Once again… their longtime friend is there in front of them, yet she seems so far away. Why?
How long had they felt this way?
Since Kipo had returned from her first adventure outside the burrosw, she had changed, she seemed the same, cheerful and lively as always, but more courageous, more enterprising. And definitely more beautiful than ever. Especially when they saw her transform her arm into that of a mute. Ah ... Asher and their obsession with mutes. It was a good thing, but ... now Kipo had become the hero of the mutes, H.M.U.F.A.'s leader and she was destined to do great things ... And Asher was still there, to take care of Pierre, wash dishes, to fix things and… their have done absolutely nothing useful for Kipo. Not even now, when the first Human Mute Ultimate Friendship Alliance's meeting resolve into a fiasco, Asher have done or said anything. Kipo is there talking to her father and her friends from the surface, holding hands, discussing what to do with it and Asher is there at the door, looking at all them with some jealousy and desire to go there. But they knows it would be too much. What are they looking at? Asks a voice from behind. Asher jumps almost slamming against the door and sees Dahlia, their twin sister watching them as she dodges a Newton Wolf and a Timbercats who beat each other. Maybe it's best to talk about it in the bedroom. Asher suggests. Yes definitely. Arriving in their room, Asher sits on the window frame and starts looking at the forests that for months had become their refuge, while Dahlia sits in the hammock where she slept to watch her sibling. Asher seriously, you've been looking weird for a while now. My twin instinct tells me that you have something in your head, and as usual you bottle it so that no one can see it. It's nothing. it's obvious they're lying. it's just ... sighs, resting thier head on the wood. What are we doing here Dahlia? Can you tell me? The sister is clearly confused but answers patiently Let's help Kipo form a strong alliance with the mutes. As she goes out there, looking for a mad scientist who wants to destroy her and us. Something they had in their stomach for months and finally got out. Admit it Dahlia, we haven't done anything to help her. the girl looks surprised at her twin, while sadly lowers her eyes. I didn't do anything to help her. Asher this is not true. Oh yeah? You know that Dave this morning when I brought him breakfast in the dining room, he mistook me for you? Yet I just had Molly cut my hair ! It's not annoying the fact that he mistook me, but he seemed like he didn't know I had a twin and he said "I'm sorry but you know, we saw eachother so little that I almost forgot you existed." grunts clutching their knees to their sore chest. Before seeing their sister with a hint of concern Am I really that dull?. What? Dahlia asks as she approaches and strokes their knee. No! Don't think about Dave, you know he's not as smart as he wants to prove. You are my twin and you are very special. Both for me and for Kipo. Asher looks at her and blushes asking For Kipo too? Do you really think so? Dahlia looks at their with a knowing smile Of course, she wouldn't be your crush for 3 years if she was'nt Asher lowers their legs, blushing until their face turns red and exclaims Nghh… Dahlia ! making their sister laugh. Yeah…their crush for 3 years. Kipo has always been different from the others, openminded and spontaneous; she had never been good at telling lies, and gets too caught up in enthusiasm, but she was intelligent and lively; she was like their sister who was the frisky of the twins, but on another level. When Asher exhibited their interest in mutes, hoping they could see one live, or his dream of becoming something like a vet, Kipo was there to support them and say it was a good dream. And when Asher came out at age 10 as non-binary, both Dahlia and Kipo were surprised, but it was Kipo's opinion that interested them the most, and she accepted them as they were, she was there with them and Dahlia when they talked to their folks. If they hadn't had Kipo to encourage them, holding their hand, they wouldn't have told to the two of them; their parents were obviously confused, but they accepted them, but Asher, as always, had a lot of insecurities and fears that they kept to themself, never showing to anyone. But with Kipo they felt they could have courage. And so all of a sudden they felt more and more the need to see her every day, to talk to her and watch her as she became something more than just a friend ... but as the person they wanted by their side forever. They were going to tell her, on her 13th birthday, to tell her how they felt about her. But then there was the mega-monkey, the burrow that was destroyed, Scarlemagne ... and now Dr. Emilia. And as soon as Kipo swore to stop her, Asher saw her and seemed to have become someone they couldn't reach. She had discovered her mute's gene, made new friends, faced a tyrant ... She belongs to a world that Asher cannot reach. Yumyan? Cured? Transformed into a normal cat? Had Emilia managed to create the formula to make return mutes into simple animals? All this while Asher was taking care of Pierre, Yumyan's giant flea. They saw it with their own eyes, and Kipo was so downcast, they wanted to tell her something… but they didn't say anything, they didn't do anything. And not even now they're doing anything, they are somewhere to caress the flea, with a sad look and a delicate hand. The flea seems to fidget slightly as Asher strokes him and tells him I'm sorry buddy, Yumyan is here, but ... he'll never be the same again. It's like he's dead ... who knows if he still remembers, but he can't express his feelings . Takes a good deep breath and screams as they sits on the ground theirself The nerve with that! Why on earth am I here to support you and not the girl I love? Pierre emits a verse, before Asher continues mortified I mean no! Do not get me wrong. It's not your fault, you're not the problem. But… a lot of things have happened in the past few months, and not once have I gone to Kipo to fully support her, or help her. Even now I can't! Instead of staying with her, to console her, I'm here at ... looks at the flea that looks back at them and Asher looks at him sorry before narrowing their eyes and saying I'm sorry Pierre, I'm unforgivable, I shouldn't complain now, it's you to have need for comfort. They have to go to sleep ... it has been a long night and they thinks they could fall asleep even now that he is walking towards thier room; they yawn loudly, and as they do they sees Kipo pass right by theirside, with her father Lio, Wolf (her friend of the surface), Dave (the immortal mute insect) and Benson (the other guy Kipo met on the surface) and a woman. A woman they had seen in photo, and whom they saw every day transformed into a mega-monkey: Song, Kipo's mother. Asher looks at the surprised woman as Kipo takes their wrist and happily says Asher ! Come say hello to my mom! Before dragging them with her. It's definitely heartening to see her smile after what happened with Yumyan. Kipo points to Asher and looks at Song saying Mom, do you remember Asher? The woman smiles warmly and sweetly saying Yes of course ... before becoming confused and asking Wait ... Weren't you Dahlia? Asher looks at her before saying Eh ... no ma'am. Dahlia is my sister. The girl who is always with me Song puts a hand to her mouth saying mortified Sorry, all this time I had ... Asher chuckles nervously, amused (it's no surprise that their sister and they are often confused, better than Dave who thought they didn't exist at all), but also kind of over excited to see Kipo's mother alive, she is really identical to her daughter. Or maybe the other way around. Before getting lost in their thoughts, they asks their friend. But how is this possible? Well while rescuing the others ... explains Kipo my dad found a missile shot, and took it, before Emilia escaped. Lio steps forward commenting it's really the only good thing her cure has done for us Asher looks at him feeling a slight melancholy in the stomach, thinking about poor Yumyan. But don't worry! Kipo exclaims, holding their hand. Now my mom is here and can create a vaccine that can protect the mutes. Asher smiles at Kipo, only with her would they be able to smile so sincerely, before turning to Song asking Will it be possible to bring Yumyan back to normal with that? Kipo looks at his mother with a nice smile as if expecting a positive response, but Song frowned sadly saying I don't think so, I'm sorry. That is, it could restore him to the mutant form, but it is unlikely he would have the memories of before being cured Oh the two friends said in unison, with a sad air. Kipo shakes her head and says Let's not think about this. Now the important thing is to protect others from being treated. Yumyan's sacrifice must not be in vain. And looks at her mother with conviction and encouragement. Sometimes Kipo was able to be so optimistic even in the most desperate situations, that Asher wondered if she is hiding her negative feelings so that others could not see them. Even now… even now Asher wonders if Kipo really can't handle this heavy situation anymore. If so, they could stand next to her, comfort her and tell her that everything will be okay but… they look her. the look her mother and all the others and with a forced smile it seems that you have a lot to discuss. and slowly releases Kipo's hand saying Sorry, but I'm going to sleep. It's been a long night and I'm tired . Kipo first looks at their hand with surprise and then looks at her friend smiling Okay, go ahead. Tomorrow I'll tell you everything! Asher smiled softly at her before wishing everyone good night and leaving. Will they finally be able to meet her face to face tomorrow, to tell her something? They hopes so, but they wouldn't be surprised if she forgets, she has more important things to think about. Now that she has her mother, she would spend all her time with Song seeing how he creates a vaccine, and thinking of another plan to counter Emilia ... Kipo told them that her parents gave her the mega-jaguar DNA when she was still an unseed egg. Basically it was an experiment ... She doesn't see anything wrong with it, she even finds it cool, but everyone else finds it disturbing, but even more disturbing is that the two of them have decided for her, what she should become, before to be generated. And now she has incredibly big responsibilities, and too heavy for a 13-year-old girl, with a woman wants to kill her, for what her parents chose. Asher thinks about it and gritting their teeth, they realize that the fear of losing Kipo forever, due to these responsibilities, will not make them sleep peacefully. Their parents are safe, and now they understand that mutes are not monsters, Kipo did not lose her jaguar half when Emilia hit her with the cure. It should be okay… but it isn't. Emilia and the humans of the burrow arrived and healed many mutants by making them normal animals, and Kipo didn't want to fight them, but she was forced to do so. Because of some fate, which the mute goats had prophesied to her. Asher is hugging their parents with Dahlia, after months of being separated, but as soon as they see Kipo, as a mega-jaguar running away, Asher moves away from the family embrace and walks away with their eyes widened and their gaze confused and frightened. Wolf, Benson, Dave and Mandu arrive shortly after, as they run to catch up with their friend. Guys, what's going on? Asks Dahlia also confused by the scene. Kipo is angry! Benson replies turning as he ran. She wants to destroy Emilia's ship. Come on Benson! Wolf scolds him. We have to stop her! Kipo's new friends run back to her. And while Asher stands there watching, first the group run towards her and then the mega jaguar that gets further and further away. She want to destroy the ship? With all the people inside? They ask without looking at anything else. I don't blame her after what happened. Said their mother as she approaches putting a hand on their hair to gently stroke them. I just hope they can stop her Dahlia comments, but Asher does not hear what she is saying, in a moment their eyes fill with tears and her balance falls to their knees, with a sad and painful expression as they brings their hands on the face starting to cry. Their mother, father and Dahlia are surprised and even if they ask what happens, they don't answer and continues sobbing in the arms of his mother, who caresses their head calmly and their father who remains standing but is nearby. with a worried look. As Dahlia approaches her twin and touches thier shoulder and says encouragingly Come on Asher, don't cry, you'll see, Kipo will come back to us. She always comes back. No she's not... Asher replies between sobs She doesn't come back to us ... she goes back to the H.M.U.F.A., for other plans to defeat Emilia ... or to make the mutes get along ... Instead we don't do anything to help her ... panting among the tears as thier parents look worried, thier father kneels and says No honey, that's not true. Yes it is! They answer with their hands over their eyes. You haven't been there for months. You don't know what we did here. We have been useless! And while their family tries to console them, Molly, the white timbercat, arrives from the boardroom, approaches sternly and says Hey! Am I interrupt you? Soon we'll have dinner. But then she sees them all embraced, with Asher in tears. And it's a bit uncomfortable, but then the young one says I'm useless. Who told you that? Molly asks, with strength and anger. The Newton Wolves? That ugly Dave? Showing his ax to the sky. Tell me who they ay, and they will taste the wrath of my AAAAAAAAAAAAAAXE! as always, timbecats exaggerate to show their anger, so much so that the folks seem doubtful about having chosen the right faction where they want to be. Molly calm down. Dahlia says standing up Nobody said that. and then she looks at Asher and continues And nobody thinks that, Asher. Above all Kipo! Her sibling gets up and looks at their twin saying angry We can't know this, we don't spend a moment with her anymore! she is always with her new friends from the surface to risk her life, only because her parents imposed on her a mute DNA, before she was born, even before generating her! When she defeated Scarlemagne, we weren't by her side! When she nearly got trapped in a mega-mute form, we weren't her anchor! And when she went to rescue her friends, we didn't go with her! And now she goes to kill our people, without consulting us, without asking what we think! Without saying a word to us! And I'm here to complain and do nothing, while she risks becoming like Doctor Emilia and it's always her new friends who have to save her, while I ... I ... I CAN NOT DO NOTHING FOR THE GIRL I AM IN LOVE WITH! they screams that last sentence, panting strongly, while everyone looks at them surprised by such an outburst, especially Molly, who has always seen Asher as a quiet young person, a little submissive, but friendly especially with mutes. Dahlia and her parents look at each other unsure of what they said but before they all can say anything, it's the same Molly who comes forward and says Now that's enough, listen here Asher Bardacs! Berdacs. The whole family corrected her in unison. Whatever. Continues the cat hurriedly, before approaching Asher pointing the finger at them Don't ever try to say these things again, not in front of me! I understand that you want to help Kipo, and that you don't know how. I give you some advice: first of all stop crying and listen to me first show the ax and ask Do you know why Yumyan wanted me to become his second? Asher looks at her and shakes their head, wiping their eyes. I don't know. they replies, as she they pull their nose Because you are the strongest, and the one with more leadership than the others Suggests. NO, you moron! Molly exclaims forcefully lowering the ax quickly. Can you put the ax away? You risk hurting someone while you talk. Asks the twins mother politely. But Molly does not listen to her and continues Because I have stayed with him always and in any case! We have always been together, since we were kittens and even when he decided to become our leader, I was with him. Yeah, it was tiring at times, and I felt like he was always 10 paces ahead of me, but I didn't let go ! And when he became the lord of the timbercats, he said to me "Molly Yarnchopper, you have always been with me, even in my stupidest decisions, I couldn't think of anyone more inclined to be my deputy, old friend of mine! " She lowers her eyes for a moment, while Asher listens to her with a thoughtful but attentive expression Do you think I have the best leadership skills? Do you know that when we met Kipo and the others, Yumyan had disappeared, and we no longer knew what to do? I didn't know what to do anymore! So you are not the only to have felt useless. But if you want Kipo to notice you, and to know how important it is to her, you must have guts, stop whining and stay close to her. Be her support when she needs someone most! And believe in her always, even in the most stupid and reckless decisions in the world! Don't look at others, think about what you can do for her. Asher looks surprised at the cat who stops with a serious air, while their father puts a hand on thier shoulder and says She's right kid. You will see that Kipo will not consider you useless if you do even small things for her. Sometimes those are the most important, honey. Thier mother intervenes. Asher smiles at everyone heartened and calm as they walk over to Molly and trying to hug her Thank you. but the cat steps back saying irritated, but with obvious embarrassment and moving away and hissing, she says So are we going to dinner or not? Crying makes you hungry! And the Berdacs family starts following her, as Asher thinks. they feel a little better hearing those words of those who know what it means to be on the sidelines, while a person important to them is out there saving the world, but the thought that Kipo can put his principles aside scares them. Waiting for it to happen and hoping for the best is nerve-wracking and heartbreaking. But it is really the only thing it can do Prahm, the party to bring humans and mutes together and hope they become friends. It is the stupidest, most ridiculous, most unnatural idea of all! Worthy of Kipo! That stupid, optimistic, naive…. Adorable, brave, sincere and pretty ... No. Asher couldn't say no to such an idea. As stupid as it is, it's an incredible idea like the girl they loves and it make them feel butterflies in their stomachs, like the time their understood what it means to be in love with someone. Also the Prahm it's better than a mass extermination. After being trapped in the parade float with the other humans by squirrels mutes (it's a long story), convincing the mutants to join in and witnessing Benson asking his boyfriend Troy to go to the prom with him, Asher had decided. While the others prepare the party, they took a little break, looking at the sea, taking a black box from thier suit pocket open it, showing two gold earrings, very simple and cute, like Kipo. They holds the box to his heart, smiling and sighing. Those were thier birthday present for Kipo, but after what happened they didn't have time to give thouse to her anymore. But now they have decided to do so ... Thier thoughts, however, are interrupted by Dahlia who approaches playfully asking Taking a break little sibs? And Asher looks at her smiling back and showing her the earrings, the girl recognizes them and looks at her sibling with bright eyes and an enthusiastic face. You know Dahlia, I decided to give them to Kipo. And ... they stop and blush ... to confess myself. And Dahlia hugs them, exulting happily. Yay! Finally ! This will be so romantic! I can imagine it: you and Kipo in front of an audience of humans and mutes dancing in love… Asher, however, interrupts her with embarrassment, saying Woaaaah No! You got it all wrong. What? Dahlia asks confused I don't want to give it to her during the party, but afterwards. Asher answers What? Why? Asher sighs and says She already has too much to think about: Emilia, the mutes and the humans who must not destroy each other, I don't want to put another thought in her head, how to respond well or badly to the love confession of her childhood friend . Dahlia thinks about it for a moment and says Yeah, you're right. But be sure not to withdraw at the last minute, otherwise I will get really angry! Asher shakes their head and say I won't ... I have decided now, whether she reject me or not, I have decided that I will tell her everything. Everything! And in their brown eyes there is no shadow of doubt or insecurity. Dahlia is almost moved as she says My twin is growning up. Come on! Asher says with a chuckle. As if we have who knows how many years of difference. I am the twin who was born first! So I'm the big sister! Dahlia exclaims making fun of them. One last moment of serenity before the final confrontation. _ The party was successful, just not in the hoped for: humans and mutants finally put their differences aside and forgave each other. Even Scarlemang, Hugo, has apologized for his tyranny towards everyone. But Emilia had prepared a trap: the cure inside the fireworks. Thank goodness that everyone was saved thanks to Kipo and the humans who protected the mutants from turning into normal animals and losing themselves. And then Emilia turns into a mega mutant and threatens everyone. Asher and their family fled to the ruins of Las Vistas and rescued everyone, but Kipo's parents, and her friends, were not with them. As they seek shelter in an old destroyed building, Asher does nothing but look back, wondering if Kipo is okay, if she'll be okay out there, now she's up against a ruthless and cruel mega mute, and might not make it. They are afraid! So afraid for her! The building is far from the coast, but you can clearly hear the crashes, the roars, the blows. All of it! And from the broken windows they can see many things: the two titans, fighting each other for the sake of the world, between fists, bites and claws, for a moment the humanoid mega-walrus seemed to have the worst, yet getting used to her new body started hitting Kipo, even harder, harder and harder. Kipo may not make it, at least if she is alone. Asher is afraid for her, but then sees some of the mutes and humans leave the building and decide to go and help her. Even the arrogant mayor of their burrow, had decided to go out. And Asher ... is still there hiding behind everyone's back, while the others are helping Kipo. Just the thought makes them clench their hands in fists, with a serious expression and one of those who no longer want to be useless. Even if it's something small, it has to make Kipo feel that they won't give up and they are with her. For her! They turns and whistles with their fingers, then shout Pierre! The flea arrives, being caressed by the young one, who turns to the other mutants and humans left asking Is there anyone who has a megaphone or something like that? Almost ignoring their family looking confused. One of the mutant hummingbirds gives him a megaphone without understanding, while Asher climbs onto Pierre's back while Dahlia asks worriedly. Asher what do you think you're doing? Supporting Kipo! Is the only thing they can do, and even if it's a little help compared to others, both they and her need it. They exits the building led by Pierre, but the flea does not go too far, he makes a leap that takes them to the roof of the ruined building, where Asher has a good view of the battle that is taking place. They don't know if Kipo will hear it, but that's not important. The important thing is to be there. Asher turns on the megaphone and starts yelling into it towards battle Come on Kipo! You can do it! Punc that crazy sociopathic! Don't let her win! Come on! COME ON! They won't leave her to fight alone while they stays safe there! Never again! She's done too much for everyone, and Asher needs to let her know how much they appreciates her, how much they wants to see her safe and sound every time she returns from a mission. And how much they cares about her! They'll never let their insecurities pull them back. Never again! Asher is so busy cheering for Kipo that they don't notice all the mutants and humans in have followed their example, some climbing to the roof and others not, and are shouting and urging Kipo not to give up. The battle was over. It's all over. Emilia's threat has been eradicated. She heard from Benson that she ended up in the clutches of Fun Gus, the mutant who imprisons others to make them his friends even if it means starving. Disturbing. However, the victory had consequences, and victims: Hugo, the former tyrant once called Scarlemagne, sacrificed himself to save Kipo. Dying as a hero, albeit leaving a very deep wound in the Oak family. He was Kipo's lost adoptive brother, and even if briefly, it appears that they shared a brotherly bond. It's been two days since the battle ended, and Kipo hadn't been seen by anyone other than her surface friends and her parents. Probably still upset about Hugo's death. But Asher promised themself that they would never leave her again. For this they made Benson and Dave tell him where she is and ran to her, quickly thanking the two friends, with a determined look. They don't want to confess now, he just wants to be with her and comfort her in this bad time. There she is, on the tree of timbecats forest, dressed in her usual clothes since she has been on the surface and sitting on the glass box that was once Hugo's cage, after his defeat. She is clearly worn out, tired and must have been crying a lot, with puffy eyes. Asher hardly believes she is the same Kipo they have always known and loves with all their heart, but they're not intimidated by this and slowly approaches trying to smile. Kipo. Greets her in a hoarse, aching voice, as they stops in front of her: they screamed so much two nights ago they now have a very bad sore throat. The girl looks at them and pulling up her nose says Hey Ash. Tries to smile too, even if only briefly. Her friend comes over and sits next to her saying Sorry if I come from nowhere, I wish I had come earlier, but I wanted to give you your space. Kipo turns to look at him and rubs his eyes saying No it's fine. Asher looks at her and continues scratching their head. You know I saw ... the battle from the building where we took refuge and it was intense and ... incredible and ... a lot of nonsense is being shot at random. That's not what they meant, they didn't want to talk about the battle but about something else. Something they have difficulty saying, now that they togheter. Kipo looks at Asher, as if she somehow understands that they don't know what to say. The battle is over. Comment slowly Now a new chapter starts… You say it, but you don't seem happy. Asher ventures Don't tell me that, you dont want to help ... No! Exclaims Kipo No. I want to help humans and mutants live together. I didn't give up but ... she stops grabing her knees with an insecure air I don't know ... I'm afraid. I can no longer imagine a next step to take. it is as if my head had suddenly emptied and lost the image I had of a brighter future. It's going to be harder from now on… and they are all counting on me for… well everything. I don't think I'm ready for this kind of stuff. I'm afraid of making a mistake and… losing everyone, like I lost Hugo. And look at Asher, who listened to her in silence. Or like I almost lost you. Asher coughs insecurely before saying M-me? Kipo nods and lowers her eyes A few weeks after Hugo's defeat, I noticed that you were spending a lot of time with the timbercats or with Pierre and, I don't know how, I started to think that you wanted to avoid me. That I had done something wrong, and that you were angry with me in some way. But I always put that thought aside, and concentrated on Emilia, and on the H.M.U.F.A. Although ... I started ... shakes hER head Ugh! I don't even know how it jumped into my head, but ... I thought you hated me and .. Asher looks at her, eyes widening in shock , and puts a hand over their mouth without words before lowering it and saying Kipo, I wouldn't hate you never ! and hugs her. A-Asher…! Exclaims Kipo in surprise. I'm sorry! They apologize and then looks at her, dissolving the embrace but keeping their hands on her shoulders. I don't hate you, but ... they cough in their hand from the effort made, but continues as they feels the tears come to them, but they holds them back saying ... Dahlia and I have done nothing to help you. I wanted to, but I felt in the way, with you, Wolf and the others. I thought you didn't need me anymore. What? No! Kipo is also shocked, she gently takes thier cheeks with her hands. Don't even think so, dummy! Wolf and I are like sisters now, but you and Dahlia are my friends, just as much as she is. What the heck Ash, we grew up together! If I didn't consider you a friend I wouldn't have been so afraid of losing you. Seeing you and Dahlia safe has always been enough for me to feel calm. Asher looks at her confused, as they leaves thier friend's shoulders before hearing her say. It is silly perhaps, but I was terrified, every time I went to look for Emilia, to return and see that she had attacked the village, and had killed everyone. trembles slightly before turning and saying Just seeing that you were all safe and sound, especially you, calmed me. So don't say anymore that I don't need you anymore! Asher frowns and says. Well you better don't ever think again that I hate you, because it's a lot of nonsense! And they try to take her hand saying You are my friend Kipo. I can't imagine a day where I can't see you. I was so scared when you first left the burrow. I ... I can't be without you. Because… you are the person I love most in the world. You're everything to me. They blushe before opening their eyes wide, and looking at Kipo, surprised, shocked, with her mouth and eyes open and as red as they are. Oh no! What a idiot! What have I done? I didn't want to tell you ... I was here to console you. They wave their hands in front of her and standing up they say I'm sorry, I didn't want to, forget everything! And puts his hands in front of their face and start to leave. However, they feel something big grabbing their shoulders and dragging them backwards, and they turn their head to see Kipo who has transformed her arms into the jaguar's paws and grabbed him exclaiming. Ohhhh No! You stay here! But ... it wasn't a confession I wanted to make to you now ... that you lose your foster brother ... what the heack are they saying? I was indelicat , sorry! It's you who said to want to be with me! Kipo exclaims making her paws disappear and stinging Asher's shoulders with gentle touch before whispering Please ... stay ... Asher looks at her and finds her vulnerable, and in need of company. They can't refuse such a thing, so they go back to sit down with her and ... the embarrassment is palpable, both of them are red as tomatoes, and embarrassed. It is Kipo who breaks the silence How long? She asks Three years ... Asher answers almost guilty I started feeling butterflies in my stomach every time you held my hand, especially when I came out to my parents. I wished you would never let go of my hand. Oh Ash… Kipo sighs smiling at them softly. I didn't want to tell you like that, I'm sorry. Asher apologizes before starting to shake without looking at her and squeezing their knees, with a new cough. But Kipo doesn't stop smiling and says Dahlia told me what you did for me, did you get a sore throat for that? She asks, her friend blush and answer Y-yes .. Thanks Asher. I may not have heard it but .. and she approaches them until they touch their shoulders ... knowing it made me really happy. Asher looks at her and smiles back before clearing their throat as much as they can Kipo I know that maybe I won't always be in your group of friends when you go on dangerous missions, whatever they are, but I want to be an active part of your life. Being with you, being your support and your shoulder when you need to cry. they lower their eyes before raising them and continuing It's okay even if it's just in friendship if you want it. Of course the don't want it, but they can't tell her. But I want to be with you. Forever. Kipo blushes smiling and says. I want it too. Asher smiles, feeling inside of them a great happiness, never felt in his life, and hugs Kipo strongly, a hug that is sent back with the same force, perhaps even stronger, while the first embarrassment disappears and leaves only the happiness of the two kids, with their feelings finally clarified. Asher detaches themself and takes the box from their suit pocket and then opens it and shows her the earrings, which leaves Kipo breathless. It was supposed to be a gift for your birthday, but then that mess happened and ... I didn't have the opportunity to give it to you anymore. So… Kipo takes the box and looks at Asher gratefully saying They are very beautiful. As soon as I get off I will have my ears pierced so I will put them on. Thanks Asher! And although she blushes, she approaches to give them a kiss on the cheek, which causes Asher to flare up and freeze in place with a surprised face. Kipo laughs amused and puts the gift in his pocket before getting up. Come on! I think the time has come to get off this branch. Asher shakes their head before recovering and getting up. Are you sure? Are you ready to go? Kipo smiles but then gets depressed again saying No. but then takes Asher's hand and cheers up saying Now I am. Asher blushes and squeezing the hand, begins to walk with her to return to the others after one last look at Hugo's cage. They come back together and in silence, holding hands. They don't know what awaits them in the future, but… they know they will face it together. One way or another!