Chapter 12: A downpour of Emotions
Five am was rolling around, and while many were still asleep at this hour, a certain German doctor was in the soul clinic department, checking over the formulas and the soul shards for the serum. He looked over the notes he took, as well as the test tubes which contained the liquids of each shard he got. Septic Nurse was by his side, watching over him and helping him as much as she could. "The serum is nearly done." Henrik noted, his eyes had bags under them to show how tired he was. "I only need two more shards to stabilize it. As soon as it's morning I'll… I'll…" Henrik's eyes started to grow heavy, as his lids fell with him slouching over onto the table. He began to snore as his drowsiness finally grabbed a hold of his body.
"Doctor? Doctor, wake up!" Nurse nudged his face to try and wake Henrik up.
"Vhaaaa? What the… sauerkraut… w-what?" He looked around, getting his bearing as he saw his helper.
"You were falling asleep on your feet again! I suggest you take a moment to go lay down and get some rest. We can continue the serum later." Nurse suggested.
"No, no I'm fine…" Henrik shook his head to focus. "I just need some coffee. I need to stay awake if I am to finish the serum." He told himself. "I think I had some in my room?" He questioned, not sure if it was true or not. Even so, at least he would get to walk around and stretch out his legs. He headed out of the soul clinic area, walking down a few hallways, some flights of stairs and turning a few corners. The hospital was pretty silent, though it was early in the morning. Once he headed out of the solid metal door, he found himself in what appeared to have been a waiting room. He went to the door closest to the corner and walked through. His room, which had a single bed against the far wall, a few filing cabinets, a dark-blue locker and a desk. Sitting on top of those gray filing cabinets was a pot of coffee which Henrik was planning on getting. When he reached for it and looked at the pot, he scowled.
"Dammit! This coffee is too cold! I should have changed it yesterday…" He sighed. "Maybe there is some in the cafeteria? I should go check there." Henrik decided as he walked out of his room/office. When he did, he started to hear the running of footsteps nearby. How strange? Who could be running down the halls at this hour? He turned to his right, seeing someone cutting down the corner. He gasped when he saw his son. "Angus? What are you doing here so-"
"Dad! You have to help!" Angus begged, panting as he seemed out of breath. "Anti suddenly collapsed in the treehouse! He's got a high fever and his glitching is much worse!" Angus explained, while he held up the younger ego as he cradled him in his arms. Henrik was confused, until he saw how ill Anti appeared, which made him freak out like Angus.
"What?! Bring him to the lab, right now!" The two hurried, going back to the soul clinic area as quickly as they could. Once there, Henrik looked over at his septiceye. "Nurse! Get the equipment ready!" He ordered.
"Right away, Doctor!" She saluted before heading into the room and turning everything on. Angus laid Anti down on the table, while Posi was still using his ice powers to try and keep the fever at bay.
"Aaaah! I'm doing what I can to keep him from getting any hotter, but I can only do so much!" Posi whined.
Nega held onto the angel, making him step back. "Let's have Henrik take it from here." He advised. The two souls and Angus watched as Henrik and Nurse were doing everything they could. They gave Anti some sedatives which helped to calm him down. Nurse also checked his fever, which was high, but not as bad as before. Henrik gave him some medicine for it as well. Angus could only watch, hoping that Anti would recover as the glitch was laying on that table.
After a while, Henrik took off his face mask and wiped his sweat. Angus stood up from the chair. "H-how is he?!"
Henrik rubbed the back of his neck while explaining. "It's hard to say what caused this… but it seems to have passed. He's resting right now, and his glitching seems to have settled. He should be fine for now."
Angus sighed in relief, thankful for his father figure. "Thanks dad…"
Posi and Nega were also grateful. For a second there, they thought they were losing Anti. Henrik went on to say more though. "I had Nurse take some images of his soul. I am going to get the x-rays now. Stay here, and if anything happens, inform Nurse."
"O-okay." Angus nodded, watching the doctor head out of the room. He hoped that whatever happened back there was nothing serious. Even so, he waited for the results.
"Hgggh…" A moaning could be heard from the bed, making Angus jump as he saw the one laying there opening his eye.
"Anti?" Angus went to his side, almost instantly.
"Anti! Oh thank goodness!" Posi cried out.
"A-Angus? P-Posi?" Anti rubbed his head as he tried to get up.
Angus kept him laying down. "Don't get up too quickly, the drugs are still in your system." He urged.
"How are you feeling?" Nega asked, looking over the younger ego.
"R-Really shitty…" He admitted.
"Well, thanks for the honesty." Nega shrugged.
"What happened?" Anti asked.
"You collapsed back at the treehouse, you were speaking in that code language again. You had a fever and your glitching was so bad, it covered your body. I carried you here to the hospital for Henrik to help you." Angus explained.
The glitch looked at himself, frowning as his ears went down. "I-I'm sorry I worried you."
"Don't apologize," Posi reassured him. "We're glad you are alright."
Angus gave a shaky sigh as he reached over, holding one of Anti's hands. "You didn't know something like this was going to happen. At least it's over."
Anti looked up at the older ego, glad he wasn't upset. "So...where's Henrik now?"
"He took some x-rays of your soul and is getting them right now." Posi explained. "He should be back soon."
"M-my soul?" Anti jumped when he heard that. Before he could ask further though, the door to the room opened. Everyone turned as they saw the very doctor himself walking in with a few papers in his hands. His face was down as his skin was pale.
When he looked up to see the younger ego awake, his eyes went wide. "Anti! You are awake!"
"Dad!" Angus ran over to the doctor. "He just woke up." He explained. He was relieved to see his father back here, only for it to be washed away when he saw how pale the doctor was. "W-What is it?" He asked in a worried tone.
Henrik bit his lip, holding the papers in his hands tightly. "I...I just got the prints of Anti's soul back and… you should see this…" He walked over to the board, placing the images up for everyone to see. To their horror, they could see the black soul becoming more unstable with glitching particles and the white aura surrounding the soul was smaller than before.
"T-The soul…" Angus's eyes went wide as he looked at Anti's soul, seeing how different it was from last time.
"The soul's essence around where his core should be has become much thinner. Because of that, he is losing his form and further progressing the corruption."
"Shit!" Angus cursed, more upset than angry.
"So that's the cause!" Nega realized.
Posi began to whimper as he looked at Anti. "T-this is much worse than we thought!" Tears began to slip free from the angel's eyes.
"But… how did it get thinner?" Anti wondered.
"The only way for essence to be used up is by summoning an egos magical abilities, such as their weapons. But… Anti never did any of those things when we went into the memories." Henrik pointed out.
Angus was just as confused, looking back over at the chimera as he remembered that state he was in during Marvin's memory. Come to think of it, he was in a similar state with Jackie and Chase as well. "Wait… Henrik, does essence magic have to be limited to only weapon summoning?"
Henrik looked over at his son, hearing his question and thought about it. "Technically, no. An ego can use their essence for other purposes, but it mainly depends on the ego themselves since each soul is different. For example, Marvin can use his essence in order to create illusions or for tricks. Jackie uses his essence to increase his physical features such as his strength, speed and agility. I can use my essence to heal others, to a certain degree. But, why do you ask?"
Angus bit his lip as he further explained. "Back in the memories, every time Anti would attack and lash out, especially at those bigger 'Manifestations'. He always went into this strange state, like a… a feral…" Angus went back to that one audio log he found before he freed Anti.
"One thing to note though, due to the DNA Dr. Nathaniel had put in, it appears that the vessel is capable of becoming… aggressive shall we say. If provoked or startled, or if the negative energy is greater than the positive one, then the vessel will go into a state where it will act like a feral animal. It will attack anything in its path if it feels they are a threat." Angus could hear the gruff voice of Doctor Thomas ring out in his ears. Back then, he didn't know what it meant, but now that he knew Anti and what he was capable of, it all made sense.
"Hold on… Angus, what are you saying?" Henrik wondered.
"I'm saying that whenever he went into that feral state, that is when he uses up his essence." Angus explained.
When he heard that, the doctor gasped, turning back to Anti who seemed just as surprised, and yet he didn't deny it. "I… I don't mean to but… when I saw those bullies, liars and Stacy… they reminded me of the scientists and I…" He trailed off while holding his tail.
"So when you go in that state, you use up the essence. And now it has become thinner. Without a core to restore the shell…" Henrik trailed off, knowing where this was going.
Angus stepped forward. "Then there's no other option…" He held his chest.
"A-Angus!?" Anti jumped as he saw the survival hunter approach.
"We have to give you the souls back, Anti! If this keeps up, you won't survive."
"No!"
"Anti…" Angus raised a brow.
"I know what you want to do, Angus! And I refuse! I'm not taking Posi and Nega back now."
"If you don't, then you will die!"
"You'll die if you give them to me! Besides, your soul is in far worse condition now than before." Anti pointed out, which caused Angus to flinch.
"W-what does he mean?" Henrik asked, looking at his son.
Anti looked directly at Angus as he spoke. "I can sense it from the dreams… how our souls get affected by it… and I know it's affected your soul as well."
"Angus?" Henrik glared at his son, demanding an answer as to what Anti was referring to. All eyes were on the hunter now, as they were either nervous or concerned. Knowing he would have to reveal the truth, Angus started to peel off his vest and shirt, making himself naked from the waist up. Once he revealed his chest, Henrik was horrified to see the cracks that were forming. "A-Angus…?"
"W-When did those appear?!" Posi questioned as he was just as terrified.
Angus held onto his chest where the cracks were, sighing as he bit his lip. "It… appeared after that dream where I saw Anti's memory tonight. Every time we share those dreams, it affects our souls. Mine especially. That was why we originally intended to come here. I was going to tell you Henrik, but only after Anti was better."
"Angus…" Anti's ears went down, as he felt the guilt creeping back up.
Henrik was mortified, staring at the wounds as he looked between the two broken and fractured egos. If this was caused by their shared memories… and with the rate Anti was using up his soul essence combined with Angus's soul fracturing… "If this is the case, then we need to hurry and finish the serum." He declared, trying to recollect himself as he gained their attention. "If you two have another memory like that, especially in the state you're in… then both of your souls will either officially shatter or will fade out completely. And on top of that… Posi and Nega would be just as damaged as well." When they heard that, Anti and Angus looked at one another, before turning over to the two souls. They seemed just as shocked, huddling close to each other as they were upset. The hunter and chimera didn't even realize that they would be in danger if anything happened to both of them. So many lives were on the line at this point.
Angus started to put his clothes back on as he looked back at the doctor. "Okay… we're almost done though, right?" He asked. "With the serum?"
Henrik gave a nod. "We need two more soul fragments from two donors, then one from you in order to make it bind correctly."
"So then… who's the next donor?" Anti asked.
Henrik sighed, tears starting to be created in his eyes. "I… will have to be the next donor. To be honest, it has been something I've been putting off this whole time…"
Angus didn't like how Henrik was reacting, he seemed so pained with those tears. "D-Dad?"
Henrik looked over at the hunter, giving a small smile. "Angus… I must confess something. Did you ever wonder where the soul fragments for the original serum came from?"
"No… w-why…"
Henrik chuckled sadly before he gave his answer. "I... have relived the memory that allows me to take a fragment of my soul. At least eight times now, possibly nine. Every version of the serum I made was my own souls' essence inside."
Angus took a step back, his whole face going pale upon the discovery. "H-Henrik… You… W-Why would you do that?! I-I mean-! You went through all of th-that pain, multiple times...just because of me? I-I don't…" He trailed off. How could he have not realized sooner? How else did those previous serums get made? And more importantly, why was it that Henrik always seemed emotionally drained before each injection?
"Because I care about you. I would do anything to help you. Especially when you came to me nearly in tears begging for me to fix you." Henrik explained. "I couldn't just let you go, Angus." Angus was reminded back to when he first came to Henrik as 'Anti'. How he wanted to feel positive emotions like the others, which was the start of the Corruption.
Angus had to use the bed that Anti was laying on for support, as he felt like his body would give out at any moment. Not from the stress of his soul, but from the revelation. "Dad…" He looked at the doctor. "Y-You know, that b-being this self-s-sacrificing is not healthy for you… E-Especially for someone...like me."
"A-" He was about to speak, only for Angus to cut him off.
"And no, don't interject and say "I'm worth it", because that's not going to change my argument. Not in the slightest." He pointed out.
"I...I know... I'm sorry... Angus." Henrik sniffled, seeing how disappointed he was. He didn't blame him. "But we can not worry about this now... I know what will happen, and though it is painful, we have to do it. For you and Anti." Henrik stated.
"In that case, can you at least promise me that you'll take better care of yourself after all of this is over. Please? You have done so much for me, the least I can do is make sure you are safe afterwards."
Despite still having tears in his eyes, Henrik nodded. "I-I'll try my hardest… For you Mein Sohn."
"Thank you, Dad." Angus smiled, it was a start at least.
As Anti saw their interactions, he was reminded of the memory of him and his own father. He could see how strong their bond was from where he was sitting. He admired how much they cared for one another, and realized just how important Angus was to everyone else. "So, when can we go into the memory?" Anti asked.
Henrik looked back over, as if he was about to speak up. Angus was the one to step over as he looked at Anti. "Anti… you can't come with us."
"W-What?! Why not?!" Anti asked the older ego.
"Your soul's essence is already thin enough. If you go into battle in that feral state again, it could very well kill you! We can't take the risk."
"But I can't sit by and watch you guys go through all of those past traumas… I want to help get the soul shards for you!"
"I know how you feel, Anti. But we already had a scare recently with you. If your essence becomes thinner, who knows what will happen to you. I don't want anything to happen to you."
"And what about you?! You are just as damaged right now and battling most likely strains your soul as well." Anti pointed out.
"Yeah, but I can handle myself, and I got the others."
Anti's ears went down once again, as he had a pleading look. "Angus please… I have to help! This is the only thing I can do to make up for what I have done to you. I need to be there for everyone else… I want to help them as well."
Angus wanted to keep arguing, but deep down he knew he was running out of excuses. He didn't want Anti to end up dying, otherwise this would be for nothing. Even so, he did understand how Anti was feeling. He didn't like the idea of being a bystander to all of these memories either, and he wanted to be there for the people to help them get through it. Nega and Posi watched on as well, both fearful yet admiring Anti for his loyalty. "He's just gonna be stubborn… both of them are so thick-headed, I swear."
"I don't blame them…" Posi admitted.
Henrik could sense the tension from here, he knew they needed to find a middle ground. So, he made a suggestion. "Anti only really uses up the essence if he goes into that state… when he battles. So… if he doesn't fight anyone…" Henrik trailed off as he made his case. Anti and Angus looked at the doctor, understanding where he was coming from.
The hunter turned back to the chimera. His shoulder sank as he gave an exhausted sigh. "As long as you don't fight against whoever we come across in that memory…"
"W-What?! B-but what if-"
"No 'if's' or 'but's' Anti! It's the only way to make sure you stay safe. You can come with us if you agree to those terms." His eyes began to soften as he said his last statement. "That's all I'm asking of you. Please…" He begged, trying to hold back the sadness.
As much as Anti didn't like the idea, he could see that Angus was pleading. Even though he felt guilty, he would feel even worse if he declined. Defeated, he reluctantly sighed. "O-okay…"
Angus could see the look he was giving him, and he tried not to be upset. A lot was going through his mind: Anti's and his soul status, the truth about the first serums, and the potential traumatization of what Henrik's memory would lead to. Henrik went over to the boys, trying to change the subject. "I'll contact Chase, Marvin and Jackie. Inform them about what is going on. They should be here within the next hour or two. Then we can begin the soul shard extraction."
"Got it…" Angus noted. He looked back over at Anti who kept his eyes downcast. Angus bit his lip, he didn't know what to feel anymore.
Henrik suggested some breakfast since it was early, and they were still waiting on the other three egos. However, the hunter and chimera declined, as neither of them were hungry. Instead, they headed to the soul clinic while Henrik finished up a few projects and waited for the others. It was Anti, Angus, Posi and Nega as they were in the room with the machines. Silence fell on the room as no one knew what to say. After everything that happened, after the discoveries and secrets were revealed, it was just one heart ache after another.
"Anti… Angus…" Posi spoke their names in a small voice, it sounded like a whisper.
"Are you guys mad at me?" Anti asked, looking over at Angus as he sat on the bench.
"Anti…" Angus's voice was low as he looked at the younger ego. "I'm not mad at you."
"Then why do you look so nervous?" Anti pointed out.
"Because I'm scared for both you, and for Henrik as well. I'm really worried about what this memory will be." Angus admitted, already upset about it if it caused Henrik so much pain.
"You two really shouldn't be doing this stuff. Especially considering how weak you are already." Nega pointed out.
"I know, I just… want to help them." Angus admitted, gripping onto the bench.
"You aren't any use to them dead!" Nega grunted.
"Easy Flames…" Posi reached over, holding Nega's shoulders to calm him down. The devil was still glaring at the two, clearly a bit upset they were pushing themselves despite their current status.
"All I'm saying is you don't have to go into the memories! They can handle it themselves."
"Nega! I am going!" Angus glared at the negative half of the Anti soul. "Dad has already been there for me so many times, this is the only way that I can repay him back."
"Even if that means dying before his eyes?!" Nega began to raise his voice as he and Angus were only a few inches apart. "You heard what Henrik said, if you end up suffering a fatal blow, me and Posi won't be able to heal you! You will die, and that is one stress factor that Henrik does not want on his conscience!" Angus bared his teeth, growling lowly as he was locking eyes with the devil.
Anti jumped from where he was sitting, getting in between the two to try and break up the fight. "Stop it! He just wants to help them! There's nothing wrong with that!"
Nega glanced over at Anti, who was trying to be brave. "And you have any room to judge?! You have practically been draining yourself! You nearly gave all of us a panic attack the moment you collapsed in that treehouse!"
"I-I…" Anti trailed off, knowing that he caused them all pain for his reckless actions.
"Don't blame him either!" Angus got up from the bench and shouted at Nega. "He didn't know what he was doing! It's a state he can't control, especially without you guys to support him!"
"And why do you think that is?!" Nega challenged. Angus stood his ground, though his face started to sweat as he heard the devil speak. He bit his lip, turning to Anti who was just standing there.
"A-Angus?" Anti called out to him.
"I know what I did… but you don't think I'm trying to make up for it?" Angus questioned. "I wanted to give you and Posi back to Anti but-"
"I'm not taking them back until Angus gets better! It's my choice if I want to get them back or not." Anti cut in. "Besides, if I take them back now, Angus will die."
"You both are already dying at this rate! Because you don't know when to admit when you are hurting!" Nega stated as he was becoming more upset. "If you're in pain, you're supposed to tell the ones you care about how hurt you are! How else is anyone supposed to help you if you just keep it all bottled up?!"
"I…" Anti trailed off as he looked down. "I didn't want Angus to feel pressured to give you guys back… If I was the reason t-t-that Angus died… I'd be no better than… than them." He clearly was referring to those that made him.
"You are nothing like those scientists!" Angus grunted.
Anti seemed unconvinced. "But everything I did… I ruined your life and your chance to keep living. I've made you and everyone go through hell because I am here…" Tears began to gather in his one visible eye as he started to cry out with shudders. "E-everything I've done has just been hurting others… that's why I was created."
"That's not true!" Angus shouted, his sclera's turning black for a split second. This made the other three jump when they saw the transformation. "You honestly fucking think that your purpose is to hurt others?! It isn't! If you were so adamant on wanting to hurt those around you, you wouldn't care so much about wanting to help the others with their pasts! Maybe those bastards that created you made you believe that, but they are wrong! You never meant for any of this to happen! You may be an Anti, but you aren't a monster!"
"But everything I did… to you… to the others…"
"Enough Anti!" Posi was the one to cry out. After being silent and listening for so long, he had had enough. As he spoke, ice sprang up from his feet. The room became much more chilly, as his powers were unstable at this point. "They are going through this because it's their choice! They chose to do this, not just for Angus, but for both him and you! They know you're both suffering, but they are willing to go through those hells and back to help you both! I know it means they have to relieve such awful and painful events, but this is their choice! They may be suffering, but I'm sure they would rather help to make a difference, than suffer while watching you two continue to hurt!" His voice became shaky as the tears welled up in his eyes. "Because they care that much about you two… because they love you… just as I love you both to the point I don't want to see either of you die!"
Angus flinched as he listened to the angel, speechless at his words. Anti was silent as well, just staring at Posi as he spoke. Nega blinked a few times, looking at his other half. "Holy shit, Posi…" That was all the devil could muster as the angel fell to his knees. The ice started to melt, but the positive half was shuddering as he held himself. Tears fell down his cheeks as he was mentally breaking.
"I-I'm sorry… I-I had to say it… So much has been going on and I… I-I…" Posi trailed off as he started to sob.
Nega went over, using some of his flames to keep melting the ice. "Breathe, Posi… breathe…" He instructed while patting his back.
"Posi… you felt this way all along?" Angus questioned.
"Why didn't you say anything earlier?" Anti asked.
Posi rubbed the tears from his eyes as he tried to speak through sniffles. "I… I wanted to, but I didn't want to give you guys a-any less hope… T-There's been s-so many emotions lately… that I-I couldn't hold it i-in anymore…" Nega still comforted Posi as best he could.
Angus understood where he was coming from, he never realized how much this was affecting Nega and Posi. He looked away for a moment, as the emotions started to overwhelm him. His eye went back to white, showing he was more calm down. Soon enough, the hunter began to feel tears rolling down his face. He reached up, wiping them but when he saw the color he was shocked. Instead of black ooze which he was used to crying, he had clear watery tears instead. He couldn't believe it… honestly, a smile spread on his face as he welcomed the tears.
"A-Angus!" Anti saw the tears which caused him to jump. "Y-You're crying!" Angus kept sniffling, shaking like a leaf yet he was smiling. Anti went over to him, reaching over and holding his shoulders, while Angus leaned against the chimera and just kept sobbing. "A-Angus… why are you…?"
"I...I just… haven't gotten it all out in s-so long…" He admits, holding onto Anti as tightly as he could. The tears dripped down, making small puddles on the ground.
"A-Angus…" Had he never cried before? Was he keeping all of these emotions inside of him since the Corruption? Since he became Anti? The chimera merely let him lay on his chest, rubbing his back.
"MNNNNNNNNNNNNGHHH!" Angus screamed into Anti's shirt, which made the two souls jump back. They could hear the muffled cry, laced with trauma and pain.
Anti was caught off guard with the crying, but he didn't blame Angus. He petted his back, comforting him as best he could. "It's alright Angus… I'm here… I know I'm not much help but…"
Angus shook his head as he looked up at the chimera. "Anti… you being here is enough…" He promised, holding onto the visible side of the younger ego's face. He kept crying as he tried to get himself composed. "I-I'm a bit better now… actually, I never really got the free time to cry. I never let my emotions out before… I guess… I was also bottling it up myself. But, it did feel better." He admits as he wipes the tears from him.
"All I ever knew was to cry… they hated when I let my emotions show, but it was the only thing that comforted me…" Anti stated. He and Angus leaned against the wall as they kept talking. "But now, I'm not the only one in pain. You're a victim too."
"We're both victims." Angus added. "That's what those people and our pasts made us into." He shook his head as he let out a pathetic chuckle. "We're both fucked up and damaged. But that doesn't mean we can't fix ourselves. I mean… look at where we are now. Sure, it's not ideal, but at least we're still standing and trying to get back up. It'll be a long ass process, with more pain before we can relax. But it'll be worth it. I know it will be."
"You really think there's hope for us?" Anti asked, as his tail started to wag again.
"Yeah… neither of us asked to be used like toys… and you will prove those fuckers who screwed you over wrong!" Angus promised.
Nega couldn't help but start to let the tears out of his eyes. "Fuck, this is just becoming a crying party now!" He sniffled.
"Spicy…" Posi smiled, as he tried to get the tears out of his eyes.
"Come here, Icy!" Nega went over and hugged the angel. The embrace between the two of them were tight. "I love you!" He cried out as he was face to face with him.
"I love you too, Nega." Posi admitted.
"Christ, we're balling our eyes out and we aren't even in the memory yet…" Nega complained.
"But… I think it was something we all needed." Posi admitted.
Angus nodded, looking at Posi. He was able to stop sobbing, and the tears had run dry on his cheeks. Nega gave a small smile. "See, what did I tell you? It's good to let the emotions out rather than bottle them all up." Nega stated.
"Okay, okay, I'll give you that." Angus admitted. "But you still didn't have to be a dick."
"Angus!" Posi glared at him.
"Come on, he has every right to be upset." Nega reassured the angel. "So… is it out of our systems?"
Anti nodded, as well as Angus. The hunter wrapped his wing around the glitch, since he was still so close. The wings acted like a feathery blanket, which made Anti purr. Unconsciously, Angus petted his head, making the chimera's tail wag more. Angus took in some deep breaths as he patted his head more, noticing that his glitching was getting better. "H-Haaah… Y-Your glitching's s-settled down… Thank f-fuck…" Angus noted.
"I don't feel as much pain when I'm near you." Anti admitted.
"Then it's a good thing you stayed with me." Angus smirked.
Posi looked over at Nega, seeing how he was doing. "How are you doing, Neggy?"
"I-I'm fine…" He tried to act tough. "Just wanted to join in the crying. Thought I'd look like a jerk not joining in."
"Sure…" Angus rolled his eyes as he smirked at the devil.
Nega glared at Angus, ready to speak only for Posi and Anti to start chuckling. "Are you two sure you are okay?" Posi asked.
"Yeah… I am now." Angus assured.
Anti sighed. "I can't remember the last time I had to comfort someone. Usually I'm the one being comforted. But... I hope I did alright."
"Heh...Thanks, Anti...Really.." Angus rubbed his eyes a bit, to wipe the remaining tears away. "But seriously, are you sure you're alright?" He asked Anti.
"Really, Angus. I'm feeling much better." Anti tried to reassure the hunter.
"Hey, I just want to make sure you are just as cared for. I mean, you have been doing so much for everyone and me lately. I don't want you to stress yourself any more and cause your soul to-"
"You're over-reacting, brother. I'm fine!" Anti realized too late what he had said once all eyes were back on him again. Angus just stared at Anti with wide eyes as he blinked a few times. "Ah… Angus! I'm fine, Angus!"
Angus blinked again as he stared at the chimera. "Anti… do you… think of me as a brother?"
A blush was formed on Anti's face as he fiddled with his fingers. "Mmh… w-well… I mean, kind of? With how you have been looking after me and…"
Once again, those tears found themselves in Angus's eyes as he smiled wider. "Anti…"
"I-if you rather I don't call you-"
"Nope! It's official! Come here!" Angus reached over, embracing Anti in a tight hug as he laughed a bit. "I am honored you think of me as such. I know I may not deserve that title, but… I'm proud to accept it."
Anti was caught off guard by the hug, but he did rub his hands on Angus's back as he leaned into the touch. "So… would it be okay if I consider you as a brother?"
Angus nodded. "Of course!" Soon enough, they pulled back as Angus chuckled once more. "Now I know how Henrik felt…"
"Huh?" Anti tilted his head in confusion.
"I-I'll explain later…" For the first time in so long, Angus gave a genuine smile as the light was back in his eyes.
"I'm just glad no one saw us like this… would have been really embarrassing…" Nega admitted.
The two egos picked themselves up, looking at one another as they gave their grins. "Speaking of which, the others should be here soon." Angus stated. He casted his eyes to the floor, knowing what would happen next.
"Are you still nervous about Henrik's memory?" Anti asked him.
"Yeah… I don't know how bad his memory will be. I know it will be a tragic event that happened in his life but… I have a bad feeling it will be sadder than the others." Angus could only imagine how Henrik will be once it begins.
Anti tried to cheer him up. "Well… at least this time he won't be facing that memory alone." He pointed out.
"We'll be right there to help him get through it." Posi promised.
"And if you're there, surely he will be more stable afterwards." Nega told Angus. The hunter looked at the devil, he couldn't help but give a sheepish expression. At least, once it was done, it would be over. They had to stay strong, for Henrik… for the egos… and for each other.
The doors to the room opened, getting the attention of Anti and Angus as they saw Henrik coming in with the others behind him. "Sorry it took so long." Henrik apologized. "We stopped by for some coffee."
"We would have offered you guys some… but we kind of drank the last pot." Chase shrugged.
"That's fine… I'm not much of a coffee person anyways." Anti admitted.
"Woah, are you two okay?" Jackie questioned, noticing the tear-streaks on their cheeks. "You look like you were crying."
Angus winced slightly as he rubbed his eyes. "J-jus a bit of emotions that needed to be let out."
"There has been a lot of that recently. I just hope you two are doing well." Marvin stated, going over and giving them comforting hugs.
"Yeah… I think so." Anti reassured, hugging Marvin back with Angus.
"If you guys would rather wait for the memory until you two feel better then-" Henrik tried to suggest, but Angus shook his head as he went over to the doctor.
"We...We're ready. And remember… no matter what happens, we'll be right by your side." Angus promised, holding onto his father's hand and giving it a small squeeze. Henrik couldn't help but smile back, proud of how strong his son was being, even though he was suffering himself.
"I'm… sorry in advance for what you are about to see…" He admits solemnly.
"We'll be here for you, Hen." Chase promised as he petted his shoulders.
Marvin nodded with a smile. "Exactly! You were there for us, now it's our turn to be there for you!"
Jackie chuckled. "We can handle it!"
"Thank you… everyone." Henrik smiled, having joyful tears in his eyes. "Alright… let us get started." He declared, as everyone began to strap themselves to the machines, and prepared to enter Henrik's memory.