Hv Epros

I'll stay here with through the darkest night, all the way here I will fight with you {Rider's Lullaby by Jessie Mueller} -✧-✧-✧- Owners pronouns: He/him

[retired-voids]

Fox boy again, we know the drill by now

-✧-✧-✧-

Name: Epros

Previous alias: Nebula

Pronouns: Void/voids/voi/voidself/they/them (he/him occasionally)

Sexuality: Unlabeled

Powers: Atomokinesis

World: Hv au where Epros is a retired hero and now helps train the younger heros in the end district

-✧-✧-✧-

Tags -

New post - ( #do you need help? )

General tags - ( #rp account , #fable smp rp account )

Epros tagging system ~

With any of voi's kids ~ #fatherly guide

With any villains/heros ~ #stars answers

With Kinaxus ~ #forever immortal

With any of void's family that isn't their kids (grandchild, in laws, ect) ~ #guided messages

[wilted-blue-petals]

[One day while in the NVA, Isla would see a person that had galaxy inspired everything walking around with a cane which seems to be helping them walk. The person has long purple galaxy hair which is pulled up into a half bun situation, they have glowing pink eyes, a button up shirt which has different flowers and stuff in pinks and purples and blues with gold outlining accents, white dress pants, black boots and these void like markings on their hands and some of their chest. They feel familiar and feel just- safe.]

@retired-voids

[Isla's reading when she spots voi. She watches them from her room before carefully walking to follow]

[retired-voids]

[Voi is in the kitchen, restocking foods that Kinaxus has made. When she enters, they speak softly]

"Hello dear"

[wilted-blue-petals]

...Hi-

[retired-voids]

[Void finishes putting everything away and looks at her, something in their eyes seems soft]

"Any reason why you followed me? And I do promise I'm not upset at you for doing so"

[wilted-blue-petals]

You look.. familiar? Sorry if that seems strange-

[retired-voids]

"No- no it doesn't. I'm one of Fable's parents, as well as Netherum's. I'm their pa, or parent, depending on which of my four children you speak to"

[wilted-blue-petals]

Neth, Fable, Enderian, and..who else? I can't recall-

[retired-voids]

"Alerion, dear"

[wilted-blue-petals]

Ah, yes.. sorry, my memory is not the greatest

[retired-voids]

"I've heard dear Isla, I do not mind"

[wilted-blue-petals]

You've.. heard?

[retired-voids]

[Voi smiles a little, it keeps feeling..safe..and just more welcoming each time]

"I do talk to my children, and I do visit the nether often"

[wilted-blue-petals]

Y-yeah, that makes sense-

[retired-voids]

".. I am also aware of what my son has been doing, he gained the ability to mess with memories while he was a young teenager. I do not understand it"

[Voi offers one of the meals Kinaxus had made]

"Would you want one dear?"

[wilted-blue-petals]

No thanks, I ate earlier..

[retired-voids]

[Void nods and sets it down]

"Would you like to maybe sit down dear? I can try and fill in some memories to the best of my abilities"

[wilted-blue-petals]

[One day while in the NVA, Isla would see a person that had galaxy inspired everything walking around with a cane which seems to be helping them walk. The person has long purple galaxy hair which is pulled up into a half bun situation, they have glowing pink eyes, a button up shirt which has different flowers and stuff in pinks and purples and blues with gold outlining accents, white dress pants, black boots and these void like markings on their hands and some of their chest. They feel familiar and feel just- safe.]

@retired-voids

[Isla's reading when she spots voi. She watches them from her room before carefully walking to follow]

[retired-voids]

[Voi is in the kitchen, restocking foods that Kinaxus has made. When she enters, they speak softly]

"Hello dear"

[wilted-blue-petals]

...Hi-

[retired-voids]

[Void finishes putting everything away and looks at her, something in their eyes seems soft]

"Any reason why you followed me? And I do promise I'm not upset at you for doing so"

[wilted-blue-petals]

You look.. familiar? Sorry if that seems strange-

[retired-voids]

"No- no it doesn't. I'm one of Fable's parents, as well as Netherum's. I'm their pa, or parent, depending on which of my four children you speak to"

[wilted-blue-petals]

Neth, Fable, Enderian, and..who else? I can't recall-

[retired-voids]

"Alerion, dear"

[wilted-blue-petals]

Ah, yes.. sorry, my memory is not the greatest

[retired-voids]

"I've heard dear Isla, I do not mind"

[wilted-blue-petals]

You've.. heard?

[retired-voids]

[Voi smiles a little, it keeps feeling..safe..and just more welcoming each time]

"I do talk to my children, and I do visit the nether often"

[wilted-blue-petals]

Y-yeah, that makes sense-

[retired-voids]

".. I am also aware of what my son has been doing, he gained the ability to mess with memories while he was a young teenager. I do not understand it"

[Voi offers one of the meals Kinaxus had made]

"Would you want one dear?"

[wilted-blue-petals]

[One day while in the NVA, Isla would see a person that had galaxy inspired everything walking around with a cane which seems to be helping them walk. The person has long purple galaxy hair which is pulled up into a half bun situation, they have glowing pink eyes, a button up shirt which has different flowers and stuff in pinks and purples and blues with gold outlining accents, white dress pants, black boots and these void like markings on their hands and some of their chest. They feel familiar and feel just- safe.]

@retired-voids

[Isla's reading when she spots voi. She watches them from her room before carefully walking to follow]

[retired-voids]

[Voi is in the kitchen, restocking foods that Kinaxus has made. When she enters, they speak softly]

"Hello dear"

[wilted-blue-petals]

...Hi-

[retired-voids]

[Void finishes putting everything away and looks at her, something in their eyes seems soft]

"Any reason why you followed me? And I do promise I'm not upset at you for doing so"

[wilted-blue-petals]

You look.. familiar? Sorry if that seems strange-

[retired-voids]

"No- no it doesn't. I'm one of Fable's parents, as well as Netherum's. I'm their pa, or parent, depending on which of my four children you speak to"

[wilted-blue-petals]

Neth, Fable, Enderian, and..who else? I can't recall-

[retired-voids]

"Alerion, dear"

[wilted-blue-petals]

Ah, yes.. sorry, my memory is not the greatest

[retired-voids]

"I've heard dear Isla, I do not mind"

[wilted-blue-petals]

You've.. heard?

[retired-voids]

[Voi smiles a little, it keeps feeling..safe..and just more welcoming each time]

"I do talk to my children, and I do visit the nether often"

[wilted-blue-petals]

[One day while in the NVA, Isla would see a person that had galaxy inspired everything walking around with a cane which seems to be helping them walk. The person has long purple galaxy hair which is pulled up into a half bun situation, they have glowing pink eyes, a button up shirt which has different flowers and stuff in pinks and purples and blues with gold outlining accents, white dress pants, black boots and these void like markings on their hands and some of their chest. They feel familiar and feel just- safe.]

@retired-voids

[Isla's reading when she spots voi. She watches them from her room before carefully walking to follow]

[retired-voids]

[Voi is in the kitchen, restocking foods that Kinaxus has made. When she enters, they speak softly]

"Hello dear"

[wilted-blue-petals]

...Hi-

[retired-voids]

[Void finishes putting everything away and looks at her, something in their eyes seems soft]

"Any reason why you followed me? And I do promise I'm not upset at you for doing so"

[wilted-blue-petals]

You look.. familiar? Sorry if that seems strange-

[retired-voids]

"No- no it doesn't. I'm one of Fable's parents, as well as Netherum's. I'm their pa, or parent, depending on which of my four children you speak to"

[wilted-blue-petals]

Neth, Fable, Enderian, and..who else? I can't recall-

[retired-voids]

"Alerion, dear"

[wilted-blue-petals]

Ah, yes.. sorry, my memory is not the greatest

[retired-voids]

"I've heard dear Isla, I do not mind"

[wilted-blue-petals]

[One day while in the NVA, Isla would see a person that had galaxy inspired everything walking around with a cane which seems to be helping them walk. The person has long purple galaxy hair which is pulled up into a half bun situation, they have glowing pink eyes, a button up shirt which has different flowers and stuff in pinks and purples and blues with gold outlining accents, white dress pants, black boots and these void like markings on their hands and some of their chest. They feel familiar and feel just- safe.]

@retired-voids

[Isla's reading when she spots voi. She watches them from her room before carefully walking to follow]

[retired-voids]

[Voi is in the kitchen, restocking foods that Kinaxus has made. When she enters, they speak softly]

"Hello dear"

[wilted-blue-petals]

...Hi-

[retired-voids]

[Void finishes putting everything away and looks at her, something in their eyes seems soft]

"Any reason why you followed me? And I do promise I'm not upset at you for doing so"

[wilted-blue-petals]

You look.. familiar? Sorry if that seems strange-

[retired-voids]

"No- no it doesn't. I'm one of Fable's parents, as well as Netherum's. I'm their pa, or parent, depending on which of my four children you speak to"

[wilted-blue-petals]

Neth, Fable, Enderian, and..who else? I can't recall-

[retired-voids]

"Alerion, dear"

[wilted-blue-petals]

[One day while in the NVA, Isla would see a person that had galaxy inspired everything walking around with a cane which seems to be helping them walk. The person has long purple galaxy hair which is pulled up into a half bun situation, they have glowing pink eyes, a button up shirt which has different flowers and stuff in pinks and purples and blues with gold outlining accents, white dress pants, black boots and these void like markings on their hands and some of their chest. They feel familiar and feel just- safe.]

@retired-voids

[Isla's reading when she spots voi. She watches them from her room before carefully walking to follow]

[retired-voids]

[Voi is in the kitchen, restocking foods that Kinaxus has made. When she enters, they speak softly]

"Hello dear"

[wilted-blue-petals]

...Hi-

[retired-voids]

[Void finishes putting everything away and looks at her, something in their eyes seems soft]

"Any reason why you followed me? And I do promise I'm not upset at you for doing so"

[wilted-blue-petals]

You look.. familiar? Sorry if that seems strange-

[retired-voids]

"No- no it doesn't. I'm one of Fable's parents, as well as Netherum's. I'm their pa, or parent, depending on which of my four children you speak to"

[wilted-blue-petals]

[One day while in the NVA, Isla would see a person that had galaxy inspired everything walking around with a cane which seems to be helping them walk. The person has long purple galaxy hair which is pulled up into a half bun situation, they have glowing pink eyes, a button up shirt which has different flowers and stuff in pinks and purples and blues with gold outlining accents, white dress pants, black boots and these void like markings on their hands and some of their chest. They feel familiar and feel just- safe.]

@retired-voids

[Isla's reading when she spots voi. She watches them from her room before carefully walking to follow]

[retired-voids]

[Voi is in the kitchen, restocking foods that Kinaxus has made. When she enters, they speak softly]

"Hello dear"

[wilted-blue-petals]

...Hi-

[retired-voids]

[Void finishes putting everything away and looks at her, something in their eyes seems soft]

"Any reason why you followed me? And I do promise I'm not upset at you for doing so"

[wilted-blue-petals]

[One day while in the NVA, Isla would see a person that had galaxy inspired everything walking around with a cane which seems to be helping them walk. The person has long purple galaxy hair which is pulled up into a half bun situation, they have glowing pink eyes, a button up shirt which has different flowers and stuff in pinks and purples and blues with gold outlining accents, white dress pants, black boots and these void like markings on their hands and some of their chest. They feel familiar and feel just- safe.]

@retired-voids

[Isla's reading when she spots voi. She watches them from her room before carefully walking to follow]

[retired-voids]

[Voi is in the kitchen, restocking foods that Kinaxus has made. When she enters, they speak softly]

"Hello dear"

[villains-and-heroes]

[A few days after Epros and Kinaxus visited Enderian and stayed with her, they'd be in their own place after she was slightly better and had meals already prepared for her so all she had to do was warm it up and eat it. Kinaxus is resting on the couch reading and Epros is in the shower when voi let's out a pained scream, something zyr hasn't heard since when their markings first showed up]

@retired-voids

[Kinaxus immediately runs up the stairs, throwing open the bathroom door]

Epros??!

[retired-voids]

[Epros is on the floor and the markings have spread even more, one of void's arms is completely covered by it, their back has more markings then skin color, their other arm is past voi's elbow and it's spread to past void's knee on their leg. Voi looks at Kinaxus and ze can see tear burns]

"Kinaxus-"

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze immediately drops beside them, pulling voi into zyr lap, holding them]

I-I’m here - I’m here-

[retired-voids]

[Voi can barely move by themselves, barely being able to wrap an arm around zyr neck]

"O-ow- ow- w-worse than when they first showed up, m-more painful"

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze picks them up, carrying voi downstairs and grabbing ice]

[retired-voids]

[Void stays holding them as much as voi can, everything is just painful, even breathing]

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze layers bags of ice and ice packs on voi’s body]

Is - is the pain any better?-

[retired-voids]

"Mhm- mhm.. J-just kinda feels like my entire body is burning.."

[villains-and-heroes]

[They grab a dish cloth, covering them up a bit, starting to grab frozen food to help]

Okay, okay - youre okay-

[retired-voids]

[Voi grabs one of zyr hands]

"I-i'm okay.."

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze still looks worried, tears in zyr eyes that ze is desperately blinking away]

You… you screamed, voidlight-

[retired-voids]

"I-i know.. I know.. It spread too quickly and I-i couldn't feel anything until you pulled me over to you.."

[Voi gently tugs Kinaxus to be closer to void's face, kissing them gently and holding ze's face]

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze kisses back before pulling away, hugging voi close]

Never do that to me again..

[retired-voids]

"I-i'm sorry.. I don't know what triggered it.."

[Voi wraps their arms around zem, trying to wipe the tears that void knows are falling but can't feel because of the numbness in their face]

[villains-and-heroes]

Dont apologise, you have nothing to apologise for… but never do it again

[Ze rubs their back gently]

[retired-voids]

"I scared you.. I haven't screamed in years.. multiple decades I haven't, none of our kids have ever heard me scream.."

[villains-and-heroes]

Just… just shut up and let me hold you - please-

[retired-voids]

[Voi nods]

"Mhm, come here and relax against me"

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze holds voi close, resting zyr hand on the back of voi’s head]

I’m not letting go. I dont care, I’m not letting go-

[retired-voids]

"I'm right here firefly.. I'm awake and I'm talking.."

[villains-and-heroes]

And you’re not leaving my fucking sight.

[retired-voids]

"Firefly- hey.."

[villains-and-heroes]

No, I’m not letting you out of my sight - i cant-

[retired-voids]

[Voi very weakly brings one of zyr hands to void's chest, their heartbeat is strong and steady]

"Feel my heartbeat.. I'm okay besides the markings being in a lot more places.."

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze shakes their head, sniffling]

No. No, i… i cant let you out my sight, I cant..

[retired-voids]

"Deep breaths.. You can feel that I'm okay.. You came to immediately help me so I wasn't in pain for very long.."

[villains-and-heroes]

[It takes a minute before ze finds it in zyrself to pull away, wiping Epros’s face gently]

…let’s … let’s get you in your bathrobe or something

[retired-voids]

"Mhm.. I would like to have some type of clothes on.."

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze takes voi to the couch, sitting them down and pulling a blanket over them]

Stay, i’ll get it

[retired-voids]

[Voi smiles and nods]

"I'll be right here.."

[villains-and-heroes]

You’d… you’d better be

[Ze goes upstairs and comes back in record time with the bathrobe, helping voi into it]

[retired-voids]

[Kinaxus can see that voi's movements are slower, almost like void is forcing the movements instead of them coming naturally to them. Once voi in the bathrobe they pull Kinaxus to lean against]

[villains-and-heroes]

[Zyr ties it for voi before holding voi close]

I’m not letting go

[retired-voids]

"We both have papers we need to finish.."

[villains-and-heroes]

I’ll do them-

[retired-voids]

"Firefly it's also my work.. I can also do it.."

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze gives voi a glare]

You can barely move. I’m marking them

[retired-voids]

[Voi makes a sound to protest]

"Firefly-"

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze puts a hand over voi’s mouth]

No. I’m doing it

[retired-voids]

[Void gives a little look before sighing and nodding, usual of them to wanna keep working despite being hurt]

".. Mhm.."

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze holds voi close, kissing their head]

[retired-voids]

".. Thank you for coming up immediately and I'm sorry for scaring you that bad.."

[villains-and-heroes]

I forgive you… i’ll always come

[retired-voids]

"Thank you.."

[Epros relaxes more and leans more against Kinaxus]

"... We need to do something for me.. A walking stick or something in case it flares up again and we're out.."

[villains-and-heroes]

You can use one of my canes

[retired-voids]

"Perhaps.."

[A few tears slip from void's eyes]

"I just thought I had a couple more years before needing it.."

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze holds zyr tighter]

…we can be old and feeble together, my darkling

[retired-voids]

".. We're what..in our 80's..? It was bound to happen.."

[villains-and-heroes]

But the important thing is that we’re not doing it alone. We’re not alone

[retired-voids]

"We aren't..and we won't ever have to do it alone.."

[villains-and-heroes]

Exactly

[retired-voids]

[Voi gently shoves all the ice and cold things off of them, having the little bit of strength needed to do so]

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze helps, holding them closer and pulling a blanket around void]

I have you…

[retired-voids]

"Mhm.. At least we don't have to go work anytime soon.."

[villains-and-heroes]

Yeah, summer break… our chance to relax

[retired-voids]

".. Have you heard about young Will building the academy in the aether..?"

[villains-and-heroes]

I have. Him and his little robot friend are working hard, i’m very proud of him

[retired-voids]

"I'm also so proud of him.. He's making so much progress in the past couple of weeks.."

[villains-and-heroes]

He’s taking after us.. i love it

[retired-voids]

"He is.. I wonder who he'll ask to be teachers.."

[villains-and-heroes]

His aunt and auncle? If they ever retire?

[retired-voids]

"He'll probably ask them, he adores both of them but Netherum is definitely his favorite. Maybe he'll ask his parents?"

[villains-and-heroes]

Maybe… i think Nethie will make a great teacher

[retired-voids]

"I know she will.. He's our smart flame.."

[villains-and-heroes]

She is. Our little firecracker

[retired-voids]

"She's gotten so big despite being the youngest.."

[villains-and-heroes]

Still the shortest though. Remember how small they were when they were born? So tiny..

[retired-voids]

"Mhm.. He looked premature almost despite being fully grown..."

[villains-and-heroes]

…I miss them. All of them..

[retired-voids]

".. Maybe we could have a family dinner..? Like we used to..?"

[villains-and-heroes]

I’d enjoy that… after dinner with Nethie and her little girlfriend. Have all of them over

[retired-voids]

"Mhm.. What did you learn about little flames girlfriend..? I fell asleep before you did anything.."

[villains-and-heroes]

An ex-hero called Soul, her alias was Shadow. As far as i know, Fable fired her but i couldnt find out why

[retired-voids]

".. Did Fable fire her or did Icarus..? They have access to the files and he..he did take them back to the overworld with him.."

[villains-and-heroes]

I dont know, the file wasnt clear

[retired-voids]

"Hm.. Have you heard anything from Icarus..?"

[villains-and-heroes]

…not since they were a child

[retired-voids]

"... I'm worried something has happened to them... If Fable has hurt Isla, what has he done to Icarus.."

[villains-and-heroes]

I dont know. I dont know if i want to know

[retired-voids]

"I-i don't either.. No one knows.."

[villains-and-heroes]

…i dont want to think about it, not right now

[retired-voids]

"... Can we eat then cuddle..? Please..?"

[villains-and-heroes]

I can reheat some leftovers

[retired-voids]

"Please..?"

[villains-and-heroes]

[Kinaxus kisses void’s cheek before getting up, putting some leftovers in the oven]

[retired-voids]

[Voi stays put, it's one of those times where Epros is too distracted to actually move even if they wanted to]

[villains-and-heroes]

[It takes a few minutes but they come back with warm leftovers]

Here, my love

[retired-voids]

[Void takes it and hums, starting to eat]

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze starts eating too, resting against voi]

[retired-voids]

[Voi leans against zym, they don't feel as hot to the touch anymore and just seem to be recovering from a flare up]

[villains-and-heroes]

You feel better to me, are you feeling better?

[retired-voids]

"Mhm, my muscles are just aching"

[villains-and-heroes]

Thats good. We can start preventing treatments for your flare ups, regular ice baths and stuff like that

[retired-voids]

".. That sounds nice..."

[villains-and-heroes]

We can get the kids’ old bath toys down for you

[retired-voids]

[Epros laughs softly]

"That won't be needed my dear.."

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze laughs too]

Suddenly youre too cool for Mrs Ducky and the Bathtime Bubble Boys?

[retired-voids]

[Voi sighs and gently flicks zyr nose]

"I don't think they'd like the grown adult-"

[villains-and-heroes]

[They glare at voi]

They’d love you regardless-

[retired-voids]

"No thank you my dear-"

[villains-and-heroes]

Alright alright

[retired-voids]

[Voi smiles and finishes eating]

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze sets the plates aside]

[retired-voids]

"Upstairs..? I would like to be in actual clothes and actually cuddle you not on our couch"

[villains-and-heroes]

I’ll carry you

[retired-voids]

"I knew you'd say that"

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze scoops them up, carrying voi upstairs]

[retired-voids]

[Voi wraps their arms around their neck]

[villains-and-heroes]

[Kinaxus sets voi down on their bed, helping them into voi’s comfiest pajamas before tucking voi in]

[retired-voids]

[Void smiles and cuddles into me when zy lay down]

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze rests their head against void’s]

[retired-voids]

[They stay in silence for a while, Epros' breathing filling sound of the room before voi grabs void's book and starts to read it]

[villains-and-heroes]

[Kinaxus reads over voi’s shoulder a little as ze drifts off a little]

[retired-voids]

[Voi smiles and rests voi's head against zyr's, continuing to read but they break the silence gently to speak]

"Goodnight my firefly.. I love you for all of eternity.."

[villains-and-heroes]

[A few days after Epros and Kinaxus visited Enderian and stayed with her, they'd be in their own place after she was slightly better and had meals already prepared for her so all she had to do was warm it up and eat it. Kinaxus is resting on the couch reading and Epros is in the shower when voi let's out a pained scream, something zyr hasn't heard since when their markings first showed up]

@retired-voids

[Kinaxus immediately runs up the stairs, throwing open the bathroom door]

Epros??!

[retired-voids]

[Epros is on the floor and the markings have spread even more, one of void's arms is completely covered by it, their back has more markings then skin color, their other arm is past voi's elbow and it's spread to past void's knee on their leg. Voi looks at Kinaxus and ze can see tear burns]

"Kinaxus-"

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze immediately drops beside them, pulling voi into zyr lap, holding them]

I-I’m here - I’m here-

[retired-voids]

[Voi can barely move by themselves, barely being able to wrap an arm around zyr neck]

"O-ow- ow- w-worse than when they first showed up, m-more painful"

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze picks them up, carrying voi downstairs and grabbing ice]

[retired-voids]

[Void stays holding them as much as voi can, everything is just painful, even breathing]

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze layers bags of ice and ice packs on voi’s body]

Is - is the pain any better?-

[retired-voids]

"Mhm- mhm.. J-just kinda feels like my entire body is burning.."

[villains-and-heroes]

[They grab a dish cloth, covering them up a bit, starting to grab frozen food to help]

Okay, okay - youre okay-

[retired-voids]

[Voi grabs one of zyr hands]

"I-i'm okay.."

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze still looks worried, tears in zyr eyes that ze is desperately blinking away]

You… you screamed, voidlight-

[retired-voids]

"I-i know.. I know.. It spread too quickly and I-i couldn't feel anything until you pulled me over to you.."

[Voi gently tugs Kinaxus to be closer to void's face, kissing them gently and holding ze's face]

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze kisses back before pulling away, hugging voi close]

Never do that to me again..

[retired-voids]

"I-i'm sorry.. I don't know what triggered it.."

[Voi wraps their arms around zem, trying to wipe the tears that void knows are falling but can't feel because of the numbness in their face]

[villains-and-heroes]

Dont apologise, you have nothing to apologise for… but never do it again

[Ze rubs their back gently]

[retired-voids]

"I scared you.. I haven't screamed in years.. multiple decades I haven't, none of our kids have ever heard me scream.."

[villains-and-heroes]

Just… just shut up and let me hold you - please-

[retired-voids]

[Voi nods]

"Mhm, come here and relax against me"

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze holds voi close, resting zyr hand on the back of voi’s head]

I’m not letting go. I dont care, I’m not letting go-

[retired-voids]

"I'm right here firefly.. I'm awake and I'm talking.."

[villains-and-heroes]

And you’re not leaving my fucking sight.

[retired-voids]

"Firefly- hey.."

[villains-and-heroes]

No, I’m not letting you out of my sight - i cant-

[retired-voids]

[Voi very weakly brings one of zyr hands to void's chest, their heartbeat is strong and steady]

"Feel my heartbeat.. I'm okay besides the markings being in a lot more places.."

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze shakes their head, sniffling]

No. No, i… i cant let you out my sight, I cant..

[retired-voids]

"Deep breaths.. You can feel that I'm okay.. You came to immediately help me so I wasn't in pain for very long.."

[villains-and-heroes]

[It takes a minute before ze finds it in zyrself to pull away, wiping Epros’s face gently]

…let’s … let’s get you in your bathrobe or something

[retired-voids]

"Mhm.. I would like to have some type of clothes on.."

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze takes voi to the couch, sitting them down and pulling a blanket over them]

Stay, i’ll get it

[retired-voids]

[Voi smiles and nods]

"I'll be right here.."

[villains-and-heroes]

You’d… you’d better be

[Ze goes upstairs and comes back in record time with the bathrobe, helping voi into it]

[retired-voids]

[Kinaxus can see that voi's movements are slower, almost like void is forcing the movements instead of them coming naturally to them. Once voi in the bathrobe they pull Kinaxus to lean against]

[villains-and-heroes]

[Zyr ties it for voi before holding voi close]

I’m not letting go

[retired-voids]

"We both have papers we need to finish.."

[villains-and-heroes]

I’ll do them-

[retired-voids]

"Firefly it's also my work.. I can also do it.."

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze gives voi a glare]

You can barely move. I’m marking them

[retired-voids]

[Voi makes a sound to protest]

"Firefly-"

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze puts a hand over voi’s mouth]

No. I’m doing it

[retired-voids]

[Void gives a little look before sighing and nodding, usual of them to wanna keep working despite being hurt]

".. Mhm.."

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze holds voi close, kissing their head]

[retired-voids]

".. Thank you for coming up immediately and I'm sorry for scaring you that bad.."

[villains-and-heroes]

I forgive you… i’ll always come

[retired-voids]

"Thank you.."

[Epros relaxes more and leans more against Kinaxus]

"... We need to do something for me.. A walking stick or something in case it flares up again and we're out.."

[villains-and-heroes]

You can use one of my canes

[retired-voids]

"Perhaps.."

[A few tears slip from void's eyes]

"I just thought I had a couple more years before needing it.."

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze holds zyr tighter]

…we can be old and feeble together, my darkling

[retired-voids]

".. We're what..in our 80's..? It was bound to happen.."

[villains-and-heroes]

But the important thing is that we’re not doing it alone. We’re not alone

[retired-voids]

"We aren't..and we won't ever have to do it alone.."

[villains-and-heroes]

Exactly

[retired-voids]

[Voi gently shoves all the ice and cold things off of them, having the little bit of strength needed to do so]

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze helps, holding them closer and pulling a blanket around void]

I have you…

[retired-voids]

"Mhm.. At least we don't have to go work anytime soon.."

[villains-and-heroes]

Yeah, summer break… our chance to relax

[retired-voids]

".. Have you heard about young Will building the academy in the aether..?"

[villains-and-heroes]

I have. Him and his little robot friend are working hard, i’m very proud of him

[retired-voids]

"I'm also so proud of him.. He's making so much progress in the past couple of weeks.."

[villains-and-heroes]

He’s taking after us.. i love it

[retired-voids]

"He is.. I wonder who he'll ask to be teachers.."

[villains-and-heroes]

His aunt and auncle? If they ever retire?

[retired-voids]

"He'll probably ask them, he adores both of them but Netherum is definitely his favorite. Maybe he'll ask his parents?"

[villains-and-heroes]

Maybe… i think Nethie will make a great teacher

[retired-voids]

"I know she will.. He's our smart flame.."

[villains-and-heroes]

She is. Our little firecracker

[retired-voids]

"She's gotten so big despite being the youngest.."

[villains-and-heroes]

Still the shortest though. Remember how small they were when they were born? So tiny..

[retired-voids]

"Mhm.. He looked premature almost despite being fully grown..."

[villains-and-heroes]

…I miss them. All of them..

[retired-voids]

".. Maybe we could have a family dinner..? Like we used to..?"

[villains-and-heroes]

I’d enjoy that… after dinner with Nethie and her little girlfriend. Have all of them over

[retired-voids]

"Mhm.. What did you learn about little flames girlfriend..? I fell asleep before you did anything.."

[villains-and-heroes]

An ex-hero called Soul, her alias was Shadow. As far as i know, Fable fired her but i couldnt find out why

[retired-voids]

".. Did Fable fire her or did Icarus..? They have access to the files and he..he did take them back to the overworld with him.."

[villains-and-heroes]

I dont know, the file wasnt clear

[retired-voids]

"Hm.. Have you heard anything from Icarus..?"

[villains-and-heroes]

…not since they were a child

[retired-voids]

"... I'm worried something has happened to them... If Fable has hurt Isla, what has he done to Icarus.."

[villains-and-heroes]

I dont know. I dont know if i want to know

[retired-voids]

"I-i don't either.. No one knows.."

[villains-and-heroes]

…i dont want to think about it, not right now

[retired-voids]

"... Can we eat then cuddle..? Please..?"

[villains-and-heroes]

I can reheat some leftovers

[retired-voids]

"Please..?"

[villains-and-heroes]

[Kinaxus kisses void’s cheek before getting up, putting some leftovers in the oven]

[retired-voids]

[Voi stays put, it's one of those times where Epros is too distracted to actually move even if they wanted to]

[villains-and-heroes]

[It takes a few minutes but they come back with warm leftovers]

Here, my love

[retired-voids]

[Void takes it and hums, starting to eat]

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze starts eating too, resting against voi]

[retired-voids]

[Voi leans against zym, they don't feel as hot to the touch anymore and just seem to be recovering from a flare up]

[villains-and-heroes]

You feel better to me, are you feeling better?

[retired-voids]

"Mhm, my muscles are just aching"

[villains-and-heroes]

Thats good. We can start preventing treatments for your flare ups, regular ice baths and stuff like that

[retired-voids]

".. That sounds nice..."

[villains-and-heroes]

We can get the kids’ old bath toys down for you

[retired-voids]

[Epros laughs softly]

"That won't be needed my dear.."

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze laughs too]

Suddenly youre too cool for Mrs Ducky and the Bathtime Bubble Boys?

[retired-voids]

[Voi sighs and gently flicks zyr nose]

"I don't think they'd like the grown adult-"

[villains-and-heroes]

[They glare at voi]

They’d love you regardless-

[retired-voids]

"No thank you my dear-"

[villains-and-heroes]

Alright alright

[retired-voids]

[Voi smiles and finishes eating]

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze sets the plates aside]

[retired-voids]

"Upstairs..? I would like to be in actual clothes and actually cuddle you not on our couch"

[villains-and-heroes]

I’ll carry you

[retired-voids]

"I knew you'd say that"

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze scoops them up, carrying voi upstairs]

[retired-voids]

[Voi wraps their arms around their neck]

[villains-and-heroes]

[Kinaxus sets voi down on their bed, helping them into voi’s comfiest pajamas before tucking voi in]

[retired-voids]

[Void smiles and cuddles into me when zy lay down]

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze rests their head against void’s]

[retired-voids]

[They stay in silence for a while, Epros' breathing filling sound of the room before voi grabs void's book and starts to read it]

[villains-and-heroes]

[A few days after Epros and Kinaxus visited Enderian and stayed with her, they'd be in their own place after she was slightly better and had meals already prepared for her so all she had to do was warm it up and eat it. Kinaxus is resting on the couch reading and Epros is in the shower when voi let's out a pained scream, something zyr hasn't heard since when their markings first showed up]

@retired-voids

[Kinaxus immediately runs up the stairs, throwing open the bathroom door]

Epros??!

[retired-voids]

[Epros is on the floor and the markings have spread even more, one of void's arms is completely covered by it, their back has more markings then skin color, their other arm is past voi's elbow and it's spread to past void's knee on their leg. Voi looks at Kinaxus and ze can see tear burns]

"Kinaxus-"

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze immediately drops beside them, pulling voi into zyr lap, holding them]

I-I’m here - I’m here-

[retired-voids]

[Voi can barely move by themselves, barely being able to wrap an arm around zyr neck]

"O-ow- ow- w-worse than when they first showed up, m-more painful"

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze picks them up, carrying voi downstairs and grabbing ice]

[retired-voids]

[Void stays holding them as much as voi can, everything is just painful, even breathing]

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze layers bags of ice and ice packs on voi’s body]

Is - is the pain any better?-

[retired-voids]

"Mhm- mhm.. J-just kinda feels like my entire body is burning.."

[villains-and-heroes]

[They grab a dish cloth, covering them up a bit, starting to grab frozen food to help]

Okay, okay - youre okay-

[retired-voids]

[Voi grabs one of zyr hands]

"I-i'm okay.."

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze still looks worried, tears in zyr eyes that ze is desperately blinking away]

You… you screamed, voidlight-

[retired-voids]

"I-i know.. I know.. It spread too quickly and I-i couldn't feel anything until you pulled me over to you.."

[Voi gently tugs Kinaxus to be closer to void's face, kissing them gently and holding ze's face]

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze kisses back before pulling away, hugging voi close]

Never do that to me again..

[retired-voids]

"I-i'm sorry.. I don't know what triggered it.."

[Voi wraps their arms around zem, trying to wipe the tears that void knows are falling but can't feel because of the numbness in their face]

[villains-and-heroes]

Dont apologise, you have nothing to apologise for… but never do it again

[Ze rubs their back gently]

[retired-voids]

"I scared you.. I haven't screamed in years.. multiple decades I haven't, none of our kids have ever heard me scream.."

[villains-and-heroes]

Just… just shut up and let me hold you - please-

[retired-voids]

[Voi nods]

"Mhm, come here and relax against me"

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze holds voi close, resting zyr hand on the back of voi’s head]

I’m not letting go. I dont care, I’m not letting go-

[retired-voids]

"I'm right here firefly.. I'm awake and I'm talking.."

[villains-and-heroes]

And you’re not leaving my fucking sight.

[retired-voids]

"Firefly- hey.."

[villains-and-heroes]

No, I’m not letting you out of my sight - i cant-

[retired-voids]

[Voi very weakly brings one of zyr hands to void's chest, their heartbeat is strong and steady]

"Feel my heartbeat.. I'm okay besides the markings being in a lot more places.."

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze shakes their head, sniffling]

No. No, i… i cant let you out my sight, I cant..

[retired-voids]

"Deep breaths.. You can feel that I'm okay.. You came to immediately help me so I wasn't in pain for very long.."

[villains-and-heroes]

[It takes a minute before ze finds it in zyrself to pull away, wiping Epros’s face gently]

…let’s … let’s get you in your bathrobe or something

[retired-voids]

"Mhm.. I would like to have some type of clothes on.."

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze takes voi to the couch, sitting them down and pulling a blanket over them]

Stay, i’ll get it

[retired-voids]

[Voi smiles and nods]

"I'll be right here.."

[villains-and-heroes]

You’d… you’d better be

[Ze goes upstairs and comes back in record time with the bathrobe, helping voi into it]

[retired-voids]

[Kinaxus can see that voi's movements are slower, almost like void is forcing the movements instead of them coming naturally to them. Once voi in the bathrobe they pull Kinaxus to lean against]

[villains-and-heroes]

[Zyr ties it for voi before holding voi close]

I’m not letting go

[retired-voids]

"We both have papers we need to finish.."

[villains-and-heroes]

I’ll do them-

[retired-voids]

"Firefly it's also my work.. I can also do it.."

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze gives voi a glare]

You can barely move. I’m marking them

[retired-voids]

[Voi makes a sound to protest]

"Firefly-"

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze puts a hand over voi’s mouth]

No. I’m doing it

[retired-voids]

[Void gives a little look before sighing and nodding, usual of them to wanna keep working despite being hurt]

".. Mhm.."

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze holds voi close, kissing their head]

[retired-voids]

".. Thank you for coming up immediately and I'm sorry for scaring you that bad.."

[villains-and-heroes]

I forgive you… i’ll always come

[retired-voids]

"Thank you.."

[Epros relaxes more and leans more against Kinaxus]

"... We need to do something for me.. A walking stick or something in case it flares up again and we're out.."

[villains-and-heroes]

You can use one of my canes

[retired-voids]

"Perhaps.."

[A few tears slip from void's eyes]

"I just thought I had a couple more years before needing it.."

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze holds zyr tighter]

…we can be old and feeble together, my darkling

[retired-voids]

".. We're what..in our 80's..? It was bound to happen.."

[villains-and-heroes]

But the important thing is that we’re not doing it alone. We’re not alone

[retired-voids]

"We aren't..and we won't ever have to do it alone.."

[villains-and-heroes]

Exactly

[retired-voids]

[Voi gently shoves all the ice and cold things off of them, having the little bit of strength needed to do so]

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze helps, holding them closer and pulling a blanket around void]

I have you…

[retired-voids]

"Mhm.. At least we don't have to go work anytime soon.."

[villains-and-heroes]

Yeah, summer break… our chance to relax

[retired-voids]

".. Have you heard about young Will building the academy in the aether..?"

[villains-and-heroes]

I have. Him and his little robot friend are working hard, i’m very proud of him

[retired-voids]

"I'm also so proud of him.. He's making so much progress in the past couple of weeks.."

[villains-and-heroes]

He’s taking after us.. i love it

[retired-voids]

"He is.. I wonder who he'll ask to be teachers.."

[villains-and-heroes]

His aunt and auncle? If they ever retire?

[retired-voids]

"He'll probably ask them, he adores both of them but Netherum is definitely his favorite. Maybe he'll ask his parents?"

[villains-and-heroes]

Maybe… i think Nethie will make a great teacher

[retired-voids]

"I know she will.. He's our smart flame.."

[villains-and-heroes]

She is. Our little firecracker

[retired-voids]

"She's gotten so big despite being the youngest.."

[villains-and-heroes]

Still the shortest though. Remember how small they were when they were born? So tiny..

[retired-voids]

"Mhm.. He looked premature almost despite being fully grown..."

[villains-and-heroes]

…I miss them. All of them..

[retired-voids]

".. Maybe we could have a family dinner..? Like we used to..?"

[villains-and-heroes]

I’d enjoy that… after dinner with Nethie and her little girlfriend. Have all of them over

[retired-voids]

"Mhm.. What did you learn about little flames girlfriend..? I fell asleep before you did anything.."

[villains-and-heroes]

An ex-hero called Soul, her alias was Shadow. As far as i know, Fable fired her but i couldnt find out why

[retired-voids]

".. Did Fable fire her or did Icarus..? They have access to the files and he..he did take them back to the overworld with him.."

[villains-and-heroes]

I dont know, the file wasnt clear

[retired-voids]

"Hm.. Have you heard anything from Icarus..?"

[villains-and-heroes]

…not since they were a child

[retired-voids]

"... I'm worried something has happened to them... If Fable has hurt Isla, what has he done to Icarus.."

[villains-and-heroes]

I dont know. I dont know if i want to know

[retired-voids]

"I-i don't either.. No one knows.."

[villains-and-heroes]

…i dont want to think about it, not right now

[retired-voids]

"... Can we eat then cuddle..? Please..?"

[villains-and-heroes]

I can reheat some leftovers

[retired-voids]

"Please..?"

[villains-and-heroes]

[Kinaxus kisses void’s cheek before getting up, putting some leftovers in the oven]

[retired-voids]

[Voi stays put, it's one of those times where Epros is too distracted to actually move even if they wanted to]

[villains-and-heroes]

[It takes a few minutes but they come back with warm leftovers]

Here, my love

[retired-voids]

[Void takes it and hums, starting to eat]

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze starts eating too, resting against voi]

[retired-voids]

[Voi leans against zym, they don't feel as hot to the touch anymore and just seem to be recovering from a flare up]

[villains-and-heroes]

You feel better to me, are you feeling better?

[retired-voids]

"Mhm, my muscles are just aching"

[villains-and-heroes]

Thats good. We can start preventing treatments for your flare ups, regular ice baths and stuff like that

[retired-voids]

".. That sounds nice..."

[villains-and-heroes]

We can get the kids’ old bath toys down for you

[retired-voids]

[Epros laughs softly]

"That won't be needed my dear.."

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze laughs too]

Suddenly youre too cool for Mrs Ducky and the Bathtime Bubble Boys?

[retired-voids]

[Voi sighs and gently flicks zyr nose]

"I don't think they'd like the grown adult-"

[villains-and-heroes]

[They glare at voi]

They’d love you regardless-

[retired-voids]

"No thank you my dear-"

[villains-and-heroes]

Alright alright

[retired-voids]

[Voi smiles and finishes eating]

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze sets the plates aside]

[retired-voids]

"Upstairs..? I would like to be in actual clothes and actually cuddle you not on our couch"

[villains-and-heroes]

I’ll carry you

[retired-voids]

"I knew you'd say that"

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze scoops them up, carrying voi upstairs]

[retired-voids]

[Voi wraps their arms around their neck]

[villains-and-heroes]

[Kinaxus sets voi down on their bed, helping them into voi’s comfiest pajamas before tucking voi in]

[retired-voids]

[Void smiles and cuddles into me when zy lay down]

[villains-and-heroes]

[A few days after Epros and Kinaxus visited Enderian and stayed with her, they'd be in their own place after she was slightly better and had meals already prepared for her so all she had to do was warm it up and eat it. Kinaxus is resting on the couch reading and Epros is in the shower when voi let's out a pained scream, something zyr hasn't heard since when their markings first showed up]

@retired-voids

[Kinaxus immediately runs up the stairs, throwing open the bathroom door]

Epros??!

[retired-voids]

[Epros is on the floor and the markings have spread even more, one of void's arms is completely covered by it, their back has more markings then skin color, their other arm is past voi's elbow and it's spread to past void's knee on their leg. Voi looks at Kinaxus and ze can see tear burns]

"Kinaxus-"

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze immediately drops beside them, pulling voi into zyr lap, holding them]

I-I’m here - I’m here-

[retired-voids]

[Voi can barely move by themselves, barely being able to wrap an arm around zyr neck]

"O-ow- ow- w-worse than when they first showed up, m-more painful"

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze picks them up, carrying voi downstairs and grabbing ice]

[retired-voids]

[Void stays holding them as much as voi can, everything is just painful, even breathing]

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze layers bags of ice and ice packs on voi’s body]

Is - is the pain any better?-

[retired-voids]

"Mhm- mhm.. J-just kinda feels like my entire body is burning.."

[villains-and-heroes]

[They grab a dish cloth, covering them up a bit, starting to grab frozen food to help]

Okay, okay - youre okay-

[retired-voids]

[Voi grabs one of zyr hands]

"I-i'm okay.."

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze still looks worried, tears in zyr eyes that ze is desperately blinking away]

You… you screamed, voidlight-

[retired-voids]

"I-i know.. I know.. It spread too quickly and I-i couldn't feel anything until you pulled me over to you.."

[Voi gently tugs Kinaxus to be closer to void's face, kissing them gently and holding ze's face]

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze kisses back before pulling away, hugging voi close]

Never do that to me again..

[retired-voids]

"I-i'm sorry.. I don't know what triggered it.."

[Voi wraps their arms around zem, trying to wipe the tears that void knows are falling but can't feel because of the numbness in their face]

[villains-and-heroes]

Dont apologise, you have nothing to apologise for… but never do it again

[Ze rubs their back gently]

[retired-voids]

"I scared you.. I haven't screamed in years.. multiple decades I haven't, none of our kids have ever heard me scream.."

[villains-and-heroes]

Just… just shut up and let me hold you - please-

[retired-voids]

[Voi nods]

"Mhm, come here and relax against me"

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze holds voi close, resting zyr hand on the back of voi’s head]

I’m not letting go. I dont care, I’m not letting go-

[retired-voids]

"I'm right here firefly.. I'm awake and I'm talking.."

[villains-and-heroes]

And you’re not leaving my fucking sight.

[retired-voids]

"Firefly- hey.."

[villains-and-heroes]

No, I’m not letting you out of my sight - i cant-

[retired-voids]

[Voi very weakly brings one of zyr hands to void's chest, their heartbeat is strong and steady]

"Feel my heartbeat.. I'm okay besides the markings being in a lot more places.."

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze shakes their head, sniffling]

No. No, i… i cant let you out my sight, I cant..

[retired-voids]

"Deep breaths.. You can feel that I'm okay.. You came to immediately help me so I wasn't in pain for very long.."

[villains-and-heroes]

[It takes a minute before ze finds it in zyrself to pull away, wiping Epros’s face gently]

…let’s … let’s get you in your bathrobe or something

[retired-voids]

"Mhm.. I would like to have some type of clothes on.."

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze takes voi to the couch, sitting them down and pulling a blanket over them]

Stay, i’ll get it

[retired-voids]

[Voi smiles and nods]

"I'll be right here.."

[villains-and-heroes]

You’d… you’d better be

[Ze goes upstairs and comes back in record time with the bathrobe, helping voi into it]

[retired-voids]

[Kinaxus can see that voi's movements are slower, almost like void is forcing the movements instead of them coming naturally to them. Once voi in the bathrobe they pull Kinaxus to lean against]

[villains-and-heroes]

[Zyr ties it for voi before holding voi close]

I’m not letting go

[retired-voids]

"We both have papers we need to finish.."

[villains-and-heroes]

I’ll do them-

[retired-voids]

"Firefly it's also my work.. I can also do it.."

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze gives voi a glare]

You can barely move. I’m marking them

[retired-voids]

[Voi makes a sound to protest]

"Firefly-"

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze puts a hand over voi’s mouth]

No. I’m doing it

[retired-voids]

[Void gives a little look before sighing and nodding, usual of them to wanna keep working despite being hurt]

".. Mhm.."

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze holds voi close, kissing their head]

[retired-voids]

".. Thank you for coming up immediately and I'm sorry for scaring you that bad.."

[villains-and-heroes]

I forgive you… i’ll always come

[retired-voids]

"Thank you.."

[Epros relaxes more and leans more against Kinaxus]

"... We need to do something for me.. A walking stick or something in case it flares up again and we're out.."

[villains-and-heroes]

You can use one of my canes

[retired-voids]

"Perhaps.."

[A few tears slip from void's eyes]

"I just thought I had a couple more years before needing it.."

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze holds zyr tighter]

…we can be old and feeble together, my darkling

[retired-voids]

".. We're what..in our 80's..? It was bound to happen.."

[villains-and-heroes]

But the important thing is that we’re not doing it alone. We’re not alone

[retired-voids]

"We aren't..and we won't ever have to do it alone.."

[villains-and-heroes]

Exactly

[retired-voids]

[Voi gently shoves all the ice and cold things off of them, having the little bit of strength needed to do so]

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze helps, holding them closer and pulling a blanket around void]

I have you…

[retired-voids]

"Mhm.. At least we don't have to go work anytime soon.."

[villains-and-heroes]

Yeah, summer break… our chance to relax

[retired-voids]

".. Have you heard about young Will building the academy in the aether..?"

[villains-and-heroes]

I have. Him and his little robot friend are working hard, i’m very proud of him

[retired-voids]

"I'm also so proud of him.. He's making so much progress in the past couple of weeks.."

[villains-and-heroes]

He’s taking after us.. i love it

[retired-voids]

"He is.. I wonder who he'll ask to be teachers.."

[villains-and-heroes]

His aunt and auncle? If they ever retire?

[retired-voids]

"He'll probably ask them, he adores both of them but Netherum is definitely his favorite. Maybe he'll ask his parents?"

[villains-and-heroes]

Maybe… i think Nethie will make a great teacher

[retired-voids]

"I know she will.. He's our smart flame.."

[villains-and-heroes]

She is. Our little firecracker

[retired-voids]

"She's gotten so big despite being the youngest.."

[villains-and-heroes]

Still the shortest though. Remember how small they were when they were born? So tiny..

[retired-voids]

"Mhm.. He looked premature almost despite being fully grown..."

[villains-and-heroes]

…I miss them. All of them..

[retired-voids]

".. Maybe we could have a family dinner..? Like we used to..?"

[villains-and-heroes]

I’d enjoy that… after dinner with Nethie and her little girlfriend. Have all of them over

[retired-voids]

"Mhm.. What did you learn about little flames girlfriend..? I fell asleep before you did anything.."

[villains-and-heroes]

An ex-hero called Soul, her alias was Shadow. As far as i know, Fable fired her but i couldnt find out why

[retired-voids]

".. Did Fable fire her or did Icarus..? They have access to the files and he..he did take them back to the overworld with him.."

[villains-and-heroes]

I dont know, the file wasnt clear

[retired-voids]

"Hm.. Have you heard anything from Icarus..?"

[villains-and-heroes]

…not since they were a child

[retired-voids]

"... I'm worried something has happened to them... If Fable has hurt Isla, what has he done to Icarus.."

[villains-and-heroes]

I dont know. I dont know if i want to know

[retired-voids]

"I-i don't either.. No one knows.."

[villains-and-heroes]

…i dont want to think about it, not right now

[retired-voids]

"... Can we eat then cuddle..? Please..?"

[villains-and-heroes]

I can reheat some leftovers

[retired-voids]

"Please..?"

[villains-and-heroes]

[Kinaxus kisses void’s cheek before getting up, putting some leftovers in the oven]

[retired-voids]

[Voi stays put, it's one of those times where Epros is too distracted to actually move even if they wanted to]

[villains-and-heroes]

[It takes a few minutes but they come back with warm leftovers]

Here, my love

[retired-voids]

[Void takes it and hums, starting to eat]

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze starts eating too, resting against voi]

[retired-voids]

[Voi leans against zym, they don't feel as hot to the touch anymore and just seem to be recovering from a flare up]

[villains-and-heroes]

You feel better to me, are you feeling better?

[retired-voids]

"Mhm, my muscles are just aching"

[villains-and-heroes]

Thats good. We can start preventing treatments for your flare ups, regular ice baths and stuff like that

[retired-voids]

".. That sounds nice..."

[villains-and-heroes]

We can get the kids’ old bath toys down for you

[retired-voids]

[Epros laughs softly]

"That won't be needed my dear.."

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze laughs too]

Suddenly youre too cool for Mrs Ducky and the Bathtime Bubble Boys?

[retired-voids]

[Voi sighs and gently flicks zyr nose]

"I don't think they'd like the grown adult-"

[villains-and-heroes]

[They glare at voi]

They’d love you regardless-

[retired-voids]

"No thank you my dear-"

[villains-and-heroes]

Alright alright

[retired-voids]

[Voi smiles and finishes eating]

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze sets the plates aside]

[retired-voids]

"Upstairs..? I would like to be in actual clothes and actually cuddle you not on our couch"

[villains-and-heroes]

I’ll carry you

[retired-voids]

"I knew you'd say that"

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze scoops them up, carrying voi upstairs]

[retired-voids]

[Voi wraps their arms around their neck]

[villains-and-heroes]

[A few days after Epros and Kinaxus visited Enderian and stayed with her, they'd be in their own place after she was slightly better and had meals already prepared for her so all she had to do was warm it up and eat it. Kinaxus is resting on the couch reading and Epros is in the shower when voi let's out a pained scream, something zyr hasn't heard since when their markings first showed up]

@retired-voids

[Kinaxus immediately runs up the stairs, throwing open the bathroom door]

Epros??!

[retired-voids]

[Epros is on the floor and the markings have spread even more, one of void's arms is completely covered by it, their back has more markings then skin color, their other arm is past voi's elbow and it's spread to past void's knee on their leg. Voi looks at Kinaxus and ze can see tear burns]

"Kinaxus-"

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze immediately drops beside them, pulling voi into zyr lap, holding them]

I-I’m here - I’m here-

[retired-voids]

[Voi can barely move by themselves, barely being able to wrap an arm around zyr neck]

"O-ow- ow- w-worse than when they first showed up, m-more painful"

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze picks them up, carrying voi downstairs and grabbing ice]

[retired-voids]

[Void stays holding them as much as voi can, everything is just painful, even breathing]

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze layers bags of ice and ice packs on voi’s body]

Is - is the pain any better?-

[retired-voids]

"Mhm- mhm.. J-just kinda feels like my entire body is burning.."

[villains-and-heroes]

[They grab a dish cloth, covering them up a bit, starting to grab frozen food to help]

Okay, okay - youre okay-

[retired-voids]

[Voi grabs one of zyr hands]

"I-i'm okay.."

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze still looks worried, tears in zyr eyes that ze is desperately blinking away]

You… you screamed, voidlight-

[retired-voids]

"I-i know.. I know.. It spread too quickly and I-i couldn't feel anything until you pulled me over to you.."

[Voi gently tugs Kinaxus to be closer to void's face, kissing them gently and holding ze's face]

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze kisses back before pulling away, hugging voi close]

Never do that to me again..

[retired-voids]

"I-i'm sorry.. I don't know what triggered it.."

[Voi wraps their arms around zem, trying to wipe the tears that void knows are falling but can't feel because of the numbness in their face]

[villains-and-heroes]

Dont apologise, you have nothing to apologise for… but never do it again

[Ze rubs their back gently]

[retired-voids]

"I scared you.. I haven't screamed in years.. multiple decades I haven't, none of our kids have ever heard me scream.."

[villains-and-heroes]

Just… just shut up and let me hold you - please-

[retired-voids]

[Voi nods]

"Mhm, come here and relax against me"

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze holds voi close, resting zyr hand on the back of voi’s head]

I’m not letting go. I dont care, I’m not letting go-

[retired-voids]

"I'm right here firefly.. I'm awake and I'm talking.."

[villains-and-heroes]

And you’re not leaving my fucking sight.

[retired-voids]

"Firefly- hey.."

[villains-and-heroes]

No, I’m not letting you out of my sight - i cant-

[retired-voids]

[Voi very weakly brings one of zyr hands to void's chest, their heartbeat is strong and steady]

"Feel my heartbeat.. I'm okay besides the markings being in a lot more places.."

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze shakes their head, sniffling]

No. No, i… i cant let you out my sight, I cant..

[retired-voids]

"Deep breaths.. You can feel that I'm okay.. You came to immediately help me so I wasn't in pain for very long.."

[villains-and-heroes]

[It takes a minute before ze finds it in zyrself to pull away, wiping Epros’s face gently]

…let’s … let’s get you in your bathrobe or something

[retired-voids]

"Mhm.. I would like to have some type of clothes on.."

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze takes voi to the couch, sitting them down and pulling a blanket over them]

Stay, i’ll get it

[retired-voids]

[Voi smiles and nods]

"I'll be right here.."

[villains-and-heroes]

You’d… you’d better be

[Ze goes upstairs and comes back in record time with the bathrobe, helping voi into it]

[retired-voids]

[Kinaxus can see that voi's movements are slower, almost like void is forcing the movements instead of them coming naturally to them. Once voi in the bathrobe they pull Kinaxus to lean against]

[villains-and-heroes]

[Zyr ties it for voi before holding voi close]

I’m not letting go

[retired-voids]

"We both have papers we need to finish.."

[villains-and-heroes]

I’ll do them-

[retired-voids]

"Firefly it's also my work.. I can also do it.."

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze gives voi a glare]

You can barely move. I’m marking them

[retired-voids]

[Voi makes a sound to protest]

"Firefly-"

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze puts a hand over voi’s mouth]

No. I’m doing it

[retired-voids]

[Void gives a little look before sighing and nodding, usual of them to wanna keep working despite being hurt]

".. Mhm.."

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze holds voi close, kissing their head]

[retired-voids]

".. Thank you for coming up immediately and I'm sorry for scaring you that bad.."

[villains-and-heroes]

I forgive you… i’ll always come

[retired-voids]

"Thank you.."

[Epros relaxes more and leans more against Kinaxus]

"... We need to do something for me.. A walking stick or something in case it flares up again and we're out.."

[villains-and-heroes]

You can use one of my canes

[retired-voids]

"Perhaps.."

[A few tears slip from void's eyes]

"I just thought I had a couple more years before needing it.."

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze holds zyr tighter]

…we can be old and feeble together, my darkling

[retired-voids]

".. We're what..in our 80's..? It was bound to happen.."

[villains-and-heroes]

But the important thing is that we’re not doing it alone. We’re not alone

[retired-voids]

"We aren't..and we won't ever have to do it alone.."

[villains-and-heroes]

Exactly

[retired-voids]

[Voi gently shoves all the ice and cold things off of them, having the little bit of strength needed to do so]

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze helps, holding them closer and pulling a blanket around void]

I have you…

[retired-voids]

"Mhm.. At least we don't have to go work anytime soon.."

[villains-and-heroes]

Yeah, summer break… our chance to relax

[retired-voids]

".. Have you heard about young Will building the academy in the aether..?"

[villains-and-heroes]

I have. Him and his little robot friend are working hard, i’m very proud of him

[retired-voids]

"I'm also so proud of him.. He's making so much progress in the past couple of weeks.."

[villains-and-heroes]

He’s taking after us.. i love it

[retired-voids]

"He is.. I wonder who he'll ask to be teachers.."

[villains-and-heroes]

His aunt and auncle? If they ever retire?

[retired-voids]

"He'll probably ask them, he adores both of them but Netherum is definitely his favorite. Maybe he'll ask his parents?"

[villains-and-heroes]

Maybe… i think Nethie will make a great teacher

[retired-voids]

"I know she will.. He's our smart flame.."

[villains-and-heroes]

She is. Our little firecracker

[retired-voids]

"She's gotten so big despite being the youngest.."

[villains-and-heroes]

Still the shortest though. Remember how small they were when they were born? So tiny..

[retired-voids]

"Mhm.. He looked premature almost despite being fully grown..."

[villains-and-heroes]

…I miss them. All of them..

[retired-voids]

".. Maybe we could have a family dinner..? Like we used to..?"

[villains-and-heroes]

I’d enjoy that… after dinner with Nethie and her little girlfriend. Have all of them over

[retired-voids]

"Mhm.. What did you learn about little flames girlfriend..? I fell asleep before you did anything.."

[villains-and-heroes]

An ex-hero called Soul, her alias was Shadow. As far as i know, Fable fired her but i couldnt find out why

[retired-voids]

".. Did Fable fire her or did Icarus..? They have access to the files and he..he did take them back to the overworld with him.."

[villains-and-heroes]

I dont know, the file wasnt clear

[retired-voids]

"Hm.. Have you heard anything from Icarus..?"

[villains-and-heroes]

…not since they were a child

[retired-voids]

"... I'm worried something has happened to them... If Fable has hurt Isla, what has he done to Icarus.."

[villains-and-heroes]

I dont know. I dont know if i want to know

[retired-voids]

"I-i don't either.. No one knows.."

[villains-and-heroes]

…i dont want to think about it, not right now

[retired-voids]

"... Can we eat then cuddle..? Please..?"

[villains-and-heroes]

I can reheat some leftovers

[retired-voids]

"Please..?"

[villains-and-heroes]

[Kinaxus kisses void’s cheek before getting up, putting some leftovers in the oven]

[retired-voids]

[Voi stays put, it's one of those times where Epros is too distracted to actually move even if they wanted to]

[villains-and-heroes]

[It takes a few minutes but they come back with warm leftovers]

Here, my love

[retired-voids]

[Void takes it and hums, starting to eat]

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze starts eating too, resting against voi]

[retired-voids]

[Voi leans against zym, they don't feel as hot to the touch anymore and just seem to be recovering from a flare up]

[villains-and-heroes]

You feel better to me, are you feeling better?

[retired-voids]

"Mhm, my muscles are just aching"

[villains-and-heroes]

Thats good. We can start preventing treatments for your flare ups, regular ice baths and stuff like that

[retired-voids]

".. That sounds nice..."

[villains-and-heroes]

We can get the kids’ old bath toys down for you

[retired-voids]

[Epros laughs softly]

"That won't be needed my dear.."

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze laughs too]

Suddenly youre too cool for Mrs Ducky and the Bathtime Bubble Boys?

[retired-voids]

[Voi sighs and gently flicks zyr nose]

"I don't think they'd like the grown adult-"

[villains-and-heroes]

[They glare at voi]

They’d love you regardless-

[retired-voids]

"No thank you my dear-"

[villains-and-heroes]

Alright alright

[retired-voids]

[Voi smiles and finishes eating]

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze sets the plates aside]

[retired-voids]

"Upstairs..? I would like to be in actual clothes and actually cuddle you not on our couch"

[villains-and-heroes]

I’ll carry you

[retired-voids]

"I knew you'd say that"

[villains-and-heroes]

[A few days after Epros and Kinaxus visited Enderian and stayed with her, they'd be in their own place after she was slightly better and had meals already prepared for her so all she had to do was warm it up and eat it. Kinaxus is resting on the couch reading and Epros is in the shower when voi let's out a pained scream, something zyr hasn't heard since when their markings first showed up]

@retired-voids

[Kinaxus immediately runs up the stairs, throwing open the bathroom door]

Epros??!

[retired-voids]

[Epros is on the floor and the markings have spread even more, one of void's arms is completely covered by it, their back has more markings then skin color, their other arm is past voi's elbow and it's spread to past void's knee on their leg. Voi looks at Kinaxus and ze can see tear burns]

"Kinaxus-"

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze immediately drops beside them, pulling voi into zyr lap, holding them]

I-I’m here - I’m here-

[retired-voids]

[Voi can barely move by themselves, barely being able to wrap an arm around zyr neck]

"O-ow- ow- w-worse than when they first showed up, m-more painful"

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze picks them up, carrying voi downstairs and grabbing ice]

[retired-voids]

[Void stays holding them as much as voi can, everything is just painful, even breathing]

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze layers bags of ice and ice packs on voi’s body]

Is - is the pain any better?-

[retired-voids]

"Mhm- mhm.. J-just kinda feels like my entire body is burning.."

[villains-and-heroes]

[They grab a dish cloth, covering them up a bit, starting to grab frozen food to help]

Okay, okay - youre okay-

[retired-voids]

[Voi grabs one of zyr hands]

"I-i'm okay.."

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze still looks worried, tears in zyr eyes that ze is desperately blinking away]

You… you screamed, voidlight-

[retired-voids]

"I-i know.. I know.. It spread too quickly and I-i couldn't feel anything until you pulled me over to you.."

[Voi gently tugs Kinaxus to be closer to void's face, kissing them gently and holding ze's face]

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze kisses back before pulling away, hugging voi close]

Never do that to me again..

[retired-voids]

"I-i'm sorry.. I don't know what triggered it.."

[Voi wraps their arms around zem, trying to wipe the tears that void knows are falling but can't feel because of the numbness in their face]

[villains-and-heroes]

Dont apologise, you have nothing to apologise for… but never do it again

[Ze rubs their back gently]

[retired-voids]

"I scared you.. I haven't screamed in years.. multiple decades I haven't, none of our kids have ever heard me scream.."

[villains-and-heroes]

Just… just shut up and let me hold you - please-

[retired-voids]

[Voi nods]

"Mhm, come here and relax against me"

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze holds voi close, resting zyr hand on the back of voi’s head]

I’m not letting go. I dont care, I’m not letting go-

[retired-voids]

"I'm right here firefly.. I'm awake and I'm talking.."

[villains-and-heroes]

And you’re not leaving my fucking sight.

[retired-voids]

"Firefly- hey.."

[villains-and-heroes]

No, I’m not letting you out of my sight - i cant-

[retired-voids]

[Voi very weakly brings one of zyr hands to void's chest, their heartbeat is strong and steady]

"Feel my heartbeat.. I'm okay besides the markings being in a lot more places.."

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze shakes their head, sniffling]

No. No, i… i cant let you out my sight, I cant..

[retired-voids]

"Deep breaths.. You can feel that I'm okay.. You came to immediately help me so I wasn't in pain for very long.."

[villains-and-heroes]

[It takes a minute before ze finds it in zyrself to pull away, wiping Epros’s face gently]

…let’s … let’s get you in your bathrobe or something

[retired-voids]

"Mhm.. I would like to have some type of clothes on.."

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze takes voi to the couch, sitting them down and pulling a blanket over them]

Stay, i’ll get it

[retired-voids]

[Voi smiles and nods]

"I'll be right here.."

[villains-and-heroes]

You’d… you’d better be

[Ze goes upstairs and comes back in record time with the bathrobe, helping voi into it]

[retired-voids]

[Kinaxus can see that voi's movements are slower, almost like void is forcing the movements instead of them coming naturally to them. Once voi in the bathrobe they pull Kinaxus to lean against]

[villains-and-heroes]

[Zyr ties it for voi before holding voi close]

I’m not letting go

[retired-voids]

"We both have papers we need to finish.."

[villains-and-heroes]

I’ll do them-

[retired-voids]

"Firefly it's also my work.. I can also do it.."

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze gives voi a glare]

You can barely move. I’m marking them

[retired-voids]

[Voi makes a sound to protest]

"Firefly-"

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze puts a hand over voi’s mouth]

No. I’m doing it

[retired-voids]

[Void gives a little look before sighing and nodding, usual of them to wanna keep working despite being hurt]

".. Mhm.."

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze holds voi close, kissing their head]

[retired-voids]

".. Thank you for coming up immediately and I'm sorry for scaring you that bad.."

[villains-and-heroes]

I forgive you… i’ll always come

[retired-voids]

"Thank you.."

[Epros relaxes more and leans more against Kinaxus]

"... We need to do something for me.. A walking stick or something in case it flares up again and we're out.."

[villains-and-heroes]

You can use one of my canes

[retired-voids]

"Perhaps.."

[A few tears slip from void's eyes]

"I just thought I had a couple more years before needing it.."

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze holds zyr tighter]

…we can be old and feeble together, my darkling

[retired-voids]

".. We're what..in our 80's..? It was bound to happen.."

[villains-and-heroes]

But the important thing is that we’re not doing it alone. We’re not alone

[retired-voids]

"We aren't..and we won't ever have to do it alone.."

[villains-and-heroes]

Exactly

[retired-voids]

[Voi gently shoves all the ice and cold things off of them, having the little bit of strength needed to do so]

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze helps, holding them closer and pulling a blanket around void]

I have you…

[retired-voids]

"Mhm.. At least we don't have to go work anytime soon.."

[villains-and-heroes]

Yeah, summer break… our chance to relax

[retired-voids]

".. Have you heard about young Will building the academy in the aether..?"

[villains-and-heroes]

I have. Him and his little robot friend are working hard, i’m very proud of him

[retired-voids]

"I'm also so proud of him.. He's making so much progress in the past couple of weeks.."

[villains-and-heroes]

He’s taking after us.. i love it

[retired-voids]

"He is.. I wonder who he'll ask to be teachers.."

[villains-and-heroes]

His aunt and auncle? If they ever retire?

[retired-voids]

"He'll probably ask them, he adores both of them but Netherum is definitely his favorite. Maybe he'll ask his parents?"

[villains-and-heroes]

Maybe… i think Nethie will make a great teacher

[retired-voids]

"I know she will.. He's our smart flame.."

[villains-and-heroes]

She is. Our little firecracker

[retired-voids]

"She's gotten so big despite being the youngest.."

[villains-and-heroes]

Still the shortest though. Remember how small they were when they were born? So tiny..

[retired-voids]

"Mhm.. He looked premature almost despite being fully grown..."

[villains-and-heroes]

…I miss them. All of them..

[retired-voids]

".. Maybe we could have a family dinner..? Like we used to..?"

[villains-and-heroes]

I’d enjoy that… after dinner with Nethie and her little girlfriend. Have all of them over

[retired-voids]

"Mhm.. What did you learn about little flames girlfriend..? I fell asleep before you did anything.."

[villains-and-heroes]

An ex-hero called Soul, her alias was Shadow. As far as i know, Fable fired her but i couldnt find out why

[retired-voids]

".. Did Fable fire her or did Icarus..? They have access to the files and he..he did take them back to the overworld with him.."

[villains-and-heroes]

I dont know, the file wasnt clear

[retired-voids]

"Hm.. Have you heard anything from Icarus..?"

[villains-and-heroes]

…not since they were a child

[retired-voids]

"... I'm worried something has happened to them... If Fable has hurt Isla, what has he done to Icarus.."

[villains-and-heroes]

I dont know. I dont know if i want to know

[retired-voids]

"I-i don't either.. No one knows.."

[villains-and-heroes]

…i dont want to think about it, not right now

[retired-voids]

"... Can we eat then cuddle..? Please..?"

[villains-and-heroes]

I can reheat some leftovers

[retired-voids]

"Please..?"

[villains-and-heroes]

[Kinaxus kisses void’s cheek before getting up, putting some leftovers in the oven]

[retired-voids]

[Voi stays put, it's one of those times where Epros is too distracted to actually move even if they wanted to]

[villains-and-heroes]

[It takes a few minutes but they come back with warm leftovers]

Here, my love

[retired-voids]

[Void takes it and hums, starting to eat]

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze starts eating too, resting against voi]

[retired-voids]

[Voi leans against zym, they don't feel as hot to the touch anymore and just seem to be recovering from a flare up]

[villains-and-heroes]

You feel better to me, are you feeling better?

[retired-voids]

"Mhm, my muscles are just aching"

[villains-and-heroes]

Thats good. We can start preventing treatments for your flare ups, regular ice baths and stuff like that

[retired-voids]

".. That sounds nice..."

[villains-and-heroes]

We can get the kids’ old bath toys down for you

[retired-voids]

[Epros laughs softly]

"That won't be needed my dear.."

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze laughs too]

Suddenly youre too cool for Mrs Ducky and the Bathtime Bubble Boys?

[retired-voids]

[Voi sighs and gently flicks zyr nose]

"I don't think they'd like the grown adult-"

[villains-and-heroes]

[They glare at voi]

They’d love you regardless-

[retired-voids]

"No thank you my dear-"

[villains-and-heroes]

Alright alright

[retired-voids]

[Voi smiles and finishes eating]

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze sets the plates aside]

[retired-voids]

"Upstairs..? I would like to be in actual clothes and actually cuddle you not on our couch"

[villains-and-heroes]

[A few days after Epros and Kinaxus visited Enderian and stayed with her, they'd be in their own place after she was slightly better and had meals already prepared for her so all she had to do was warm it up and eat it. Kinaxus is resting on the couch reading and Epros is in the shower when voi let's out a pained scream, something zyr hasn't heard since when their markings first showed up]

@retired-voids

[Kinaxus immediately runs up the stairs, throwing open the bathroom door]

Epros??!

[retired-voids]

[Epros is on the floor and the markings have spread even more, one of void's arms is completely covered by it, their back has more markings then skin color, their other arm is past voi's elbow and it's spread to past void's knee on their leg. Voi looks at Kinaxus and ze can see tear burns]

"Kinaxus-"

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze immediately drops beside them, pulling voi into zyr lap, holding them]

I-I’m here - I’m here-

[retired-voids]

[Voi can barely move by themselves, barely being able to wrap an arm around zyr neck]

"O-ow- ow- w-worse than when they first showed up, m-more painful"

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze picks them up, carrying voi downstairs and grabbing ice]

[retired-voids]

[Void stays holding them as much as voi can, everything is just painful, even breathing]

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze layers bags of ice and ice packs on voi’s body]

Is - is the pain any better?-

[retired-voids]

"Mhm- mhm.. J-just kinda feels like my entire body is burning.."

[villains-and-heroes]

[They grab a dish cloth, covering them up a bit, starting to grab frozen food to help]

Okay, okay - youre okay-

[retired-voids]

[Voi grabs one of zyr hands]

"I-i'm okay.."

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze still looks worried, tears in zyr eyes that ze is desperately blinking away]

You… you screamed, voidlight-

[retired-voids]

"I-i know.. I know.. It spread too quickly and I-i couldn't feel anything until you pulled me over to you.."

[Voi gently tugs Kinaxus to be closer to void's face, kissing them gently and holding ze's face]

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze kisses back before pulling away, hugging voi close]

Never do that to me again..

[retired-voids]

"I-i'm sorry.. I don't know what triggered it.."

[Voi wraps their arms around zem, trying to wipe the tears that void knows are falling but can't feel because of the numbness in their face]

[villains-and-heroes]

Dont apologise, you have nothing to apologise for… but never do it again

[Ze rubs their back gently]

[retired-voids]

"I scared you.. I haven't screamed in years.. multiple decades I haven't, none of our kids have ever heard me scream.."

[villains-and-heroes]

Just… just shut up and let me hold you - please-

[retired-voids]

[Voi nods]

"Mhm, come here and relax against me"

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze holds voi close, resting zyr hand on the back of voi’s head]

I’m not letting go. I dont care, I’m not letting go-

[retired-voids]

"I'm right here firefly.. I'm awake and I'm talking.."

[villains-and-heroes]

And you’re not leaving my fucking sight.

[retired-voids]

"Firefly- hey.."

[villains-and-heroes]

No, I’m not letting you out of my sight - i cant-

[retired-voids]

[Voi very weakly brings one of zyr hands to void's chest, their heartbeat is strong and steady]

"Feel my heartbeat.. I'm okay besides the markings being in a lot more places.."

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze shakes their head, sniffling]

No. No, i… i cant let you out my sight, I cant..

[retired-voids]

"Deep breaths.. You can feel that I'm okay.. You came to immediately help me so I wasn't in pain for very long.."

[villains-and-heroes]

[It takes a minute before ze finds it in zyrself to pull away, wiping Epros’s face gently]

…let’s … let’s get you in your bathrobe or something

[retired-voids]

"Mhm.. I would like to have some type of clothes on.."

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze takes voi to the couch, sitting them down and pulling a blanket over them]

Stay, i’ll get it

[retired-voids]

[Voi smiles and nods]

"I'll be right here.."

[villains-and-heroes]

You’d… you’d better be

[Ze goes upstairs and comes back in record time with the bathrobe, helping voi into it]

[retired-voids]

[Kinaxus can see that voi's movements are slower, almost like void is forcing the movements instead of them coming naturally to them. Once voi in the bathrobe they pull Kinaxus to lean against]

[villains-and-heroes]

[Zyr ties it for voi before holding voi close]

I’m not letting go

[retired-voids]

"We both have papers we need to finish.."

[villains-and-heroes]

I’ll do them-

[retired-voids]

"Firefly it's also my work.. I can also do it.."

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze gives voi a glare]

You can barely move. I’m marking them

[retired-voids]

[Voi makes a sound to protest]

"Firefly-"

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze puts a hand over voi’s mouth]

No. I’m doing it

[retired-voids]

[Void gives a little look before sighing and nodding, usual of them to wanna keep working despite being hurt]

".. Mhm.."

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze holds voi close, kissing their head]

[retired-voids]

".. Thank you for coming up immediately and I'm sorry for scaring you that bad.."

[villains-and-heroes]

I forgive you… i’ll always come

[retired-voids]

"Thank you.."

[Epros relaxes more and leans more against Kinaxus]

"... We need to do something for me.. A walking stick or something in case it flares up again and we're out.."

[villains-and-heroes]

You can use one of my canes

[retired-voids]

"Perhaps.."

[A few tears slip from void's eyes]

"I just thought I had a couple more years before needing it.."

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze holds zyr tighter]

…we can be old and feeble together, my darkling

[retired-voids]

".. We're what..in our 80's..? It was bound to happen.."

[villains-and-heroes]

But the important thing is that we’re not doing it alone. We’re not alone

[retired-voids]

"We aren't..and we won't ever have to do it alone.."

[villains-and-heroes]

Exactly

[retired-voids]

[Voi gently shoves all the ice and cold things off of them, having the little bit of strength needed to do so]

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze helps, holding them closer and pulling a blanket around void]

I have you…

[retired-voids]

"Mhm.. At least we don't have to go work anytime soon.."

[villains-and-heroes]

Yeah, summer break… our chance to relax

[retired-voids]

".. Have you heard about young Will building the academy in the aether..?"

[villains-and-heroes]

I have. Him and his little robot friend are working hard, i’m very proud of him

[retired-voids]

"I'm also so proud of him.. He's making so much progress in the past couple of weeks.."

[villains-and-heroes]

He’s taking after us.. i love it

[retired-voids]

"He is.. I wonder who he'll ask to be teachers.."

[villains-and-heroes]

His aunt and auncle? If they ever retire?

[retired-voids]

"He'll probably ask them, he adores both of them but Netherum is definitely his favorite. Maybe he'll ask his parents?"

[villains-and-heroes]

Maybe… i think Nethie will make a great teacher

[retired-voids]

"I know she will.. He's our smart flame.."

[villains-and-heroes]

She is. Our little firecracker

[retired-voids]

"She's gotten so big despite being the youngest.."

[villains-and-heroes]

Still the shortest though. Remember how small they were when they were born? So tiny..

[retired-voids]

"Mhm.. He looked premature almost despite being fully grown..."

[villains-and-heroes]

…I miss them. All of them..

[retired-voids]

".. Maybe we could have a family dinner..? Like we used to..?"

[villains-and-heroes]

I’d enjoy that… after dinner with Nethie and her little girlfriend. Have all of them over

[retired-voids]

"Mhm.. What did you learn about little flames girlfriend..? I fell asleep before you did anything.."

[villains-and-heroes]

An ex-hero called Soul, her alias was Shadow. As far as i know, Fable fired her but i couldnt find out why

[retired-voids]

".. Did Fable fire her or did Icarus..? They have access to the files and he..he did take them back to the overworld with him.."

[villains-and-heroes]

I dont know, the file wasnt clear

[retired-voids]

"Hm.. Have you heard anything from Icarus..?"

[villains-and-heroes]

…not since they were a child

[retired-voids]

"... I'm worried something has happened to them... If Fable has hurt Isla, what has he done to Icarus.."

[villains-and-heroes]

I dont know. I dont know if i want to know

[retired-voids]

"I-i don't either.. No one knows.."

[villains-and-heroes]

…i dont want to think about it, not right now

[retired-voids]

"... Can we eat then cuddle..? Please..?"

[villains-and-heroes]

I can reheat some leftovers

[retired-voids]

"Please..?"

[villains-and-heroes]

[Kinaxus kisses void’s cheek before getting up, putting some leftovers in the oven]

[retired-voids]

[Voi stays put, it's one of those times where Epros is too distracted to actually move even if they wanted to]

[villains-and-heroes]

[It takes a few minutes but they come back with warm leftovers]

Here, my love

[retired-voids]

[Void takes it and hums, starting to eat]

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze starts eating too, resting against voi]

[retired-voids]

[Voi leans against zym, they don't feel as hot to the touch anymore and just seem to be recovering from a flare up]

[villains-and-heroes]

You feel better to me, are you feeling better?

[retired-voids]

"Mhm, my muscles are just aching"

[villains-and-heroes]

Thats good. We can start preventing treatments for your flare ups, regular ice baths and stuff like that

[retired-voids]

".. That sounds nice..."

[villains-and-heroes]

We can get the kids’ old bath toys down for you

[retired-voids]

[Epros laughs softly]

"That won't be needed my dear.."

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze laughs too]

Suddenly youre too cool for Mrs Ducky and the Bathtime Bubble Boys?

[retired-voids]

[Voi sighs and gently flicks zyr nose]

"I don't think they'd like the grown adult-"

[villains-and-heroes]

[They glare at voi]

They’d love you regardless-

[retired-voids]

"No thank you my dear-"

[villains-and-heroes]

Alright alright

[retired-voids]

[Voi smiles and finishes eating]

[villains-and-heroes]

[A few days after Epros and Kinaxus visited Enderian and stayed with her, they'd be in their own place after she was slightly better and had meals already prepared for her so all she had to do was warm it up and eat it. Kinaxus is resting on the couch reading and Epros is in the shower when voi let's out a pained scream, something zyr hasn't heard since when their markings first showed up]

@retired-voids

[Kinaxus immediately runs up the stairs, throwing open the bathroom door]

Epros??!

[retired-voids]

[Epros is on the floor and the markings have spread even more, one of void's arms is completely covered by it, their back has more markings then skin color, their other arm is past voi's elbow and it's spread to past void's knee on their leg. Voi looks at Kinaxus and ze can see tear burns]

"Kinaxus-"

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze immediately drops beside them, pulling voi into zyr lap, holding them]

I-I’m here - I’m here-

[retired-voids]

[Voi can barely move by themselves, barely being able to wrap an arm around zyr neck]

"O-ow- ow- w-worse than when they first showed up, m-more painful"

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze picks them up, carrying voi downstairs and grabbing ice]

[retired-voids]

[Void stays holding them as much as voi can, everything is just painful, even breathing]

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze layers bags of ice and ice packs on voi’s body]

Is - is the pain any better?-

[retired-voids]

"Mhm- mhm.. J-just kinda feels like my entire body is burning.."

[villains-and-heroes]

[They grab a dish cloth, covering them up a bit, starting to grab frozen food to help]

Okay, okay - youre okay-

[retired-voids]

[Voi grabs one of zyr hands]

"I-i'm okay.."

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze still looks worried, tears in zyr eyes that ze is desperately blinking away]

You… you screamed, voidlight-

[retired-voids]

"I-i know.. I know.. It spread too quickly and I-i couldn't feel anything until you pulled me over to you.."

[Voi gently tugs Kinaxus to be closer to void's face, kissing them gently and holding ze's face]

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze kisses back before pulling away, hugging voi close]

Never do that to me again..

[retired-voids]

"I-i'm sorry.. I don't know what triggered it.."

[Voi wraps their arms around zem, trying to wipe the tears that void knows are falling but can't feel because of the numbness in their face]

[villains-and-heroes]

Dont apologise, you have nothing to apologise for… but never do it again

[Ze rubs their back gently]

[retired-voids]

"I scared you.. I haven't screamed in years.. multiple decades I haven't, none of our kids have ever heard me scream.."

[villains-and-heroes]

Just… just shut up and let me hold you - please-

[retired-voids]

[Voi nods]

"Mhm, come here and relax against me"

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze holds voi close, resting zyr hand on the back of voi’s head]

I’m not letting go. I dont care, I’m not letting go-

[retired-voids]

"I'm right here firefly.. I'm awake and I'm talking.."

[villains-and-heroes]

And you’re not leaving my fucking sight.

[retired-voids]

"Firefly- hey.."

[villains-and-heroes]

No, I’m not letting you out of my sight - i cant-

[retired-voids]

[Voi very weakly brings one of zyr hands to void's chest, their heartbeat is strong and steady]

"Feel my heartbeat.. I'm okay besides the markings being in a lot more places.."

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze shakes their head, sniffling]

No. No, i… i cant let you out my sight, I cant..

[retired-voids]

"Deep breaths.. You can feel that I'm okay.. You came to immediately help me so I wasn't in pain for very long.."

[villains-and-heroes]

[It takes a minute before ze finds it in zyrself to pull away, wiping Epros’s face gently]

…let’s … let’s get you in your bathrobe or something

[retired-voids]

"Mhm.. I would like to have some type of clothes on.."

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze takes voi to the couch, sitting them down and pulling a blanket over them]

Stay, i’ll get it

[retired-voids]

[Voi smiles and nods]

"I'll be right here.."

[villains-and-heroes]

You’d… you’d better be

[Ze goes upstairs and comes back in record time with the bathrobe, helping voi into it]

[retired-voids]

[Kinaxus can see that voi's movements are slower, almost like void is forcing the movements instead of them coming naturally to them. Once voi in the bathrobe they pull Kinaxus to lean against]

[villains-and-heroes]

[Zyr ties it for voi before holding voi close]

I’m not letting go

[retired-voids]

"We both have papers we need to finish.."

[villains-and-heroes]

I’ll do them-

[retired-voids]

"Firefly it's also my work.. I can also do it.."

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze gives voi a glare]

You can barely move. I’m marking them

[retired-voids]

[Voi makes a sound to protest]

"Firefly-"

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze puts a hand over voi’s mouth]

No. I’m doing it

[retired-voids]

[Void gives a little look before sighing and nodding, usual of them to wanna keep working despite being hurt]

".. Mhm.."

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze holds voi close, kissing their head]

[retired-voids]

".. Thank you for coming up immediately and I'm sorry for scaring you that bad.."

[villains-and-heroes]

I forgive you… i’ll always come

[retired-voids]

"Thank you.."

[Epros relaxes more and leans more against Kinaxus]

"... We need to do something for me.. A walking stick or something in case it flares up again and we're out.."

[villains-and-heroes]

You can use one of my canes

[retired-voids]

"Perhaps.."

[A few tears slip from void's eyes]

"I just thought I had a couple more years before needing it.."

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze holds zyr tighter]

…we can be old and feeble together, my darkling

[retired-voids]

".. We're what..in our 80's..? It was bound to happen.."

[villains-and-heroes]

But the important thing is that we’re not doing it alone. We’re not alone

[retired-voids]

"We aren't..and we won't ever have to do it alone.."

[villains-and-heroes]

Exactly

[retired-voids]

[Voi gently shoves all the ice and cold things off of them, having the little bit of strength needed to do so]

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze helps, holding them closer and pulling a blanket around void]

I have you…

[retired-voids]

"Mhm.. At least we don't have to go work anytime soon.."

[villains-and-heroes]

Yeah, summer break… our chance to relax

[retired-voids]

".. Have you heard about young Will building the academy in the aether..?"

[villains-and-heroes]

I have. Him and his little robot friend are working hard, i’m very proud of him

[retired-voids]

"I'm also so proud of him.. He's making so much progress in the past couple of weeks.."

[villains-and-heroes]

He’s taking after us.. i love it

[retired-voids]

"He is.. I wonder who he'll ask to be teachers.."

[villains-and-heroes]

His aunt and auncle? If they ever retire?

[retired-voids]

"He'll probably ask them, he adores both of them but Netherum is definitely his favorite. Maybe he'll ask his parents?"

[villains-and-heroes]

Maybe… i think Nethie will make a great teacher

[retired-voids]

"I know she will.. He's our smart flame.."

[villains-and-heroes]

She is. Our little firecracker

[retired-voids]

"She's gotten so big despite being the youngest.."

[villains-and-heroes]

Still the shortest though. Remember how small they were when they were born? So tiny..

[retired-voids]

"Mhm.. He looked premature almost despite being fully grown..."

[villains-and-heroes]

…I miss them. All of them..

[retired-voids]

".. Maybe we could have a family dinner..? Like we used to..?"

[villains-and-heroes]

I’d enjoy that… after dinner with Nethie and her little girlfriend. Have all of them over

[retired-voids]

"Mhm.. What did you learn about little flames girlfriend..? I fell asleep before you did anything.."

[villains-and-heroes]

An ex-hero called Soul, her alias was Shadow. As far as i know, Fable fired her but i couldnt find out why

[retired-voids]

".. Did Fable fire her or did Icarus..? They have access to the files and he..he did take them back to the overworld with him.."

[villains-and-heroes]

I dont know, the file wasnt clear

[retired-voids]

"Hm.. Have you heard anything from Icarus..?"

[villains-and-heroes]

…not since they were a child

[retired-voids]

"... I'm worried something has happened to them... If Fable has hurt Isla, what has he done to Icarus.."

[villains-and-heroes]

I dont know. I dont know if i want to know

[retired-voids]

"I-i don't either.. No one knows.."

[villains-and-heroes]

…i dont want to think about it, not right now

[retired-voids]

"... Can we eat then cuddle..? Please..?"

[villains-and-heroes]

I can reheat some leftovers

[retired-voids]

"Please..?"

[villains-and-heroes]

[Kinaxus kisses void’s cheek before getting up, putting some leftovers in the oven]

[retired-voids]

[Voi stays put, it's one of those times where Epros is too distracted to actually move even if they wanted to]

[villains-and-heroes]

[It takes a few minutes but they come back with warm leftovers]

Here, my love

[retired-voids]

[Void takes it and hums, starting to eat]

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze starts eating too, resting against voi]

[retired-voids]

[Voi leans against zym, they don't feel as hot to the touch anymore and just seem to be recovering from a flare up]

[villains-and-heroes]

You feel better to me, are you feeling better?

[retired-voids]

"Mhm, my muscles are just aching"

[villains-and-heroes]

Thats good. We can start preventing treatments for your flare ups, regular ice baths and stuff like that

[retired-voids]

".. That sounds nice..."

[villains-and-heroes]

We can get the kids’ old bath toys down for you

[retired-voids]

[Epros laughs softly]

"That won't be needed my dear.."

[villains-and-heroes]

[Ze laughs too]

Suddenly youre too cool for Mrs Ducky and the Bathtime Bubble Boys?

[retired-voids]

[Voi sighs and gently flicks zyr nose]

"I don't think they'd like the grown adult-"

[villains-and-heroes]

[They glare at voi]

They’d love you regardless-

[retired-voids]

"No thank you my dear-"