The next day rolled around, and true to his word, Boombox was ready to show you the sights of Crossroads. The morning had been uneventful—just a lot of you trying to figure out how to maneuver the shower without accidentally flooding the bathroom while Boombox blasted his playlist and made an over-the-top breakfast consisting of cereal and more of that suspicious green soda.

By noon, he was practically bouncing off the walls, his excitement impossible to ignore.

"Alright! You ready?" Boombox called, adjusting the straps of his oversized boombox. It hummed with a low, steady beat, like a heartbeat that thrived on bass drops.

You stepped out of your room, slightly more awake than you'd been earlier but still as quiet as ever. "Ready for what exactly?"

Boombox shot you finger guns, the shades over his pixelated eyes lighting up briefly. "Exploring Crossroads, duh! If you're gonna hang around here, you need to know the lay of the land—and I am the guy to show you around!"

"Is that right?" you deadpanned, though the tiniest smirk tugged at your lips.

"Obviously." He puffed out his chest dramatically, then immediately deflated into his usual laid-back stance. "Okay, maybe not obviously, but c'mon, you're in for a treat! Crossroads is, like, the beating heart of Inphinity. It's where everything happens."

With that, he grabbed your wrist—not hard, but with enough enthusiasm that you had to keep up as he dragged you out the door.

The streets of Crossroads were chaotic in the best way possible. Colorful signs and banners waved in the breeze, advertising everything from gear shops to mysterious kiosks run by even more mysterious figures. The air buzzed with a strange, infectious energy, and the faint sound of battle cries and victory cheers echoed from nearby arenas.

Boombox weaved through the crowds like he'd done it a thousand times, his boombox blasting upbeat tunes that seemed to blend seamlessly with the noise of the city.

You followed along, only half-heartedly listening to the rambling Boombox went on as he showed you around. This place was similar yet different to both the sky and earth, so maybe listening in full time would've helped you better. 

Though, you weren't. That'll be the future's problem. May God guide you.

Boombox started to go along in a different location, which as you tried to follow, a crowd heading somewhere else pretty much separated you from any view of the guy.

You honestly were about to panic, yet tried to stay calm.

A crowd swept you away- he'd probably notice and come get you, right? Maybe for now it's best to stay put-...




Where even are you?




Taking in the new surroundings- you were indoors. Maybe some kind of mall? You've usually heard things about this place just- never bothered going in one.

You grasped the edge of your cloak in a feeble attempt to calm your nerves.

" Hey, are you okay? " A voice called out to you, though when you turned- rather than any familiar face, you're met with a demon you have never even met before.

They had mismatching horns, one a rose red that faded to a pale pink, the other a lively orange that'd fade into a pale yellow. They and pretty dark grey skin, a canvas bag strapped to their shoulder and a box of supplies, their clothes were already tattered with paint, and they seemed concerned? Or was your panic already that obvious to people in the background?



"I'm fine- sorry." You quietly respond. 

"You sure-? You seem lost. I can help! AH- only if you let me- of course- I don't mean to pry-" They stutter. You nod a bit.

"Thanks- I suppose? " You say with your tone laced with uncertainty. Though- ...you had your Tessen fans, if this person does anything you'd just- y'know. Let them see God for real.

"Well- I should- oh crud...I'd be late- okay! So- maybe you can stay around backstage or something- I'll help you when I'm done-in a way, I'm already almost done just gotta finish before the show--" They rambled on for a bit.

You agreed with a small nod, not entirely sure what you were getting yourself into, but it seemed better than wandering aimlessly in a place that felt both alien and overwhelming. The demon's mismatched horns bobbed slightly as they gestured for you to follow, their nervous energy contagious in a strange, almost comforting way.

They led you down a side hallway, weaving through small groups of bustling demons and beings you couldn't even begin to categorize. The air here smelled faintly of paint and something metallic, and you caught glimpses of colorful backdrops, props, and instruments scattered around.

"This is the prep area," they explained as you entered a backstage space that was part storage room, part chaotic workshop. "I'm the set artist for visuals for tonight's small Flipside concert- got this really important piece to finish before the show tonight."

You glanced around, noting the half-finished murals and oversized props leaning against the walls. The energy here felt less intense than the crowded streets outside, though it still carried the buzz of preparation and anticipation.

"Here, you can sit over there," they said, pointing to a small corner where some cushions had been thrown onto a crate. "I won't take long, I promise! Just gotta finish this last detail."

You hesitated for a moment before nodding and settling into the makeshift seat. The demon immediately dove into their work, pulling out brushes and cans of paint from their canvas bag.

As they worked, they spoke, seemingly unable to stop themselves. "So, you're new around here, huh? You've got that look. Like, you're still trying to figure out what's what. Don't worry, though! Everyone feels like that at first."

You hummed in response, keeping your gaze on the vibrant strokes they added to a large canvas in front of them.

"What's your name?" they asked suddenly, turning their head to glance at you, a streak of yellow paint on their cheek.

You said nothing, before muttering your fake name under your breath. "....Tessen.." 

"AH- Okay! I'm Pallete, I think I've heard of you before-! From. Uhm... Boombox I think- yah! Him- well there was also Zuka- since- I should stop talking shouldn't I-?" They awkwardly chuckle, going back to fixing a few backdrop pieces. "OH- uhm- I'm Pallete, by the way- just so you know my name and all!" They said- before staying quiet.

The awkward silence that followed was almost comical. Pallete's nervous energy hung in the air like the smell of fresh paint, and you found yourself wondering how someone so jittery managed to stay focused enough to paint with such precision.

You watched them work for a while, their mismatched horns tilting slightly as they bent over their canvas. It was oddly mesmerizing—the way their brush strokes seemed chaotic at first but came together to form something vibrant and cohesive.

"So... Tessen," Pallete said after a while, breaking the silence again. "What brings you to Crossroads? If that's not too nosy, I mean!"

You hesitated, not entirely sure how much you wanted to share. "Just passing through," you said vaguely, shifting your weight on the crate.

"Passing through, huh?" Pallete glanced over their shoulder, their expression curious but not pushy. "Well, Crossroads is kinda hard to 'just pass through,' you know? It's... sticky. Like paint on your favorite shirt. Once you're here, it's hard to leave."

You didn't reply, though their words lingered in your mind.

Before the conversation could go any further, a sharp whistle echoed through the backstage area. Pallete's head snapped up, and they groaned dramatically.

"Ugh, that's my cue," they muttered, quickly gathering their supplies and shoving them into their canvas bag. "Okay, Tessen, just stay put, and I'll be back as soon as I'm done. Shouldn't take too long—probably like... twenty minutes? Maybe thirty? Definitely less than an hour!"

You raised an eyebrow at their increasingly uncertain time estimate, but nodded. "Fine."

"Great!" Pallete beamed, slinging their bag over their shoulder. "And hey, if anyone asks what you're doing back here, just say you're with me, okay? Most people here are chill, but, y'know, just in case."

With that, they darted off, their mismatched horns disappearing into the chaos of the backstage bustle.

Left alone, you glanced around the space again. The sounds of preparation carried on around you—footsteps, muffled voices, the faint hum of instruments being tuned. It was a far cry from the noisy, chaotic streets of Crossroads, but it still felt... foreign.

You pulled your cloak tighter around yourself, leaning back against the wall and closing your extra eye. Maybe this wasn't the worst place to get lost, but you couldn't shake the feeling of unease that had settled in your chest.

You let out a quiet breath, your tension easing slightly. Still, you couldn't help but feel like you were out of place here, like a piece of a puzzle that didn't quite fit.

Minutes passed, and you began to wonder how much longer Pallete would be. The hum of activity around you was almost soothing, lulling you into a state of half-relaxation.

But then, out of the corner of your vision, you saw movement—a shadow that didn't quite match the rhythm of the others in the room.

Your extra eye narrowed as you turned your head, scanning the space. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary, but the uneasy feeling in your chest returned, stronger this time.

You stood slowly, your hand instinctively moving to the edge of your cloak where your Tessen fans were hidden. Whatever—or whoever—it was, you weren't about to let your guard down.

"Lost?" a low voice murmured from the shadows.

You turned sharply, your fans slipping into your hands in a fluid motion. A figure stepped into view—a tall demon with their face being covered by a purple hood, tough you could slightly make out a missing eye.

"Easy there," they said, raising their hands in mock surrender. "Just thought I'd check on the newcomer. Don't get many strangers back here, you know. Usually they'd get kicked out"

You didn't lower your fans, your stance remaining tense. "Who are you?"

The figure paused, seemingly puzzled. Huh, you'd think being on of the biggest idols around here would get you recognized easily. Guess Not! Dom wasn't sure how to immediately respond to the suddenness of someone just pointing sharp Tessen fans at them. Dom tilted his head slightly, his remaining eye narrowing beneath the shadow of his hood. "Threatening me? Hardly necessary, newcomer." His voice was calm but carried a weight that made it clear he wasn't easily intimidated. "You're either lost or looking for trouble—and somehow, I doubt it's the latter."

You didn't lower your fans but shifted your stance, your unease at being cornered fueling your wariness. "Who says I can't be both?"

Dom's lips twitched, as though suppressing a smirk. "Fair enough. But you've wandered into the wrong part of Crossroads for theatrics. Back here, you're either with someone or about to be escorted out." He glanced around briefly before stepping closer, his demeanor still composed. "So, which is it?"

"I'm with Pallete," you replied, your tone flat but edged with a subtle challenge. "They said I could wait here."

"Pallete, huh?" Dom echoed, his skepticism thinly veiled. "The scatterbrained artist? That tracks."

Before you could retort, the sound of hurried footsteps approached, and another figure burst into the room, their energy a stark contrast to Dom's brooding presence. "There you are, Dom!" the newcomer exclaimed, practically bouncing as they jogged over. 

"Valk," Dom greeted, his voice carrying the faintest trace of exasperation. "What are you doing here?"

"Looking for you, obviously," Valk replied with a dramatic flourish. His gaze shifted to you, and his expression lit up even more. "Oh, hey! A new face! Nice to meet ya—are you a fan? Wait, no, don't answer that! Lemme guess—you got lost and ended up here, right?"

You blinked, momentarily thrown off by Valk's rapid-fire enthusiasm. "I—uh—"

"They said they're with Pallete," Dom interjected, his tone pointed. "Though their... defensive posture suggests they're not entirely at ease."

"Well, duh! Who wouldn't be nervous running into you back here?" Valk teased, nudging Dom with his elbow. "You're about as approachable as a rockslide."

Dom sighed, clearly used to his brother's antics. "And you're as subtle as a trumpet in a library."

Valk turned back to you, his grin never faltering. "So, what's your name, mystery person? And are you seriously hanging out with Pallete? They're cool, but wow do they talk a lot."

You hesitated, then offered your fake name again. "Tessen."

"Nice to meet you, Tessen!" Valk beamed. "I'm Valk, by the way. And this is Dom—my very serious brother."

Dom gave a curt nod, his expression unreadable. "Charmed."

Valk leaned closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "He says that, but he's actually really nice once you get to know him." 

"Anyway, Tessen, you should totally stick around for the show tonight! It's gonna be amazing. We've got a killer setlist, some awesome visuals—thanks to Pallete—and the crowd here at Crossroads is always electric."

Dom crossed his arms, his gaze shifting back to you. "Assuming you're not planning to disappear before then. You seem... uncomfortable."

You glanced between the two brothers, their contrasting energies somehow balancing each other out. "Just... trying to get my bearings," you admitted, your grip on your fans loosening slightly.

"Understandable," Dom said, his tone softer now. "Crossroads can be overwhelming for newcomers."

"Yeah, but that's what makes it fun!" Valk chimed in. "Stick with us, Tessen—we'll show you the ropes. And hey, if you are a fan, maybe you'll get a sneak peek at some of our new stuff!"

Dom rolled his eye but didn't contradict him. "If you're staying, try not to get in the way backstage. Pallete's chaotic enough without adding more variables."

"Aw, c'mon, Dom. Don't scare them off!" Valk said with a laugh before turning back to you. "So, whaddya say, Tessen? Up for hanging out with Crossroads' favorite idols?"

" ... maybe not. I still have to get back to my other friend Boombox- I'm only with Pallete so they can help me find him. " You dismiss, easing up by the slightest bit, but still had a grip on your fans.

Valk blinked at your words, a flicker of disappointment crossing his face before it was replaced with his usual enthusiasm. "Boombox, huh? Oh, that guy. He's hard to miss—literally, with the walking bass cannon strapped to his back." He chuckled. "If you're looking for him, you're probably better off sticking with us for now. Crossroads can be a maze if you're not familiar with it."

Dom raised a skeptical eyebrow. "And how exactly are we supposed to help them find Boombox? We're due on stage in..." He checked a slim, high-tech wristband. "...the next hour."

"Easy!" Valk declared, clapping his hands. "We keep an eye out while we do our thing, and after the show, we'll help Tessen track him down. Besides, what better way to kill time than watching us perform? Two birds, one stone!"

You tilted your head, not entirely sold on the idea but recognizing that staying here might be your safest option for now. Wandering out into the chaos of Crossroads without a guide—or a clear plan—was a recipe for disaster.

"I suppose I can wait," you said reluctantly, tucking your fans back into the hidden pockets of your cloak. "But after the show, I need to find Boombox. I don't have time to waste."

"Deal!" Valk said, grinning ear to ear. "You won't regret it—trust me!"

Dom merely nodded, his expression still guarded but less confrontational than before. "Stay out of trouble, and you'll be fine."

You just nod, but before you can utter a word, Pallete's voice called out to you.

" Tessen! So SO sorry I took too long! I got caught up in something! I also couldn't find my way out of a conersation for a bit BUT good news is I was able to text Boombox to tell him you're here! He should be able to come get you when the crowd isn't as big---" Pallete cuts themself of when they notice Dom and Valk.

" OH! Dom- Valk! Hi-! Most of the visuals you guys requested are already being set up- OH- and Paint Bucket should be arriving in around uhm- 20 minutes to do your make-up and whatnot! I'm gonna assume you two already know about Tessen- theyre not gonna be here long just until they can get picked up--" Valk covered Pallete's mouth with one of his hands to make them shut up.

"Slow down will you? No one's chasing you. " Valk joked before letting go of Pallete's mouth.

Pallete blinked, clearly taken aback by Valk's sudden interruption, but they gave an exaggerated sigh of relief as soon as he let go. "Right, right, sorry! Just a little overexcited, you know? Can't help it, it's all the energy in the air today. But yeah, Tessen's just here for a bit, until Boombox can come pick 'em up."

Valk grinned, raising his hands in mock surrender. "No harm, no foul! You know Pallete, always talking a mile a minute." He turned back to you, his usual enthusiasm never dimming. "But seriously, you're not stuck here forever. We're just about to rock the stage tonight! It's going to be a blast!"

You nodded, but your attention drifted back to the bustling backstage area. Pallete's frantic energy and Valk's playful attitude were a stark contrast to Dom's quiet, brooding presence. It was almost like the two were balancing each other out, but you couldn't help but feel like you were still the outsider in the room.

"Do you guys always run at this pace?" you asked, your voice quieter now, less guarded than before, but still holding a sense of uncertainty.

"Yup!" Valk said with a grin, throwing his arm around Dom's shoulder. "The world doesn't stop, so neither do we! And now we've got Tessen here to help us liven things up!" He winked at you before glancing at Dom, who rolled his remaining eye in response.

"I wouldn't go that far," Dom muttered. "But as long as you're sticking around, just be sure you don't get in the way."

Pallete seemed to pick up on the underlying tension and quickly interjected. "Yeah, yeah, don't mind Dom. He's just... Dom. Always the serious one."

You glanced at Pallete and then back at Dom, wondering if he was always this intense or if it was just the backstage pressure getting to him.

The air around you seemed to hum with quiet anticipation. It wasn't the chaos of the crowd outside, but the anticipation before a performance was just as palpable. The sound of instruments being tuned, last-minute adjustments to props, and the quick exchanges between crew members all gave the space an almost electric feel.

"So, Tessen," Valk said, breaking the silence once more. "You ever seen a Flipside concert? You seem like the type to appreciate the show—trust me, it's gonna be wild."

"I've... heard of them," you replied, your mind still focused on the unfamiliar environment. "But never really been to one."

Valk's eyes widened. "Well, you're in for a treat. It's like nothing else. The energy, the crowd, the music—it's all part of the experience. You'll see what I mean tonight!"

Before you could respond, Pallete bounced over to you, looking unusually flustered. "Uh, sorry again—just realized I forgot to double-check some details for the visuals—be back in a sec! And Dom, Valk—don't scare off our guest while I'm gone, okay?"

"I wasn't planning to," Dom muttered under his breath, though you could almost hear the tiny hint of amusement in his voice.

Pallete gave a quick wave before darting off, disappearing into the chaos once more. Valk's smile widened at their exit.

"Guess it's just you and me, Tessen," he said, throwing a casual glance toward Dom, who was now focused on a nearby set of blueprints. "So, what's the deal with you and Boombox? I mean, he's hard to miss, but you seem like you're here on business... or is it more personal?"

You paused, your gaze flicking to Dom for a brief moment before meeting Valk's curious eyes.

"We're ...friends of the sort. " you replied.

Valk leaned in slightly, lowering his voice as if sharing a secret. "Uh-huh. Sure. That's what everyone says." He winked. "But hey, I won't pry. For now, anyway. You've got that 'mysterious stranger' vibe, and that's cool." He pulled back, his posture shifting as if he was about to say something else—but then the unmistakable sound of a door swinging open cut him off.

"Alright, you two," came Pallete's voice, a bit more composed than before. "We're almost ready, so if you're gonna get in the zone, now's the time. Tessen, if you wanna check out the crowd, it's not too far from here. But be careful, alright? The main arena's packed right now, and it's easy to get lost in the shuffle."

You leaned back slightly, relaxing your stance but keeping your senses sharp. Valk's boundless energy and Dom's watchful demeanor were an odd mix, but they seemed competent enough to keep things manageable. Besides, Pallete trusted them—or at least spoke of them—so that had to count for something.

 Valk just clapped his hands together again, his enthusiasm practically vibrating off him. "Okay, Tessen, hang tight! I'll even give you a shout-out during the set if you want!"

"No thanks," you said quickly, earning a hearty laugh from Valk and a smirk—however faint—from Dom.

The brothers exchanged a glance before Valk turned on his heel. "Alrighty! Let's get ready, Dom. Tessen, enjoy the VIP backstage view!"

===========================================================================

Boo

I'm alive

Scares you spookily