Salem was shaken awake, the princess lethargically rolling over. But the hands were persistent, shaking her again until she finally turned to glare at Pock. "What...?"
The goblin was sweating. "S-something go on... Ozpin tell me to get you up."
Salem swung her legs over the bed, sliding her feet into her boots and rubbing the sleep from her eyes as Pock led her down the stairs, where the other adventurers waited. The first thing she noticed was the inn was nearly empty, with Harold and Rinys getting ready. The poltergeist was shaking with excitement as he adjusted his wife's Cultist robes, taking notice of the adventurers.
"Oh! You don't have robes! Not good, not good!" He cried out. Without hesitation, he ran into the wall and phased through it, Rinys turning to the adventurers. She was wearing a huge smile, as if she had just received the happiest news.
"Oh, you really have come at a wonderful time!" She said cheerfully.
Salem didn't remember until a moment later. Today was the celebration that the Cultists had prepared for. That would mean the First Vao would make an appearance. The children were trembling, the adults pale. Their nerves were at the highest they had ever been. They didn't have armies to back them this time. If the First Vao caught on, they were screwed.
Harold came back, a black bundle of cloth in his arms. He eagerly handed them out, giving smaller pairs to the three younger kids. "I hope they fit, I really do! The smaller ones belong to Rinys, so you might have to give them back! The big ones are mine, you can keep those!"
"Oh please, keep mine too! Consider them a gift!"
As Yin slipped the robes over his shoulders, he was shocked to find that they were surprisingly comfortable compared to the ones the Church gave to their priests. He fiddled with the buttons, clipping it around his neck. Harold and Rinys didn't wait for them very long, running out the front door. They could hear hundreds of footsteps outside, their hearts beginning to pound as the adventurers peered outside.
The streets were filled to the brim with cloaked figures of all shapes and sizes, all beaming with pure joy. Adults, children, elderly, it was like the entire city was attending the celebration. Sasha tugged at her collar and gulped, her robes a bit too small for her size. "It... M-might be a bit too late, but I'm really having serious second thoughts right now..."
She spoke for all of them. None of them felt safe stepping outside. But they knew not attending would raise suspicion. Steeling their nerves, they pushed into the crowd, trying not to bump into anyone. An impossible task when arms draped around their shoulders, the Cultists chattering happily amongst each other.
It was really happening. They were going to see the First Vao for the first time outside of a fight. Well, with the one exception of Salem. The princess couldn't help but wonder how he was doing. In the days when he lived in Castle Evernight in the First Timeline, he had been nothing short of depressing. Always keeping to himself, with Cinder and Tyrian being the only ones who dared to draw close, the latter being for a horrible reason that led to the First Vao turning to racism. In fact, he had spent most of his free time when he wasn't training just talking to himself and begging to be forgiven. Salem couldn't imagine that the Blood was helping with his mental instability.
Tap, tap, tap.
Yin leapt behind Vao in an instant, Saril squinting at them from under her hood as she stepped close. And finally, she gave that soulless smile that held no thought. "Hi guys!"
The adventurers shivered. Saril made them very uncomfortable. At least her cloak covered her chest. It didn't cover her spider half, of course. But it at least covered the human parts. Saril beamed, giggling happily. "Are you excited? We get to see our Lord!"
"U-um... Y-yeah," Alice stammered quietly. Another Cultist, a zombie, jumped into the conversation.
"You'll love him, just as we do!" He claimed. He spoke surprisingly well for someone whose lips were rotted. "He often walks through Grimmore, talking to everyone! He won't even let us build a mansion for him!"
"H-he won't?" Pyrrha asked curiously. Rinys shook her head.
"Nope! We tried, but he got angry and blew it up. He told us he'd never be the type of master who lives a luxurious life when we don't have that; he'd rather live the same as we do!" Her smiled faltered, giving way to disgust. "Unlike the false Goddess, a woman named Salem... Oh, what I would do to give her to Lord Vao as a gift..."
Salem involuntarily shuddered in fright. She was not very popular here. But one thing stuck to their minds; the First Vao was being told differently by the Cult. They only knew him as a cannibalistic killing machine. But then again, he never had the confidence to develop much of an ego.
Sasha glanced ahead. She could see Ruby in the lead, her dolls following at her side. As they walked deeper into the heart of Grimmore, they could see something they wished they hadn't.
The corpses of priests hung from the trees, their skin blue from hanging all night. The guillotines were stained red, some dropping down onto the necks of gagged men and women. Some didn't even have Church robes. They were people who weren't in the Cult. Cultists of all ages and races were committing the grisly murders, even children, their parents praising them.
They felt sick. The kids looked away, not watching as the people were killed. Saril scooted away to retrieve a head, carrying it back. Verde looked like she was about to throw up. "... What are you carrying that for?" She asked quietly. Saril giggled, cradling the priest's head carefully in her arms.
"It's a gift for when we see Lord Vao... I hope he likes it. He's done a lot, even promising to give Yin back to me!"
Vao winced when the healer squeezed his hand a bit too hard, shooting a glare at him. "Oi. That bloody hurts," he grimaced.
"Wh... Why are you giving him some bloke's head?" Violet asked shakily, her voice uncharacteristically quiet compared to its usual, loud tone. Saril ran her fingers through the dead priest's hair, her sharp fingernails scratching at the scalp underneath.
"Lord Vao eats people, silly!" She snickered. "He needs to, or he'll get really scary. He told me he could eat normal food, but it couldn't make him feel full. The longest he went without eating anyone was... I think eleven days? He almost ate Milady. I never want to see him cry like that again, after he realized..."
"Cry?" Ozpin inquired. Saril nodded.
"Mm-hm! Lord Vao really does care about us! One time, he visited the inn and helped Harold clean! He wouldn't accept a drink, though. He doesn't like alcohol because it messes with his thoughts," Rinys replied.
So far, the Cultists had described someone who was the complete and polar opposite of the First Vao they knew and feared. They were describing a good leader. The First Vao was a murderer with a kill count higher than their ages put together, hell-bent on achieving... Whatever his goal was.
Deeper, past an iron gate. The adventurers trembled as they stared at the walls and the fences that surrounded yards to homes. Black veins snaked their way around the architecture like vines, pulsating quietly. The atmosphere grew darker, more off. The eldritch influence of the Blood was beginning to reveal itself as they neared the heart of the city, finally reaching a large, circular courtyard. It was the very center of Grimmore, and was filled to the brim with Cultists that eagerly waited.
Sasha, being the tallest, moved her head as if it were on a swivel, nervously scanning for any signs of danger. But the First Vao was nowhere to be seen. She could see Ruby talking to a smiling man with yellow eyes, but they were too far away from her to hear. If she still had both ears, she might've picked up on the conversation. She continued looking, until she stopped dead in her tracks, her muscles tensing.
Salem was the second tallest, standing on her toes to follow Sasha's gaze. A chill ran down her spine, her jaw falling slightly agape in horror.
In the center of town was a well filled with a black, bubbling liquid. The Blood; the tar-like, rancid substance that was responsible for corrupting her Soul and twisting the First Vao into what he was today. It was big enough to fit eight people inside, the liquid calm and still.
She was pried from her thoughts when a low rumble came from outside one of the iron gates leading out of the town square, the Cultists erupting in cheer. The abomination rounded the corner, thin and bony legs shaking as it dragged the heavy wagon behind it, unnatural breathing escaping an equine-like mouth.
"Th... That looks l-like the thing i-in Aldia," Pyrrha stammered quietly. Vao averted his gaze, remembering his mother. Yin and Salem stared at the creature, fear grasping their hearts.
Was it once a human too? Or possibly a horse, like its appearance suggested? As the wagon came into view, they could make out five figures. Yin's heart began to race, a scream nearly erupting from the pit of his stomach.
Summer was bound and gagged, her hands tied behind her back. She had grown noticeably thin; her ribs poked through her clothes, the bumps of her spine visible on her back. Her silver eyes flitted over the Cultists, tears falling down her cheeks. He felt his heart break. He had never seen his mother so scared in his life. He couldn't blame her; if he was trapped in a town full of murderous psychopaths, he knew he'd cry too.
At her side was a woman with one large eye instead of two, her lips curled into a small, polite smile as she waved to the Cultists. From the maid uniform she wore, they knew she was Mono Chroma, the leader of the Cult. She stood with a sense of power and authority, an air of elegance and perfection surrounding her. And on her opposite side from where Summer sat was a large, steel cage. The inside was far too dark to see the insides, and on top were three fairies; Jasper, Sapphire, and Tourmaline Primary.
The fairies weren't arguing, standing on top of the metal cage waving their arms. Sapphire was practically jumping, something clutched in her hands.
"I-is... Is that a fucking chainsaw?" Vao stammered. Saril scooted next to him, hunkering down to whisper to the adventurers.
"Yep! I'm surprised you know what a chainsaw is though," she giggled. "Lord Vao built their weapons! For the Cultists who don't have claws or magic, he builds weapons using these weird, pretty rocks. He calls them Dust, I think."
It dawned on Salem, Ozpin, and Team FRSB like a bat to the face. The First Yin had warned them that the First Vao had been taking Dust. But it wasn't for him. They really wished it was for him.
The First Vao was giving the Cult weapons, advancing them at an alarming rate. They had electricity, running water, and now even Dust weaponry. With that level of firepower, they could easily level a small city.
"Fluffy croissant," Saril giggled nonsensically.
Mono turned to Sapphire, raising a hand and motioning it towards the fairy. They could hear Sapphire's bell-like laughter as she gripped the pull-chain to her weapon, giving it a sharp tug.
Rrrrrm...
Rrrm.
Rrrrrrrrm... Rrrrrrrrrrm...
"Kyahahaha!"
The chainsaw roared to life with one final, fifth tug, flame sparking from the blade. She flew from the top of the cage, her wings a blur as she pressed the chainsaw against the lock of the cage door.
Metal screeched and burned red-hot, Sapphire's eyes wide with pure ecstasy. The Cultists cheered louder, their insanity beginning to show as they chanted a deafening, awful name.
"Lord Vao! Lord Vao! Lord Vao!"
Saril lifted the priest's head high into the air and threw it with everything she had. A pale hand shot from between the bars, snatching it from the air and pulling it inside. The cage rattled only once, and in the span of a second and a half, the hand slipped out again. The skull gleamed in the moon, the bone picked clean. The man inside had devoured everything with speed, his teeth marks visible on the scalp. He tossed the skull to the ground, reaching for the lock. Sapphire pulled her hand away, the fairies joining the cheer when the hand grasped the heated lock and gave it a squeeze.
Cr-snap...
The cage door swung wide open, a figure draped in shadows crawling out. The sense of dread that covered the adventurers like a blanket quickly evolved to raw, unfiltered terror, unable to make out any of the First Vao's features through his Darkness. The only thing they could see was the red glow of his Aura, hovering where his eye socket would be. The intense power that radiated from the use of his magic made their knees tremble, the Cultists nearby lending a helping hand and holding onto the adventurers moments before their legs gave out.
He had never been this strong before. In the First Timeline, people could stand on their own two feet even if they were meeting him for the first time. They'd only collapse because of his reputation as a genocidal lunatic capable of slaughtering a room full of hundreds of soldiers - something he proved in Atlas, when he attacked the floating city in his quest to take the Relic of Creation. He was sick that day; Salem remembered she had stopped giving him the Blood for a short while because he couldn't contain himself and had begun to kill her Cultists and was attempting suicide.
The shadowy figure stepped close to the edge of the wagon, the Cultists reaching just to touch him. The Enemy looked down at the well, and tilted his head to the sky. His body went limp as he fell forward, straight for the well.
SPLASH!
Black Blood sprayed over the Cultists nearby, dolls climbing on top of the stone wall to look inside, clapping their hands together. Even Ruby's dolls worshipped him, they realized. The Blood began to bubble more intensely, almost as if it was boiling.
Their hearts sank when it began to part, revealing the long, ankle-length hair as he rose from the well, using his magic like a platform to raise himself from the well. The Cultists reached new heights of deafening cheer, the First Vao raising his pale hands to brush the black locks from his face. And for the first time, the adventurers were able to take in every detail.
They had never seen someone who looked so unhealthy. His skin was deathly pale, almost glowing in the moonlight. The bags under his scarred face were nearly black, like he hadn't had a good night's sleep in years. Which, knowing him, was exactly what happened. The temperature dropped drastically around him, his body colder than a block of ice, his figure thin, yet still maintaining its feminine curves. In no Timeline was Vao's body built like a man, and this proved it. His eye socket had the faint scars left behind from his childhood, yet one was much more visible than the rest; the spot where Summer's scythe had shredded through his face, ripping his eye out of his skull. In its place was the floating speck of his Aura that granted him sight, burning like a scarlet flame.
His clothes, the combat outfit he always wore, had permanent dark stains blemishing it - the bloodstains of his countless victims. From his belt, Grimm Demise was clipped to the grey leather, transformed into its transportation mode; a heavy scarlet box. On his left side, Misery rested in its sheath, the serrated blade hidden behind the black leather. The First Vao spread his arms, eliciting the Cultists to scream in ecstasy.
"Good mor..." The First Vao trailed off, glancing at the sky in confusion. He dug around in his pockets, pulling out a pocket watch. With a big smile that showed the whites of his teeth, he continued. "Good morning, everyone!"
He was met with praise, Mono and the fairies clapping behind him. Jack scrambled on top of the wagon to join them, keeping an eye on Summer so she wouldn't try to escape. Not that she could.
"W... What the hell is that skin?" Tim stammered quietly.
"It's the Blood," Salem answered quietly, distantly. "One of its side-effects is the skin grows pallid... Like they've never seen the light of day in decades... The bags too, but his are darker..."
The First Vao gazed around, his single eye swivelling in his head. And finally, it stopped on the adventurers. They froze. He was looking at them.
"I don't much like making things about myself," the First Vao continued. The Cultists parted away as he stepped down from his platform and walked forward, clearing a path as he approached the adventurers.
The children cowered behind the adults, Alice sobbing audibly. Violet clutched Midori and Pip tightly, yet couldn't muster the bravery to defend them if it came to that.
Yin could smell something strange from Vao, the dullahan's legs shaking. Yin didn't blame his brother for wetting himself. The First Vao had already done more than prove himself when he beat every last one of them in Faralda, including Sasha. If Yin hadn't already used the bathroom that morning, he was sure he'd have done the same. Verde stood behind them, clutching Vao's opposite arm. Sasha huddled behind Yin, her fingers threatening to break the healer's shoulder. Chuck held Tim in his arms, his moustache quivering as his lips trembled. Pock and Pyrrha stood in front of the kids, their shoulders rigid and a cold sweat dribbling down their foreheads. Salem and Ozpin couldn't move, rooted to the spot in fear.
"I mean, it's a celebration, innit?" The First Vao continued. He was drawing closer, his footsteps audible now. He stared at them, the Aura in his eye socket beginning to flicker like a flame. "It was my Auntie's idea - her ghost from the First Timeline, anyway - because I haven't seen my Auntie alive for so very long. But I have a better idea..."
The air was growing colder, radiating from his frigid skin. With a body temperature that low, he shouldn't have been breathing. His smile was growing, a pink tongue trailing across his teeth to lick up the last bits of blood from his meal in his cage.
"... Let's use this celebration to welcome our new arrivals," he said. "Wouldn't that just be nice?"
Halt.
He stood in front of them now, every red flag in their bodies raising high. He stared at them, his eye moving from individual to individual. Behind him, Mono waved her hand at Jack to get his attention and gave a small nod. The Ripper pointed at the fairies and then Summer, the three tiny women grabbing the woman and pulling her into the air. Summer kicked and writhed, unable to free herself as she disappeared down the streets. She was gone; there was no chance of saving her here. But that was the least of their worries. Mono stepped down from the wagon, silently approaching until she stopped at the side of their biggest worry; the First Vao Dusty Branwen.
A cold, pale hand extended, offering a handshake. The murderer smiled, almost looking friendly if it hadn't been for the visible psychosis that burned in his eye. "My name is Vao Branwen. It's so nice to meet you," he greeted softly. His voice had always been soft. He had never used it outside of his deranged screaming in a fight. It could have been pleasant, but his voice wavered with his insanity, sending chills down their spines.
The Cult was waiting for them to shake his hand, they realized. But who would do it? None of them were brave enough. Yin felt Vao tug on his arm, and then push the healer forward. He shivered as he stood in front of the dangerous enemy, the First Vao smiling at him. Shakily, Yin reached out. It felt like he had stuck his hand in an ice bath.
"I-I'm Tai," Yin whispered hoarsely, keeping up with his lie. "I-it's nice to meet you too, L-Lord Vao..."
The First Vao leaned forward, curiosity sparkling in his red eye. "Tai? Wot a coincidence! That's my old man's name." He looked around behind the healer. "You don't have to be so scared," he said softly. His words didn't calm their nerves. He looked back up at Yin, giving a friendly, yet deathly cold smile.
"... I like your voice," he said quietly. "It reminds me of someone."
Yin felt like curling into a ball. But the First Vao paid no mind to it, turning to face the Cult. "Now... Why don't we get this little celebration started?"
The Cultists cheered in response, black robes fluttering in the wind as they spread out. The adventurers watched as they raced down the streets - now that they could see the roads, they could see various stands set up, containing festival games, food stands, and shows. Yin tried to leave, to get away from the First Vao before something bad happened. But to his dismay, his despair, his horror, a cold hand grabbed the back of his robes, holding him back. The adventurers tensed, getting ready to run. The First Vao grinned, walking past Yin with Mono following close behind him.
"Come on; you lot are new here. Let's spend the celebration together," he said to them. "Mono and I have been very eager to meet you; whenever we get new Cultists, we like to get to know them."
Salem couldn't detect a lie in his tone. But she knew better than to go off his voice alone. She had lived with him long enough to know the First Vao was a master manipulator, as deceitful as they came. Sasha sighed, mumbling under her breath.
"... C-cyka... This can't get worse..."
They followed the First Vao and Mono down the streets, the serial killer occasionally waving at a few Cultists that called out to him. They didn't look like anyone important. He even caught a ball and tossed it back to a group of kids. The Enemy turned, flashing a smile. "... Wot?"
Tim gulped. "U-um... N-nothing, Lord Vao..."
Mono chuckled softly. "Milord makes it a habit to know everyone in the Cult," she explained. "He prefers to learn about everyone, so he may take their needs into account."
That was startling. The First Vao snickered, stopping at one of the stands. "Tanjin!"
A troll turned his head, his face lighting up. "Lord Vao! What brings you here?"
The First Vao gazed around, the adventurers following his lead. A row of balloons were tied to the far wall, a banshee wiping at her eyes with a handkerchief as she cleaned a set of darts. Mono turned to the adventurers, gesturing with her hand to the game. "It would seem Milord has taken an interest... Would you care to join us?" She offered politely.
It sounded like refusing was an option. But none of them were brave enough. Ozpin turned to his allies, sweat building up on his brow. "... Does... Anyone know how to throw darts?"
"What about the thief?" Chuck suggested quietly. Vao glared at him.
"I've never played darts in my life, you backstabbing cunt... Maybe if it was a game with a bow and arrow, but I've thrown four darts in my whole life."
They turned to Sasha, the elf shaking her head. "No... I used to throw rocks at trees with my brother, but never a dart..."
Sasha and Vao were the only suggestions they had, given their criminal backgrounds. Salem was about to offer herself before Pock wordlessly stepped forward, the goblin looking up at Mono with a slight wobble in her legs. "Me... M-me play darts at home..."
Mono and the First Vao smiled, the serial killer sitting on top of the counter and crossing his ankles. "Well, that's a relief. I was worried no one knew how to play," he said. He held out his hands, and in an instant a cup of tea was cradled in his fingers. Salem felt like she was about to pass out. The cup had come from nowhere. "Mono, you can play first. I'll just watch."
"Of course, Milord."
The banshee whimpered as she dragged a stool around the counter for Pock to stand on, helping the goblin up. Mono picked up a set of darts, pinching the blades between her fingers, watching intently as the goblin noble collected hers.
"... You may go first," the monoeye said politely. Pock gulped. Mono was confident. It wasn't a good sign; when someone was confident, it always meant one of two things; they were either very good, or were a belligerent jackass. Mono didn't seem like the type to brag. She took a deep breath, taking aim as Tanjin explained the rules.
"So, you'll throw until you run out of darts," he explained. "Just try to pop all the balloons. Sounds fun, right?"
Not really, Pock thought. Maybe if she was playing against one of her friends it would be fun. Not while standing next to someone who folded Sasha like a pretzel. The goblin took a deep breath, and threw the first dart.
Tack.
She had missed, striking just under the first balloon. The banshee dabbed at her eyes again, speaking in a trembling voice. "P-please try again..."
"A... Are you okay?" Pyrrha asked worriedly. The banshee nodded.
"M-my race cries a lot," she whimpered. "O-other nonhumans f-find it annoying, but Lord Vao... H-he still invited me to stay i-in the Cult... He even introduced me to T-Tanjin, my boyfriend..." The banshee broke down as Pock threw her second dart, sobbing uncontrollably.
Tack.
Pock missed again, this time aiming too high. Ozpin stared at her, his face filled with distraught. "I-I thought you played darts before?"
"Thirdy y-years ago," Pock stammered. "Not play in long time..."
Pop!
Her third and final dart finally struck its target, the balloon bursting. The banshee tearfully clapped her hands with Tanjin. The First Vao chuckled, taking a small sip from his tea. "Well... Practice makes perfect, I suppose. Mono, could you show her how it's done?"
The Cult leader smirked, twirling all three darts around her fingers without faltering once. "... Of course, Milord..."
Pop.
Pock froze. The adventurers stopped breathing, staring at the three balloons that Mono was supposed to hit. The darts stuck from the walls, exactly where the center once was. There was no way they had just watched that. But the scene never changed, no matter how long they stared.
Mono had thrown all three darts at the same time with one hand, and popped all three of them. They never even saw her arm move. The maid lowered her extended arm, her shoulders not tensed in the slightest. She smiled politely at the adventurers, her head tilted slightly to the left. "Forgive me if I startled you," she said calmly. "But I do not hold back when going against an opponent."
Yin felt weak. The wall where the balloons had been wasn't close by any means, and even when she threw three darts at the same time, even when she moved so quickly, her accuracy was dead center. The First Vao smiled, hopping off the counter. Mono glanced at his empty teacup, turning back to him.
"Milord, would you like more tea?"
The First Vao shook his head. "Only if you want some," he said quietly. "I feel selfish for not offering earlier..."
Mono turned to the adventurers, raising an eyebrow. "... Would you like tea?"
None of them were thirsty after watching Mono destroy her targets with ease. They shook their heads, Mono giving a polite bow. "Then I will take care of Milord's cup, and we may continue."
In an instant, the teacup disappeared from the First Vao's hands, as if it had never been there. They were beginning to realize the First Vao wasn't the only dangerous person in the Cult. Mono alone was enough to cause panic. The First Vao grinned, motioning with his hand for them to follow. "C'mon... There's still loads we can do. Bye Tanjin, bye Muriel."
The troll and banshee couple waved happily as the adventurers followed the First Vao and Mono down the street, calling out to them.
"Come again, Lord Vao!"
"Th-thank you... F-for choosing our s-stall..."
Verde looked up, her face blank and yet her green eyes holding a hint of worry. "... Do you know everyone's names...?" She asked quietly. The First Vao nodded.
"Of course. I care about them," he explained. "They're... Um... Family, I guess you could say. Am I making sense, or am I spouting rubbish?"
"Perfect sense, Milord," Mono replied. She looked back at the adventurers, her one eye scanning each and every one of them. "Milord truly cares for us. Many of us were rejected even by nonhumans, and few even by their own species. Milord does not care about that; he prefers to learn more about us as people, and treats us as such. In a way, we truly are a family. We look forward to you joining."
"W... Would that mean getting the B-Blessing?" Pip stammered. Alice, who had been walking next to the harpy, shivered.
"At some point," the First Vao replied. "Most people are scared of it at first, so we usually give them some time before I give it to them. Consideration, all that bollocks."
"You take people's feelings into consideration?" Ozpin said without thinking. Salem and Yin immediately stepped on his foot. The First Vao and Mono turned around, their smiles gone.
"... Of course I do," the Enemy said quietly. "The Cult means a lot to me. They're the only people who treat me like Vao, and not some murderous lunatic. Which I am, but still... I have thoughts and feelings too."
They didn't think about that. After everything that had happened throughout the Timelines, it was difficult to remember the First Vao had once been a regular person. Suddenly, he snapped his fingers.
"Oh, brilliant idea, Auntie," he exclaimed. He looked back at the adventurers, his smile returning. "I know a place we can eat at. We can have some food, drinks, and play one of my favorite games!"
That last suggestion nearly sent Alice running for the hills. But with a reassuring shoulder squeeze from Tim and Chuck, she stayed put. The First Vao was already walking down the streets, with Mono beckoning the adventurers to follow.
They were led to a tall building filled with Cultists, their robes hanging from the backs of their chairs. Mono smiled softly, turning to the First Vao. "There is a suitable table in the center, Milord."
"Oh, brilliant!"
Sasha wanted to know how Mono knew that. Even with her height, she couldn't see the table. And as they followed through the restaurant, they could see it. The First Vao and Mono waited for everyone to take their seats, the First Vao sitting across from Yin with Mono at his side. The First Vao propped his head into his palm, his left hand's fingers drumming against the table.
The slow, shambling footsteps caught their attention, staring at the source of the rotting smell. A zombie stood at the table, a notepad in his hands. "May I take your order?"
He spoke surprisingly well for someone whose lips were decaying. Once again, the First Vao waited until they took the adventurers made their orders, staring at Yin silently. The healer gulped. He was the only one who hadn't chosen yet.
"U-um... Can I have the steak? Medium rare, please?"
The First Vao smirked. "Hey, that sounds really good, Tai. I'll take the same thing. Rare, please. Wot about you, Mono?"
"I am not hungry, Milord. I have already eaten."
The zombie bowed, the stench growing stronger. Verde felt like she had lost her appetite. It was only a matter of moments before an elf returned with their order, trembling with excitement as she set down the First Vao's plate and running off.
Pip shivered, reaching his wing for his father's hand. He was petrified. But Vao moved it away, his instincts kicking in. The young harpy felt an ache in his chest. Even when they were in danger, his father wouldn't comfort him. Pip averted his eyes, focusing on his meal unaware of the one-eyed stare. Mono watched quietly, interest visible in her one grey eye. The monoeye made a mental note of the moment.
"Bonjour..."
Verde, Salem, Ozpin, and Yin nearly dropped their silverware at the sound of the voice. The awful, horribly calm voice that never once swore. His yellow eyes stared at them, his smile as wide as ever, frozen to his pale face. The First Vao had long finished eating, grinning up at the Ripper. "Oh, 'ello Jack. Enjoying yourself?"
Jack hummed, pulling up a chair. "... For the most part, oui, Mon Seigneur."
"That's good," the First Vao said softly. He eyed the empty plates of the adventurers, his smirk stretching. "... We were just about to play a game. Would you like to watch?"
Jack's eyes flickered with amusement. "Oh... That game, Mon Seigneur? That hardly seems fair."
The First Vao just chuckled. "It's not a competition; all in good fun."
The suspense was beginning to get to them. Yin gripped his knees tightly, his back feeling as stiff as stone. "What game is it...?"
The First Vao looked up at him, tilting his head as he leaned forward. "Have you ever heard of five finger fillet, Tai?"
His blood ran cold. He wanted to play that game. Yin trembled, the blood draining from his face. The First Vao reached for his hip, drawing Misery from its sheath. The dagger gleamed in the lights, his left hand pressing against the table, his fingers stretched out.
"It's really easy," he continued. "Misery is always sharpened, so we don't need to worry. You just take your hand, spread your fingers nice and wide..."
Tap...
Yin's anxiety spiked when the blade poked between the First Vao's fingers, Jack and Mono watching intently, with interest flickering in their eyes.
Tap, tap, tap...
Stab.
Misery stood upright, the blade's tip buried in the wood. The First Vao looked back up at them, his smile growing. But it was different from the psychotic grin they were used to. It was calm, friendly, happy. If they didn't know any better, they might've thought he was normal. "Would anyone like to go first?"
Yin felt someone shove him away, Vao sitting in his seat. "I used to play this game all the time with Russell," he whispered to the healer. "Let me handle this; I'm a thief. Dexterity is one of my key points, mate."
Yin felt relieved. He really didn't want to play. The Cultists looked up from their tables, some leaning to get a better look. Vao's fingers curled around Misery, tugging the dagger free. The First Vao leaned forward, resting his chin into his hands. "Wot's your name?"
"V-Victoria," Vao lied in an instant. He really wished he gave himself a more masculine name. But the First Vao didn't seem to care. The Cultists surrounded them, watching the game. The First Vao smiled.
"You can start whenever you want, mate."
Chuck felt awkward. Even if the Cultists couldn't see what they really looked like, Midori's illusion didn't affect the adventurers. Seeing two of the same person talking to each other made his head spin. Vao took a deep breath, spreading his fingers apart and steeling his nerves.
Tap, tap, tap, tap, tap...
Yin and Verde's anxiety was beginning to rise. Midori and Pip couldn't even watch, Violet biting at her nails. Alice clung to Tim, her father staring at the ceiling. Pock had her face buried in Chuck's stomach, with Sasha and Salem trying to give their support while Ozpin watched in silence.
Tap, tap, tap...
Mono clapped her hands softly in rhythm with the knife, sweat beginning to build on Vao's brow. He hadn't played this game in years. It didn't help with Salem and Sasha talking into his ears.
"D-don't hit your fingers!" The princess stammered.
"Why would you say that!?" Sasha cried. "You're just making it worse!"
Stab.
Vao trembled, staring up at the First Vao. "... Your turn."
He watched as the cold hand gripped Misery, pulling it free. The blade began to move, the First Vao chatting as he stabbed between his fingers. He seemed to be in a better mood, even talking more clearly. "You know, I didn't like this game at first."
Tap, tap, tap, tap...
"Y... You didn't?" Yin squeaked. The First Vao shook his head.
"No. The first time I played this game was with this scorpion cunt. He was the one holding the knife, while I just sat there waiting for him to hit my fingers," he explained. "Eventually, I started doing it myself with Hazel, an old friend of mine. Watts was too much of a pussy to do it with me, and he hated my guts anyway. But Hazel was always nice to me."
Tap, tap, tap, tap, tap...
"The fear of stabbing yourself... It makes you feel alive," the First Vao continued. "It was one of the few things I had to remind myself I was human back when Salem was feeding me the Blood."
Stab.
Vao trembled as he picked up the dagger, poking between his fingers. His shoulders were beginning to tremble.
"D-darling, be careful!" Verde begged. Mono's lips curled into a smile.
"... Could you move faster? The game will only end when the opponent stabs their hand."
Tap, tap, tap...
Vao flinched when he felt the knife graze his finger. He could see the flakes of skin stuck to the blade - it was sharp. If he missed, it could easily take his finger. The speed began to pick up, Alice covering her eyes.
Stab.
The First Vao clapped his hands together, his eye wide with delight. "You're doing really good, Victoria. My turn!"
The blade gleamed and shone, starting to blur as it stabbed between his fingers. The Cultists leaned forward eagerly, Ruby's dolls climbing on top of the table for a better look. Salem felt a cold sweat breaking out on her forehead, followed by a shiver. The First Vao was moving faster, picking up speed.
Tap tap tap tap...
Stab.
Vao stood up from his chair, his hands held up. "I-I can't do this... I need a s-smoke, mate..."
The First Vao glanced at the adventurers, pulling Misery free and twirling it in his fingers. "Well, that's a shame, innit? Anyone else?"
No one said a word. Yin gulped, sitting back down in his chair. Vao leaned over his shoulder, the dullahan's hot breath tickling his ear. "If you're going to do this... Don't think. Take a deep breath, don't get too tense," he whispered. "The moment you tense up, the moment you begin to freak out, you're going to stab yourself. I'm going outside if you need me."
The healer nodded, taking Misery from the First Vao's open hand. Spreading his fingers apart as far as he could, he took a deep breath.
Tap, tap, tap...
The Cultists leaned forward, watching eagerly. They were enjoying the show. The dolls sat on the table, huddling close. A few of the smaller Cultists with the ability to fly, such as the fairies, watched from above. The First Vao frowned, watching the dagger.
"... You're not even hitting between your fingers..."
Yin trembled. He had been hitting above them, praying that it would go unnoticed. The First Vao disappeared into a cloud of ash, teleporting behind the cleric. The coldness of his body sent a chill down the healer's back, a shiver making its way through his body when the First Vao grabbed his wrist, and then Misery, pulling it free from his hand. "You do it like this. Stay still, okay?"
Yin never had his anxiety spike so high until the First Vao was playing five finger fillet with his hand. He gritted his teeth, his eyes beginning to water as he squeezed them shut, turning his head and bracing for the pain.
Tap, tap, tap, tap, tap...
Tap, tap... Tap tap tap tap tap!
Pyrrha's eyes rolled in the back of her head, the goblin fainting where she stood. The First Vao teleported again, returning to his seat. Yin shakily looked back at his hand. There wasn't a scratch on his fingers. The First Vao giggled. "See? It's easy, mate."
He didn't look down at Misery, stabbing between his fingers. "It's just a matter of trusting yourself."
Yin wanted to stop. The First Vao wasn't even looking where he was stabbing, yet he never hit a single digit. His skill was becoming very clear. The First Vao stabbed the dagger into the table, leaning back in his chair. "Now you try."
Yin picked up the weapon, trying to take a deep breath. He wasn't brave enough to do it without looking.
Tap, tap, tap...
Splch.
Yin didn't feel anything at first. He just stared, frozen. Misery stood straight, even when he let go, the blade buried into the back of his left hand. Salem covered her mouth, her face a ghostly white.
Yin had lost the game.
"A-ah... Aigh...!"
Spit bubbled at Yin's teeth, pain searing through his arm. The First Vao chuckled. "Not even your finger, but your hand... That's gotta hurt," he chuckled. Yin trembled when the schizophrenic cannibal reached forward, his cold fingers curling around the handle.
"N-no, no-!?"
A shrill scream was muffled when Yin clapped his hand over his mouth, the blade torn from his hand. Blood coated the table, the First Vao nodding to Mono. In an instant, white bandages were wrapped around Yin's hand, the cloth quickly stained.
"You shouldn't take those off," the First Vao said softly. With the end of the game, his voice had gone back to being quiet and soft-spoken. "You'll be fine; only the tip is serrated. Any deeper though, and I couldn't guarantee you'd be keeping your hand. I built Misery for the express purpose of tearing things open."
Yin clutched his hand to his chest, nearly falling from his chair when he instinctively tried to back away. Ozpin and Chuck reached out, stopping the healer from hitting the floor. The First Vao flicked his tongue out, trailing it against the side of his weapon. "... I'm not going to drag you around if you don't want me to," he said softly. "If you need rest, then we can get to know each other later."
The adventurers didn't waste any more time, helping Yin away. The First Vao and Mono watched them leave, Misery sliding back into its sheath. "Nyahaha..."
Mono's smile grew. "... Were our suspicions correct, Milord?" She whispered lowly, leaning closer so the Cultists wouldn't hear her as they moved back to their tables. The First Vao nodded.
"No doubt about it," he replied. "I already knew the moment I heard their voices, and that idiot calling himself Tai... This taste does nothing but solidify it. Cheap, discounted Third Timeline Yin and his friends came to visit..."
Mono hummed, Jack leaning forward. The Ripper's face hadn't changed; his eyes remained relaxed, his smile wide, toothy, and deranged. "... Then what should we do about it, Mon Seigneur?"
The First Vao was quiet, listening to the voice in his ear. The hallucination leaned forward, her gaunt and nightmarish face visible from the corner of his eye.
(("... Let's see where this goes,")) her silvery, hiss-like voice cooed. (("Toy with them... They have no escape in Grimmore... But do be careful; you know full well how crafty they are... One of them is you, after all..."))
His lips curled, his psychosis beginning to reveal itself. "... Let's just see how it all plays out," he whispered. "Mono, I trust you to handle that... 'Other' matter... Jack, continue your duties as normal."
"Oui, Mon Seigneur."
"Of course, Milord."
...
Vao looked up from his pipe when the adventurers pushed through the door, snuffing the embers with his thumb and shoving it back into his pocket. "Hey, wot happe-!?" He stopped when he saw Yin's hand, his face losing color. "Wot did I miss!?"
"Yin stabbed his hand," Ozpin growled. "We're going back to the inn. Let's go."
Vao took Ozpin and Salem's place, letting Yin lean on him for support. "M-mate, I'm sorry. I should've kept playi-"
"Don't," Yin breathed through clenched teeth. "Just... Shut up... I get it... That guy is f... F-fucking nuts... I'd have quit too..."
The Cultists didn't pay them any mind as they returned to the inn, climbing the stairs. Yin sat down on his bed, unravelling the bandages and holding his hand up to the light. It didn't go all the way through, but it was close. If he had hit just a bit harder, he'd have caught Misery's serrated edge. He picked his staff up from the floor, tapping it into the ground as he mumbled his miracle. The wound began to close, but the pain wouldn't subside. No doubt was in his mind that Misery was imbued with its master's Darkness. His hand would continue to throb for a few days at most.
Pip shivered where he stood, his knees knocking together. He was scared. He had already lost Raven, and now he was watching his uncle bleed. He turned his head, staring at his sisters. They were huddled with their mother and father, shivering like leaves. Vao was smoking his pipe, trying to calm himself down, his back turned to them. Verde caught the harpy's stare, her green eyes locking with his red ones. With her hand, she beckoned him over.
Pip had second thoughts about it. He was sure Vao didn't like him. Verde beckoned again and pointed at her husband, her fingers moving gently.
He gulped. She had talked to Vao. He heard it. He began to move closer. His talons scratched against the floor, keeping his eye on his father. And finally, Vao turned to him, staring down at the harpy.
"Wot are you doing?"
Pip trembled. Vao's tone wasn't as cold as it was before. It was filled with genuine curiosity. Slowly, the harpy extended his arms. He really needed someone to comfort him. He wanted his father to comfort him, to tell him that Yin would be okay. And if Verde talked to him, then maybe he was willing to accept it. And even then, Pip thought the worst Vao could say was no. He averted his gaze, not looking his father in the eye.
"C... C-c... Can I... H-have a h-hug...?"
Silence filled the air, crackling with tension. Pip's shoulders trembled, his eyes finally turning up to Vao.
The dullahan wasn't looking at him, focusing on his pipe. "Not right now. I'm busy-"
"Girls... Go downstairs," Verde interrupted. "Take Pip with you."
Violet, Midori, and Alice looked up in confusion. Tim and Chuck nodded to their daughter.
"Yeah... Adults need to talk for a minute," Chuck muttered. Alice took a deep breath, guiding the three younger kids out the door. Yin looked back up at Vao, his eyes narrowed. The thief was still smoking his pipe, the tension slowly leaving his shoulders. He finally noticed the stares, furrowing his brow and shrugging his shoulders. "... Wot?"
"You couldn't give him a hug?" Sasha asked quietly. Vao scoffed.
"I'm this close to freaking out myself. After I'm finished smoking, then I'll-"
"No you won't," Verde interrupted. "You haven't said a word to Pip all day. Even after last night-"
"I'll give him a hug when I'm comfortable," Vao growled. "Get off my back."
Yin stood up from his bed, stepping forward. "... 'Get off your back'? How about you just act like a father?"
Vao took another breath from his pipe, blowing the smoke towards the floor. "The fuck are you talking about? I act like a father. I've kept my family alive for this long."
Just on the other side of the door, the kids crept closer, listening in on the conversation.
"Does that include Pip?" Pyrrha asked. She sounded worried. Vao was silent for a moment.
"... I didn't even know Pip existed. That isn't my fault."
Yin crossed his arms, nodding his head. "Yeah, we get that. But isn't it your fault for barely looking at him?" He growled. "I've been meaning to have this talk with you for a while now. How about you just give the kid a fucking hug?"
"I... I can't."
"Why not?" Salem challenged. "He's done nothing but be nice to you. I get your PTSD comes into play, but how can you possibly still see him as a potential threat?"
"Why don't you stay out of it, princess?"
"Don't talk to her that way," Yin snapped. "We're getting sick of you ignoring Pip. He's done nothing but try to get your attention-"
"I'll do it when I'm ready. I barely know him-"
"Oh, shut the fuck up with that excuse," Sasha growled. "We've been travelling together for how long now? At least try to talk to him!"
"And every time I do, it comes out wrong," Vao retorted. "Holy shit, wot part of that don't you get? I'll talk when I'm ready-"
"He's your son, you shouldn't have to be ready!" Tim pointed out. "Chuck surprised me with Alice! I never used any excuse, I acted like a father!"
Chuck nodded. "Look, we're your friends. That's why we're saying that, er... You're acting like a deadbeat."
The pipe fell from Vao's hand, the dullahan spinning around angrily. "The fuck did you just call me?"
Yin stepped in the way, pushing his brother back. "He said you're acting like a deadbeat," he growled. "And to be quite frank; that's exactly what you are."
"Shut your fucking mouth, Yin."
Verde stood up, shaking her head. "No, he's absolutely correct," she snapped. "You'll hug Violet and Midori, even Alice. But you avoid Pip like the plague."
They had him cornered. Pock and Ozpin stepped in front of the door, blocking Vao's exit if he tried to leave. Yin grabbed Vao's collar, glaring at the dullahan.
"You tell us that you care about Pip," he snarled. "How about you act like it, and get out of your comfort zone?"
Vao swatted Yin's hand away, bumping his forehead into the healer's. "Getting out of my comfort zone? Are you kidding me? I haven't been comfortable in eight years," he snarled back. "I'm sorry if killing people led to me not trusting anyone I've never met. You want to take a guess whose fault that is, mate?"
"Blaming me because you can't be a parent now?" Yin growled. "I'm his uncle. His fucking uncle, and I've already done so much for him. All he talked about was giving you a hug when he met you, and you do nothing but push him away. Like every single time you struggle with anything; you push them all away for someone else to deal with!"
Sasha and Salem leapt forward, Vao's fist already in mid swing. Yin struck a very touchy nerve.
"You shut the fuck up, cunt! I've got shit running through my head!" Vao screamed. "I've been killing people I don't know for eight years, and the moment I think I'll see my mum again, we have to kill her! You think I have time for a hug!?"
"We've all got shit running through our heads!" Yin screamed back. "Raven raised Pip too! And he STILL tries to get close to you! He couldn't go outside because he'd be killed, just like you! Stop playing the victim, and talk to your kid!"
Vao stomped down on Sasha's foot and wriggled free, his face a deep shade of crimson.
"You threw him on my lap! I wasn't ready!"
Yin reared his head back and butted Salem in the chin, yanking his arms out of her grasp. "Happened to Raven, she still took care of him! Happened to me, I still took care of him! Happened to Tim, he still took care of Alice! You're the only one, Vao! The only fucking one!"
Vao lost it, charging at Yin. "Keep my mum's name out of your bloody mouth!"
The healer was tackled to the floor, Vao's hands wrapping around his throat. In an instant Verde and Sasha were prying him away, the dullahan struggling. And finally, he screamed. He something he shouldn't have.
"I didn't ask for Pip!"
Crash.
They froze when they heard the sound of a vase smashing to pieces just outside, followed by the cries of the girls. Ozpin pulled the door open, revealing Alice, Violet, and Midori staring down the halls.
They heard every word. Every word spoken, they heard it all. Vao had fallen completely silent, his face very pale. "I-I didn't mean... I-it slipped-"
Yin turned around, a vein beginning to snake its way up his neck.
THWACK!
Vao's head popped off his shoulders when the healer punched him across the mouth, Sasha and Verde dropping his headless body to the floor and chasing after Pip, the others following close behind. Yin glared down at Vao, his eyes filled with hatred.
"You... You disgusting piece of shit," he hissed.
Vao's body slowly picked his head up, holding it in front of him. "I-I didn't mean it like that," he tried to protest.
"Just... Don't talk to me," Yin growled. He turned, starting for the door. "I'm going to find my nephew. Stay here, or whatever you want." He looked down at the ground, his teeth grinding together. "... I almost looked up to you. You did everything you could to keep your family safe in the Wilds... Now I see. You're just a scumbag."
Yin bolted through the door, his footsteps rapidly disappearing down the halls and the stairwell. Vao sat in silence, staring at the open door. He never screwed up this bad before. He almost didn't know what to do.
As much as he tried to deny it, everything that they told him was true. He never gave Pip a chance. He never stepped outside of his comfort zone. His knees wobbled as he stood up, still dizzy from Yin's punch. He attached his head to his shoulders, taking a deep breath. He remembered the times he made Pip cry. It was never enough to wake him up. And now with Pip running off in the middle of a city full of lunatics, his mind was made up. It was time to act like a father, whether he was ready or not.
Yin was right. Vao knew he had become a scumbag. Without further delay, he picked up his pipe, and followed. He knew they wouldn't help him look.
He'd just have to look for Pip on his own.
...
Pip pushed past the Cultists enjoying the celebration, hiding his face from the stares that followed. He could hear Violet and Alice calling out to him in the distance, with Midori no doubt out of breath, but following. He beat his wings through the air, putting as much ground between them as he could. He just wanted to be left alone.
His talons scraped against the concrete when he found an isolated street, far away from the celebration. Out of earshot from the adventurers. Shivering in the cold breeze that wafted from the depths of the Great Swamp, he trotted down the cobblestone street, sitting down on the curb under a warm streetlight. He pulled his knees close and wrapped his wings around them, lowering his head.
He knew it. Verde and Yin had tried to tell him differently, but he knew Vao didn't like him. He knew it, but hearing the dullahan say he didn't want him out loud still hurt. He'd rather have Vao tell him to go away, like he usually did. He found himself wishing he just stayed home. If he had stayed home, Raven would never have followed Yin. She'd still be alive. He'd never have to learn that his father didn't love him.
Pip's back heaved up and down, his knees growing wet. He was crying. He didn't hear the footsteps that approached. He flinched when the woman spoke.
"Oh... What's wrong?"
He looked up, his teary scarlet eyes stopping on the one-eyed woman. Mono stood next to him, her lips curled into a small, pleasant smile. The Cult leader stepped closer, sitting down next to him. "... Is everything alright? Why are you crying?"
Pip inched away from her, looking away. "... I-I'm okay..."
Mono tilted her head, her hands folded neatly in her lap. "... But then you wouldn't have a reason to cry. Tell me, what is on your mind?"
Pip knew he shouldn't be talking to her. He shouldn't be talking to any of the Cultists, but Mono especially. He shook his head. "I'm okay..."
A cold hand rested on his shoulder, a second hand guiding his chin to face the monoeye.
"... You're... Pip, correct?"
Pip didn't have the energy to deny it. He just slowly nodded, pulling his head free and hiding his face back in his knees. Mono hummed, looking up at the illusory moon for a moment. "... What is bothering you... Could it be your father, perhaps?"
Pip flinched, his blood freezing. Did Mono know who they were? He looked back up at her, his eyes filled with fear. Mono chuckled lightly. "Oh, why are you looking at me like that? Victoria, despite being a girl's name... The owner of that name is a man, your father. Am I correct...?" She looked back down at him, a warmness in her grey eye that put his nerves at ease. "... He doesn't treat you well, does he?"
She never said Vao's name. He recalled Mono watching as he tried to hold Vao's hand earlier. She might've noticed then; after all, the First Vao looked like a woman. Mono was likely used to it. Pip slowly shook his head, tearing his eyes away from her. "... H-he... S-said he n-never asked for m-me..."
Mono's smile fell, showing concern for him. "... That is awful," she said quietly. "... Is he really worth your affection?"
"H-he's... M-my dad," Pip choked. "Th-the only one I-I have..."
Mono chuckled through closed lips, standing to her feet. "... Do you know what makes me feel better?" She asked softly. "I talk to my Lord. Despite how highly the Cult holds him, he's always willing to talk to us..."
Pip trembled. The First Vao terrified him. Mono seemed to read his expression, her gaze softening. "... Lord Vao is kind to us," she cooed. "He might've seemed scary earlier, but I assure you... He's quite friendly."
Vao.
The name echoed in Pip's head. The First Vao, in a way, was his father too. But wouldn't he get the same reaction?
... He wasn't sure. The First Vao had been openly friendly when they first met. Pip was arguing with himself, torn between staying far away, and chasing the affection he wanted. Mono leaned forward, staring down at him gently. "... I am sure he'd even give you a hug, if it would make you feel better..."
Pip looked back up at her. Mono was extending her hand, offering it to him. And slowly, he accepted it. Mono's cold fingers wrapped around the crook of his wing as she guided him down the streets, turning her head when she heard the distant calls of Salem and Pock. Her lips curled into a small grin. They were too late. Mono had manipulated Pip, using his youth and low intellect to her advantage.
She silently guided him through Grimmore, and to the outskirts, where a large tree waited. At the base was a steel door, leading to where the roots of the tree would be. Mono's hand gripped the handle and pushed it open, revealing the figure that waited for them.
The First Vao looked up from his conversation with one of the fairies, the tiny person flying away, somewhere above them. "Oh, Mono... And you brought Pip along..."
Mono bowed. "Yes, Milord. Just as you asked."
Pip flinched. She looked back down at him, her lips curling into a smile. "... We know who you are, Pip," she said softly. "And we know who the others are..."
He pulled his wing away, taking a step back. He knew he wouldn't be able to open the door in time with his wings. He was trapped. The First Vao chuckled, twirling a few strands of hair around his finger.
"Don't sweat it," he said softly. "If we wanted to hurt you, we would've done it by now... Right? Mono alone is more than enough..."
Pip shivered, his back pressing against the wall. The First Vao didn't move from where he stood, just watching the harpy with a small smile.
"... To be honest with you, mate... It was Mono who told me about your current issue," he said. Pip just stared, waiting for the killer to snap. The First Vao slipped his hands into his pockets, stepping closer. "... I didn't really like it too much. I know wot it's like too... To have your family hate you, I mean. Even before I got the Blood, they hated me so much they took my left eye."
He pointed at his eye socket, his smile growing. But his psychosis didn't show. He almost looked friendly.
"... Technically, you're my kid," he continued. "So... How about we learn a bit about each other?"
Pip's heart thumped in his chest, his eyes growing wet. No matter how hard he tried to think otherwise, the First Vao shared his father's voice and appearance. It was getting to his head.
Pip and Vao were not very dissimilar. Like he was in the First Timeline during his Beacon years, Pip was easily manipulated. To hear his father's voice asking to learn more about him was something Pip had wanted to hear for a long time. In his eight-year-old, attention-starved mind, he was letting his guard down. Shakily, he spoke.
"... C... C-can I... C-call you dad...?"
The First Vao chuckled, teleporting in front of him. "Call me wotever you like," he said softly. "It's up to you, Pip."
Pip broke. Coughing and sobbing, he leapt forward. His wings wrapped around the First Vao, expecting to be shoved off. But instead, a pair of cold arms wrapped around his back, holding him gently. He was being hugged. The one thing he had always wanted.
The First Vao smirked over Pip's shoulder, a dark mist seeping from his finger. It wafted up, the smoke trickling into the harpy's ear. Mono smiled, turning towards the door. "... I suppose I have business to tend to... I still need to ensure Summer is eating properly," she said softly. The First Vao nodded.
"Yeah... Cheers, Mono. For introducing me to my son."
Pip trembled, his grip tightening. He was hearing the words he wanted to hear. Against his better judgement, he was growing attached. He didn't even notice the First Vao's magic, his eyes squeezed shut. Mono pulled the door open, stepping out into the cold air of the city that never saw the light of day.
"... Just as planned," she cooed to herself. And in an instant, she was gone without a trace. Leaving behind only the footprints of where she had once stood.