It's dark. So very dark. Wait, what's that? Off in the distance? A spotlight? There are some people there. Two people. You try to move closer. You can't. You're already there. You can see your mom. And your dad. They were waving to you, you wave back. They move closer, spotlight following. Your mom is trying to speak to you, but you can't hear her. She's moving her mouth, but nothing's coming out. You're not good at reading lips, but you can tell it's like a code. Your dad hugs you. This must be him from his better years. When he wasn't drunk, drugged, and paranoid. He was genuinely happy to see you. But then, nothing. He's gone. You see him off in the distance, hanging. Your mom is crying and holding a note. You look at the note.

'My loving wife and son,

I was horrible. I know. I can't bring myself to keep this up. We were running out of money, all to fuel my addictions. I couldn't live with the stress. Don't grieve too long. I'm not worth it. Sol, you need to keep up the good work. Even though I hit you, you just kept going. I want to see that from where I'll be going. Maybe hell won't be too bad. Just, keep it up. Honey, keep him in line. He has his father in him, and he'll get fighty. Just, be patient with him. I love you both very, very much.

Love, Dad'

Just like that your heart was shattered again. Your mom was crying next to you. You hug her, but she disappears too. Appears a small distance away. On the ground, in a puddle of her blood. A discharged pistol fallen from her hand. You felt the tears as you read the note she left.

' Dearest Sollux,

I couldn't do it. I didn't have the strength to carry on where your father left off. I hope you can go without me, I know your little girlfriend can help you. Yes, you say you don't think of her that way, but I see something between you and Aradia. She'll help. I want you to know that I love you more than anything else in the world, and who knows? Maybe we'll both be happier this way.

Love, Mom'

You couldn't contain it. You broke down, and cried for what seemed like hours. But then, Aradia appeared, just like you remember her. In those funny gear pj's and with her long, healthy black hair. Right now, you wanted her more than anything. You were going to walk over, and ask for guidance. Nope. She disappeared into a map on the floor, an X marking Brazil. And then, of all the things you didn't want to see, him. That dark, twisted version of you from the mirror. He was laughing like a maniac.

"Tho, I thee you're having a pretty bad dream here?"

"Of all that I could maybe talk to, it jutht had to be you, huh?"

"Well, yeah. Don't you get it? I'm your greatetht challenge. Your tetht, if you will."

It was only now, you saw weird candy-corn colored horns jump out of his head, and you noticed the gemini symbol on his shirt. He turned grey. You stumbled backward. "W-what are you?"

"Leth jutht that that I'm abo-"

BAM! Up, awake, on your floor, in your house, for all you knew you were on Earth too. That was by far the shittiest dream all year. Since your parents died, well, that's a different story. You had to go. Really badly. But the mirror…it'd probably torture you. Fortunately, when you went you didn't start being that weird self. Good. Last thing you needed was to piss yourself. After a bit you checked your phone, look at that! Aradia messaged you!

apocolypseArisen began pestering twinArmaggedons

AA: hey sollux! how've you been? sorry i didn't message you for a few days, exciting temple running stuff.

TA: hey ar! i've been okay. ju2t fini2hed with thi2 weird dream though.

AA: oh? what was it about?

TA: well…i 2aw my parent2. and then they, well, it wa2 that 2ort of dream. but i 2aw this weird twi2ted ver2ion of my2elf too, and he turned grey and grew horn2 and i think he wa2 going to kill me.

You decided to leave out that bit about her. That wouldn't help anyone right now.

AA: well, i hope it didn't affect you too badly. i'm coming home soon! :D

TA: what? really? holy 2hit it2 been forever!

AA: i know! i almost wish i hadn't gone anywhere.

TA: me too. hey, when and where will you be landing? i want to 2ee you a2 2oon a2 po22ible!

You went on discussing the details of her return. She'd be back the next day! How awesome is that? Oh, but you'd have to get your stuff cleaned up. That means going to the laundromat. Ehhh…that place freaks you out. What with the crack-heads and then the strange people everywhere and…you'd still have to do it. Ugh. Oh well, search around for quarters later. For now, to Starbucks for a nice breakfast!

You'd been walking with a spring in your step, in such a good mood. You walked into the Starbucks, ordered your usual with extra honey(weird thing for coffee, but okay) and handed the cashier all of the money required like a boss. You contentedly sat at a table near the back, enjoying your stuff when some odd-looking guy walked up to you. You look up as he exhales a bunch of shit-scented air.

"Ith there a problem?"

"Yes there's a problem. You're in my seat."

"There are plenty of thpoth around here, I'm fairly thertain you can pick a different one thith time."

"I see that you're a smartass. Let me make it clearer. Move."

"And if I don't?"

He raised his fist. That was enough for you to mumble an apology and move over to the table next to you. Geeze, you'd think he had a crab in his asshole. Speaking of, you briefly wonder how kk's doing. You haven't talked to him in a long time. Since before your parents died. Maybe Aradia has. Maybe she'd give you his chum handle. If he had one.

A few hours later, you're sitting in the laundromat, nervously watching everyone around you. Still as creepy as last time. And the time before that. And so on. This place just couldn't get any less creepy than it was the first time, huh? Better than taking the bus at the least. Last time you'd sat near some guy who was hallucinating. That's about when you started walking everywhere. You were nervous your apparent bad luck would follow you here. This would be the third public place in a row some asshole would confront you about some stupid shit. Fortunately, it went through smoothly, and you got out without talking to anyone. And with your clothes. That's a biggy in this part of town.

After going about your normal routine, and sleeping the night away, you managed to get to the specified airport at the specified time. Aradia's plane was landing and you felt like you were about to dance or something. Excitement was coursing through your veins. You see her dad walk into the lobby and wave, followed by her mom, and then...

A/N: Bam! Cliffhanger! I am almost sorry, but I planned that all along. Anyway, maybe I'll think of some shocking twist or some weirdness, but for now you can have this bit of work and I'll work on the next part! Again, reviews are appreciated and I hope you tell me what you think. Anyway, talk to you soon hopefully!