LOVingly

[loveingly-art]

Introduction

No art commissions!

No messaging me, unless we are mutuals.

Works

The Gods of Fantasia

My Dearest Friend

I will add more when there are more posts, but for now, I will add links.

LOVingly on Unvale

An autistic lady who loves fantasy and magic, loves to listen to

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[loveingly-art]

My Dearest Friend [Chapter 12]

Trigger Warning: Implication of Mental Illness, Rage, Alcoholism, and Mention of Vomit

Much to Drake's disliking, Gabriel keeps him company, causing an argument to ensue.

After trying to talk to a drunk, stubborn Drake, a lot of rambling, and some vomiting, Gabriel was able to get him back home and put in bed. To make sure no other complications happened, Gabriel laid in bed with him.

Gabriel stared at Drake’s back, listening to his breathing noises, as he began to think.

He didn’t expect it to be this bad. He didn’t expect Drake to react like this from the trauma he endured. He expected him to be more calm.

Drake wasn’t the only issue. Gabriel was still in shock from what Sam told him. He had to tell Drake. A child shouldn’t go through that, especially alone.

For a second, Gabriel focused on reality, staring at Drake.

But, now wouldn’t be a good time. By the time Drake wakes up, he would most likely have a hangover, and also… Gabriel remembered how Drake reacted when he learned he called him a coward. One of Gabriel’s concerns was that it would turn out similarly.

There were other issues. Too many issues.

Gabriel’s heart quickened as Drake began to move, loudly groaning as he slowly woke up.

Drake began to sit up in bed, sighing before looking around the room in a daze. His daze broke once he saw Gabriel lying next to him, scrambling off the bed in horror, seeing a glimpse of Gabriel’s corpse. He landed on the ground with a loud thud.

“WHY- WHY ARE YOU-...” Drake paused, staring at Gabriel. “D- Did you take me home?!”

“Um, Y- Yes.” Gabriel answered with a nervous smile on his face.

“I…” Drake continued to stare at him, pink spreading across his cheeks. “How many times do I have to tell you to leave me alone?!”

“Drake, I- We can’t leave you alone!” Gabriel retorted with concern in his rising voice.

As Drake’s emotions grew, he began to gesture with his hands to express his point.

“Gabriel, You don’t understand. I could’ve hurt you. You shouldn’t have been anywhere near me.” His voice broke. “I keep on trying to tell you, but… You… You don’t listen! I’m trying to protect you!”

“But… You didn’t hurt me! Nothing happened!” Gabriel continued. “You’re not protecting me… Or us. You’re only hurting us more. We can’t let you do this to yourself, Drake.”

Drake’s eyes moved from Gabriel to the floor, his voice lowering as he thought to himself as he spoke.

“I’ll do what I must. You need to leave, Gabe. Just, please… Forget about me. It’ll be easier for you.”

“No, it won’t! You’re my friend, Drake! I’m not leaving, and that’s that!”

Drake raised his head up, tears beginning to form in his eyes as he looked at Gabriel with heartbreak.

“‘Friend’? Why do you keep calling me ‘friend’? I… I thought you loved me…!”

“I do… It’s just that… I’m still with Willow. I can’t just leave her like that.”

Drake’s chest shook as he chuckled menacingly. He looked at Gabriel with bright, red eyes that glowed, a broken smile to complete the expression.

“Are you serious? Do you really think your relationship will be the same after what happened?”

For practically the first time, Gabriel gave Drake an irritated look.

“I would like to think so, Drake. Can you be a little kinder?”

Drake hissed. “Then…” He paused, his lips beginning to quiver. “...Don’t make me think that someone could actually love me.”

Gabriel’s irritation that showed across his face faded slightly.

Wait… Did that mean Drake liked him?

At the realization, Gabriel’s irritation completely faded and was replaced by guilt and sadness.

“Wait- !”

“Please, just leave.”

Hot tears ran down his cheeks as Drake looked away, his face scrunched up in anger and sadness. Gabriel continued to stare with guilt.

Drake’s voice grew unsettlingly deep. “I SAID LEAVE.”

Knowing it would only get worse if he stayed, Gabriel looked away and quickly walked to the front door. His hand hovered above the door knob, hesitating. He looked at Drake one last time before swinging open the door.

He took a step outside, the door gently closing on itself. Only a second had passed before Gabriel heard the same banging noises from yesterday inside the house.

He sighed before looking up. His eyes widened in surprise and shock as he saw Willow, who looked like she was beginning to leave. She stared back, stumbling on her words, shocked that she was caught.

“G- Gabriel?”

“Willow? What are you doing?”

“I…” Willow gave a long pause, looking away from Gabriel. “I… Was giving gold to Drake.”

Then, her eyes locked onto something behind him, Gabriel instinctively looking in the same direction. On the ground, directly in front of the front door, laid a pile of gold.

Gabriel whipped his head back around to look at Willow again.

“What? Why?”

“Drake wouldn’t have had anything to get by, and… I wanted to apologize for breaking his heart.” Willow’s voice grew quiet.

Gabriel stared at her with concern and understanding, taking a few steps forward as he reached out with both hands.

“Willow, my dear… You didn’t know how he would react. Please, don’t blame yourself.”

“I know, but… I still caused him so much pain. It seems like my relationships never end well…”

“It’s not your fault, Willow, especially Aidan for that matter. He is… a HORRIBLE person. He treated you horribly.”

He took more steps forward, attempting to grab Willow’s hands. In response, Willow quickly pulled her hands away.

Gabriel looked up at her, betrayal in his eyes.

“Willow?”

Willow’s lips thinned as she began to speak, looking at the ground.

“Gabriel… I understand that you want to fix our relationship, but… I think…” She gave a deep breath. “I think we should have a divorce.”

Gabriel’s eyes widened as his heart dropped to his stomach. Heavy tears began to well up in his eyes.

It happened. He had broken Willow’s heart. The one thing he hoped and promised not to do. It happened. Would he ever forgive himself? He loved Willow, and now, that love is gone. It would never be the same again.

“No, please. I’m sorry…!” He hiccuped, followed by a sniffle. “You don’t have to do this, Willow!”

Willow chuckled to herself. “I have seen the way you look at Drake. I think… You’ll be happier with him.” Tears began to well up in her eyes.

“B- But… I love you! What about you?!”

Willow gave him a broken, watery smile.

“I’ll… I’ll be fine.” Her voice broke.

They stared at each other for what felt like an eternity. Eventually, Willow turned away, preparing to leave.

“Goodbye, Gabe. I hope he makes you happy.”

With the push of her heel, Willow ran off into the forest, disappearing from Gabriel’s sight.

For a while, he continued to stare into the forest, hoping that she might come back. Then, he walked away himself, heading back to the Kloud.

. . .

There was no one in the lobby, allowing Gabriel to walk straight to his room without anyone trying to talk or ask him questions.

He entered his bedroom inside his cabin, standing in the doorway as he stared into it. Without hesitation, he ran to his bed and plopped onto it, loudly sobbing into his hands. He hiccuped and sniffled.

He lost Willow. He broke her heart. She was feeling alone, but he did nothing. He made her feel unloved. He thought they would be together, forever.

Then, Drake was doing horrible. He was going through so much pain, and was doing horrible things to himself. Gabriel wanted to help, but Drake would only yell at him, again. Drake might not even want to see him again.

He didn’t know what to do, but he had to help. He couldn’t leave him alone knowing that Drake wanted to die. He needed help. He needed…

Gabriel slowly lowered his hands from his face, sniffling, as he realized something.

Wendy.

End of chapter 12.

[Am I Wrong by Nico & Vinz]

[loveingly-art]

Unvale Algorithm Rant

I’m not usually the type of person who talks about a topic on social media, but the topic is something I’ve noticed, and I feel like it needs to be talked about.

If anyone has their own opinions, or has possible solutions, feel free to comment.

I have been on Unvale for about a year, and I have posted more than 90 creations.

Yet, no one seems to want to interact or comment.

BUT, it isn’t just me.

I’ve noticed other creators that I view as talented, or worthy of views and likes, but they don’t have much.

At first I thought, maybe it has something to do with traditional vs. digital art. But, I’ve seen plenty of traditional artists receive many likes and views.

Next, I thought it had something to do with quality. Like neat lines, rendering… but people post sketches a lot, so that isn’t it, either.

It also doesn’t matter if you post a lot.

The algorithm makes NO sense.

The worst part is that this is how other social media feels to me.

It feels like you have to make animations, render, or post on YouTube to have interactions.

…And, it’s sad, because Unvale should be about posting art, and not worrying how popular you are to get interactions in the first place.

Plus, it wouldn’t help is said person struggles with mental health, and has to focus on other things in life.

[loveingly-art]

Trigger Warning: Rage, Mental Illness, Trauma, Child Trauma, Implication of Suicide, Childhood Trauma, and Alcoholism

Gabriel stared straight forward, tears dripping down his cheeks, as he speedwalked to his destination. The other three followed behind him, equally as shocked and concerned.

He couldn’t believe Drake had been suffering all this time, yet he continued to wait because he was afraid of how Drake would react to Gabriel not listening.

Riley began to speed up, walking next to Gabriel. She turned her head and began to talk to him.

She stuttered. “But… But, why? Why is he doing that? Does he even understand-... That-” She silenced herself, her lips thinning in frustration.

Gabriel looked at Riley back. Analyzing the expression on her face, he knew she truly cared about Drake. She did have the ability to care, and it was only then that Gabriel realized he was wrong, as well as Riley.

While everyone else was staring forward, passing him as they walked, Sam did the same, but with fear in his expression. He fidgeted with his hands, transitioning to him rubbing his wrist.

So many terrible things kept happening. He hoped that, somehow, after everything, it would turn out okay.

Gabriel halted in front of an old, scratched door that belonged to an abandoned house, located in the outskirts of the city beyond the mountain. There were holes on the outside, the tiles were falling off the roof, and the windows were shattered.

Gabriel raised his knuckle, his hand shaking slightly as he anxiously thought about how the interaction was going to unfold. He knocked twice.

“I know you are in there, Drake! Just please, please, come out!” He yelled.

No response came from inside the house. There was silence. Gabriel could sense that someone was being quiet on purpose, though.

He yelled again, his voice breaking. “Drake, please! I can’t let you do what you are doing to yourself!”

The person remained silent inside the house.

Riley sighed, losing her patience, as she stepped in front of Gabriel and screamed in anger.

“DRAKE, IF YOU DON’T COME OUT, I WILL KICK THIS DOOR DOWN.”

Another pause lasted a second before the four heard the sound of rapid footsteps. They heard the doorknob turn, and the door made a creaking sound as it opened.

The door slowly opened, and Drake’s face was revealed through the large crack, wet with tears. As Gabriel looked at Drake’s eyes that glistened with tears, he saw dark, heavy eyebags under them. His hair had grown longer. As the crystal ball had confirmed, Drake’s stomach was rounder, due to eating too much.

Gabriel’s breath quickened as he stared at him, and before he knew it, he was hyperventilating.

Poor Drake had been going through something all this time. His friend had been going through something all this time. Gabriel promised that he wouldn’t let someone go through something alone after learning more about Drake, but he let it happen, again.

From behind Gabriel, Alice stared at Drake with wide, unblinking eyes, tears streaming down both of her cheeks. Slowly, she began to approach him, her gaze locked onto him. Her shoulder bumped into Gabriel, causing him to move away in confusion. She stopped directly in front of Drake.

She lifted her hands up towards Drake’s face, and cupped it. As she stared into Drake’s eyes, her lips quivered and she hiccuped, beginning to sob.

In confusion, Riley turned her head and stared at her.

Drake stared back at Alice for a few seconds before looking away, grabbing her hands and pushing them away from himself. In response, Alice backed away and loudly sobbed.

Still looking away, Drake’s eyebrows furrowed as he spoke. There was a hint of annoyance in his voice.

“Why are you here? I thought I told you to leave me alone.”

Riley retorted. “Well, we’re not.”

Gabriel inhaled deeply through his nose before he spoke, his voice thick and shaky.

“You are not okay, Drake! Just by looking at you, I know you have started… bad habits.”

Gabriel attempted to swallow his tears, only to have them flow down heavily from the corner of his eyes. He continued.

“I- I can’t just stand by and watch you suffer, when I could have done something about it! You… You are…” He paused.

Was Drake a friend? He had accepted his feelings for him, and even confessed. But, when he tried to call Drake his ‘lover’, Willow interrupted his thoughts. He couldn’t call him ‘lover’ just yet, when he still had Willow.

“...My friend.”

Drake stared at Gabriel, but as Gabriel stared into his eyes, he felt an intense hatred, as if calling him ‘friend’ was an insult. He spoke, rising anger in his voice.

“I’m fine, okay? Mind your own business, and leave me alone.”

Riley scoffed at his audacity, taking a step closer and lifting her face up to his.

“You are NOT fine! Just look at yourself!”

Drake’s eyes widened in anger as something snapped.

“UGH! Why can’t anyone listen?!”

Riley took a step back and glared at him, her fists clenched at her sides. Everyone stared at him, sensing his anger.

Drake continued. “I’m a monster. I nearly killed somebody, which makes me dangerous. I don’t want to hurt you.”

Gabriel stared at him somberly, opening his mouth to speak before being interrupted by Drake’s low giggling.

“Because… Because it seems no matter what I do, I continue to hurt people I love. Th- That’s my life.”

Suddenly, his tone became malicious and his smile grew.

“That’s what I am. I will keep hurting you guys. I could lose it at any time, like right now. I could severely injure you. You might want to get away from me.”

Everyone stared at him in pure shock. As Drake stared back, his smile quickly faded. Realizing what had happened, Drake turned to head back inside the abandoned house.

“Just leave.”

Drake took a single step before a small hand wrapped around his own hand, stopping him. He looked back in confusion and saw Sam, who hiccuped and sobbed as he looked up at him with a pleading look.

“Pl- Please, don’t go! I’m sorry. I’m sorry for betraying you and making you feel bad about yourself. Please, come back!”

Drake’s expression softened as he looked down at Sam, understanding.

He cared so much about him, and he’ll never know why.

Drake sighed. “You care so much, Sam. I’m sorry, but I can’t.”

With a swift motion, Drake raised his hand and jutted it outwards, causing the four to fly backwards through the air. They landed with a heavy impact, and by the time they lifted their heads up, the door was slammed in their faces, the sound echoing.

After a minute of silence, the sound of something banging across something hard could be heard from inside.

As Gabriel stared at the abandoned house, his lip began to quiver, tears threatening to come out. Remembering that the other three had a heavy impact as well, he looked over his shoulder and saw Sam. He had his knees up against his chest as he buried his head.

Knowing he should comfort him, Gabriel stood up and began to walk towards him.

Sam repeatedly sniffled and hiccuped into his knees.

He tried. He tried apologizing to his dad for everything wrong he could have done, hoping it would convince him to come back to them. But, again, he lost him. He lost someone he loved again.

Gabriel stood over Sam and began to reach his hand out.

His voice was gentle. “Sam, are you okay…?”

Lost in his thoughts, Sam began to speak without paying attention to what he was saying.

“I… I’m tired of losing people. I don’t want to lose someone again…”

Gabriel looked at him in confusion.

Again? People, as in plural?

“Wait, ‘again’? What do you mean by ‘people’? Sam, can you explain?”

Sam hesitated.

He trusted Gabriel, but even knowing THAT would make him freak out. Anyone would freak out if they heard it.

“I- It’s nothing.”

Gabriel sighed, sensing Sam’s hesitation.

“Sam, you can tell me, remember? There is nothing wrong with sharing your feelings.”

Sam paused, Gabriel’s words reminding him of what Abigail had said earlier.

No, it wasn’t safe.

“I… I don’t want to talk about it.”

Gabriel didn’t press further, knowing that the information might be too personal.

“Okay. It’s okay.”

Gabriel began to walk away, when suddenly, he heard the sound of a door being creaked open. Everyone’s heads turned in the direction of the noise.

The four watched as Drake exited through the door and looked both left and right before flying off in one direction at immense speed.

Riley broke the silence, first. “Where is he going?”

“I… I don’t know, but I think we should follow him.” Gabriel responded, unsure.

Riley nodded in agreement, the four beginning to follow the direction Drake went.

. . .

Gabriel, Riley, and Alice stared at the building in front of them in disbelief, confusion, and horror. A… bar. It was so unlike Drake to go to a bar. They must be at the wrong place.

Riley stammered. “There… There is no way.”

Gabriel continued to stare at the bar.

“H- He wouldn’t!” He paused. “But… We did see him go inside.”

In preparation for what may happen next, Gabriel closed his eyes and took a big, deep breath through his nose. When he spoke again, his voice was quiet.

“Let’s go inside.”

Gabriel turned around to face Alice.

“Can you stay with Sam?”

Alice responded in her usual, caring tone with seriousness. “Of course.”

“Thank you.”

Gabriel had one last glimpse of Sam, who stood behind Alice, staring at the building with a distraught expression, tears streaming down his cheeks. Then, he turned to look at Riley, who gave him a nod.

The two swiftly walked up to the bar entrance and stepped inside. Gabriel immediately began to scan the room.

There were many people. There were groups of friends laughing, men chatting with their friends, and people sitting at the bar by themselves. As he scanned the people sitting at the bar, Gabriel noticed someone with their back hunched over as they drank. It was Drake.

Once he noticed him, both he and Riley urgently walked over to him. Before Gabriel could speak, Riley slammed her hand on the counter.

“What the hell, Drake?! Now, you’re drinking?! Why?!”

Drake threw his head back as he gave a loud groan in anger.

“Why can’t anyone leave me alone…?!” He whined near the end, sounding like he was on the brink of tears.

“Riley…!” Gabriel scolded. He gave a quick, annoyed sigh before continuing. “We can’t leave you alone, Drake, because what you are doing is unhealthy! This is so unlike you! You… You promised that you would never drink again!” As he spoke, tears began to well up in his eyes.

“Well, I changed my mind. I wish you would stop caring about me so much. Leave me alone.”

Then, Drake grabbed his wine glass and gulped it down, slamming it back down on the counter.

“Well, we’re not. We’re not leaving without you.” Riley responded.

Drake’s voice broke. “Why can’t you leave me alone?! I can’t even look at you… Look at Gabriel without seeing his corpse. I can’t sleep. If I don’t drink, I won’t forget. I need to forget. I… I need to forget what I did, o- or else I will go insane.”

His chest shook as he began to cry.

“I can’t take it… and, I can’t even die because I am immortal!”

As Drake sobbed, Gabriel did, too.

He caused him so much pain. His poor friend.

“I… I’m sorry, Drake…”

“Stop apologizing…! Leave me alone.”

Frozen in shock, Riley took a minute to speak, stammering.

“We… We can’t! You’re not mentally well, Drake! You’re drunk! Somebody needs to take care of you. I-”

Drake pouted. “I can handle myself.”

“No, you can’t-” Riley groaned loudly in anger. “Gabe, we need to talk.”

Without waiting for an answer, Riley grabbed Gabriel by the arm and dragged him outside. Once they were outside, Riley let go of his arm and faced him.

“Okay, someone needs to take care of him.”

Gabriel began to argue. “But-”

“I know, I know. He’ll just have to deal with it.” She continued. “Either you or I can take care of him. I don’t know about Alice, since she is all love-y dove-y towards him.”

Gabriel began to give the idea thought, grimacing once he thought more about Riley taking care of Drake. He imagined that she would berate him, being harsh towards what he is doing. Riley noticed the grimace on Gabriel’s face, her eyebrows furrowing.

“What?”

Gabriel hesitated before speaking. “I just don’t know about YOU taking care of him.”

“Wait, so you want me to care more, but when I get the chance to do that, you don’t want me to…?”

“I’m sorry, Riley. I just think I should do it.”

Riley glared at him. “Fine.”

“I think we should tell Alice and Sam to go home.”

“Okay.”

Gabriel turned and walked towards Alice.

“Alice, I think you should go home with Sam.”

Alice gave him a confused expression.

“Wait, but what about-”

“I’ll look after him.”

Alice paused. “Okay.”

Gabriel stared at her for a minute before turning his head away, noticing Sam. He was in the same position from before, sitting on the ground with his knees up against his chest. Even more similar, he buried his head into his knees.

Gabriel remembered his distraught expression from before, realizing that something was wrong. He walked over to him and crouched down to his current level.

“Sam? What’s wrong?”

Despite his mind telling him not to, he couldn’t keep it in, anymore.

“I don’t want it to happen again.”

“You have to be more specific, Sam. What is it that you don’t want happening again?”

“I… I had a friend.”

“Yeah?”

“She… She also drank.”

Oh. So, Sam knew what drinking was. He has experienced someone he loved drinking, before. Gabriel’s heart was squeezed.

Sam continued. “One day, she drank too much, and she died. She… died in a car crash.”

Gabriel could only stare at him.

“I have had other friends before… and they died, too.” Sam paused, inhaling deeply through his nose. “Don’t tell dad.”

He froze in response to Sam’s favor. There was no way that Gabriel wouldn’t tell Drake. Sam had told him that multiple people that he loved had died, and they never knew about it. No kid should have to go through that.

Sam’s voice broke through his thoughts.

“G- Gabriel?”

“Um, Okay.”

Gabriel looked over his shoulder and saw Alice, who patiently waited with her hands folded.

“You have to go home, Sam.”

“Huh? Why…?”

“You shouldn’t have to see any of this. So, I will take care of your dad. Okay?”

Sam was quiet, unsure. “Okay.”

Sam gave a quick wave goodbye as Alice grabbed his other hand and pulled him away. As the two walked, Riley began to follow, glancing at Gabriel one last time.

Gabriel waved back as he watched them leave, now completely alone underneath the moonlight.

End of chapter 11.

[loveingly-art]

My Dearest Friend [Chapter 10]

Trigger Warning: Violence, Child Trauma

A month has passed since the incident. Riley has grown tired of waiting, so she tries to convince Gabriel to allow them to search for Drake.

One month later…

The sight of his dark bedroom filled his vision as Gabriel’s eyes began to groggily open. The joy that was in his heart quickly faded as his vision cleared.

Throughout the month, every night, Gabriel would have the same dream. He dreamed Drake cradling his head and lifting it up to kiss him, the same dream from the night before Drake ran away.

His heart began to ache with sadness and guilt, turning his whole body to the side to stare at the wall.

He missed Drake.

Every day, throughout the month, his heart ached for Drake.

If Drake stayed, would he and Gabriel have started a relationship? Would they be a happy couple?

…Or would it have never worked out? Would Drake be constantly depressed, while Gabriel would try everything to make him happy?

…Or would it end with him realizing that his feelings were a phase, and that he regretted leaving Willow?

Would Willow ever forgive him? Could their relationship be fixed?

After the incident with Aidan, Willow never talked or looked at Gabriel. She would stare at nothing with sadness in her eyes.

Could he convince Drake to come back with them?

The last time Gabriel saw Drake, he was extremely distraught, rambling. He had never seen Drake like that before.

A horrible feeling grew in Gabriel’s stomach, causing his heart to ache.

Is he even okay? He could be fine, staying somewhere nice as he took time to confront his feelings and gather his thoughts. He could be suffering, wallowing to himself as his insanity grows.

The idea of seeing Drake and the worst-case scenario being true made Gabriel heavily sweat.

What if Drake doesn’t want to come back?

They waited so long. Gabriel wanted to respect Drake’s decision and give him time to think. First, it was a week. Then, it was two weeks. Riley began to ask more and more. Another week would be added, and then, another and another.

What if, after all that time, Drake still didn’t want to come back?

Gabriel gave out a sorrowful sigh, closing his eyes.

He practically jumped, his eyes snapping open, as he heard Aidan yell from the lobby with fear. Gabriel threw off his blanket and urgently ran outside to see what was going on.

As he creaked open his door, he saw the others begin to open their doors, rubbing their eyes and staring out into the lobby, confused. Aidan stood with his arms and legs out, glaring at something or someone.

He opened his mouth to yell once again. “You’re crazy!”

Riley stepped into Gabriel’s vision.

Her evil grin didn’t falter. “And? You did much worse. I will never forgive you for what you did.”

Gabriel gave a tired sigh before stepping out from his doorframe, walking towards Riley. Wendy beat him to her, a disappointed expression on her face.

“Riley, we have told you many times to stop trying to kill him. We know what he did, but you are escalating the situation.”

Riley retorted back. “So? He deserves it.”

Gabriel gave her an annoyed look, growing sick of her antics.

“Well, Riley, some of us would like to have their beauty sleep! It is hard to sleep when we constantly hear screaming!”

Riley gave an annoyed sigh, hunching over in defeat. “Fine.”

“Good.”

Hunched over himself, Gabriel turned towards his room, wanting to go back to bed. Riley noticed.

“Wait, Gabe. Where are you going? I wanted to talk to you.”

Gabriel’s heart almost dropped, already knowing what she was going to ask, since they have had the same conversation before. He sighed, slightly being dramatic.

“What is it?”

“Are we going to search for Drake? It’s been a month already.”

Gabriel became silent.

He didn’t want Drake to become angry and yell at him, again. It seems that Gabriel has been repeatedly hurting others’ feelings and breaking others’ trust.

“Gabe?” Riley tried to snap Gabriel out of his thoughts.

Gabriel finally spoke up. “I… I would like to wait.”

Riley stared at him, her mouth open as she looked appalled.

“Are you serious? It has been a MONTH. We have waited long enough, Gabriel.”

Gabriel didn’t say anything.

“It’s time. He might need us.”

Gabriel’s lips parted, his voice coming out quiet. “O-Okay.”

Aidan turned his head and stared at the two, overhearing the whole conversation.

“Wa- Wait. You want to go and search for HIM? Why? W- We can just replace him with a new leader.”

Riley turned and glared at him. “You are only saying that because YOU want to be the leader. It will never happen, Aidan.”

Aidan grumbled in response, looking away. Riley put a hand on her hip as she turned away from Aidan to face Gabriel again, sighing.

“I think Sam would like to see his dad again, so we should bring him. What do you say?”

Gabriel took his hand and placed it on his chin, thinking.

If Drake was doing horrible, what was the worst thing Sam could see? Sam should be fine. The worst thing Sam would probably see is Drake rambling off about something.

Gabriel lowered his hand. “He should be able to come.”

Riley nodded in response. “Okay.”

Alice quickly ran up to the two, holding her arm up.

“Don’t forget about me! I would like to search for Drake, too.”

“Okay, do we have everyone, now?”

Gabriel turned his head left and right as he looked for anyone else. Everyone, especially Aidan, had gone back to their rooms. His heart strings were tugged once he noticed that Willow didn’t want to come with them.

“Unfortunately…” Gabriel whispered the first part. “Yes.”

“Okay, then let’s hurry and get Sam.”

Riley was quick to summon a door. The others urgently ran through it.

. . .

The sun brightly shined as Abigail and Sam walked along the boardwalk, trying to find another activity to do. As the two walked, Abigail turned her head to look at Sam, her expression twisting as she noticed how emotionally distant he seemed, rubbing his wrist.

Abigail decided to speak up. “Sam, are you okay?”

Sam’s body perked up and his feet halted, spinning his head around to face Abigail.

“Huh? Oh, ye- yeah… Um, I’m okay!”

His smile was too crooked. Too fake.

“Um, are you sure? Your face isn’t matching…” She looked Sam up and down. “...Well, everything.”

Knowing that he was caught red-handed, Sam’s fake smile quickly fell. Abigail saw that and cocked her head to the side, looking at him with sympathy in her eyes.

When they saw each other for the first time again, Sam explained a few things about the incident. Ever since then, Sam would drag his feet with a numb expression, constantly rubbing his wrist. When Sam knew that Abigail was watching, he acted like his normal self, but Abigail knew the truth.

“Hey, you know… It’s okay to be… sad. What you went through was horrible.”

Sam responded, stuttering. “I… I know! But, I don’t want my family to see me sad, or else they will get upset…”

Abigail sighed.

She knew that one of the reasons that Drake ran away in the first place was because Sam was honest with his feelings.

Abigail spoke once again. “I’m sure your family would want to know how you feel, like Alice… and Gabriel!”

“I mean, I’ve told Gabriel about my feelings before…! But…”

Sam’s expression turned into discomfort as he looked to the side, at the ground, as he began to rub his wrist again. Abigail saw, her lips thinning, deciding to drop the conversation.

Suddenly, Sam’s back began to glow as a door appeared behind him, Gabriel, Riley, and Alice stepping out. Once they saw Sam, they greeted him with a smile.

Alice was the first one to speak. “Hello, Sam! We’re here to pick you up!”

“Huh? Why?”

Gabriel responded. “We are going to search for your dad.”

“W- Wait, really?!”

Sam’s breath quickened as a rush of joy and hope filled his chest.

He was going to see his dad again. His dad might come back.

“Yes, really. Now, let’s hurry.” Riley spoke.

“Riley, Riley. We do not need to hurry.” Gabriel responded with some sassiness in his tone.

Gabriel summoned a key and lifted it in the air, looking back.

Gabriel waved with his palm. “Goodbye, Abigail!”

Sam waved, as well. “Bye, Abby!”

Abigail waved back, a hint of concern in her expression. “Bye!”

The four stepped through the doorway, walking into the Kloud. Gabriel quickly walked past the others, towards the crystal ball.

“But first, we need to know where Drake is!”

Gabriel crouched down, moving his outstretched hand towards the crystal ball’s surface. Then, he halted, hesitating.

Both his stomach and heart began to ache as the same horrible feeling came back. What if Drake was not okay? What if he was actually suffering?

Gabriel ignored the feeling, gently placing his palm on the smooth surface of the crystal ball.

As the fog cleared, Gabriel’s heart dropped, the inside of his body turning icy-cold.

No. No, no, no. It can’t be true. His worst fear can’t be true!

Gabriel’s breath quickened, slowly beginning to hyperventilate. He continued to crouch down in front of the crystal ball, not moving. Riley’s eyebrows furrowed in confusion as she noticed how Gabriel was reacting.

“Gabe? Gabe! What’s wrong?”

Alice quickly ran over and sat down next to Gabriel, her face filled with concern as she put her hand on his shoulder. Sam remained where he stood, fear rising inside.

Gabriel choked, stammering his words. “Something is wrong. Something is wrong with him!”

End of chapter 10.

[loveingly-art]

Myself as a Security Breach Employee

You saw the title.

I got the idea after thinking about how me and my friend would handle being the DCA’s assistant.

As you can tell by my face in the drawing, antics ensue.

It’s mostly based off the version of the DCA that has something “slightly” wrong with them.

[loveingly-art]

My Dearest Friend [Chapter 9]

Trigger Warning: Swearing, Manipulation, Rage, Child Trauma, Trauma, Gore, Implication of Mental Illness

After revealing his true colors, the gods attempt to fight Aidan. Unfortunately, everything takes a turn for the worse.

The is probably the longest chapter in the whole story.

It is one of my favorites, due to what happens in it, but I won't spoil.

It does get dark, so fair warning.

Everyone stared at Aidan, confusion and shock shown on their expressions.

Gabriel opened his mouth to speak.

His voice was quiet from shock.

He stuttered. “...What?”

Sam held his own hands close to his chest.

There was disbelief in his voice.

“W-We what?”

Riley continued to stare.

Then, her expression transformed from shock to rage.

She clenched her fists tightly in anger. “Aidan… You better have a reasonable explanation, or I will KILL you.”

Aidan had no reaction to Riley’s threat.

He only smiled, mockingly.

“Oh, I’m sure you will.”

He continued.

“I tried something similar with Gabriel, but…” His eyes suddenly locked onto Sam’s. “Sam was able to stop it.”

He looked away, gazing at the sky.

“I thought my plan was ruined.” He continued. “Until I realized that Drake was perfect!”

He looked back at everyone, a twisted smile on his face and a glint in his eyes.

“Drake was upset about many things. He was upset when Sam went against his wishes.”

A flash of guilt appeared on Sam’s face.

“He was upset over Willow breaking up with him. He was upset because he thought he was a monster.”

As Gabriel listened, he realized something.

He was extremely close to becoming a victim of Aidan.

He lost control of his anger…

…Fell into despair…

…And almost became a victim.

Fear filled his heart to the point that it ached.

He was in danger, and…

He didn’t even know it.

If it weren’t for Sam’s positive words, he would be a victim.

Gabriel’s heart filled with guilt.

Poor Drake…

Now, he was a victim.

If Sam had never comforted him, Drake wouldn’t be in this horrible mess.

He would gladly take his place if it meant that Drake wouldn’t have to go through this.

Aidan continued. “My plan is working. I just need to deal with you.”

Sam spoke up, his eyes wide with fear.

He stuttered. “W-what is your plan e-exactly…?”

“Well, it’s simple, really.” Aidan paused. “I just want to see you all suffer.”

His smile grew more malicious.

Everyone became silent as they continued to stare at Aidan in shock.

A low chuckle came from behind Sam and Gabriel.

As they heard it, chills went down both their backs.

Everyone turned their heads to look at the source of the sound.

It was Riley.

A twisted grin of anger spread across her face.

She chuckled again. “Wow. You really ARE a horrible person.”

Without warning, she flew towards Aidan, her arm pulled back as she prepared to punch him.

Gabriel tried to reach out with his hand.

“Wait, Riley-!”

Riley swung her arm forward to punch Aidan.

Aidan instantly caught her fist, his smile gone.

He squeezed her fist.

In response, Riley’s arm began to transform into mist, starting from it.

From the impact, Riley flew backwards.

Scrambling towards her, the other three caught her.

Riley looked over her arm, turning it front and back, grunting in both pain and anger.

The four turned their heads and stared at Aidan.

“Wow, Riley! I can’t believe you tried that! THAT was stupid.”

Flames spun and twirled in Aidan’s palm, forming a fireball.

Then, he raised his arm towards the sky, staring down at the four with an evil smile.

Behind him, Drake watched.

He looked at Aidan, then at Sam and Gabriel.

He looked at them as the light from the fireball reflected in their fearful eyes.

His son.

His friend.

A burning rage rose in his chest…

…As well as determination.

He would protect his son.

…The right way.

He would fix his mistakes.

Aidan continued to smile.

Suddenly, a force pulled on his back, and he flew backwards.

The force spun him in the other direction.

Using his hand, Drake forced Aidan to float closer to him.

…And closer.

…And closer.

Aidan could see the details of Drake’s glowing, red irises from how close he was to him.

His voice was low.

“Don’t hurt my family.”

With a quick motion of his arm, he threw Aidan away.

Aidan landed on the grass with a heavy impact.

As he landed, he gave out a grunt in pain.

“That’s how it’s going to be, huh?”

Using one hand, Aidan got up from the ground and began to walk towards the others, an annoyed expression on his face.

“If he wants to fight, I’ll fight.”

He walked a few more steps before he summoned a fireball with both hands.

Lurching his hands forward, he launched the fireball at Drake.

It hit Drake.

The moment it hit him, a large portion of his body disappeared, becoming air.

He grunted in pain.

Sam watched with a horrified expression.

His father was getting hurt.

He hated it.

He hated watching the people he loved getting hurt.

He couldn’t take it anymore.

Seeing Aidan fight, Riley was overcome with rage.

She began to walk towards him, her fists clenched tightly.

Suddenly, someone ran past her.

Her eyebrows furrowed his confusion.

She looked in the direction the person ran and saw…

Sam.

She watched as Sam ran towards Aidan with determination and fear.

“SAM, NO!”

He reeled his arm back, his fist heating up.

With all his strength, he punched Aidan in the back, his back quickly becoming glass before shattering into several shards, leaving a giant hole through his torso.

“Leave my dad alone!”

Drake, still recovering from pain, stopped, his eyes widening.

Dad…?

Tears began to form in the corner of his eyes.

He thought he didn’t have anyone.

He thought he had lost Sam when he realized he traumatized him.

…But he didn’t.

He still had Sam.

Aidan looked over his shoulder and glared down at Sam with anger.

“You little…”

He grabbed Sam’s wrist, lifting him up into the air.

He squeezed tighter, and flames began to surround Aidan’s fist.

The fire stung Sam’s skin.

It hurt.

It hurt so much.

Tears streamed down Sam’s cheeks as he screamed bloody murder.

Drake’s heart ached as his anger grew.

The white of his eyes became black.

Using the motion of his arm, Drake rose Aidan into the air before slamming him into the ground.

As he seethed, his voice came out distorted.

“DON’T TOUCH MY SON.”

Using his elbow, Aidan attempted to get up.

Before he could, a bright light came from above, forcing him to turn his head away.

Squinting slightly, Aidan could see who it was.

Alice.

“YOU are fighting?!”

Alice looked down at him from the sky in disappointment.

“Yup.”

Pointing her palm at him, Alice blasted Aidan with a ray of light.

As Aidan was blinded again, Drake continued to hold him to the ground.

. . .

Willow and Wendy continued to walk.

Willow walked with her head down, still sad from the last conversation.

As Wendy continued to walk, she noticed something in the distance.

She squinted.

“Is that… Alice’s light?”

“Hm?”

Willow looked up, immediately noticing it.

“I… I think it is! What if… what if they are in danger?!”

“I think you are right. Hurry, we need to help them!”

With urgency, the two began to run in the direction of the light.

. . .

Drake was using all of his strength to hold Aidan to the ground.

He was growing tired.

His hands were beginning to shake.

Feeling Drake’s hold on him weakening, Aidan propped himself up on his elbow and got up.

He stood straight, but was blinded by Alice’s ray of light once again.

In the corner of his eye, Drake noticed Gabriel.

“GABRIEL!”

Gabriel’s ears perked up and he turned his head to look at Drake.

He ran up to him, stopping a few feet away from him.

“Ye… Yes, Drake?”

“I… I need you to take Sam and go somewhere safe.”

“I…”

He had to leave Drake again.

The last time he did that, he almost lost him.

But…

Gabriel turned his body to look at Sam.

Sam grimaced, his expression full of pain.

He looked down at his wrist, a severe burn mark covering it.

Friends care about each other.

He cares about Drake.

…As well as Sam.

“Okay. I will.”

Gabriel reached his hand out and grabbed Sam’s hand.

He began to pull him along as he prepared to run with him.

Still being blinded, Aidan turned his head away.

His eyebrows raised slightly as he noticed Gabriel and Sam preparing to run away.

Gabriel took a step.

Before Gabriel could walk any farther, Aidan lunged and grabbed him.

He quickly turned him around and put his arm around his torso.

With his other hand, he ignited a flame and held it close to Gabriel.

“STOP.” Aidan yelled. “If you try to fight me or even take a single STEP, I will burn him.”

Riley screamed. “NO!”

Her expression quickly grew angry as she took a step towards Aidan.

In response, he inched the flame closer to Gabriel.

“Okay, okay. We’ll stop.”

Riley relaxed her body, but stayed close.

Drake stared at the two, begrudgingly relaxing, as well.

Everyone surrounded Aidan in a large circle, ready to react if something happened.

Riley stared daggers into Aidan.

Suddenly, she sensed light illuminating from behind her.

She heard the shuffling of cloth.

Wendy’s voice broke through the silence.

“Is everything okay? We are here to he-”

A horrified gasp, assumed to be Willow’s, was heard.

Willow screamed in despair. “GABRIEL!”

Riley carefully turned her head to face the two, whispering.

“Don’t move.”

With her head, she gestured to them to stand with the rest.

They followed her orders, Willow quietly crying.

Aidan glared at the two. “That’s what I thought.”

Once again, there was silence.

Aidan began to scan his surroundings.

Riley was continuing to glare at him.

Sam was staring at him with wide eyes, filled with fear.

Alice was looking at both him and Gabriel with heavy concern.

Wendy looked at him in disappointment.

Figures.

Does she have any other emotions?

Willow was crying, her eyes red and puffy.

Drake was glaring at him.

But, there was a hint of worry.

Aidan looked at Gabriel, and then back at Drake.

Interesting.

A smile began to form across his lips.

“Not so strong and tough, now. Are we Drake? Not when your little boyfriend is in danger.”

Gabriel, Sam, Riley, and Alice stopped breathing as their expressions grew more horrified.

Drake became confused, if not more annoyed.

“What?” He sighed. “I’m tired of this, Aidan. I’m tired of your nonsense.”

“Nonsense? Is that what you think this is?”

Aidan pretended to think to himself, looking up at the sky.

“If I remember correctly… Willow was talking to Wendy about how she thought Gabriel was falling in love with you!” He continued. “Saying how everyone has left her, how bad stuff keeps happening to her, how she just wants someone to love her… Blah blah blah…”

Willow’s eyes were wide, frozen in shock.

He heard everything.

Drake looked at her with guilt before quickly looking away.

“That… That doesn’t mean anything.” Drake stuttered.

How could anyone love him?

He didn’t have anyone.

Aidan was telling lies.

He was telling lies to mess with him.

“Drake, why would she lie?”

He continued.

“Is it really that hard to believe someone cares about you? Someone loves you?”

Drake’s lips thinned as he looked at the ground to avoid eye contact.

“Is it because you think you don’t deserve it? Because you are a monster? I mean… You DID yell at Gabriel.” He continued. “...Or is it because you are afraid of having another relationship with someone, afraid of having your heart broken again?”

Heavy tears began to form in Drake’s eyes.

“Gabriel already broke your heart. He’s been doing it a lot lately.” He paused. “Like, breaking Willow’s heart.”

Gabriel looked at Aidan, his eyes wide as he begged him to stop talking.

“That’s right, Gabriel! You made your wife feel like she was alone, that no one loves her. You practically cheated on her!”

Gabriel looked at Willow, begging with his eyes to forgive him.

Willow looked away, tears streaming down her face.

Tears began to form in Gabriel’s own eyes.

Her heart had been broken many times.

…And now, he was one of them.

He failed her.

“Say what, since you like Drake so much…”

A twisted, malicious grin slowly formed across Aidan’s face.

“You can have him all to yourself.”

With a quick motion, Aidan released Gabriel, spun him around to face him, grabbed him tightly by the shoulder…

…And ignited him.

Gabriel let out an ear-piercing scream.

Aidan released him, allowing Gabriel to fall backward and hit the ground.

Another ear-piercing scream rang out.

“NOOO!” Riley screamed.

Drake stared at Gabriel, frozen with his eyes wide and filled with tears.

Aidan continued to smile.

Slowly, he took a step and reached out towards Drake’s arm.

His fingers were an inch away.

Filled with rage, Riley flew at him.

Aidan felt the heavy blow to his chest before he flew backwards.

He landed on his back with a thud.

A fist hit his cheek.

A fist hit his eye.

A fist hit his forehead.

A fist hit his chest.

“YOU… FUCKING…!”

Riley didn’t stop.

Wendy ran up to her from behind with urgency.

“Riley. Riley! You need to STOP.”

Meanwhile, Sam stared at Gabriel in horror and sorrow.

“Gabriel!”

His feet remained still, frozen.

Drake continued to stare.

Tears streamed down his face, his eyes wide.

A large portion of Gabriel’s face was heavily scarred.

With a single hand, Gabriel tried to reach out to Drake.

It landed where it originally was.

He couldn’t feel his face.

Everything felt numb.

Everything stinged.

A tear went down his cheek.

It hurt.

It hurt so much.

Drake began to slowly walk towards Gabriel.

His expression was unreadable.

He crouched down on his knees.

His lips quivered as he began to speak.

“Everything is too much. It’s too much…”

Drake rambled on.

“Now, you’re hurt, and…”

His head jerked up as he stared into Gabriel’s eyes, his own glowing red with emotion.

“Please, don’t tell me it’s true. It can’t be true, Gabe.”

Gabriel was confused, yet still knew what he was talking about.

Drake continued to ramble.

“How could you love me…? You shouldn’t love me! You have a WIFE, Gabe! I can’t be with you!”

Gabriel could only remain silent, both physically and emotionally.

“Why… Why would you want to be with me…? I yelled at you! After you treated me so well…” He continued. “You took care of me, checked on me…”

He paused.

“I’m a monster.”

When those words left his mouth, Gabriel’s heart ached.

Gabriel opened his mouth.

His throat stung as he spoke.

“No… You’re not.”

Drake’s head jerked up once again, surprised that Gabriel was speaking.

“Y-you shouldn’t talk. I don’t deserve you. I don’t deserve anyone.”

Gabriel didn’t know how to respond to that.

But, he could feel his own life drifting away.

He should make his words count.

Gabriel blinked, more tears forming in his eyes.

“I’m sorry.”

Drake slowly looked up at him.

“Sorry? For what…?”

“For breaking your trust… For calling you a coward.”

Drake became silent.

It was silent for what felt like too long.

Drake began to chuckle, shaking his head.

As he chuckled, it became a laugh.

He laughed and laughed.

Then, his laugh became watery, and before Gabriel knew it, Drake was sobbing.

“You care so much. Why do you care so much…?”

He continued to sob.

The more he sobbed, the more Gabriel felt his life drifting away.

He didn’t want to go.

Drake would be…

He didn’t want to think about it.

It hurt so much.

It made him wish that he could be held.

He looked up at Drake.

He coughed. “Drake…”

Drake sniffled.

“Yes…?”

“Can you hold me, please…?”

“I…”

What if he hurt him?

But…

Gabriel was dying.

What kind of friend would he be if he didn’t respect his dying wish?

Gabriel began to plead.

He didn’t want Drake to leave him again.

“Please. Please, don’t leave me…!”

“Okay! Okay…”

Drake gently picked him up and began to cradle Gabriel.

He began to tear up.

“I forgive you. Your apology, I mean.”

Gabriel became silent.

Suddenly, a smile appeared across his lips, his injuries causing him to struggle with smiling fully.

“Thank you.”

The two laid on the grass in silence.

Gabriel continued to gaze into Drake’s eyes.

Due to his emotions, Drake’s eyes burned a red, hot glow.

He loved it when his eyes did that.

They were so beautiful.

“I love your eyes, Drake. They are so beautiful.”

Drake’s tears flowed harder as his heart swelled.

He didn’t think anyone could see his eyes that way.

How could they?

Gabriel gave his brightest smile, his eyes shimmering.

Then, the shimmer left his eyes.

His eyes reflected like glass.

His body went limp.

“Gabe?”

Drake was confused.

Then, he realized.

“Gabe, no, no, NO! NO, YOU CAN’T LEAVE ME!”

Drake grabbed his shoulders and shook him.

Sam heard everything.

Tears heavily flowed down his cheeks.

Not again.

He lost someone he loved AGAIN.

Alice ran over and immediately crouched down to inspect Gabriel.

“No, no… Oh, Gabriel.” Tears formed in her eyes. “Don’t worry…”

She reached her hand out, preparing to heal him.

Her hand an inch away, Orbs of light began to float from Gabriel’s corpse.

Alice, Sam, and Drake’s eyes slowly followed the orbs’ path.

After a few minutes, Gabriel’s corpse was gone.

Sam and Alice stared at the empty space in horror.

Drake breathed heavily as he stared at the ground.

He was gone.

He didn’t care what Drake did.

He didn’t care if Drake was a monster.

He was his friend.

“He is a caring man who always seems to bring a smile to my face.”

Gabriel’s bright smile flashed through Drake’s mind.

He was the only thing that had made him genuinely happy in a long time.

…And now, that happiness is gone.

Drake slowly lifted his hands up and stared at them.

Was it because of him?

His powers drain the life force from others.

Would Gabriel still be here if he had never touched him?

Something tingled inside of his chest.

That didn’t seem right.

Drake slowly turned his head, his eyes locking onto someone.

Aidan.

The tingling feeling in his chest began to sting.

Gabriel’s scarred, disfigured face flashed through Drake’s mind.

The stinging feeling began to burn.

It was him.

He hurt him.

The burning feeling grew.

It was his fault.

It grew.

He hurt his family.

The feeling became a raging inferno.

He hated him.

His eyes began to burn.

He must pay.

Riley grunted as she repeatedly punched Aidan.

His face was twisted in anger and pain.

“I’M GOING TO KILL YOU!”

Wendy yelled at her once again. “Riley, that is enough!”

Riley ignored her, continuing to punch Aidan.

She swung her arm back.

Something sharp digged into her wrist.

Before she could react, Riley was thrown backwards, slamming into the ground.

“WHAT THE HELL-?!”

Suddenly, something wooshed past her, colliding into Aidan, causing a dirt streak through the ground.

She stared at him in disbelief, her eyes wide.

Aidan grunted in pain from the collision.

He slowly opened his eyes.

His heart jumped as he stared directly into Drake’s burning red, beast-like eyes.

His smile impossibly stretched across his face.

Drake stared back.

Aidan could feel pain growing in his shoulders as Drake pushed him into the ground.

He pushed harder, his own hands beginning to shake from the force.

Aidan could hear fear in his own voice.

“What… What the hell?!”

Drake didn’t react, only staring.

The more he stared, the more Aidan saw.

Something more than rage.

Something dark.

It drained him.

It made him grow weaker.

Aidan kicked him off.

“Get away from me!”

The moment Drake was off, he scrambled to stand up.

He stared at Drake in horror.

Drake shook his head, before his head cracked as he jerked it in Aidan’s direction.

His back was unnaturally hunched.

His expression never changed.

That’s it.

Aidan turned on his heel and bolted towards the forest.

From behind, Riley walked up to Drake.

She barely recognized her best friend.

“Drake…?” There was a hint of fear in her voice.

Drake looked back, his burning red eyes staring back.

His expression never changed.

Then, he turned his head back towards the forest.

He flew through it, the wind causing Riley to be pushed back.

Riley stared in horror.

“We need to go after him. QUICK!”

. . .

Aidan stopped, looking around at his surroundings as he breathed heavily.

“He… He’s actually lost it. He’s actually fucking lost it.”

He took two steps, his legs violently shaking in fear.

“He’s insane.”

He stared at the ground, continuing to breathe heavily.

“He became an actual monster.”

He heard a noise.

He turned his head to look over his shoulder, only to see…

…Drake flying through the trees, straight at Aidan.

Aidan screamed in pure terror.

“GET AWAY FROM ME.”

Aidan dodged behind a tree, continuing to run.

He could hear sounds from every corner.

He turned his head to the left and saw Drake.

His heart jumped again.

Once again, he made a quick turn.

He turned his head and saw Drake again.

Every time he turned his head, he saw his face.

That horrible face.

The face of a monster.

Last minute, he turned his head, being met with two red dots and a malicious grin.

Drake collided into him.

Aidan’s back slammed into a tree, groaning in pain.

As he began to slide down, Drake slammed him back into the tree, pinning him up.

Aidan stared at him with pure terror in his eyes.

Drake stared back with that same, terrifying expression.

He began to raise up one of his hands.

As Drake raised his hand, Aidan noticed it had become a claw.

It wasn’t there before.

The longer Aidan was held under his claw, the weaker he became.

Drake’s eyes seemed to glow brighter as he raised his hand.

Aidan’s ear twitched, hearing a strange sound.

The sound of rock.

Huh?

WAIT.

In a panic, he tightly closed his eyes, expecting darkness to come.

“DRAKE, STOP!”

A small, innocent voice broke the silence.

Aidan opened up one eye.

A spike had burst through the ground, inches from his stomach.

Aidan’s eyes rolled into the back of his head before he slumped to the ground, fainting.

Drake turned his head to look over his shoulder, his expression the same.

It was Sam.

The others stood behind him.

Tears dripped down his cheeks as he slowly walked up to Drake.

“D-Dad… Please, stop.”

[loveingly-art]

His rage simmered down.

He turned his head and looked down at Aidan.

His rage grew again.

He quickly reached for him.

Riley quickly ran in front of him.

She snatched his wrist.

“STOP.”

Drake stared at her.

Then, his eyes followed his hand.

His claw.

His heart was filled with horror.

He slowly raised his hands, staring at them.

He began to hyperventilate.

“What… What did I do?”

Alice began to approach him.

“Drake, it is going to be okay. You need to calm down, okay…?”

Ringing filled Drake’s ears as he stared at his hands.

“WHAT HAVE I DONE?!”

“Drake, everything is fine! You didn’t hurt anyone. But, you need to breathe!”

Tears flowed down Drake’s cheeks.

Sam spoke up. “Dad? It’s going to be okay…!”

A hand touched his shoulder.

“Drake. You need to calm down-”

“GET AWAY FROM ME!”

He swung his arm, smacking something.

Riley glared at Drake, annoyed.

She rubbed her cheek, grimacing in pain.

“Dang it, Drake! I told you to chill out!”

Drake stared at her in horror.

He began to look everywhere, frantically.

His eyes landed on an opening through the trees.

Without hesitation, he flew through.

The wind rushed past him, his tears joining it.

Alice screamed. “DRAKE, WAIT!”

Sam stared in the direction Drake went with despair.

Everyone stared.

Riley loudly groaned, practically screaming.

“Not again…!”

. . .

It was dark and quiet in the Kloud.

It was an empty space.

Suddenly, a ray of light beamed from the crystal ball in the middle of the lobby.

From that light, a person began to form.

The person took a single step and stopped in front of the crystal ball.

The person slowly raised their hands and began to look them over.

He… He was alive.

All the pain he had felt was gone.

He began to touch other parts of his body.

He was safe.

Gabriel was safe.

A jolt of realization went through his body.

“Drake… Drake!”

He began to run, but spun around on his heel when he remembered the crystal ball had existed.

“Wait! The crystal ball… I should check the crystal ball, of course.” Gabriel mumbled.

He bent down and gently placed his palm against the round, smooth surface.

The fog that clouded the inside of the crystal ball disappeared.

Gabriel’s heart dropped.

His eyes went wide.

Gabriel stammered. “No, no, no… Drake, what are you doing…?”

He quickly turned and summoned a door, running through it with urgency.

. . .

Drake walked through the forest, staring at the ground near his feet, his fists clenched at his sides.

Every breath he gave was shaky.

Several tears fell to the ground.

A voice came from behind him.

“Drake…?”

Drake swiftly turned his head, meeting Gabriel’s confused and sorrowful eyes.

His breath hitched.

“Gabe…?”

“What are you doing? Why are you running aw-”

Drake ran up to him and gave him a tight hug.

Tears filled Gabriel’s eyes.

He gently put his arms around him and hugged him back.

As they continued to hug, Gabriel began to feel Drake’s chest shake as he sobbed.

Gabriel’s heart broke.

He raised his arm and began to rub his back.

Something flashed through Drake’s mind.

Drake gently pushed Gabriel away.

“GET AWAY FROM ME.”

Gabriel stared at him, confused and betrayed.

“What…? Drake, why-”

“Just… Get away from me. You shouldn’t be near me.”

Gabriel’s mouth opened, but nothing came out of it.

“Drake, my dearest friend, why shouldn’t I be near you?”

“I’m a monster.”

“You are not a monster, Drake.”

“No, you don’t understand. I lost it. Something took control.”

Drake continued to ramble, and as Gabriel stared, he began to look delusional, insane.

Drake continued. “I nearly STABBED Aidan with a spike. I…” His voice broke. “I slapped Riley.”

Gabriel’s eyes widened.

“You… slapped her?”

“I… I didn’t mean to!”

Gabriel remained silent.

“It… It was an accident. You were only stressed out, Drake…”

Drake paused.

Suddenly, he began to chuckle.

“Stressed out… That’s what you call it.”

He stopped laughing, looking down at both of his hands.

“I don’t even know who I am, anymore.”

Gabriel was silent.

Slowly, he began to walk towards Drake.

“Well, you are my friend.”

“Friend?” Drake chuckled again. “Gabriel, You like me. I don’t even know why.”

He turned his body to face Gabriel.

“You have a wife, Gabe. You should spend time with HER. We can’t be together, especially since I’m a… Monster.”

Gabriel knew he was right.

He should’ve spent more time with Willow.

…But, now…

…He had broken her heart.

Would she even forgive him?

“You’re not a monster, Drake!”

“I almost killed someone! I saw your corpse and lost it!”

Drake looked up at Gabriel’s face, and a flashback of his scarred, mangled face appeared in his mind.

He began to hyperventilate, taking a step backwards.

“I can’t even look at you!”

Drake held both sides of his face with his hands.

Gabriel stared in concern and horror.

Poor Drake…

He lost him…

…And then he lost his mind.

He went through so much.

He had been through so much.

When will Drake stop suffering?

Gabriel began to approach him, reaching his hand out.

“Drake…”

“PLEASE, GET AWAY FROM ME! I’m dangerous, what if I hurt you? I can’t lose you, again!”

“You won’t! I know you wouldn’t, Drake…!”

“WHY CAN’T YOU JUST LISTEN?!” Drake screamed.

His eyes glowed a hot red.

“Forget about me! I’m… Not coming back.”

Gabriel’s heart dropped.

“What do you mean you’re not coming back…?! Drake, please, you can’t leave!”

“It’s for the best.”

“Please, don’t leave… Don’t leave me…”

Gabriel put his arms around his stomach as he sobbed.

Drake’s voice broke as he continued to sob.

“T-Tell… Tell Sam that he can visit Fantasia whenever he wants.”

Drake looked up, staring into Gabriel’s eyes.

“Take care of the others, okay?”

Gabriel stared into his eyes back.

He loved it when his eyes glowed.

His eyes were so beautiful.

Drake turned his body into the opposite direction, facing the forest.

Then, he flew into it, air rushing into Gabriel’s face.

Gabriel continued to sob, laying hunched over on the grass.

His heart ached.

His heart ached for Drake.

Riley was running through the forest.

Eventually, she arrived at an opening.

Turning her head, she saw Gabriel.

Her heart swelled.

“Gabriel! GABRIEL!”

As Riley ran up to him, Gabriel began to stand up.

Once he was in arms’ reach, Riley hugged him.

“I’m glad you’re okay.”

She tried to hide it, but Gabriel could hear sadness in her voice.

“That motherf- jerk is going to pay.”

Riley pulled away, releasing Gabriel from the hug.

Gabriel stood there, holding himself as he sobbed.

Riley’s eyebrows furrowed.

“What’s wrong?”

Suddenly, she realized something.

“Wait… You’re alone. Where’s Drake?”

“He… He’s gone.”

Riley became silent.

“DAMN IT! THAT-” She took a deep breath. “We… We will find him, we just need to search for him again! Unfortunately…”

“No, Riley… He doesn’t want us to.”

“He doesn’t…? Okay, search for him anyway!”

“Riley, it seemed like he would be extremely upset if I followed him. He doesn’t want anyone to search.”

Riley paused before giving an annoyed sigh.

“Okay. Fine.”

Gabriel hiccuped as he began to sob more.

Riley gave him a pitiful look, putting a hand on his back.

She sighed. “Come on. I think the others are waiting for me.”

Gabriel nodded, the two beginning to slowly walk back.

. . .

After walking for a while, the two arrived in the same location as the others.

Alice was the first one to notice them.

Noticing Gabriel, she gasped and began to run towards him.

After looking at Alice in confusion, they followed.

Willow stayed behind.

Gabriel’s heart broke more.

He understood.

Not only did he break her heart…

He broke her trust.

The two of them might not recover from this.

The three gave Gabriel a group hug.

“I am so happy you are alright…” Alice sniffled.

After releasing Gabriel and giving him a smile, she gave Riley a confused look.

“Wait… Riley, where’s Drake…?”

“I…” Riley looked at Gabriel before looking at Alice again. “He decided that he didn’t want to come back.”

“What…?”

Everyone turned their heads towards Sam.

Sam stared at them with wide, sorrowful eyes.

It broke Gabriel’s heart even more.

Riley stammered, trying to explain.

“S-Sam…”

Sam stared at the ground, tears beginning to form in his eyes.

He hiccuped before falling to the ground on his knees and sobbing.

His father ran away.

He saw Gabriel being burned.

He saw Gabriel die.

He saw his father almost kill Aidan.

…And his father was gone.

…Again.

Sam gave out a long wail.

Watching the sight, Gabriel began to cry, as well.

Alice walked over and crouched down to meet Sam’s height, comforting him by whispering something the others couldn’t hear.

Gabriel heard Riley sigh next to him.

“It’s really bad, right now.” She continued. “B-But… Maybe we just need to give Drake some time. He can’t get rid of us THAT easily.”

Gabriel gave her a doubtful look.

But…

…She was right.

They can’t give up.

Drake was their friend.

…And friends care about each other.

End of chapter 9.

[loveingly-art]

My Dearest Friend [Chapter 9]

Trigger Warning: Swearing, Manipulation, Rage, Child Trauma, Trauma, Gore, Implication of Mental Illness

After revealing his true colors, the gods attempt to fight Aidan. Unfortunately, everything takes a turn for the worse.

The is probably the longest chapter in the whole story.

It is one of my favorites, due to what happens in it, but I won't spoil.

It does get dark, so fair warning.

Everyone stared at Aidan, confusion and shock shown on their expressions.

Gabriel opened his mouth to speak.

His voice was quiet from shock.

He stuttered. “...What?”

Sam held his own hands close to his chest.

There was disbelief in his voice.

“W-We what?”

Riley continued to stare.

Then, her expression transformed from shock to rage.

She clenched her fists tightly in anger. “Aidan… You better have a reasonable explanation, or I will KILL you.”

Aidan had no reaction to Riley’s threat.

He only smiled, mockingly.

“Oh, I’m sure you will.”

He continued.

“I tried something similar with Gabriel, but…” His eyes suddenly locked onto Sam’s. “Sam was able to stop it.”

He looked away, gazing at the sky.

“I thought my plan was ruined.” He continued. “Until I realized that Drake was perfect!”

He looked back at everyone, a twisted smile on his face and a glint in his eyes.

“Drake was upset about many things. He was upset when Sam went against his wishes.”

A flash of guilt appeared on Sam’s face.

“He was upset over Willow breaking up with him. He was upset because he thought he was a monster.”

As Gabriel listened, he realized something.

He was extremely close to becoming a victim of Aidan.

He lost control of his anger…

…Fell into despair…

…And almost became a victim.

Fear filled his heart to the point that it ached.

He was in danger, and…

He didn’t even know it.

If it weren’t for Sam’s positive words, he would be a victim.

Gabriel’s heart filled with guilt.

Poor Drake…

Now, he was a victim.

If Sam had never comforted him, Drake wouldn’t be in this horrible mess.

He would gladly take his place if it meant that Drake wouldn’t have to go through this.

Aidan continued. “My plan is working. I just need to deal with you.”

Sam spoke up, his eyes wide with fear.

He stuttered. “W-what is your plan e-exactly…?”

“Well, it’s simple, really.” Aidan paused. “I just want to see you all suffer.”

His smile grew more malicious.

Everyone became silent as they continued to stare at Aidan in shock.

A low chuckle came from behind Sam and Gabriel.

As they heard it, chills went down both their backs.

Everyone turned their heads to look at the source of the sound.

It was Riley.

A twisted grin of anger spread across her face.

She chuckled again. “Wow. You really ARE a horrible person.”

Without warning, she flew towards Aidan, her arm pulled back as she prepared to punch him.

Gabriel tried to reach out with his hand.

“Wait, Riley-!”

Riley swung her arm forward to punch Aidan.

Aidan instantly caught her fist, his smile gone.

He squeezed her fist.

In response, Riley’s arm began to transform into mist, starting from it.

From the impact, Riley flew backwards.

Scrambling towards her, the other three caught her.

Riley looked over her arm, turning it front and back, grunting in both pain and anger.

The four turned their heads and stared at Aidan.

“Wow, Riley! I can’t believe you tried that! THAT was stupid.”

Flames spun and twirled in Aidan’s palm, forming a fireball.

Then, he raised his arm towards the sky, staring down at the four with an evil smile.

Behind him, Drake watched.

He looked at Aidan, then at Sam and Gabriel.

He looked at them as the light from the fireball reflected in their fearful eyes.

His son.

His friend.

A burning rage rose in his chest…

…As well as determination.

He would protect his son.

…The right way.

He would fix his mistakes.

Aidan continued to smile.

Suddenly, a force pulled on his back, and he flew backwards.

The force spun him in the other direction.

Using his hand, Drake forced Aidan to float closer to him.

…And closer.

…And closer.

Aidan could see the details of Drake’s glowing, red irises from how close he was to him.

His voice was low.

“Don’t hurt my family.”

With a quick motion of his arm, he threw Aidan away.

Aidan landed on the grass with a heavy impact.

As he landed, he gave out a grunt in pain.

“That’s how it’s going to be, huh?”

Using one hand, Aidan got up from the ground and began to walk towards the others, an annoyed expression on his face.

“If he wants to fight, I’ll fight.”

He walked a few more steps before he summoned a fireball with both hands.

Lurching his hands forward, he launched the fireball at Drake.

It hit Drake.

The moment it hit him, a large portion of his body disappeared, becoming air.

He grunted in pain.

Sam watched with a horrified expression.

His father was getting hurt.

He hated it.

He hated watching the people he loved getting hurt.

He couldn’t take it anymore.

Seeing Aidan fight, Riley was overcome with rage.

She began to walk towards him, her fists clenched tightly.

Suddenly, someone ran past her.

Her eyebrows furrowed his confusion.

She looked in the direction the person ran and saw…

Sam.

She watched as Sam ran towards Aidan with determination and fear.

“SAM, NO!”

He reeled his arm back, his fist heating up.

With all his strength, he punched Aidan in the back, his back quickly becoming glass before shattering into several shards, leaving a giant hole through his torso.

“Leave my dad alone!”

Drake, still recovering from pain, stopped, his eyes widening.

Dad…?

Tears began to form in the corner of his eyes.

He thought he didn’t have anyone.

He thought he had lost Sam when he realized he traumatized him.

…But he didn’t.

He still had Sam.

Aidan looked over his shoulder and glared down at Sam with anger.

“You little…”

He grabbed Sam’s wrist, lifting him up into the air.

He squeezed tighter, and flames began to surround Aidan’s fist.

The fire stung Sam’s skin.

It hurt.

It hurt so much.

Tears streamed down Sam’s cheeks as he screamed bloody murder.

Drake’s heart ached as his anger grew.

The white of his eyes became black.

Using the motion of his arm, Drake rose Aidan into the air before slamming him into the ground.

As he seethed, his voice came out distorted.

“DON’T TOUCH MY SON.”

Using his elbow, Aidan attempted to get up.

Before he could, a bright light came from above, forcing him to turn his head away.

Squinting slightly, Aidan could see who it was.

Alice.

“YOU are fighting?!”

Alice looked down at him from the sky in disappointment.

“Yup.”

Pointing her palm at him, Alice blasted Aidan with a ray of light.

As Aidan was blinded again, Drake continued to hold him to the ground.

. . .

Willow and Wendy continued to walk.

Willow walked with her head down, still sad from the last conversation.

As Wendy continued to walk, she noticed something in the distance.

She squinted.

“Is that… Alice’s light?”

“Hm?”

Willow looked up, immediately noticing it.

“I… I think it is! What if… what if they are in danger?!”

“I think you are right. Hurry, we need to help them!”

With urgency, the two began to run in the direction of the light.

. . .

Drake was using all of his strength to hold Aidan to the ground.

He was growing tired.

His hands were beginning to shake.

Feeling Drake’s hold on him weakening, Aidan propped himself up on his elbow and got up.

He stood straight, but was blinded by Alice’s ray of light once again.

In the corner of his eye, Drake noticed Gabriel.

“GABRIEL!”

Gabriel’s ears perked up and he turned his head to look at Drake.

He ran up to him, stopping a few feet away from him.

“Ye… Yes, Drake?”

“I… I need you to take Sam and go somewhere safe.”

“I…”

He had to leave Drake again.

The last time he did that, he almost lost him.

But…

Gabriel turned his body to look at Sam.

Sam grimaced, his expression full of pain.

He looked down at his wrist, a severe burn mark covering it.

Friends care about each other.

He cares about Drake.

…As well as Sam.

“Okay. I will.”

Gabriel reached his hand out and grabbed Sam’s hand.

He began to pull him along as he prepared to run with him.

Still being blinded, Aidan turned his head away.

His eyebrows raised slightly as he noticed Gabriel and Sam preparing to run away.

Gabriel took a step.

Before Gabriel could walk any farther, Aidan lunged and grabbed him.

He quickly turned him around and put his arm around his torso.

With his other hand, he ignited a flame and held it close to Gabriel.

“STOP.” Aidan yelled. “If you try to fight me or even take a single STEP, I will burn him.”

Riley screamed. “NO!”

Her expression quickly grew angry as she took a step towards Aidan.

In response, he inched the flame closer to Gabriel.

“Okay, okay. We’ll stop.”

Riley relaxed her body, but stayed close.

Drake stared at the two, begrudgingly relaxing, as well.

Everyone surrounded Aidan in a large circle, ready to react if something happened.

Riley stared daggers into Aidan.

Suddenly, she sensed light illuminating from behind her.

She heard the shuffling of cloth.

Wendy’s voice broke through the silence.

“Is everything okay? We are here to he-”

A horrified gasp, assumed to be Willow’s, was heard.

Willow screamed in despair. “GABRIEL!”

Riley carefully turned her head to face the two, whispering.

“Don’t move.”

With her head, she gestured to them to stand with the rest.

They followed her orders, Willow quietly crying.

Aidan glared at the two. “That’s what I thought.”

Once again, there was silence.

Aidan began to scan his surroundings.

Riley was continuing to glare at him.

Sam was staring at him with wide eyes, filled with fear.

Alice was looking at both him and Gabriel with heavy concern.

Wendy looked at him in disappointment.

Figures.

Does she have any other emotions?

Willow was crying, her eyes red and puffy.

Drake was glaring at him.

But, there was a hint of worry.

Aidan looked at Gabriel, and then back at Drake.

Interesting.

A smile began to form across his lips.

“Not so strong and tough, now. Are we Drake? Not when your little boyfriend is in danger.”

Gabriel, Sam, Riley, and Alice stopped breathing as their expressions grew more horrified.

Drake became confused, if not more annoyed.

“What?” He sighed. “I’m tired of this, Aidan. I’m tired of your nonsense.”

“Nonsense? Is that what you think this is?”

Aidan pretended to think to himself, looking up at the sky.

“If I remember correctly… Willow was talking to Wendy about how she thought Gabriel was falling in love with you!” He continued. “Saying how everyone has left her, how bad stuff keeps happening to her, how she just wants someone to love her… Blah blah blah…”

Willow’s eyes were wide, frozen in shock.

He heard everything.

Drake looked at her with guilt before quickly looking away.

“That… That doesn’t mean anything.” Drake stuttered.

How could anyone love him?

He didn’t have anyone.

Aidan was telling lies.

He was telling lies to mess with him.

“Drake, why would she lie?”

He continued.

“Is it really that hard to believe someone cares about you? Someone loves you?”

Drake’s lips thinned as he looked at the ground to avoid eye contact.

“Is it because you think you don’t deserve it? Because you are a monster? I mean… You DID yell at Gabriel.” He continued. “...Or is it because you are afraid of having another relationship with someone, afraid of having your heart broken again?”

Heavy tears began to form in Drake’s eyes.

“Gabriel already broke your heart. He’s been doing it a lot lately.” He paused. “Like, breaking Willow’s heart.”

Gabriel looked at Aidan, his eyes wide as he begged him to stop talking.

“That’s right, Gabriel! You made your wife feel like she was alone, that no one loves her. You practically cheated on her!”

Gabriel looked at Willow, begging with his eyes to forgive him.

Willow looked away, tears streaming down her face.

Tears began to form in Gabriel’s own eyes.

Her heart had been broken many times.

…And now, he was one of them.

He failed her.

“Say what, since you like Drake so much…”

A twisted, malicious grin slowly formed across Aidan’s face.

“You can have him all to yourself.”

With a quick motion, Aidan released Gabriel, spun him around to face him, grabbed him tightly by the shoulder…

…And ignited him.

Gabriel let out an ear-piercing scream.

Aidan released him, allowing Gabriel to fall backward and hit the ground.

Another ear-piercing scream rang out.

“NOOO!” Riley screamed.

Drake stared at Gabriel, frozen with his eyes wide and filled with tears.

Aidan continued to smile.

Slowly, he took a step and reached out towards Drake’s arm.

His fingers were an inch away.

Filled with rage, Riley flew at him.

Aidan felt the heavy blow to his chest before he flew backwards.

He landed on his back with a thud.

A fist hit his cheek.

A fist hit his eye.

A fist hit his forehead.

A fist hit his chest.

“YOU… FUCKING…!”

Riley didn’t stop.

Wendy ran up to her from behind with urgency.

“Riley. Riley! You need to STOP.”

Meanwhile, Sam stared at Gabriel in horror and sorrow.

“Gabriel!”

His feet remained still, frozen.

Drake continued to stare.

Tears streamed down his face, his eyes wide.

A large portion of Gabriel’s face was heavily scarred.

With a single hand, Gabriel tried to reach out to Drake.

It landed where it originally was.

He couldn’t feel his face.

Everything felt numb.

Everything stinged.

A tear went down his cheek.

It hurt.

It hurt so much.

Drake began to slowly walk towards Gabriel.

His expression was unreadable.

He crouched down on his knees.

His lips quivered as he began to speak.

“Everything is too much. It’s too much…”

Drake rambled on.

“Now, you’re hurt, and…”

His head jerked up as he stared into Gabriel’s eyes, his own glowing red with emotion.

“Please, don’t tell me it’s true. It can’t be true, Gabe.”

Gabriel was confused, yet still knew what he was talking about.

Drake continued to ramble.

“How could you love me…? You shouldn’t love me! You have a WIFE, Gabe! I can’t be with you!”

Gabriel could only remain silent, both physically and emotionally.

“Why… Why would you want to be with me…? I yelled at you! After you treated me so well…” He continued. “You took care of me, checked on me…”

He paused.

“I’m a monster.”

When those words left his mouth, Gabriel’s heart ached.

Gabriel opened his mouth.

His throat stung as he spoke.

“No… You’re not.”

Drake’s head jerked up once again, surprised that Gabriel was speaking.

“Y-you shouldn’t talk. I don’t deserve you. I don’t deserve anyone.”

Gabriel didn’t know how to respond to that.

But, he could feel his own life drifting away.

He should make his words count.

Gabriel blinked, more tears forming in his eyes.

“I’m sorry.”

Drake slowly looked up at him.

“Sorry? For what…?”

“For breaking your trust… For calling you a coward.”

Drake became silent.

It was silent for what felt like too long.

Drake began to chuckle, shaking his head.

As he chuckled, it became a laugh.

He laughed and laughed.

Then, his laugh became watery, and before Gabriel knew it, Drake was sobbing.

“You care so much. Why do you care so much…?”

He continued to sob.

The more he sobbed, the more Gabriel felt his life drifting away.

He didn’t want to go.

Drake would be…

He didn’t want to think about it.

It hurt so much.

It made him wish that he could be held.

He looked up at Drake.

He coughed. “Drake…”

Drake sniffled.

“Yes…?”

“Can you hold me, please…?”

“I…”

What if he hurt him?

But…

Gabriel was dying.

What kind of friend would he be if he didn’t respect his dying wish?

Gabriel began to plead.

He didn’t want Drake to leave him again.

“Please. Please, don’t leave me…!”

“Okay! Okay…”

Drake gently picked him up and began to cradle Gabriel.

He began to tear up.

“I forgive you. Your apology, I mean.”

Gabriel became silent.

Suddenly, a smile appeared across his lips, his injuries causing him to struggle with smiling fully.

“Thank you.”

The two laid on the grass in silence.

Gabriel continued to gaze into Drake’s eyes.

Due to his emotions, Drake’s eyes burned a red, hot glow.

He loved it when his eyes did that.

They were so beautiful.

“I love your eyes, Drake. They are so beautiful.”

Drake’s tears flowed harder as his heart swelled.

He didn’t think anyone could see his eyes that way.

How could they?

Gabriel gave his brightest smile, his eyes shimmering.

Then, the shimmer left his eyes.

His eyes reflected like glass.

His body went limp.

“Gabe?”

Drake was confused.

Then, he realized.

“Gabe, no, no, NO! NO, YOU CAN’T LEAVE ME!”

Drake grabbed his shoulders and shook him.

Sam heard everything.

Tears heavily flowed down his cheeks.

Not again.

He lost someone he loved AGAIN.

Alice ran over and immediately crouched down to inspect Gabriel.

“No, no… Oh, Gabriel.” Tears formed in her eyes. “Don’t worry…”

She reached her hand out, preparing to heal him.

Her hand an inch away, Orbs of light began to float from Gabriel’s corpse.

Alice, Sam, and Drake’s eyes slowly followed the orbs’ path.

After a few minutes, Gabriel’s corpse was gone.

Sam and Alice stared at the empty space in horror.

Drake breathed heavily as he stared at the ground.

He was gone.

He didn’t care what Drake did.

He didn’t care if Drake was a monster.

He was his friend.

“He is a caring man who always seems to bring a smile to my face.”

Gabriel’s bright smile flashed through Drake’s mind.

He was the only thing that had made him genuinely happy in a long time.

…And now, that happiness is gone.

Drake slowly lifted his hands up and stared at them.

Was it because of him?

His powers drain the life force from others.

Would Gabriel still be here if he had never touched him?

Something tingled inside of his chest.

That didn’t seem right.

Drake slowly turned his head, his eyes locking onto someone.

Aidan.

The tingling feeling in his chest began to sting.

Gabriel’s scarred, disfigured face flashed through Drake’s mind.

The stinging feeling began to burn.

It was him.

He hurt him.

The burning feeling grew.

It was his fault.

It grew.

He hurt his family.

The feeling became a raging inferno.

He hated him.

His eyes began to burn.

He must pay.

Riley grunted as she repeatedly punched Aidan.

His face was twisted in anger and pain.

“I’M GOING TO KILL YOU!”

Wendy yelled at her once again. “Riley, that is enough!”

Riley ignored her, continuing to punch Aidan.

She swung her arm back.

Something sharp digged into her wrist.

Before she could react, Riley was thrown backwards, slamming into the ground.

“WHAT THE HELL-?!”

Suddenly, something wooshed past her, colliding into Aidan, causing a dirt streak through the ground.

She stared at him in disbelief, her eyes wide.

Aidan grunted in pain from the collision.

He slowly opened his eyes.

His heart jumped as he stared directly into Drake’s burning red, beast-like eyes.

His smile impossibly stretched across his face.

Drake stared back.

Aidan could feel pain growing in his shoulders as Drake pushed him into the ground.

He pushed harder, his own hands beginning to shake from the force.

Aidan could hear fear in his own voice.

“What… What the hell?!”

Drake didn’t react, only staring.

The more he stared, the more Aidan saw.

Something more than rage.

Something dark.

It drained him.

It made him grow weaker.

Aidan kicked him off.

“Get away from me!”

The moment Drake was off, he scrambled to stand up.

He stared at Drake in horror.

Drake shook his head, before his head cracked as he jerked it in Aidan’s direction.

His back was unnaturally hunched.

His expression never changed.

That’s it.

Aidan turned on his heel and bolted towards the forest.

From behind, Riley walked up to Drake.

She barely recognized her best friend.

“Drake…?” There was a hint of fear in her voice.

Drake looked back, his burning red eyes staring back.

His expression never changed.

Then, he turned his head back towards the forest.

He flew through it, the wind causing Riley to be pushed back.

Riley stared in horror.

“We need to go after him. QUICK!”

. . .

Aidan stopped, looking around at his surroundings as he breathed heavily.

“He… He’s actually lost it. He’s actually fucking lost it.”

He took two steps, his legs violently shaking in fear.

“He’s insane.”

He stared at the ground, continuing to breathe heavily.

“He became an actual monster.”

He heard a noise.

He turned his head to look over his shoulder, only to see…

…Drake flying through the trees, straight at Aidan.

Aidan screamed in pure terror.

“GET AWAY FROM ME.”

Aidan dodged behind a tree, continuing to run.

He could hear sounds from every corner.

He turned his head to the left and saw Drake.

His heart jumped again.

Once again, he made a quick turn.

He turned his head and saw Drake again.

Every time he turned his head, he saw his face.

That horrible face.

The face of a monster.

Last minute, he turned his head, being met with two red dots and a malicious grin.

Drake collided into him.

Aidan’s back slammed into a tree, groaning in pain.

As he began to slide down, Drake slammed him back into the tree, pinning him up.

Aidan stared at him with pure terror in his eyes.

Drake stared back with that same, terrifying expression.

He began to raise up one of his hands.

As Drake raised his hand, Aidan noticed it had become a claw.

It wasn’t there before.

The longer Aidan was held under his claw, the weaker he became.

Drake’s eyes seemed to glow brighter as he raised his hand.

Aidan’s ear twitched, hearing a strange sound.

The sound of rock.

Huh?

WAIT.

In a panic, he tightly closed his eyes, expecting darkness to come.

“DRAKE, STOP!”

A small, innocent voice broke the silence.

Aidan opened up one eye.

A spike had burst through the ground, inches from his stomach.

Aidan’s eyes rolled into the back of his head before he slumped to the ground, fainting.

Drake turned his head to look over his shoulder, his expression the same.

It was Sam.

The others stood behind him.

Tears dripped down his cheeks as he slowly walked up to Drake.

“D-Dad… Please, stop.”

[loveingly-art]

Art for Act 3 of My Dearest Friend

[loveingly-art]

Art for Act 3 of “My Dearest Friend”

[loveingly-art]

My Dearest Friend [Chapter 8]

Trigger Warning: Trauma, Child Trauma, Descriptive Intimacy, and Emotional Cheating

The three continue their search for Drake, but with an extra member: Alice. As the four search, Gabriel is able to bond with his friends, as well as sharing his secret.

In total, the Google document is 100 pages. It is ALMOST longer than the original story.

Again, this chapter is mostly dialogue, but I promise that is does get interesting.

Also, fair warning, it's going to get much crazier next chapter.

Everyone remained silent, staring at nothing, lost in their own thoughts.

Gabriel spoke, his voice solemnly quiet.

“Well, we found Drake…”

Riley added on. “It was more like he found US.”

Gabriel became silent, being reminded of the horror that recently occurred.

“He wasn’t acting like himself…”

A dark shadow passed over Sam’s eyes, flashbacks of that horrific expression happening in his head.

Riley clutched onto herself. “He… It was scary.”

Alice was still confused.

“But, what was it that made him so mad…?”

Once again, everyone grew quiet, guilt growing inside.

Gabriel spoke up.

“It was me… I… I called him a coward.”

Tears began to well up in his eyes.

He knew it was his fault.

He knew he hurt his friend’s feelings.

He knew he broke his friend’s trust.

Seeing Gabriel becoming upset, Sam spoke up, in an attempt to help him feel better.

There was kindness in Sam’s voice. “It isn’t your fault, Gabe… You were only trying to help me!”

It felt like things were becoming more and more confusing for Alice.

“Wait, Sam. What was Gabe helping you with?”

“Drake was mad I didn’t listen to him, so he told him that I was… lonely.”

Sam was hesitant to share his feelings.

Alice was beginning to understand.

“Oh, I see…”

Riley explained more. “He told him that not all humans are bad, and even though I don’t completely agree… he made a good point.”

Alice nodded in both understanding and agreement.

Gabriel spoke again, still crying but calmed down.

“That’s why I called him a coward. I was just trying to explain that we can’t hide away from our fears forever…”

A warm smile appeared on Alice’s face, one of sympathy.

“I understand, Gabe. I know you deeply care about him.”

Alice’s expression grew more determined.

“...And I am sure that once we find him, you can tell him sorry, because we WILL find him. We are not giving up.” She paused. “Now, we should probably start leaving, so that we can catch up to him.”

Gabriel paused, his expression still solemn as he stared at the ground, thinking.

“Okay…”

The moment Gabriel answered, everyone turned and began to walk in the direction they had been before.

As everyone began to leave, Sam ran up to Gabriel’s side in urgency.

“Wait, Gabe! Are you okay…?”

There was genuine concern in Sam’s voice, along with innocence.

To Gabriel, it was adorable.

“Yes, I am okay, Sam.”

He paused, before remembering how horrified Sam seemed before.

“But… Are YOU okay?”

Immediately, Sam’s expression became extremely confused.

“Huh? Why are you asking ME?!”

A hint of concern could be heard in Gabriel’s voice. “Because back there with Drake, you seemed pretty frightened.” He continued. “...And I know that it wasn’t JUST the situation.”

He paused, his concern growing.

“There was a look in your eyes, Sam.”

Sam quickly looked away, his anxiety growing as he hesitated.

Seeing the hesitation, Gabriel spoke with understanding and sympathy.

“You don’t have to tell me, but I think it would help.”

Sam finally spoke.

“I was… remembering something.”

Gabriel listened. “Remembering something? Remembering what?”

“I was remembering… What happened at the sleepover… with Abigail.” There was discomfort in Sam’s face.

Gabriel suddenly realized.

He knew that Drake had gotten angry with Sam…

He knew that Drake did something bad to Sam…

…But he didn’t know what.

Does everyone else know?

…Or are they just as clueless as him?

A bad feeling grew in Gabriel’s stomach.

“What… What DID happen?”

As Sam remembered, he looked down and began to fidget with his hands.

“M-Me and Abigail were getting ready for bed, but then… Th-The lights began to flicker and we heard sounds behind the window…” He continued. “S-So Abigail opened the curtains and-!”

Sam didn’t finish.

Instead, his eyes suddenly went wide as he stared in the distance at nothing.

From the way Sam acted earlier with Drake…

Gabriel knew what had happened.

His voice shook. “I… I understand, Sam. You don’t have to continue explaining.”

Sam continued to be silent.

After what felt like forever, he spoke.

“Please, don’t tell dad.”

His voice was robotic and dull, continuing to stare at nothing with his wide eyes.

Gabriel pointed out in his head that Sam, once again, called Drake ‘dad’.

He stared at Sam in extreme concern and disbelief.

“Wait. Why would I NOT do that?”

At once, Sam’s mood changed.

He began to hyperventilate as he talked quickly.

“B-Because then he would be upset! He would hate himself more, AND THEN-”

Gabriel grabbed Sam by both of his shoulders.

“Sam! SAM! You need to calm down!

Slowly, Sam began to relax as he took deep breaths.

Guilt filled Gabriel’s heart.

Sam has truly been through a lot.

He was clearly traumatized.

…From MULTIPLE things.

Gabriel spoke in a quiet, calm and caring voice.

“I… Won’t tell him. BUT… You need to realize that you can tell me things. Okay?”

Sam went quiet, considering his words.

His voice was small. “...Okay.”

Gabriel began to think to himself.

What Sam described was horrible.

But, he had gotten the chance to know Drake.

He knew that Drake didn’t do it on purpose.

He knew he wasn’t a monster.

He knew it was an accident.

But then…

Why did he have this certain feeling in his chest whenever he thought about it?

Either way…

Gabriel knew what Drake did was wrong.

Suddenly, Sam spoke again.

“Gabe?”

“Yes, Sam?”

“I think I know why Conscious disappeared…”

Gabriel grew confused. “Okay… why did he?”

Sam paused, not knowing how Gabriel would react.

“...Because of you.”

Gabriel was surprised at that.

Him?

What could he have possibly done?

“Me?! How so?”

Sam began to explain.

“I think he was my bad thoughts. That was why his name was Conscious.”

He paused.

“But… what I think is that he disappeared because I realized my bad thoughts were only that… Bad.”

Gabriel was quiet.

He gave a soft smile.

“You’re welcome. I’m glad I was able to help.”

. . .

Once the sun set and the moon rose, the four began to settle.

As everyone began to fall asleep, Gabriel stared at the sky.

He watched as the various amounts of stars twinkled.

It was so beautiful.

His eyelids began to droop.

He closed his eyes…

…Then he fell asleep.

Like his other dreams, Gabriel stood in front of Drake.

His face lit up as he saw his friend.

“Drake!”

But, as Gabriel looked at Drake’s face…

…He saw that a smile was stretched across his face.

The whites of his eyes were black, his iris a glowing hot red.

“Traitor…”

Drake stepped forward.

“YOU CALLED ME A COWARD!”

Gabriel’s back sprung up from the ground he slept on.

He breathed quickly from fear.

Suddenly, he felt a presence.

He turned his head towards the direction he sensed it.

…And he saw Riley.

Riley stared back, a neutral expression on her face.

She was still awake, being assumed to be keeping watch for anything.

“Bad dream?”

Gabriel was silent, remembering the events from his dream.

“Y-Yeah…”

“Want to talk about it?”

After thinking it through…

Gabriel knew that Riley would most likely tease him, and frankly, be unsupportive.

He gave Riley a look.

He turned his body to face the opposite direction and plopped his head on the ground.

Then, he fell asleep again.

. . .

It was the next day.

The moment morning came, the four began to start walking again.

By the time it was the afternoon, they were still walking.

Sam was hunched over as he walked, heavy discomfort on his face.

“I’m bored… and my legs hurt!”

Gabriel chuckled at Sam’s innocence.

“I would carry you, Sam… But I don’t think I’m strong enough.”

Sam pouted. “Aw, man!”

“As for being bored, we can get to know each other!”

Sam was a bit skeptical.

“Okay… I’ll ask first!”

Sam put a hand to his chin in thought.

“Hm, I guess… Why were you spending so much time with Drake?”

Gabriel immediately became nervous.

“UM…”

How could he even answer that?

He did NOT want to have to explain to a child that his father was drunk.

A child should NOT know about such topics!

To add, Sam would be petrified to hear the truth.

He had already shown how he reacts when his father suffers.

Gabriel didn’t want to allow Sam to go through more trauma.

He also did not want to have to explain to Sam that he wanted to spend time with his father.

What if he thought he liked Drake more than a friend?

Sam was certainly smart.

Plus, DOES Gabriel like Drake as more than a friend?

Gabriel was still nervous as he spoke.

“A-Ask something else.”

Sam’s expression changed to small disappointment. “Aw, okay…”

He immediately came up with a new question.

“What about… Why did you run after him?”

Gabriel was in disbelief, thinking the answer was obvious.

“B-Because I care about him…?”

Wait…

Saying that could ALSO make Sam think he liked Drake more than a friend.

Gabriel decided to take control.

“Maybe I should ask a question. Okay, Sam?”

Sam was enthusiastic. “Okay!”

After thinking for a little bit, Gabriel remembered something.

“Well, I have noticed you have been calling Drake ‘dad’ throughout our little trip.”

Sam huffed. “Dang it! I was hoping you DIDN’T notice that!”

“There’s nothing wrong with it, Sam! In fact, I think it’s quite adorable!”

Sam proceeded to pout as he grumbled.

“It’s just that I’ve seen families before… and… Drake reminds me of a dad…”

Gabriel understood. “I see! Is there anyone you see as a mom?”

“No, but Alice likes Drake! Maybe she could be my mom!”

A thought suddenly appeared in Gabriel’s mind.

If he liked Drake, he could be Sam’s father.

He shook his head, in an attempt to get rid of the thought.

He stuttered as he grew nervous.

“Y-Yeah, I can see that!”

Alice’s voice chirped from in front of them.

“I heard someone say my name! What are you guys talking about?”

“I was telling Gabe how I see Drake as a dad, and… You could be my mom!”

“Awww! That is so sweet of you, Sam! I would be more than happy to be your mom.”

Sam practically jumped up in excitement.

“Yay!”

Alice suddenly grew more serious.

“But, wait… Are you saying both me and Drake would be your parents, as in together?”

“Yeah… I mean, you like Drake!”

Doubt could be heard in her voice.

“Yes… But I don’t know if he would accept me…”

“I think he would! You’re a very nice person, Alice!”

A smile grew across her lips as she looked at him with warm eyes.

“Aw, thanks, Sam.”

“How long have you loved him?”

“Oh! It’s been a thousand years…” Alice’s voice became soft. “...Or more.”

Then, she paused for dramatic effect.

Everyone could practically sense Riley rolling her eyes.

Riley groaned in annoyance. “Please, help me…”

Sam was easily amazed.

“Wow! That’s a long time!”

To Riley’s displeasure, Sam asked another question.

“What do you like about him?”

Alice stared into the distance as her eyelids drooped and her smile became one of bliss.

“Oh… His eyes…”

As Gabriel listened to her, he began to think about Drake’s eyes.

Drake had beautiful eyes.

He liked how dark they were.

He didn’t mind when Drake became extremely emotional, because he liked the glow that came from his burning red eyes.

“His face…”

Gabriel agreed again.

Drake had a very stoic face.

He had a straight, square jaw.

“His hair…”

Once again, Gabriel agreed.

He liked Drake’s cleanly cut, swoopy hair.

As Alice described Drake, Riley wore an uncomfortable expression.

“Okay, Alice. I think you can stop, now.”

Alice couldn’t hear.

She continued.

“His musclarity…”

Again, begrudgingly, Gabriel agreed.

Drake was very muscular, especially his arms and chest.

His chest…

Gabriel remembered falling on top of Drake.

…How he looked into his eyes.

Riley interrupted his thoughts by shouting.

“That’s enough!”

Alice gave Riley an annoyed look. “Riley, it’s how love works.” She continued. “Anyway… That is why I like Drake.”

Sam stood still as straight as a stick.

His face was twisted in discomfort.

His arms were pressed up against his sides.

Sam awkwardly responded. “...Uh-huh!”

Riley was looking off in annoyance.

“To be honest, I think Gabriel would agree with you.”

Everyone stopped.

Everyone slowly turned their heads towards Riley in shock.

Realizing what she just said, Riley gritted her teeth.

“...Shit.”

Alice slowly turned her body towards Riley, concern in her voice.

“Huh…? What do you mean, Riley?”

Riley tightened her lips, refusing to answer for Gabriel’s sake.

Instead, Alice turned her body towards Gabriel.

“Gabe? What does she mean?”

He hesitated, his own lips tightening.

“I… I think I might have started developing feelings for Drake.”

Sam showed his own shock. “Wait… You like Drake?!” He paused. “Awww- Wait. But… You’re married to Willow!”

Alice began to walk up to Gabriel, concern in her tone.

“Yeah, Gabe. I would be happy for you, but you love Willow!”

Gabriel’s tone was desperate. “I- I do! It’s just that… I really care about Drake. I have gotten the chance to know him, and-”

Gabriel suddenly stopped.

His voice became solemn.

“She has been through so much. She has gone through three break-ups. Three!”

He paused.

“I don’t want to break her heart.”

. . .

In another part of the forest, Wendy, Willow, and Aidan were walking, Aidan being far away from the other two.

Wendy would have stayed at the Kloud.

…But, she didn’t want to have Willow left alone with Aidan.

She knew what he would do.

Willow walked closely behind Wendy.

She stared at the ground with a solemn expression, fiddling with her hands.

After a few minutes, she walked up to Wendy.

“Wendy, Can I… talk with you?”

Wendy immediately accepted. “Of course…”

“I think Gabriel has fallen in love with Drake…”

Wendy usually showed a calm demeanor, but there was a hint of surprise in her voice.

“Really? What makes you say that?”

Willow paused, her expression growing more solemn.

“Gabe was telling me about Drake falling on him. It sounds silly, I know…” She continued. “But he told me it was an accident. I was relieved, until… He said he wasn’t sure it was an accident…”

The moment she finished the sentence, Willow began to sob, her body shaking.

“Everyone I have ever loved has left me…”

“Willow, I am sure he does love you.”

“I know! But I feel like he’d be happier with Drake.”

Her body shook more as she sobbed harder.

“I’m tired of bad things happening to me… I just want someone to love me…”

In response to feeling pity for Willow, she began to rub her back.

“Oh, Willow… I promise that someone out there loves you.”

Aidan stared at the two as Wendy rubbed Willow’s back.

A smile crept onto his face.

Gabriel loves Drake?

…And Willow has become heartbroken because of it?

Interesting.

Then, he turned and ran in the forest.

Wendy turned her head to see an empty space.

“Wait, where is Aidan?”

. . .

Alice gently placed her hand on Gabriel’s shoulder.

“Well, Gabe… I think whatever choice you make will be the right one.”

“Th-Thank you, Alice. That made me feel better.”

“You’re welcome. Now, let’s continue walking, okay?”

Gabriel nodded.

Then, Alice turned her body and walked away.

Gabriel began to follow, but he was stopped by Riley walking up to him.

She whispered.

“I fucking knew it.”

Gabriel immediately yelled at her, horrified by her behavior.

“RILEY! Language! There is a child right behind us!”

Sam chirped. “Don’t worry! I didn’t hear!”

The four would continue walking.

After walking for a long time, the mountain came into view.

Gabriel noticed it first. “There’s the mountain.” He paused, worry in his expression. “Do you think Drake got to it before us…?”

Suddenly, Riley yelled.

“Wait! I see something! Is that-”

Alice finished the sentence for her.

“DRAKE?!”

“Dad?!” Sam yelled.

Everyone began to urgently run towards the mountain.

The closer the four got, the more clear Drake’s image became.

Hope and joy swelled in Gabriel’s chest.

“DRAKE!”

Gabriel was in the lead.

Hearing their voices, Drake turned his head towards them.

His face was filled with fear.

“Guys, run! You-”

Suddenly, Aidan appeared in front of the four.

A mischievous smile appeared on his face.

“...Fell right into my trap. I wasn’t planning on Riley being here, but I guess plans change.”

End of chapter 8.

[loveingly-art]

Gabriel may not have the best fate in Chapter 9.

[loveingly-art]

My Dearest Friend [Chapter 7]

Trigger Warning: Implication of Mental Illness, Implication of Child Trauma, Child Trauma, Rage, Implication of Trauma

After Sam seemingly appearing out of nowhere, Gabriel and Riley decide to ask him a few questions.

This chapter is VERY long and it is mostly dialogue. The next chapter should focus more on love and relationships, or at least that is what I'm planning on.

Riley and Gabriel could only stare at Sam.

Nothing made sense.

Sam randomly appeared, with no one to accompany him.

…With different clothes than he usually wears.

Gabriel sputtered in confusion. “Wha- Sam, why in the world are you here?!”

Riley agreed. “Um, yeah.”

Sam stuttered, sweating nervously as his eyes darted in different directions. “Um… Well, you see…!”

He grew silent.

His expression grew solemn as he remembered something.

“I-It’s a long story.”

Riley raised an eyebrow. “Um, I would still like to know.”

Sam looked away, fidgeting with his fingers, clearly hesitating.

“It’s nothing…”

Riley scoffed, clearly not buying it.

After thinking for a few seconds, she decided to not push further on the matter.

“...Fine.” She turned her whole body in a different direction, looking over her shoulder and gesturing with her hand. “C’mon. We need to continue searching.”

Gabriel and Sam began to follow Riley as she led, Sam still looking nervous.

As they walked, Gabriel looked down at Sam.

His expression became one that showed concern as he saw Sam’s nervousness.

He walked closer to Sam.

Gabriel’s voice was gentle. “Sam, are you sure you’re okay?”

Sam paused.

Sam turned his head, his ear facing a different direction.

…As if he was listening to someone.

After another few seconds of silence, Sam turned his head back to face Gabriel.

His expression was frustrated, his lip sticking out as he pouted.

“Okay, I lied to you guys…”

Riley side-eyed him. “Yeah. We know.”

Gabriel’s head spun around as he annoyingly looked at Riley. “Riley…!” His voice was shrill. “You can continue, Sam.”

Gabriel looked at Sam with gentle eyes, ready to listen.

Sam grimaced as he hesitated.

“I…I just wanted to find Da- Drake, but I knew I shouldn’t go alone, so…” After a quick pause, he continued. “I tried to get my friend to help…”

“Your friend…?”

“Yeah. Her name is Abigail, and she’s… human.”

As Sam spoke the last part, he grew more nervous.

“Human?”

Riley’s ears perked up, turning her head in Sam’s direction and staring at him.

Human.

A face appeared in Gabriel’s head.

Thomas.

Gabriel remembered how the gods would repeatedly visit Thomas.

…And no matter how many times they visited, Thomas would continue to greet them with a smile.

Gabriel missed those times.

He missed visiting Fantasia.

Again, he wished that Drake allowed them to visit.

Is that why Sam didn’t listen to Drake?

Maybe he just wanted to have fun, just like they once did.

History was repeating itself.

Sam had a human friend, just like how they had Thomas as a human friend.

Gabriel smiled warmly at that thought.

Sam quickly explained himself. “She’s a nice human! But…”

Tears began to form in Sam’s eyes.

“She said I should’ve listened, and that she would’ve been in danger…” The tears began to fall down his cheeks. “So, I went home and cried…”

He paused, sputtering.

“...And I guess I fell asleep, because then, I woke up as a superhuman…”

Gabriel’s mouth hung open as he stared at Sam.

Riley stared as well, squinting at Sam in confusion.

“Okay, none of that made sense.”

Gabriel agreed. “It is certainly confusing.”

Gabriel gave a sigh before clearing his throat.

“Well, first… I don’t think you should have asked her for help, Sam.”

Sam’s eyes grew wide in confusion.

“Huh? Why?”

Gabriel continued to speak to Sam in a gentle tone. “She is only a child, Sam. The situation we are in needs adults. Children shouldn’t carry responsibilities like that, and that includes you!”

Riley agreed, speaking in a stern, yet gentle tone. “Yeah, Sam. You shouldn’t be dealing with this. Unfortunately, we are stuck with you, now.”

More tears began to form in Sam’s eyes.

“I just wanted to find him…”

“I know, Sam. We all do.” He paused. “...But you should worry about having fun.”

Sam became quiet, nodding as he looked at the ground.

“Okay…”

Gabriel smiled before he moved onto his next point.

“Second, what do you mean you woke up and you were a superhuman?”

Riley crossed her arms. “Yeah. I’ve been trying to figure out that one myself.”

Sam responded immediately without doubt. “I woke up and I was a superhuman!”

Riley grew a little annoyed. “Okay, but how did you know you were a superhuman?”

Sam went silent, not wanting to tell the truth.

Gabriel grew worried. “Sam…?”

Riley became stern. “Sam, tell us.”

Sam was nervous as he grimaced. “C-Conscious told me…”

“Who the hell is Conscious?”

Sam’s voice was quiet.

“He is another version of me… t-that only I can see…”

Gabriel and Riley stared at him, their eyebrows furrowed.

Riley sighed.

“...And he has lost it.”

Gabriel proceeded to give Riley an annoyed look.

He turned back to face Sam, his expression filled with confusion and concern.

“What do you mean? Does he do anything?”

“I mean, he has helped me! But, he can be annoying sometimes…”

After a few seconds of silence, Sam randomly rolled his eyes at an empty space.

“‘Annoying’ how…? Riley responded in a questioning tone.

Despite seeming annoyed, Sam spoke with innocence.

“He was the one who turned me into a superhuman! He said he did it to teach me a lesson…”

Gabriel and Riley once again looked at each other in concern.

Gabriel’s voice was quiet. “A lesson…?”

“Sam, what kind of lesson?” Riley spoke sternly and quietly.

Sam quietly responded with sadness.

“He said it was my fault Drake ran away…”

Once Sam said that, Gabriel’s heart ached with sympathy.

He slowly leaned in as he wrapped his arms around Sam…

…Giving him a hug.

Until now, Gabriel never realized how much Sam had been going through.

He’s been going through so much.

He lost his dad…

…Was let down by his best friend…

…Began to see a person that no one else could see except him…

…And on top of that, he thought all of it was his fault.

…And he has been going through it ALONE.

But, Gabriel would make sure he wouldn’t…

…Because Sam has him.

He wasn’t going to make the same mistake he made with Drake.

Gabriel spoke with a comforting voice. “It isn’t your fault, Sam. I promise.”

Riley gave an understanding, yet solemn expression. “Yeah, Sam. Drake made the decision to run away by himself.”

Tears began to heavily flow down Sam’s cheeks as he stuttered.

“But… But I betrayed Drake! I went down below, even though he said no!” He began to breathe erratically. “I told him I was scared of him! I’m a terrible son!”

Son…?

Gabriel ignored that part.

Gabriel became extremely concerned, shouting at Sam. “Sam… Sam! You need to calm down!”

Sam was still breathing heavily. “But-”

Despite being comforting, Gabriel spoke sternly. “Sam. There is nothing wrong with sharing your feelings. That wasn’t your fault.”

Sam sniffled and then grew silent.

“Okay.”

Gabriel’s voice had a questioning tone in it. “But… I want to understand something, Sam. Why do you keep going down below, despite being told not to?”

Sam’s voice was quiet and sad.

“I… I wanted a friend…” Sam paused for a second before continuing. “...And, well… Fantasia is very pretty!”

Gabriel agreed to that.

Fantasia WAS beautiful.

He loves the sunshine that spills down from the sky.

He loves the smell in the air from the nature around him.

He loves the sound of crickets.

He loves the night sky, as well as the light from the moon.

Sam continued. “N-Not all humans are bad.” He paused, looking away as he cringed, growing quiet. “But, some have bullied me…”

Riley yelled in anger. “They have bullied you?!”

Gabriel finally understood.

He understood why Sam didn’t listen to Drake.

He was lonely.

Because of the rules that Drake made, Sam didn’t have friends.

He just wanted to have friends.

Gabriel was lonely, as well.

Because of his responsibilities, Gabriel isn’t able to spend that much time with Willow.

…And the fact that Willow has grown distant towards him doesn’t make it better.

Because of the rules, Gabriel wasn’t able to have that many guests at his wedding.

He truly wished he had more people at his wedding.

Sam just wanted to have friends.

He has been through so much…

On the other hand, Sam was right.

Not all humans are bad.

Thomas was a human. He was their friend.

Thomas wasn’t bad.

They can’t keep avoiding them.

They need to face their fears.

Gabriel became silent.

His voice came out understanding and slightly quiet. “I believe you, Sam. I don’t think all humans are bad, either.”

Riley spun around and faced Gabriel, yelling. “Gabe! Didn’t you just hear that they bully him?!”

Gabriel spun around as well, yelling at her back. “Yes, I did, but aren’t you forgetting Thomas? Thomas was a nice human!”

“Okay, and? Humans are still assholes. They are always causing problems.”

Gabriel’s voice became stern. “Riley, there are billions of humans on the planet. Not every one of them is bad.”

Riley grumbled in response, not wanting to admit he was right.

“We have never visited Fantasia, until now.”

Riley only grew more annoyed.

“So, what? What have they ever done for us?”

“They worship us, only for us to abandon them in return.”

Riley screamed in anger. “They treated us horribly!”

Gabriel’s voice grew quieter.

“I know, but… abandoning them only makes us cowards.”

Riley stared at Gabriel.

It was silent for what felt like forever.

When she finally spoke, her voice was quiet with rage.

“Excuse me…? COWARDS?!”

Sam watched the two argue, pulling his arms close to himself in fear.

“Um, guys…?”

Gabriel continued to yell, guilt in his voice.

“Yes, Riley! We are cowards… You are a coward. I’m a coward, and… even Drake.”

Gabriel hated calling Drake that.

It felt like he broke every promise he made for him.

It felt like he betrayed him.

But…

…As much as he cares for his friend, Drake was in the wrong.

Gabriel looked at Riley with sadness in his eyes.

“We have to face them eventually, Riley.”

Riley’s voice was now quiet.

“B-But…”

“Sam just wants friends, but he has none. Is he really in the wrong for wanting friends?”

Riley paused, and then reluctantly sighed.

“No. He isn’t.”

Gabriel sighed from relief.

From behind him, Sam paused and looked around him.

His eyes widened in realization.

“Um, guys?!”

Gabriel turned to face Sam, relief in his voice and on his face.

“Yes, Sam?”

“I think… Conscious is gone!”

Riley’s ears perked up, her expression and voice becoming confused.

“Wait, Conscious? How?”

Sam was just as confused. “I don’t know… He just went… poof!”

Gabriel and Riley looked at each other, before shrugging.

“At least one issue is solved.” Riley gave a small smile. “Now, c’mon. We need to hurry and find Drake.”

As Sam looked at Gabriel, he felt…

…Grateful.

He was able to tell someone how he felt, and they DIDN’T react negatively at all!

Maybe Gabriel is someone he can tell his feelings to?

Riley began to walk, Sam and Gabriel following.

As the three walked, Sam looked at Gabriel, making the decision to walk by his side.

Gabriel turned his head towards Sam in surprise, before giving him a warm smile.

Sam gave him a bright smile in return.

He continued to smile as he walked, looking down at his feet.

But, as he looked down at them, he noticed something.

The grass was beginning to die around him.

His eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

Suddenly, a large shadow loomed over him.

A large shadow of a man.

Before Sam could react in fear, someone grabbed his arm and pulled him back.

In response, he screamed at the top of his lungs in both surprise and fear.

Both Gabriel and Riley spun their heads at the sound.

Gabriel’s face was filled with horror.

He screamed. “Sam?!”

Sam stared back with the same amount of horror Gabriel had.

He looked up at the person who snatched him.

It was Drake.

His face was contorted, a sinister smile impossibly stretched across it.

The white of his eyes were black, and his irises glowed a bright red.

Sam remembered that face.

He watched as Drake whispered something, his voice so deep that it shook Sam’s body.

A key plopped into Drake’s palm.

After using the key to trace the shape of a door in the air, a door appeared.

Once the door appeared, Drake swung his arm back, preparing to throw Sam through it.

Suddenly, Riley appeared behind him and shoved him to the ground, anger in her face.

She grabbed Sam’s arm and stepped away from Drake, breathing heavily.

“What the HELL is wrong with you, Drake?!” She yelled.

Drake slowly picked himself up from the ground and stared at her, his back hunched in an unnatural position.

Riley stared back.

As Sam looked up at her face, he could see a hint of fear.

Riley re-positioned her lips, trying not to show it.

She was growing impatient as she waited for Drake’s answer, the fear only making it worse.

She screamed. “ANSWER ME!”

Drake finally spoke, his voice deep.

“Why should I listen to someone who helps traitors?”

Riley became silent, the anger in her face disappeared.

“What…?”

Drake continued. “Sam broke the rules. He went down to Fantasia. Gabriel did the same, and he doesn’t care about his responsibilities! They. Are. Traitors.”

Sam could only stare.

He stared at Drake’s horrific expression.

The sleepover.

He remembered.

He remembered Abigail pulling the curtain back…

…And seeing that horrific expression through the window.

Gabriel watched Sam.

He saw Sam staring, a horrified expression on his face.

He knew that he needed help.

He began to walk forward.

He spoke calmly, yet with urgency. “Drake, Sam only wanted friends! He can’t live in the Kloud forever.”

“The traitor says all.”

Gabriel practically began to plead. “DRAKE! Not all humans are bad!”

Despite what Drake was saying, his tone was calm.

“Then, why did they humiliate me by calling me names?”

Gabriel became silent.

They called him names?

Wait…

Is that the reason his self-esteem was bad?

Is that the reason he has depression?

Gabriel realized.

Drake HAS gone through a lot.

On the other hand…

Is that the reason he made rules?

He wanted to avoid being called names.

…And just maybe…

He wanted to avoid Sam being called names.

A memory echoed in Gabriel’s mind.

“But… He won’t listen, even though I’m trying to… protect… him.”

Gabriel spoke carefully. “Drake, I know you want to protect Sam, but you can’t do that forever.”

Drake’s tone didn’t change. “Yes, I can-” He paused.

He realized what he was saying.

Slowly, his smile faded and the white of his eyes returned to normal.

Tears began to well up in his eyes.

His voice was shaky. “I… I don’t want him to turn out like me…”

Gabriel stared into Drake’s eyes with understanding.

Despite Drake’s eyes glowing a burning red in reaction to his sadness…

…Gabriel still thought his eyes were beautiful.

He smiled.

“How would he turn out, Drake?”

“Depressed. A monster…”

That made Gabriel smile more.

He chuckled. “I don’t think he would turn out like that, Drake. Besides… I don’t think you are a monster!”

At those last words, Drake went silent.

His voice was quiet, filled with betrayal.

“But you think I’m a coward…?”

Gabriel’s heart dropped, as well as his smile.

He heard that…?

Gabriel immediately tried to explain himself, his heart quickening.

“I didn’t mean that!”

Drake’s expression was filled with anger, but there was some sadness to it.

“Then, what did you mean? Because it sounded like you thought I was a coward.”

Gabriel began to beg. “D-Drake, I’m sorry!”

“Do you even know what you are apologizing for? I can’t trust anything you say! I can’t trust you at all!”

Drake’s voice became quiet as he grew more sad.

“I… I thought I finally found someone… But, I guess I didn’t.”

Tears were beginning to form in Gabriel’s eyes.

“Drake, you still have me!” He pleaded.

“THEN WHY DID YOU CALL ME A COWARD?!” Drake screamed.

As he screamed, tears went down his cheeks.

Suddenly, Gabriel felt weak.

His bones felt frail.

His legs gave out beneath him.

He felt so weak…

Everything hurt.

He groaned from the pain.

“Drake, please…”

At the sight of Gabriel in pain, Drake’s heart dropped.

His eyes widened in horror.

What had he done?

Drake choked. “N-No…”

Suddenly, a door appeared before Gabriel’s eyes.

It glowed brightly.

From the door, Alice stepped out.

She looked at Drake, her hands folded.

Her voice was soothing.

“Drake, you need to calm down. It’s okay.”

Drake could only stare at her in horror.

He looked at her, looked at Gabriel, then looked at her again.

Without a second thought, he ran off into the forest.

Alice immediately ran after him, reaching out with her hand.

“Drake! WAIT! If you keep running away-”

Drake was already gone.

Alice sighed, and then began to walk back.

Meanwhile, Gabriel held onto himself as he stared at the ground, sobbing.

“He trusted me…”

Drake trusted him.

…And he broke that trust.

He hurt his feelings.

Seeing Gabriel alone, Sam yanked his hand away from Riley’s and ran to him.

“Gabe! A-Are you okay?!”

From the tone of Sam’s voice, Gabriel could tell he was shaken up.

Gabriel sniffled. “I-I will be fine, Sam.”

Riley began to walk over to the two, her hands close together.

Her face was full of worry and fear.

“I-I’ve never seen Drake like that before…”

Alice finally reached the three, looking over them with concern in her eyes.

“Is everyone okay…?”

The three solemnly nodded.

“Okay. Tell me what happened.”

End of chapter 7.

[loveingly-art]

My Dearest Friend [Chapter 6]

Trigger Warning: Grieving, Rage, Mention of Child Trauma

In an attempt to find Drake, the rest of the gods conduct a search. Due to making quick decisions, Gabriel gets lost.

Similar to the title of Chapter 5, the title is also the name of the song, and I hope I don't need to explain which one, because it is pretty popular.

Things may get more interesting next chapter, so stay tuned for updates!

Gabriel stood in the lobby.

Drake stood with his back facing him, his expression numb.

A door stood in front of Drake, illuminating the lobby from its glow.

He began to walk towards the door.

“Wait, D-DRAKE!” Gabriel reached his arm towards Drake.

He tried to run after Drake, but despite his legs moving, he remained in the same spot.

“DRAKE-”

Gabriel woke up.

It was the same dream again.

He had been having the same dream for two days.

He could only stare at the ceiling as his heart ached.

His heart ached for Drake.

Gabriel turned over to the other side of the bed, only to see that Willow, once again, was not there.

While everyone was grieving, Gabriel and Willow would comfort each other, crying and holding each other.

But, something was wrong.

At one point, Gabriel was holding Willow close to his chest to comfort her, as well as himself.

He looked down to meet her eyes, but she continued to stare off into the distance.

Willow was growing more distant, and…

Gabriel didn’t know why.

Other than that, when he and Willow weren’t comforting each other…

Gabriel would cry by himself, possibly playing with his penguins, so that no one would see him and become worried.

After laying in bed for a while, Gabriel finally got up and entered the lobby.

Everyone was in the lobby, except for Alice and Sam.

Just like Gabriel, everyone looked like they had been crying for days.

Gabriel remained where he stood as Riley began to pace.

“What do we do… What do we do?!” Despite Riley trying not to show it, Gabriel could hear the panic in her voice.

Gabriel had an idea and spoke up.

“Um… Maybe we can try doing a search?” He asked awkwardly.

“Good idea!”

If he could find him, Gabriel could try to persuade Drake to come back to them.

He said it himself.

He trusts Gabriel.

He would be more likely to listen to him.

Well…

He thinks Drake still trusts him.

He remembered Drake’s glare, and how angry he seemed to be at him.

He wants to apologize, but…

He didn’t even know what he did.

Other than that…

Gabriel KNEW Drake was not a monster.

He had to make Drake see that.

Plus…

He missed his friend.

He wanted him back so dearly.

Oh, Drake…

Gabriel’s brain tuned into the conversation.

Riley gave the command to leave for the search. “Welp… I guess it’s time to go…” Her tone sounded emotionally tired.

Gabriel gave a nod.

He closed his eyes and deeply inhaled.

His body glowed brightly as the reincarnation process began.

. . .

Riley, Gabriel, Willow, and Aidan reincarnated in the plains.

As the four walked, Gabriel noticed something.

As Willow continued to stare off into the distance, her expression was empty.

Gabriel turned his head towards her with a concerned expression on his face. “Dear, is everything okay?”

Willow’s eyes grew wide in surprise at Gabriel’s voice.

“Hm? Oh…” She looked the opposite way of him. “I… I’m fine.”

Gabriel stared at her, wanting to talk more, before deciding to leave her alone.

They continued to walk.

After walking for some time, being led by Riley, they ended up by a cliff near the forest surrounding Sunny Village.

Riley walked away from the group, stopping a few feet away from the forest.

She looked around before turning her head towards it.

She stopped.

She squinted her eyes.

She saw Drake standing between a gap in the trees.

“D-Drake?”

She began to run towards him, her heart accelerating.

“Riley?” He said in a confused tone.

He stared at her in fear.

“Drake! I missed you!” Riley could feel herself growing more excited and hopeful.

Drake paused in disbelief, only staring at her even more.

“Missed me…?”

“Of course!” Riley shouted in excitement, unable to contain herself.

She took a deep breath and continued in a serious, emotional tone.

“It may not seem like it… but I care about you a lot, Drake…” She paused for a second. “We miss you a lot, Drake…”

Drake grew silent, a sad expression on his face.

“Even G-Gabe?”

Riley paused for a suspicious amount of time.

“Y-yeah. He’s actually the one who suggested searching for you…”

Drake grew silent, once again.

Riley continued to speak, but Drake became lost in his own thoughts.

He thought he didn’t have anyone.

Yet…

Everyone was searching for him.

Gabriel was the one who wanted to search for him.

And…

Everyone misses him?

Gabriel’s voice echoed in his mind.

“You have us. You have Sam. You have me.”

Sam…

His heart was filled with guilt as he remembered.

He remembered being filled with unfathomable rage.

He remembered walking through the forest at night.

He remembered the unspeakable horror on Sam’s face as he stared at him through his friend’s window.

But…

What about Gabriel?

The only thing Drake could think about relating to Gabriel was…

When he yelled at him about taking his responsibilities seriously.

When he snapped at Gabriel in the lobby…

“You shouldn’t be talking.”

Gabriel was one of the most caring people in the world.

He didn’t deserve that.

…Mostly.

Drake’s heart quickened.

Wow…

He really is a monster.

Riley had finished speaking.

He gave his answer.

Drake gave Riley a sad, weak smile. “You guys don’t need me.”

Riley immediately became silent, staring at Drake in disbelief.

Drake watched as the disbelief on her face turned into anger.

Her voice was a whisper. “Are you kidding me…?” Her voice grew into a screech. “ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!”

Drake flinched and winced from Riley’s anger.

Riley continued, gesturing with her hands. “You are traumatizing Sam, Gabriel… ALL OF US… by doing this!”

Riley’s voice grew low in anger. “Running away won’t fix it.” She huffed.

Drake’s breath hitched, and before he knew it, tears were flowing down his cheeks.

“Please…” Drake choked. “S-stop yelling at me…”

Before Drake could continue, Riley interrupted him.

“Not until you come back, Drake!”

The others turned their heads at the sound of yelling.

Faces filled with concern, they ran to Riley’s location.

As he ran, Gabriel could see Drake from a distance.

A smile grew on his face as tears formed in the corners of his eyes from joy.

He ran past Riley and stood in front of Drake.

“Drake!” He practically threw his arms up.

Drake was both surprised and scared to see him. “G-Gabriel?”

“We miss you so much, Drake! I’m so, so sorry for whatever I did that made you upset, just… PLEASE come back to us…”

He doesn’t even know what he did.

With tears still in his eyes, Drake remained silent before smiling.

Drake gave a shaky breath. “Oh, Gabriel… You care so much…”

“Huh…?”

Drake turned his back towards him, his voice quiet.

“Remember to take care of the others… You guys will get used to your lives without me.”

Gabriel’s expression became confused. “No, I will not, Drake… You’re my-”

Drake began to run away.

“Drake, STOP-” Gabriel’s voice was shrill as he screamed.

Gabriel began to run after him.

“GABE!” Riley shouted.

Riley quickly ran after Gabriel, as well as Drake.

Gabriel got closer and closer to Drake as he ran.

Suddenly, Drake jumped and flew a few feet before landing on the ground.

Gabriel raised an eyebrow in confusion.

“Drake- AH!”

He nearly fell into the gap before he halted at the edge.

Gabriel stared at the size of the gap.

Riley caught up to him and stood by his side.

“DANG IT! We ALMOST had him!”

An idea appeared in Gabriel’s mind.

“R-Riley, I know this may sound crazy…” He hesitated. “But, Can you, uh… give me a boost…? Please?”

“A boost?” Riley gave him a strange look. “Ugh, fine!”

Riley kneeled, putting her two palms together.

Gabriel stepped on them.

Riley quickly raised both arms, while Gabriel jumped.

He flew through the air, landing on the other side on both feet.

Gabriel continued to run.

“Thank you, Riley!” He shouted over his shoulder.

Riley only groaned.

She turned and ran in a different direction, in an attempt to find another way around the gap.

Gabriel’s feet thudded against the ground, trying his best to not slow down.

But, despite his determination…

Gabriel was reincarnated as a human…

…And humans get tired easily.

Gabriel was sweating, breathing heavily.

His legs ached.

As Gabriel had his hands on his knees, he realized he had lost sight of Drake.

Drake was simply faster than him.

But, he wasn’t giving up yet.

He took a deep breath…

…And began to walk.

He walked and walked.

Despite this, he enjoyed the nature around him.

…At first.

As time went on, Gabriel began to sweat.

It was so HOT.

He was practically wilting.

Because of the heat, bugs began to stick to him.

…Especially mosquitos.

He was so ITCHY…

He was so TIRED…

It was insufferable.

Gabriel was usually so fabulous!

…And this…

…Was NOT fabulous.

But, despite suffering and being lost…

He wouldn’t give up on his friend.

Drake may think he doesn’t have anyone in his life, but he was Gabriel’s friend, and friends don’t give up on each other.

Gabriel grew solemn.

He thinks he doesn’t have anyone.

Drake had to handle grieving over his own break-up.

He had to handle the guilt of traumatizing Sam.

He had to handle depression.

He had to go through a lot.

He had to handle it alone.

The worst part is that he didn’t have to.

Why did he feel like he couldn’t tell anyone?

What made him feel like he didn’t have anyone?

It became night.

Gabriel felt the temperature drop.

He can’t believe he was saying this, but…

It was so cold.

So, so cold…

His eyes began to droop.

His legs began to shake.

Gabriel’s legs collapsed from under him, laying there across the grass.

Some time passed.

Gabriel could only see forest in front of him.

Suddenly, he saw a figure.

The figure seemed familiar.

The figure watched him for some time.

Eventually, the figure began to walk over towards Gabriel.

The figure crouched down beside him and lowered his head.

It was Drake.

Drake gave Gabriel a solemn look before going back into the forest.

No… Please, don’t go…

Eventually, Drake came back with a pile of leaves in his arms.

He walked up to Gabriel and put the leaves on top of him.

After assembling the leaves, Drake crouched down again.

He lowered his head.

“Please… Please give up, Gabe. Stop looking for me and just forget about me, okay…?” He whispered with tears in his eyes.

Then, he turned and went back into the forest.

Gabriel tried to reach out, but he couldn’t move his body.

Instead, he blacked out.

. . .

“G… Abe. Gabe. GABE!”

Gabriel’s eyes sprung open.

He groaned from exhaustion.

“FINALLY!” Riley gestured with her arms. “It was really hard looking for you in the dark, dude!”

Riley continued to ramble, while Gabriel tried to understand what was happening.

How did he get here?

Did he collapse?

He looked everywhere until his eyes landed on the leaf blanket covering his legs.

Wait…

It wasn’t a dream.

Gabriel began to cry.

“It… It wasn’t a dream.”

Riley stopped rambling and looked at Gabriel in confusion.

“Huh? What are you talking about?”

“I… I saw Drake. He saw that I had collapsed and… he put leaves on me to keep me warm…” He choked on his tears.

“Wait… He… He was here?!” Riley spun around in anger and kicked something. “DRAKE, I SWEAR!”

As Riley stood emanating her anger, Gabriel continued to stare at the leaf blanket, crying.

Despite what he had thought previously, Drake still cared about him.

Drake was still his friend.

Gabriel was NOT going to give up on him.

He was NOT going to forget him.

…Because that is what friends do.

…Because he cares about him.

Riley sighed, dragging her hands down her face.

“Well, it’s going to be difficult finding him in the literal DARK, so we’re just going to have to continue searching for him, tomorrow, okay?”

Gabriel stared at the ground as he solemnly nodded.

“Let’s try to get some sleep, okay?”

Both Riley and Gabriel got into position and fell asleep.

. . .

The moment the sun rose, the two started walking.

As they walked, Gabriel remained quiet as he thought to himself.

He began to recollect the events from yesterday.

The moment he saw Drake, he grew excited and hopeful, not taking a second to think and instead, running after him.

He didn’t take a second to think about Riley or Willow.

Guilt grew in Gabriel’s heart as he cringed at himself.

“Hey, Riley…”

“Hm?” Riley chirped, turning her head to face Gabriel as she continued to walk.

“I’m sorry for running off. I wasn’t thinking.”

Riley sighed. “Yeah, you weren’t.”

Gabriel gave her a look.

“But… I understand why you ran after him, even if it was stupid. I know you…” She paused. “...Care a lot about Drake.”

She hesitated to speak before sighing.

“I know I don’t show it, but even I care about him. He’s my best friend. I just REALLY suck at showing I care.”

She continued to speak.

“You may have been right about me not having a clue on how to be a friend…” She paused, grimacing. “I was so stupid, Gabe. It was stupid of me to make us search for Drake as humans.”

Gabriel put a hand on her shoulder. “Riley, I know what I said, but it isn’t your fault!”

She gave him a side-eye. “Yeah, sure.”

He gave a sigh. “I’m assuming that is why you look like that?”

“Yeah. Plus, it’s safer.”

She paused, looking Gabriel up and down.

“You could, too… but it would take too long, and we need to prioritize finding Drake.”

Gabriel nodded. “I understand.”

Riley became silent, staring at the ground with clenched fists.

“We have to find Drake, Gabe.”

Gabriel smiled and put a hand on her shoulder.

“We will, Riley.”

Both Gabriel and Riley froze as they heard a voice.

They looked around them, trying to find the source.

“How much longer?! My legs huuurt!”

The voice sounded young and small.

The voice grew louder.

Gabriel and Riley turned to see who it was.

They both screamed in shock.

“SAM?!”

Sam looked up at them, his tired eyes widening.

“Riley?! GABRIEL?!”

End of chapter 6.

[How to Save a Life by The Fray]

[loveingly-art]

Get To Know Me

[loveingly-art]

Updated PFP

I updated my profile picture!

I think one of the issues with the first one is it looked kinda… corporate. But I’m not, I’m a small artist.

The new one looks better from a distance, while making it clear who I am.

[loveingly-art]

Here’s the art for Act 2 of “My Dearest Friend”.

Version B is okay. I like the lighting of Drake’s eyes, but the sunlight coming from the trees, not so much.

I’ll start writing it soon.