(Nico's viewpoint)

Chapter 3: Memories of a Traumatic Past And Visions of Dark Times To Come

"PEN...? HOW DID you find this...?"

"Not found. Given. Someone who calls herself 'an old friend' says The Five Realities are being destroyed. She already lost her son to this dark force." He turned to Marceline."You MUST use this, Mom, before it's too late!"

"Pen," I started, "who is this 'old friend' you speak of?"

"Dad, I know this sounds crazy, but... I think she's changed after you defeated her..."

"FAYE NOCTURA?!?! SHE MURDERED ME!!!!" Marceline screamed.

"Marce! Please, settle down!" I cried. "He's probably asking to be grounded." I turned to Pen, glaring.

"Dad, I'm serio-"

"Pendragon, enough! If this is a cruel prank, so help me Crod..."

All of a sudden, a familiar and dreaded feeling overcame me. "Pen...?"

"...No..." Marceline looked more pale than a Vampire should. "...He's telling the truth..."

"I told you, Dad, but you didn't believe me... now she's upset."

"Nicolei, Marceline," Faye started. "Ignorance and cowardice were never traits of the heroes in olden times."

"Why are you here?!" I spat. "Weren't you banished after your defeat?!"

"I cannot be banished from a reality that coexists with my own."

"I guess you leave me no choice," I said, summoning my mythril longsword.

"Dad, lower your weapon."

"No, Pen!"

"You must lower your weapon. NOW!"

Just as Pen shouted, my blade crumbled to ashes down to the guard. "Pen...?"

"...Nico...?" Marceline whimpered.

"Y-yeah, hun?"

"...You should see this..." She hovered over to the balcony, pointing at the sky.

"Oh... oh, Glob..."

The sky was gone, but the oddest, most terrifying scene was of me being devoured by a shifting mass of primordial ooze, bones, claws, fangs, and many other vile structures and forms. I felt my heartbeat throughout my body, pounding wildly.

"This," Faye began, "is what we must face - together. As allies."

"...Nico..." Marceline said softly. "...She's being serious... Pen was right... She did turn a new leaf..."

I groaned, turning toward the Rogue Queen. "Fine, Faye. It's a deal."