Mazebox book 2:The Paraverse

The Paraverse is the second book in the Mazebox series.The protagonists are Mars,Dark,Raine,and Max.It takes place after the fall of Mount Skyscrape.

## Credits

written by:Wintersnow/Snowothetwix1

Ideas provided for certain details and editing by: Snake/X-SnakeThePancake-X

## Chapter 1:Clay

The next thing Dark heard before being smashed into freezing water was the cracking of ice and the spark that flames make when being created,and the feeling of Max releasing his hand.The next thing he was aware of was a spark of pain in his head and the feeling of blood running down his cheek,and someone carrying him out.When he opened his eyes,he was laying in a hospital bed.The bed on his right contained Max,who's leg was suspended in a cast and who had bandaids on both sides of his face,but otherwise appeared to be sleeping peacefully,although Dark couldn't see him that well otherwise so for all he knew he had some other wound too.In the bed on his left,Mint was sitting upright,her left arm in a cast,but otherwise ok,at least physically.

On the other side of the room,August was discussing something with one of the healers.He seemed to be ok though,since his only noticeable wound was a small scar on the top part of his lip and the fact that his two front teeth were knocked out.He even seemed able to comfortably walk ,since that was what his argument with the healers was about,although Dark never saw him out of his wheelchair for long,even when he was healthy.

Dark then glanced at the two other beds that contained patients,and his heart lurched.Sunny and Clay were in bad shape.He didn't remember Clay jumping off the cliff with them,so he guessed that he must've just fell with the mountain,and it clearly showed.Clay's whole body was wrapped in a cast,and a further look confirmed that he was on life support.Sunny seemed a bit better off,although the doctor stated she'd be on crutches and had a concussion.Dark himself wasnt too bad off.His left cheek had gotten stitches while he was unconscious and it would leave a scar,and his asthma was probably gonna get worse for a while,but he'd live.Dark actually previously never had an asthma diagnosis,so he was relieved to get it.He also had a slight concussion,but the healer said he should be ok in around a week.After sitting up,Dark noticed that both Mars and Ash were huddled near Clay's bedside,Ash's arm hugging Mars around the shoulders.

'Is...he gonna make it' Mars whispered,voice breaking.Dark remembered Mars's words the night they found Max again.*I just can't lose another sibling.*He hoped with his full well being that Clay was gonna be ok,for Mars's sake.Plus the older guy seemed cool,and Max spoke pretty fondly of him.

'I'm sorry,but the chances are slim.The rock crushed him pretty badly.If he does survive,which isn't very likely,he's gonna be paralyzed for life.' The doctor revealed gravely.'Not to mention that his breathing seems to be getting weaker by the second.'

'Is there any way you could..,increase his chances?We'll do anything' Ash asked desperately.

The healer hesitated.'There is one small idea,but it's risky.And it's probably going to hurt him,and he's already in some pretty severe pain right now.'

'Just do it.Please.We cant lose another sibling.' Ash begged urgently.

'Very well.You two might want to leave though,it's best to not be near when it's happening if you're not a licensed professional.' The doctor informed them.Mars and Ash headed out sadly,seemingly hoping for the best.Dark's head felt a sharp jolt of pain,and he blacked out.

He then awoke to Mars begging 'Clay,please no.Just breathe.Just one more time.We can't lose you' they begged.Clay blinked at them and managed a slight smile. 'Take care of Max for me.Ash,Auggs,just don't forget anything that Atlas and I have taught you.And just remember,im proud of you' he managed in a rasp,and then his eyes closed and he never moved again.

Mars choked into sobs and buried their face in their hands.Ash wrapped an arm around their shoulders again,tears running down his own eyes.Auggs sat down on Mars's other side and whispered 'no,no,no' as he sobbed as well,the siblings united in their grief for their oldest brother.

Max awoke in his bed 'what happened?why is everyone crying?' He asked in confusion.Ash leaned over to whisper gently in his ear before Max's eyes widened and he moved to Mars's other side,joining the others in their grief and sobbing as well,his left hand in a cast.

*We didn't all make it.We all thought Clay was gonna be ok,but he's not.He's gone.Forever.And now it's gonna crush them.Me being unable to go home doesn't matter.One more death of a sibling was going to destroy them,and now it's happened.Nothing is gonna be alright again.*

## Chaoter 2

*Why am i still crying,its been a whole 3 hours.I'm supposed to at least get over the crying by now,I think.*Mars thought.

August had mumbled something about how he was gonna try to sleep off the grief and set off towards the house that was now just his.Not the one he shared with Clay.Now it was just August's house.Because Clay was gone.

Asn had went as well,to keep August company and try using the method to get over his own grief.

Max however,stayed firmly at Mars's side.They'd moved to one of the guest rooms near the hospital,since Max still couldn't walk fully and they both needed to be close enough to be able to walk to the funeral.And neither of them wanted to be crying in the hospital room.

To think about it,how did the others survive?The ice had been shattered when the rescue team arrived,and just the weight of the 6 travelers alone definitely wasn't enough to shatter it.

'Did you control your powers to break the fall' Mars whispered to Max.He nodded and signed.*It was obvious that just hitting the ice was gonna kill all of us.So i kinda just boiled it a bit to crack,and slightly lower our chances of hypothermia.It clearly wasnt good enough though.*

*What do you mean?Mars signed back.*

Well*,you know,this.Everything.If it'd worked better,Clay would still be alive.Now I just revealed myself as well...the most unwanted thing on this continent.To August,Sunny,and Mint.Clay probably never got to be ok enough to be aware of it.Oh yeah,and the doctors.They probably saw the symbol on my hand when fixing me.And whoever they might have told.So if we get kicked out tomorrow,you know exactly who to blame,*Max signed miserably.

*Do you really think i'd rather have 4 dead brothers?Yes,the fact that Clay is gone is bad,but it'd be way worse if you,August,and Dark were gone as well.Your choice to use your powers was the right one,and you can't say otherwise.Plus,Clay was rather respected here.We're unlikely to be directly kicked out just because of that.Plus,i dont know them that well,but Sunny's like your bestie right?I don't think they'd reveal your secret.And Mint is probably too socially anxious to be able to.I dont know about the doctors,but they did patch you up so if they do its probably just because they're concerned for your safety.Clay would be proud of your choice,and I bet Atlas would to.*

*I guess so,Max signed.*

*Now come on,we gotta get some potatoes or something,then we got a funeral to go to.Or in your case,get to?, Mars signed*

*Potatoes were Clay's favorite.And at least i look great in this boot.*

*Yeah,potatoes in honor of Clay.He'd love that. Max signed*

Mars smiled lightly and got out the potatoes,the two siblings eating the potatoes and sharing their memories of Clay.It still hurt,but just a tad less,remembering the happier memories and knowing that if anything,their sibling was always there to talk about it.

## Chapter 3:The Reveal

A week had passed since Clay's funeral,and things were slowly but surely going back to normal.Sunny's head was fully back to normal and she had adapted to the crutches pretty well,and was scheduled to be able to walk fully without them next week.Mint had left the infirmary long ago,although her arm was still in the cast.Dark was still confined to the hospital bed due to him frequently sitting up for too long resulting in him hitting his head again,but he was on the path to recovery,and the doctor said he'd be fine if he actually bothered to sleep.

August and Ash seemed to have almost fully recovered from Clay's death.Ash was back to his normal personality,and August started making his usual jokes here and there.Max seemed a tad worse off.He still had the boot and the cast on his arm,and after the funeral he ghostified himself for around 5 days.Mars didn't know how he'd react if Clay was brought up again,and didn't want to find out.

Mars themselves was doing...complicated.It still hurt a bit to think of Clay,so now Mars was just doing pretty much anything to avoif having time to think about it,which seemed to be helping,seeing as Mars was now too tired to really think of anything most of the time.

*At least we're supposed to leave the village next week,that should at least stop the flashbacks,*Mars thought with relief.Sunny,Mint,and August were joining as well,but August was Mars's brother plus it'd be too lonely for him to stay in the village,and Mars had befriended the siblings,so that was ok.

*I just hope that leaving this place will help the feeling of dread in my stomach...*

A week later.....

It had been established that Ash would drive,due to him being the only one actually legally being able to do so(provided that people saw the Gravi-Toastee as a car,there was no actual age needed for driving a golf cart),and to avoid having to switch shifts 4 times a day.

There was one problem though that they had to address,and there was no particular time to do so.Max had been right,after regaining full control of their head,Sunny had pieced it together:them surviving the fall of Mount Skyscrape with only minor injuries(not counting the death of Clay,of course),was definitely something not normal.She'd asked Ash about it,who told her he'd tell her,Mint,and August on the day that they set out,which was unfortunately today.Now the trio was studying the group,clear question in their eyes.

'Sooo,what IS the explanation?You said you'll tell us on the day we set out,which happens to be today,so we've councelled and we want answers' Mint said,her hazel eyes focused on the car,and sounding more confident than Mars had ever heard.

'Ok,so we will tell you,you just gotta promise to not tell anyone else' Bailey informed them.

Sunny glanced suspiciously,but complied nonetheless.August promised without any signs of a second thought about the decision,and after seeing the other two's reactions,Mint agrees as well.

Max sighed.'Ok then.Don't say you haven't been warned.So,to put it in the shortest and most simplified form,I'm a UNTB',he said,looking down at Dark's shoes,who'd been standing in front of him,as if to protect him if they reacted badly.

August's jaw dropped in disbelief,Mint seemed to be scanning her brain to see the chances,and Sunny just froze.

'I have the symbol,all 5 elements glowing and everything.And didn't you see the glowing light before we all blacked out?Now,if you'll excuse me,I have to go out into the forest' Max retorted,sounding absolutely done with everything and leaving Mars,Ash,Dark,Ivy,and Bailey with the trio's reaction.

Mars stared at them awkwardly 'ok so,thoughts?'

## Chapter 4

Mars then remembered that the 5 elements only glow when all 5 powers are applicable.*Max,if they're scared of you,you have just revealed the worst possible information.I suppose that means you'll have less stuff to reveal later,but I don't think you've realized the risk of the situation.Then again,'not realizing risks before doing' is legit the shortest description of your life.*

'So,is it true' Mint asked hesitantly.Dark snorted.

'Ah yes,we'd definitely choose to lie about being the most unwanted thing in this dimension,especially the subkind that literally gets put in Great Ice Cave.What do you think' he snapped.He and Mint had befriended each other while in the infirmary,but it was clear that the connection would be gone if Mint's reply was negative.

Sunny snorted.'I'm surprised we didn't see it before.The absolute inability to stay still,the impossible spice resistance,his obsession with toasters and only toasters,that one time in camp....it explains a lot'. Seeing Dark's raised eyebrow,she proceeded to add "Bruh,im cool with it.Do you really think I'd drop my best friend and practically little brother for THAT?!Disappointing.' Dark gave her an approving nod,'Passed.Welcome to The Chaos Circle.' The two shook hands,very formally.

August shrugged 'if I still have him as a sibling,that's cool with me.Just please don't let him burn my waffles by accident'.Ash ruffled his hair fondly.

Mint shrugged 'I'll tell the supervisors excuses if we get pulled over.',earning a high five from the twins.'Excellent' Ash said approvingly.'Yall,we *might* wanna go to the forest.Unless you'd prefer to not have the last member' Ivy pointed out.Mint nodded and sped up her walk,the rest of the group following and chanting 'Chaos Circle for Life!Chaos Circle for life!',which also soon ended with everyone walking in a massive 8-person hug train.Mars smiled*.It's nice to have great friends.I mean,they'll probably leave eventually,like everything else,but I'm going to enjoy it while it lasts,*Mars vowed.

## Chapter 5:Moth Mask part 1

'Why do we have to visit this moth person in the first place' Max grumbled.

'Moth Mask is supposed to have some idea of how to help Dark with the box problem.And maybe help you control your powers' Mint explained.Max frowned.'But what if i dont trust him to find out what's wrong with me?And why is a stranger allowed to decree what's wrong with me in the first place?'

Ash sighed.'Look,i dont fully trust Moth Mask either but hes the only one who has pretty much any chance of finding a box to get Dark home,and maybe help you control your powers to the point that youre not in danger of teleporting to the edge of a cliff while you sleep.'

'Im with Max on this one.Look,i dont like new people in general so it might be just that,but this Moth guy is sounding pretty sketchy.I've heard that no one has ever seen his face.And not to mention,why does HE know all that stuff about UNTBs?Isn't the most recent one besides Max from like a hundred years ago?How would he know them?' Dark spoke up.

'Close.The most recent one other than Max is Darcy,who's like 14.The most recent multi-powered one is from like...the last time we've had a somewhat consistent president,so several centuries ago.Darcy's friends with my brother,but to think of it,you're onto something.How would Moth Mask know them?He's the one in charge of updating the UNTB history site but how would he know of them?' Sunny replied thoughtfully.

'Darcy's our half-sibling I'm pretty sure,so why don't we just get a call with them and Sunny's brother so we can actually find out about this moth guy before we go visit and fall into a maybe trap?' Mars suggested.Bailey nodded in enthusiasm with the idea.

'Dark,you're gonna have to actually set up the account though.We've all talked to him individually in some way before,so you're gonna have to do it as well.Monty isn't exactly the kind of person to tell a total stranger too much information' Ash explained seriously.

'Fine.But yall's technology here is weird.' Dark stared in disbelief as Bailey poked the hole in the phone that usually contained earbuds with a weird tool that was silver and built like a toothpick.

'There.You should be able to actually access the sites and apps here in the Paraverse now.Just don't break your phone,you'd have to completely reset absolutely everything which would take hours' Bailey replied handing the phone back.Dark blinked.'Ok then'.He slowly typed in the web address.

Max sighed.'Just talk to Monty and Darcy so far,I'll just inform them who you are now so it might actually be successful.

Bailey whispered 'and dont forget to find Moth Mask's account so we can decide if he's actually trustworthy' Max nodded affirmatively and typed something on the keyboard.

'Ok then,so we set out at dawn,correct?' Mint asked with clarification.

'Probably,for now just try to spend time with the dog.Knowing those 3,this conversation might take a while' Ash replied,stroking Bear's head.

## Moth Mask bonus chapter

Moth Mask was in his office,doing his job.He jumped for a second realizing someone was at the door,before relaxing when he recognized the two kids who occasionally brought his mail in exchange for red cupcakes with frosting.Monty and Darcy or something?

'We got your mail' Monty said hurriedly,already walking out and dragging Darcy along as well.

'The weird traveler kid said he was coming by the way' Darcy informed him,already eating a cupcake.

'Very well' Moth Mask said coolly.When he was sure the two had left,he opened the envelope,making sure to read every word.

*Everything is going according to plan,he whispered,pleased.*

## Chaoter 6:Moth Mask part 2

'Why do we have to go though?Like no one has even seen his face according to...literally everything.Sounds pretty sketchy if you ask me' Max muttered.They'd looked up Moth Mask,but it didnt help at all.No clue about him.Dark had agreed to go,so of course everyone else was too,but it was still pretty weird.

'Darcy didn't reveal anything except the fact that he apparently pays them in cupcakes to deliver his mail.And..well that the cupcakes are apparently good' Mars replied,rolling their eyes.

'Well,we're already halfway there so might as well just speed up' Ash responded and slammed on a button in front of him,causing the Gravi-Toastee to speed at what Dark was assuming around 500 miles per hour.The whole back row was screaming,the row in front of them joining in,and Max accidentally summoning a tiny ice ball right on Dark's head.He flinched at the cold and shook the snow out of his hair.

Eventually,the car hit a sudden stop near a forest,tires screeching.One of the tires made a weird squeaking noise the went flat.

'Uh,I think it might've broken' Ash whispered.

'You think?' Dark replied dryly.

'You're paying for the damages' Max shrugged dismissively,still hugging Sunny.

Suddenly a tall person wearing a purple and black suit with their head covered as well,a purple mask with silver spots covering their face.Probably a loner.

'Follow me.I can help you fix your vehicle.Then we can get to resolving your other problems' the voice belonginb to the person commanded

Dark gulped.*Well then.*

Moth Mask was not exactly as scary as Max described him as,but there was something about the voice...like it knew more than he did.It was kinda unnerving.

'Are...you Moth Mask?' He breathed

## Chapter 7

'Yes' the voice responded.Dark couldn't see Moth Mask's real face,but the mask that covered his eyes was also somewhat unnerving.

'We are here to get your help getting this bright blue mazebox thingy' August replied,grinning ridiculously between each sentence.

'Not so fast.The way my service works is *special.*You don't just walk in and get your favor.You have to do something for ME as well.I can't just be walking around giving every little traveler a favor.' Moth Mask's eerie voice replied somewhat tauntingly.Dark grabbed August and Max's hands for emotional support.August nodded in reply,while Max's fist was clenched and his facial expression was one of intense concentration.*He's focusing on ghostifing his powers so Moth Mask doesn't realize he's a UNTB,*Dark realized.He couldn't blame him.After meeting the guy,he seemed like he'd probably never give Max a break by forcing him to use his powers for studies.

'What is it' Ash asked from behind them.

'Very well.Your first mission is to bring me 15 electrobolts.Without breaking any.If any are broken on the way,your request will be denied.For the decade' Moth Mask replied with no emotion in his voice,voice hardening on the last sentence.

Mars gulped. 'We'll do it.'

## Chapter 8:What does this even mean?

'Are you stupid?How are we gonna get electeobolts?Have you forgotten what they actually are?!' Ash snapped the moment the group plus Darcy and Monty left Moth Mask's room.'Sorry' he said,taking a breath.'But still'..

'Once again,anyone care to explain what's going on' Dark said in a voice like he was tired of everything,which he was.*Look i know you live in this dimension and i dont but you have got to start actually explaining these things.It is quite mentally draining to be here when youre the only one that doesn't know what's happening.*

'Its basically like the equivalent of like...i guess the bolts you use to fix your house?But way bigger.And also it's been zapped through lightning when created so just touching it will give you a 10th degree burn.Also the fireproof gloves don't stop it in the slightest' Bailey replied with a grimace.

Dark suddenly had an intense question of exactly how many burn degrees were possible in this dimension

'Darcy and most other UNTBs have a higher fire resistance but it still has an effect just as bad on them.Well,only 12 have died of it so far but most still feel the same amount of pain.' Monty explained nervously as Darcy also informed them of more random information.

Apparently the village had helmets that could limit powers,but the only one who had them was Moth Mask so if someone wanted one they'd have to do another dangerous mission plus reveal the secret,which would probably mean their life of being somewhat unknown would be over.Darcy had been in the situation before,and seemed somewhat cool with it,but stated that running away would be better.

'Ok,so how exactly ARE we supposed to pick it up and where is it' Ash muttered.Monty handed him a map,with 15 points circled.'The first one should be 16 feet underwater in this lake right here.The question is exactly how we're supposed to pick it up without the you know not getting toasted majorly' Monty elaborated,nervously fixing his glasses.

'You forgot the Waterbees are there too' Sunny replied,shoving her brother.Mint groaned.

'Great.The one thing that is more dangerous than bluester we have to pick up 15 times,not get burned or drop it,while encountering the weirdest,meanest,and most unpredictable bee species here plus probably way more since half of these areas are unruled to visit.' Ash replied ruefully.

'Well,we might as well get going!Who wants to be the first one to become bee attacked?' August replied in his usual silly tone and clicked the button to drive his wheelchair towards the car.

'I am somewhat questioning how in the world I became friends with you all but I've been through weirder so i guess this can't get worse' Dark replied with a shrug and followed,still scowling.

Sunny shrugged 'You probably don't want to know about the wolves then'

## Chapter 9:The first bolt

Moth Mask had for some reason patched up the Gravi-Toastee,so the drive to the lake was somewhat normal,except for the fact that the car had somehow adapted to more of a submarine now.Now they just had to figure out how exactly they were going to get through.The suits that were fireproof but wouldnt help much did contain glasses though,so they knew how they could locate it.They also had an oxygen tank built in,plus the about 15 weird little weapons that Max and Darcy had built that they'd brought.

'Ok,so to get there we swim there silently,then Darcy and one of the tech thingies levitate it up,Max levitates it inside into the safe,and me and Monts catch them to bring them back up.The rest of yall just make sure the bees dont wake up and if they do,fight them.' Ash commanded.The others nodded grimly and put the suits on,making sure every little detail of the plan and map was in their heads.

The sneaking part was working pretty well until August's leg got stuck in some vine,which of course meant he frantically struggled to wriggle out of it,so of course the bees in the hive noticed.Dark tossed August something that looked like a purple baseball bat and grabbed something that looked close to a hammer as he,August,Mint,and Sunny played a game of dodge and hit with the bees.Despite his easily distracted cheerful nature,August was actually a great fighter and was actually doing better holding his own against the bees than Dark,Mint,and Sunny were put together.Bailey had in the meantime somehow retrieved a grappling hook which he somehow managed to attach to the bolt which Darcy was now carefully levitating up as Max smashed the remaining ones by removing his fireproof glove and holding his hand about 10 feet away from it.Apparently removing one bolt meant the others would explode in around a minute so everything had to be done carefully.

The part about the bees was true though,they were roughly the size and weight of bowling balls.As the bat and other tools made them collapse,Dark had to help everyone move to the side in time to avoid having a bowling ball fall on them.It was tougher than expected and probably the furthest workout Dark had gotten in the dimension so far,especially since the bees were just getting knocked unconcious,not dead,which would mean a whole lot of dodging.

Despite the mostly success of it,the left side of Dark's face burned like he'd just been hit in the face with a frying pan while it was still cooking.A bee's stinger had managed to jab the side of his face.He was hoping it meant his face wouldn't fall off yet,he needed it.He joined Sunny and Mint in swimming up,half-carrying August in the process,who'd accidentally dropped the bat when defending himself against massive bees.He was probably gonna be in an infirmary for a while,but still grinning as goofily and brightly as ever.

Ash dragged Max up as Monty and Darcy both heaved themselves up into the submarine.

'Next destination....uh i can't read that language.Anyways,who wants some Extra Double Flamed Plums?!!' Bailey asked,cheerfully tossing everyone a bag.

Max nodded cheerfully and happily ate his bag.When done he looked up and cheerfully proclaimed 'not spicy enough'

'You are the least normal person I have ever met,and I have a friend group that pracrically worships garlic bread and could eat it 3 times a day' Dark proclaimed,taking one plum out of his own and immediately coughing the moment he swallowed it.He passed Max the rest of the bag.

'Here,you can have mine',he said.

'Garlic bread?' Max made an awed face.He'd had it exactly once but now he apparently loved it nearly as much as toasters.Well,not toasters,nothing could ever come close to that,but pretty close to the fondness he had for strawberry soda and Flamed Plums.

After a while,the only ones who ended up actually eating theirs were Mars,Ash,August(who'd let out a gasp,take a sip of water,then repeat),and Sunny.Bailey had instead ended up making a sculpture while Monty ensured the Gravi-Toastee was out of the water as Darcy put the bolt into a safe.

'Well,that was great.Now,can somebody please tell me how exactly one treats a bee wound in this dimension' Dark offered.The response was violently having water splash his face then apply a bandaid,which made Dark question a lot about how people actually spent their whole lives in the Paraverse without dying at the ripe ol age of 4.*Oh well.*

'Now,who wants to get a meeting with some pretty big sharks and probably get eaten along the way?' Ash prompted,only to be greeted with enthusiastic chanting from August and Max.Bailey joined in,and Max's dog Bear started nodding in agreement as Ash pressed the buttons to speed off.

## Chapter 10:The Sharks

August and Max were actually not joking about wanting to meet the sharks.They talked about it on the whole way there.Well,more like August talked and Max just put in an enthusiastic yell from time to time.

'Ok,considering that we are wearing the somewhat pain resistant suits,blending in isnt an option.So our only choice is to somehow figure out a way to get the sharks to drive us there without losing our ankles' Ash explained.Mars nodded.

'None of speak the shark language what's it called though.' Mint pointed out.

'How about Mint and Monty go down there first.oh yeah and Mars.you 3 are the quietest so they're less likely to notice you.' Ash suggested.Bailey looked offended by the statement.

'Bayonnaise,you quite literally are the opposite of quiet.The longest you've ever stayed quiet without even giggling was like 10 minutes' Dark pointed our very matter of factly.

Bailey gave him a playful shove and Dark did the same.

'Ok,we have the cameras and...oh Mont got caught in one of the shark trap nets.Someone's gotta go rescue him before the sharks.' Ash called.

'You and Darcy stay here.You are like the tech geniuses so we might need the extensions you added to save the rest of us' Dark observed.Ash wasn't the best at tech,but he was by far the best at following instructions.

'Ok, me and Sunny will go get everyone that's stuck in the net,you two distract the sharks' Dark declared.Bailey and Mint managed to get themselves stuck as well,and Mars wasn't in a net but hiding under a bush for safety.

'Ok,so should we like just sit on them or what' Max asked.He got his answer because August had decided that the correct choice was to float right in front of the 3 sharks and just tell them that they are awesome on repeat and then proceed to ask if they could offer a ride to the location on the map,which he also described with great detail,and then finsih it off by giving each shark a hug.

'You dumdum-' Max declared,exasperated.Bro I love sharks too but still.At least he now had the thought to say 'don't eat me please' while hugging them.

In the meantime,Dark and Sunny had also gotten stuck in the net.

To Max and Ash's surprise,the sharks actually just nuzzle August's side and gave him a nod.They swam to the nets,giving one a massive hit with their heads so it crumbled to the floor,letting Dark,Sunny,and Bailey get free.Max and Mars caught up to the sharks.Monty had somehow managed to free himself.August then proceeded to give everyone a formal introduction to the sharks.He introduced Dark as 'the short artsy older brother',Sunny as 'my sarcastic but cool bonus sister',Mint as 'the quiet nice one',Bailey as the 'other artsy one but she's better at building like sculptures',Max as 'my crazy toaster-loving little brother',Mars as 'the super cool smart one',and Monty as 'the protective one'.He couldnt show Ash and Darcy but he told the sharks to just smile and told them Ash was 'the one who makes like all the decisions and meeting you guys was his idea' and Darcy as 'well they scare me but they like cupcakes'.He then proceeded to add that all of them were his siblings and then introduced the sharks as Sharkie,Finnie,and Flippy.

Flippy was the smallest one and had a scar on his right flipper.Sharkie was the biggest but seemed to be the nicest.Finnie was just the fastest.The group got divided into groups of 3,with Monty and Sunny going on Flippy,Finnie taking Mars,Mint,and Bailey,and Dark,Max,and Auggs going on Sharkie.It was actually surprisingly peaceful.

When they arrived,Bailey attached their grappling hook to the bolt,which was bigger this time,so they could sorta just drag it along without it physically burning any of them.August gave them instructions back to the Gravi-Toastee.

When they got off,the sharks all gave August a friendly nuzzle and he shook hands with their flippers.It was oddly formal.He then gave them a smile and said,'I'll visit you guys someday,take care of yourselves and don't eat the nets!' and gave them one last hug.

As they set up tents once getting out of the lakes to spend the night,Dark told August 'I'm still shocked how they trusted you so fast'.August shrugged.'Maybe I just give off a chill vibe,We'll never know.I'll miss those guys though,like me and Sharkie are like besties now'.

'You've known them for an hour.And.they.are.literally.Sharks' Mint pointed out.

'DONT INSULT SHARKS IN MY VEHICLE' Max declared indignantly.

'Yeah,don't be a shark anti' Bailey joined in.

'We should get shirts that have a shark on them to show our support for shark rights' Mars joked.

Bailey nodded.'We'll get on that.I'll add the color,Darks will add the design'

Dark nodded 'Chaos Circle are shark supporters for life'

'Correct' Sunny said

'Agreed' August and Bailey said

'Affirmative' the rest said in unison and bust out giggling.

'Chaos Circle forever,like our support for sharks'Max said,and everyone else nodded,because nothing else needed to be said.Their group was never gonna disband until it actually did,so up until they actually did,they were gonna enjoy their lives and bond about silly things such as that.Forever and always.

## Chapter 11:The Progress

Raine took a quick glance at the two tiny black kittens that were now soundly asleep.Panther,the bigger one,stuck a paw in Raven's face,making the smaller kitten squeak indignantly.They seemed a bit healthier than when Raine had found them on the street 10 days ago,so that was a start.Since no one was around to protest,Raine had decided to take them in.They were originally meant to just be kept until they were big and healthy enough to get a new home,but Raine had gotten attached pretty quick.Cleo had also accepted the kittens quickly,so now Raine had 3 housemates:a black cat with green eyes(Cleo),a small black kitten with also green eyes(Panther),and a smaller black kitten with white and surprisingly dark blue eyes(Raven).

At this point,Raine was now more mad at their brother than anything.No news for 3 whole weeks.The box wasn't working.Raine opened the phone to text him the paragraph 'Enough is enough Z.Just tell me what's going on.You have 3 hours to reply to this.Or you will no longer be considered my brother.'

Raine meant every single one of those words.A month and 15 days was more than enough.As attached as Raine was to Z,this was really pushing the limits of Raine's patience.

The reply,which arrived in around 2 minutes,was 'I can't tell you'.Raine took a sharp breath.

'At least tell me SOMETHING' Raine typed.

'Ok,i cant tell you whats going on because the messages would literally not send if i tried to explain it.and i cant tell you whats currently going on either.but ill at least be on my way home by next month,if the plan works' the reply said.

'I'm assuming you can't tell me the plan either' Raine texted back sarcastically

'Correct,partially because I barely know it.But I can at least tell you a bit about the people im with.No pictures of course,but i dont think theyd mind if i tolf you' Z said back.

'Ok,so first there's Ash.He's kinda bossy but also super chill.Next there's Max.He's like the human personification of a firecracker.Or a raccoon,that explains him pretty well too.Next there's Bailey,who's really energetic and likes sculpting.There's also August,who's like really really happy.There's also Mint,who's like an older,somehow quieter,and slightly different interests than you.Next there's Sunny,who's chill and mature.And then there's Mars,who practically holds the group together.There's also 2 other kids,but they're not really part of that group and i dont exactly know them' the paragraph said.

'On a rough scale,how far into progressing being back are you?' Raine typed.

'Around 15 out of 200.I'll tell you when theres any progress.I mean,i cant tell you what actually happened during it if there is any,but you get what i mean.'

'I promise'

Raine read the reply and typed back 'ok! me and Cleo miss you!',then turned off the phone.A strange thought plagued their mind,one that never would've happened if this summer hadn't gone the way it was so far.

*Who even is to say that I trust Z's promises anymore?*

## Chapter 12:Moth Mask's report

The next week or so was weird.The collecting was on a break,due to Moth Mask promising an announcement.In the meantime,the group were joined by another companion:Void.Void was a robot that was multiple shades of purple,and for some reason had an unusually good sense of style.Void was cool,just a tad weird.He'd refuse to state anything about where he came from,or just looked really confused when asked about it,almost like he didn't understand the question.He was also apparently incapable of getting burned by the bolts,but capable of getting burned by things such as hot water,which was quite weird.Ash had allowed him to stay with them,partially due to August's pleadings.Now the robot was helping Mars sew a sweater,while Max fixed a toaster in the corner.Every once in a while the kid would look up from his work to ask Dark a completely random question about his home dimension,which Dark still couldnt figure out a cool title for.After getting his reply,he'd either nod in satisfaction or look absolutely bewildered then ask another question.Then he'd go silent for the next hour,and the process would repeat.Monty was asleep,while Darcy was intensely clicking buttons onthe miniature computer-like device that they used for communication and research.Bailey,August,and Mint had gone out to catch butterflies,and Sunny set up a tent outside,where she then fell asleep,Bear the dog lying its head down next to them.Dark himself was absent-mindedly drawing a picture of Cleo.It was going well,he still had a good idea of what the cat looked like before he left,and since she was a year old then,it was safe to assume she looked the same.His mind kept wandering however,which made progress difficult.

Raine probably hated him now.He'd caused them a lot of stress by not telling them where he was,even though he'd be unable to tell them the actual truth unless Raine would also visit the Paraverse,which was highly unlikely to happen,so there would be a good chance that Raine would just feel like Dark didn't consider them trustworthy enough to tell them where he'd spend his summer.

Not to mention,there was now a pretty good chance that Raine would have a harder time recognizing him if he ever came back.Bailey had given him a haircut so he looked quite different from when he'd arrived,and the training that Ash had made sure to give him so he would survive the Paraverse made Dark look less weak.Sure,he was still short and scrawny,but now he didn't look quite like his ribs would give out if too much pressure was applied.He also had the scar from the bee attack branding his face,and he was now probably 4'11.Still short,but a bit less likely to get mistaken for a 4th grader.He'd also gotten a 'tattoo' that looked like a pattern of stars on his left forearm,to match with everyone else in the circle.Bailey's was a green leaf ,Mars's was a dark green leaf,Sunny's was the sun,Ash's was a dark gray cloud,Ivy wasn't with them but was planning to get a lightning bolt,and Max's was fire.Mint's was a cactus,and August's was a shark.Monty and Darcy weren't particularly close to the group at all,so they chose not to get any.Dark also looked a bit less sad now.He still didn't look happy exactly,but he'd started to smile a lot more,so he didn't look as unapproachable.The only way Raine would be able to recognize him is the fact that his piercings remaind the same and that he still wore the hoodie they gave him,as well as sweaters.

The butterfly hunting group returned with satisfied smiles.Monty woke up and joined Darcy at the computer,and Sunny walked back into the tent.Mars finished sewing the sweater,and Max had applied the avocado sticker to the toaster and had gotten up.Bear was sitting next to Max.

'Moth Mask sent a report.Apparently the required bolt amount is only 12,not 15 now,and we don't have to actually put ourselves in danger to get the rest.They'll be in a store on the way home,so we just have to debate them into giving us all 10 for free.Then yall drive back to your house,and Moth Mask will meet you at the market to pick them up.Me and Darcy are to stay at the market where we get them for some reason,and he wants you to take Void with you,but your job is done.If he's satisfied with the bolts,you're getting your audience with him in 15 days' Monty reported.

'About time.I've been really missing my pets' Max muttered,patting the toaster,then Bear.

*Today is July 2nd.In 15 days that'd be the 17th.By far not perfect arrangements,but at least its before July 25th.*

'You have pets?!' Dark asked Max in surprise.In the month and a half of knowing him,the kid had never mentioned any pets other than Bear.And Eag sorta,but he was a free spirit.He wasn't tame.He just visited Max once in a while.

'Yep.Eclipse,Cloud,and Mr.Wiggles are my cats,Clover and Honey are my bunnies,Sky and Kiwi are the birds,and I also have Hops,Jumper,Spring,and Brookie,the frogs.And Croissant the hamster,and 2 other dogs.' Max replied,as if Dark should've known that.

'Why else do you think Ivy left for a bit?Someone has to take care of them,and she volunteered.Also,why else would i leave the house at 9-11:50 every morning then 4:30-7 in the evening?' Max asked

'I've known you for long enough to not question 95% of your decisions.But still,we've been brothers for over a month and you didn't even tell me?' Dark asked

"I guess I just didn't really think you'd care to know.You sounded homesick enough over your cat and sibling.I didn't want to make it worse by basically bragging about all my pets.'

*Did I really seem like that?* Dark wondered

'I promise you I would care.You and the rest of The Chaos Circle are like siblings to me.I like hearing about your lives and interests here,even if I don't understand what half of it is' Dark admitted ruefully.Max punched his shoulder affectionately.

'I'll introduce you guys to them.Mars and Ash already met all of them but the rest of you have probably only met a few,if any at all.I think they'd like you.But on another note,how do you think Moth Mask even found out about Void?He seems pretty clueless on where he was before we found him' Max wondered out loud.

'We'll probably find out soon enough.Seems like we have 10 deadly bolts to pick up,so might as well get started' Ash replied.

'The sooner we leave,the sooner we can see Ivy again.And all of Max's pets.And whoever and whatever else we'll meet along the way.' Bailey pointed out.

'Fair point' Ash replied as everyone climbed into the Gravi-Toastee into their usual seats,no dread in their stomachs.For once.

## Chapter 13:The Market and Max's Pets

Ash cautiously parked the Gravi-Toastee.

'Max,is there any button to make it look more...like an already existing vehicle?' He asked with faint hope.

Max shook his head and made the sign for *no.*'You do realize that i just remodeled it after already existing pieces,so before you ask the next question,no i cant add it.I can't make parts,only improvise with what I'm given'

'Apparently Moth Mask's already made the deal.We just have to remember this code,1062983586 and we should get all of the materials' Mars announced.As the only one in the squad who wasn't driving and considered trustworthy enough to not throw the communication device across the room at any minor inconvenience,they'd been the one trusted with it.

'I know how' Bailey said,then proceeded to write the numbers on a sticky note that he taped to Mars's wrist.Props to her though,Bailey had abnormally good handwriting.

'Ok,they're unlikely to trust all of us together and we need to avoid getting any more attention,so how about Mars and I will be the ones who get the supplies and give them to Moth.Darcy and Monty can also get off here since this is close to where your cabin is,or at least the wheel station is.' Ash then exchanged handshakes with the two and gave the rest of the group time to do the same.

Before formally disappearing,Monty quickly walked to one of the stands and returned with a black hoodie with red letters that said 'Max' stitched onto a part of it and passed it to Max and gave him a final hug before walking away.He didn't look back at the rest of the squad,but the hugs and handshakes he exchanged with Mint and Sunny previously had been longer than with everyone else.

Dark suddenly remembered the matching shark shirts idea.He and Bailey had secretly made them,now they just needed to pass them out.He suddenly felt a pang of guilt as he wondered if Monty and Darcy felt unwelcome in the group while they'd stayed there.Monty in general was kinda closed off,like Dark himself,but he'd still managed to become best friends with Max,somehow.The rest of the group seemed more like just barely passing the mark to be considered 'friend'.Even his two sisters.Darcy just didn't talk unless it was something chaotic.He pondered about it until Ash and Mars returned,but then changed the topic of his thoughts to what were Max's pets like instead.

*Roughly 20 minutes later....*

The exact moment the Gravi-Toastee stopped,Max jumped out of his seat and ran out with a massive smile.Bailey followed him,and Dark sighed before catching up.August and the sisters hung back for a minute,looking a bit awkward,before Ash went ahead to show August his room(which was next to the kitchen and Ash's room),and Mars showed Mint the room in the 2nd section of the attic and Sunny the room next to their own.Max shouted a thank you to Ivy and the two othet people who'd helped her,before introducing Dark to them.The first of the two was named Willow,and was apparently a good friend of Sunny's,and also around 15,like Sunny.The other one was named Star,and seemed more like somewhere between 13 and 14,and looked like someone who'd either be best friends with Mars or absolutely give them a panic attack. The two seemed to be good friends with the twins.Star seemed to be relatively good friends with Max as well,but as he explained on the way to see his pets,he'd only met Willow four times,if the time right now was included.

The place where Max's pets lived turned out to be a small but cozy looking sorta cabin.It had multiple rooms,all of which contained doors,none of which were closed except the entrance door.

Max was really not joking about all the pets.A fluffy gray cat was asleep in the lavender cat bed that was on the floor.That was Cloud.Another cat,this one black,greeted Max at the door and then proceeded to mew to be picked up,which was Eclipse.The last cat,Mr.Wiggles, Wiggles or just Mr for short was cuddling with a big gray-and-white dog who Max introduced as Tenibrus,or just Ten for short.Croissant the golden-and-white hamster was in the spacious cage but was let out to roam free in the hamster ball,with Dark closing some doors beforehand so he wouldn't escape,and to be put back around 10 minutes later.The parakeets got to sit on Dark's shoulder as Max refreshed their water,but afterwards it was back into the space for them.Kiwi(the green one),seemed a bit more shy while the blue one(Sky),was a lot friendlier.Dark played with Eclipse as Max opened the cage(which was really spacious),and took out Honey(the golden one),and put her in Dark's lap as he sat down.Eclipse headed off to drink some water,and Clover(the other bunny,who was white with gray spots),didnt want to leave her cage but allowed Dark to pet her through the bars.The other dog was a little corgi with a green bandana who was named Pickle,and seemed happy to play fetch with Dark for a bit.It was kinda weird to see that many pets getting along and looking so happy and cared for.Max seemed really dedicated to them.The only animals left to meet were the frogs,who Max didn't allow Dark or himself to pick up until they both put on gloves.

Hops was a small lightish greenish one,and didnt seem to enjoy being petted too much but didn't mind it during the fifteen seconds that Max held her while Dark petted,gloves still on.

Jumper was bigger and a darker shade of green.He also didn't particularly seem to care much about being petted,but was super fun to observe once they put him down.

Spring was hiding in a part of the terrarium,asleep,so Dark didn't get to pet her but did get to see several past photos of her and the other pets.Bluey(who's name suited him)was a bit happier to be picked up than the other two but seemed sadder to be put back in the terratium.Brookie high fived Max's glove for a second before he picked her up,and looked happy to be petted.Brookie was the biggest of the 6,brown,and the gentlest.Max had even taught her a few tricks,which he proudly demonstrated.

Moss(who was about the same color as actual moss),had fallen asleep on Max's gloved hand after being petted,which was really sweet,so Dark got to be the one who put him back in the enclosure.

He later got to also take Tenibrus and Pickle out on a walk.Tenibrus liked playing more,while Pickle was more affectionate.Tenibrus was also quite tenacious,so Dark had to literally assist Max from getting dragged away by the blue leash attached to the persistent dog.As the dogs went to their dog beds to sleep and Dark and Max walked home and stayed outside to watch the sunset,Dark was suddenly hit with a massive pang of greatfullness.For this crazy dimension that he'd begrudgingly grown fond of,and his silly companions.As he looked at the bright glow of the sunset he remembered Raine and Cleo,but could no longer place what emotion he felt when he thought of them.He couldn't even tell if it was happy or not.It was just there.Like the dark orangeish shade of the sunset he was staring at right now.He dismissed the thoughts.He was here now,and that was all that mattered.The future would have to wait.

## Chapter 14:The Code

Mars had a hard time falling asleep that night.The massive black dog on their bed probably wasn't helping,but Mars couldn't bring themself to kick Bear off.Instead,Mars just gave up on trying to get sleep and ended up successfully falling asleep.

The next morning,a horrible feeling in their stomach woke Mars up.Mars was sure they'd heard if the numbers before.*1062983586*.Heart beating anxiously,Mars typed the number into the search bar,holding their breath for the results.The next thing they knew,they'd pressed the buzzer,calling for an emergency Chaos Circle meeting.

Mars had never started the meeting before.To be fair,no one had.There was no particular need for one.Until now.

'Did Monty,Moth Mask,or Darcy mention anything about WHY he needed the bolts?' Mars inquired.Willow and Star looked shocked to hear about that,and Ivy shrugged.

'Monty didn't speak much,but from what he told me,Moth Mask didn't tell anyone about why the deals were,or his true intentions.You basically just accepted the deal,and once you did,you couldn't back out.He could.For some weird reason.No one bothers to question it' Max replied,taking a sip of his strawberry juice.Mars noticed that he was wearing the hoodie that Monty had given him.

'What exactly did he tell you about Moth Mask?' Mars inquired.August looked too dazed to be considered awake and Ash seemed to be intensely thinking,but the rest of Mars's new family just looked confused.Out of the new adopted siblings,the only one who seemed to be catching on was Bailey.

'Not much.He doesn't talk about his deals,and his decision is final.He hasn't scammed anyone so far,but several people haven't returned from the missions that they accepted when making a deal with him.Oh yeah,and something about how they usually got some kind of number.No one knows what they mean though,and most don't remember it enough to be able to find out.And no one has the slightest clue what his face looks like.He always wears that suit'Max recited.

Mars nodded.'I still have ours.And I looked it up earlier this morning'.

This seemed to be enough to get a reaction.Mint widened her eyes,Dark tensed up as if ready for the worst,and Bear layed his head on Ash's knee.Willow seemed to still be figuring it out.

'So,what does it mean?' Willow prompted gently.

'It's bad.Like really bad.I made sure to type it in correctly,and the only meaning that comes up is that the number was previously used to title this process.Basically,if you manage to get a certain amount of bolts,and turn them into a liquid and put it into a pen,then draw on ANYTHING with that pen,you can basically somehow have control over the person.It's really complicated,but that's all that came up.Oh,that and that it's usually used in times of battle' Mars explained.

'So he's planning to start a battle.So we must cancel the deal.But first,we prepare for the worst,since he's unlikely to go down without a fight.Which means we need some kind of army' Dark asked,although it was more of a statement than a question.

'Correct.But lucky for you,we have one' Star spoke up.

## Chapter 15:The Army

Dark,Ivy,Sunny,August,and Mint stared at her in amazement.Max,who'd fallen asleep on Mars's shoulder,jolted awake and seemed confused for a second.

'Aren't you like...13?' Mint asked in surprise.

'13 and a half' Star replied.

'How big is the army' Sunny asked thoughtfully.

'Last i checked,around 100 people.Commander A might've recruited more though,been a while since ive seen them' Star replied.

'Please don't tell me that Commander A is a similar person to Moth Mask' Dark muttered

'Oh don't worry.I've met the commander and it's not like that at all.The commander just prefers to not state their actual first name until they'vr met the people they're fighting alongside,if they'll fight.You'll meet Commander A eventually' Willow spoke up.

'Eventually huh?What time-lapse is that?' Dark whispered to Max and Mars.

'We have to find out how much basic combat you know first.Like,Commander A is kinda a big deal.Meeting them when you don't even know how to roll away from a strike would be embarrassing' Star replied.Willow gave the group a sympathetic glance.

Max glared at them.

'Mars,me,Auggs,the twins,and Ash probably know more combat than YOU do.I dunno about Darks or Sunny,but they can hold their own in a fight.Mint can too.' he muttered.Mars placed a hand on his shoulder to try to calm him down.*Max,like it or not,we kinda really need their help.*

*Star doesn't have to have such an ego about it though.Willow seems nice enough,but Star is about to cross about three different lines.*

'They have robots specially adapted for combat.If you can pin them down in a One on One,I'll tell Commander A if you have potential' Star replied,heading out of the room.Max's glare followed her to the exit.

'Sorry about Star' Willow whispered apologetically.

'She is somewhat right,but it's still kinda wrong of her to be acting like you don't know anything.Has she even seen you fight like at all?' Willow asked.

'She's seen me and Mars fight against one of the metal birds.We won that fight.' Ivy spoke up.Mars gave their friend a gentle fist bump.

'She might've also seen Max fight a couple times,but that would've been...' Bailey replied thoughtfully.

'Two almost three years ago' Max spoke up.

'And the bird fight was also a really long time ago' Mars replied.

'Her knowledge seems relatively outdated.Any volunteers to go first' Willow asked,pointing at the robots.They were broad and looked..not the easiest to pin down.

The circle stood there,judging the robot but not daring to speak up.Until Dark did.

'I can go first.Do I get any external weapons though' he said.

That was both a good and a bad decision.He'd been relatively new to the dimension compared to everyone else,which meant that he had the least experience in the dimension,but also meant that pretty much nobody knew how likely the chance of him winning or losing would be beforehand.Somewhat risky,considering that Star implied that itd be videotaped.

'I can go after him' Mars offered.

'Me third' Max replied.

Sunny offered to go 4th,then Bailey,August,Ivy,Mint,and Ash.

'Cool' Willow replied.

'Good luck.You'll probably need it.And the answer is yeah,you can get the dual swords'.

## Chaoter 16:The Robots

Dark against the robots was intimidating to watch.Everyone who was watching had seatbelts on(Mars guessed to avoid intervening),which was certainly weird,considering that even the Gravi-Toastee barely had seat belts(it took a while to get them).

Luckily,the match was only against one robot each.

Dark dodged the robots first hit by pressing low to the ground.His next move running right at it and slamming his shoe into its stomach.He then maneuvered the sword so it pushed the robot even further,knocking it down.Willow nodded,and Bailey gave him a thumbs up.Dark passed.

Now it was Mars's own turn.Mars dodged the first two hits easily,then jabbed at each of the robot's sides.When it reached at them,Mars ran up behind it and slapped it with the overgrip.Passed.

Now Max's turn.This was a lot more disorganized.Unlike Mars and Dark,who's plans were mostly run,hit,and dodge,Max was all over the place.He'd run at the robot,jab,run back,jab from thr opposite angle,roll away,then slap its ankle.Very disorganized and quite frankly,terrifying.One slightly misjudged hit brought Max to the ground,the robot pinning him down.*One,two,three,four,five..*

Mars closed their eyes,ready to hear the whistle that'd mean it was over.Instead,the next sound was of loud cheering coming from Bailey and August,which was soon joined by Mint 'MAX!MAX!MAX!'.Mars opened their eyes.The robot was laying on its back on the floor,one metallic arm on the floor with a wire sticking out and a red glow coming from Max's hand,which had the remaining arm pinned down.He'd used his powers to win.Revealing his identity to well anyone who was watching the recording,but he'd won.

Would this be considered cheating?Would Max be given over to Moth Mask?

Willow spoke into the microphone 'And now,in a shocking turn of events,the robot facing off against Max loses his arm!' Lowering her voice,she whispered 'Should there be a rematch?I don't think there's rules about this.Should we just not count this one and make the remaining 6 wrestle the other two to see the results?'

'Oh there's no need.I've already seen all I need to know for the report.You three and the one who would've gone next go get some sleep and get ready.You're meeting Commander A in the morning' Star replied,facing Dark,Max,and Mars.

It was decided.They'd get an audience with the commander of an army.The question was:how much of their safety would be threatened in the process?

## Chaoter 17:Commander A

Mars was wondering what Commander A was like the whole time they'd walked to the forest where the meeting would be.Mars and Sunny had universally agreed to walk on either side of Max,while Dark would walk in the front.

The commander was wearing full armor(probably to avoid face-revealing to random strangers).They had this cool air of calm authority,but with a responsible streak too.They were accompanied by a suspicious looking knight wearing all black.

Star introduced the group.Max,who'd been wearing the fireproof gloves,seemed reluctant to trust the commander.He still shook their hand,but Mars noticed that he was more focused on a patch of grass near their shoes when he complied to the handshake.

Everyone stayed silent as Mars explained what they'd found out about Moth Mask's plan.Star looked skeptical,Dark seemed to be restraining himself from making a very sarcastic observation at Star,Sunny just focused on the commander,and Max looked unfocusedly angry.

'Sounds reasonable.I'll tell my army about that,so they can prepare the armor and weapons.But this seems like this Moth guy probably has some kind of his own army too.Or at least a backup plan.Can the rest of your group fight' The commander asked.

Mars nodded in affirmation.

'Good.The rest of the army will be here by dawn tomorrow.The attack is planned to be sometime next week.I might have to have to talk to some of you individually though,I and my general have a few question.That will be later though.' The commander replied,fixing their helmet in the process.Mars then realized that the mannerisms,way of talking,and just overall behavior of the person reminded them of someone.Someone that they had thought was long gone.

'Wait.' Mars said,staring straight at the commander.

'I think you remind me of someone I know,or might at least know them.Atlas'.

## Chapter 18:The Reunion

The Commander looked surprised 'My name is Atlas,yes,but....wait.Mars?Is that you?and is the little spark of chaos and defiancy over there Max?Where are Clay,August,and Ash?' They took off their helmet.Atlas's hair was a lot shorter now,approximately the same length as Mars's own,and he had battle scars now,mainly 2 pale scars across his right cheek and another on the left,along with a scar through his eyebrow,and looked a bit more wary and untrusting than he had those years ago,but there was no mistaking it.This person was indeed Max and Mars's long lost sibling.The same hazel eyes and confident,self-reliant expression.

'Yeah,that's us alright.Clay is kinda...not alive anymore,but Ash and August are ok.They're at this cabin thats sorta our new house.You've missed on a lot' Mars informed them,fighting the wave of emotions fighting through their stomach.Mars WAS relieved to have their older brother back,of course,but at the same time....

Why didn't Atlas even TRY sending them a message that they were alive and well?Well,ok,she probably wasnt WELL after the incident,but he could've sent a message.The group had spent a week worrying over how they were going to fare without Atlas,only for him to hop back into their life years later,alive and thriving.It kinda felt like betrayal to think it,but if Atlas had never left,they'd never have to have Ash step up to become leader,which would save a lot.Mars did love Ash as brother,but it was a fact.He was not ready to step up as leader.Sure,Clay was the oldest,but he didn't exactly have authority.He was too gentle.Ash had leadership skills,but he also had some severe anger issues.If Atlas had sent the signal,all of what happened the day Dark became Max and Mars's adoptive brother,such as the fight,wouldn't have happened.Max probably wouldn't have spent as much time worrying about Ash hating him and hating himself.Mars wasn't sure if this was a good thing,but if Atlas had sent the signal and stayed leader,Mars probably wouldn't have needed to comfort Max as much when they were kids,so they probably wouldn't have been as close.

'We need to discuss some stuff because of that though' Mars told Atlas.Max nodded in agreement,standing next to Mars's shoulder.Star looked interested,prompting Max to add 'in private'.Dark looked uncertain and ready to support Max and Mars if they needed it,which they were probably going to eventually,Mars admitted.Sunny nodded and got ready to leave,but something made Mars hold back.

'You two can stay.' Mars stated suddenly.The two looked shocked to hear that,and Atlas seemed surprised,although didnt comment.

'Probably at a distance though,and you probably won't know what's going on.But you're family,and..' Mars didn't finish,but they didn't need to.Sunng gave a thumbs up and Dark nodded as they sat down on the bench,far enough to hear but not going to interrupt anything.

'How did Clay die?' Atlas asked in shock.

'The Fall of Mount Skyscrape.It was probably in newspapers.The mountain collapsed,and he didn't jump with the rest of us because he planned to do something,so the rocks fell on him when it collapsed and crushed him.He was in the hospital,but it didnt exactly help his life.' Max informed,performing the hand signs for the last part.He seemed to be keeping emotion out of his voice,but Mars got to know him well enough to recognise the sadness and betrayal.He also seemed uncertain with how to react to Atlas being there,like he wasnt sure whether to tackle him in a hug or beat him up for letting them think he was gone for all that time.

'Oh.' Atlas replied,seeming to be grieving but also uncertain.Last that she remembered of Clay,he was probably younger than Ash was currently,so Atlas's memories of him were probably quite outdated.

'And are those two kids over there...' Atlas paused before finishing the question.

'They're our adopted siblings.Along with two twins named Ivy and Bailey,and this other kid nicknamed Mint.' Mars explained,not sure whether to count Willow in the equation.She'd hung out with them occasionally and taught Max how to bake cookies,but she wasn't exactly close close yet.

'There's also Willow,who doesn't formally count yet but probably will soon, she's really nice..And this chill person named Monty,but he's not close to the rest of them.So I consider him MY brother but not the others'.They aren't close enough to him to count him as that,its agreed on both sides.' Max added.Mars felt a burst of guilt for that.Max whispered 'he likes you guys though.like he doesn't consider you his besties or anything but he doesn't hold it against yall.Or blame you.'

'What about you though.What happened after the Night of Staying behind of Atlas the first' Max asked,those words pretty much revealing his thoughts on the topic.Atlas winced.

'I know i shouldve like let yall know,but any message i would've sent would just put you in even more danger' Atlas explained,looking panicked.

'And lemme guess,you would've had a far higher chance of thriving and less chance of getting caught if you were by yourself than if you were with 5 siblings,a huge dog,and a giant eagle.' Max replied dryly.Atlas didn't seem to know how to respond to that.Mars felt bad for Atlas,but at the same time agreed with everything Max was saying.

'It's...not completely like that.It would be putting you in more danger.They clocked what I looked like.Anytime they'd see me with one of yall they'd know that it was us.By not going back,I'd save you because they didn't know what you looked like so they'd be more likely to leave you alone.And it's not like I left on purpose,one of us would've just had to stay there to give them a false sense of victory,and better me than y'all' Atlas explained.

Max still looked hurt.'So you didn't even regret it?You didn't even miss us?At all?You never wanted to come back?'

'I did miss y'all.Especially you two and August's silly jokes.And Clay's calmness,and the way Ash was so overprotective of you three.'

'But..you cut your hair.And from the way you've been referred to,its probably been like that for a while Couldn't you have.,,.just sent us a message after getting the haircut?They only remember what you looked like back then.They'd definitely not recognize you now' Mars spoke up.

'I would've,but I didn't have a messenger.And then I had to join the rebels,since it was the only somewhat safe place.Then every day became an endless battle.For respect.By the time i'd thought of that,i unfortunately didnt have the time.Plus you probably forgot about me by then' Atlas said,letting out a half-hearter chuckle towards the end.

'We never forgot about you.We never would've fully forgotten you.' Max and Mars said in unison.

Atlas stared at them appreciatevely,only for it to fall into awkward silence.

'Maybe after this whole overthrowing Moth Mask thing we could spend some quality time together so it'll go back to how it was before?' Atlas offered.

Mars nodded 'That'd be nice'.

Atlas awkwardly smiled at them.'Well,I guess ill see ya around'.

'I guess you will' Max replied glumly as he headed to join Sunny and Dark in walking back to their cabin.

## Chapter 19:The Attack

The next ten days were mostly to get them used to fighting in the armor comfortably.The armor was similar to normal armor,but with more layers and more advanced,and surprisingly,a bit lighter.Everyone had trained enough to at least be able to defend themselves enough.Now,it was finally time for the attack.

It was still not the best atmosphere to be in.Max had avoided talking to Atlas as much as possible,and if he did have to,he just made sure the topic never swayed from the battle matters.Sure,it was not the wisest,but it was far better than unleashing all the hurt that had formed and refused to leave since they'd found out.

Now,everyone was ready.Atlas's army had came,all battle-ready and already adjusted their armor.The Chaos Circle was ready shortly after.

That day,Moth Mask had planned a gathering for the whole paraverse.Now would be the best night possible to expose him.

Max anxiously followed Mars into the helicopter that Atlas had provided so they wouldn't have had to walk there.All of their armor was there too,ready.It was decided that Ash and Atlas would be the ones to expose Moth Mask,since due to Dark being from the other dimension he wouldn't be as likely to be believed and everyone else due to being young so if could be dismissed.Granted,Ash was barely 17 while Atlas was 19 but at least they could drive.

It was 2 hours since the party started,and it was starting to get awkward.Mint decided to stay in the helicopter until the battle would've started,so now it was a tad awkward since everyone had gone out to socialize besides Dark,Willow,and Max.Mars didn't want to either,but Bailey had dragged them away to introduce them to someone named Day.Sunny decided to show Dark the best spot to hide so he wouldn't get interrogated though,so now it was just Willow and Max sitting under the snack table,being antisocial.Willow did sorta befriend the chaos circle while they practiced,but the silence was still not comfortable.To be fair,Max had started wearing the fireproof gloved permanently almost,so he probably could've socialized,but he didn't want to.They had the plan to uphold,and Max didn't want to miss that.Not to mention,the only people his age probably wouldn't be going to this party,and if they were,Max wasn't comfortable around them.He waited for Moth Mask to give the signal for people to start the announcements.

'Well,does anyone have something to say tonight?' Moth Mask asked.After a bunch of people stated how honored they were to attend,he asked 'anyone else?',clearly not expecting a reply.

To his surprise,Ash walked onto the stage.'Yes,actually.People of the Paraverse,don't you think it's odd how every time he does someone a favor,Moth Mask always gives them a super complicated task that it's hard to back out of,because if they do,he won't give them the favor at all and they'll b denied for a while?How the task always has a super long number code?How no one has ever seen his face despite hik supposedly being the smartest person in the dimension?Have you ever thought about what he's hiding?Well,my friend and sibling has figured out the answer.The mission he assigned us was to get multiple electrobolts in exchange for a mazebox that could send my friend Dark home.' Dark waved and scowled from the crowd as people turned to look at him.

'And have you forgotten what electrobolts do?If you have enough,they could be crushed,stuffed into a pen,and if you draw on ANYTHING with the pen he could control you.Commander A over here has proof,and so does the main chief at the marketplace right by the Cardboartian Village,he can confirm the number.That's right,Moth Mask has been lying to you the whole time.He isn't trying to help the people of the dimension,he's trying to take over it.' Ash annouced into the microphone.People were starting to glance at Moth Mask suspiciously,but a person from the crowd yelled back 'who said we can trust you?' only for someone else to yell back 'look at the computer and listen to Chief's words,genius!'.

The plan was working.Max ran into the helicopter to get the rest of his armor as the party turned into a massive battlefield.

Some people were still backing up the "smartest person in the paraverse',others agreed with Ash.Moth Mask himself was nowhere in sight.Until he suddenly appeared right in front of Max's face(which was protected by the armor) and taunted Dark.

'I could still give you your box,traveler.You do realize that that is your only way back,right?If you don't take the opportunity right now,I can destroy the box so you never have a way of getting home to your scrawny little cat and sibling and your dumb little friends.They're on the verge of giving up on you,you know that right?Reject my offer,and you are stuck here.Forever. Unwanted and confused,forever.And do you know what this would mean?That you failed.You broke your promise to Raine.No person in your own dimension or anywhere believes in you.Say the words,*Z.*Say that you take the box,and your wish will be granted' Moth Mask taunted as he knocked the sword out of Dark's grip as well as the armor on his head,revealing Dark's shock-filled gray eyes,no emotion in them.Then Dark stood up and yelled.

'No.I reject the offer.This was my first and last time doing business with someone like you,and im done.I reject the box.I'm staying here and helping my friends stop whatever it is that you're doing.I don't care if I can never go home.I have friends and a family here that supports me and believes in me.I didn't fail.You did.Have you successfully accomplished making any true allies,not just people who ask you for one favor,do one back for you,and disappear forever?You don't even have a pet that cares about you.Admit it,Moth Mask.You lost.You have no allies or supporters.'

Moth Mask's mask twisted into a sneer.

'Oh please,haven't you realized how exactly I was prepared for your attack?Have you never suspected the silly little purple robot that follows you around and doesn't remember its past might be working for me?That's right,Void is a member of my team,and he's been reporting to me the whole time.You can especially blame August,he's the one who found him,isn't he?' Moth Mask sneered.

'Don't talk about my brother like that!' Max jabbed at Moth Mask's boot.

'Don't tell me what to do,UNTB.All that interest in building stuff,and you still can't recognize a robot when you see one.Did you really think Moth Mask thought of all of those missions himself?I'm behind them all.Also,thank you very much for all of the bolts,*son.' Another voice spat out,this one bringing back multiple memories that ended at around the time Max was 4 years old.Father.*

## Chapter 20:The Box

Max tried to play it off.Last he checked,he was still wearing armor.The speaker had no way of proving his claims.Plus,he'd ran away almost 7 years ago.He was unlikely to recognize his voice.

'What son?' He asked,dodging out of the way.

'Dont play dumb with me.I know who this.I know you're the youngest of my kids that ran away because you wouldn't amount to anything if you did stay.You just had to be a UNTB too.Pity you ran away before you could be useful.That's alright though,i've found a successful replacement.Moth here is far more useful than you 6 could've been put together.Surprising,considering that his brain is smaller than a rock,of course' the speaker taunted,still not emerging,so the only person in Max's eye range was Moth Mask.It was getting kinda harder to keep playing it clueless.

'I don't see what UNTB you're seeing here though,and I have no idea who you are.What were those names again?' Max asked,ducking to the ground after Moth Mask's newest strike.The fighting around them continued,although far weaker and more like weak jabs.

"Please,I'm not stupid.If you're really not a UNTB or my disappointment of a 2nd youngest child,prove it.And you can't trick me that easily.'

Max swallowed.This is going wrong.

"Sure,but I'll have to offer a deal first.I'll reveal myself,*if the legendary Moth Mask takes his mask off.*'

The fighting around them stopped.The massive guard that had Mars pinned down moved back,allowing Mars to freely get up.

Moth Mask sighed.

'Alright,but you'll have to beat me in a duel first.No external help,nothing.Just a duel between me and you.'

'Deal.And if I win,you'll have to give me the box and allow my friend to go back to his dimension.'

'And if you lose?' Max's father's voice spoke from the mask.

'You can do whatever you want with me.'

'Deal' the voice agreed with a sneer.

'3,2,1...duel starts...now!' One of Moth Mask's guards declared.

Moth jabbed at Max's side.Max ducked under the blow and rolled away from it.The duel continued,both mostly avoiding the other's blows.Then Max snuck up behind Moth Mask and tackled him.

'I win'.

'Really?' Moth Mask asked,getting up and turning around,his sword in his hand so he had Max pinned to the ground instead.

'No no no.I think *I* win'.

One of the generals looked shocked 'well,he technically does but the scrawny one did have him pinned down as well'

'It's a tie.They should both do the reveals but without the external deal.Moth doesn't have to give up the box,the scrawny one gets to keep...their freedom?' Star called from the crowd.

'Seems fair' the general shrugged.

Moth Mask and Max both sighed.Max removed the helmet,revealing himself.*At least I get to keep the gloves on.*Moth Mask slowly took off his mask,revealing his face.He looked around 20,with eyebags and looking like he hadnt slept in weeks.*Might explain why he's kinda a jerk.*His facial expression looked a bit similar to Dark's,just more mad and not as sad.

'Ok,identity reveal over.Now can we actually finish the battle so we find out if the..kid gets the box back?' Someone from the crowd snapped,sounding surprised that the person fighting Moth Mask was a 10 year old.Max nodded.

The battle continued.Eventually,Max had Moth Mask pinned down,due to someone from the crowd gettinh bored and deciding to pour water right over Moth Mask's head,causing him to wince and trip.

'I win.Hand over the box'

Moth Mask stared,then picked up the box.....and threw it to one of his guards.Max turned to glare at him,only for Moth Mask to pick up a pen,which glowed with a golden light,grab his hand,forcibly remove the glove and throw it to the ground,and draw a symbol on Max's hand,identical to the one on his own.Max had fallen into straight into the trap.

## Chapter 21:The Plan

Mars looked forward and made eye contact with Max,desperately hoping for it to not be true.Unfortunately,it was.Icy blue eyes stared back,not Max's dark brown ones,and his face twisted into a cold sneer.Max's usual facial expression was a defiant,mischiveous,scowl,not that.

Mars scanned their memories,desperately hoping to find if there was a way to get Max back.

In the meantime,Max-but-not-Max was taunting Dark,who wouldn't do anything back but dodge.He also seemed more defeated,each dodge clumsier than the last.*I'll worry about him and the box later.Gotta get Max back first.*

The site had said that there were two ways.It'd be pretty risky though.One,Mars would have to persuade Moth Mask to draw another symbol,which would be highly impossible already.The symbol would send the person into Max's memories,and after viewing them,eventually be allowed to send Max a short message.If successful,the message would be sent to Max's consciousness,and hopefully give him the strength to be able to gain control of himself back.If unsuccessful....Mars didn't want to think about that.

Mars also really didn't want to be poking around in their younger sibling's brain,but that was unfortunately the best choice.The second option was to basically have another person fight Max until eventually the pain would trigger Moth Mask out,which would be far worse.Max WAS currently still fighting Dark,but Mars knew for a fact that Dark wouldn't be able to do anything to physically hurt Max.As antisocial and occasionally snappy as he was,he'd gotten attached to Max.This was their best chance.

Mars went over to Bailey,who was still next to Day,and whispered the plan.Bailey seemed surprised but nodded and gave Mars a thumbs up,before giving them a quick hug and then running back to do their part of the plan.Mars blinked in surprise before hugging them back.

'SORRY MAXI' Bailey yelled before tackling Max,allowing Mars to drag Dark away to explain the plan.

He listened to all of it,then asked 'but is that really the only way?like im pretty against viewing memories.Especially since he PROBABLY wouldn't give us permission if he was aware of this,and i really dont want him to be mad at me.'

'I don't want to either,but the other option is worse.And he'd probably understand if he found out it was the only option that didn't involve attacking him.'

Dark snorted 'im not sure he's exactly that rational,but we're wasting time anyway.We might as well get this over with'

He walked over to Moth Mask and told him something that Mars couldn't hear.Seeming majorly exasperated,Moth Mask drew the symbol on Max's wrist,then reluctantly did the same to Mars,then Dark.

Dark sighed,and Mars took a deep breath.*Ok,Max's memories,here we go.*

## Chapter 22:Memories

### Mars

The drop into Max's mind was like a rollercoaster but also not.It was like his memories had taken over,but Mars still felt their own thoughts in their head.It was really unnerving.What was even more alarming though,was the fact that Mars could also hear Dark's thoughts.A lot quieter and less clear than Max's,but still.

The first memory Mars remembered kinda vividly.It was thundering outside.Their dad had went on a mission,their mom was gone as well,as usual,and the second in command was absent too.Atlas and Clay had made a huge blanket fort to calm everyone down.Clay was just outside the fort,doing his homework.Atlas was looking out the window.August was playing with a stuffed shark next to his wheelchair,Ash,Darcy,and Jackson asleep in the sleeping bags inside the tent.Mars winced the moment they saw themselves.The first short haircut Mars could recall.Atlas had given it with a pair of kitchen scissors(Atlas couldn't be blamed,he was 10).It was really choppy,but also kinda a sweet memory.Mars and Max just sat outside the tent,on the other side.Max was around 2 in this memory,no missing teeth,no scars on his face,his expression full of trust and cluelessness.Max was absent-mindedly fidgeting with a paperclip he'd found,then he just randomly hugged Mars,who smiled and hugged him back,no words said and just listening to the rain.The memory then faded out and Mars got jolted back to the present.Max still being possesed,but for whatever reason Mars sensed the happiness from this memory.It hurt,knowing they'd never be that happy and clueless again.Then the next memory became clear.

The second memory was almost 2 years later.Mars felt their 6 year old self hear yelling,then a whistle coming from outside.The signal.Mars quickly clambered out of the window and ran after Ash,Atlas(who was carrying Max),and Clay,who was about 30 feet in front of them,wheeling August's wheelchair.Max's almost 4 year old self was scared,and wondering why Darcy and Jackson weren't going,but Clay had said they'd tell him later.They were almost under the bridge where they were gonna spend the night.Almost there,just clamber down.Max saw August get out of the wheelchair and just roll the way down,as Clay helped Mars and Ash make it down.Atlas had said they'd have a hard night today,and it was true.Max's face burned with pain,and Mars saw two new scars on his face,two of the ones he still had to that day.their other siblings were just covered in scrapes and gasping for breath.

'We made it' August gasped with a grin,taking bandaids out or his backpack and passing them out.

'Yeah.We're finally free from mom and dad,and the strict rules.We can actually pick out identities!But we have to disguise ourselves first.' Atlas replied.The next minutes that followed were them mostly getting haircuts to look unrecognizable.Atlas's formerly shoulder length hair was now similar to the haircut Mars had in present day,and everyone else got approximately the same thing.

'Also,our current names will definitely give us away.' Atlas tapped August on the shoulder.Max didn't remember what August went by then though,so he just thought of them as their current names.He still remembered what they looked like,but the names fuzzed out

'My birthday month would be a cool name.August' he breathed excitedly. Ash looked up 'Ash.I like gray stuff'.
'Clay.' Clay shrugged 'Atlas.And you two?' Atlas asked
'Max.Not Maximilian,just Max.Only Max.and not the middle name,it sounds ew' Max declared

'I don't know'

'You like planets right?what about your favorite?' Max asked

'Mars.Mars.Mars.Mars' Mars thought out loud

'Now we can sorta be name twins!' Max cheered.

'Clay,Atlas,Ash,August,Mars,and Max.the new sibling group.I like it' Atlas said

'Me too' August replied

'Me three' Ash grinned

'Me four' Max replied,then flopped down on the sidewalk,using one of the backpacks as a pillow.He didn't know what freedom was yet,but this was nice

The next memory was a lot less pleasant than the previous two.Mars felt the feeling of absolute loss of control,panic overtaking.It was only a little later after the 2nd memory,still the same year.

Max was sitting by a rock.He slammed his fist on the ground in front of him in frustration.

'Max?' Atlas called

Max shook his head.He looked up

'Ats,I broke the wood.im sorry' he held out a burned piece of wood.

'Max...don't worry about it,but you have to answer the questions on this sheet of paper.and wear these gloves before you start' Atlas said,taking out the scroll that Max had shown Mars and Dark almost a month ago. Max seemed to struggle reading some of the words.

'Does this mean there's something wrong with me' he asked with wide eyes

'We don't know yet bud,we don't know' Atlas whispered.

He awkwardly patted Max's head "We'll find out later'

The memory faded out,Max's confusion and fear remaining.Mars remembered how Atlas was.He was a great and responsible sibling,but when it came to comfort,he was one of the last people you'd ask.His emotions got so disregulated before he ran away that it got to the point that he could barely show actual emotion and shut most of it off naturally.Mars sometimes got annoyed by it,but if they were being honest,thats the exact way they were to themself.If others were sad,Mars was always there,but Mars didn't allow themself to be sad,just shut it off.Mars waited for the next memory,but it was almost 5 full minutes until it came.

The next distinct memory didn't appear for a while,but multiple memories of Atlas reminding Max of this one showed up,sometimes reminding him of the possible consequences.Now it was starting to make sense why he was sorta secretive.Talk about toasters?sure.Ask him about himself?very short reply and changes the conversation.

The next memories was maybe 2ish years later Mars was guessing.Max and Mars were outside,Atlas was asleep,August was cheerfully painting the wall of the cabin they'd stumbled on yesterday,the same one they lived in currently.Ash was cooking spaghetti inside.Clay was...well actually no one knew,probably fishing. Bear the dog was walking around the territory in circles around Max. 'What do we have to do again?' Max asked 'Uh...get new batteries,a new toaster,sweaters,blankets,and probably some other food,because no offense to some of our siblings,but their cooking may not be considered edible' Mars replied thoughtfully 'Tell me about it.I think they literally burned the water the last time we had spaghetti.And oh yay,toaster.' Max replied 'Burned the water?That's literally almost impossible,did it like actually burn.Also do you literally only focus on the toaster part of every sentence?' Mars joked 'Yes and yes.And you know August,always doing the impossible' Max joked 'I'm not surprised.At this point your dad might as well just be a toaster' Mars joked Max frowned a bit at the mention of their dad but grinned back "That's me.Max Phoenix,son of the toasters' he joked.Mars laughed. "Honestly,if our dad WAS a toaster,we'd be so much better off' he pointed out,leaping over the fence 'How is that actually the truest thing you've ever said' Mars thought about it for a minute. 'I'll race you go that tree over there!Last one there has to sleep in the basement!' Mars joked,starting to jog. 'No fair!You have a head start' Max protested following.Bear the dog barked,running after them.Life was good.

The next memories were ones that Dark had also experienced:driving the Gravi-Toastee together,swimming in the lake,the fall of Mount Skyscrape,board game nights,Max comforting Dark over missing his family,watching sunsets with the rest of the chaos circle,random late night conversations,Max teaching Dark how to fly on Eag which resulted in Dark falling into the lake,everyone getting temporary matching tattoos.Then no more memories appeared

Is this it Mars wondered

MAX!MAX!YOU'RE CURRENTLY BEING POSSESSED.ITS OK BUDDY,JUST TRY TO BREAK FREE.REGAIN YOUR CONCIOUSNESS.FIGHT IT Mars and Dark thought-yelled into Max's brain at the same time,interrupting each other

for a second Mars felt a familiar spark of energy ,almost as if Max was regaining consciousness

*we did it!* Mars though at Dark Dark thought back in relief *yep,we did!* Their relieved thoughts were interrupted by a deep thought of *OR DID YOU* from an eerie voice.Then Mars and Dark were jolted out of Max's mind.