Before we begin, here's an important story note: time moves faster in the Steve Saga. Months on Earth equal years in the Steve Saga server. That's why Steves in the server say stuff like "this happened years ago," even though it feels like months for Sabre and us readers.

I hope you enjoy the chapter! A lot of work went into this chapter and the next two chapters because they were super hard for me to write. I made several revisions to get them to a level I was pleased with.

When Memory woke up the next morning (well, theoretically morning, as the Memory Dimension had no sense of time and it was always dark), he immediately thought about Illusion Steve.

Can I really turn my back on Illusion? He thought as he brushed his hair and got dressed. He had never met someone like Illusion, or someone who cared for him or trusted him that much. And...Memory cared for him too. At first, he thought Illusion was just like Galaxy, an enemy. But it turned out Galaxy carelessly pushed his responsibilities onto him. Illusion was a victim, just like Memory and Void.

Not only that, but he was family. A cousin. And they were becoming friends, not just two villains with a common enemy.

But Memory also had a father. Only he could bring Void back, so the evil villain could complete his revenge. He swore that he would help Void escape Galaxy's mind the moment the illusion fell. He wanted his father back. However, he also wanted Illusion Steve to succeed. He didn't want the illusion to fall. But in the end, he could only have Illusion Steve's success or Void Steve's success.

As Memory put on his necktie, he suddenly sensed his presence. He rushed to the balcony of his swamp house (a house in the center of Memory Dimension where he took care of himself), and saw the fake Void Steve a few blocks away, reenacting another memory.

"Just remember, Memory Steve, you made me do this." For a moment, the fake Void Steve looked directly at Memory Steve, sending a chill into his heart.

No, not this one! Not this memory! Memory Steve bolted back inside and slammed the door shut, but not before hearing another line from Void Steve.

"Your incompetence is why I have no choice but to split this family further. But I suppose that's life: a disappointment I have to work around."

Memory Steve worked on his tie with shaky hands, feeling his heart race. It already happened. It already happened. The past is in the past, he told himself. I should be over that by now.

But the past was never truly in the past. Memory would forever be known as the Steve who broke apart his family. The thought haunted him, and he hoped he would never divide his family again. Especially after that – the memory Void had reenacted.

Then he remembered Illusion. He was family. With Illusion, Memory now had the chance to...make things right with his family. Illusion, Galaxy, and even Time Steve. The words of his clock-faced cousin returned in his mind.

"I know you're a stranger, but I worry for Illusion Steve. You work for him, right? Can you please make sure he doesn't do anything foolish?"

Memory was unsure how to feel. Obliged to keep his promise to Time? Or bitter that Time asked him for something?

Regardless, Memory had to make sure Illusion didn't lose his family or himself. He had the chance to save Illusion from the same fate that ruined this family. And this was Memory's chance to stop repeating his own mistakes. Void often gave him harsh lessons so he could learn from his mistakes. So he would understand if Memory prioritized helping Illusion over him, right? Void could wait.

But if Illusion doesn't want the world destroyed, how can I bring back Void? Memory wondered. Illusion won't approve of his return because it goes against his agenda to help Galaxy. Unless...I convince him to change his agenda.

What if he could convince Illusion to work for Void instead? What if he could make Illusion agree to destroying the universe instead of fixing it?

And with Illusion's ability to filter memories, he could help Memory Steve better control his restoration powers. With Illusion's help, he could easily bring Void Steve back.

Illusion Steve wasn't an obstacle. He was the key to Void Steve's return.

Yeah. Memory finished the necktie and perked up. Yeah, Void can wait. I'll help Illusion first.

Calmer now, he returned to the dresser and finished putting on his dark suit. As he put his gloves over his scarred hands, he glimpsed at the aromantic and asexual pride flags hanging on the wall to the right. He smiled. During my time in the Spiritless World, I especially missed seeing those colors.

He picked up his spiral mask and inspected it. This was the mask that he hid his face behind. The mask the struck fear into the hearts of Steves, even though they would never remember what filled them with terror. The mask he hid behind in all of his crimes.

But as he covered his head with the balaclava and put on the mask, Memory just thought how he was ready for another day of work.

Since he hadn't officially gone through with his plan to betray Illusion, he didn't have to confess or apologize. But he had to work harder. Illusion was already on a self-destructive path. He had to stop him before it was too late.

Time didn't pass in the Memory Dimension. However, Memory Steve could use some of his energy to move the dimension forward time. So when he teleported back to the Overworld, it was the next morning instead of the night he took Illusion Steve back to his cottage.

At the entrance of the Illusion Town, Memory Steve saw two entities near the Illusion Tree. It was Illusion Steve and that captive Red Steve who led the village, deep in a conversation. Neither of them noticed Memory Steve's silent arrival.

"Have you thought about my offer?" Illusion Steve asked. "You've seen the Illusion Tree now and what it could do. It'll help this world!"

"I want this world saved, but not from you!" Red Steve snarled. "You can stop at creating this tree, but you don't have to do anything else! You're being a cruel dictator just because you want to! Alex was a true leader, and you stole her powers! I will never join you! Let my people go! Let Alex go! Leave everyone alone!"

"And leave these Steves to suffer? I don't think so," Illusion Steve dispassionately warned.

"We're fine without you! We're Steves! We will survive! I won't do anything you tell me to do, even if you threaten my life."

Illusion sighed, "Well, if you won't listen to me, then perhaps you'll listen to someone else. Oh, Guardian!"

Thunder roared and the Guardian teleported to the scene. All rebellion and courage drained from Red Steve's face as he stared at the Guardian in awe. "It's...it's you. The Guardian of the Spirit World!"

"I'm pleased to meet you, Red Steve," Guardian greeted. "I understand that you are skeptical of Illusion Steve's way of management. I don't blame you, because it's all very strange. However, I believe you should give him a chance, because his way is the only way to bring the Steves back to glory. I've experienced loss too, Red Steve. I feel grief every time a Steve's journey ends prematurely. It's not right. Illusion Steve can stop that. It may mean a lot of sacrifice now, but in the future, there will be much less sacrifice."

Red Steve continued staring at the Guardian in silence.

"Well, Red Steve?" Illusion Steve asked.

Red Steve dipped his head in defeat. "If the Guardian says this is the way, then...I trust his opinion. I'll do it. I'll become a henchmen. Just promise me that you won't hurt my people."

"Good, good," Illusion said, though there was no triumph in his voice. He snapped his fingers and Red Steve was freed from the ropes. "Now, I want you to gather your Red Steves and to convince other Red Steves to give in to the illusion."

"But...can they really accept it?" The Red Steve leader asked, all bravery and confidence sapped out of him. "Nothing big of an illusion can ever become reality. How long will this last?"

"It will last," Illusion snapped. "I will let you know when illusion becomes reality. I'll give you a final order to help me with that."

The Red Steve leader nodded and trudged back to his village. Memory quickly hid as the leader exited the town.

Illusion Steve turned to the Guardian. "Well done, Guardian. Now go back to your mission. If you fail this one, I will destroy you. Got that? This is important."

"Of-of course, Illusion Steve!" Guardian replied. "But can I ask a quick question: how will you make Sabre part of the illusion? I thought your powers only affected Steves."

Illusion Steve scoffed. "Perhaps I'll tell you about my secret weapon later. But for now, go find Sabre. Understood?"

Guardian saluted before he was teleported away.

Memory Steve made sure his memory powers were deactivated before approaching his cousin. "Good morning, Illusion." He gave his usual bow of greeting.

"Oh, good morning, Memory." Illusion looked off to the distance, seeming distracted. The dark look in his eyes was still there. Memory also noticed that Illusion wore a dark gray coat and his hair seemed even messier. He silently cringed at the unkept appearance. Was his cousin planning to spend the entire day being miserable?

"I have a special mission for you, Memory."

Memory tensed. "What is it?"

"Today's the day we get rid of Sabre. Sabre still thinks this is reality; I told Guardian about that, without telling him about you. I ordered him to find Sabre and gain his trust. He's going to convince him that he found this wonderful place he wants to show him, take him to the Illusion Town, and trap him in a machine that I'll be building soon. Once he's trapped, you'll come in and erase the last of his memories, making him fully become part of the illusion."

Memory relaxed. "It seems like the Guardian will be doing more work than me."

Illusion gave a dispassionate chuckle. "I don't trust the Guardian to be a competent minion. His role as the Spirit World's protector makes him trustworthy, but he lacks to skills to actually do his job. I just hope his personality is enough to trick Sabre. It probably will. I did ask him to spy on Alex and Sabre, and they never suspected him."

"...And what about me? Do you trust that I will help you with this special mission?"

Illusion's eyes widened in shock. He quickly gave a nervous laugh and a smile. "Oh, of course, Memory! Your powers are amazing! You won't let me down."

"I know that once he's trapped, I must erase the memories that makes him resistant to the illusion. Which memories must I erase?"

"Oh, I don't think I've told you. You know what happened to Origin Steve, right?"

"Yes. I read about him from that book you gave me last week." A history book. A book Illusion refused to let others see in his attempt to erase past knowledge, but he gifted it to Memory. "He was destroyed by Hypno Steve."

"Do you know what happened to Sabre after Origin Steve was destroyed?"

Memory shook his head.

"Well, after defeating Origin Steve, Sabre left this world and left it under the protection of Alex and Galaxy Steve."

Memory blinked, perplexed. What did Illusion mean by Sabre leaving this world?

"Sabre was gone for many years until he one day returned, seeing this world ruined by the infection. That's the key thing: he returns to the Overworld, not knowing what happened to it," Illusion continued. "I want you to erase Sabre's memories of returning to this world. His latest memory should be him thinking about visiting his friends. Then he'll think that this illusion is the real server he rejoined, flourishing under Alex and Galaxy Steve's protection! He might be impressed. Or, I don't know. He's a difficult person. It's hard to predict his reactions."

"Right, right..." Memory said, pondering.

"Anyways, can you erase Sabre's memories that way?"

Memory had so many questions. Like what was a "server"? How many memories did Sabre have? But Illusion didn't seem eager for questions today. However, if this mission was special, he had to do it right.

"I would like some clarification first," Memory Steve said. "I know I must erase all of Sabre's memories, up until his memory of...returning to this world? I'll be able to complete the task, under one condition: can you quantify how many memories you want me to erase? How many weeks has it been since Sabre had returned to this world? If you know, I'll be able to erase weeks' worth of memories at once."

Illusion looked shocked. "Oh...this is gonna be difficult. I was out of the timeline when he returned, so I don't know exactly when. I'm gonna guess...five weeks? Maybe four? I don't know, just – " He groaned and rubbed his head. "I don't care about the exact details anymore. Just erase about five weeks of his memories."

Memory chewed on his lip. "It may be difficult to erase his memories without the exact length of time."

"But can you still do it?!" Illusion asked in a panic, reignited concern in his multi-colored eyes. "Can you still make Sabre think that this illusion is reality?!"

"Yes, there will be nothing to fret about! I will do this mission for you."

"Alright, good." Illusion relaxed, reverting back to his apathetic posture and expression.

Memory wanted to ask what was wrong. First Illusion sounded like he didn't care. Then he acted as if his life depended on Sabre's defeat. Honestly, if he was going to act both concerned and unconcerned about Sabre, then why not take the easy way to defeat him?

"I can erase all of Sabre's memories. You want him to believe that your illusion is reality. But if he lost all of his memories, you can tell him anything you want and he'll believe you."

"I can't do that!" Illusion snapped. "Because Sabre plays an important role in my plans, and he's only useful to me if he has the memories of what happened before he left."

"Then I can give them back, though I cannot filter the memories I return to him. But with our powers combined, you can selectively return the memories you want him to have. Just like my last mission."

Illusion huffed and stomped a foot. "That's too much work. Too many lifetimes, worlds, and memories to filter! Just erase five weeks of his memories. That's an order!"

Memory jumped back, alarmed. What does he mean "lifetimes?" He opened his mouth to continue arguing, but he knew it wasn't worth it. He accepted the order.

"While we wait for Guardian to bring Sabre, I have to deal with Alex and get my powers back from her. Memory, can you help me out?"

"Of course," Memory replied. "How may I assist you?"

"I need you to put her into a machine and make sure she doesn't escape, that's all. Now, let me summon Alex from where the Guardian locked her up."

Thunder. Illusion Steve used his powers and Alex appeared in front of them. She panicked and looked around before cowering in fear. Her hands were locked in pink handcuffs made out of light.

"Where, where am I?!"

"Hello, Alex. Welcome to the Illusion Town" Usually, Illusion greeted his foes with that arrogant villainous aura. But that aura was absent today in his deadpan voice.

Alex turned to Memory Steve fearfully. "And who's that?!"

"Well, Alex, you traitorous henchman, this is my only loyal henchman, Memory Steve."

Contrasting Illusion's rudeness, Memory gave her a polite bow. "It is an honor to meet you, Alex. Though it is a shame we had to meet in these conditions."

"I still don't know who you are." Alex lowered her arms, but remained tense.

"It's good that you don't know him," Illusion said. "After all, he specializes in erasing memories."

Alex furrowed her brows in thought before looking at Memory again with wide eyes. "Why-why do I have a sense that we met before?! It's so weird. Wait, are you the one Galaxy talked about?!"

"Well, I do have a history with Galaxy Steve," Memory replied. "What did he tell you?"

"That you work for Void Steve, and you're the reason why Galaxy got separated from his sons."

Memory hissed "oof" under his breath. "Well...there are other reasons behind Galaxy Steve's downfall. I'm not purely to blame for his mistakes, Alex."

"Enough talk!" Illusion interrupted. "Let's address my concerns: you have power that belongs to me."

"It's my power." Alex glared at him. "You are the one who stole it. I know the truth now, and I will hold on to that truth! Give me back my powers."

Illusion sneered. "Once I take away your powers, you will have no way to resist the illusion. You will be under my control again and forget. Guardian, who you foolishly trusted, is currently with Sabre. I will brainwash you so you'll convince Sabre to walk into my trap."

Alex glowered at him with fierce green eyes. Illusion shot back the spiteful look as he used his powers to make a machine out of glass, iron and redstone. The machine was hooked up to the Tree and stood in the right area of the Town. Memory noticed how the machine didn't have enough space to move around in and shuddered. I'm so glad Illusion trapped me in a more spacious cage, when we first met as enemies.

Illusion handed Memory two glass blocks. "Lock her in the machine."

"Certainly. Come now, Alex." Memory attempted to escort her, but she refused to take a step.

Memory groaned. "Do you recall that I erase memories? If you resist, I can simply eradicate your memories right here. I've heard how you lost your mind when your true memories about Rainbow Steve conflicted with your false ones. Would you like to experience that again?"

Alex paused to consider before sighing in defeat.

"Follow me, and cooperate this time." He led her to the machine's glass chamber, which was elevated one block above ground. He offered his hand to help the prisoner climb into the chamber.

"Well, you're the most polite evil Steve I've met, I'll give you that," Alex muttered as she settled in.

"I have no reason to disrespect you," he responded. He learned about Alex, Origin Steve, and their disturbing relationship when he caught up with history. As someone destined to serve the forces of destruction, Memory found it fascinating that Origin Steve, the creator himself, became destructive and evil. It must had been demoralizing for Alex and other good people. Despite that, she stayed committed to her task to protect the Steves. Something Origin Steve couldn't do.

Although Alex was an enemy, Memory found it honorable that that she hadn't gone astray from her job. If Galaxy had her strength...who knew how different life would had been.

"Well, thank you?" Alex gave an awkward laugh.

After giving a respectful nod, Memory took off the her handcuffs and placed down the glass blocks, trapping her in the machine. ...Should I have told her that I respected her or keep it to myself?

"Wait!" Alex looked up. "Galaxy Steve told me you were destroyed. Guardian also mentioned something about the Spiritless World. You should be rotting in there. So why are you here?"

"Well..." Memory rubbed the back of his head as Illusion approached the machine. "It's complicated."

Alex looked down in concentration, mumbling something. "Then why did Illusion...?" She turned her attention to the other Steve. "How can you bring yourself to work with Memory Steve?! He's Galaxy's enemy."

"We have a truce and an agreement," Illusion said.

"How do you know he won't betray you?"

"You're one to talk, traitor."

"Hey, I'm only a traitor because Sabre broke me out of the illusion. Just saying." Alex shrugged. "What if Sabre gave Memory Steve power and convinced him to turn against you?"

Illusion laughed. "That will never happen!"

"Absolutely not," Memory scoffed. "I pledged my allegiance to Illusion Steve. We have the same goal of getting rid of Sabre and other imperfections in this new world."

"Really?" Alex challenged. "How can you betray your father like that? You're now working for Galaxy Steve, technically."

Memory took a step back. He gulped before choosing his next words carefully. "Void Steve is...irrelevant now. Dwelling on the past is pointless, which is why I support Illusion Steve's plan to rid the world of its past knowledge." Oh Colors, this sounds so gross. I'm so sorry, Dad. I'm so so sorry.

"Oh, really? You've stayed loyal to Void Steve for generations, and now you're turning your back on him?" Alex persisted. "Tell me why? Is it because Void Steve failed, and you don't want to side with a loser?"

Am I supposed to answer this? Is there a way out of this?!

Illusion gave Memory an intrigued look that didn't help at all.

Quick, Memory frantically thought. What are things that Void used to say about me that look cruel on the outside but are actually good things to say?

"Yes," he finally answered. "If Void Steve were here, I would simply laugh at him. He failed me and the commitment we made to his goal, so I have no choice but to move on from him." Dad, I'm so sorry.

"Wow," Illusion commented. "I'm impressed you let him go so easily! That's good, because I need people who forget about the old reality. Alex, got any other questions about why Memory Steve is a star henchmen?"

Memory's face warmed as he awkwardly looked away.

"Not for him, but I have one question for you, Illusion Steve. When we first met, back when you were disguised as Rainbow Steve, you said you had to get rid of me. Why was I a threat?"

"Isn't it obvious?" Illusion rolled his eyes. "You would have gone against my plan to help Galaxy Steve. That's why I had to steal your power."

"You could have just asked me for help!" Alex spat back. "You didn't have to disguise yourself as Rainbow Steve and manipulate my own memories!"

"And you should have done more with your powers! You already had the power, but you did nothing to stop the infection like I did! You were the first one infected, and you did nothing about it. You're the reason why Galaxy Steve got infected and why I am like this! Your lack of action started this tragic story. I will use your powers to end this story and to start a different one."

Alex was stunned silent.

Memory Steve added, "He is right. The universe depends on a balance between good and evil. At the moment, it depends on the forces of evil to continue the existence of Steves, as the passive nature of the good side has failed them. Since no one volunteered to fill that role, Illusion Steve must do it for everyone, so compassionate people like you can worry less."

Alex frowned at him. "Are you saying this because Galaxy Steve made Void Steve do all the evil work for him?"

"Yes, I am absolutely saying this because of that."

"Enough small talk," Illusion snapped. "You are in the machine now, Alex, so I will be taking your powers." He raised a hand and the machine roared with thunder.

The thunder grew louder as Alex's glare intensifies. Illusion Steve started to struggle with channeling his powers. He suddenly collapsed and the thunder disappeared, startling Memory Steve.

Memory helped him up. Was Illusion pushing himself? Unless...Memory looked at Alex, who continued to glare at Illusion with pure spite and determination. Was she somehow resisting the illusion?

"Why...why didn't my powers work?" Illusion panted after Memory helped him stand. He shot Alex a horrified look. "That...that thing you created for my special task...what did you do to it?!"

Alex revealed a strange, colorful potion in her hands. She brought it to her chest, absorbing it. "I created this for your special task. Now I'm using it to keep my powers and to resist your powers. Your powers can't work on me!"

Thunder roared as Illusion Steve looked furious. "Give me that!" Some Steves had the ability to remove items from people's inventory. However, since Alex absorbed the strange item rather than put it in her inventory, Illusion Steve could not retrieve it.

Memory Steve tilted his head in confusion. "What was that?"

Mischievous inspiration glowed in Alex's eyes. "Memory Steve, do you want to know what it is? Well, after I pretended to destroy Sabre, your boss sent me on a special task to – "

"QUIET!"

Memory Steve flinched as the loud thunder pierced through the air. Alex clamped her mouth shut, her skin drained of color.

Illusion Steve's multi-colored eyes burned with fury. "Keep your mouth shut, Alex. I knew that you were never loyal to me, but I still value that secret task I assigned you because no one else can do that task! It's still a secret between us! If you do anything stupid and blurt our secret out, I will destroy you!"

Memory stepped forward, his hidden eyes wide in alarm. "Illusion, are you alright?!"

"Not now, Memory!" Illusion shoved him back before glaring again at Alex. "Do I make myself clear?!"

Alex gave a sly expression. "I haven't spoken to Sabre in a full day now. But let's pretend he sent me a message to give to you: This ain't it, chief, and you're giving big Origin Steve vibes right now!"

That struck a nerve in Illusion Steve. "Shut up! I'm not him!" He seethed.

"And I'll believe you, if you calm down."

Memory stepped in to stop this unexpected tension. "Alex, I believe it is you who needs to calm down. Agitating Illusion Steve is unwise."

Alex considered his words before continuing with a more cautious tone. "Illusion, there is nothing you can do, so we might as well talk things out. You can't put me under the illusion because of the special item I just absorbed. And I know you don't want to destroy me either. I know this because you aren't like Origin Steve. In fact, you reminds me more of myself than him."

Illusion Steve narrowed his eyes suspiciously, arms still shaking with rage. "You don't understand."

"No, I do understand!" Her voice became more reassuring as her stern expression gave hints of sympathy. "There was a time when I was ok with getting rid of the world and forgetting all the horrible things that happened to me. Twice. The recent one was when I was infected. The first time was when Origin Steve convinced me to join him and watch the world restart with him."

Memory nervously glanced at Illusion, who still seemed angry but taking in every word Alex said.

"I thought that was what I wanted because it would make Origin Steve happy," she continued. "I was so lost and thought he was the only thing that mattered. You must feel the same way: so lost that you're doing something you would never approve of, but you're doing it anyways to make the only important person in your life happy."

She's talking about Galaxy Steve, Memory Steve realized. Illusion Steve never experienced a peaceful life. Living in a world that had always been chaotic must make him feel lost, right. The only way he could make sense of life was by serving Galaxy Steve.

"It doesn't have to be like this, Illusion. I never saw the end of the world with Origin Steve or with the infection, because Sabre helped me see clearly." Alex extended a hand, though it was meaningless with the glass barrier in front of her. "I know you don't actually want to go through with your plan, so I'm offering to help you find a different way."

For a moment, Illusion's eyes were filled with doubt, consideration, and frustration. He opened his mouth to argue, but then backed down.

"Give me my powers back," Alex said. "And we can fix this mess together."

Although they were on opposite sides, Memory could not help but gain more respect for her. Alex was honorable for trying to reach Illusion Steve despite everything he had done to her.

And she was right. Illusion was not doing ok. And if she could convince him to change his strategy and do better, Memory would not argue against it.

But then Illusion shook his head and formed fists. His face scrunched up into a disgusted, hateful expression. "You're so wrong, Alex. We're not alike just because I'm doing this for someone else too! Yes, you were manipulated, and that was awful. But that isn't me." He lowered his head and shut his eyes tight. "'I'm not being manipulated, or making these bad decisions to protect myself; I'm forced to. Galaxy Steve created me with no freewill."

"What?" Memory Steve did a double take. A Steve with no freewill? Galaxy Steve was infected when he created Illusion Steve. He must had painfully bound Illusion Steve's existence to his own fears and panic. Was that where Illusion Steve's obsessions and irrationality came from?

Illusion Steve grinded his teeth and pressed his hands against his head. "When Galaxy Steve is upset, it brings me so much mental pain. I'm so afraid of anyone or anything upsetting him. I have to think extra hard to distinguish my feelings from his feelings before I act. My mind is locked down. I can't think of the future, free time, or anything else unless Galaxy Steve's happiness is involved! You try living like this and see how badly you want to free yourself!"

"I think you'll gain your freewill if you make Galaxy Steve happy! So just stop the infection and that's it!" Alex pleaded. "You don't have to do anything else! You don't really want to hurt people!"

"It's not that simple!" Illusion Steve stomped his foot. "Galaxy Steve will face consequences he won't like if my illusion falls. Only I know what the best plan is and I'll destroy anyone who stands in my way! Let me just show you that I can and will destroy you if you step out of line!"

He turned and aimed his hand at something. Thunder roared again and that something exploded, leaving only a crater and a few scattered blocks behind.

Memory Steve didn't register it in time. But now, he realized that Illusion Steve just destroyed the cobblestone building. The building that used to be Memory's prison and Illusion's library.

Hidden under his mask, Memory's mouth was open in shock. Alex also stared at the crater, her confidence and strength vaporized. She was now petrified in fear. Regret shined in her eyes. Was she regretful because she was defeated? Or was she thinking about all the friends she failed to save from Illusion Steve's plan? Or was she thinking about how Illusion Steve rejected her help?

"Good," Illusion chuckled darkly. "You fear me. You should recognize that I am the new king of this world, and all will do what I say. And if I don't have freewill, no one else will. I'm done dealing with you, but I can't integrate you into the illusion until I get rid of what you have. I'm locking you up for now. Goodbye, Alex."

He teleported Alex and the entire machine away. The amnesiac Sabre would never suspect that this town held his friend captive. Illusion sighed, and his furious face melted back to an apathetic expression with underlying frustration.

Memory faced him. "Illusion, your library...Why did you destroy it?!"

Illusion shrugged. "It was the closest thing to destroy."

"I'm surprised that you destroyed something valuable just to threaten a prisoner."

"I'm surprised that you care." Illusion looked up sadly. "I used to keep you trapped in there. I thought you hated that building."

"Well, of course I hate it." Memory fidgeted with his hands. "But I know that you repurposed it to a study place. I thought it was valuable to you."

Illusion waved a hand dismissively. "Valuable? That study room means nothing to me. I've already studied everything from my collection of books, so that room lost its purpose. Now I'm looking for something more."

"...if that is what you say." Memory bowed unconfidently. He thought about asking why Illusion didn't actually destroy Alex. However, the answer was obvious...

"Oh, can you fill in the crater for me?" Illusion asked. "I don't want Sabre to suspect that this town is dangerous. I'll be building a trap for him, so clean up the remains of that building while I do that."

Memory teleported to the crater. He remembered the suffocating and claustrophobic feeling of that glass prison. He was actually relieved that the building destroyed. However he knew that the building was valuable to Illusion. Did he really mean it when he said the study room no longer had value? Or did he only say that in the heat of the moment? Would he later regret destroying it?

Memory stepped into the crater and scooped up the remaining cobblestone blocks, scorched books, and distressed papers. Just in case Illusion did end up regretting it. Hopefully the surviving pieces would cheer him up.

Memory filled in the crater with dirt and grass blocks, still confused by Illusion's sour attitude and impulsive behavior. Well, Illusion has always been impulsive, making drastically new decisions last minute. However, there was something definitely off about him today. Memory remembered last night, when Illusion fainted from stress. Whatever Illusion experienced last night – definitely affecting his behavior today – happened in the now-destroyed study room.

And Memory was a sneaky boi who loved getting information.

He looked through the surviving books and papers in his inventory. Immediately one diagram from the bundle caught his eye. He gasped and nearly dropped everything.

"To Absorb A Steve."

The diagram was a blueprint the size of a 2x2 painting. It had two small pictures of Nightmare Steve and Void Steve taped to it.

Memory blinked in confusion. He thought he knew everything about Illusion's plan. But he heard nothing about fusing or absorbing a Steve. What was Illusion thinking? Didn't he know that absorbing a Steve could be dangerous?! If absorbing a Steve was easy, Void Steve would had absorbed Galaxy Steve a long time ago, before Rainbow Steve's arrival; but he didn't because he needed time to prepare. Even after preparing for generations, he failed to absorb Galaxy Steve...

How long...How long has he been planning to do this? The sickened thoughts pestered Memory. This must be recent. He started planning to absorb a Steve this morning. He created this diagram this morning.

If Illusion had planned this for a while and created the diagram a long time ago, Memory would had immediately spotted the diagram last night. Because that diagram had Void's portrait, and Memory could never forget the face of his father...

He folded and stuffed the diagram into his inventory as dread and frustration consumed him. He lost his father because his plan to absorb Galaxy went wrong.

He didn't want to lose Illusion to the same fate.

Word count: 5869

See you guys next week for Chapter 11! Take care and stay safe.