it speaks again, its tone is a murmur, with a hint of concern.

Taking less care of your vessels indicates distaste for yourself, Void.

"Oh I am maintaining this one. To the best of my abilities I mean. Remember when we didn't have to fight tooth and claw for control, my dear?"

It somewhat gently pulls it's hand away, eyes squinting.

"She fights, she protests. It's merely a matter of control, Blood. It's not as if it'll kill her, I've made sure of that."

It hums, picking the glasses off it's stolen face, tilting the gold spectacles.

"So so so keen on martyrdom. It's funny, is it not?"

It pauses for a second, thinking.

"The godling doesn't know of the power she has and it is.... Delicious."

> The Blood God frowns, and leans back against the couch.

There are easier ways of control, I should think. And less destructive ones.

> It takes some of the hair the earlier struggle dislodged from its braid and twirls it around its fingers loosely. Calm, poised.

The godling has no idea her power, but they're only on one life left. A pity he hasn't figured out how to ascend yet. And so young, too. That third life could be gone so easily.

> Its eyes are still on the Void.

I hope you know what you're doing. If you're trying to preserve that power, you've been doing a rather shit job at it.

> The Blood God tilts its head slightly.

First the copy Final Control Room, then the duel. You knew what would happen, both times. And you never stepped in. Not when my Avatar chased yours around the battlefield. Not when Dragon Blade stabbed your vessel through the chest. Not when the enemy shot the little godling with an arrow. How... outside your usual patterns.

The Void leans forward, a smirk on it's mimicked lips.

"Oh, so you noticed? No, no, no, my dear. My plans are different this time."

It reaches out a hand, brushing it's fingers across the Blood God's own with startling gentleness.

"But the godling isn't ripe enough yet. I've been looking for something like that one for decades."

It smiles, letting out a little tut.

"Waiting is easier. You didn't know I was around until the little songbird got desperate. Oh how she wept and cried after that dreadful Control Room. It was so much easier for me to slither in."

A laugh, sadistic and lacking any compassion.

"My dear, you'll always have a place in my plans too. Don't be jealous of your vessel for that, it's unbecoming."

> The Blood God hums noncommittally.

Whoever said I was jealous?

> It intertwines its fingers with the Void's effortlessly, smiling a little.

I'm never jealous.

> Which, the two both know is a lie, and a pretty bold-faced one at that.

I've missed you, you know. Haven't seen you around as much as I would like. Playing with this server... it's a nice break from dealing with Prime's bullshit. And it's even more fun knowing you're here too, darling.

> It grins in challenge.

You able to keep up with the chaos this server will wreak?

"I have plans, old friend. Pandemonium is just a stepping stone."

The Void stands up, shifting it's borrowed body back into how it was before. It smirks, still uncanny.

"I look forward to sharing them with you in the future. Don't wait around. Toodles!"

It blows a kiss.

And then, just as suddenly as it had taken over, the Void left, leaving Lucy to stumble and fall to her knees on the ground. She let out an exasperated groan, rubbing her eyes and forehead.

"What the fuck happened?"

> The Blood God looks a bit put out by the Void's sudden departure. It does, however, close an outstretched hand like it's trying to catch the kiss.

> It sighs, fondly, then looks down at Lucy on the ground. It smirks at her.

You've got yourself in a lot of trouble, kid, you know that?

"Coffee, I don't want to hear it."

She groans, clutching her head even tighter as she struggles to stand upright.

"Seriously, I do not want to hear about it. Ugh."

She blinks once, twice and then squints realizing she wasn't wearing her glasses.

"Coffee?"

> The Blood God watches Lucy impassively. Then, it grins.

Prometheus isn't home right now. Do you want to try again, little Light?

> It holds Lucy's glasses out to her.

Here they are, take them. Maybe you'll be able to see the floating disembodied eyes easier.

"wHAT THE FUCK?!"

She spat after putting them on, recoiling.

"Oh. Oh no. You're-"

She stumbles further back, cautiously looking between the blatant God Avatar and the door.

"Fuck... well... this is awkward."

With a long sigh, she takes out another cigarette, lighting it and taking a long silent drag.

"Was wondering when you and I would talk again."

The first time was more me bitching you out for breaking my Avatar's heart and then you demanding I give back the compass I don't own, but sure, we'll call that talking.

> The Blood God smirks as it says this, leaning back against the couch.

You shouldn't be smoking, by the way. Self-destructive behaviors aren't getting you anywhere. If you want to kill yourself, at least be honest about it.

> It watches Lucy for a moment, then sighs.

If you've got anything to say, little Light, now would be the time. Otherwise I'm not sticking around, I've got shit to deal with.

"What happened while... While I was out?"

She rolls her eyes, continuing to smoke regardless.

"Well, if I kill myself quicker, all the more better in the long run."

She's afraid of something. The Void perhaps? Or maybe it's just dying in general.

"Will Coffee remember anything?"

She cares, like genuinely cares about Coffee's wellbeing. It's clear from her expression, brow furrowed with concern and worry.

"You'll let them remember, right? It isn't fair to take that away from them. Coffee has a right to know what you do with their body."

> The Blood God gives Lucy a look like a disappointed parent.

Of course fae won't remember, little Light. You don't remember Void coming to say either, do you?

> It sighs.

Well, since you have nothing of importance to say, I suppose I'll get going too. Nice chat, Lucifer.

> The Blood God at least is nice enough to remain seated so Coffee doesn't crumple to the floor when it leaves. They do however pass out.

She stand there a moment, scowling. Gods the Gods were fucking pussies.

"Coward."

Eventually, she purses the cigarette between her lips before moving over to prop Coffee upright, sitting down on the couch and waiting.

It doesn't take long. She's taken a flask out of her pants pocket in the time between, flicking the metal cap off and taking a long swig.

"Nice of you to join me, Coff."

She passes the flask over, offering.

"Your God is a bitch."

> Eugh, their head hurts so much. Coffee rubs at their eyes, blinking slowly. How long has fae been out? ...They feel like fae got hit by an anvil...

Wh...?

> Their eyes adjust and oh hey, Luce's still here wait no fuck everything fae can remember up to the Void trying to smash their fucking skull in comes rushing back in an instant. Coffee flinches and scrambles back, eyes darting around the room, the Void's not still here is it? No Luce doesn't look like a fucking nightmare anymore. But just because she doesn't doesn't mean it's not still here somewhere.

> Faer hand finds the handle of the sword on their belt. It's familiar, it's comforting. The Void would've taken it if it was still here and it knew Coffee was coming back up. Which, based on the fact that the Blood God is rather... flashy with its entrances and exits, the Void would've known.

> Meaning it's gone too.

> Coffee squeezes the handle of their sword momentarily, then lets it go. Fae looks up at Lucy and sighs shakily, trying to take in what she said. They hesitate, but take the offered flask and fae takes a nice long swig of it. The alcohol burns their throat. Fae finds they don't care.

At least mine didn't try to bash your skull in cause it didn't like your attitude.

> Fae pauses.

It didn't, did it?

"No, it didn't. I called it a coward though."

Lucy pauses, frowning. She's clearly feeling around her mouth, confused.

"Not again! The bitch didn't even have the balls to give me the right amount of molars back after stealing my fucking face!"

She whips her head around, glancing at Coffee.

"Yours doesn't do that, does it? I came back once with a tail. A tail, Coffee. You know me."

She crosses her arms, flicking ash from her cigarette onto the floor and taking another swig from her flask.

"I don't shift unless I have to."

"Hi brother. Long time no see?"

She's shuffling back and forth, still just as awkward. Her arms are held just as strangely, like she's going for a hug but stops mid-way. She taps her foot a couple times, clearly building up the gall to ask something. She has something green in her right hand, clenched together tightly.

"I need advice."

> What- how- why on the Blood God's name would Luce come to Coffee to ask them for advice? After- after everything fae's done- after the anger and spite and distance between the two of them-

(Turn her away She disowned sonboy She broke the anarchy rule She made her own nation She disowned sonboyyyyy She does not deserve a place in your home)

> Coffee hears the voices, they understand what Chat's saying, but Coffee could never hate Luce, and fae sees the almost-hug stop midway and something in their heart hurts, screeches with pain.

> But they understand why Luce wouldn't follow through. Despite it being the voices that were in control, it was still Coffee's hands that killed the little one, Lullah. Coffee still doesn't even know what they said in the Final Control Room, but thankfully it doesn't seem enough for Luce to completely disown Coffee too.

Uh- uh, yeah, sure. Come inside, you must be frozen. *jokingly* I have mashed potatoes?

"Do you still use the salted butter I like?"

She's trying to joke too, but it falls flat. She smoothes her suit out a little, stepping inside. She looks like someone pretending to be in control but she doesn't waver again. Nor does she acknowledge the sheer awkwardness of the situation.

"This is hardly a presidential welcome but... Yeah... Nevermind." She stiffles her own joke again, idly tapping her foot.

"How have you been? Uh, any... Any news from Dad lately?"

> Coffee chuckles a little, uneasily. Thank gods there's no more chests everywhere, at least the Refuge looks a bit more lived in now.

Yeah, of course I still use that butter. I love it too, remember?

> The presidential welcome comment doesn't fly as smoothly. The voices are practically chomping at the bit over it, screeching anarchy and calling for blood. But Coffee does faer best to ignore it, and moves towards the back to get a blanket for Luce, she has to be cold after all that time outside in the freezing cold.

I've been uh, fine. Haven't heard from Time recently, but he's been doing his own thing. 'M sure I'll hear from him at some point or another.

> They grab up a blanket and turn back to see Luce still standing awkwardly.

Why don't you take your jacket off, stay a while? Tell me what you've been up to, how things are going in uh, in your country.

"I'm alright."

She shuffles her coat off, draping the black woolen blend fabric over a nearby chair. Her suit jacket follows, adjusting her tie slightly afterwards .She's curt and to the point.

"Things are fine. I've got a good cabinet. We've passed new education laws recently. I... Uhm..."

She inhales, running a hand through her hair. It's more brown than purple since the last time they both had seen each other.

"Look, I might as well cut to the chase. I need help with... Something. Something important. And I have nowhere or no one to ask. I'm not asking Time about this either. I just... I need help, Coff."

> Coffee nods a little, refusing to flinch as the voices spike again, gnashing their nonexistent teeth over being asked for help.

Yeah, sure. Tell me what's going on.

> Fae crosses the room over to Luce and drapes the blanket around her shoulders to warm her up, noting the coloring difference in her hair. To be honest, Coffee had forgotten Luce's original hair color, only remembering the hours they had spent when Luce was little, dying her hair together. They imagine Luce had kept that up for Dragon when he was growing up.

> Fae sits on the couch, gently pulling Luce down to sit with them. Watching her expression for any hints.

What do you need?

"Ah.. well.."

She inhales sharply, laughing to ease the tension in her bones. It doesn't work.

"I'm in some deep shit. I have been for a while. A long while, Coff. I..."

She grows incredibly serious, biting her lip like it had personally betrayed her.

"Can you promise me that whatever I tell you won't get out? That you won't tell others what you know? Because we both know what we know, and..."

She's being genuine, desperately so.

"Please? Swear it?"

> Coffee tips their head, concerned.

Luce, I wouldn't tell. I swear.

> They hold out faer hands, palm side up. A symbol of comfort, understanding, promise.

And you know I very rarely break my promises. Please, Luce, you're worrying me.

She nods once, sitting down on the same chair as her coat. Pressing her hands together, she looks up at Coffee with grave seriousness.

"What do you know about God Avatars?"

(Don't tell her Don't tell her Something's wrong Don't tell her Don't tell her about us Don't tell her what your true purpose is Don't tell her Don't tell her Something's wrong Don't tell her)

> Chat's almost uniform response to whatever's going on sinks in Coffee's gut heavily. They're never this much in agreement, and fae hates to admit it, but Chat may be right.

I uh- a little. Techno's one. Or uh- was one, I guess. I dunno. I know more about the Blood God's Avatar than general Avatars.

> A lie? No, of course not, Coffee's not saying a single thing that isn't true. Just in case this is a test. (Even after close to two decades of being one themself, fae still knows very little actual detail about being an Avatar.)

> Luce's a smart one, she's probably figured out what happened in the Final Control Room. Coffee just doesn't know what Luce will do about that, but if the voices are right, it probably won't be good.

> Coffee takes a shaky breath.

What about them?

"Do..."

She seems almost afraid about something. Almost.

"Do all Gods have them? Like... Even the bad ones?"

She swallows her own nerves in one breath.

"Do Avatars know if they're one? Do they remember?"

> Coffee blinks, confused.

Uh... yeah, all Gods have them. I don't- I don't know if I'd count any God as a "bad" one, some of them are a bit more selfish than others I think, but that doesn't make them bad or good, really. Then again...

> They chuckle a little.

I was created by the Blood God, so maybe take that with a grain of salt.

> The Avatars question does make fae very nervous.

Uh yeah, Avatars usually know if they're one. The only ones I couldn't really say for certain is uh, Tempus, the new one RES, and uh, the Void. Luce, what's going on? Why are you asking all of this?

She doesn't say anything for a moment, a painted expression on her face.

"The Void has an avatar, Coffee."

A very long pause.

"I... I know who it is."

> Coffee's face falls. Despite themself, despite what fae said about no god being inherently good or bad, there's definitely something malicious in the Void choosing an Avatar and they know it.

(Don't tell her Don't tell her Something's wrong Don't tell her)

> ...And the voices clearly know something Coffee doesn't, and the little shits, knowing fae can't throttle them into submission, are refusing to disclose what that may be.

L- Luce- you're saying somebody on this server is the Void's Avatar? That's a serious accusation to make, kid.

> The Void choosing an Avatar... Coffee shudders to think what kind of damage that could cause, and starts making a mental list of preparations that should be made in case the Avatar comes after anyone they care about. Dragon, Crow, Rex, Time, Lucy! Fuck, especially Lucy, the Avatar must know she knows by now. Coffee's going to have to convince her to go into hiding, at least until fae can take care of the threat, maybe after. The Void is spiteful after all.

Are you- are you positive they're an Avatar? Because- they could be a Hero maybe, a task runner. Or a- or a Champion, a blessed - or cursed depending on which way you look at it - servant. Just because they can wield some power doesn't mean they're automatically an extension of the god themselves.

> Chat's becoming a waking nightmare in Coffee's head. They're screeching, almost like tearing at each other. So many arguments in their head, fae feels the migraine coming on but they have to have answers.

How do you- how do you know they're an Avatar? What did you see? Luce, who's the Avatar of the Void?

"I mean, not quite an Avatar... but also definitely not a Champion."

She's hesitating AGAIN. She moves to undo her tie, shaky gloved hands hovering over the yellow fabric.

"Don't... don't freak out. Please. I haven't told anyone about this-"

> Coffee frowns, watching Luce's hands shake. She must be freezing- but she's not holding the blanket around herself-

> Wait. Wait a godsdamn fucking second. Between the raging din of Chat's screeching and the sheer confusion, the pieces click. How scared Luce is. What she's been asking. The way she's been acting. The almost begging, which Luce never does, to keep this a secret.

> Coffee pales, and for the first time in over twenty years, fear melds with the dread in their gut and grasps fae by the throat.

Lu- Luce- Luce what did you do-

"I... You've got to understand that it was years ago. Years, Coffee. I... It wasn't that bad at first-"

She's shifted to her own awkward panic now. Almost crumpling over her need to stay in control in this singular moment. It strikes Lucy when she looks back over at Coffee that they're afraid.

Afraid of her or for her, she can't tell.

"It's so fucking hungry, Coffee."

I- Luce, what- fuck.

> Chat is going absolutely wild. Screeching, screaming, fighting, chanting. Coffee can't even think over the raging storm in their head. Thousands of voices fill faer mind, they can't even hear their own.

Luce, what- why- why would you-

> Fae doesn't even have the words to ask the question they need to ask. Fear has taken a hold of them entirely. Fae needs to- to tell somebody- tell Time maybe he can help- no they promised not to tell anyone, fuck! Coffee can't break another promise to Luce.

> And Luce looks scared, she looks scared like the first time she fought a zombie, she looks lost and desperate and panicked and in that moment Coffee just wants to go back in time, even to before their deal that limited the possessions and the voices if it would mean that fae could fix this somehow, could make it all better so they aren't faced with this, so that Luce can just be happy.

> They weren't strong enough. Fae wasn't strong enough, and once again their family pays the price.

> Coffee leans forward and pulls Luce into a tight hug.

Luce- Luce I'm so, so, so sorry- we'll fix this. There has to be a way.

> There has to, because Coffee doesn't know what they'll do with faeself if there isn't.

Lucy completely freezes, stiffening in Coffee's embrace. She doesn't know if she should hug back or not.

"Why are you apologising? I... Didn't... It happened years ago, Coffee. I just... It's become unmanageable. It's getting worse."

She pushes Coffee off in an instant, curling into herself a second later.

"Stop. I can't... No hugs. Don't. I can't spread it to you too. Even accidentally."

> It hurts, oh it hurts it hurts to be pushed away so easy. Luce didn't even hug back, she kinda just froze, and Coffee probably should've asked first but it was a spur of the moment decision and oh, this is so awful, just seeing Luce look like she doesn't know what she's doing, that confident swagger gone now.

> Coffee wants to tell her. The voices do not.

(Don't tell her don't tell her Don't tell her Actually stupidblade Don't even think about it You cannot trust her She is the Void's chosen She is our enemy She is the villain Don't tell her you'll only be hurt)

> But she's not the enemy, she's not the villain, she's Luce and she's scared. She's so scared, Chat.

> The words tumble out before the voices can turn the migraine bad enough to stop fae from speaking.

Luce- you can't spread it to me.

> You can't spread it to me because I'm an Avatar, too.

"No, no, no. Not that... this."

And she tears off her one of her gloves, gloves she hasn't been see without for over a decade.

Every picture, every painting, she's worn them, or a variant of them.