Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

A scream

A flash of light

That’s the only thing that gives away the creature of the shadows.

All that’s left in its wake are the unconscious, but badly bleeding bodies of two thugs as their previous victim calls for police help, despite the late hour.

Building by building, the dark monster leaps, trying to reach a particular place.

We’re going to be SO LATE!!! Why did I let you do this! This is insane! I’d nev-

‘Shut up’, the monster remarks. ‘We’ll be back in time for your precious bedtime. You’d be better off if you just went to sleep. I don’t need you awake to function.’

Like Hell I’d let you do who knows what with MY body! And it’s not like you don’t need sleep too!

The creature huffs as a familiar house comes into view. Avoiding any prying neighbor’s attention, the dark form manages to leap and crawl into a particular window above all the others. The small attic room with the stupidly multicolored, thick curtains.

Hey! Don’t you start with me! I think the sunset curtains match my room. Besides, Earth gave them-

‘I don’t understand why gift status means an item is any more important.’

As the figure steps in the room, it stands still as the blackness suddenly condenses and reveals the tall figure of a blond, thin man as the rest of the ooze-like matter sinks into his skin.

Bright blue eyes open and scan the room and he looks around.

“You wouldn’t understand because no one actually cares about you.”

…Your parents didn’t care about you either.

For his composure, Sun chose to ignore that statement.

And after all the excitement, it was all about following the motions. He walked by the bathroom, knocking the door as he made his way to the young twins’ room to make sure they were asleep. And sure enough, the two Bloodmoon twins were awake. After the twins grumble and Sun tucks them both into bed, he waits by the bedpost for around ten minutes before closing the door and knocks on Earth’s door. She soon opens it for her daily goodnight hug, to which he follows it with a check on if she took her meds yet. She says she did and they bid each other goodnight once more before Sun made his way back to the bathroom door.

Technically, there were usually 3 bathrooms, but one had a burst pipe and the second had a weird smell coming from inside it that no one could stand. After knocking on the door again and reminding Lunar that there were eight other people living in this house that could be waiting for him to finish up, the annoyed kid let him in as ‘he just finished, no need to rush him’. Sun quickly used his bathroom time to brush his teeth, floss, and wash his face. Once done, he let Solar run in to trade places as he went back to his room to put on his pajamas.

Oddly, even with a creeper watching through his eyes, he wasn’t that put off about the whole changing part.

You humans are just too sensitive.

And finally, he went to check the doors and windows to make sure they were locked before checking in on some of his brothers in their rooms and bid the awake ones a goodnight. Then, it was finally time to just clock out as the eldest brother for the da-

NO! You need to eat! We haven’t had dinner! AND IM STARVING!!!

With a groan, Sun slips back in his slippers before trudging downstairs, only to see Eclipse had the exact same idea.

Despite the pointed look from the copper-haired, grumpier twin, Sun just ignored his escapade and grabbed-

Apple! Apple! And with Peanut Butter!

Sun lamented the idea of making new dishes, so he just grabbed an apple to chew as Moon grew too silent…

Eclipse then got to witness Sun doubling back to grab the jar of peanut butter and just scooping it up with his hand!

Sun seemed to take no heed from Eclipse’s bewildered look as he trudged back up the stairs.

Eclipse took the moment to ponder… Sun had been acting real weird ever since his little scare last week, he thought. Did he actually lose some brain cells during the time of going ‘Little Red Riding Hood’ in the backstreets?

Earth had reminded them all to be kind as he mentally recovered, or rather started acting weirder and even more… standoffish. Maybe the others didn’t see, but he did. And also unlike them, he decided not to care.

So Eclipse scoffed to himself and went back to what he was doing: Cutting the pumpkin pie into fourths and grabbing a slice to pair it with some Squirt to eat in front of Solar.

Chapter Text

Earlier, during that said last week…  

Burning. Acidic scorching as the oxygen became too overwhelming. 

The black symbiote found himself on this planet, quickly having the try and find a host. But two homeless and one trash collector later, the symbiote still was trying to make do with yet another homeless person. 

This one, like the others, was very unwilling to bond. And while they suffered to the point of near death, the symbiote had to suffer separation and the burning of oxygen while also possessing the body enough to find a new host. 

The symbiote refused to give up. This was life or death, but by golly it looked like death was upon him. 

From what basic knowledge the symbiote was able to collect, Earth humans didn’t take too kindly to aliens, let alone being possessed by anyone. But someone should be persuaded soon! The symbiote could hardly take the constant pain anymore! 

As the possessed man found himself crawling some dark alleyway, clinging to life as the non-host looked desperately for something… someone to cling to. Wishing for a host that’d finally bond with it. 

… And sure enough, the creature saw through its host’s eyes. 

A man not looking anywhere but forward, tall in stature but small in attitude. 

A new victim… 

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

Sun felt his backpack get ever heavier with every step back he took. He had just gotten off of his shift for the daycare and today had been a very taxing day. Almost every kid showed up, many staff called out sick, and he was the only one willing to take on more kids than allowed in order to help the Daycare Admin have the time and strategizing to figure out which kid to put in which classroom. And of course he had to man one of the largest classrooms by himself since his assistant had to be pulled to help a newbie that couldn’t be left on her own with 7 toddlers. Not that he blamed anyone in particular, but he hopes next week will be better. And to top it off, the company gave everyone chocolate cupcakes as a sympathy gift... but Sun wasn't the biggest fan of chocolate, so he had to pass on the free dessert. 

Thankfully, it was Friday, so Sun was very happy to make it back home to watch a show, then shower before helping cook dinner, and eventually join the others in board-game night after resting enough. 

He was walking back when he noticed… a lot that wasn’t there before. 

Specifically, a supervillain’s debris. 

Yes, there are many villains and heroes in the world. But in his small town, there weren’t any reoccurring villains around long enough for the Superhero Division to grant the city’s request to have a superhero assigned to them. So for now, the city just uses the villain insurance to constantly repair the city and supposedly fund the cops and emergency services better. 

But regardless, repairs take time. And with how his usual route home is considered taped-off rough terrain due to the huge holes and knocked-down trees, Sun knew he needed to take a new route home. 

And luckily, he knew a potential way. But… he wasn’t looking forward to passing through the Montgomery Alleyway to do so, a dark alleyway fabled to be occupied by people who could take advantage of you and steal your wallet so sneakily that you wouldn’t know it’s missing until you’ve made it out of there. 

Thankfully, Sun hadn't brought his wallet. So he thought to himself: just walk and don't look. Bump into people if they try, but do not stop. 

With that, he secured his backpack, secured the zippers, and put his hands in his pockets. And taking a breath, he walked in. 

... 

It was dark. Not much to see. 

But that was fine. At least that makes it easier to get home on time and not worry the others! Especially since he... may have left his phone at home. 

It wasn’t his fault! 

It- 

Something suddenly grabbed him.  

Sun reflexively froze and looked, too used to children grabbing him, 

only to see a man hold him tight.  

He tried to kick, to yank, anything! But this withered man wouldn’t let go! 

“ ...Young one... stay here. I need... help.”  

“I-I can’t help you!” Sun blurted out. “Let me go!” 

“ Oh... I will see for myself.”  

Never had Sun thought he would kick a man in the face. Repeatedly. But here he was, running after he did exactly that so he’d let him go! He almost stopped as he heard a chilling scream, most definitely inhuman, but after the man was in sight of pursing him, he scrambled back to running away! 

While Sun did think of running home, there was no way in the world he’d lead this... thing back to his home! So, he made the stupidest decision and ran further down the alleyways. But he did good for a while! He had to admit, with childcare he made a very decent emergency runner. 

But... not a parkour master. He was eventually caught in a dreaded dead end. And to make matters worse, the man just stood there. Standing, but seemingly limping and breathing ridiculously hard. But Sun felt like he knew better than to try and kick him again. But how else could he possibly...? 

The man lunged. Sun narrowly dodged but he fell to the ground and could not scramble fast enough to purchase any pavement before the man grabbed his throat. He tried to do anything to get this man off, but froze as he realized the man’s eyes were inky black. And even worse? They were disappearing to rolled back ones as he suddenly felt something cold where the man was grabbing him. On reflex, he looked down. 

A black substance had just absorbed in his skin ! 

He screamed, clawing at where it went in, but feeling breathless too. The need to breath, eat, sleep, drink, while also not needing to blow a gasket in his head. And he collapsed right there. 

For anyone to find. 

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

“...Sun? Hey Sun! Don’t you be dead on me! Earth and KC will never let anyone leave again if you’re dead!”  

“WAKE UP!” 

With a gasp and a forced snort, Sun was startled awake. 

“Oh thank God! You’re not dead! I don’t need the extra chores to do if I became the new oldest.” 

Sun had to take a moment to collect himself before groggily looking to none other than his brother, Eclipse. 

“...What? Wha happn’?” 

“I don’t know! I wasn’t with you when you decided to go down Montgomery Alley , like an idiot! Well, I had to come down here to find you, but still! You’ve been missing and I just found you. Now come on.” 

Eclipse got up, dusting his pants before lending Sun a hand. Sun gratefully took it, trying to think back when the memory played back.  

The alleyway... 

The man... 

The chase... 

The goop. 

He quickly looked down to try and find any trace of it... only to find nothing as he lifted his shirt. 

“What? Suddenly expecting a six-pack?” Eclipse snarked. 

“It’s more likely to happen to me than you, toothpick.” 

“Excuse?!” Eclipse suddenly questioned. 

Sun was taken a bit aback. 

“Excuse? Excuse what?” 

“Did... But you... Oh, don’t try to make me think I didn’t just hear you call me a toothpick!” 

Sun just followed as Eclipse snatched his arm to lead him back on the public streets. Not even letting himself think over why he seemed to have been found in another part of the alley, he couldn’t help but wonder what Eclipse meant. 

...DId he call Eclipse a toothpick? 

...Well, it’s not like they weren't all toothpick-skinny. But Sun would have never said something like that out loud! That was mean! Or at least... he didn’t think he would... 

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

Earth was so ecstatic that Sun was alive that it took him so long before she released him from one of her infamously long hugs. True to Eclipse's prediction, the family had to have a whole dinner discussion about street safety from Earth. Sun had to explain his side of the story though, but Earth was quick to go easy on him before reminding the other siblings, who were bored from the meeting, not to do the same things Sun did. But at least Sun had some break from the Bloodmoon twins, who were just happy to have Sun help them with their food, as they still loved being spoon-fed. 

But soon, Sun was finally released from the dinner table along with everyone else. Lunar was quick to take the bathroom, the Copper Twins went to their room, Earth stayed in the kitchen to help and talk to KC, and the Bloodmoon Twins went to their rooms to ‘get ready for bed’. Normally, Sun would help the youngests with their bedtime routines... but he felt an urge to go into his room for some... time alone. The amount of people overwhelmed him... but why? If anything, he was used to never being fully alone in the house! He was the first adoption, after all. But he decided it was probably because he literally had a bad scare where he may have... 

Suddenly, he found himself going faster up the stairs and going in his room to look in the mirror. He looked for anything wrong: hands, arm, face, hair... 

Wait a second... 

Sun locked his eyes on a particular shine in his hair... a white streak. 

Damn it! He really did almost die! No wonder he felt like all his nerves were shot! He shuttered coldly as he stared up at it. Thankfully, his hair was already a pale yellow, so it was hard to spot. But his family was sure to notice eventually! He could try to hide it with dye, but there's no way he could keep a secret in this house! Not only did he have one dad and six younger siblings, he knew a few that were nosy and the youngest twins that were very attached to him! 

Suddenly, he felt suffocated! Like... he needed to leave! This house, these people...! 

With no hesitation in his body, he climbed his window and climbed aboard the roof. 

He had only escaped the house a few times... and never without at least one person knowing!  This felt so... strange to do as he practiced the motions of jumping on a tree to slide down and land on the ground. Quickly running, he found himself at the gate of the neighborhood faster than he’d thought. 

Fooooood.  

Something growled.  

Probably his stomach?  

Well, it was too bad. He didn’t exactly bring his wallet to buy food. 

Guess I’ll have to do everything then...  

The next thing Sun knew, he collapsed right then and there... 

Only to wake back up outside a bakery. Not even laying down. He was upright and walking, as if he was dreaming. And sure enough, the dreamy smell of chocolate filled the air... 

“Oh, hey Sun! Wanting to try some samples?” 

Sun suddenly realized his nose led him inside, just standing in the middle of the store. He approached the pink-haired woman and sighed. 

“Honestly Chica, I don’t know why I'm here. I’m just... hungry. 

As Chica hummed, Sun found himself pondering what she’d taste like if she were food. Maybe like the pastries she bakes...? 

“Actually, since you’ve been a huge help with promoting my business and you’re a good friend of mine, why don’t you try my newest cake! It’s a Brooklyn Blackout cake! I’m just hoping it isn’t too much, you know?” 

“Wait... how much am I allowed to have?” 

“As soon as it’s out of the oven, you can have the whole thing if you want! I don’t mind you taking it home to let the others try!” 

Sun nodded as he went to sit down. At this time, the bakery would normally be closed to the public, but Sun sometimes liked to talk to Chica. After all, he was the one that helped her gain popularity by partnering her with his daycare! He himself didn’t have much of a sweet tooth, but he was happy to pay to let the parents taste her goods during events. 

Hm... her name sounds like Chicken... what if she tastes like chicken ?  

“What?! NO!!” 

Chica gawked at Sun’s shout, to which he slapped his mouth shut. 

“Uh... I’m sorry, is something happening at home? Like a sudden chocolate allergy? I mean, you mentioned two new brothers, right?” 

It took a bit for Sun to find an excuse and uncover his mouth. 

“Sorry for that. I just... I kinda snuck out here. Not because anyone did anything! Just... wanted some alone time for a while.” 

Chica, in sweet understanding nodded. 

“If you still want to share, I could always send it to your house via delivery as an excuse.” 

Sun couldn’t help but smile. 

“Yeah. I’d like that.” 

Just then, the oven bell rang and Chica was quick to pull the cake out. 

Oh lord, it was an overwhelming delicious scent! Even if Sun didn’t exactly feel hungry due to dinner, this cake... it made him want to devour it whole! Screw flesh, he wanted that cake! 

Wait what? 

Sun quickly shook off the intruding thought as he went back to chatting with Chica until the cake cooled. Once done, she gave him the cake in a delivery box and a free cutter before wishing him a good day. Sun only lasted a quiet walk to the park before indulging in the moist richness that was the cake! It was the best thing ever, his rampage only stopping when he realized that the huge cake was pretty much halfway devoured by him. He felt uneasy at just how eager he was to eat it. 

Hmm... not bad for human food.  

Sun felt himself jump at the sudden voice. 

“Wh-Who’s there?” 

Oh Ssssun. Don’t tell me you only just noticed... 

“Shut up! Who is this?” 

Do you want me to shut up or talk?  

“I MEAN... only talk if it's to tell me where you are!” Sun exasperates as he even looks up. 

Heh. I’m in your head.  

“...What?”  

Suddenly, he felt cold as he got a clammy feeling of wetness. A strange black goop started covering his legs and torse before splitting off to form a body facing him, chest to chest. Sun felt himself tense as the blackness formed white slits for eyes and a huge mouth with huge teeth. 

I am Venom. Like it or not, you are now my new host.  

“New host? No. Wha-How did this happen?” 

I believe you and your... brother called it Montgomery Alley.  

“That was you?! The man’s black goop?!” 

More like what was keeping him alive. And trust me, I can kill you just as easily if you try to fight against the bond.  

“Wh-what bond?” 

As Venom, I need a suitable host to stay in to live. And I have found one in you. Cooperate, and you’ll live.  

“I-Is Venom your name?” 

Please. To you, my species is Venom. We are Venom.  

“Species? Are you-?” 

Aliens? In your primitive understanding, yes.  

“...So you don’t have a name. Wait, why-?” 

Why are you not more scared? That’s because I didn’t want you screaming and crying when we had this talk. Hence why when you mentioned your family never giving you privacy, I made you leave.  

“That was you!?” 

It was.  

“Even the passing out and the cake?” 

The cake was yours. I was going to go back to eat the guy I met in that Montgomery Alley.  

“But... you won’t anymore?” 

Not now. The... chocolate satisfied me.  

Sun made a note to collect more chocolate for Venom. 

Wait... 

“Can I call you something else in case I meet another one of your kind?” 

...I suppose. Not like it matters.  

Sigh took a breath and raised a hand in solemn greeting. 

“Then how about Moon? I don’t have a sibling named that yet.” 

The Venom squinted his eyes before absorbing back in through the handshake. 

Fine. You may call me Moon.  

...  

It got a little awkward after that declaration. But Sun finally started to feel tired, so he found his way back on the route home. Well, not after asking for a half-cake box from Chica to store the half of a cake, to which Chica tried reassuring him that it’s fine to have cravings, which made him more embarrassed.  

But as he made it home, he had to debate how he wanted to deliver the cake. He ultimately decided to place the cake in front of the door to come up with an excuse about Chica texting him about the ‘package’ so he’d publicly collect it. 

So up the tree he- 

Just jump.  

“Just... what?!” 

You can literally use your ability to jump to your room door.  

“You mean my window?” 

It’s a glass door in a way, isn’t it?  

“No! It’s not meant to have people through it!” 

Ah...I...   

...Shut up.  

Sun chuckled to himself as he just climbed the tree to the Venom’s grumbling. But as he climbed through the window, he paused. A smell of chocolate, peanuts, and slight mildew invaded his senses. 

Fooooood  

“No... that’s more like...” 

Sure enough, right there, staring at him 

is Lunar. 

Sun froze, one foot on the ground and one knee on the windowsill as Lunar looked at him, eyes wide. 

“Oooo! Did Brother Sun do something rebellious ?” 

Sun winced as he had to think of any excuse he could use. 

I could eat him. He smells of chocolate.  

“No!” Sun exclaimed, but cringed at how he remembered Lunar was right there . Before the teenager could say anything, Sun stopped him with a hand. 

“Don’t you dare turn this into blackmail. Because if you try, I’ll tell Eclipse you took the last of his Marshmallow Peeps last Christmas.” 

Lunar’s eyes widened at the audacity, but was quick to nod after Sun gave him a pointed look. 

“Good. Now, what did you want?” 

Lunar walked over to the door with a wave. Sun followed and immediately knew what this was when the smell hit him (from this far away???). Sure enough, Lunar brought him to the Bloodmoon twins’ room, where they both had clearly been tickle wrestling when one of them had gone too far, if the tears and big wet stain on the other’s onesie said anything. 

“Come on, Duston. It’s okay. Let’s get you cleaned and changed.” 

As the boy sniffed and took his hand, he asked Lunar to help put Russel to bed as he grabbed a new onesie for the twin in his grasp. 

He could tell the part of him that was disgusted came from Moon, while he himself was grateful that this was the twin that secretly liked baths. 

But since Lunar did nothing for the twins until Sun was there to do the hard part, Sun knew he’d make sure Lunar was the last to have access to the chocolate cake. 

Chapter Text

Great. Eclipse is being dramatically withdrawn again.  

Solar had not seen Eclipse all day and was starting to get fed up with it. He had three whole things to build, as per commissioning, that all needed software to be continued, which was Eclipse’s job! So a little bit before dinner, he gave himself the mission of checking on his twin before Earth made them all sit together for family time. Besides, he really wanted to see what was so important that it was worth hyper-fixating on, because there was no way that this WASN’T a new hyper-fixation.   

Every so often, the crazy twin would find something new to obsess over. Usually drama or some mystery to figure out. And who was the one who had to deal with it? That’s right, the sane twin.  

Down the steps to the basement Solar went, barely hearing the muttering of his twin as the madman stood off to a side, looking at some kind of board. It contained many papers and sticky notes attached to it via tape and pins; all connected with a red piece of string like some sort of conspiracy theory. This was only confirmed as Eclipse stood there with one of his old grey trench coats like one of those old-timey detectives.  

Solar approached and stood behind him for about five seconds before he finally spoke to his dramatic reflection.  

“What are you doing?”  

Eclipse doesn’t so much as flinch, since his twin telepathy seemed to consist of being able to know where Solar was in proximity to himself at any point of time.  

“I see you’re here, brother. Were you followed?”  

“Yeah, by the CIA.”  

After a pause, Solar sighed with exasperation.  

“No I wasn’t followed. Look, what’s this about?” Solar asked as he gestured an open hand to the board and his twin’s goofy outfit.  

“This, dear brother, is all the evidence of a massive investigation! All based on questions that have come to my attention.” Eclipse finally turns to Solar with a flourish of the coat around his shoulders, “ What the hell happened to Sun?”  

With a hit of his fist, Eclipse had the board reveal a sign that fell over the research, labeled ‘What the hell is wrong Sun?’  

“...Really. That’s what this is about?”  

“Yes!” Eclipse squeaked. “ He’s been acting SO weird! ...Weirder than his usual weirdo self.”  

”Like what?” Solar grumbled. “Let’s keep in mind that he was knocked out or passed out in an alleyway last week.”  

“Just Look!” Eclipse exclaimed, bringing out a teacher’s pointer stick and pointing it at an opened jar of peanut butter. Next to it is a science kit with the microscope presented on top of the box. “Exhibit A!”  

“ So that’s where it went .” Solar mumbled, recalling how the darn thing was found missing this morning and Lunar was upset he couldn’t have his signature sandwich for his fieldtrip that day.  

“It looks ordinary, but I found it in Sun’s room. And you know what I found in it?!”  

With a sigh, Solar got closer to examine the taped off ‘evidence’.  

“What did you find in it-Wait... You snuck into Sun’s room!? For ‘evidence’?!”  

“As if you don’t also go into the others’ rooms too! ... Besides, I needed the red string and tape.”  

“Yeah, but I at least leave things how I found them! You aren't so careful.” Solar groans as he drags his hand down his face. “You know how Sun is with his OCD crap.”  

“Oh, that’s Exhibit E!” Eclipse beams as he next uses the pointer to show Solar two pictures, to which Solar steps closer. They look like before, after pictures, with before being Sun’s normally spotless room with a mild amount of controlled chaos that is the children's art wall, and the after photo being literally the same room but with some random piles and misplaced items that wasn’t even close to being as messy as their own room.  

“... He probably has been having a rough time at the Daycare. You know how he sometimes crashes straight to bed on those days. And again, he’s probably still recovering from last week’s incident.”  

“Yeah, yeah. That's the big excuse. But back to Exhibit A! I found saliva in the jar! And it’s not Lunar’s... It’s Sun’s ! Not only that, I personally saw him use HIS HANDS to scoop peanut butter like a Neanderthal! ...Or Lunar.”  

Solar couldn’t help but stare in shock at his twin.  

“...You actually tested his saliva???”  

“...Maybe. Just an hour ago. With the lollipop method.”  

Solar didn’t feel like asking him what the ‘lollipop method’ was.  

“Okay, maybe, and this might sound crazy to you, but maybe you’re looking too deep into this?”  

“...Absolutely not.”  

...  

“Anyway, Exhibit B!”  

Eclipse then proceeded to show Solar a very... familiar shirt. Sun’s yellow work shirt.  

Solar sighed, “How did you get those without anyone noticing?”  

“This week’s my turn to do the laundry. But regardless! Do you see anything off about this shirt?”  

Solar takes a look after rolling his eyes.  

“All I see are wrinkles.”  

“Don’t you recognize this shirt in particular?!”  

Solar shakes his head, to which Eclipse sighs in exasperation.  

“This is Sun’s work outfit. His favorite one. And after certain someone’s accident, it got a hole in it. Or at least, not anymore!” 

Solar just rubbed his eyes, thinking to himself that he needed another coffee.  

“He probably finally fixed it before putting it in the laundry. Like you said, it’s his favorite.”  

“No! The hole is completely gone like it never happened! I can’t even find the smallest stitch! It looks as good as new!”  

“Then he probably got better at hiding his stitches, he’s done it for a long time” Solar tiredly reasoned. “I don’t see how any of this is him acting ‘weirder than his usual weirdo self.’”  

“But, stuff has been happening!” Eclipse said as he unpinned a piece of paper off of the tackboard to hand off to his twin. “Exhibit C!”  

Solar briefly scanned over the paper, noting that it was a worksheet.  

“I told Sun to fill this out.” Eclipse explained. “Just look at how he filled it out-!”  

“How many exhibits do you have?” Solar asked, looking up at Eclipse.  

“...Nine.”  

“Nine? Really?”  

“I’ve been working on this for hours! Don’t you dare judge me!”  

Really? This was the twin that everyone thought was the silent type? The introverted one? The brother that never cared about anything?  

Then again, most people hadn’t been attached from birth to this lunatic.  

With a sigh, he skimmed over the paper again, noticing the faint erased name behind Sun’s.  

“Is this one of Lunar’s old worksheets?”  

“Yes, and I had Sun take it this morning!”  

“Okay, do you realize that he’s not going to answer all of it correctly, right? He doesn’t want Lunar to make him do all his work for him.”  

“Au contraire, he actually was close to a perfect score. That is, if it wasn’t for an extra question I added.”  

Sure enough, an extra question read ‘What do two crows make?’  

Underneath was written ‘eggs’ in Sun’s messy handwriting. It was a little weird, as he didn’t seem to be in a rush this morning.  

“Okay, it is a little odd that he decided to answer all of them correctly. Also, that answer is reasonable, why do you think it’s wrong?”  

“Please! You’ve been in this house as long as I have! He was supposed to answer ‘attempted murder’!”  

“Oh come on. You can’t be resorting to using KC’s stupid jokes about animal group names.”  

But even as Solar said these words, he started to get a lessened confidence in his stance that nothing was going on. It was true that KC had told them that joke so many times that Sun, having lived the longest with their adoptive father, would have known it like second nature. Then again...  

“You know, it’s possible that he probably wasn’t thinking about it. You did give it to him in the morning...”  

“He’s literally a morning person!” Eclipse exasperated. “You know, for a blond he tends to be more keen then this. Hell, I’d accuse you of acting like a blond right now if we weren't gingers!”  

Immediately, Solar didn’t have any doubts anymore as he sighs and rubs his shut eyes.  

“...I admit, you had me in the first half, until you started stereotyping.”  

“I-I’m trying here! Look, how about this? How much do you know about astronomy?” Eclipse mentally reaches as he uses his pointer to reference a picture of the stars and their symbols.  

Solar usually had a high patience for his counterpart, but this felt like a boiling point as he had to keep himself from gawking.  

“Oh, don’t tell me you believe in aliens!” Solar remarks in an annoyed tone. Throwing his hands in the air, he blurts out, “Next you’re going to tell me that you think Sun’s been abducted by aliens and was replaced with a fake!”  

“... That’s... actually not a bad theory.” Eclipse says as he picks up a notebook to write in it. “I was actually going to discuss him being a Cancer, but this is a better plot point.”  

Solar thought he was checked out of listening to Eclipse as soon as space was brought up, but he reached a point where the audacity meter was overflowing and could literally take no more of this.  

“Nope. We’re done here! I’m taking this down.” Solar flatly announced as he snatched Sun’s work shirt back.  

“Hey!” Eclipse snapped. “My evidence!”  

Solar was quick to turn and keep the shirt out of reach as Eclipse made a swipe for it.  

“No! I’m putting this back before Sun starts wondering where it is!”  

Eclipse growled in reaction, but thankfully Solar saw Eclipse use the logic he knows his twin has.  

“...At least put them in the laundry? I didn’t start the machine yet.”  

“That’s what I was about to do. I can still see the dirt on it.”  

Solar then eyes the ridiculous tack board.  

“I’m also taking the red string back to Sun’s-”  

But before he can take more then a stop forward, Eclipse manages to block him off with his body.  

“No! He doesn’t need it!”  

Solar doesn’t even try to get around or through Eclipse, using his signature deadpan.  

“Well, we don’t need it here.” Solar comments as he gestures to the board with his free hand. “This whole thing is just you nit-picking.”  

In a swift moment, Eclipse snatches the hand pulling it back to get Solar just a bit closer... but makes no move for the shirt. With a huff, Eclipse looks up at Solar and he could swear that this was one of Eclipse’s few moments of sincerity.  

“No, it’s not. Look me in the eye and swear you don’t see anything wrong or different with Sun!”  

Solar takes the moment to try and connect with his twin, like those many times they had worked together to reject a world that wanted them to be separated, to truly trust only each other. And he couldn’t deny that Sun’s been different. But more like a slightly abnormal different. Sun hasn’t been replaced. Just yesterday, Sun had taken some time to watch his favorite show, despite how much more tired he looked. It was still Sun... if not acting a bit off.  

“Eclipse, I don’t deny your observations, but you keep forgetting that Sun has had a very stressful week. So yes, he’ll be tired and not think clearly. Yes, he’s focused on maintenance for specific amounts of time. And yes, he’ll be a little more reclusive after, do I even have to repeat, the whole alley incident. The only thing very different that I’ve seen is him eating well for once, which I’d rather not mention too loudly for fear or jinxing it. But other than that, I’ve noticed nothing.”  

Eclipse huffs and drops Solars hand, pacing a few before facing his wall of supposed evidence.  

“...He’s been snarkier with us. More annoyed sometimes. That’s not like him; that’s MY job. And when has he ever stooped to Lunar’s level when eating like a creature??”  

Solar rubs his eyes, feeling exhausted for his twin.  

“Just give it time. Maybe the incident triggered some kind of regret or deep feeling? I’d give it a bit longer before we confront him, since it’s still fresh and all.”  

Just then, a knock is heard from the doorway frame of the basement, with a shadow stretching past sight beyond the stairs.  

“Boys! Dinnertime! And in case you don’t know, we’re having lasagna! And before you ask, it’s made how you like it!”  

More like the only way to placate the whole family.   

Since there has always been family members that fight over whether lasagna needs more cheese or meat, Earth tends to have more meat on one side and more cheese on the other. He and Eclipse obviously demand the rightful claim to their cheesier goodness.  

But as Solar is about to make sure he has his fair claim, he hears Eclipse sigh before he hears shuffling. Turning around, he sees Eclipse taking down the pins and string and putting papers on another part of the table.  

“Tch. So much for passion projects.”  

Solar looked on for a moment. But just a moment, before he turned his face to the basement door.  

“Alright! We’ll be there in a minute!”  

He then walked over to where Eclipse was and started wrapping the red string in a neat loop.  

“It’s fine having passion projects. Just make sure they don’t get out of hand. Remember when Lunar tried to trap lightning in a bottle?”  

Eclipse snickered.  

“Heh. It was so stupid. He likes to pretend he’s a descendent of Zeus. That’s different.”  

“Yeah, and he almost gave himself away to Sun.  

...You don’t have to erase all of your evidence. Just make sure you have a good excuse for it if someone sees it- ”  

“ Hey guys? Have you seen my uniform? I can’t find it! ”  

As if nothing was expensive or fragile, Eclipse smashed down the board at Sun’s words beyond the basement door. Eclipse was SO LUCKY, they were unable to be seen at the basement door’s entrance.  

“THE TWINS ATE IT- I MEAN- WERE PLAYING WITH IT!”  

With a hiss, Eclipse pointed his gaze at the shirt in Solar’s hand.  

“ Quick, chuck the uniform at the twins!”  

Without registering his double’s words, Solar threw the shirt behind the desk.  

“Uh-yeah! Saw them take it out of the laundry!”  

“ Okay-? Wait- Why didn’t you stop them!? Oh, nevermind!”  

Sun’s footsteps fade away and Solar sighs an identical sigh of relief with Eclipse in the silence.  

Eclipse then quickly snatched the uniform and a spare battery before bolting up the stairs. From where Solar saw, Eclipse stood at the doorway for a moment before throwing, assumedly the battery, before brushing past as quietly as he could. He heard Sun and Earth yelp and figured Eclipse was probably going to throw the uniform in the bloodtwin’s room. They are so lucky the twins are mostly non-verbal.  

Looking around, he figures the basement will be cleared by Eclipse in adequate time before he pockets the neatly spun and tied string in his pocket and starts to walk to the stairs.  

“...I need a coffee.”  

Chapter Text

Today’s been a rough day. At least for Sun, that is.  

Moon was withering from boredom most of these days, passively watching as Sun dealt with small humans all day. All Sun wanted to do was their everyday life, which Moon would have not obliged by if he could help it. Though... it was fun to make snide remarks to the other caregivers working at the place. Especially when they weren’t using their brains.  

Their favorite moment today was when Sun’s least favorite co-worker had approached Sun about using his broom for her own room.  

According to Sun, each room of this ‘daycare’ had its own cleaning supplies, from soapy sprays, bleach sprays, brooms, trash bags, paper towels, and even several baby-wipe pouches. Every teacher used their items to clean their rooms throughout the day and then borrowed other cleaning stuff like ‘mops’ and ‘vacuums’ to deep clean the room at the end of the day. Still weird names for the items.  

However, this particular worker NEVER had enough of their own products. She was the usual teacher for the two-year olds, and definitely took care of the children well (according to Sun, as Moon had little concept of great childcare). But she had some... habits that made the job harder for Sun. Such as ‘borrowing’ his broom before naptime, which was Sun’s most convenient time to get sweeping done, and not ‘being able to return it until the very end of the day’ So when naptime was close approaching and the worker, whose name was Kaeley or something like that, asked for the broom, Moon took over and told her ‘no’.  

“Seriously?? You’re not even using it, and I haven't been able to sweep since yesterday!”  

“That sounds like quite a problem for you . If you still don’t have a broom after all this time, then go bother the leader about it.”  

Moon grinned as the worker gave them a pathetic death glare. And despite being seated with a child in their lap, they picked up the kid and made their way to the half-wall separating the pick-up zone and the rest of the room.  

“Now shoo and go take your hour-long bathroom break before the poor teacher subbing for you calls the front to ask where you are.”  

Moon propped their elbow on the gate door, preventing the worker from just coming in the room to get the broom herself. They may have not completely understood everything they accused her of, but they knew that’s what Sun sometimes thought in their head, though never carried though voicing for some reason. But they deemed it worth witnessing her having a small fit before leaving. They let Sun get back in control as they slipped back in their mind. As typical, Sun knew none the wiser and went about his happy way.  

To pass the time, Moon tries to poke into Sun’s memories. As their bond is new and not well established, there was only so much Moon could see. The memories they were able to dig into were mostly whenever Sun thought about it vividly or if there was a light, non-consequential memory attached to his thought process. Such as seeing a history of disliking that co-worker.  

Or perhaps that ‘incident’ a couple of nights ago. When Moon got hungry again and Sun tried to negotiate due to it ‘being late’ when they heard a scream. Two men cornering a woman in a ‘dead end’. Moon, for the first time, felt Sun’s permission to attack the two. That was, until Sun started freaking out as Moon was about to gain his just desserts. He ONLY complied due to the woman laying witness to it, and Sun didn’t want her harmed. Moon saw it as a meal left early while Sun seemed to regret that night, for whatever stupid reason.  

A few hours later, Moon finally finds their interest snatched when a small, toned sound rang from the ceiling, or ‘speakers’ as Sun mentally labeled them.  

A shared look between Sun and his assistant, then the assistant heading to the outside door as Sun corralled the kids near the reading nook.  

What’s the meaning of that noise?  

Sun flinched in a startle before sighing.  

“It’s a soft alarm.” Sun whispered. “It means there's been an attack nearby”  

An attack?  

“Supervillains.” Sun hissed. “No good humans that make it their life’s goal to ruin people’s lives for some sick thrill or purpose.”  

Sun directs the kids in a semi-circle on the Reading Corner’s rug as Moon got to glance at the assistant pulling a metal door over the outside door before moving to close the window blinds.  

Sun pulled out a book labeled, “Top 100 nursery rhymes”. Moon listened as Sun opened the book and uttered the first rhyme after reminding the children to listen up.  

“Mary, Mary, quite contrary, how does your garden grow?”  

Moon saw flashes of some kind of queen in Sun’s foremost mind, watering plants with... blood?  

“With silver bells and cockle shells, and pretty maids all in a row.”  

The alien didn’t even have time to digest the new images when one kid blurted out, “Is this about the Bloody Mary ghost?”  

The children whispered and clamored as Moon tried in vain to figure out who this queen was and why her having torture devices was a simplistic poem.  

“Now hold on! Yes, it’s about Queen Mary! But not the ghost!” Sun interjected.  

A girl raised her hand.  

“Did she have a pretty garden?”  

“Yep!” Sun chipped, even as metal clasps and weapons can to mind. “And there were so many helpers to help her grow silver!”  

Then why are you imagining graveyards?  

“Sush” Sun hissed once more before addressing the kids again, something about further lies that had the kids changing topics. Moon barely listened but kept a listening ear for those... other nursery rhymes.  

Peter Pumpkin Eater, the announcement of a man having to control his partner via enslavement.  

Humpty Dumpty, a non-egg that shattered his head in a fall, to the dismay of government witnesses.  

Jack and Jill, two rulers that lost their status and were executed.  

They all looked and sounded much more friendly in the rhymes and illustrated pictures, but Moon couldn’t help but anticipate the next twisted story. However, Jack and Jill turned out to be the last rhyme the students had to repeat and talk about before the assistant announced it was snack time.  

The kids ran off and cheered as Moon huffed out  

“What is it now?” Sun whispered as a put the book away.  

Nothing of your concern, human.  

“It’s Sun.”  

You speak as if I didn’t know what you are called.  

“It’s my name?”  

I used your internet. ‘Sun’ is what you call the closest star. It’s not a human name, unless you are actually named ‘Sunny’.  

“I’m not. It’s just Sun.”  

Your parents were ‘special’ then?  

“My DAD allowed me to choose my name.”  

That mistaken child multiplier let you choose? What a weak willed man.  

“Okay-! You don’t get to talk about him! How-!”  

Careful. The others are watching.  

Sun felt the prickle of stares as he realized he had raised his voice, seemingly to no one. But he didn’t dare turn around. He had to make a plan.  

“Hey… Sun?”  

Frick! He had nothing!  

He turned to see the assistant looking at him with concern. Behind him, the kids watch with interest, some whispering amongst themselves.  

“…Yeah?”  

“Are you… on the phone?”  

Sun quickly showed his empty hands, brushed his hair aside to show clear ears, and patted his pockets.  

Being on his phone would be a big offense while he was on duty. Thankfully, the assistant seemed to believe him, but still looked concerned.  

“Is he talking to Even?”  

Both attendants looked back at Cassidy, who looked at the assistant with a confident gaze.  

Sun had to rattle his head, but quickly figured it out and played along.  

“Oh, this is Evan?” Sun asked as he gestured to an empty beanbag near the small bookshelf.  

The 5-year-old nodded, to the assist- Rosiebell’s shock.   

Sun then proceeded to look back and act shocked to find no-one sitting at the seat.  

“Wait… where’d he go?”  

“Evan says he’s tired of talking to you.” Cassidy said matter of factly.  

Rosie looked between the child and Sun in utter confusion until Sun stood back up.  

“I… am going to go to the restroom.”  

Rosie nodded as Sun quickly left and headed right to where he said he was going to go. Sun closed the door, locked it, and faced the mirror.  

“Okay, first off, when I said you could use the internet instead of asking me a million questions, why would you look up what my name means? Second, why do you keep mentioning my ‘parents’ versus the child collector or whatever you spew up! In fact, how’d you even find out about them anyway?! Last I checked, Google wouldn’t know ‘Sun’s parents’.”  

You act like I’m not able to read your mind.  

“...You say that, but there’s been so many times I have to tell you things! If you can read my mind, how come you don’t just... know!”  

We aren’t fully bonded.  

“This doesn’t count as fully bonded?!”  

No. As you’ve stated, I can’t oversee all of your mind. And you have no access to mine.  

“I’m supposed to be able to see your thoughts?!”  

It would be a pity gift as I take over whenever and however long I please.  

“... So not a slave. Got it.”  

Sun ran a hand down his face in contemplation, but then sharply looked back to his reflection as a thought hit him.  

“...Why haven’t you?”  

What?  

“Does it take time to bond?”  

In some cases.  

“So you can’t then.”  

Or I’m not going to... yet.  

“Oh please!” Sun exasperated. “You aren’t that patient, if at all. Hence every time I have to take the fall for your impulsive whims!”  

Sun heard a grumble and had a bit of a tingle as he could... feel Moon’s frustration? Right? Because it felt like he was mildly frustrated, but also not because he had no reason to be?  

The Bond.  

Sun shuttered at the idea.  

“So... if we bond... are we stuck together? Forever?”  

No. I either find someone better, or you die.  

“Bold of you to assume you won’t die before me.”  

Want to try me?  

“Uhhh...No?”  

That’s what I thought. Now hurry up. Last I checked, you have a job.  

“Fine. But this isn’t over!” Sun sighs.  

He quickly used the restroom before washing his hands and opening the door with a paper towel.   

And who’s Evan?  

“Some ghost Cassie claims she can see sometimes.” Sun sighs. “ I guess I’ll have to explain-”  

As he was about to walk back, he spotted several teachers gathering around the TV in the front office. He figured he needed to get back to work, but part of the TV audio froze him in his tracks.  

“...come to you live from the Summersault Aster Natural History Museum, where not long ago, a supervillain by the name of Goli-Wrath destroyed part of the building and has collected hostages!”  

The SANHM...  

Wasn’t Lunar going to some museum for a field trip today?  

Sun sped to the lobby, shoving others out of the way to see for himself.  

“Most of which seemed to be comprised of students from our local middle school-”  

Please don’t say , please don’t-  

“Tempiris Middle School”  

His heart sank as he felt his hands tremble. His heart beats faster as his brain throws a million thoughts a second.  

It can't be-  

But Lunar’s fast, maybe he-  

But if he is, he’s a smartass! He’ll get himself-  

“Wait... doesn’t your brother go to that school?”  

The question and a soft touch to his shoulders snaps him out of his spiral.  

What was he doing?! He needed to do something !  

But... the daycare’s in soft lockdown. And he isn’t that close.  

But there is an internet cafe that might be closer...  

Sun swings over the counter and frantically dials Eclipse’s number, as he may be the only one willing to pick up unknown numbers ‘for fun’.  

“ Mario’s pizza, where we substitute tomato for bl-”  

“It’s Sun! You need to drive to the history museum! Now!”  

“ Whoa, hold up. Did the tike break something? What’s with the-”  

“There’s a supervillain attack there!”  

There’s a moment of silence before he hears the sound of quick computer keys. Two more seconds and there’s swearing. A laptop slam and a yelp from Solar, then the sound of someone bursting through the doors as Solar demands to know what’s going on. Sun stares at the phone as the line gets hung up. But even with the assurance that someone’s on their way there, he finds himself shaking. Around him are others, trying to whisper condolences and assurances, some even making jokes that Solar will shoot the guy if he so much as touches Lunar, but it does nothing to help.   

In the end, he’s stuck. He won’t know what’ll happen. Even if he was able to be right there, outside the museum, he’d be stuck waiting.  

Waiting for the sorry excuse of a human to have his glories and hopefully not feel like hurting anyone.  

He was in that closet, hearing everything burn from inside.  

But what else could he do... but wait?  

Pushing it all down, he nudges past everyone and heads to his room. He thinks he re-greets his assistant and joins the kids with a smile.  

Maybe a game or two? Duck, Duck, Tick-Tac-Toe? Coloring and Macaroni? A book?  

He does remember to check his phone at some point, something approved by his assistant, to quickly inform the groupchat about what was happening. But Solar beat him to it, causing KC and Earth to clearly freak out and start asking Sun if he wanted to get out of work early.  

His boss already asked him soon after rejoining the class, and he declined. He wasn’t useful out there. Solar and Eclipse were already waiting for the police to bring them back their brother.  

He distantly wondered if any of his co-workers were going to accuse him of not caring, since he was going through the motions and keeping himself in his autopilot ‘calm mode’. Thankfully, no one looked at him in disgust. Just... pity and worry.  

Maybe they all sympathized with the fear of losing a loved one to a selfish monster’s rampage.  

Somehow, going through the motions kept him feeling sane as he hears whispers, over and over, telling him that all he can do good is his job. He’s no use going. Lunar wouldn’t even seek him specifically, as they were never very close.   

He didn’t even consider his coworkers as he cleaned up for the night. But... there was no-one left as he finished. Even though the real sun had set, he still hesitated to open the door to leave the building.  

The fire outside should already be out, but he didn’t want to face whatever was left.  

He ignored his phone and just walked home. After all, there was no use in delaying the inevitable truth of Lunar’s fate-  

HONK  

He whipped back to see a Mercedes in the parking lot. A familiar one.  

The car backed up to align him with one of the car doors.   

But all he could see was his own face, hollow and lost. He didn’t even know how to look away... until the window rolled down.  

The driver didn’t have to say a word, but the look was just as communicative.  

Get inside. You’re going home.  

Sun finally wills his limbs to move as he climbs in. He’s thankful KC’s chauffeur isn’t talkative, as he really didn’t feel like discussing anything.  

Was he ready to see Lunar alive and in the house? Or was he ready to face either Solar or Eclipse, ready to take him to the hospital? Or... the worst result...  

They were there too fast. It wasn’t long before he was pulled out of the car and escorted to the front door. He didn’t knock, but he stood as the door was rapped before the driver left.  

KC answers.  

But Sun shoves past him with a desperation he didn’t know he had.  

Lunar...  

Was standing on the table.  

With only a big Band-Aid on his forehead, he animatedly paced around, boasting with a grin about how he did... something. Not for long though, as Sun yanked him off and held him up by his shirt.  

“How many times do I have to tell you?! The table is not your personal stage!”  

“Wha- but-”  

“No buts Mister! You don’t get to scare me to death and then think it’s okay to disrespect our furniture like that!”  

“Sun...” Earth beckoned as she reached to take Lunar, but he quickly wrapped him in his arms so Earth couldn't take him away. She couldn’t! Not after what surely was a stressful day for everyone!  

He felt himself go rigid as he measured holding him tight enough to prevent escape, but not enough to hurt him.  

No... he’d never. Not his 14 year old brother. Not after hours of not knowing whether he’d live to complain about showers or cleaning his room, or to pose as a challenge in Mario Kart, or to pull pranks on Eclipse that ended up in a fight or a mess for him to clean up, or-!  

“Sun. I’m okay.”  

Sun finally looked from Earth to Lunar’s face. He wasn’t mad. Or upset or scared. He looked up at Sun with a strange smile, one paired with eyebrows twisted in concern and a look that saw what he didn’t dare to voice, even in his mind.  

Lunar could have...  

Died.  

But here he was: alive.  

Tears flowed, even before the captive embraced him back. He found himself sobbing into Lunar’s shoulder as he felt another pair of arms embrace them both, their thick curly hair not helping as Sun suffocated in his own released misery.  

Even as he felt Earth lower, he sunk down to hold his little brother, just for a bit longer. Just a little bit more... even if he didn’t feel satisfaction.  

Lunar would have been fine whether he left work or needed KC to pick him up from having a meltdown.  

So what did he do to earn his brother back?  

Nothing.  

And yet, he let himself feel relief.  

With a sigh and a small kiss on the forehead, he let Lunar go, even laughing a bit at how Lunar wiped it off with a disgusted act.  

Lunar knows he’s loved, and that’s all that matters... other than being alive. That’s very important too.  

With the release of adrenaline, everything fogs out a bit. He vaguely remembers Solar picking up Earth to take her to her wheelchair and KC offering to make Lunar’s favorite dinner, steak covered in chocolate with a side of fries, to which Sun immediately offers to help.  

KC seems hesitant but lets him prepare boiling the potatoes as Solar explains what happened. It turns out the supervillain, no, supervillainS were not arrested. But the big one mentioned in the news ran off looking burnt and the visibly smaller figure was found dead to mysterious causes in the Industrial Revolution exhibit.  

Due to the state of the two villains, people were speculating that there was a superhero that fought them both off, which was why most of the people in the museum weren’t severely hurt, including Lunar.  

Strangely though, Lunar didn’t talk about what happened to him much. Even as the family sat together for dinner. According to him, he was pretty separated from the group when the attack happened, and he quickly found a janitor’s closet to hide in during the whole time until the police was heard calling for anyone lost.  

Sun didn’t bother thinking too much about it. After all, he knows first-hand what it’s like to hide in a closet while everything burns outside. So after helping feed Bloodmoon and stomaching only a few fries, he excused himself to the bathroom and went to be by himself.  

Into the bathroom with the broken pipe he goes, stumbling as he lays himself down in the bathtub to get his thoughts in order.  

How was it that he felt so much better and worse at the same time?  

Why would he freak out so much and work himself up if everything was fine???  

If he had checked the group messages, he’s sure Earth or Solar would have let him know ASAP.  

He really let himself fret over...  

Not nothing.  

But in the end, Lunar was safe.  

Lunar wasn’t dead.  

That’s all that truly matters, that he’s safe with only a scratch that he’ll probably use as a ‘battle scar’ for future arguments.  

He laughed to himself a bit and sighed.  

After all, Lunar was fine. He just wished he did more than just continuing his job. He should have done... more.  

Like hurting the villains right back?  

Sun practically jumped up in shock until he remembered that his mind-mate was still there. With a groan, he leaned back in the tub.  

“Please. Did you not hear the part about guy being a SUPERvillain and how it probably took a SUPERhero to take him down?”  

Did you forget that I’m a mass of pure power?  

“...What”  

Let me remind you.  

Sun felt a cold shiver as the black goo overtook his body. But the next thing he felt... was huge. Like before, he felt cocooned by blankets, but also as if he was a bare as a baby. Sight was restored as he saw himself... from Moon’s eyes.  

The black figure was a little thicker than he was, but the height made him look even skinner, like Slenderman. The black goo made up most of their body, with white trimmings of color sporadically lined across their body. Thay had long thin arms, long claws, and an ever-grinning set of sharp teeth, The long appendage on their head swayed like a tail, close to the shape of a nightcap. Their eyes shone with red as they narrowed their eyes in smugness.  

“I am bigger than any human is. And certainly stronger. The only thing holding me back?”  

Moon formed back into Sun, widened eyed as he looked in the mirror, eyes with a pupilless stare he felt alien to. Then his lips moved.  

“You. I can transform if I so please, but it would be easier with your... acceptance. Relinquish control to me, and I’ll kill anyone that so much as looks at your family wrong.”  

No... I... I’m not a killer.  

“No. You’ll just pretend nothing’s wrong until the world drowns over.”  

He felt the comment sting, but it made him think... most bad people get away with what they do because no one stops them.  

Those supervillains... they may not be the biggest threat in his life.  

But just one act of ignorance after another, and innocent people get mugged, robbed, killed...  

And if he was now part monster... he’d live to be evildoers’ worst nightmares.  

It’s not like he hasn’t done so before. Why stop now?  

Fine. But I have rules.  

He sees himself with a smug look, cocking an eyebrow up with a smirk.  

“Oh really? You want to limit who you save?”  

No. Rule one, no one gets eaten.  

“Really? You’ll deny me of my natural sustenance?”  

You’ve been able to eat my food fine.  

“Like the pitiful scoop you called dinner?”  

I meant the four servings of lasagna I TOLD you I didn’t need!  

“Our stomach says otherwise. We’re eating to satisfy our combined hunger.”  

So my food is fulfilling then. You admit you don't need flesh!  

Eyes narrow back at him.  

“It is the best source of food if you don’t want to eat more of your human foods.”  

Well, I guess we’re eating more food then! Rule 2, you are NOT to kill anyone if you can help it!  

“I’m surprised it wasn’t your first condition.”  

There’s that grin again.  

Well... even I know that sometimes... but I mean it! We ‘humans’ have this thing called ‘police’.  

“Yes, your enforcers. I’m aware.”  

We let them get punished by the law. Rule 3, we only hurt others if another’s wellbeing is at stake.  

“And I’m supposed to know by...?”  

I’d think a ‘superior’ being like you can figure it out. But I’ll always be around to judge for you, not like I have a choice anyway.  

“No, you don’t.”  

And... expect more rules! I can’t think of any now, but if I tell you something, I need you to listen to me! I’ll explain when I am able!  

“And if I don’t?”  

You said you need my permission-  

“No, I said your acceptance makes it easier.”  

Regardless, this body was mine first! This is MY life! And I’ll be damned if you do ANYTHING that harms my family!  

There was a thick layer of tension as the two went silent. Then the remaining control was released to Sun after one roll of his eyes.  

I’ll... consider your terms. But go eat. We’re not going to stay hungry during any more of your incessant worrying.  

“I’m not hungry. And don’t you dare-!”  

“Sun?! What the hell are you doing with MY NUTELLA!?!?”  

He feels a growl die in his throat as he realizes the situation that he’s blinked into.  

Lunar, shrieking out as Nutella is dumped on some cold, leftover fried chicken.  

That fice !  

He tried to smile like it was a joke, but it was clear that it only made Lunar’s face shift from indignation to disgust.  

“Who are you and what did you do with my brother?” He whispered, stepping back.  

A quick glance proved that KC and the baby twins were witness to their behavior. Just great!  

Moon... tell me quickly what happened???  

Siblings split up our meal. Got fridge food like they recommended.  

Sun cleared his throat and looked back at Lunar.  

“I... wanted to see if chicken with chocolate was as weird as chocolate with steak.”  

The deadpan he got was enough for Sun to want the ground to swallow him up. But there’s no backing out of it now.  

He sighed and bit the chicken, only to spit it out at how cold it was, the breading getting soggier with the sauce. Quickly wiping his face, he dumped the chicken in the trash, dumped the plate in the trash, and rushed up the stairs.  

NOOO! Our dinner-!  

“We could have had dinner if you didn’t make an abomination of food like Eclipse makes!”, Sun hisses.  

Don’t test me...  

“I’ll get you some damn food! But we need to wait till everyone’s asleep!”  

Sun quickly enters and closes his door.  

“Look, I got those chocolate bars for a reason! Please, just tide with those until I get you some food! I don’t need my family thinking I'm a psycho!”  

Give me it now.  

Sun side-eyes his closet before opening it and finding the coat he was looking for, fishing out the bars from the pockets and tearing them open.  

He grumbles as he quickly eats up, already planning on how to sneak enough food to satisfy Moon for these next few hours. After all, he still had to wash the dishes, check the locks, checking in on Earth (as she clearly was feeling weak if she needed her wheelchair this afternoon, and helping KC with the Bloodmoons before bedtime.  

It’s a hectic life, but one he wouldn’t trade for anything.  

He’d never let anyone hurt his family again.  

Ever.  

Ever.  

Ever.  

Chapter Text

The following morning was a cloudy day that opposed the sunny one yesterday. But Earth got up with a bright mood all the same. She just had a wonderful dream about living in her Stardew Valley home, except the villagers being replaced by her family and fellow students. But now that she was awake, she started her day by doing her daily stretches from bed. She grinned as she swung her legs off the bed with no pain or weakness whatsoever! So she slowly got up and did some light yoga before dressing in her favorite blue and green dress and heading downstairs. On good days like this, she would take it upon herself to make breakfast. Today, she figured it would be good for the family to enjoy some pancakes, which also happened to be Lunar’s favorite breakfast. Though she made sure to slip a green paper under her father’s door before she headed to the kitchen. 

Measuring everything out, she started on Lunar’s by using a small bowl to add some of the batter with chocolate. She knew the others had nothing against chocolate pancakes, but they all tended to be particular about their ‘perfect’ pancakes’ (including her), not to mention the chocolate from last night possibly capping their tolerance limit of chocolate-based meals for the time being.  

She knew most of the other’s routines: their father would already be awake and come down to eat before waking up the Bloodmoon twins, The three would eat as Sun came down and they would all then go to work or school. Lunar would normally get up for school and catch a ride with father, but seeing as he was excused from school, yet would surely smell the pancakes soon, she didn’t know which desire he’d indulge in more: sleep or sweets. Not long after, Solar and Eclipse would come down for at least coffee and a bite of food before either staying in their rooms to work, or traveling to the internet cafe to work and hang out with friends. Once everyone had their fair share of nutrition, she’d retreat to her room to start her homework. Hardly did this routine deviate from the norm. 

And sure enough, in came her father, grinning upon seeing her pouring the batter in the pan. 

“Good morning, Earth. How are you... feeling today?”, Father uttered, with his voice being slightly more raspy in the mornings. Interestingly, when his raspiness would die down, the pauses he’d have to take between small phrases might exaggerate his words, especially if he tried to speak longer sentences or got vocally tired. 

She turned to smile back at him. 

“Good morning Father! It’s one of my good days, so I’m even better today!” 

“I’m glad. Especially after... yesterday’s events.” KC says as he goes to make the first batch of coffee. 

As the pancakes cooked, Earth quickly fetched the whipped cream, fruit, and caramel sauce to place on the counter beside the line of eight plates. She left the chocolate sauce to get later. 

“And that’s why I’m making everyone’s favorite pancakes! I’m hoping it helps everyone’s mood today!” 

“Indeed, that would help.” KC responds. “Especially Lunar. He did not... speak much last night. 

“Yes, that seems to be a common theme here. Sun did the same after that ‘incident’ that night.” 

Lunar’s pancakes were done, so Earth plated them before pouring out some batter for KC’s. 

“About that... Has Sun been... acting different to you? Especially with... his eating habits?” 

She pauses a bit in dressing Lunar’s pancakes with gummy bears and caramel sauce.  

“I... have noticed, but I just assumed it’s his stress going up again. These attacks are getting more frequent... but I did notice his eating has improved! Even if his food combinations are, well, questionable. But anything’s better than him not eating enough.” She said with a slight shrug to hopefully match her smile instead of her furrowed eyebrows. 

“His portions... have improved? He didn’t have... much for dinner... last night. He tried a snack... only to spit it out. Chocolate and chicken, I think?” 

Earth didn’t pause as she quickly flipped KC’s pancakes and started pouring the Bloodmoons’ batter for theirs. 

“Well, that is true, but I think he sneaks into the kitchen at night when everyone is asleep, or busy in Eclipse and Solar’s cases. I’ve actually noticed a decent amount of food going missing or replenishing quicker than usual. I’ve asked Solar if him or Eclipse had been storing extra food and he said they weren't. Besides, it's not a huge amount of food being taken anyways.” 

“That’s... interesting. I guess I will... buy more food then. Speaking of which... are your medications filled? Or do you need... some refills?” 

She takes KC’s pancakes off the pan and plates them with strawberries and blueberries before he takes them to his spot at the table. She thinks to herself as she pours Sun’s batter next. 

“I believe I only need one of them refilled. But I will advise, try not to make the amount of food noticeable. I think Sun might be embarrassed by the amount he’s eating if he’s sneaking food at night.” 

“Understood. I’ll try to... be subtle. And I’ll call... for your pills at lunch.” 

The pot is finished, and KC pours out enough for his “#1 Dad” mug, his favorite as it had the signatures of most of his children, before placing it at his sitting place as well. 

“I’ll wake the babies. Be right back.” 

True to his word, he pours a bit of sugar in his cup before making his way up the stairs, clearly seen to be heading to the Bloodmoon twins’ room. 

She hums to herself a bit as she plates the Bloodmoons’ pancakes and starts mixing more batter for the other half of the family when she hears a mutter. 

“Smells like pancakes...” 

Turning back to the stairs, she quickly glances at Sun approaching the kitchen with a knitted brow. She finds herself slowing the mixing to listen for a second. 

“Pancakes are... ... ... Breakfast... ... ... mornings.” 

She could make out most of what he mumbled but figured there was no feigning ignorance in his presence now that he was close enough. 

“Good morning Sun! Your pancakes are almost done, and the butter is in the fridge!” 

“Okay, thanks!” Sun beams as he makes his way to the fridge. He continues muttering a bit as he rummages around the fridge, likely for the morning reorganizing. Earth diverts her attention to finishing Sun’s portion and plating them on the counter. She starts dressing the Bloodmoons’ servings with strawberries when she hears a small clatter. A quick peak and she sees Sun quickly picking up a bag of shredded cheese and a bottle of ketchup to quickly put back before grabbing the chocolate sauce.  

“Can you grab me the strawberry syrup and the bacon bits?” 

Sun nods, fetching both and placing them with the other toppings. Earth hands him honey from the cabinet. 

She pauses as she sees him looking... upset? Maybe torn? He usually liked his pancakes with honey and butter, maybe whipped cream when he was in the mood. But the chocolate sauce seemed to... insinuate him wanting to branch out his preferences. Like he had been doing lately. 

“...I think I still have some chocolate left to make some chocolate pancakes if you want that instead.” 

Sun’s eyes widened and he nodded, then stopped. 

“Maybe... both?" 

Understanding, Earth nods. Putting the chocolate sauce next to an empty plate, Sun dresses his pancakes and eats up as Earth goes to start the twins’- COPPER twins’ servings to put on the pan before making more chocolate ones. 

“You really seem to like chocolate more nowadays.” 

Sun makes a muffled inquisitive sound as Earth separated some batter and mixes them with chocolate. 

“Sorry, it’s just something I’ve noticed. If you want, I can ask father for some more chocolate ingredients.” 

Quick glances to the side were made by Sun as he looked to be struggling with the decision. 

“You don’t have to decide now-” 

“Yes, we want more chocolate.” 

Earth was surprised by the quick response but smiled and nodded anyway. She drew her attention back as her older brother started muttering again, seeming to fixate on the ketchup. (Maybe it was expired now?) She saw Eclipse’s and Solar’s pancakes were solidified enough to move to the side and turned to pour Sun’s chocolate ones when she heard a disturbing plastic crushing sound. She spared a quick glance and quickly went back to focusing on the batter in the pan, trying not to visibly react to what she possibly saw. 

Sun... had taken the container of chocolate sauce and bit into the top portion. 

To his credit, she hears him hiss in surprise and groan a bit. 

“Great. Looks like I gotta buy a new bottle.” 

“Oh” Earth tries to remark casually as she faces him and looks down at the half-hidden bottle. “Is that one empty?” 

She knows Sun isn’t dumb, and neither does she believe he thinks that of her. But in the unorthodox truce, he nods and opens up the spice rack to quickly hide it in, instead of throwing it away? 

Just in time too, as the toddler twins run in. Red eyes ablaze as they quickly climb in their seats. 

“Good morning you two! Ready to eat?” Earth asks as she quickly turns to finish adding the strawberry syrup and bacon. The two two-year olds nod before receiving their plates, and digging in. The one she believes is Dust (Duston), wearing a red dinosaur pajama set, shovels his food down while Rust (Russel), today wearing a grey cat pajama set, quickly eats the strawberries before the bacon, then licks at the syrup. Sun is quick to try and get them to eat slower as KC walks in. 

“The kids... wanted these... for today.” KC said, holding up the two pieces of cloth the twins like to use as tails. 

“Morning dad. I’ll put them on... after they get a change of clothes” Sun ends with a groan as it’s clear the children had no sense in keeping their pajamas nor faces clean. Earth can’t help but chuckle at the sight. 

“I’m glad I... chose to wait then,” KC remarked before placing the cloths on the counter and moving to the table to eat. “Good morning to you too, Sun.” 

Earth looks to where Lunar’s serving was getting cold, so she scraped off the toppings and passes the plate to Sun, who accepts it and grabs some Nutella packets to use. Earth starts to dress Solar’s pancakes when she hears a noise of question from KC. 

“Why aren't you... using the bottle... of chocolate sauce?” 

Earth sees Sun looking up from his very... focused attention of his packet to look to the side, fingers squeezing the packet to hard as his lips purse a bit. Her heart twisted to see his clear guilt. 

“Oh, Sun went to get some earlier, but he said it was empty. We’ll have to get some more.” 

“I see... I must have... used too much of it... last night. However, didn’t it come... in a double pack?” 

“I... didn’t see another one”, Sun remarked, shoulders now relaxed. 

“Did Eclipse take it?” Earth asked. She only received a shrug from her father. 

“I wouldn’t be surprised, with how greedy he can be.” Sun says with a harsh mutter before trying to keep the twins’ eating areas clean between his own bites.  She plates the copper twins’ plates before pouring the batter for her meal. She also pours some water to place near Sun. 

Dust finished his food and ran up to Earth. Before anyone could do anything, the tot tugged on her skirt with syrup-covered hands before pointing to his shirt. He then held out his left hand and made a scooping motion above it with his right hand.  

Smiling at the display, Earth bends down to better get to his level. 

“Looks like someone wants to get changed now.” 

KC, with a clear look of panic and guilt, yanks the little boy away and holds him away from his own suit. 

“Apologies Earth. You’ll have to change... your dress.” 

“It’s fine, it can be washed out,” Earth laughs off as she goes to rinse the spot quickly. 

Before Sun can get up, KC goes to pat his head. 

“Sun... Mr. Flare will be here soon. Want a ride to work? I heard it will rain.” 

“Uh... It’s fine! I’m sure I can get to work before the rain comes down!” 

“I don’t want to risk... it. And I'd prefer to know you’re safe... after all that’s happened.” 

C-RACK 

With a massive boom, the house shakes slightly, and the power goes out. 

“Oh dear.” Earth whispers as her pancakes use the residual heat from the pan and stove to slowly cook like the others had. 

She heard Sun cave and tell their father that he would take the car ride when she suddenly turned around to the sound of a whimper. Sun and KC also stopped to look under the table, where Rust hid, crying and whimpering.  

Oh no! He must be afraid of thunder! 

True to their bond, Dust is quick to slide underneath, once KC let him go, and hug his twin in comfort. 

“Hey, it’s okay!” Sun softly says as he moves to sit beside them, holding his arms out. “We’re safe inside the house. Do you want a hug until it passes?” 

Both go into his embrace, Rust especially clinging fast to him. 

“Seems odd that there is no flash of light, yet the power is off.” KC remarks, getting up now that the twins are fine. 

“It could be the wind messing with the power lines?” Earth suggests. 

Just then, the power turns back on, starting the oven once more, even if it now displays the wrong time. 

“Oh thank goodness!” Remarks Sun. “Now we don't have to worry about using flashlights later tonight.” 

Then Earth barely hears Sun mumble, “Though I would have preferred candles.” 

“Indeed. I apologize again for... accidentally gifting away all... of our remaining candles.” 

Earth takes the opportunity to flip her breakfast (and Lunar’s new ones) before finishing the dressing of the Copper twins’ breakfasts. 

“It’s fine dad!” Sun seems to wave off. “We weren't using them anyway! Better to give them to someone who’ll enjoy them rather than them collecting dust! 

And... I’m just now realizing you both still need a change. Alright you two, time to clean you both.” 

But as Sun lets Dust out of the hug and tries to put Rust down, Earth sees the little tot has only clung tighter to Sun. Sun stands up with Rust in his arms. 

“Oh? Looks like we have a Koala on our hands!” Sun laughs as he tries to tickle Rust. But the plan to distract him fails as Earth clearly sees Sun wince as Rust growls and digs his nails into Sun as he struggles to hang on. 

“Okay! Not in the mood for tickles! That’s fair!” 

Earth giggles a bit at the show, and so does KC. 

“Flare should be here soon.” 

Earth tried to help by grabbing Rust’s attention with a small tug. 

“If you’re busy being a koala, then I guess you don’t want your tail then.” 

Wrong move. 

Clearly conflicted, Rust proceeded to wail and use the fists holding Sun’s shirt to then hit Sun with, even as he tried to reassure the toddler into calming down. 

“No!” Earth scolded as she held back Rust’s fists. “We don’t hit. Listen to Sun. It’s okay.” 

After a few seconds, and KC patting the boy, Rust calmed down and resolved to wrapping his arms around Sun’s neck. 

Sun then picks up Dust by the back of his shirt (without much effort?! Maybe he really did get used to holding them???) and heads to their bedroom. 

“I can help-” 

“I’ve got this dad!” Sun calls as he brings the two boys back up the stairs. 

KC shakes his head as Earth plates her food. She spots the cloths and holds them out to KC. 

“So! The twins want tails today?” 

KC nods and gets up to take them.  

“I will remind the teachers... to not lose them again... or to share them with... the other children.” 

Earth recalls the several phone calls KC, Sun, or her have made to the preschool whenever the tails got lost, stolen, or confiscated. She wished to never take another call about the matter of why they were ‘pretending to be animals’ ever again. 

“I’ll go help Sun get the... babies ready for preschool. He should be getting... ready for work if he... hasn’t done so already.” 

Earth nods and dresses her own pancake after turning off the stove. But as she sprinkled the fruits and nuts, she realized Lunar still hadn’t come down for his breakfast. Covering his new plate with a lid cover, she moved to sit down when she heard the door being rapped in a... very particular way. 

Without having to get up, Earth knew to expect Mr. Flare as he simply came into the house and headed to her. 

“Is anyone injured or dying?” He says in his iconically flat tone. 

Earth shakes her head with a smile. “No, the twins just needed more time to get changed. KC is helping so Sun can also get ready. Do you want a quick breakfast? I can quickly get you some yogurt.” 

“No need. I would like coffee if you have any left.” 

Earth nods and tilts her head to the machine, and Mr. Flare heads there to pour his cup. 

“How have you been, Mr. Flare?” 

“Fine. How’s the third youngest?” 

“He’s... alright. Lunar hasn’t spoken much about what happened. I think he’s still processing everything. He’s probably still asleep in his room, actually.” 

Mr. Flare lets out a hum in acknowledgement as he takes his first sip of his coffee, black. 

“Isn’t he going to school?” 

“He and the other students involved in the incident are excused for the day. Then after the weekend, they’re all supposed to meet with the counselor for mental support.” 

“Ah, lucky him.” Mr. Flare comments between sipping his drink. “In my day, he would have gone anyway unless he was dead or dying. How’s your father handling the fallout?” 

“Times have certainly changed” Earth laughed off before quieting and looking back at her barely-touched food. 

“He’s as okay as he can be.” Earth mused. “He tries not to show it, but he is worried. Not just about Lunar, but Sun as well.” 

“Sun?” Flare questions as he takes a seat at the table to face Earth. “Why?” 

Earth takes a few bites of her food, to which Mr. Flare also takes the time to drink his cup as they both take the moment as it is. She quickly checks to make sure Sun is still out of range before lowering her voice a bit. 

“He’s eating more, which- I'm not complaining about! It’s just, he’s been... experimenting with food combinations, like Eclipse. I know it’s not much, but I’ve also seen him have moments where he’ll focus on things very intently sometimes. And then there’s what happened last night.” 

Mr. Flare cocks an eyebrow while keeping a neutral expression. “Which is?” 

“Well... I was wheeling to my room but stopped when I saw Sun come out of the broken bathroom downstairs. I didn’t think much of it until I heard Lunar screaming at him about his Nutella. From what I asked Lunar, it turns out Sun was trying to eat cold, leftover, fried-chicken with it. But when he went past me to his room, it was like he didn’t see me. And he looked pretty... confused? Like, he wasn’t sure what happened, if that makes any sense?” 

Mr. Flare finished his cup and glanced up towards the twins room before facing Earth again. 

“Has he met a girl? I believe people act strange when they develop a crush on someone.” 

“I... don’t think so?” Earth questioned a bit. “He hasn’t mentioned any new co-workers, and he doesn’t usually go anywhere outside of work without us except Chica’s bakery, but they’re just friends.” 

“Is he the one with a manic disorder? I know KC said it was one of his adoptions had something going on mentally.” 

“I... don’t think that narrows it much. But Sun’s disorders shouldn’t weigh in on recent events. He’s not taking anything either, and it’s not like him to fall into a bad crowd.” 

“Hmph. I asked because I heard him the other day. When I chaperoned the boy, he looked as sad as I expected. Almost like he was a lost puppy. But while I drove, he looked more frustrated than worried. He was muttering to himself and even rolled his eyes at some point. He went back to looking sad when we got to the house.” 

“Oh, that’s another thing! I’ve seen him talking to himself when he thinks no-one's looking, and it’s often not friendly... I should ask father if we should consider therapy options.” 

Mr. Flare says something, but Earth gets distracted by a little roar. She looked back and saw Dust running down the stairs, his pink and orange cloth perfectly tied with a steady knot and flowing length, to which she also got up and ran to him. She managed to grab him and hoist him up as he grinned like a tiger. 

“Apologies for the tardiness.” KC says as he heads down the stairs and faces Mr. Flare. “The others should be ready soon." 

Dust starts to growl at Mr. Flare before whipping his head up to lock his sights at the kitchen window. She walked closer and noticed that instead of an animal, like she was expecting, it was their neighbor. An old man that lived next-door to them. He was a bit... odd. But he was just lonely and needed some occasional company and conversation. 

Strangely, when she looked up to the sky expecting rain, there were only gathering clouds. 

She jumped as she heard a small raspy voice growl out, “Moon man.” 

“What?!” 

Earth jumped even more at Sun’s exclamation. Sure enough, Sun is peeking out from a bit beyond the Bloodmoons’ room. Rust’s now-clean face also pokes out before Sun carries him downstairs.  

“Mr. Callisto’s outside, don't worry Sun! And Dust, be nice. He’s nice to us.” 

“Must be curious about the weather,” KC remarks. 

Rust is quick to run up to Earth, once Sun lets him go to get ready, to show off his shorter, red and yellow tail. Earth puts down Dust, only for the child to flop down on the nearest rug. 

But before Sun is halfway up the stairs, he calls out, “Can we get four more pancakes? Chocolate please-! I-I meant one, sorry! One more to hit the spot?”  

Earth looks to Lunar’s serving and inwardly sighs. 

“Of course! But you may want to hurry to get ready.” 

Sun throws a quick thumbs up before rushing to his room. She knows he won’t be long, despite the time it’ll take to get to his room in the attic before heading back down the flights of stairs, so she gets up to separate Lunar’s bottom pancake from the other five. KC is quick to grab it with a napkin, the limp toddler in his other arm. 

“I will take this with us. I will... see you later.” 

Mr. Flare finishes his cup and nods, heading out to his car as KC follows behind. Rust runs to get to the car before the adults. Earth turns to look back when she hears a loud thump. Sun’s running from the bottom of the stairs, [which... wasn’t he just heading to his room? How fast did he make it there and down the stairs???] when the momentum causes Sun to slide due to his socks and crash into the wall by the door. 

“Be careful!” Earth exclaims as Sun shoves on his shoes. 

“Don’t worry” Sun says in a hurry as he has to quickly tie his shoes into perfect bows. 

“KC has your extra pancake.” 

Sun grins as he sprints out the door. 

“Thanksforthefood,loveyou,bye!” 

Earth smiles and waves back. 

“Blegh” 

Earth shuts the door and sees the copper twins stepping down the stairs, one looking smug and the other looking exhausted. 

“Good morning Eclipse! Good morning Solar! I’ve made pancakes.” 

“Ooo! Guess something good happens when the house gets enough trauma!” 

Eclipse gets smacked upside the head by Solar, who passes him to get to the coffee pot. Earth is quick to fetch his ‘average sized’ cup so Solar can fill it with the rest of the coffee in the pot. He simply grunts a greeting before drinking up. 

“You know that mug’s going to dissolve from use right?” Eclipse comments, still rubbing his head as he approaches the kitchen. 

Earth elects to circumvent the topic for now, as Solar hasn’t finished his first cup yet, and gestures to the plates. 

“Thankfully your pancakes aren’t cold yet! I... can’t say the same for Lunar’s. Say...-!” She quickly has to shoo Eclipse’s hand as he tries to reach their brother’s quickly cooling meal. Eclipse grins nonchalantly with his sharp smile, hands up before turning to and opening the fridge. 

“Where’s the blueberry anyway? Still sleeping that scratch away?” 

“Perhaps. He likely needs the rest from yesterday.” 

Eclipse hums a note as he pulls out some hot sauce. 

“Mind fetching me the Tapatío?” 

Earth nods and turns to grab it from the spice cabinet, careful to reach past the chocolate sauce. But once she hears a sharp slap sound, she accidentally knocks the bottle to the floor anyways. There’s Eclipse, rubbing his hand as Solar gives him a tired glare. 

“Hands off. They’re Lunar’s soggy pancakes.” 

“Hey, I was just testing to see if they were actually cold! Besides, they’re begging to be eaten if Lunar doesn’t want them.” Eclipse says before his eyes spot the chocolate sauce bottle on the ground. 

With a hyper-focused gaze, Eclipse walks up to grab it, only for Earth to scoop it up, trying to cover the bite mark. 

Eclipse’s eyes narrow at her. 

“Did the blood brats do that?” 

Earth felt herself laugh forcibly, feeling pressured with every second under his stare. “Um... about that-” 

“Morning Earth.” 

Both look back at Solar, cutting into his pancakes. The coffee pot behind him is brewing more coffee. 

“Eclipse, better eat before you’ll need Lunar’s pancakes to replace your breakfast.” 

Said twin huffs and takes the Tapatío from Earth and goes to shower his meal in it, to Solar’s clear disgust. He adds the hot sauce, cuts a big piece, smiles at Solar, and eats the thing while maintaining eye contact. 

“Know how much longer before Lunar actually takes his plate?” 

“I’ll be bringing up the plate soon.” She says, moving herself in front of it. 

“Have either of you seen the other bottle of chocolate syrup? I know there’s another one somewhere.” 

Solar looks to Eclipse, who then matches Solar’s face of disgust. 

“Heck no! I hate chocolate sauce! Go ask the chocolate manic! He probably brushed his teeth with the stuff!” 

“Didn’t you try that with pumpkin pie that one time?” Solar scoffed. 

Earth however, chuckles at the thought. “He wouldn’t. Sun would never let him have sweets if he did!” 

“Speaking of, anything wrong with Sun-Spaz today?” 

Earth pulled her head back a bit as she was taken slightly aback. 

“Well...no.” 

“That’s a yes.” Solar comments, now pouring his second cup. 

“Ooo! What’d he do today??” Eclipse questioned, perking up. 

She bit her lip, squeezing her fists a little tighter as she didn’t want to gossip about it to them. But...  

“Well... it wasn’t too weird. He just, uh, bit the bottle of syrup?” 

Solar spits and sputters his golden liquid, trying to survive aspiration as his twin’s eyes lit up. The bottle was quickly swiped from her hand as the two examined the thing. 

“...Earth. Call Animal Control. He needs to be put down.” 

“Eclipse! I’m sure there’s a reasonable explanation! And please don’t call Sunny an animal. He’s been under a lot of stress!” 

Before she could take it back, Eclipse started power-walking to the basement door. 

“Consider the bottle confiscated!” 

Solar mumbles, “Not this again”, and sighs as he swirls the half-remaining contents in his cup. 

“I need more coffee.” 

Earth goes to pour the pot to top off Solar’s mug.  

“Maybe you should try easing off of it?” 

“He won’t!” Eclipse shouts from the basement, words being more audible as he’s likely coming back now. “He is a machine that runs off of it, like electricity to a hairdryer!” 

The door closes as the man rushes back. 

“Besides, we’re literally going to an internet Cafe. Just guess what he’s going to order there the whole time!” 

“Says the guy who’s going to keep the soda coming to ‘wash down the cake.’ Besides, it’s the only way I can deal with your shenanigans.” 

“Really? That sounds like a skill issue.” Eclipse does a spin and does a little pose, hands under chin, wrists straight, smiling eyes, and a grin that looks as sharp as a shark’s. 

“You’re a menace is what you are.” 

Earth’s giggle pitches for a second before dying down, trying to ask seriously as she’s trying hard to seal off her bubbling laughter. 

“Why did you confiscate the syrup?” 

“For the greater good” Eclipse shrugs before his gaze sharpens at her. “Anyway, tell me why dear old Sunny tried to eat the bottle.” 

Earth taps her fingers on the counter a little, trying not to bite her lip again as she thinks of a... safe answer. 

“He... was looking for something and likely forgot what exactly was in his hand. He clearly wasn’t thinking about it until afterwards, which I know he regrets. I think... he muttered something about ketchup? 

“Ketchup?!” Eclipse exclaimed with indignance. “What’s he gonna do? Eat his pancakes with it?! 

...  

Without Solar watching?!” 

Said twin huffs with a roll of his eyes. “He wouldn’t. He has better tastebuds than you.” 

“I-I’m sure he’s only mumbling a lot lately because he’s stressed.” 

“Care to share what he’s muttering?” Eclipse questions a little too smoothly. 

“Well... I’m not sure.” Earth said cautiously. “I don’t really want to pry, but I think if I did... he’s been more on edge lately. I’m sure he’d notice if I tried. And I don’t think I can ask, as he tends to act like nothing’s wrong.” 

Eclipse hummed in contemplation as Solar gives him a look. Earth looks to the cabinets and pulls out the kettle, deciding it may be appropriate to brew some tea. 

“Have you heard any updates on the villains yesterday?” 

“I... don’t think so?” 

Eclipse scoffs a laugh. “What? Did they find out how the poor imbecile died?” 

“Wasn’t it something about electricity?” she asked. 

“I think so. Nothing has changed on that front.” 

“Oh please! Last I remember, those wires were super old! Power outages happened all the time, back when we had to take those field trips in school. Doubt that’s changed secretly in the last five years.” 

Within the pondering, Eclipse’s eyes widen as his head snaps up. 

“The only way this phenomenon could be acceptable... is if a powered did it. But not one ‘super’ took credit... meaning either a vigilante did it or some poor bloke that awakened their supernatural defense! And since all kids were accounted for, and the death was fast... but vigilantes stay near their home.” 

“Wasn’t today a sunny day?” asked Solar. “Strange how we just heard thunder.” 

“And no rain.” Earth whispered as she turned to the window. No huge clouds, no rain, and no further instances of thunder or lightning. In fact, Mr. Callisto was still outside, visibly muttering something while cycling through what looked like religious motions. 

“Mostly Lunar’s class was there. Either one of the stinkers knows what they’re doing, or some guest slipped up by doing something as drastic as a murder. Either way... we need to investigate this more.” 

“And... why is that? We aren't busy enough?” 

“This one’s important. Sun being weird won’t lead to the death of people, or cause potential property damage, or lead supervillains into actually staying close to town. A new super changes our whole way of life!” 

She... actually had never thought of that. As much as she didn’t pay mind to when Eclipse shared tea in more ways than one, he made... rather odd sense here. 

There was a reason no hero would stay here, despite the common occurrence of villains. Nothing official, but certainly an unspoken truth. 

“Sol, think we can pull an all-nighter?” 

Earth pulled out of her thoughts to narrow at him. 

“We talked about you two-” 

“Why? What’s your lead?” 

“Well obviously, we need to run the background of non-other than... that teacher.” 

“That teacher?” Earth questions. 

“Eclipse... no.” 

“Eclipse yes. Mr. Atlas is freaking weird! Wouldn’t it make sense that someone as bonkers as him would secretly have powers? He might have been one of the extra chauffeurs!” 

“Might have? You just don’t like how he almost failed you.” 

“WHO FAILS someone on vibes?! Who is he to decide my meditation deserved a D?!” 

“You say that as if you were actually trying to calm your mind. You were probably thinking of your next project. Wasn’t it some Newton-thing?” 

“That failure, yeah. But he wouldn’t know that if he wasn’t a mind reader at least!” 

Earth pours out the teas and pours a thermos for Eclipse and a cup for herself, also adding his sugar and honey. 

“I don’t know about bothering Mr. Atlas. He’s a... little odd, but he’s been very nice.” 

“To you. And I bet if Sun took his class, he’d be screwed. Or Sun would die from the stress of seeing what the man called his bookshelf.” 

Solar finished his mug and places it in the sink. 

“I’d thought you’d at least start with the easiest, closest victim.” 

“What? Lunie Boy? Nah. That kid would have been using his powers on us the first chance he got if he had them this whole time. And last I checked, he didn’t visit a nuclear factory recently.” 

Solar swings his backpack up to his shoulder with a hard thud. “You got to be open to the possibility, right?” 

Earth’s cup tings as she stirs her own cup with cream. “Right... we need to go check up on him. He really should have woken up by now from the smell of his favorite breakfast.” 

“You have to check on him. We-” He pauses to sip his tea, “-are going to get on the case elsewhere.” 

Eclipse closes the lid, clearly satisfied with the taste and slips on his shoes. Solar does as well, but looks to Earth with a tired expression. 

“Earth, save me from this maniac”. 

She laughs as he is then pulled out the door and taken to the car outside. 

“Don’t lie! You love me!” 

“Yeah, whatever.” 

With a sigh, Solar doesn’t fight and lets Eclipse take the front seat before he heads to the driver’s seat. Earth stands by the door as Solar and her wave goodbye. 

“See ya Earth.” 

“Alright, you two be careful now!” 

As Solar slowly drives off, she closes the door and goes to pick up the lonely plate. Lunar isn’t very picky when it comes to his sweets, but he’s never left his food long enough for them to grow cold and soggy. So after pouring some chocolate milk, she ascends the stairs and heads straight for his room. Putting the glass on the floor momentarily, she gives the door a quick rap. 

“Lunar, are you awake? I made you pancakes, with your favorite flavors and most of the usual toppings!” 

To her surprise, the answer is immediate, from a fully awake Lunar, “Uh... did you? Sorry, I got caught up in my game. Can you just leave the food by the door? I’ll get it in a bit.” 

“Oh! Well, if your gaming, I’ll just put it-” 

“No!” Lunar shouts just as Earth was reaching for the knob. “I... I’m not presentable! Just... maybe you can get me some chocolate milk? I’ll be down soon! My game just ended!” 

“I... already have it.” She utters, now putting her hand on the knob. She manages to open it a bit before it is slammed shut. But that crack was enough for her to get a whiff of the room. 

Charcoal? Smoke?! 

“D-Don’t come in! My room’s a mess, and I’m in my underwear!” 

“Lunar?! It smells like you burned something! I’m coming in!” 

She quickly tosses the plate on the ground before putting weight on the door and pushing as she turns the knob once more. 

Now, she wasn’t the strongest being alive, especially with her legs refusing to work some days. But she not only has gotten good at pushing things with her arms and weight, but she also knew people tended to physically take things easier against her. So little by little, the door opened up to her, but it was not without struggle. 

“Lunar! So help me, I will call father!” 

“Why?! I’m not hiding anything!” He shouted with no real confidence. 

She eventually gets close enough to a decent crack that she hooks a leg in. 

“Ha! You can’t close it now!” 

As her strength lessened from only being able to use one leg for support, she felt Lunar also lessen his pushing. 

“...Good day for you?” 

“Yeah!” 

“... You are so lucky I like you enough to not kick your leg.” 

“I love you too! Now, let. Me. IN!” 

One more big shove and Earth barely manages to stay on both legs as she falls in, spinning a bit to regain her balance as the door is burst open then falls along with Lunar as he lands on his butt. 

Before Earth can make any comment, she sees the room. 

Of course, the room was littered with comic books, paper, pencils, and clothes. His bed was full of thrown around blankets and toys, probably still smelling of the lavender sanitizer Sun insist Lunar’s bedsheets be cleaned in. But Earth’s gaze was torn by the still sizzling, black streaks of charred drywall mostly lining Lunar’s ceiling and upper walls. The window was open, but not doing much for the stench. 

This... was unlike anything she had ever seen. Especially sense the marks didn’t look rounded at all, but cutting jagged zigzags. 

“What... what happened?!” She shrieked, hand coming close to one particular line that started from the floor, destroying some of his littering possessions in the process. 

“Shhh! Please tell me you’re the only one home right now!” 

Earth just looked back, eyes wide in horror as Lunar just gets up, rathering to check the rest of the house before looking at his room. But after a quick leave and presumably a quick scan, he comes in, closes the door, and sighs. 

“Earth... Please don’t freak out-” 

“How can I not?! What did you do?!” 

“Uh... shucks, how do I say this? I... might need you to sit down.” 

He rolls over a chair, removing some clothes from it before helping her sit down. He puts the clothes away before facing her, concerned. 

“I... was the vigilante with the powers during that museum... incident. BUT I saved everyone else! And clearly no one knows it's me!” 

“YOU DID WHAT?!?!” 

Earth burst right up to grab his shoulders, staring down at him. 

“THAT WAS YOU?!” 

“I-I never knew I could do that! It just... happened! I don’t know why or how... but this morning...” He made a nod to the floor-ceiling scar, “proved this wasn’t just some misunderstanding or fluke. I... actually have powers.” 

Words failed as her grip tightened on his shoulders. Lunar? A powered? There was no way... 

She then felt her him shake under her grip. He was smiling, but his eyes... they flitted from her to the scar, too wide for it to be casual. She quickly wrapped her arms around the boy and she kneeled down to a seated position, him going down with her. 

“This... is something. Are... are you okay?” 

A big shutter happened before she felt him hug back. 

“I... might be freaking out a bit.” 

“Okay... we can work on that. Do you want therapy? We should probably put you in therapy.” 

“F-For what? Getting powers? I don’t want to be labeled for... this.” 

“Well... for that man you killed. I-I don’t blame you! But, that must have been-” 

“Nothing. He was shouting about how he was going to use us for his experiments. Probably something twisted.” He evenly said. 

She... decided not to press it as she pulled back. She saw how his face was more neutral, so she cradled his face in her hands and lightly brushed her thumb below an eye, starting the flow of tears. 

“Lunar... I don’t need to say how big of a deal this is for you to have powers. You’ll have to at least train to keep... this from happening.” 

Shaky hands gripped her wrists as he looked back to the ruin of his room. 

“Lunar... I’ll help you with the mess. But honestly, this is a huge thing for you! Secret or not, this is part of your life now! Having this appear out of nowhere, I’ve read it can be overwhelming! You’d have to get registered with the law if you want the insurance from it, and if you make this a career, you’ll need a license-” 

“You sound like you’re freaking out about it more than me.” 

She sighs, letting the topic drop. She tries to calm herself with meditative breaths, but something crosses her mind. 

“We need to tell the others. Especially father.” 

“No!” Lunar exclaimed. “Just... let me figure this out first! KC’ll have a heart attack! Especially after Sun’s mugging and the museum thing! And everyone could tell him!” 

“I don’t think Sun would-.” 

“With something like this?! He’d definitely tell KC! And Sun’s being weird enough as is!” 

Her hold loosens, only to be moved to his lab. 

“Look, I don't want you to be mad at me. I just... don’t see why I-we have to tell anyone. I’ll train, I’ll learn, and I won’t hurt anyone else! But please! Don’t tell anyone! 

Earth forces herself to close her eyes and take a few breaths. In, out, pause. In five seconds, hold for seven, out for eight. She even hears Lunar try to do the same as she does this, once, twice, thrice, and once more before gripping his hands in hers. 

“Lunar, I’m not mad. It’s just... I can only imagine how much your... powers will change your life. And I want to support you as best as I can. But I’m not sure I alone can help you. Maybe just one or two? You really need a good support system.” 

Lunar narrows his eyes. 

"Well, let me go through the options. You said you don’t want Sun knowing, or father for some reason? I know father could find a good teacher for you! And he’s really respectful when it comes to privacy, so he won’t tell the others until you’re ready.” 

“He’ll talk my ears off about responsibility or whatever. I don’t want to be babied over it. And he probably won't let me be a superhero.” 

“You want to be a superhero???” 

One swift deadpan and a quick glance to where he nodded to his comics of various superheroes... 

“Ooookay. Right.” 

“Before you ask, I promise not to do actual hero work until I know how to use my powers!” 

“Thank you.” 

“Wait... are you okay if I become a hero? I’m honestly on the fence about it.” 

“Well, so long as you’re careful about it and don’t show off... I mean, it is ultimately your choice. But I hope you’ll be smart about it. Or at least listen to your supports. Speaking of, we don’t have many other options left. The bloodmoons are too small, so...” 

“No.” 

“Yes” 

“No!” Lunar whines. 

“I hate to tell you, but you need more than just me to keep this from Sun and father. And I trust Solar.” 

“Yeah. You trust Solar. But he comes with an evil copy!” 

“Oh hush! Eclipse is not evil.” 

“But why tell Eclipse?? I don’t want Eclipse to know!” he continues to whine. 

“I mean... I can try. But they tend to do everything together. And Eclipse seems pretty insistent on trying to investigate who the potential powered may be. He’s literally going to track down your health teacher and try to prove he’s the one that took out the supervillains.” 

“Prof Atlas? That weirdo?” 

“Don’t be mean! He's nice!” 

“He spent a whole week having us mediate with crystals and sage! And he graded us on it!” 

“...I never said he wasn’t a little odd.” 

“A little??? Did you not used to go to my school?” 

She tries to hold back her laugh, tightening her grip on his hands. 

“Lunar, I’m trying not to be mean here. And Mr. Atlas isn’t our focus here.” 

Lunar huffs and moves to get up. She follows suit with less steady balance, but Lunar is quick to hold her arm in support. 

“Well... can you at least wait for me to... be ready? While I learn to control my powers, I want as few people to know about it as possible.” 

She hums in contemplation but nods. 

“Fine. Now, you might want to go grab the extra paint and plaster from the basement. I’ll fix the walls while you, go eat! Your food’s beyond cold now! 

Lunar scoffs as he goes to collect his now-soggy pancakes. He places the plate next to the milk before running down for said supplies. He's quick to come back, and Earth gets started with the part closest to the floor as Lunar brings his food to the desk. She does pause when he opens a drawer to pull out a bottle of chocolate syrup to drizzle over his pancakes.” 

“So it was you!”