I didn't understand and I didn't think I wanted to either. Kenny was a superhero; did that mean he was Mysterion? Or have I not met his alias yet? Who is Mysterion? He hasn't visited the past week like he usually did; I'd come to wonder if he was my guardian angel until he abandoned me. It didn't matter; what did matter was that I had to figure out what Clyde – or Clyde's alias' – problem was; I didn't want to; superhero games were stupid, but I was told that this is how it worked in South Park.

Last week, Wendy was supposed to tell Kyle that I liked him, but she said that last minute, she had a meeting with the girls and they said that it wouldn't sparkle with them if they helped me and that I was on my own; Wendy later told me, in private, that Bebe had a crush on Kyle but wouldn't say it because he was Jewish and "a weird ginger" and that's why they wouldn't help me – but she wished me luck if I wanted to pursue it. I figured, whatever happens would happen; if he liked me, I'd date him but if another boy liked me – who wasn't Eric – then maybe I'd date them, as long as they were nice.

It was Sunday; dad was still acting weird and I was fed up, so I decided to talk to him about it because he was clearly going to continue avoiding the topic; whatever it was – it was probably work or something. Going downstairs, I caught his attention as he sat on the sofa with a beer in hand.

"Dad, I'm worried about you," I said. "You've been mopey, you haven't made any friends, and you don't even talk to me or Van anymore."

He looked at me and sighed, setting his can on the side table, "You're right."

"I am?" I asked, surprised.

"Yes, and I really wish you weren't," He said.

"Dad, what–"

"We have to move back to New York."

I didn't know what to think; what could I think? Right as I finally felt like I was starting to form bonds with people in South Park, I'd have to move back to the busiest, shittiest place in the country. And why? Because business, in a small, cheap, leisurely town was slow; so instead of staying, we'd have to move back to the hustle and bustle of dad working his ass off for us to afford a studio apartment in Manhattan.

I didn't want to tell anyone – I couldn't. But, I couldn't disappear on them either. Dad said he'd give it a week and then put in his resignation at Wendy's mom's office; in the meantime, he'd see if there were any decent full time jobs, which he doubted.

After dinner was finished that night and I washed the dishes off, I grabbed my coat and went out for a walk. I didn't know if I was going to go anywhere specific or not, although I didn't think it mattered anyways. I considered telling someone, but who would I tell? Michael? His house was far. I could go over Kyle's house or… Kenny's house – but I didn't know how I felt around Kenny anymore. I missed him and maybe, if I hadn't been half asleep and upset, I would've kissed him back – just maybe.

I just kept walking; it was only seven, and I was allowed to be out until nine on school nights as long as I didn't leave the neighborhood and stayed under street lights. Eventually, I decided to go over Kyle's house, because I didn't know what else to do. When he answered the door, he was wearing a kite on his back.

"What's with the get up?" I giggled.

"Oh, shoot," He ran off, leaving me at the door. Two minutes later, he came back in his pajamas. "What's up?"

"I needed to talk to someone," I admitted.

He let me inside, "So you came to me?"

"I trust you," I shrugged. "I'd go to Wendy, but she makes everything an ordeal with the rest of the girls."

"Yeah, girls are weird," He stopped walking and then looked at me. "I mean, not you, of course – but, most girls, or erm..."

I gave him a reassuring smile and put my hand on his shoulder, "Chill, it's all good."

He let out a breath he had been holding in and seemed to relax.

"Oh, hi, Emma, dear," His mom saw us – we had almost made it upstairs, out of adult territory – oh well. "What brings you here so late?"

That's a good question; I didn't really know. I mean, I needed someone to confide in but I didn't really want her to know that because she might've embarrassed us if I said that. When I didn't answer, Kyle stepped in and said:

"Oh, well, she needed help on her homework and Mr. Garrison never looks at his emails."

"Oh, really now? I guess I'll have to send him a harsh letter, then," She turned to go back into the kitchen where I saw Gerald and Ike having ice cream and, what I assumed to be, bonding time. "Nice seeing you, Emma; stay as long as you'd like."

"Thanks!"

After that, we were able to retreat into his room.

"What's going on, Emma?"

"I think I'm moving back to New York," I sighed.

"When?" He asked.

I shrugged, "A few weeks. Dad said that if he can't find business within the next week, we're going to start the process."

He was silent for a moment.

"Well, why can't you stay and live with us?" He asked, sounding a bit panicked.

I shook my head, "Kyle, that's irrational; I can't abandon my family and I wouldn't burden yours. Maybe in ten years, I'll be able to come back here for college, but until then, I have to do what's best for my family."

He hung his head low, "I understand. Are you going to tell the others?"

I shrugged, "I don't know. Maybe Tweek, maybe Michael and Jimmy. I don't think too many will care. Anyways, I've got to get going home. Thanks for letting me vent."

I turned to leave. He grabbed my shoulder, "Wait."

I turned around and was thrown into an engulfing hug; he hugged tighter than mom did. It felt nice.

"I'm going to miss you."

"I'm going to miss you too."

I had almost made it home until I heard a low, gravelly voice behind me that made me jump.

"Hello, Emma."

I turned around to face Mysterion, somewhat thankful it was him and not a random guy wielding an axe. I wasn't afraid of him anymore, rather surprised.

"Hello, Mysterion," I greeted, with the same blank stare he directed at me. "Long time, no see."

"Mosquito is still after you. Join me, and you will be safe," He extended his hand.

I took a step back, "Excuse me?"

"Become a Freedom Pal."

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Thanks guys - sorry it took me so long to update. College kind of creates writers block, since it drains creativity, but I might be transferring to a uni soon, so all is well.

Have a rad weekend :)