Today is my birthday!

After Arackniss's failed escape attempt, Pentious found himself increasingly worried about the spider demon's well-being. He noticed that his efforts to assist Arackniss were being misunderstood, making Arackniss feel like a captive. Determined to change this perception, Pentious requested some privacy from the Egg Boiz as he planned a special surprise for Arackniss in the hopes of helping him open up.

Meanwhile, confined to his bed, Arackniss felt a deep sense of entrapment and frustration. As he looked out the window, thoughts of freedom consumed his thoughts. Suddenly, Pentious entered the room carrying an exquisitely crafted dark wood box with intricate golden details. "Arackniss, may I sit?" he asked softly.

Arackniss remained silent, and Pentious took a seat beside him. Without hesitation, he expressed his concern. "I never intended for you to feel like a prisoner. I only want to help you."

Arackniss turned to Pentious with a glare, "You want to help? Then let me leave," he snapped.

Pentious was taken aback by the intensity of Arackniss's reaction. "I... I can't. You're still injured. Please, Arackniss."

"I don't take orders from snakes! I need to leave right now!"

"Calm down..."

"No! If I don't go back, it'll be worse. I've dealt with worse injuries than this from my pops," Arackniss blurted out, revealing a side of himself he had never shown before.

Pentious was stunned. "Your... Does your father hurt you? Intentionally?"

Arackniss didn't respond; instead, he was overcome by a sudden panic attack. As his father's voice echoed in his head, he became disoriented, with everything around him blurring and his ears ringing. In a blind panic, he lashed out and punched Pentious hard in the face, causing him to fall off the bed. As he caught his breath, Arackniss realized his mistake and saw Pentious nursing the fresh bruise on his face. Arackniss struggled to apologize for his actions.

Pentious slowly approached him as Arackniss tensed up, fearing that Pentious was going to harm him. But instead, Pentious gently held Arackniss's hands, which helped calm the spider demon. "Arackniss, it's alright. I've been through worse. I understand that it's not easy to open up to others," he spoke, softly.

"How could you know?" Arackniss asked.

Pentious sighed, "I used to be with someone who loved me. But he became greedy and left me. Since then, I've kept my heart walled up."

Arackniss could sense Pentious was speaking sincerely. He wanted to inquire further about the demon that broke his heart, but he knew it was best not to push it. "I'm sorry that happened to you Sir Pentious. Look, I'm not one for feeling vulnerable. But I can tell you this, my pops, Henroin, he's not someone you want to make angry."

"I don't understand." Pentious said, "If he's that bad, why can't you leave? Surely you must..."

"He's family," Arackniss bluntly stated, "I can't leave him. Even if I wanted to, he'd hunt me down. I don't have anywhere else to go."

Pentious felt a pang of empathy for Arackniss; living in fear of his own father with no way out. Deciding that now was the right time, Pentious presented Arackniss with his gift. Arackniss opened the box, revealing his Revolver Gun all fixed up without a single scratch. Arackniss was speechless; "I found the pieces in the wreckage when I pulled you out. I spent the last few hours fixing it up. I thought this could be a peace offering," Pentious explained.

"Peace offering?"

"Yes. I do want you to rest and wait for your wounds to heal, but you are not a prisoner here. You are a guest. You are more than welcome to explore the place. Except for my lab. That's my private space."

"I understand. Thank you, Pent."

"Pent?"

Arackniss blushed, "It-It's a nickname. I thought it would be easier than Sir Pentious. I can stop calling you that."

"I like it. Could I call you Niss?"

Arackniss suddenly gave Pentious a small smile. "I'd like that."

Pentious found Arackniss's smile endearing. He had never seen the spider smile before, and now, he got to witness that adorable little smile on his face.