Content Warning: recovery-related scenes, child abuse (emotional and physical), swearing, mental breakdowns, and argumentative/powerless/stressful family environment
If you are uncomfortable with the content listed, you do not have to read. Remember that you can consult to a local hotline if you need someone to talk to. Please take care of yourself and stay safe.
And again, don't take the injury/recover scenes seriously.
"...please...take this...I'm begging you."
Memory, who had fallen asleep for a few hours, woke up and looked at the bedside.
Reality was on the floor. His hands rose up like a zombie emerging from a grave. One of them held a rectangular item wrapped in newsprint paper. He slammed it on the bed and nudged it towards Memory. Reality stood up, his eyes bloodshot and tired, accompanying his even messier silver hair. "I've been hearing nothing but the word 'sandwiches' for who knows how long. I can't take it anymore and the next thing I knew, I woke up surrounded by ten sandwiches. Just eat it. Get it out of my sight. You probably need to eat anyways."
Memory gave him a smug expression as he picked up and unwrapped the item. It was a warm sammich with chicken, avocado and tomato. Where did Reality even find the tomato and avocado? Memory chose not to ask; his cousin desperately needed a break from thinking about sandwiches.
Reality collapsed again. He dragged himself across the floor towards his chair. "I don't have any powers, so I must be losing control of Galaxy Steve. He's taking over. All I've been hearing is sandwiches, pickles, and pufferfish! Why is it specifically food?! I don't know!"
Just another day of being near Galaxy Steve, Memory thought as he ate the sandwich. At least this time I got free food from it.
Reality climbed up the chair. He tugged his jacket's hood over his eyes and huffed. "He's calmed down after I gave in and found myself surrounded by sandwiches. Did I make them while I was unconscious?! Whatever. I'm just glad that made him shut up! If I hear his voice one more time, I will take a sandwich and shove it down the throat of the nearest person who isn't you! That person will probably be the Guardian!"
Oh, he salty, Memory thought and finished the sandwich. Amusement aside, he did sympathize with Reality. Ironically, Galaxy spent more time with Memory than his own two sons after forgetting everything. So Memory knew how exhausting dealing with him was.
"Well, if you're still upset, we can strike up another conversation to distract you," he offered.
Reality pulled off the hood and tilted his head. "What?"
Memory repeated what he said, but Reality looked more perplexed.
"OH, hold on a minute." Reality raised a hand and summoned a dark gray box labeled Sound: 2%. He dragged his finger across it until the text changed to Sound: 100%. "I learned I could make the world quiet with this account. I set the sound down to try to make him shut up, and I was so, so disappointed that it didn't work. Anyways, can you repeat that?"
"If you're still upset, we can start another conversation to cheer you up."
"Hmm...well, speaking of the Guardian, why does he hate you so much?" The younger Steve asked. "He said you did something terrible to his brother. Who even is his brother?"
"His brother is the Great Librarian. A long time ago, I erased all of the Librarian's memories."
"Hold up, the Great Librarian and Guardian are brothers?!...that actually makes sense."
"You know who the Great Librarian is?"
"Time told me about him and the Great Library. Honestly, if Time was cured sooner, I would have asked him to take me back in time to see the Great Library. That place would probably help my plan more than Dad's knowledge."
Memory blinked. "Why back in time?"
"Oh...the Great Library was destroyed by Void Steve, not long after you were killed. The Librarian had been missing-in-action ever since."
A dark feeling weighed down on Memory. "It's likely he was destroyed with his Library. He couldn't leave it...I'm the reason why he was trapped in his realm."
Reality's face morphed from salty to curious. "What happened?"
"When I was a teenager, Void Steve had a plan to target the Guardian. He wanted me to erase the Guardian's memories. We set up a trap for him, but the Librarian got in the way, and I erased his memories instead.
"Since his knowledge is connected to the Library, my mistake made the Great Library disappear." Memory turned away. "Guardian fortunately found a way to save his brother and the Library, but only by making him bound to the realm, unable to leave."
"Oh...yeah, he's definitely dead," Reality said dreadfully. "No wonder Guardian hates you. His brother couldn't escape the Library when it self-destructed, and he blames you. But...it was just an accident..."
Memory flinched and shut his eyes, trying to cloud the painful memory that was resurfacing. When that happened, he didn't know how Guardian felt, so he didn't feel too guilty about what he did to his brother. On the other hand, he definitely knew how Void felt on that day. Void wanted to seize the Great Library for his plans in the future, so when he saw Memory's mistake endangered the Great Library, he...
Memory raised a shaky hand and knocked on the doors of the Galaxy Tower.
Galaxy answered the door. "Hey, Memory!" His friendly expression fell into one of dread. "What's wrong?"
Memory felt his face, making sure his mask was still on. "May I stay here for the night?"
"Does your dad know about this?"
The young Memory flinched, forcing down the cry threatening to emerge.
"Sorry! Sorry! I won't ask!" Galaxy panicked. "Come in."
Memory speed-walked through the Tower. Shit, he forgot to properly thank Galaxy. Stupid mistake. Well, not like he was capable of looking at him in the eye and apologizing right now. He'd probably break down just trying.
He climbed down the ladder to the Tower's underground floor. He hissed in pain and clenched his ribcage.
The new bruises were upset.
In one corner of the floor, Time looked up from the book he was reading. "Oh, hey, Memory! I didn't expect a visit from you. You continue to surprise me, and I'm the one who can look into the future!"
Memory caught a glimpse of the bookshelves behind Time. He froze as the image of the Great Library tearing apart and Void's furious expression flashed in his mind. Again without a proper greeting or thank you, he bolted through the hallway. "Hey, wait, Memory! Are you ok?!"
Finally he found a room, far away from everyone. He collapsed and took off his mask. And at that moment, all the words from Void's tirade flooded in his mind again.
"He was just angry. He was just angry," he chanted over and over again. "He had the right to be angry. He had the right to be angry. It was his goal and I messed it up."
I messed it all up. I messed it all up.
Just like I always do.
Void was always right. He was the one who taught him the truth about this world and this family. He was the one who corrected him for every error he made. He was the one who created all of their brilliant strategies.
Void was always right, and one day he would take over this universe. Memory would always be his servant, learning from him and gladly changing for him.
Void was always right. He was right to call Memory all those things.
Incompetent. Stupid. Memory rocked back and forth. In the way. A waste of energy and time.
A waste.
A waste.
He choked down a sob. He clenched his mouth, nearly suffocating himself, and clawed his scalp. Don't break down. I shouldn't break down over this! Don't be such a fucking disaster! This was about Void, not him! Crying about this would be selfish. He hated that he had to try so hard not to snap. If he was of any value as a minion and son, this shouldn't be so hard...
He finally gave up when the tears streamed down his freckled face. He bawled for an hour, drowning in his own shame.
"...Are you ok?"
Memory snapped out of his thoughts. He looked at Reality and quickly formed a smile. "I'm fine."
Reality narrowed his eyes. "...Anyways, umm, it's been a while since you last drank something. Is there anything you would like?"
"Water is fine. Do you remember where the bottles are stored?"
"Yeah. In the blue shulker box." Reality fetched two glass bottles of water and handed one to Memory. "Can I save this one for later?"
"Help yourself." Memory said before drinking.
Reality placed the second bottle in his inventory and sat back down. "I'm still shocked that Sabre did this to you. Not just that, but he buried you too. It must have been horrifying."
"At least it's over and I'm healing," Memory assured him. "Why do you bring it up?"
"The whole thing opened my eyes. I saw how destructive Sabre was, but that was my power. Or...the power that I stole. You got hurt from that power. Time almost got hurt too!"
Memory shook his head. "You had nothing to do with this. Sabre did this to me. If anything, this all happened because I erased his memories in the first place."
"Still, because of how Sabre hurt you, I've realized how dangerous power can be and how I've played with lives. I hurt Steves for my plans. I absorbed a Steve. I'm no better than Sabre."
"Well, isn't that a given? You and I are villains, after all."
"Yeah, but – " Reality started to look uncertain. "I still played a part in endangering you. I don't think I can ever thank you enough for risking everything for me. For risking your own safety for this plan. How you risk bringing yourself into painful memories when you try to distract me."
Memory tensed and looked away.
"Where am I going with this?" Reality muttered. "I guess I just want to say sorry, and thank you for being not just my henchman, but my friend."
Memory saw how upset his cousin was. "There is no need to apologize. You're my friend and my boss. Of course I'm willing to risk myself to help you."
Reality hissed. He juggled the air in his search of words. "But your job would be so much easier if I had things better under control. Your boundaries and safety are important, but I keep messing up and endangering them! I'm a joke. A poor excuse of a villain. I wasted your time, my plans either hurting you or annoying you."
"Hey!" Memory sat on the edge of the bed, despite his aching limbs complaining. "Don't say that about yourself. You're not a joke. Although you didn't succeed in your plans, you have achieved many things that seemed impossible. And for every mistake you make, you learn. You have such a unique perspective about everything, while also being someone I can relate to. You're extraordinary."
Reality looked away.
Memory wondered if he said something wrong. "Well, that's just my thoughts. Of course, it's all subjective and – "
Reality tackled him with a hug. Memory yelped as a million bruises vibe checked him, but that was nothing compared to his sheer astonishment.
"Sorry."
Memory exhaled and returned a one-armed embrace. "Again, no need to apologize."
"You weren't lying about everything you just said, right? About me or this goddamn cringy hug that I hope we never speak of again?"
"No. I mean every word of it, and I hope my words sway you to never call yourself a waste of time ever again."
"Fine," Reality huffed. "But only if you don't say the same things about yourself either."
Memory nervously looked away, wondering if he could actually follow through with that.
Reality got up and walked towards the window, watching the lava and void sky. "I'll try to think better of myself, but it'll be hard because I don't expect my story to get better. If my own brother's mad at me, I don't expect people like Sabre to give me a second chance. I don't think I'll ever be happy, knowing I'm in a world that grows and falls based on the interests of people who aren't even Steves. I finally felt hope when I stole Sabre's account, but I can't go anywhere. I'm stuck here, and I'm unhappy about it."
Memory lowered his head. "Do you remember when you asked me what I would do if I had the chance to run away from a hopeless life?"
Reality grimaced. "Yeah. What about it?"
"A long time ago, I made a mistake that ruined my life. I tried to run away, but I couldn't. I had no choice but to stay with Void and continue working for him."
Reality returned to his seat, intrigued. "Did it have to do with the Great Library?"
"No. This happened years after the Great Library, and it was much, much worse." Memory shuddered, trying to keep those painful memories clouded. "But that's a story for another day. My point is that I know what it's like to be stuck in a life you're unhappy with. I've spent many years feeling hopeless, but I survived. So may I offer you some advice?" When Reality nodded, he continued. "Don't believe that this is the end. You can still find hope and a life to be happy in. However, you can't do it alone. It doesn't take one person to turn hope into reality."
"I guess you have a point. Where are you going with this?"
Memory gulped, recalling all the times he debated about saying this. Every day, he became more skeptical about it. But if saying it would give Reality some hope, now was the time.
"You're a smart Steve. I'm sure that you'll succeed in any path you choose. However, if you want to change this world and don't want to work for the heroes, I can offer you an opportunity."
Reality perked up. "What is it?"
"My offer is that I will resume my plan to bring Void Steve out of Galaxy Steve's head, with your help. When Void Steve returns, I'll convince him to take you in as a henchman and give you free will. He can destroy the heroes and this world, then create a new world with your assistance. Does this sounds like something that would interest you?"
Instead of a dark, analytical expression, horror flashed in Reality's face. "Oh!" He nervously looked away. "I, well – that's an offer...why do you think working with Void is a good fit for me?"
"I believe he will find you incredible. Void Steve was unable to absorb Galaxy Steve; that ended up destroying him. You've locked your father in your mind for days, and the worst that's happened was your sandwich breakdown. He'd find you strong."
Reality didn't look back, his horror evolving into a disturbed expression.
Memory panicked. Was it wrong to say this after all? "I-I simply offered this because you are my friend and I want to continue working with you! Serving Void Steve will allow us to work together more and allow you to change this world."
"I appreciate the offer. It's just that..." Reality gave him a stern expression. "I will never work with Void Steve. This has nothing to do with you, Memory. I just won't be able to look at myself if I agree to work with him, especially after learning all the things he's done to you."
Memory blinked. "...Umm, what exactly has he done that upsets you?"
Horror returned on Reality's face. "Oh my God, why can't you understand?!" He jumped up and stomped around the room.
Memory flinched. What am I not understanding?!
"I'm-I'm sorry!" He blurted out.
Reality shot a guilty look. "No, it's ok! I'm sorry for yelling. It wasn't at you, but it was still wrong of me."
"But-but I still upset you! I didn't mean to! I just wanted to make you happy and – "
"Memory, it's ok!" Reality rubbed his eyes and groaned. "I need a breather. Thank you for the offer. I didn't mean to make you feel bad about it. But let's not focus on my future. Let's focus on your recovery, because that's the more important." He headed to the door. He gave Memory another guilty look. "Shout if you need anything. Just get some rest. I'm sorry again...and...I'm sorry for other things." Then he left.
Memory laid back in bed, lost in confusion and this sense of defeat. He wondered how honest Reality was and what he was not understanding...
"For the last time, bring him out!" Void snarled.
Galaxy quivered at the door. "Seriously, I can hold onto him for a little longer. I mean, I'm sure you're busy with whatever you have to do. I'm offering to look after him for free so you can focus better on your job!"
Void's bloodred eyes scorched. "Are you implying that I need to do better at my job?! That what I'm doing now is mediocre?!"
Galaxy paled.
"You don't have the right to tell me how I manage my job! Just hand him over!"
"O-okay! I'll go and – "
Void and Galaxy froze in time.
Time gripped the pocket watch. He mumbled something and watched the clock's hands spin in reverse. Void and Galaxy flailed until their poses and expressions neutralized.
Galaxy blinked once. "Oh, hey Void!"
Void opened his arms as he grinned sinisterly. "Galaxy Steve! How are you doing this morning?"
Time groaned as the watch resume its forward counting. "Dad, please come up with a better argument this time."
Elemental stared at his father pleadingly before turning to his cousin, who sat between him and Time. "Are you doing alright, Memory?"
Memory turned slightly away from him, hand still rubbing his ribcage. The pain had subsided overnight, but it still lingered. He edged closer to the wall, at least grateful to be in the security between his cousins.
Elemental slid towards him a pair of headphones, which was attached to the jukebox embedded into the wall. "Are you sure you don't want to borrow them?"
Memory politely shook his head. He had already taken up their space and time by being here. He couldn't ask for more.
"JUST SHUT UP!" Void suddenly roared, making the three teenagers flinch. "YOU NEVER LISTEN TO ME. JUST GIVE ME BACK MEMORY."
"WHY ARE YOU ALWAYS DEMANDING STUFF FROM HIM?!" Galaxy yelled back. "HE CAME HERE BY CHOICE. MAYBE HE SHOULD HAVE A SAY IN WHAT HE WANTS TO DO NOW."
"HE'S JUST A CHILD. MY CHILD. HE DOESN'T KNOW BETTER."
"YEAH BUT, but..."
"Go on!" Void snapped. "Say what you really want to say! That you hate me and you wish I were dead!"
"No, I – "
"Then why are you giving me such a hard time, huh?! Why are you always questioning me and not trusting your own brother?! Why can't you trust me anymore?!"
Memory cringed and pushed himself closer to Elemental, who offered the headphones again. He filled with shame as he accepted the headphones and placed them over his ears. He slipped his favorite instrumental disc into the jukebox. The headphone blasted with a firestorm of guitars and a stamped of drums. The song was loud enough to submerge the shrieks between Void and Galaxy. However, he could still occasionally hear them, as if they were competing on who could shatter his voice first.
He didn't know how this would end. With a door slam? With hours of bickering? Will one of them actually break his voice this time?
Well, he definitely knew that he would walk away with that same sense of dread. Another heavy weight to carry as he navigated this thin, frail bridge of a family.
Memory tried to melt into the sounds. He felt Elemental wrap his orange arm around him, which emitted a soothing heat. After listening to two songs, he sensed a distressed aura. Muted by the loud music, Time was cursing at his pocket watch, which was glitching from overuse. Memory sighed, took off the headphones, and got up. He gave his cousins a farewell bow.
Void approached him. "Come on, we got a lot to do today. Let's go."
Elemental launched onto his feet, his orange arm sparking with flames. He was about to march forward before Time blocked him.
Void sneered. "Yeah, don't think about it, Elemental. You have to respect your elders."
"Any wise guy would know age doesn't correlate with the respect one's given," Elemental muttered.
"Uncle." Time attempted to make his voice steady. "Why can't we all just take a day off and relax here? You can spend some time with Dad and have Memory hang out with us today. You deserve the break after all your hard work."
Memory perked up. Why didn't he think of that? A break? Maybe that was all Void needed. Maybe if his father just got a break...he could revert to how he used to be. How he was before the training and the expectations. The person Memory longed to meet again.
He opened his mouth to agree, until Void advanced, cutting him from his two cousins. Void glared at the cousins, who cowered back. "Hard work? What do you know about hard work? You're spoiled in that you'll never know a day of hard work! You don't know us and what's best for me and Memory. Shut up!"
"Hey!" Galaxy stomped forward. "You got what you wanted! Leave my kids alone!"
Void smirked and grabbed Memory's hand, leading him out of the door.
"...Freak..." Galaxy muttered.
Memory flinched at the word. Like always when the family fought, he wondered who he should pity: Galaxy, who gave it his all to defend someone so worthless, or Void, who deserved a better family?
He didn't know why he put so much thought into this question. Perhaps it was because the new weight transformed the dread into a new fear.
A fear that the quarrels would eventually split the family, and Memory would have to pick a side.
Word count: 3667
Void, I fucking hate you so much, you abusive, manipulative, horrible piece of shit.