Counting Stars
Characters: Xeph, Ridge, Sjin, Sips, Nano, Ryth, Lal, Parv, Strife, Zoey, Martyn, Lom (using shortened names to keep them out of the tags)
Ships: Ridgephos, Ridgecoffee, Zoesounds, Rythna, Littlena, Nanomadia, Sjips, Zoethian, Parvill, Ridgesounds, Ridgian, Rythsounds
Word Count: 4165
Note: This story came about from listening to this song. It was also written for Valentines Day last year. As a big note, as noted there are a lot of ships and characters and a lot of it may not make a lot of sense but these are headcannons and ships between me and my friends. Hope you enjoy
Lately I been, I been losing sleep Dreaming about the things that we could be But baby, I been, I been prayin’ hard Said no more counting dollars We’ll be counting stars Yeah, we’ll be counting stars
Ridgephos
“I have work to do, friend…”
Ridgedog rolled his eyes at the spaceman who was leaning on a table, looking over a large sheet of paper he assumed was a blueprint for the next base he planned to make when he had the chance. “And you’ve told me that how many times Xeph and I’m still not dropping it?”
The blue eyed man glared over his shoulder with a sigh. “Ridge…”
“Don’t go giving me that story about how it’s been so long since you’ve been home that you don’t celebrate it anymore. I can ask Zoey and she’ll tell me otherwise.” Ridge smirked seeing the blush appear on the others cheeks. He started to sputter and he held a hand up. “Now now, I know you two didn’t do anything but let me have a chance to show you something.”
Xephos’s eyes narrowed before glancing at the sheet on the table. He gave a short nod before Ridge pulled him close, making him squeak and the two disappeared with a pop as the Reaper laughed.
I see this life Like a swinging vine Swing my heart across the line In my face is flashing signs Seek it out and ye shall find
Ridgecoffee
Lalna was working on a small box that he had found in one of his chests. Kim had taken his screwdriver not too long ago, telling him if he wanted to figure it out that he’d have to do it the old fashion way. He flipped the box over a few times before groaning and shoving it away from him. He stood, stretching from the sitting position he didn’t realize he’d been in for so long.
“Hey puppy.” A voice cooed behind him and a pair of arms wrapped around him, making him chuckle. He glanced over to see the smirking Reaper resting his chin on his shoulder. “Can’t figure out the box?”
“Not yet Ridgey…” Lalna sighed. “Working on it.” He paused, frowning slightly. “What are you doing here?”
“Had a bit of a surprise for you.” Ridgedog’s smirk grew as he pulled Lalna closer to him, making the labcoated man squeak. He chuckled. “Oh come on, you trust me right Lalna?”
“Of course.” Lalna smirked back at him. “You know I’m curious.”
Ridge hummed slightly, pulling his coat around the both of them. “Come on pup. I think you’ll enjoy this.”
With a soft pop, the two disappeared from the room.
Old, but I’m not that old Young, but I’m not that bold And I don’t think the world is sold I’m just doing what we’re told
Zoesounds
The redhead was laying on the bed, tapping her foot to unheard music. On the other side of the room the ravenette was flipping through a book while tapping at an item on her wrist. The two were in a comforting quiet.
Zoey sat up quickly, smiling wide. “Bubblegum!”
Nano jumped, nearly dropping the book she had. She chuckled, turning to her. “Yes?”
Zoey bounced on the bed excitedly. “We should go!”
The reaper gave a small smile, getting up and walking to her. “My princess…you want to?” The redhead nodded, still smiling wide. She chuckled. “Well I can’t say no to that face, can I?”
Zoey jumped off the bed, throwing her arms around her, making Nano giggle. “Yay! Oh yes! It’s going to be so much fun!
Nano chuckled, walking backward to help Zoey off the bed. “Come on my little Mushroom. Let’s go.”
Zoey nodded, pulling her through the door excitedly.
I feel something so right By doing the wrong thing And I feel something so wrong By doing the right thing I couldn’t lie, couldn’t lie, couldn’t lie Everything that kills me makes me feel alive
Rythna
“Scientist.”
“Mage…”
Rythian’s brow furrowed, looking over to the quiet scientist. He propped himself up and gave a small smile. “Scientist?”
“I’m…just thinking…” Lalna said glancing back at him with a soft smile.
“You want to go, don’t you?” Rythian asked, scratching at his chin.
Lalna rubbed his arm before giving a small shrug. “Only…only if you want to Ryth-.”
“Let’s do it.” The mage sat up, making Lalna jump. The man’s green eyes looked at him curiously. Rythian put a hand to his face speaking quietly at first. “Nether, I can’t believe I’m doing this but, let’s do it.” Lalna jumped to his feet excitedly, making Rythian chuckle. The scientist looked him over with a curious expression. Rythian grabbed his mask, giving him a curious look. “What?”
Lalna chuckled. “Are you feeling alright Ryth?”
The mage stopped, halfway through putting his mask on. “Yes?”
“I'm…just making sure.” Rythian’s eyes narrowed, making Lalna laugh. “I’m just…you seem more excited than I am about this…”
“Fair enough.” Rythian shrugged as the blonde’s smile grew, and finished putting on his mask before opening the door. “You’re excited about going so why not.” He held an arm out, motioning to the door. “Scientist.”
Lalna smiled, hurrying to him. “Oh don’t get impatient mage.”
Lately I been, I been losing sleep Dreaming about the things that we could be But baby, I been, I been prayin’ hard Said no more counting dollars We’ll be counting stars
Littlena
“Come on little one.” Martyn was stood watching a small plant that was potted on the table in front of him. The small sprout had started to show above the dirt. He smiled turning to the man that was sitting at the desk working on a camera he’d given him a while back. “Lalna?”
The scientist wasn’t paying attention, making the tree spirit chuckle. He walked over to him, putting a hand on his shoulder. Lalna looked up from the camera, his screwdriver still attached to one of the corners. “Hey Martyn!”
Martyn shook his head. “You’ve been working on that thing for hours Lalna…”
“I know but I wanted to make sure it was working for tonight.” Lalna looked back to the camera working with the camera few more moments before Martyn reached over his shoulder pulling it out from in front of him. “H-Hey!”
“You never did say where we were going.” The spirit said with a small smile, giving him the camera again.
“To be honest, flower, I don’t entirely know myself. Just the word of mouth has been to meet up somewhere for a special treat.” Lalna flipped the camera over, checking the viewing screen before smiling wide. “Well, suppose now’s as good a time as any.”
He pushed from the table, making Martyn step back with a curious expression. Lalna walked past Martyn a bit, stopping and holding a hand out. Martyn shook his head with a smile. “We’re heading out?”
Lalna nodded and Martyn hurried to him. The two hurried out the door.
Lately I been, I been losing sleep Dreaming about the things that we could be But baby, I been, I been prayin’ hard Said no more counting dollars We’ll be, we’ll be counting stars
Nanomadia
A loud bang from the TV the two girls sat before, making them scream loudly and cling to each other. After a moment the two of them started to laugh and the blonde lowered the owl hat she was holding in front of her face. She looked to the hooded girl next to her with a wide smile. “There’s the laugh I miss!”
“Still hurts Lom…” The voice was quiet and somewhat strained, making Lomadia’s smile soften.
“I know Kim…just take it easy.” She looked back to the screen, the image frozen on the bloodied face of the monster in the move. She shook her head with a sigh. “You know we are such scrubs.”
Kim gave a small chuckle. “I know…we called that he was going to jump out and we still jumped!”
Lomadia shook her head, falling back to the back of the couch. She looked to the hooded figure, before going to put her arm over the other’s shoulder. Kim inched away with a small sorry making the blonde sigh. “Kim, listen -.”
“I told you it’s gotten worse Lom…” The smaller girl’s voice was pained. “I…don’t want you to get infected…please.”
Lomadia frowned. “And now you’re being such a damn scrub yourself Kim!” The smaller girl squeaked, looking up quickly which made the hood fall. A purple of different shades had spread, covering her face. One eye was still the soft gold while the other had turned a dark brown – near black. She flinched at the brighter light which Lomadia quickly shut off for her sake. “I told you I’d stay by you didn’t I?”
“Well yes but -.” Kim sighed, pulling the hood back.
“And I’m going to do that.” Lomadia stood up to find the pair of gloves that had been given to her by Ridgedog not too long ago for this situation and put them on, quickly reaching a now gloved hand out to the girl on the couch. Kim gave her a confused look from below the hood. Lomadia rolled her eyes. “I’m taking you somewhere. Don’t make me call Ridge to teleport you. I know you don’t want that.”
Kim gave a tiny smile before taking Lomadia’s hand and the two left the room quietly, but the happy energies could be felt between them.
I feel the love And I feel it burn Down this river every turn Hope is our four letter word Make that money Watch it burn
Sjips
The door to the room crashed open, making the man lying on the bed spring off with a loud yelp. The grey skinned man in the door gave a laugh before moving into the room. Sjin blinked his eyes wide.
“S-Sipsy? What are you doing? Why did you scare me like -.”
“Shut up you bastard. Let’s go.”
“G-Go?” Sjin blinked quickly, finally standing where he had fallen.
The grey man walked over to him, throwing an arm over his shoulders. “Remember our mantra, you bastard! Big Money, Big Women, Big –.”
“Big Fun.” Sjin finished with a smile. “Of course that’s the Sipsco mantra, Sipsy!”
“Well, we’ve made the big bucks and we don’t really need the big women.” Sips smirked at him, leading him toward the door. “So the next thing is going to be the Big Fun, wouldn’t you say so?”
“W-Well sure but -.”
“Not butt’s but your butt, ding dong.” Sips made it to the door with the farmer and pushed him through. Sjin squeaked from the quick movement, turning to his grey skinned partner. He opened his mouth and Sips smiled wide. “Come on you bastard! You’re going to love it.”
Sjin blinked, his surprised expression softened and he nodded as his boss moved further ahead. “R-Right Sipsy.”
Old, but I’m not that old Young, but I’m not that bold And I don’t think the world is sold I’m just doing what we’re told
Zoethian
A grew wolf lay in the corner of the room, his ears perked up as the white robed mage walked into the room carrying a food bowl. The wolf wagged his tail as the man put the bowl of food down. “There you go Ghost Jr.” He chuckled as the wolf licked his fingertips before moving to the food bowl.
“You’re as good with Ghost Jr as I am with the Mooshrooms Enderboy.” Rythian chuckled as Zoey walked over to him, putting an arm over his shoulder. “Where have you been all day anyways?”
“Had to have a chat with Lalna…” He sighed. “He mentioned something was happening tonight and was wondering if we’re going.”
The redhead smiled. “Well are we?”
Rythian blinked looking at her quickly. “Well…I mean -.” The mage looked at her as she giggled, and moved over to the desk and sitting on the top of it. She smiled at him, swinging her legs slightly. His eyes softened and he chuckled. “Well…I suppose we could. Did you have anything planned, princess?”
Zoey smiled wide, hopping off the desk again. “Nope!”
Rythian chuckled, smiling behind his mask. His eyes widened as the redhead rushed forward and grabbed his hands, tugging him toward the door. She was talking quickly, mentioning that she had Fishton with her and questioning about who might be there and after a moment, they were out the door.
And I feel something so wrong By doing the right thing I couldn’t lie, couldn’t lie, couldn’t lie Everything that drowns me makes me wanna fly
Ridgian
Rythian was sitting at his desk, a couple books open in front of him. He looked between them, taking notes on a scroll that was already nearly halfway full of his scribbles. He rubbed his eyes, leaning back in his chair and groaned when he felt his back pop. He reached toward his chest, closing his eyes, feeling the pearl above his heart.
“Hi Rythian.” The mage jumped, nearly falling out of his chair. The voice who had startled him started to chuckle. Rythian sighed, straightening up and glaring at the coated man that was now standing next to him and lifting one of the books on the table. “I see you’re working on something…” The man smirked, glancing at him from the corner of his eye, which seemed to have a playful twinkle to it. “Again.”
“Yes, I am.” Rythian reached up and grabbed the paper from the Reaper’s hand, making the other man move behind him. His eyes narrowed, trying to watch him while still working on the scroll.
“Well, what'cha working on?” Ridge leaned over his shoulder, the smirk still wide on his face.
Rythian closed his eyes, pausing in his writing with a sigh. “A spell.”
“What kind of -.”
“Ridgedog…would you mind if I asked why you’re here?” Rythian remained calm, hoping that the Reaper had a good answer for interrupting his –
“Glad you asked Rythian!” The Reaper spun Rythian’s chair around, making the mage grip the seat with wide eyes. Ridge was leaning forward with a playful expression. “There’s a place I want to take you to and it’s going to be a blast.”
“Ridge I have -.” Rythian tried to start.
“Work I know, but it’ll just be an evening and once it’s over – if you’re not having a good time, I’ll bring you right back.” Ridge tilted his head. “Deal?”
Rythian’s eyes narrowed, watching the Reaper’s unchanging expression. He turned his head slightly. “Fi-.”
“Great!” Ridge pulled him to his feet and smiled wide. “Off we go then!”
“Ridge! Wait! You can’t just -.” A snap of the fingers later and a small pop, the two of them disappeared.
Lately I been, I been losing sleep Dreaming about the things that we could be But baby, I been, I been prayin’ hard Said no more counting dollars We’ll be counting stars
Parvill
The room was quiet, two people on opposite sides. One, a blonde, sat in a chair, reading a boring looking book. The cover read something about business. He sighed, flipping through the page as a man in a black shirt popped up behind him. The dark haired man opened his mouth, taking in a breath and the blonde held his hand up making him stop.
“Parvis. Speak softly and do not yell in my ear.” He glanced up, his green eyes flashing slightly.
The darker haired man pouted, putting his chin on the back of the chair he was on. He whined. “But Will…”
“You can speak, just don’t shout.” Will said, shaking his head. He went back to reading his book.
Parv thought a moment before putting his hands under his chin, still resting it on the back of the chair. “Strifey…I finished reading up on my spell and was wondering if we could go to a placey-place.”
Will stiffened, closing the book. He closed his eyes with a sigh, rubbing his eyes. “Parvis, what did I say about speaking like that.”
The band member looked up a moment, thinking. “That it makes me seem like a child. That if I’m wanting to be a blood mage that I need to act more like an adult.” He tilted his head. “That about right?”
Will’s lip twitched as he looked over his shoulder to look at him. “You missed one bullet point there.” He put the book on the table nearby and turned to face him better. His voice had developed a slight growl. “That I can never seem to say no to that pesky voice of yours…”
Parv’s eyes lit up. “Then that’s a yes?”
Will sighed. “I suppose it – WAH!”
The other man had grabbed him, practically pulling him over the chair and toward the door. Will was attempting to remove his arm from his grasp but failed as they got closer. Parv was going on about where they could go and stopped at the door, smiling wide. “This way Strifey-kins! Let’s go!”
Will rubbed his eyes with his free hand but followed – not that he had much of a choice – Parvis out the door.
Lately I been, I been losing sleep Dreaming about the things that we could be But baby, I been, I been prayin’ hard Said no more counting dollars We’ll be, we’ll be counting stars
Ridgesounds
“Voxel…” The reaper looked up from the book he was reading, seeing the ravenette in the doorway. She smiled at him, moving closer to him. “Are you ready to go?”
The reaper pulled the glasses off his nose with a smile, waving his hand making it disappear. He nodded to her and smirked. “I’m ready Kimmy. Have you spoken to the others?”
She nodded. “Everything should be in place and the last minute touches are being dealt with.”
The two reapers hugged before the maroon coated man held her at arm’s length with a smile. He leaned down and placed a soft kiss on her forehead. “Let’s go Kimmy. I don’t think they’ll start without us but I’d love to get a good seat.”
Kim giggled, seeing the smirk that had crept along his face. She shook her head, grabbing him by the arm, making his smile grow. “Let’s get to it then Mister.”
The taller pulled her into a hug, giving her another kiss before smirking. He held a hand out, readying to snap his fingers. “On three. One…two -.”
“Voxel.” Her own smile had grown into a small smirk. She held a hand out, mimicking his own. “I’d like to do it this time. I’m a bit rusty.”
The coated man smiled, nodding as he lowered his hand. The girl snapped her fingers and the two of them disappeared from the room.
Take that money Watch it burn Sink in the river The lessons I learned Everything that kills me makes me feel alive
Rythsounds
The door burst open, Kim’s eyes wide with excitement. “Shadow! Shadow!”
The mage sitting at the table jumped, nearly tossing the book he had borrowed from a library. He chuckled, putting the book down before looking to her. “Yes Kim?”
“Shadow I just heard from the others that there’s this thing tonight and we should go!” She said nearly bouncing to him. “Lalna said he was taking –.”
“Slow down Kim.” He chuckled, pulling her into a hug and smiled at her. “Now where are we going?”
Kim took a breath, relaxing in his hug. “Well…I don’t really know…it’s been set up for everyone and we were all told to meet there…” She gave a small smile looking up to him. “Lalna’s bringing his camera for his scrapbook.”
Rythian blinked, thinking a moment before kissing her forehead. “Alright Kim we can go. You said everyone’s going to be there?” He gave her a curious look.“
“Well…at least I’m guessing so…when I came to get you I was seeing a bunch of people coming and going places so I think they were getting ready for it.” Kim rubbed her arm, smiling sheepishly. “So…are we still going?”
Rythian nodded, pulling her close. He gave another chuckle before moving to get the mask he had nearly forgotten on the table. “We’re still going.” He chuckled as Kim wiggled out from his hold and hurried toward the door. He paused, tying the mask. “Kim, you know where we’re going right?” She didn’t answer as she hopped excitedly in the door. “Kim?”
“Hmm?” The black haired girl smiled. “O-Oh, yeah! Definitely know where we’re going!”
Rythian shook his head following the excited girl out the door.
Lately I been, I been losing sleep Dreaming about the things that we could be But baby, I been, I been prayin’ hard Said no more counting dollars We’ll be, we’ll be counting stars
A large hill overlooked a lake below that had many people sitting along the incline. The water’s surface was reflecting the starry sky above. The older children were playing at the water’s edge, giggling and throwing water at each other. There were younger but they were staying with their respective parents – who were scattered around the hill. A set of blonde twins were sitting some distance away from the larger group of people – laughing at something the other said while making extreme movements with their hands. Gingers, blondes, brunettes, there were many that were along the incline of the hill – many of which were throwing smiles and similar gestures to their own twins. Among the twins, sitting somewhat further than the many doubles, were others who they shared a small wave to many of the others but stayed to their own groups.
At the top of the hill, sat four people – two blondes, a brunette and a red head – watching the ones that were mingling below. The brunette looked to the blonde below her. “I…guess that Void Room came in handy, huh?”
The blonde giggled. “You said Discord made it?”
“Yeah….don’t even get me started…” She shook her head. “Not that I mind since we can use it for something nice like this for all of us.”
The redhead near them smiled. “You can say that again.”
“We just need to make sure it doesn’t use too much energy if we do use it.” The other blonde said with a small smile.
“Of course.” The brunette looked over the hill. “The boys never did say what was going to happen…”
“Just told us all to be here for it.” The redhead moved closer to the blonde and put her head on her shoulder. “Everyone seems excited for it at least.”
Before anyone could say another word, the world seemed to dim again around them and a small light began on the horizon. A moment later it exploded into streams of light – at first white streams which soon changed to different colors of reds, blues, yellows and greens. The children by the water squealed in delight as they ran to their parents. More lights began to erupt from the flame on the horizon. It continued on until there seemed to be a flowing rainbow of colors above them. Lights shifting and changing as they moved across the sky, spots of the dark sky would show through some of the thinner areas – the shining stars seemed to make the colors twinkle more than when they first flew across the sky.
And within moments – it was over. The noise from the groups below had died down to quiet whispers as the streams that had shimmered across the sky seemed to melt into the darkness above.
The four girls smiled to their respective partners before smiling to each other. The held a hand out, and the four of them put their hands on top of each other. The gave a small cheer before they began to giggle, hugging each other before separating.
The brunette fixed the glasses that were falling down her nose, with an annoyed cross-eyed look before smiling. “We may not be able to do this often but we should see about doing it again.”
“I’ll have another show for you when the time comes!” A voice above them made them look up. The long creature of many animals smiled wide at them before curling up and disappearing with some confetti.
“Of course he will.” The blonde with longer hair shook her head.
“That’s Discord for you…” The blonde nearest the brunette shook her head.
The four shared another look before falling back to the hill with laughter. The rest of the group below them began to grow louder, their discussions mingled together again as the children gave excited calls to the ones across the hill and they all quickly made their way to the water’s edge – some more sheepishly than the others.
“Happy Valentine’s Day!” The crowd said loudly, making the area erupt in light laughter.
Take that money Watch it burn Sink in the river The lessons I learned