“Okay, so your saying Future Me handed you a box?” I asked Joy as the two of us were waiting for Krot to come back with his DNA test.

"More like placed it." Joy said. "It was just there, no other signs he was there other than residual Nothingness and a Scent left on the box."

“Well...I mean the main reason for them to have traveled back is kind of pointless because of what happened here so…” I said, trying to think of what their next move might be. “Maybe they want to help?” I asked sheepishly, not really knowing what they might do.

"The future they came from no longer exists, yet they are still here. I remember reading something about that, something Speedsters can do, Time Remnants, versions of them that stick around to ensure specific events take place as to not alter time. They have to have know even just arriving here would have altered so much."

“And yet that is also incorrect because those timelines can still exist.” I brought up. “We just went down a different channel in the massive river of Time...nothing said that their future doesn’t suddenly not exist.”

"Still, up to a certain point the flow of time here should have affected them up until a certain point when their future is no longer yours. So… likely they have their own No Heart, most likely is a Den Mother also… we can't trick them though, anything we do here now, especially with you around they will remember. Whatever they are here for we can't fight them to figure out cause they'll remember everything you did."

“There entire thing was keeping Eclipsa...alive…” I said as I slightly panicked. “I...I hope to god that’s not the case…” I muttered worriedly, fearing what my mind just immediately went to. “But...sooner or later, we’re going to have to fight them...even if their on our side...they need some fucking catharsis and maybe some push to lead to something that’ll make them go home...cause seriously these random splitting headaches and memories are getting a little annoying.”

"How much of an overthinker do you have to be to call out the BS on your future most self being here?" Joy asked with a cheeky smile. "Either way, we'll need an edge."

“You need to be fucking Batman level’s of overthinking, and trust me, I do that.” I said honestly. “And an Edge? Well currently the fact that Eclipsa’s still alive and can’t die through normal means.” I started.

"Do we ever experience anything normal? Speaking of, when are you… gonna have your first litter?"

“Soon…” I said with a little shrug. “It’s still a...weird thing that’s coming up ya know?”

"I already gave birth so trust me, I know. Ever since Jenny talked me into this whole both genders things I've been seeing things in a new light but also still liking my typical likes."

“I know I know.” I said while gently patting Joy’s head. “God...so many things are happening...”

"Yeah. But hey, at least we aren't alone facing it all. I also have a MUCH deeper respect for women now cause birthing… hurts… like seriously, your Kidney stones were like a pin prick by comparison."

“Just be glad I took something instead of actually having to get rid of a bigger one.” I rolled my eyes. “That still sucked…”

"Yeah… Man I already miss them a lot. I had five… as a start…" Joy said with a blush.

“Well already then.” I nodded. “Glad your happy with it all Joy.”

"Heh. Weird being a mom and a dad but hey, it teaches you a lot."

"Finally got it." Krott said, entering the room. He handed me a tracker. "This is loaded with their DNA signature. The world and area has been found."

“Cool.” I nodded while taking the tracker. “Now we just need to head over there and make sure the bad guys don’t get to him first. Is there anything about this Cript we should know about before heading out?”

"Other than the fact they are old."

“How old?” I asked curiously.

"From carbon dating the DNA and box itself I'd say little over a thousand years. How they are even alive is beyond me. This C.R.I.P.T isn't immortal."

“I mean...there is a thing called ‘Ageless’ ya know?” I asked. “They can die from everything else but Age.”

"Somehow I doubt that."

“Well it’s at least a possible answer.” I brought up. “So anyways, let’s go find us an old Cript.” I said while opening a DTN to the correct world and area the guy was in.

Upon arriving we were in a Forest. Seeing the tracker was leading along the road we kept to it. “I really need to watch a shit ton of anime...I’ve just been too busy.” I sighed out.

"When Jenny isn't screwing or off on a hunt she's binge watching anime with the others. I think she's watching One Piece at the moment?" Joy thought back.

“Did that ever end?” I asked curiously. “Cause last I checked it was still going back in 2012.”

“No… No it has not ended…” Joy huffed. “Multiverse, when one realities version ends she hops to another's where it kept going.”

“Oh dear lord.” I chuckled. “She’s really into it isn’t she?”

“Especially the Hentai version…”

“Dear lord.” I sighed out. “Now...Robin maybe best woman in the show but still.”

“Either way I did see a few episodes of the anime this world is based on. First up, oldest Princess is a bitch, king is an asshole, and Shield Hero is best hero because the others are all seriously lacking common sense. Also expect to be racially hated cause a lot of people in this world hate anthros.”

“I mean...we can turn back into a human and not cause a panic or I can just throw the ‘I rule you’ at them...probably gonna have to go with the latter though…” I sighed out.

“They likely have no idea, even if they do that king and church are such assholes they are keeping that fact under wraps.”

“So where’s the Queen? Cause so far it sounds like the King and many others really need Adult Supervision at this point.” I brought up.

“Show never says exactly, King’s royal fuck up left her to fix up diplomatic issues all around their allies, so she’s away long enough for this plan to nearly succed. Nearly, arrives just in time and epic kill the bad guys. Well the church nut at least.”

“And hey presto, the entire church is burned to the ground because their entire faith has been proven wrong by two people.” I frowned. “Can’t wait to laugh at how everything falls apart because we’re here, also...why do I have this weird feeling that there’s still something...important about this world?”

“Dunno, haven’t read the manga and the Anime is still in development.”

“Alrighty then.” I nodded. “Gonna have to keep that in mind...cause normally my ‘bad feelings’ normally lead to something.” I shrugged while we got closer to the capital. “Ten bucks said they immediately point weapons at us.”

“No doubt but ten more says you immediately start flexing you’re powers just to show off.”

“If you say so.” I said honestly while the two of us walked up to the front gate where guards were. “Howdy.” I waved to the guards.

“Halt.” The two guards said, blocking the pathway. “What’s two demi-humans doing here?”

I pulled out a scroll and handed it to them. “I am here to check up on the King and Queen of this country, because I’ve heard rumors one of the countries I rule over is under attack by these ‘Waves’.” I said honestly.

The guard took the paper, looking it over. “Huh… The Queen is away on diplomatic business, the King is here, however, you can discuss your business with him and letters will be sent off to the Queen.”

“Sounds simple enough.” I nodded. “Thank you, may we pass now?”

“There’s a toll for entering the capitol, business or pleasure. Fifty gold.” The other guard said smugly.

“Is extortion illegal here?” I asked while using my upgraded Assistant to check the Laws of this country.

“Pay up.” Joy said, tossing a large pouch at the guards as he dragged me through them. “Have to flex, have to dive into the issue and make it worse.” Joy chuckled..

“So a legitimate question count’s as ‘flexing’?” I asked seriously.

“All I’m saying is that you can never just play along, never let anything slide, if it bugs you you poke at it until it it’s shape or answer suits you. No matter how trivial.”

“Hey, not my fault they were both being racist and actively breaking the law and damn near trying to start a war with their ruling court.” I explained simply.

“Yes, that’s the point, not your fault, not your issue, if they want to be dicks, then show them up by following their rules. They were not expecting us to have the coin, you clearly didn’t see their faces, plus they have to explain that gold to their superiors.”

“Dude...I literally only asked ‘is extortion illegal’...” I said slowly. “So...who’s making this an issue when I didn’t know the laws here?”

“The guy who should guess given my earlier explanation basically says this place is completely corrupt.” Joy countered.

“Better to know how corrupt it is besides the whole ‘it’s corrupt’.” I said honestly.

Joy rolled their eyes, the two of us looking around as he took out the scanner. “So this guy should be around here someplace.”

“Let’s hope it’s not far, because this place is pretty big.” I brought up. “So where to before people start getting pitchforks?”

“Depends on if this is during or after what’s out in the Manga/Anime.” Joy said. “Something tells me someone from the show is going to be involved somehow.”

“Does it involve hearing someone shout ‘attack the shield hero’?” I asked, the two of us hearing a commotion from a very bitchy lady.

“I think I know this episode…” Joy said, the two of us rushing off to the source of the noise. We arrived to see a young girl scolding an older bitchy lady, and a man with a Spear. Joy took out the locator. “It’s… pointing at Spear Hero?”

“You sure?” I asked, looking over the Spear Hero. “He is very...underwhelming in a lot of ways.”

“Also, all the other Cript’s looks like each other. He doesn’t, but the Locater is pointing right at him.” Joy said, the little girl and Shield hero leaving, the Spear and bitch left grumbling, or rather, Spear was grumbling while Bitch was ranting.

“Can we knock them out please? And maybe that thing is broken because I’m not getting any ‘Cript like’ vibes from the blonde...but his Spear on the other hand…” I frowned. “What’s special about his Spear?” I asked. “I only know from a quick glance four weapons are magic, but not how magic.”

“The show doesn’t really know either. A shopkeeper used a spell to analyze Shield Hero’s shield in the first episode, he got nothin off it at all, other than some unidentifiable magic. But as far as he could tell, nothing impressive. From what I know they all have the same basic abilities. Copt other weapons, absorb parts from items and monsters to make unique versions of their weapon, craft items, etc.” Joy said. “As for how they work or even how they were made, it’s all still unknown.”

“Sounds about right.” I nodded. “So...you want to do the honors of shutting her up or should I?” I asked curiously, getting honestly rather pissed at her bitching.

“By shutting her up you mean keeping her asleep right?”

“Honestly anything that can shut her up would be for the best.” I sighed out. “Honestly, people actually take her seriously?”

“I have an idea that should work. Just hope she doesn’t get pissed…” Joy said, taking out a No Name Keyblade. He raised it, the hourglass began to spin as everyone and everything slowed down to a halt. I noticed Joy was holding my hand. Once the hourglass stopped he let go. “There, we got two hours. Well, two hours for us compared to everyone.”

“Cool.” I said. “And thank you for shutting her up...seriously, how does anyone not think she’s just a raging thunder cunt?”

“Royalty in this world has all the princesses/Queens have the authority, the king is more of a figure head, whose power is only minimal to none and heavily limited. Princesses are second only to the queen, her status of royalty and this kingdom total respect of women makes her personality or even ethics makes her only undermined by her sister, that little girl and the one to inherit the crown, and her mother.”

“Alrighty then.” I nodded. “So let’s figure out if her whipping boy is Cript or not.”

“Fun fact, rape is punishable by death here.” Joy said, walking over to Spear Hero. “They respect the hell out of women here. Earth could have learned… everything given it’s history.”

“Oh don’t be all Feminist on me, as you can clearly see this is one of the many downsides that that shit can cause.” I said while pointing to the red head. “And let me guess, she accused Shield man of rape when she jacked all his shit?”

“Breaking the fourth wall or just a guess?” Joy laughed.

“You literally brought up rape is illegal, and she tried to have one hero that’ll save the world attack the other...gee, I wonder.” I rolled my eyes.

“The reason is not fully known though, which is odd.” Joy shrugged. He placed No Name atop Spear Hero’s chest as his body began to glow. “Once he’s with us, we’ll lose an hour, but it will be enough.”

”Alright, but I have a feeling that the guy will be so confused...or try to hit on us...or both.” I frowned.

Once the glow completely covered him, he took a fast, deep breath then looked around. “What-where?! Who are you?!” He said, jumping back, spear drawn.

“Relax blondie, we’re not here to fight.” I said. “My names Ben, and this is my brother/sister Joy, mind if we ask who you are? Because currently we’re searching for someone and we’re being led to you.”

“Well, I mean I am a hero after all.” He said, his fear/anger replaced with bravado as his posture relaxed. “Is there something some rather uniquely lovely ladies like you need?”

“Hey, how did I know whipping boy would try and flirt with us.” I rolled my eyes. “Have you heard of the name ‘Cript’?” I asked simply.

“Cript? Is that a monster or a bad guy? Name sure sounds like it.” Spear hero said, looking confused. “Cript… It does sound familiar.... I think Mine read that name in a book at the castle library. Yeah, yeah! That was the name of the original Spear Hero. Cript the Piercer.”

I opened my mouth to say something...then closed it...then raised a hand to try and say something again...then lowered it as I sighed out, not sure how to respond to that title.. “Joy...point the locator at the Spear…” I pinched the bridge of my nose in annoyance.

Joy did just that, the machine going off like an alarm. “Can we see your spear?” Joy asked.

“Can’t.” He said, lifting the spear horizontal, opening his hand, and the spear sticking like a magnet. “Can’t take our weapons off, none of us can. They stick to us like glue.”

I put a hand on the spearhead as energy slowly entered it. “Alright you, time to wake up. We’ve got shit to do.” I said, focusing my power to waking up this Cript.

The gem on it began glowing a bright green, suddenly, emerging from the light, clad in light padded leather armor came out… asian Cript? “Fuck… Who hit me?” They said. Hey! They sound just like Ling from Full Metal! “I swear if it was Sword I’m tossing him off the church again…”

“Welcome back to the Awake World, you’ve been a Spear for god knows how long.” I said. “So we have a lot to talk about.”

“Huh?” He said, looking over at Spear hero, who looked surprised. “Oh shit, I was replaced?”

“Wait! The king said the old heros were dead! If you’re alive then… how was I summoned?!” Spear asked.

“You said I was in the spear’s gem… Who are you two?”

“I’m Ben, this is Joy.” I said while motioning to Joy. “And yeah we have...several problems, so let’s start with who you are, if I may ask, because so far I know about two Cript’s, Cript himself and Zeke.”

“Oh, Cript was my Hero name, the real names Krite.” He said, pointing a thumb at himself. “I got the name Cript by killing an entire Krypt of Undead. Course if Sheild wasn’t there I’d have died then and there.”

“Wait, you and the old Shield hero were… friends?” Spear asked.

“Hell yeah! The four of us were always friends since infancy. Grew up in the same orphanage, ran in our own guild for a while then we got our weapons. Hey speaking of.” Krit said, looking over to Spear and raising a hand, the Spear leaping from him over to Krite.

“Looks about right.” I nodded, not surprised the Spear went back to its original owner.. “So, want to know how this country apparently really hates the Shield Hero cause religion?” I asked Krite.

“What? Don’t tell me those nuts actually founded that Three Hero’s church? Fucking hell those assholes…” Krite sighed. “Man, I know Sheild wanted to be hated but god damn.”

“Wait, what?” Spear asked.

“The first Shield hero, my friend. Out of all of us, he was the strongest. He might not have had damage but damn if anything could break his defence it’s not of this world. He kept us safe and alive in the most deadly of battles. But, he hated being liked. He acted like a jerk all the time despite that’s not how he was, and he did things that while in the long run good he knew would bite him in the ass later purposefully. He always felt the world should hate him, so he made sure it would. The only ones he was ever kind to was the Demi-Humans. Which, makes sense.”

“So would you hate the church and this lady more that, and I quote,” I started as I looked up the Shield Hero Wiki. “Myne, a princess of this country, stole everything from the current Shield Hero and falsely accused him of rape, a crime punishable by death, but kept him alive out of a combination of ‘he should help save the world and out of spite while the other hero’s blindly agreed to the outlandish lie’.” I explained. “I might have done some hyperbole but that’s basically what happened.”

“Oh, those fuckers are gonna pay for that.” Krite said, cracking their knuckles.

“And you can start with her whipping boy here.” I motioned to the current Spear Hero. “I mean, the story is actually a lot worse when you dig deeper but I kind of thought ‘Day One’ events would do the trick.”

“Well then, what should we do with him then?” Krite asked, looking over at Spear Hero. “I can tell just by looking at him he’s just an arrogant pretty boy with a hero complex.”

“Well I just want to ask.” I started while turning to the Spear Hero. “What in your right mind caused you and the other two to believe the literal walking trash fire that is that lady?” I asked while pointing at her.

“She’s the princess! Why wouldn’t I have? We were here for barely a day or two when it all happened, hell we’re not even from the same version of earth, we didn’t know each other or this world, only one we trusted was the one in charge since that’s all we could do at the time.” Spear said.

“You do know that she’s not even the rightful heir, plus the king is just a figurehead right?” I asked honestly.

“The heir part I knew, the king part… no, no one ever told me that.”

“Yeah, the Queen was off doing diplomatic stuff because the King fucked up.” I said. “Also, you had the power to stop this, you three did because you, sword and bow hero’s are treated as literal Jesus Figures, your word would have stopped all of this. If you just took a moment and agreed with the guy that was falsely accused for something terrible. Don’t need to be from different worlds to be a decent human being and defend someone being falsely accused.” I frowned. “I should know.”

“Given what we heard about the first Shield hero, it was kinda hard to know what or who to trust when the accusation came up.”

“Fair enough…” Krite said.

“So because ‘Man has Shield’ equals ‘he’s literally Satan’...” I took a deep breath. “Where’s the church? I have some...choice words with the head priest about this…”

“Just look for the huge fancy building made of gold. Can’t miss it.” Spear said.

“Sorry, normally that would describe the actual castle.” I said honestly. “Where are the Sword, Bow and Shield hero currently? Cause right now the other three need to be here to hear the massive explanation.”

“No idea where Bow is, he’s been all over the damned place is the rumors are to be believed. As for Sword he’s in Loot village, from what I heard he’s gathering some information on the price of property in the different towns, as for shield, he’s here in the capitol. You can find him in the Adventurers supply shop a block away from here typically.” Spear said.

“Thank you.” I nodded. “Now just remember...this is real life, not a game.” I told him ominously before looking to Joy. “Joy, go get Bow and Sword, given you know more about this world than me, I’ll go talk to Shield about all this...better to have the Hero’s know what’s going on before me and Krite decide to destroy an entire religion.”

Joy managed to find Bow and grabbed Sword, I met up with shield hero and after some blunt words, to which he actually respected me for being blunt over formal, we all broke apart the church, destroyed that false versions of the weapons they wanted to use to kill the heroes with, killed the pope, got the Queen back over here, then threw the king and Myne into prison cells for, well, life. I don’t know how the queen can still care for them… then again, family… part of me understands, and part doesn’t. “Well, that was fun.” Krite said. “Now what?”

“I’m curious.” I said while looking towards the four heros and the queen. “While we were cleaning up, I decided to do more digging...why are their humans in the Waves?” I asked curiously.

“That’s simple.” the queen said. “We are not the only world experiencing them. The waves are… tears, between worlds, the violent energy the tear produces while open spawns those monsters, on both sides. How to stop them, at least on our side, is to have the four heroes battle them, each wave is to be won by them.”

“So basically Hell is trying to take over?” I asked. “And...humans on another world have somehow figured out how to travel with the Waves?”

“I’m unsure. How they are made or even how they open is unknown. All we do know is that it has something to do with negativity.”

“Well...might as well check…” I said while my Code flew up and brought up the worlds ‘Elements’ like from a computer as I started to check through things. “I know it’s around here somewhere…”

As I was searching, suddenly my searching was stopped, my ‘screen’ suddenly flashing red as the words NICE TRY were plastered across it. As well as poop emojis…

“I just wanted to know what caused the waves...asshole.” I frowned as I closed it. “Well apparently there’s something more here than I thought.”

”It’s not that hard.” A voice echoes from somewhere, it was...familiar… ”But I know coding, and hacking much better than you ever will.”

“Again, just wanted to know what the cause was...douche.” I said while preparing to fight whoever was that. “But who are you?”

”Oh, now is that any way to talk to me, Diane?”

“How do you know that name?” I asked with a frown.

”Oh I know everything about who you were. How could I ever forget. I remember you and your sisters little ‘activities’, meeting Zeke, your pregnancy, the warehouse you held up in after your mother and father kicked you all out. Your death at Zeke’s grandfather's hands.”

“Alright, who are you?” I growled. “Cause all of that...you shouldn’t know about.”

”Awh, struck a nerve? You always were such the… touchy type. So much rage and worry, fear and bravado, what a mixed bag you were.”

“They’ll be needing a bag for your corpse after I’m done with you.” I growled. “Show yourself!”

”Show myself? how can I? I don’t exist anymore. Nore can I ever again.”

“Who are you then?” I asked with a frown. “Cause...you sound familiar...but I don’t know who you are…”

”Do I? Well, at least I still have my voice then. I’m surprised you don’t remember it either. Oh well, I’ll give you a hint then. Go home, home to earth. You’ll figure out who I was. And if you still have your analytical brain, you’ll remember who I was.”

“I have literally two people’s worth of memories, and Earth is, last time I checked, still a destroyed barren wasteland.” I frowned.

”Then search the remains. pick at the skeleton of your former home.” The voice stopped, and suddenly the sky turned red.

“A wave?! It’s early!” Shield said. “Why didn’t we warp!?”

“Why would you need to warp...when your already at the Wave…” I said while drawing No Heart. “We need to evacuate now!” I barked, not sure what this Wave might have in store but fearing for the populace. “And don’t be all ‘the boss is my kill’, cause if you treat this like a game your not worthy of holding your weapons.” I growled at the bow, sword and spear heroes.

“I like this wolf.” Shield said.

“Well, time to get some practice in.” Krite said, taking a guards Spear, then, the gem on his glowed and the guards spear became a copy of his. He tossed the copy to Spear hero. “That is you’re replacement.” Krite said, charging out of the castle.

“Didn’t really know that was a thing but sure.” I said.

“Neither did I.” Spear said. “Alright, I’ll go check on the market.”

“I’ll nest atop the castle.” Bow said.

“I’ll guard the gates.” Sword said.

“I’ll go lead the people to the castle for safety.” Shield said. The four leading out to their locations.

“Yeah, after someone gives them a reality check they actually work together…” I chuckled. “Sounds about right, Joy?” I asked, looking down. “Know what to do?”

“I’ll fly around and deal with the ariel enemies.” Joy said, summoning Lindworm and taking off.

“Good.” I nodded. “Queen Melromarc? Know how to fight or are you going to try and direct your troops?” I asked the, honestly pretty hot, Queen.

“I shall send orders, and I’ll meet the rest of your outside once my armor is worn.” She said, getting up and heading off. So she fights too… best Queen ever.

“Lady after my own heart.” I chuckled while opening the window and looking outside to see how bad things are. “Wave is early...and it’s at the capital...who the hell is that girl…” I muttered, trying to sift through all my memories of Diane to see how I remembered that voice. “After this....I’ll head to earth…” I muttered, bringing out Sharpshooters and firing at monsters that tried to attack civilians.

The battle was… good. Though, from what Joy told me it’s typically Undead and demons that are in the waves, not Shadow Creatures and other various offworld monsters. Krite downed a diamond scaled dragon in one blow. That was cool. the fighting lasted three hours, and sadly… a few hundred people did die. The queen, against my personal ideals, gave the former king and Myne more luxury in their cells then they deserved. But, her family, her prisoners. What or whoever this voice was, has to be something akin to, or is an admin, given they blocked my code.

I sighed out. “Well...better to figure it out than just stand here doing nothing.” I muttered while opening a DTN back to Earth. “Joy? Mind talking to the Queen about...everything she’s probably missed?”

“Sure. You head off and figure this stuff out.”

“Thanks.” I said while kneeling down and hugging Joy. “Thanks...for being here with me bro.” I said gently before letting go and heading back to Earth, hoping to figure this out before it becomes a big problem.

Here again. Back on earth, walking through my Colorado hometown… from Diane’s life. It was pretty well intact. Most of the buildings still stood, and some cars still had ‘skin’ on them. Not much ever happened here.

“It’s been hundreds of years...I’m surprised shit hasn’t been turned to dust...but plant life is certainly brightening things up.” I said, seeing that what used to be just barren and dead, I saw patches of green slowly growing over buildings and cars. “Alright...where to start…” I muttered, trying to remember where to go.

The best placed seemed to be… home.

“Well...let’s hope the place is still standing…” I muttered as I flew off to find Diane’s...my old home.

Finding it, I saw it looked almost untouched by time. Paint was gone, barley flakes, windows cracked but holding, and the door was boarded up… and Dad’s favorite car was still parked in the drive, covered with its cloth protector… I wonder…

I gently moved over and took the cover off the car, wondering if his old car was still in working order.

The once shiny metal was now faded, rusting in some parts. It looked good still. Battery and gas have to be gone though… Lifting the hood up, I managed to use Foudre to give the battery charge, then bought a few gallons of gas from my assistant, the canisters appearing before me as I poured it all in. the key was still under the drivers seat. After a few struggles the engine roared, I could tell from memories of dad working on this thing it still needed a lot of work… but it lived. This already antique car was alive way later. Smiling, I checked the glove compartment for those sunglasses he always kept in here and inside was… a note?

“Oh?” I hummed while taking the note. “Wonder what this could be…” I muttered while opening it and starting to read.

Dear Diane, Marcy,

I know you two must hate us, we kicked you out over your life choices and love interests. You have every right to want us to never see you, and after what we said to you two, I don't blame you. I have left my Will unchanged, Diane, this car is yours. I know how much you loved watching me work on it while you played in the front yard, and Marcy, the house is yours. And, well, Zeke already has you two, but tell him my grandfather's old revolver is his. Live a normal, happy life, as normal as you can, and keep out of trouble.

I love you both, my little princesses.
-Dad.

As I was crying I knew… this shouldn’t be here… I wasn’t Diane when…. how is this here?

“Dad…” I muttered while looking at the house. “Mom...what the hell...this isn’t right…” I muttered while heading into the house. “Maybe...something in here will answer something…”

As I entered I noticed even more wasn’t… right. Photos of Marcy and I are decorating the wall, our room was here, all our old things, covered in dust and times age. Hey, my old doll. I picked up the old toy, the toy so aged it looks as if it is going to fall apart, it’s red dress still bright, brown hair still curly, button eyes still the bright blue.

“Jesus...what the hell is going on…” I muttered while gently casting a spell to fix the doll, wanting to...bring this back for my family.

I started looking around, seeing my parents room, the bed made nicely, clothes set up for the day, what is going on here?

“Everything is wrong...none of this should be here…” I muttered. “Seriously lady, who are you? And what did you do to bring this all back?” I asked, continuing to search the house for any other clues.

As I was heading back downstairs I began smelling someone… someone very, very familiar. " You're getting me, so many things, lately," That… that voice… I rushed to the nearest window. They were wearing torn up clothes, carried a backpack as Dusty as they were and was dragging a wagon full of stuff… Marcy?! She noticed the car's cover was off, then drew out Grandpa's gun.

“Marcy? Wait, but Eclipsa’s back home, what the fuck is going on…” I muttered in panic, moving down the house and trying to get to her. I shapeshifted into Diane to maybe show I’m not a threat as I exited the house. “Marcy?” I asked. “What are you doing here?”

She dropped the gun, rushing up and hugging me tightly. "Diane! Oh thank God I thought it was just Zeke and I!"

“The hell are you talking about? You should be back at home with Zeke and the kids.” I said in confusion.

"Kids? Diane, you were the one who was pregnant, speaking of where were you? Do you remember anything? Last thing I remember was Zeke and I decorating the warehouse and then… I woke up in the house and Zeke was in the backyard for some reason. Oh my gosh wait till he comes back! He's out hunting right now, he'll be back in like an hour tops!"

“Marcy…what are you talking about?” I asked.

"I guess you wouldn't know." Marcy said, taking a seat on the yard furniture. "I don't know what happened but, one moment Zeke and I were just decorating our new home. Then we were here. Mom and dad's house but, the whole world was… this. Dead. Mostly anyway. When we woke up it was just Zeke and I. That was a week ago."

“And that should be impossible cause you and Zeke are back at the Castle, with Cript and Jericho and our...billions of kids…” I explained.

"... Did you hit your head?" Marcy asked.

I was about to say something...but took a moment. “Wait...what day was the date before you woke up here?” I asked.

"July sixteenth, twenty eleven?" Marcy said confused.

I took a deep breath. “Okay...I know the problem...let’s wait for Zeke to appear cause...I have a lot of explaining to do…”

"I think I can call him." Marcy said, heading over to the garage. She opened it as it revealed many, many… many boxes of weapons. "There was a flare gun here somewhere. Thank God Zeke's family hid armories everywhere."

I raised a hand and shot a flare up into the air, using the ‘Signal’ spell to help give Zeke a call. “There, that should get his attention.” I said. “So...have you and Zeke met any undead?”

"Those ghosts and stuff? Some. There's more heading into the city but there's only like, five here and they stick to their places… also… how did you… what?"

“There’s a lot of things you don’t know about...and even fewer things are about to make sense.” I said honestly.

"...What?"

I brought both hands together and spread them, the words ‘Magic’ appeared in the middle as it sparkled.

"... What?"

“So yeah~.” I finished my explanation to both Marcy, and Zeke who just got back with food as he was still currently holding me in sheer joy.

"So… you're Diane but also not?" Zeke asked.

“I guess.” I said sheepishly. “It’s still really weird but...yeah, I’m Diane, but also not, like how Eclipsa is Marcy but also not Marcy...which is why I was confused.”

"So to be clear you and I died… time got reset but we were born as different people, you from Diane to Ben, and Me from… me, to this Eclipsa… then how are we here?"

“No idea, all I know is that a familiar sounding lady told me ‘go back home, you’ll figure some stuff out’.” I said honestly. “Unless it’s so blindingly obvious I might accidentally cause problems with the writers.”

"In… any case." Zeke said. "So what do we do?"

“No idea.” I said. “But...Marcy said you’ve been here for a week right?”

"A week by our count. Why?"

“Well I’m glad you didn’t stay here long cause I want to bring you both back to my place, where it’s...literally everything you could ask for in more ways than one.” I said honestly.

"If it means Working water and electricity, count me in." Marcy said.

“And so, so much more.” I chuckled a little.”Now just a small problem...who the hell is in my head...cause I have a feeling it’s blatantly obvious but...not fully sure.”

"Aside from your own insecurities?" Marcy deadpanned.

“That’s a whole other can of worms that I’d rather not talk about...again.” I sighed out. “But you two head out, I still have some bitch to deal with cause apparently talking isn’t good enough.”

Marcy and Zeke took their things, stopping before rushing off, Marcy handed me something. "I'm gonna try and find the other me and see what she likes. Zeke will do the same. But here. Once Diane is here too, we can all be like before. Only… different. Eh, see ya." Marcy said as she left with Zeke into the DTN.

Looking at what Marcy had given her, Ben blushed. It was her dog collar Marcy had her wear for pet play… what made it so much more embarrassing was her name, Diane, was engraved on the tag… she did wonder, would this even fit on her as a dire wolf?

I sighed out before seeing the DTN close as I stood up and walked out of the house. “Alright Diane, you can come out now.” I called out.

"I'll do what I can." She spoke through Ben as, walking out of their body an Ethereal, ghost like version of Diane stepped in front of Ben, turning around, Nothingness thorns and code covering her, making her body solid as Ben's old cloak appeared on her. "Not bad for my first time." She said, looking herself over.

“Alright, so you're somehow bringing back an old dead Timeline...I don’t know how honestly.” I said honestly.

"Dead is relative second life." Diane said. "Just because we don't walk on that timeline anymore, doesn't mean it still isn't around. Time is like a river with layers, crossing into and, in this case, merging into a single stream. A good example are reflections. One could say those are another version of alternative timelines."

“Alright, so Nothingness probably has something to do with it since that and Code were basically the only ‘reset buttons’ I can think of.” I said honestly. “So onto the main problem, why are you here?”

"I'm always here Ben. You are supposed to be my next life after all. I was asleep for so long. Then… God gave you those Nothingness powers, and I started waking up. I finally managed to stay awake when you met Zeke. Why do you think you and him took to one another so quickly as friends? You didn't remember, but I did. It was enough, and he didn't remember, but he still found me. Found our sister. I could do nothing but watch as you waltzed around like you knew everything based on story book tropes and could Beat anybody based solely on unconfirmed technicalities or theories. Yeah, you proved a lot to be true but bravado only goes so far without proof."

“Okay...so far things are fine...now why are you just now acting like a bitch?” I asked curiously.

"Because you have it all. All my dreams and desires, all my wishes came true for you… and yet, you are not happy. You're not satisfied or content, hell you're not even understanding, just stubborn and thick headed. You worry about losing it all, I did lose it all, but I knew it might or would come because of how Zeke's family was! Do you remember how we felt when Zeke's grandfather shot that slug round through our three month pregnant gut before rushing to find Zeke?"

“I didn’t know when I originally saw the old fuck shoot Marcy, cause that was an entire trip and a half, but yes, I do remember that.” I said. “So basically you're pissed that I’m scared that everything can be taken away from us without fanfare?” I asked curiously. “Splendid…” I sighed out. “So, you know you being pissed with me isn’t going to solve anything right?”

"It be has. But that never stopped you from getting even or getting payback."

“You do know that I don’t know who I am and that my life on earth was literal hot garbage right?” I asked. “Like...seriously, my ‘past’, whatever the fuck that is anymore, showed me that anything can me taken away from you...and there’s nothing you can do about it. So how can I be content when ‘the plot’ is literally the only thing keeping my family safe?” I asked her bluntly.

"To put it in words of a protagonist, it's a mix of faith and acceptance. Something you know nothing about it seems. I do wonder, why don't you put blind Faith in anything given you know there is nothing you can do, everything is out of your control yet you aggressively reject faith in anyone… even your own friends and family."

“And yet I’m still here, yet I still have my family and friends.” I said. “I don’t ‘aggressively reject’ anything. That’s just natural depression and pessimism that’s been there since my parents died.” I said honestly.

"And despite them being back, proud and completely accepting of what and who you are, you still have no true Joy."

"Joy's off having his own adventure." I brought up. "But apparently there are some things you haven't noticed in my life...not surprising given I tend to show too much sass." I shrugged.

"What I would like to know I why you keep forcing your wounds to bleed? How masochistic are you to actively remind and keep yourself in such pain willingly?"

"Because it reminds me of why I fight, why I keep going...and honestly, it helps make sure if anything bad does happen, I won't be surprised and it'll hurt less...depending on what it is honestly." I said honestly.

"Numb yourself to fear, you'll numb the happiness. You can't experience one without the other." Diane smiled, tilting her head as she began circling me. "Being without a body for so long I had lots of time to learn things."

"Lady you understand nothing about being numb to things." I said. "And let me guess, you know all my techniques and stuff?"

"Quick to call the tropes. But I also know things you don't. Things you have yet to learn or even discover you can do. Tell me, what am I at the moment?"

"Me." I said honestly. "But after that, most likely a Nobody, a Ghost from a long dead timeline."

"Nobody is more on the dot. When I woke up I had nothing but my memories. Yours slowly flowing in over time. I want my life back. I want my identity back… and more importantly… I want my family back." Diane said, No Heart flashing into her grip. "You have It all… and left me with nothing…"

"And yet your here now, with Marcy and Zeke from your timeline. You literally have the family you want, but apparently I'm somehow in the way. Notice the problem with your plan here?" I asked while summoning Interdiction.

"Because I'm still dead!" She slashed at me, the shockwave created obliterating the house and shoving me back ten or so feet. "I was the first one to die before Marcy, before what happened with Zeke! I can't turn it back to before I passed… I can bring them back… but not myself. Because by then my heart and soul was already dumped into you!" She slashed again, Ben blocking but skidded back out of the town, Diane floating across from them. "I can't bring myself back because you already took my existence away."

"Well then boo fucking hoo." I said bluntly. "Also, horseshit, I literally died and lost my soul, so why aren't you also long gone? Sure I was reborn so I got my light half back but what the hell."

"Echoes of a person, memories just lingering by sheer will. Sound familiar?"

"Of course…" I sighed out. "Just what I needed. But anyways, apparently you don't understand that life just sucks even if you have things going your way." I frowned. "Things aren't perfect, nothing will ever be perfect."

"I know. But at least I know how to treasure it all. And, at least I know who I am." Diane said, summoning Memory Stealer in the other hand.

"No…" I only shook my head. "You honestly don't…cause let's take a step back shall we?" I asked while Fair Game appeared. "Is this...anything that Marcy or Zeke would want? Eclipsa and Zeke? I understand your pain, trust me I do…" I sighed out. "But fighting isn't the answer, you have a body right now. Go be happy with the Marcy and Zeke you pulled…" I said.

"I don't have my heart… I don't have my soul, and despite all my attempts these bodies aren't able to have kids… I lost the one child I was ever barring… you complain about not knowing who you are, but look at Marcy. Different body, gender, hard life his like you… and she's herself. Is it really that hard for you… to accept you were me, and you still are? Still part of me, part of your identity?" Diane began crying. "How can I be happy when you cry about something so obvious!" She slammed No Heart and Memory Stealer together, the flash showed the two fused. Castle Oblivion's cards floated around it's now marble White color scheme as she raised the weapon. "If you hate me so much then… just stop remembering your pain… let me erase it all."

"I don't hate you, I never once said anything about hating you." I said. "Why do I remember the pain? Why do I always keep it open for people?" I asked while the scene shifted, showing a room that Diane knows full well about. "Because it helps me understand what I'm fighting for, it helps me know that there will always be problems that can't be fixed...and it helps me treasure everything I have even more." I said while moving around, looking at all the items from dates me and all my wives had, photos of joy I had, and so many other things that showed just how much I cared. "Diane...you are me, we both know this...but ending it doesn't solve anything ...cause if it did...neither of us would be here." I explained while looking up at the ceiling, showing an entire painting of me and our massive family.

"No!" She screamed. "Bullshit! You complain about being me when you forgot you wanted to be me in the first place!" She screamed, the scene changing to when I was talking with the Admin of Speed… My wanting what Zeke and Eclipsa had… Cript appearing. "You wanted to be me… you wanted to have what Zeke and Marcy did… and now that you have you complain about it…"

"First up, never said I wanted to be you, I said I wanted to stop being a third wheel to them. Cript told me a different timeline of me asked for that and I was confused on why Cript was being...well cryptic. And me complaining? Maybe it's because I didn't know who the fuck I was before you came along, and then you being me as well didn't help me figure out who I really fucking was." I frowned. "And I never, fucking never, complained about being you. I was happy to share something special with them! But no! When I bring up a complaint I had before its suddenly the [I]only fucking thing to focus on!" I barked.

"You only wanted to be me to escape In General! I know how much you hate yourself… I was just your vacation…"

"That's not true and you know it." I frowned. "This isn't a 'vacation'...cause apparently when I can be happy there's an excuse as to why that is." I frowned. "What part of any of this is an excuse?" I asked while motioning around. "Tell me! Cause I'm fucking tired of fighting myself just to be happy for a goddamn change!" I cried.

"Because you chose to forget by being someone else… by being me. To forget your past, to forget everything, before it even happened!"

"Chose to forget what?" I asked honestly.

"Yourself… you'd rather have been someone else…"

"That...was never a thing though." I said. "I'm still me. Just because I'm also you doesn't mean anything bad. Sure it helps me feel closer to Eclipsa and Zeke, which is nice, but I'm not going to just be someone else...besides, how can I be someone else when I dont know who I'm am to begin with?"

"Ask our sister. They found a middle ground between all their craziness. Ask the answer that's been in front of you…"

"Okay seriously, I didn't want to be one or the other. I never asked to be someone completely different, I asked to be apart of what Zeke and Eclipsa had...I didn't want to be one or another...we can be both...also this doesn't help how this is literally the first time we talked."

"Little hard to talk to someone as dense as diamonds."

"Listen, if I was that dense I wouldn't have been married yet." I said honestly. "But talking is better than fighting, and sometimes it's not my fault people think they need to not tell people what's up."

"Speaking of…" Diane said, counting down from three…

"Where's Eclipsa?!" I shouted in panic.

"Honestly do not know. Go looking. I know she'll be fine, but you panic too much. To be continued."

I picked up Diane bridal style and opened a DTN. "Yeah you're coming with to help." I said before bolting into the door to find Zeke.