Chapter 5: Mornings

Zoe knew that she'd wake up in the cold vacuum that was the Void. She had a nice little space carved out into an apartment here, right at the entrance to her pocket dimension. Zoe was a sleepwalker however, and every night she stood from her bed and floated out into the space, curling into a small ball. Though there was comfort in this space, there was also a dreadful loneliness. As she woke with her limbs curled around her, she let out a sigh and began to float back over to her room to get ready. As she brushed her teeth, she found her mind began to drift to the day ahead.

Hopefully the Coven will be able to find some of the answers we're lacking. Hope has got that crystal ball of hers. And I hope Tristo is okay over at Vera's place. He was so nice to listen to all of my headcanons from all my favorite anime. I know I need to help him get home, but maybe if he stayed… No, I can't think like that. It's too dangerous for him here.

Zoe sighed as she finished with her dental hygiene. She opened her closet, slipping into a pale yellow blouse, with a darker yellow overall smock latched over it. It helped free up her tentacle a little more in case she had to do battle, because spending the day around the Coven… anything could happen. She floated from her room to the small portal that brought her out into the bright morning sun of Monstropolis.

Maybe I should go see if Tristo's alright. We could walk to school together. I could tell him all about… She thought, with a small smile forming on her face. Bounding off to the suburb where Vera lives, she was ready to face whatever today had to throw at her.

Meanwile at the Oberlin Household...

A pounding rang on the door to Tristo's room, and he jolted from his sleep. He could hear the soft purr of a yawn, and Valerie's voice from the other side of the door.

"Hey dude. Time for breakfast, come get it while it's hot."

Tristo scrambled up, in his still well worn clothes, and made his way downstairs. It smelt delicious and he was delighted to see a normal and hearty breakfast. Vera seemed to be enjoying just a plate of eggs, feeding both herself, and the many snakes on her head. She occasionally offered a fork full to Vicky who would take a bite as she fidgeted with some device at the table. Valerie was already tearing into her food, without much care for the rest of her surroundings.

Mr. Oberlin rounded the corner of the kitchen with another plate, giving Tristo a great big smile. He stood around even height with everyone in the room, with a large dad bod that was barely contained in his morning pajamas. He sat the plate down at an empty seat, and pulled the chair out for him. Gesturing for Tristo to take a seat as he walked back into the kitchen. Tristo wasted no time having the best meal he'd had all week. Breakfast was always his favorite meal back home, and he forgot how good pancakes and scrambled eggs could be.

"Glad to see you're enjoying the meal, son." Mr. Oberlin said, his whiskers twinged as his smile got wider. Tristo had to fight to hold back tears from the deliciousness of the food, and Mr. Oberlin's warm welcome. Mr. Oberlin looked Tristo and his tattered casual clothes up and down with a concerned look.

"You need something else to wear young man?"

"No I-I'm alright." Tristo said sheepishly, and Vera turned to glare at him.

"Actually dad, yes he does."

"Ah well I've got some clothes I don't quite fit in anymore you can borrow."

It didn't take long after Tristo finished his meal, that Mr. Oberlin brought him upstairs to find him an outfit. Tristo looked through some old boxes with curiosity, finding the perfect outfit for him. Donning a short-sleeved black button-up with a sunflower print. He half tucked the shirt into a pair of old jeans with tears lining them.

"Were these really your old clothes Mr. Oberlin?"

"I've always been a print and jeans kinda guy when I dress casually."

"Me too."

The two began to chat idly about clothes before Vera popped in to interrupt them.

"Well Tristo, you may not have to go to Monster Prom alone after all."

"You really think so?"

"You do clean up rather nicely."

Vicky and Valerie peeked their heads around as well to examine the fit Mr. Oberlin had provided Tristo with, and nodded their head approvingly. Tristo very bashfully scratched his head.

"You have a visitor, Tristo." Vera continued, a smirk of mischief on her face. Mr. Oberlin put a fur-covered hand on Tristo's arm.

"Don't keep whoever it is waiting. And don't worry, we'll take you clothes shopping properly this weekend."
"Mr. Oberlin, Vera, everyone… I really can't thank you all enough for this." Tristo said, his voice quivering a bit.

"Thank us more later then and get going!" Vera said, yanking him from the room. Vera marched him over towards the door before giving him a shove. Standing in the foyer was Zoe, with a soft smile on her face as Tristo rounded the corner. Cleaned up and in a fresh outfit, Zoe stared at him with wonder as he did her.

"H-hey Zoe. You look really nice."

"Thanks. So do you."

"Thanks…"

The two stand awkwardly for a moment, and giggling can be heard behind them as the three V's watch from around the hallway corner. Tristo turns back giving them a glare, before Zoe grabs his arm.

"Let's um… go find the Coven. We should catch them right after their morning seance."

"You got it." Tristo said, following behind her eagerly. The two made their way out now to try to intercept the three witches that would aid them on the next leg of their journey.