(Maikendo Spoilers!!!)

Sora and Nova sat on the beach next to Oscar's house. This place had come to be a sort of checkpoint for Sora. Whenever he found himself here like this, it was like he was moving on. Moving from one part of his story to the next. The first time, was when Mimi gave him that drawing, the second was when he cried for the first time, the third was when he came to ask Oscar about Nova, and now he was here again. "Imagine it," He said, drawing invisible lines along the water. "It would look so cool."

Nova wiped the remnants of their sandwich from their face with a napkin as they tried to picture what Sora was describing. "Do you always have to be so extra with everything? How would you even access it?" They asked, side-eyeing him. He rolled his eyes and gestured to his coat, which rippled before turning into his Jet Wings. "Oh well that's great for you, but what about the rest of us without such brilliant abilities"

Sora scratched his chin. He had never really thought about that before. "I'll just carry you." He suggested.

"Well isn't that romantic, but I imagine carrying anyone who would want to visit would be a pain." Nova chuckled.

Sora opened his mouth to say something but stopped himself. Yeah, that probably would be a pain to deal with. "Okay, maybe I haven't thought through every aspect of it yet, but you can at least see the vision right?"

Nova glanced back out over the lake, their hair blowing slightly in the wind. "Yeah... it's very... you." They said, turning and smiling at him.

"Well, hopefully it won't be for a while, I still have things I want to do outside... but when I do, I know I'll have you here too." Sora replies, returning the smile. The two of them sat together simply enjoying the moment of calm. The sun setting on the horizon painting the pair in golden light. The is a long period of silence before Nova glances behind them.

"Looks like we have a visitor..." They say. Sora follows their gaze to see Mimi behind them. The dragon barret in her hair catching the setting sunlight.

"Hey Mimi," He said as she sat down beside them. She had grown so much since the first time they had met, and yet in this moment it was just like back then, before all the chaos. He still remembered the moment he had first given Mimi that crown, back when she was a just a scared child doing everything she could. That same child who showed him that strength takes many forms. That child that changed his life. "You get everything wrapped up okay?" Mimi gave a simple smile and nodded

"Yeah, there wasn't much to clean up anyway. Everyone had a good time, thank you for that." She explained. Sora gave her a proud smile in return, he was glad everyone had enjoyed it, even if it had taken a lot out of him, that didn't matter. He gently rested a hand on Mimi's shoulder.

"...that's good to hear, I'm glad we lived up to everyone's expectations." He said. Nova shuffled forward slightly so that they could look around Sora.

"I'd say you exceeded them considering the reaction you got." They added jokingly. They glanced over and locked eyes with Mimi before continuing. "Speaking of... that's actually why I wanted you to come by." Sora turned to Nova, a confused look on his face. They had asked her to come here? Why? Is that why they had told him to go ahead before? So they could talk with Mimi? So many questions suddenly filled his mind, none having any answers. Nova gave a slight smirk in his direction before refocusing their attention to Mimi. "I wanted to ask about that offer I made. I know you said you needed to think it over, but judging by what happened... I think you may have an answer."

Mimi's gaze dropped slightly, a more introspective expression coming over her face, but her smile persisted. "Yeah, it wasn't a hard choice really, and I felt like it was something I felt was...nice, and helps me to open up about my own life. After all, its not everday you have to go through what I have to go through." She tucks her legs against herself, hugging them som, but she'd nod, "So yeah, I'm happy to say yes." Sora turned to Nova. What had they said? Why hadn't they mentioned this before now? Nova's knowing smirk held fast as they met Sora's gaze

"So, someone gonna let me in on what this offer was?" Sora finally manages to ask. There is an exchange of looks between Nova and Mimi before either of them speak, like a second, hidden conversation taking place.

"...you tell him" Nova finally says, folding their arms, "It will mean more coming from you than from me." Sora looks over at Mimi who smiled brightly. That smile, that smile he would do anything to protect. The smile he would endure any hardship to see. However, he was not prepared for the words that would come out of her mouth next.

Mimi snickered for a moment before speaking the words Sora thought he would never hear. "It was an offer to be a part of your family, Dad." She said.

It was then that it felt like time froze, everything else disappeared and it was just Sora and Mimi, back all that time ago, back when he had first subconsciously called her as his daughter in his head. Ever since that moment he had always treated her like family, doing everything he could to be there for her when she needed him. And during all that, a part of himself had always hoped that she had seen him the same way, and now, he knew she did. She actually viewed him as family, she called him Dad. He felt so incredibly happy, so happy that nothing else mattered. It didn't matter to him that Nova had most likely gone behind his back to tell her how he felt. No, all that didn't matter. Sora could feel tears tugging at the corners of his vision and for the second time in his life, Sora didn't try to stop them. He grabbed Mimi, pulling her into a tight hug. "I promise I'll be the best dad you could ask for... okay?" He said through tears.

He felt Mimi's arms wrap around him, returning the hug, he also felt her shudder slightly as she did her best to not also start crying "I know you will," she says quietly, "and in a way... you already are." She squeezes him back with equal affection. This moment was everything Sora could have wished for. Well, there was one thing missing.

Sora could hear Nova shuffling back slightly, clearly they were doing their best to give the two of them space. "Hey," He said, not even turning to look their way, "don't think you can get away from this." His jacket ripples as his wings extend out, pulling Nova into the embrace as they wrap around the trio. "You are a part of this too..." Sora said softly as he adjusts to wrap his arms around both of them. "You two are both my family... I love you both so much." Mimi would glance at Nova a moment before also adjusting to allow them to be a part of the hug too. Nova hesitates a moment before fully joining in. Together, the three of them enjoyed the embrace together. Even through all the things they had gone through, they were all still here, in this moment, together.

"I love you too," Mimi said, "thank you for being there all this time." Her words were filled with genuine happiness. The three of them held each other for what seemed like hours, even though it was probably only a minute or two before Mimi spoke again. "...Oh and sorry about earlier, I didn't want to disappoint you" Both Sora and Nova laughed.

"It's okay, I didn't want to disappoint you either." Sora said. All three of them chuckled, the sound of their voices blending together into one joyful noise.

"So... Sora," Nova said, finally extracting themselves from the hug, causing Sora's wings to shimmer back into his jacket. "Are you going to tell her about your grand living plan?" Sora gives Mimi one last squeeze before reluctantly letting go and standing, helping Mimi to her feet also.

"Well, I was thinking, when I do live here, I can't exactly live next to Rebecca or in town. Despite how much I may threaten her with it, I don't actually want to disturb people with my... shenanigans." His coat ripples slightly as he says this. "So I thought..." he points out to the lake for a moment before raising his finger to the sky. "...what if we lived up there?" 

Mimi tilted her head, part in confusion, part in amusement. "In the sky?" She glanced at Nova then back at Sora. "Uh, you know not everyone has wings, Sora."

"That's what I said!" Nova exclaimed, glad someone agreed with them. Sora instantly took a step back

"Hey, look, when I came up with the idea I assumed I would be living alone, I didn't factor in transport." Nova leaned over to Mimi

"When I asked, he actually suggested that he would just fly people up and down. Naturally, I said that was an insane idea that would get very old, very quickly." They explain with a smirk.

Sora huffed slightly, "Look, okay, I just think floating islands are cool and living on one, by proxy, would also be cool."

Mimi shook her head and laughed, "You never really think ahead much do you?" She said teasingly before adding, "I think you could probably do that though. It would take a lot of work, but I've seen you do the impossible before, so why not? However, I think being able to see our neighbors is kinda important, and I don't think you necessarily want to be a permanent taxi service."

Sora crossed his arms and closed his eyes. It was true, he didn't exactly want to be a taxi service 24/7. However, what the solution could be, he wasn't sure. As he thought, he could hear Nova speak to Mimi. "Do you think he's gonna say something really smart or something incredibly stupid once he's done thinking? Cause in my experience with your dad it's 50/50."

Mimi giggled slightly "Eh, sometimes he has good ideas, but majority of the time they tend to be hit or miss."

"Well, that's your dad for you." Nova remarks back. "Whatever it is, it will definitely be interesting." The two then go silent, waiting for him to finish.

After a few moments, it finally comes to him and Sora opens his eyes, snapping his fingers. "Got it! What if... it's a normal island... that turns 'into' a floating island." He says. When there isn't an immediate reaction he continues. "That way, most of the time there could just be a bridge to it or something."

Mimi thinks about it for a moment. "Well... if you were to have your own game, you could change the terrain just based on that. So it could work. It could be in the air when the game is active and in the lake when it isn't." Nova gives a sort of nudge of approval to Mimi.

Sora nods, "That is perfect. Now I just need to figure out what the game would even be." As he starts to think about this, Nova walks over and flicks him in the head.

"I think a better question is what exactly you are planning to put on this island to live in?" They say sarcastically.

"Oh, yeah, that's... probably important..." Sora replies, embarrassed. "I mean, I'm not really picky. What about you Mimi?"

Mimi smiles, "That's not really a choice for myself, when the time comes, you'll get to put what you feel would be nice. Although, there's not much in terms of animals that live here, besides ourselves that is." She explains "Maze has brought in animals from Neo-GENIS, maybe you could do the same?"

Sora thinks on it a moment before nodding, "Yeah, maybe..." He looks off across the lake, the last few rays of sunlight disappearing over the horizon. "Until then... I think the three of us will do just fine."

"I think so too, Dad. I really do." Mimi agrees. Finally, they were all happy, together.

Dear Dad,

I don’t know if you’re far away or just deep inside the shadows where I can’t reach you. I just wanted to write because something happened last night that scared me really bad and I need to tell someone who loves me.

I closed my eyes and thought I’d fall asleep like usual, but then everything changed. The room got really dark, and I heard whispers in the corners, like little voices trying to tell me things, but I couldn’t understand them. I felt cold, Dad

I saw a big monster with yellow eyes that shined in the dark, and its teeth were all pointy and sharp. It moved like a shadow creeping closer, and I wanted to scream but my voice went away. 

I tried to call for you, but you weren’t there like you used to be. I wished you’d come and hold my hand and chase away the dark. I remembered how you always said I was brave, but in my nightmare, I felt really scared. 

I wanted to ask what I should do when  it happens again. I need to see you again.

A letter fell off the Mail Van, slowly falling into a ditch, where the flowing water engulf it. Never having it reach it's destination.

I was approached, a while ago, by the Hood Guy in my bedroom after I took my headset off. And he asked me who sent me.

I answered honestly, nobody did. I did all of this of my own volition. He seemed to believe me, and we... had a dialogue.

I still don't know what his deal is, but he asked me if I wanted a harbinger contact of my own. Apparently it's something important for people like me.

I'm hesitant to take him up on his offer. I'd be able to protect Jam better and I'd be able to be more than myself, but the idea of tying myself to whatever 'game' the Harbingers in the real world are playing unnerves me.

But...

I asked him two genuine questions and received two genuine answers. He left through the front door instead of teleporting out enigmatically. And what even happens if I say no? What happens then? Jam still has their own adventures to deal with, I'll still be... me, but I don't know if I'll ever be great.

It's a risky option, saying yes, and it might be a terrible, terrible mistake.

I'm starting to think it's just a mistake I'll have to make.

I need to talk with someone about this. I don't want to make this choice alone.

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Sora closed the door to the guild before leaning against it and sliding down to the floor. "Remind me to never do that again..." he sighed, as Nova sat down next to him.

"I think it went well." They said, leaning against him slightly. "They were all just as supportive of you as you said they were."

"Yeah, but I didn't expect them to be so... enthusiastic... about it." Sora replied.

"I think that's just Rebecca..." Nova said, laughing at the memory "She was, VERY, excited, but that seems to be par for the course for her. She's just happy for us is all."

Sora rested his head against Nova's. It was nice, comforting, a moment of calm after everything that had just happened. "I know... I just, I'm still not used to all this. Even though it's real... it feels weird talking about it." He glanced around the Guild Hall. "I've never done this before Nova. I didn't even know how I felt about this until recently, I'm going in blind to all this, and I... I don't want to mess it up."

Nova tilted their head, reaching out and turning Sora to face them. "You think I do? I've never done this before either. We're both figuring it out together, that's what's important. We have each other, so who cares if we don't know what we're doing. Cause in the end..." They interlock their hand with Sora's, holding it up between them. "...this is all that matters."

Sora glances at their hands for a few moments before smiling softly. "Yeah... I guess it is..."

Nova nods "Exactly, and besides, nothing saying we can't ask for advice along the way, even if our options are... somewhat limited. After all, isn't that what you always say? People shouldn't be criticized for asking for help."

Sora blushes slightly, "I mean... I do say that, but I don't know if this is exactly the same kind of situation..."

Nova elbows him gently "You know it works the same."

"Okay, okay, yeah I know I know..." Sora says, rubbing his shoulder in mock pain. The two of them laugh for a bit before letting themselves simply bask in the silence of the hall.

"Hey, Nova..."

"Mhm?"

"Love you..."

"Love you too..."

After that absolute mess of a game, I contacted some in game contacts and had them set up some potent weapons and other gear. I wasn't able to get before hand. That fight was such an eye opener, as annoying as it was. My ship is now fully armed, with turrets and automated implacements. I look forward to improving yosei more later, but for now this will have to do for my ship. Seeing as i don't get to use her a lot. Next on the list of things I did was gain armor, it's not purrfect... (okay what the hell did I just type) but it should work for mya needs. Oh great is this thing making me say weird things nya. Masumi's eye twitched, well fuck. I hope that nyothing else changes too much myore, If I start purring, I am going to claw who ever myade this acccount. 

After that last job I have made another spear for my self so that I can always have one with me even after I manage to hit a target with one. The second thing that I have received is the realization that I had yet to truly use everything from my kills, I realized there was something more left behind in the bones of those that I hunted, realizing that I have managed to figure out a way to employ those parts that are left behind in the bones to dramatically improve my hunting capabilities. The ritual is not without cost but I believe that if I spend some more time with it I will be able to fix these short comings in the ritual. Next I have come to the realization that I am missing a number of things that will be useful for any of these future jobs first I have obtained more lengths of wire so that I can set more traps and second I have obtained a number of small bells and what not so that I can more easily set a much better perimeter around where I decide to set up a camp.

Due to the concerning amount of absences that Chimney Sweep Sweeney has in Neo-Genis, Corporate has decided to extend the surveillance footage to outside the Company grounds. The Experiment will carry on.

"You haven't checked in, in a while." She crosses her legs and nods at Gerard, looking to and fro from their clipboard and notebook.

"I guess I haven't. What about it?" Gerard scratched the nape of their neck and readjusted their seated position.

"Well, it seems rather strange that it came so suddenly; I know it's been a few months since you started the program. Something keeping your mind occupied?"

"I caught a bad case of 'I don't fucking need to tell you'. Work is work as usual." He sighed, stretching and looking around uncomfortable. "'Been doing shit in Neo-Genis, working on the guild, going around, spreading some joy, yada yada. Filming ads to no end; I'm sure you already get the gist of it. Nothing's fucking different."

The Therapist nods, giving a moment of silence. "Have you been talking to your family lately?"

"Heh, my kid actually came over to my house quite recently, taught them something I think." Gerard shrugged, and reached over for a glass of water, putting it up to their lips before stopping at the next words that came through from the Therapist. "'Was quite alarmed by the change they had."

"Gerard, if I remember correctly, you aren't allowed to see Clara for at least another 10 years. What are you talking about?"

Gerard cringes and sets the glass down. "Eh, fuck, you know. I mean to say, I had a dream about it. Struggling to sleep these days, I feel like I'm really missing out on being a father for them... Yeah, that's what I mean."

"I see... You, dreamt that she came over?"

"I dreamt that I was getting better. And uh... Pfftt..." Gerard clapped their hands together and shrugged. "Felt like two years had past, maybe more. They... Matured. They grew up. And... I wasn't there to see them grow, but I knew that the person that they once were, changed over the years. I left them, thinking it was a good thing to remain, distant. It wasn't. I know I should have been there, just... I couldn't reach out. They didn't try to find me... It was... There were many things preventing us from meeting."

"What else happened; what did you talk about?"

"...Getting better." Gerard sighed.

___

The Therapist looked out the window as Gerard has gotten to their vehicle. She watched with squinted eyes, hiding behind the blinds as the man was oblivious to her.

"The Subject seems to have gotten through the trials with a somewhat strange outcome; an anomaly had happened in between the previous event and the current; something probably involving children. Check the records for a child. Skim the Player Data, or perhaps the "Games" Sweeney has attended in the past month or so. They do not suspect surveillance, but they are less susceptible to Corporate suggestion, and are a lot more aggressive towards authority."

Gerard opens their wallet before they get into their car, looking at a black and white photograph. Another voice responds to the Therapist.

"If they break away from the program now, that's a decade's worth of planning down the drain. Make sure you get them to open up."

"Their Ex-Wife and Child?"

"Agent Lunaris and the Asset should be of no concern. They are under surveillance."