TOO PISSED.

1777, APRIL 04th, MONDAY 9:00am. 

Noche followed Shaylin down the cliff side stairs and towards the hospital at the base of the mountain. They entered and both signed some papers to check in. After that, a nurse led them to a room.

"I'm glad you knew where he was. Thanks for taking me to him," Noche said. "It's been two years... Has he gotten worse in that time?"

"I visited him when I could. Kept my eye on him," Shaylin said. "He has some lucid moments, but yes. He's gradually getting worse. I'm sorry."

They entered the room and Noche froze for a moment as her eyes locked onto the only remaining, living family member she had. Professor Grin turned to the pair as he stood by a window.

"Hello. You both seem familiar. Are you related by chance?"

Noche and Shaylin stared at each other.

"We don't even look the same," the blonde muttered.

She took a step forward.

"Hello, do you know who I am?" Noche asked.

Professor Grin narrowed his eyes at her before they widened up.

"My new lab assistant."

Noche's fist tightened until her knuckles popped. Shaylin placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. The blonde took a deep breath, held it, and let it out slowly.

"Sure. Something like that," she said. "What are we working on today sir?"

"I was gonna make some toys," he said.

"Toys?"

"Yes, toys. I'll be having a grandchild soon, so I wanted to make something suitable for a newborn," he grinned. "But we can get to that in a moment. How are you doing?"

Noche paused. "I'm alright."

Professor Grim stared at her for a moment. "You don't sound alright."

"I said I'm fine!"

He gave her a sorrowful look; she sighed.

"Ok, I'm not fine. I've been through a lot recently. A real lot. I'm sorry for snapping."

"It's alright. I hope life gets easier for you going forward."

"Yeah... Me too."

"So how is school?"

"I uhh, failed to graduate."

"Oh that's a shame. At least you can always try again."

Noche chuckled.

"Did you ask that boy out yet?"

She spluttered. "What! I didn't — well, I mean, sorta? Gods."

It was Professor Grim's turn to chuckle. His mirth died off as he stared at her. His gaze lingered for a long period of time.

"Noche?" He asked.

Her single gold eye widened as her mouth hung ajar.

"Noche, what happened? You're injured!"

"G-Grandpa?"

Her voice wavered as she took a hesitant step forward. She lunged towards him and wrapped him in a hug. He froze for a moment before returning a tight embrace.

"It's ok, It's ok. I'm here," he said.

"Grandpa — so much has happened. I don't know where to start."

She stifled a sob, as the old man stiffened. His arms fell away from her and she looked up at him. His eyes were wide, his brows scrunched, his expression shocked and confused.

"Who are you?" He asked.

Noche's mouth went dry; she swallowed before speaking.

"Grandpa, it's me. Noche."

"My Noche is only four years old. You can't be her," his face tightened into a scowl. "Is this some kind of a prank? Making fun of an old man? Who are you!"

The blonde let go and took a step back.

"No, no, no, no, no, no. This can't be happening. Don't let this happen again," she stammered. "Not when he finally recognized me."

"I'm sorry Noche. He's been getting worse," Shaylin said. "His thoughts barely stay coherent for a few minutes."

"What do you know!" Noche yelled. "He remembered me! He finally remembered me for a few moments! Maybe he'll get better."

"I am so sorry. You have my condolences," Shaylin frowned and her eyes softened. "My father has early onset dementia. I know what it's like."

Noche took in a deep breath. "It's alright. I'm alright. I was just... looking forward to spending a little time with him."

"You still can. He may not recognize you, but you can still see him. Maybe even share some stories?"

"That's something. I guess."

The air chilled as Noche's smile slipped from her face. Acting on instinct she turned towards the door. Standing in the middle of its frame was Galloway. Black knight armor appeared on her in an instant.

Noche was before the grim reaper-dressed man quicker than a flash of lightning. She punched and her fist went through his head.

"I find it a tad inappropriate for me to visit a sick old man's hospital room while dressed like this," Galloway said unbothered as if a fist hadn't penetrated his skull. "But it's a trifling matter compared to what's at stake and the limited time we have to act on it."

The black knight retracted its fist and swung with the left arm that manifested from the armor. It cut through Galloway's torso like it was made out of air.

"I thought I sensed a hatred that could reach even the dark beyond stars. To think you have mastered corruption to the point you could wear an armor made of the stuff," he said. "Good work extinguishing all light in this universe. Didn't reach the immediate multiverse, but that's alright. You only need enough power to defeat Creeps in this reality."

Galloway reformed from swirling black mist and was whole in a matter of seconds. This didn't stop the black knight from unleashing a flurry of blows upon his form.

"It won't work. I'm intangible."

Noche didn't listen. She raised her leg in a sweeping upward kick before bringing it crashing down. It went through him like he was an illusion.

"We're wasting time. Stop attacking."

She did not. Her limbs moved in a blur as Galloway distorted like a broken holographic projector.

"This is pointless."

Noche didn't care. She threw blow after blow until Galloway was nothing more than mist. After a few minutes of flailing, she finally stopped. The grim reaper reformed within seconds. With that, her black knight armor disappeared in a puff of ebony mist.

"What. Do. You. Want?"

There was so much corrosive abhorrence in Noche's voice that it could have melted steel. Her glare was so venomous it could've stopped the heart of an elephant with a glance.

"To continue your training, but of course," Galloway held out a letter. "This was on your grandfather's person when he first arrived here. I think this is an apt reward for completing the first part of your training."

Noche snatched the letter out of Galloway's hand. She didn't look at it, just stuffed it into her pocket.

"Fuck your training and fuck you too!" Noche snapped. "Do you know what they did to me? What tortures they put me through. You ordered them to do all that and you have the balls to come to my face!"

Noche clenched her teeth and balled her fist until her knuckles popped and turned white. She got up in Galloway's face — standing an inch away from the dark void within his cowl.

"Give me one good reason I shouldn't kill you now."

"Because you can't," he said. "You're too weak."

Noche summoned a left arm made of corruption and punched him in the head. It went right through him like he was made of mist.

"You can't harm me with corruption. I'm a part of the POE," Galloway said. "Trying to erase me is like trying to destroy infinity. Theoretically it's possible. Anythings possible. But as you currently stand, you don't have the means to achieve it. I want to help you obtain those means."

"Gods damn it!" Noche screamed. "I don't care! I'm done with you! Get out!"

Galloway stood there silently for a moment.

"Very well. I see you need time to process what's at stake. I shall respect that," he said. "But know this, I've been protecting you from Creeps to help with your training. If that training stops, then so does my protection."

"I don't need your goddamn protection!" She shouted. "Get out!"

Galloway nodded and slowly faded away. Turning transparent before Noche's lone eye.

"Then it shall be done," his words echoed as he vanished.

Noche's gaze lingered on the spot where he was. She let out a frustrated sigh, unclenched her fist, and loosened her jaw. Once all her muscles relaxed she turned to the letter in her pocket.

"For when she's older. Nov 5th, 1760. Love, her mom and dad." She read.

Noche's eye went wide. Prismatic energy turned into wind that held the letter aloft as more rainbow light transformed into a letter opener in her open palm. She unsealed the envelope and pulled out its contents.

"Our dear baby Noche. We hope you can remember this day we shared on the beach. How much you have grown these past few years? How much more once we give you this letter? Are you still obsessed with lighthouses? You were as cute as a button with all your little attention focused on those golden beams."

The blonde let out a soft chuckle.

"We love you with all our heart and look forward to adding this letter to the scrapbook we're putting together. With how full of life you are we know when you're old enough to read this you'll have grown into a strong, beautiful young woman. One who would protect those she loves with all her heart."

Noche's eye watered a bit as she let out another soft chuckle.

"Remember, you'll always have help to overcome any obstacles in your life. Whether it's from your family or dear friends. Don't ever let fear dictate your actions. Live a life full of love. As much as your heart can handle and more. You mean more than the world to us. You are our everything. Love your mother and father."

The blonde lowered the letter and stared at the ground.

"So stupid. It's painfully generic," tears welled in her eye. "Really as if something so normal could get to me. Whatever."

Noche wiped at her eye and raised the letter into view once again. After a few heartbeats, she folded it and put it in her pocket.

"I miss you too, Mom. Dad... Thank you."

With a few deep breaths, she walked over to the window and leaned on the open windowsill. There was a moment where the world was calm. Wind chimes blew in the distance of an otherwise silent place; a warm breeze brought in a hint of snow.

Noche stood up, walked over to her grandfather, and hugged the confused man. She didn't say anything and he didn't try to stop her, despite how perplexed his countenance was. A moment later, she walked away and headed back towards Cross.

Tak and Salt sat in silence as they tended a garden together. The immortal's eyes went wide at the sight of a little green sprout. He almost jumped for joy as he pointed it out to his companion.

"T-The tree! It's growing!" He shouted.

Salt nodded with a smile on his face. Together they both admired the little tree before tending the rest of the plants. Tak savored every moment, next to reading this was one of his favorite things to do. He collected acorns, pulled out weeds, and stared at a caterpillar for a bit before moving it elsewhere. It wasn't long before the work was done and the two said their farewells.

Later, Tak went to the track field and met up with Alice. Together they had started a book club and were reading the same novel in the warm air.

"So does he ever figure out who the person pretending to be a student was?" Tak asked. "The one that threw the gas bomb in the shelter. Cause I feel like he just overlooked that."

Alice shrugged; the two continued reading.

"S-So... You glitch in time, right?"

Alice nodded.

"Have... You encountered any other immortals. Like me?"

"I haven't," she said.

"O-Oh."

They read some more.

"I'm part gazelle," Alice spoke.

"Really?"

"Partial hybrid," she said. "Reason I have horns."

"It never occurred to me. I just took the horns as normal," Tak said. "When did you get the mutation?"

"I didn't. Was born like this."

"Aah. W-Well, I think they're cool."

Alice smiled. They continued reading their books and it was a moment before she spoke up again.

"In the future... You're still around."

"Aah. That's, umm. Dandy. That's dandy," he paused. "I'm not alone... Am I?"

"Not in the future I've seen."

"Good. That's good... Being alone is my biggest fear," he bit his lip before continuing. "When we fought, no not fought, we didn't have a chance against that thing. No, when we were massacred by Creeps that was my biggest fear. Outliving everyone. All my friends."

Alice placed her hand on Tak's shoulder.

"I've... Been around a long time too. I don't know when I'll disappear. Perhaps we'll meet again in the future too."

"Thank you Alice," he smiled. "I'd like that."

"Besides... You'll always have books."

"My oldest friend," he chuckled.

They both shared a grin, but it fell away from Alice's face the moment Noche walked outside.

"Tak, I forgot something... See you soon."

Alice closed her book and stood up as Tak looked at her with sad eyes.

"O-Oh. Ok then. Have a good day Alice."

"You too Tak."

Alice walked towards the gym doors as the blonde got onto the track.

"N-Noche!" Tak shouted.

"Yo! Tak! Wazzup?"

He stared at the strained smile on her face.

"Are you ok?"

"Pshh, yeah, yeah. Totally. I'm fine."

Tak frowned. "You know, if you want to talk about anything. I'm willing to listen."

Noche stopped and pondered before slumping her shoulders and sitting down next to him.

"I'm just... Stressed out," she sighed. "My grandfather feels more distant than he did before. Then Galloway came by and I snapped – like immediately. The moment I saw him I was full of blinding rage."

"Galloway? Isn't that the person who founded Cross?"

Noche raised an eyebrow at Tak. "You never met him?"

He shook his head. "Sorry. I never got the chance. I spent most of my time training."

"Right. Well, when I first met him he was pretending to be senile and acted rather silly. But in reality, he was faking it to trick me," she said. "He's like Creeps's brother or something. Wants me to kill creeps because I'm a corruption user."

Tak nodded along.

"But he's a complete dick! The reason I went to the asylum and was tortured is on his orders."

"W-What!"

"I know – did it so I could master corruption, which I did, but fuck him that was awful! I told him fuck off, we're done."

"That's awful! I'm so sorry he did that to you! Is there anything I can do to help?"

"No. It's alright. I'll deal with Galloway later," she sighed. "After I deal with Creeps."

"Y-You still intend to fight Creeps?"

"Yeah, but on my own terms. Not Galloways," she scoffed. "Creeps killed Jack. It's fused with Edward, the man who ruined my life. I will have my revenge on the both of them. Honestly it's two birds with one stone with their Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde situation."

"But Creeps and Edward are basically a god. Or god-like. How do you intend to take them out?"

"Corruption erases existence. I'm sure if I use enough of it it'll take out a god," Noche grinned. "If that fails, I'll think of something... Besides, my revenge aside, they need to be dealt with. If only to put an end to this war."

Tak nodded. "Well, I owe you everything. If you need help, I'm here for you."

"Thank you, Tak. Honestly, I don't know if I can do this on my own," she paused. "I'm still too weak. I need to get stronger."

"That's what friends are for. To make up for your weakness. If we work together we can do anything."

"That's nice and all, but I have to do this on my own. None of you are corruption-resistant like I am. Even you would die if exposed to the stuff. Whereas I can tank the stuff for a few seconds and should that fail I'd resurrect in a new body in limbo anyways," she said. "I have to do this alone. Cherries, Varen, Jack... All the people I truly get close to end up getting hurt because of me. I don't want to lose anyone else."

Noche grabbed her stub of a left arm and rubbed it. A cold chill ran down her spine as all her failures ran through her mind. The urge to vomit swelled inside her for a brief moment. Then Tak's arms were wrapped around her.

"Breathe. It'll be ok," he said. "Just breathe."

She closed her eye and did so. A moment later the sickness welling up inside her vanished.

"I'm... I'm alright now."

He let go and took a step back.

"You're not going to lose me. Even Vulture couldn't kill me. I'm immortal," Tak chuckled. "It's practically a curse."

"Corruption is different. It would target not just you, but your VIP."

"I won't let that happen. Trust me Noche. I'll always be with you."

Noche stared into his eyes as he said that. There was a brief moment where her heart fluttered. She leaned and kissed him. It was quick; thoughtless. Just a movement that happened and was over twice as fast. It left Tak shellshocked.

By the time her brain caught up to her actions, Noche's eye went as wide as Tak's own. She pulled away and stared at him for a few seconds as her face went pale.

"T-That was a mistake," she stammered. "I just... I mean... I don't know what I..."

Noche got up and ran; Tak was so flabbergasted he sat there motionless. She barreled into the nearest building and fled into the halls.

"Fuck! Stupid! What did I just do! Why the fuck!" Noche did a combination of screaming and groaning. "Now things will be even more complicated! FUCK!"

She grabbed her head and grit her teeth.

"I gotta do something... Gotta train. Burn off this excess energy and get stronger."

She turned to the mountain range just beyond the windows and her face lit up. A grin emerged on her countenance and she took off towards the nearest exit.