Rosan blearily opened his eyes, though it was hard for him to tell because of how dark it was.

An endless expanse of black greeted him and the redhead looked ahead, gaze unfocused as his head throbbed.

Suddenly, the area around turned bright and a wave of dizziness hit him. Rosan nearly collapsed at the mounting pressure on his body, if not for the set of soft hands holding him up.

...Hands?

"...Huh?" he said tiredly, glancing at the source of the hands.

His eyes shot open at that, shock replacing exhaustion.

"It's been so long... to see how much you've grown..."

Rosan's eyes widened in horror and disbelief.

What? What was... what the hell was happening?!

Rouge smiled gently at him, tears pricking his mother's face, as she placed a gentle palm against his cheek.

"...My little Rose."

"..." Rosan said nothing, staring at his mother with wide eyes.

Then, he sighed and his expression melted. "Another nightmare," he muttered to himself, removing Rouge's hand from his cheeks.

"Can we just get this over with? Transform into a monster and scorn me for all the decisions I made in my life," he said, shutting his eyes and taking a breath.

He had no idea what was going no right now and he couldn't wake up from this nightmare so he had nothing to do but wait it out.

These nightmares were so frequent that they barely even phased him anymore. There was nothing to do but wait it out—

Those soft hands grabbed him once more and Rosan grunted as he was suddenly pulled into a tight hug.

"My little Rose... you must be so tired," Rouge said, sorrow in her voice. "I'm so sorry for what I've put you through... I'm the worst mother in the world."

Rosan completely froze at that, eyes widening in confusion.

What...? A dream where his mother wasn't berating him...? When was the last time he had such a thing? When was the last time Rosan dreamed positively of his mother?

He opened his eyes and hesitantly glanced down, seeing his short mother glancing up at him with tears pricking her eyes.

"What?" Rosan murmured in confusion.

"All these years, I wanted to tell you that nothing was ever your fault, Rosan. I've never once blamed you... I blame myself. I blame myself for not having enough time to nurture you, I blame myself for placing such expectations on you... and I blame myself for lying so cruelly to you!" Rouge sobbed, hugging her oldest son with fervor.

Rosan looked utterly stunned, mouth flapping as he gazed at the person with his mother's face.

No... that wasn't right...

"Mom?" Rosan whispered, feeling her tears hit his body.

"And despite how terrible of a mother I was... despite how I could not even hope to match up to Mod-chan, you still held me to such high standards," Rouge cried, squeezing him with all her might. "I don't know what I did to gain such an amazing son, but I don't deserve you at all! From the bottom of my heart, thank you Rosan."

"..." Rosan said nothing and stared at her.

So this was his mother huh...

Well then.

"To be honest... I do hate you mom," he finally said.

Rouge stopped at that, gazing at the redhead with a hurt but expectant expression.

"It's not a big part of me... but that part does blames all of this on you," Rosan frowned, staring at her with a tilted head.

"All you had to do was tell me the truth. That's it. You just needed to be more honest with me," he said bluntly.

Rouge looked guilty at that. "I understand and... and I know you told me to rely on you but—"

"But what?" Rosan asked, staring at her. "Instead of dealing with the hard part with me, you decided to let me deal with it on my own?"

The redhead sighed and shook his head.

"If I had known you wouldn't survive, maybe I could have used Modification to really help you. If I had known you wouldn't survive, I wouldn't have thought up a half assed plan that separated me from my brother for 10 years. If I knew you wouldn't have survived, I wouldn't have harbored such resentment for you all these years."

The redhead's frown was severe, just gazing at his tear streaked mother with those all knowing eyes.

"My spiraling descent started with you not being honest, Mom. You knew you were going to die but you lied... how do you think my life would have changed if I was just prepared for this?" Rosan asked softly.

Rouge held her head at the truth of his words, tears surging at the disappointment in his gaze.

"I'm sorry my little Rose... I couldn't bare to see the look on your face when you realized I wouldn't last longer... but if I knew you would have seen my passing with your own eyes, I swear that I would have said something!" she pleaded, gazing desperately at her son.

Rosan stared back at her. "My mother is a liar. Someone who was too afraid to face her worried son and left him all alone with a heap of expectations that he just couldn't fulfill," he said quietly.

Rouge bowed her head at that, giving up on trying to speak to him because he was right.

She was a coward who had abandoned her son in the same way that he had been initially abandoned. It wasn't fair to him at all... Rouge had loved her son so much but she had done something unforgivable to him.

As Rouge's tears fell, she gasped in shock as strong arms wrapped warmly around her.

"But my mom saw an infant all alone and decided to raise him as her own. My mom is a kind soul who was shoved into an unfavorable position... and my mom was someone who just wanted the best for her kids, despite marrying the dumbest person on the planet," Rosan said warmly, frosty expression vanishing.

"I don't hate you, mom. I just really wish Roger's stupidity didn't infect you," he murmured against her.

Rouge let out a sniff, before a sob left her and she hugged her baby boy.

"I'm sorry Mom. I just needed to get that off my chest... I have a lot of baggage that I've been dealing with," Rosan murmured warmly, squeezing her into him.

"I-It's okay my little Rose!" she assured. "I understand... Your parents haven't done the best job so I know where your anger comes from!"

Rouge stared lovingly at her son. "Despite everything you've gone through... despite all you did, I've never once condemned you my little Rose. I'm so proud of you for finding the family you were looking for..."

Rosan smiled at that.

"Which is why you can't be here," she finished.

Rosan's smile turned into a look of confusion.

"You said that I want the best for my children and you're right, my little Rose... it's not yet your time," Rouge said softly.

The redhead frowned at that. "Not... my time?"

What was she talking about?

Rouge nodded. "Don't be content with the life you've built so far, Rosan. There's still so much for you to experience... and so many people are counting on you. Now go," she said encouragingly.

Rosan, despite his confusion, felt fired up by her words and nodded. "I don't know what's going on... but you're right. People do rely on me and I can't let them down now."

"That's my little Rose. You've bloomed into such a strong and beautiful flower!" Rouge smiled, wiping the tears out of her eyes.

Rosan smiled softly, watching as she stood on her tiptoes to kiss his cheek.

"And you've gotten so tall too! Seems like all your boasts came true!" Rouge praised happily, squeezing him one last time.

Rosan returned the hug too, taking in his mother for all that she was. "Of course. My mother raised me to tell the truth after all," he smiled.

Rouge laughed a watery laugh and released him. "Thank you for following the words of your foolish mother for so long. I truly don't know what I did to deserve such a precious son... who'd go so far to save my other son."

"Of course. He's my little brother after all," Rosan smiled softly.

Rouge shook her head at that. "That doesn't mean I want something bad to happen to you, Rosan. I know you've been tormenting yourself over the years because of your decision to leave Ace... but you are my son too, my little Rose. I love Ace with all my heart but I raised you for 4 years. Don't you ever think blood will make him more important than you. You are both mama's children," Rouge said firmly.

He reeled at that, eyes going wide. "I... Yeah we are aren't we?" he said softly.

"Without a doubt... Rosan, how could I ever condemn you for leaving Ace behind, when the one who took him was apart of the organization that caused my passing? I'm happy that you were able to avoid the mental torture because your health matters too," she said soothingly.

Ah... Rosan needed to hear that. He didn't know how she knew, but his mother said everything she needed to say to him, to banish the rest of his doubts.

Rosan laughed and planted a gentle kiss on his mother's cheek. "Thank you mom."

Rouge understood all he meant by that immediately. "Of course, my little Rose. I'm glad I got to see you so matured. I knew I was going to have to beat people away with a stick," she sighed.

The redhead blushed slightly at that and scratched the top of his head. "I've found someone who makes me happy... and I want to protect what we have."

"You will. You and Robin have a true love for each other... so please cherish that. Don't take her for granted, Rosan," she advised.

"I won't. I never will," he said, eyes glowing.

Rouge smiled one last time. "Good. Then that means you have to go, Rosan."

With that she pushed him away.

"Goodbye my little Rose. Never forget, that mama is always proud of you," Rouge said, grinning brilliantly at her beloved son.

Rosan grinned back, wiping the tears from his eyes at that. "Thank you mom. Watch me. I won't let you down."

And then he vanished.

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

"You have to wake up!"

Rosan's eyes jolted open as he heard that and the redhead grunted, pushing himself up slowly.

"Ugh," he groaned weakly, shutting his eyes as a wave of nausea hit him.

What… what happened?

He felt weak. So weak. What was going on?

The redhead clutched his midsection and a spike of pain shot through his body, causing him to shut his eyes.

The last thing he remembered, was the war. He had been run ragged and at the final stretch, Ace had nearly gotten killed... so Rosan took the blow for him.

His Stone had attempted to heal him but it merely fully exhausted itself in the process... He couldn't even feel the flames of it.

It wasn't gone. It simply couldn't disappear anymore but it was muted beyond what he could naturally deal with right now.

Which mean he truly had been close to death... but he wasn't dead?

"You're awake!"

Rosan groaned and peered at the voice, eyes going wide as a tiny set of hands wrapped around his neck and squeezed him as tight as possible.

"Meiko…?" he muttered in confusion, gazing at the panicked girl with a confused expression as he instinctively wrapped a single arm around the tiny girl.

Was he wrong? Was he actually dead? The young face of his deceased lover stared back at him and Rosan rasped in confusion.

"Now's not the time! You have to go help!" Meiko urged, fear on her features that made his blood roar.

"Help… Who needs my help?" Rosan muttered, eyes narrowing in confusion as he tried to blink away the daze.

That confusion swiftly vanished, in favor of pure hot rage, as he saw Mod-chan getting ganged up on by that fucking stupid insect Pestilence.

She was panting and bloodied, one eye almost shutting from the bruise on it and the sight made Rosan snarl loudly.

They would dare?! They thought they could ATTACK HIS MOTHER?! HIS MOD-CHAN?!

Rosan surged up, tired aura completely gone, as red entered his vision and a familiar violent aura shrouding him.

"I don't know what's going on but I'm alive for at least now," he muttered, testing his strength and grunting.

He was exhausted. He wanted to sleep for a month straight. His body hurt. He could barely focus...

But he couldn't rest.

Not yet. The job wasn't done yet. The job wasn't finished until everyone was safe and accounted for.

"Thank you for waking me up… Meiko?!" Rosan blinked in confusion, taking her appearance in.

"Go!" she urged in embarrassment, turning away from him with a deep blush. "Stop looking at me. I did this for you!"

He opened his mouth and then closed it, rushing off to go save Mod-chan.

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

"Are you okay?" Pestilence murmured, placing a palm on Famine's cheek as they took note of the state the man was in.

That damned Goblin...

Famine grunted, surrounded by his army of constructs. "I'm fine. Be careful," he murmured, even as his serpentine dragon curled around his body.

The virus smiled confidently, pulling him into a short kiss.

"So my other half is dating the virus?" Rosan thought, disgust clear on his features. "Weird. Mom was always a pretty woman but that's still my mom. You're a sick person, Pestilence."

Pestilence sneered. "I'm not the one who initiated anything, bastard. Famine wanted me because I was all he had but I certainly did enjoy the benefits to it."

Rosan grunted. "Whatever you say, creep," he scowled.

The redhead grunted as a set of hands grabbed his cheeks and he looked down at his mother.

"You're tired," Mod said worriedly, gazing at the exhausted Rosan with concern in her eyes.

"So are you," Rosan said gruffly, grabbing her and revealing his tired eyes momentarily.

She nodded and leaned into him. The two let out twin sighs as they found their resolve with each other.

"They look tired too," Rosan noted.

"I can claim the damage done to Pestilence... but Maro was the one who damaged Famine," Mod explained softly.

The redhead smiled fondly. "Thank you, Maro. My precious student to the end," he murmured.

That was good. Maro had done her part, now it was time for Rosan to do his.

"This will be hard," he mentioned, beginning to stretch. The pain only made him more alert and focused so he'd use it to fuel him.

"Yes but, we've gone through every hurdle… we just have one more. Afterwards, I promise you'll get some rest. You must be so exhausted," Mod replied, gazing at him with raw determination.

Rosan smiled and pulled her into a crushing hug. "You've been trying your hardest to save me. I really do feel stupid for doubting you," he murmured, planting a tender kiss on her forehead.

Mod teared up at that. "No it's my fault that you rightfully doubted. You've always fully trusted me with all your heart and I couldn't extend the same level to you. I promise when we win this, it'll all be better."

Rosan grinned violently. "That means we just have to win."

Pestilence laughed, despite their less than stellar state as well. "You're gonna stop us? Like this?! Both of you look like you can barely move!" they cackled.

Rosan's laughter caught the virus off guard. The wild and unhinged nature behind it, shook them to their core.

"You should know by now, Pestilence. This is nothing. All this does is fuel me," he cackled.

Famine stared, eyes never leaving Rosan as his anger washed over the entire mindscape.

Rosan raised a brow and faced his counterpart. "That's a lot of anger you're directing towards me," he greeted, gazing at all the ice constructs with an appraising eye.

So this was what his other half used the ice for? His level of mastery over ice, seemed to match Rosan's proficiency in fire. All around, perfectly sculpted creatures stared at them.

Famine's eyes narrowed. "You think I'll let you put your hands on them? Locking me away in that castle wasn't enough was it? How much more do you plan on taking from me?" he snarled.

The dragon looped around him, growled in unison as it shot a puff of ice out.

The redhead blinked in confusion. "I didn't even know you existed until literally just now. If it were up to me, I wouldn't have ever split up in the first place. Our life clearly wasn't easy because while I was on the outside getting tortured, you were in that castle stuck with Pestilence," Rosan frowned.

Famine faltered a bit at that and Pestilence let out a vicious snarl, fury quickly replacing their features.

"The nerve of you. Who the fuck do you think you are?!" the virus growled hatefully. "Don't you ever imply that what I feel for Famine, is anything but love! I'll fucking kill you if you do that again!"

Rosan huffed in amusement. "Did you love him before or after you corrupted him thoroughly? I'm hard pressed to call this my good half now that you've sunk your claws into him."

Pestilence roared and lunged forward, murder in their gaze as black claws formed on their hands.

Rosan grunted, taking a step back, before retaliating with a lunging fist.

Pestilence squealed in pain as they were launched back, eyes wide at the power behind the blow. They hissed as blood began dripping from their nose and glared at Rosan.

"Still so strong?! How is that possible?!" they thought.

"Don't think you can stand up to me, Pestilence," Rosan sneered. "You're the weakest one here. Without your boy toy, you don't stand a chance"

Famine's eyes glowed in fury and he immediately shot himself forward, meeting with Rosan immediately.

Rosan parried a fist with his forearm, grunting at the force behind it before Famine was launched back by a furious gale of wind.

The redhead looked back to see Mod smirking cockily, elements surging around her as their enemies pulled themselves up.

"You're cute when you're cocky," Rosan pointed out with a fond smile.

Mod blushed harshly at that. "S-Stop trying to embarrass me in a life or death situation!"

"I'm just taking note of it for the future! We can't have you flashing that to just anyone! Imagine how many people will fold to such a smile!" Rosan snorted, lunging forward with a manic gleam.

"You're so ridiculous! Thinking of my dating life at a time like this?! I really will go find someone!" she threatened, taking flight as she summoned a thunderstorm.

"I'll torture them until they can't even look at you," Rosan chimed, eyes glowing brilliantly as he summoned a torrent of red flames.

"YOU'RE INSANE!" Mod roared, purple lightning flashing all around her.

Famine's eyes narrowed and pointed, white icy creatures roaring in unison at the action.

Pestilence snarled, black miasma roiling off them.

The duos stared at each other, before all hell broke loose.

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

Rosan outstretched his hands, firing off a massive wave of flames in the air that devoured the hawks flying towards him.

He performed a standing backflip, landing on the back of a bear that lunged at him.

A black claw attempted to cut through him but purple lightning smashed into him, Pestilence and the bear at once.

Pestilence's eyes widened as the purple lightning suddenly turned red and the rebounded towards the stunned virus.

Before it could connect, a trunk wrapped around their waist and dragged them out of the way, allowing the Elephant to weather the attack.

It trumpeted in agony and Pestilence scrambled to get away from it, propelling themself backwards and snarling as a lightning bolt crashed against them.

Rosan made to pursue but was interrupted by a pack of wolves snarling at him. He narrowed his eyes as they lunged and immediately ignited himself, reaching out with a hand and clasping it firmly around one of the wolves.

Without any hesitation, he set it on fire and used it as a weapon, bashing away at the animals surrounding him with a wild fury.

His senses went haywire and Rosan stamped the ground once, summoning a wall that blocked a lunging hyena. It crashed with brutal force and slid off, shaking its head as if it were dazed.

Rosan didn't stare too long because a blur materialized to his right, left hand raised to cut deep into the redhead.

Famine stared at the ignited Rosan and slashed down with his blade of ice, scowling in fury as Rosan blocked with the wolf he had been using earlier.

The wolf let out a pitiful whine as it was cut in half and Famine stared at it in sorrow.

"Monster... how can you do the things that you do so proudly?" he asked softly.

"I've never been proud of any of the actions I took. I just did what needed to be done for us to keep moving forward," Rosan replied, launching a right hook at his floating counterpart.

Famine didn't even bother to dodge. The easter dragon that was permanently wrapped around him, lunged forward to meet Rosan head on. It took the punch to its skull, roaring in pain that turned into fury.

Rosan opened his mouth at the same time as the creature and the two fired out point blank beams of fire and ice respectively, explosion forming that swiftly turned into steam.

The redhead barely had time to react as his fellow redhead, with black streaks, soared through the smoke. His sword was at the ready and Rosan transformed his hands into the claws of Ragnarok, wings and tails forming as well.

Sparks flew as sharp nails clashed with the sword. Rosan and Famine repeatedly swung at each other, styles completely matching.

Rosan's wild swings clashed with Famine's calm blows and what would have been an even matchup, was made almost impossible with the interference of all the creatures on Famine's side.

Famine overextended with a swing for his head that Rosan ducked under, poised to lunge and sink his claws into the man's chest, only to get swatted by the eastern dragon once more.

As he skidded back, a Gorilla slammed its shoulder into him and sent the redhead flying backwards... or he would have been if he hadn't stabbed his tail into the ground.

Rosan's eyes widened furiously and he snarled, before he fired a gargantuan wave of flames.

Famine grunted in surprise, ice encasing him as the wave washed over everything in the vicinity without mercy.

As Rosan huffed slightly, he watched as Famine lunged forward, minor burns dotting his body, with ruthless eyes. He cut into Rosan effortlessly but was unable to truly injure his counterpart due to purple lightning crashing into his back.

Famine twitched, only to let out a grunt of pain as many more bolts smashed into both him and the dragon.

Mod floated above the battlefield like a goddess, dress flowing as the weather bent to her will. Many flying creatures had tried their hand at dealing with her and she made sure they regret every single decision, watching the battle with a critical eye.

She poured bolt after bolt onto Famine, forcing the man to his knee and giving Rosan enough time to smash a foot into the crouched man's stomach.

Rosan lifted Famine up with the force of the kick and punched him on the cheek with his left. As his head turned, Rosan smashed his right fist into the man's gut then smashed the man with his head, before delivering a spinning heel kick to the man's head.

Blood spurted as Famine was sent flying away and Rosan sneered, poised to pursue.

As he lunged forward, A giant claw prevented him from doing so and he barely avoided getting ran through by Pestilence, skidding to a halt and getting grazed for his efforts.

He hissed at the poisonous miasma that was Pestilence's aura and lashed out with his tail, attempting to backhand them with it and getting it guarded for his efforts.

Pestilence scowled as they were batted aside and the virus lunged forward, miasma solidifying around them in the form of armor.

The virus exploded, painting all the creatures around them black and their eyes pulsed violently, surging with renewed ferocity.

At once, they rushed Rosan who tiredly glared at them.

Without Ram, he had lost enough power to be problematic. He wasn't helpless without her but Ram had gotten significantly stronger on this journey. Her growth was just as explosive as his, unlocking an entire new set of arsenal.

He grunted and slammed the ground, uprooting it and breaking off a piece.

With a quick application of Modification, Rosan transformed the material from stone to iron, before glowing red.

He exploded in electricity, encasing his weapon in it. There was so much lighting spitting out of the redhead, that the weapon looked more elemental than steel, growing far past the size it was meant to be.

Mod stared down at the battle taking place and was about to smite the creatures once more, before being forced to dodge a beam of white ice.

Famine stared at her and huffed, before his dragon opened its mouth once more and fired a long continuous beam.

Mod soared away, black wings carrying her across the sky as the Dragon tracked her. It continued to fire the beam of ice at her and she grit her teeth as Famine raised a hand into the air.

"All hail," he said softly.

At once, the lightning storm was accompanied by heavy ice and Mod watched in worry as Famine's creatures seemed to get even further amplified.

Mod locked onto Famine and outstretched her hand.

"Obliterate," she hissed, fangs sharpening.

The beam of ice clashed with a beam of fire and Mod snarled as they vied for supremacy.

Rosan felt the battle taking place in the skies but he was in his own predicament, getting completely swarmed by the army.

Lighting and hail struck him, and though the lightning didn't hurt, the blunt force of the hail was not doing any favors.

He took a deep breath and emptied his mind.

The redhead sidestepped a lunging wolf and decapitated it in a single blow. Mid sidestep, he instantly pivoted and parried a giant ape, catching the fist with his electrified blade.

Rosan was nonplussed and he pushed downward, effortlessly cutting through the creation's body.

There wasn't a moment to rest. Rosan grunted as a bird crashed onto his back, pecking at his body relentlessly.

He hissed and reached up with his tail, grabbing the bird and squeezing.

The insistent pecking stopped.

Rosan jumped upwards, avoiding the swiping of the bear and he landed on its back, grabbing his blade and stabbing it through the animals midsection.

The giant blade of electricity cut through completely and Rosan hissed, tensed his muscles and ripped the blade upward.

Not only did it completely bisect the lower half of the bear, as Rosan removed the weapon, the veritable energy blade surged forward and cut through the hoard of monsters ahead of him.

Foxes, hyenas, monkeys... they shrieked as they were caught and Rosan huffed, not done yet.

He gripped his weapon and began to spin.

Black goo began flying everywhere as Rosan's spin carved through the surrounding enemies like they were made of butter.

The redhead stopped his spin and took a deep breath as he was given slight reprieve. The redhead's gaze darted as he was suddenly forced to dodge a flurry of snowflake shaped shurikens rushed towards his location.

He jumped backwards to avoid the sharp objects, hail pestering him the entire time and Rosan continued backing away, up until a two hooves crashed against his back.

"!" Rosan hissed and he let out a pained howl as a sword cut him across his back.

Then, a giant black fist crashed into his body.

Rosan was sent tumbling across the floor, rasping as he was pelted by the hail continuously.

The sound of hooves trotting across the floor filled the cacophony of noise that was the battlefield and Rosan blearily opened his eyes to the sight of 4 figures, all atop horses.

"Four Horseman," Pestilence crooned, repeating the name of Famine's technique as they sat atop the wispy horse. "Beautiful isn't it? Famine's combination of ice and Modification, allows him to make all the soldiers in the world."

Rosan spat out some blood. "His art is lifeless. The four horseman should be different colors," he bit out snarkily.

Pestilence rolled their eyes. "After Famine and I finish celebrating our victory all night... I'll considering bringing it up to him," they said, sneering at the redhead.

"Disgusting creature," Rosan sneered, leaping backwards to avoid the charging horseman.

War, Death, Famine and Pestilence... certainly fit the bill alright. Despite the fact that all of them were black, Rosan could easily identify them.

Rosan leapt away from War, the biggest of the horses with a flaming head and opened his mouth, firing forth a wave of flames that the horse countered, by firing its own flames.

The flames clashed but Rosan grunted in dissatisfaction as a wave of ice joined the flames, pushing his own back.

They canceled each other out and Rosan huffed.

He wasn't given any respite, as the skeletal horse of death swung at him with a long scythe, clashing with Rosan's sword.

The redhead grunted as ice began spreading across his body from the connection. With a quick application of Shinigami, he converted the ice into his own and had it stab outwards towards the unnerving horse that could only be Famine.

The jagged ice was dodged by the too skinny horse and it neighed, shooting a white wave at the redhead.

As Rosan soared away, he noticed the ground where he had been at eroding, but was unable to glean further as the breath was knocked out of him.

A clawed hand carried him through the field and he gasped as he was dragged across the floor.

A horse, this one with a plague doctors mask ran across the battlefield, as Pestilence kept a firm grip on him.

Blood flew out of Rosan's mouth at the action and Pestilence tensed, before leaping off the horse and into the air, redhead in tow the entire time.

They released Rosan, who remained midair, before clutching both their claws.

Blood flew through the air, as Rosan was struck with a double hammer fist.

The floor quaked as Rosan was buried into it and Pestilence shuddered in bliss.

"Oh I've been waiting a long time to do that," they sighed, landing right next to Rosan. "Do you feel it, home wrecker? Feel yourself getting quickly overwhelmed?"

Rosan rasped as Pestilence sat directly atop him, peering down at him with a demented smile.

"There's too much and poor you are just so tired," Pestilence sighed softly. "Why don't you rest? Let us take over. You and Mod, all alone together just like Famine and I were. You already stole her from me... so you can just have her."

Rosan stared tiredly up at them, huffing in exhaustion as the horses surrounded him.

The redhead smirked sardonically and exploded in a burst of electricity.

Pestilence shrieked as they were tagged, seizing up and shuddering as it coursed through them.

They grit their teeth in rage and smashed a fist against Rosan.

"Underhanded WRETCH!" they snarled violently, expecting that to put him out of commission.

But to their complete surprise, it just seemed to energize him.

"You're damn right," Rosan hissed, spitting a wad of blood directly in their face.

Pestilence yelped as they were blinded and Rosan lunged, headbutting the virus brutally.

"Agh!" Pestilence shouted, gasping in agony.

Rosan gripped them by their dress and headbutt them again, causing blood to spray everywhere. He hoisted the virus up and smashed a foot against their side, before using the momentum to lift his entire body up into a spinning flip, slamming his other foot against Pestilence's head.

The virus saw stars at that, sent flying back.

They were caught by their wispy horse and Rosan was about to take a step forward, before he was tackled from behind by one of the horses.

Pestilence panted, eyes wide in terror momentarily as they stared at the anomaly that was Rosan. Black blood was leaking from their skull and they twitched in pain.

"What are you?" they whispered to themselves, gazing at the utterly relentless Rosan.

He struggled but let out a howl of pain as War lifted both his hind legs and crashed them onto his back.

"Ugh!" he rasped.

Mod and Famine exchanged furious long ranged attacks against Famine, both accumulating a steady amount of injuries against each other as they vied for control of the skies.

Fire, lightning, ice, wind... all elements were thrown through the air as they bombarded each other.

Famine tried to close the distance but Mod was merciless, summoning whirlwinds to slow him down and darting away in the process.

He repeatedly fired fire while his dragon filled the air with its dreadful ice.

But Mod was patient, she weathered it all with calm proficiency, merely countering with her own attacks...

"Ugh!"

...Up until she heard her son's yells of pain.

Mod's eyes darted immediately over to Rosan and they widened in horror at seeing him completely surrounded.

"ROSAN!" she shouted in concern, only to freeze as a figure immediately appeared in front of her.

"You're distracted," Famine whispered. "You truly are our mother... your biggest weakness, is your son."

With that he slashed and cut Mod effortlessly, drawing blood that instantly froze.

"!" Mod wailed in pain as the attack connected, before she was sent plummeting towards the floor with a heavy blow from the red and black haired man.

Rosan's eyes turned animalistic at that wail and the redhead roared in fury, before he erupted.

The redhead began to mimic the star, as a dome of fire engulfed the battlefield. His rage fueled the flames and they grew more and more.

Pestilence had their horse run off at full speed, intent on avoiding the explosion of flames.

Rosan huffed as his attack died down and he manipulated the ground and brought Mod to his position, clutching the whimpering woman with a soft expression.

He glanced up to see Famine and Pestilence walking up to them and huffed, eyes drooping as he hugged Mod close.

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Mod clutched him tightly, panting as her wound flared up.

Rosan's exhaustion was too deep. He had literally gotten a hole blasted in his stomach and had been thrust into yet another battle. Mindscape or not, he didn't have the sufficient energy to keep this up.

Not to mention, all the creatures had steadily sapped his energy. He was already going in at a disadvantage...

The redhead sighed.

"Looks like you two were all talk after all," Pestilence sneered, panting themselves as their fear for Rosan settled down.

Famine said nothing for a while, standing over Rosan with a sad frown.

"You've done well, my darker half. You were born because we were too weak for this world… but then you locked me away... and then you threatened to kill Pestilence. You won't take them from me. I won't let you."

Pestilence flushed at that, gazing at Famine with nothing but love.

Rosan coughed. "I locked you away? I've been spending 12 years trying to unlock that castle. If I knew you were in there, I'd have tried even harder. I didn't decide to make that castle exist. I wasn't aware of its creation," he grunted, pulling himself up.

Famine's brows furrowed at that and his frown turned severe. "Liar," he bit out.

Rosan shook his head and sighed. "You believe what you want to believe… but you're me. You should know what I'm thinking. Light and dark half doesn't change what we think of, it just changes how we get what we want," he panted, clutching Mod to his frame.

The pure redhead shook his head. "Pestilence may speak all these things to you but at the end of the day, we're terrified of being alone," he exposed, eyes glowing with a knowing tint.

Famine flinched and his expression tightened. "Don't act like you know me," he said defensively, summoning another icy blade.

Rosan snorted tiredly. "That sentence really doesn't work here. I've done enough self loathing and deep diving to know a lot about myself," the redhead sighed.

"Shut up," Famine whispered in quiet rage. "Shut up! You don't understand. I didn't even have enough power to stay awake. I didn't know where I was. I was so alone… and then I had Pe-chan. I was satisfied with them…"

Famine glared hatefully at him. "But even that wasn't enough for you. You took the only thing I had that made me me… you took my emotions. You took everything from me and even that wasn't enough... because now you want to take the only person who cares for me away."

Rosan tilted his head and finally glared at his other half, catching Famine off guard. "We're the same person, but you're pinning all the blame on me. Why are you suddenly so innocent?" he asked incredulously.

Famine took a step back in surprise. "W...What?" he mumbled in confusion, taken aback.

"I wasn't the one who didn't want the castle open. It was whatever was inside it that didn't. Don't blame me for being too afraid to face the world like you forced me to! You're the one who refused to come out!" he scowled.

"What did you say…?" Famine asked quietly.

"You heard me," Rosan snarled, fury surging as he was reminded of the life he had been forced to live. "I'm the one who had no emotions. I'm the one who was suffering! I'm the one who experienced this terrible world in full, ever since you abandoned me at Daybreak. I had to learn how to love again, how to be happy. I watched it all get taken away from me… but I never ran away and hid like you did!" the redhead shouted angrily.

"Shut up," Famine whispered, taking a step back.

"We watched Mom die… we felt the stinging sensation of what we thought was betrayal…"

Rosan took a deep breath, pain crossing his features before the anger came roaring back.

"...But you didn't hold Meiko while she breathed her last breath because of a mistake that you made. You didn't raise a little girl who you wanted to care for but you couldn't. You didn't live 12 years without your emotions while your family beat at a wall that refused to be broken," Rosan hissed, clutching his chest.

"Shut up," Famine said louder, taking another step back.

"Now I have those emotions back and it tears me to pieces knowing what I put them through... Even after gaining these, I still have all these problems to deal with and you're still running away."

Rosan glared hatefully at him.

"You blame me for stealing everything from you. Well I blame you for being too big of a coward to show yourself again. You practically forced my hand in taking my emotions back by so that's what I did. I had to learn everything you kept to yourself all over again and I still need help," the redhead panted.

"SHUT UP!" Famine finally shouted, tears falling down his eyes. "Do you think I knew what to do? I still don't know what I'm doing! I don't know anything. Since I was born, I've been dealing with all of this nonsense without any say in how I want. I didn't want this castle either! I don't know. I don't KNOW!"

"Famine!" Pestilence said in concern, turning towards him with palpable worry. "Calm down baby, I'm here for you. It's okay!"

Famine took a deep breath and nodded shakily.

Rosan gazed at him piercingly and then, he closed his eyes. "That's not my fault and you know it. I never knew any of this either. I didn't know about the Virus and I didn't know about you. If I did, things would be different…"

His eyes glowed brilliantly as they opened again, red and purple burning with passion as Mod panted against him. "But what I do know is that you're trying to upend everything I've fought so hard to keep safe… and I can't have that, Famine," Rosan said softly.

"I won't. I can't accept that. Everyone's faces… when they realize I'm gone. It haunts me and I already messed up once by getting a fist punched through me… I can't let you have your way."

Rosan stared at them in resolve and bowed his head. "Sorry. I'm going to win this battle now. You're strong... but not strong enough."

Before Famine could respond, both him and Pestilence froze in shock, before hesitantly glancing down to see a blade protruding through both their bellies.

"W-What?" Pestilence stammered in disbelief, watching as black and red blood spilled from the weapon.

"Surprise bitches!" a squeaky voice shouted victoriously.

Mod's eyes widened at that and she flinched at the very familiar sounding voice. "M-Meiko?! Is that you?!"

A growl of frustration, made the injured woman blink.

"Father said the same damn thing! I'm not fucking Meiko damnit!" the childish voice growled.

Bright eyes, mixed with red and purple, glared at all there and Ram sneered victoriously…

But that wasn't the surprising thing.

The surprising thing, was the fact that Ram looked significantly smaller.

"Still think I'm the weakest weapon here?" she snarled with an unhinged gleam, adorable features stretched into a fierce expression.

"H-How are you here…?" Pestilence muttered in disbelief, clutching their belly as blood pooled.

Ram smiled viciously. "I can never be too far from my Father. I'm a daddy's girl after all so I resisted and resisted the pull until I felt you two stop moving and that's when I went. It hurt like a bitch but it was worth it," she beamed.

Rosan grunted at that. "Ram is the one who saved my life. She's the reason I was able to get to you in time…"

Ram looked down in clear dissatisfaction. "I did what I could and transferred as much energy as I could into him... but I sacrificed some stuff in exchange for that. As you can see, my physical appearance changed," the weapon explained, high pitched voice changed into something much squeakier.

Mod resisted the urge to squeal horribly loud because of how serious the situation was and the fact that her stomach was bleeding right now.

It was just really hard... Ram looked about 8 right now and that was just the cutest thing she had ever seen. The ring was certainly her parents children alright.

Well, Ram technically still had the mentality of a child! This was totally fitting for her!

"Other Father… I'm sorry but I'm just doing what's best for you," Ram said softly.

Famine stared at Ram and then Pestilence with a stunned gaze… right before a leg smashed into his gut.

The force behind it folded Famine and he rasped in shock, as he was sent flying.

"I'll be back!" Rosan grunted, tensing his legs.

The redhead launched himself forward at incredible speeds, ignoring his injuries and pursuing after his other half.

"FAMINE!" Pestilence shouted in worry, poised to chase after the two.

A surging wall prevented them from doing so and the virus whirled around, staring at the bloodied Mod with a wild glint in their eyes.

"There's no need to interfere with their battle, Pestilence," Mod said firmly, eyes glaring at the virus with genuine fury. "It's time for us to resolve our issues."

"STAY OUT OF MY WAY YOU BITCH!" Pestilence roared, black miasma lashing out in time with their anger.

They lunged at Mod and began swiping indiscriminately, howling as the woman floated through her attacks.

Mod leaned to the right, leaned to the left, floated high, ducked low. She was weaving through every attack with minimal movement, careful to not aggravate her injury.

Pestilence snarled and exploded in a black gooey substance, catching Mod by surprise and watching as the acid like material landed all over the woman.

"A-Ah!" Mod hissed in pain. The acid began eating away at her dress and Pestilence hissed in genuine rage, eyes darting to where Famine was launched.

The Devil Fruit's eyes gained a feral glint, reminiscent of Rosan and summoned a wall, blocking Pestilence off.

Then, she began glowing purple and held out a hand, shooting out a surging wave of continuous electricity.

Pestilence squealed as they were forced against the wall by the lightning, seizing up in pain at the attack shocking them.

The virus howled, but this time in rage and powered through the electricity slowly but surely, coating themself in the black miasma and slowly walking forward.

Mod never let up in her attack, eyes narrowed ruthlessly as she zapped her former partner over and over again.

But still Pestilence persisted. With a burst of energy, they lunged forward and slammed a fist against Mod, eyes unhinged.

"You have things you'll fight for... and I do too," Pestilence hissed violently. "You don't matter to me anymore. Famine is all I fucking need so fuck off."

Mod howled as the attack connected to her already injured midsection and rolled away from the blow. She panted heavily, spitting up blood as her body screamed at the exertion.

Pestilence snarled, fist poised to crush her against the floor and Mod weakly rolled away, avoiding it.

The virus was unrelenting, lunging forward once more and letting out a roar of frustration as the Devil Fruit forced the ground forward to block their charge.

Mod panted, watching as Pestilence began smashing through.

"I have to win. Rosan trusted me..." she said quietly, eyes glowing brighter and brighter.

"I caused this mess so I have to fix it. I will fix this," Mod chanted even as Pestilence began charging them.

She took a deep breath and pushed herself up, cool expression washing over her as she began glowing purple once more.

"Modify: Form," she said calmly, transforming her nails into diamond and lengthening them.

Then, they began sparking with purple lightnings, making them even sharper.

Pestilence roared and lunged at her, eyes feral with finality.

Mod stared with a chilly expression...

"Kneel, Pestilence. There is a reason you are just a part of me."

...And then she moved through Pestilence, appearing behind the virus with her claws outstretched.

There was a tense silence that washed over the battlefield.

Pestilence was completely still, eyes wide in confusion, before black blood spurted everywhere and they fell to their knees.

"I've been so afraid of change because Rosan has been unable to change over the years... but I must be willing to change myself too. My son has grown up so it's time for his mother to do the same," Mod said softly, swiping the blood off her nails.

She turned towards the defeated Pestilence and as her nails began transforming back to normal, she flicked her hair in a haughty manner.

"Just because I don't want to fight up close doesn't mean I can't. Even a queen must get dirty sometimes," she finished, glaring at her opponent with a cocky look of superiority.

Ram cheered excitedly. Auntie was so badass!

Pestilence huffed in disbelief, clutching their midsection as they willed themself to move.

But they couldn't move. W-Why couldn't they move?!

Mod watched the virus try to move and shook her head, merely wrapping Pestilence in a prison of stone.

"The only reason I'm going to keep you alive is for Rosan to decide your fate," Mod said coldly, red eyes boring a hole into her defeated former partner.

It was strange, but Pestilence truly showed care for that other half of Rosan. Not only that, they had made good on their promise and had saved Rosan's life.

Mod would refrain from doing anything just yet, but Pestilence's fate would be decided here.

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

Famine caught himself, landing on the ice and glaring furiously at the collected Rosan.

"All alone with just your biggest nightmare," Rosan said coolly, blowing a breath of cold air as snow began falling around them. "I hate the cold you know? So gloomy. Makes me sad all the time."

"The cold is all I've known," Famine retorted, eyes shifting rapidly towards a direction.

"What's wrong?" Rosan asked gently, looking far too calm for the state he was in. "Worried for Pestilence?"

Famine snarled at that and lunged forward.

Rosan shook his head, easily sidestepping the attack and batting the man away.. "Sloppy. You say I stole all your emotions, but that doesn't seem to be true. Your mind isn't focused at all."

Famine would not be deterred, he pushed himself into a handstand and delivered a vicious kick that Rosan leaned back slightly from.

The redhead grabbed the outstretched leg and hoisted Famine up, slamming him on his back.

"Is the creeping loneliness getting to you? Are you not used to being alone?" Rosan asked knowingly.

"Why won't you just stop talking?!" Famine barked, flipping himself off his back and away from Rosan.

The area grew colder as Famine summoned a blizzard, launching it towards the Rosan who simply outstretched a hand and match it with a great bout of flames.

"Just give me my life back!" Famine shouted, desperately throwing flurry after flurry towards his dark half.

Rosan grunted, effortlessly summoning a wall that blocked the snow flaked shurikens. The redhead tapped the wall and punched it, applying Modification at the moment of contact.

Famine hissed as spikes began flying out of it, soaring away from the attack.

"Black Snow!"

White dots began forming at his shout, all coalescing until it formed into a sharp and pointed snowflake. The giant piece of ice gleamed over the battlefield, looking more akin to a star and the corrupted redhead snarled.

"Black Star!"

The giant white star careened towards Rosan with dreadful speeds, slicing through the air as it reached closer and closer to the redhead.

Rosan stared up and took a deep breath and tensed up, red flames licking his body. The redhead took a deep breath and held his hands out, sweat dripping down his body from overexertion.

But despite that he continued to draw more and more power. It didn't matter the cost, he couldn't lose here. He had to win...

By any means necessary.

Scales covered Rosan's skin as his features turned draconic and the redhead snarled violently, a surge of sparks accompanying the fire and melding with it...

But that wasn't all. Rosan grit his teeth as his elements suddenly clashed with each other and he nearly got overwhelmed, before realizing he couldn't control the attack anymore.

The redhead watched with wide eyes as his attack surged through the air, hairs on his body standing straight as his strange attack melted the falling snowflake, continuing its course towards a wide eyed Famine.

He only had a moment to summon a giant shield of ice with the surrounding snow before it crashed into him.

Famine shrieked as the attack struck, blasting through his shield with no effort. He seized up and shuddered, eyes rolling to the back of his head as he fell towards the ground.

The black streaked redhead crashed into the ground, gasping in agony as his body spasmed at the strange technique that attacked him.

How... how was this possible...? How was it that even at his weakest, Famine could not beat Rosan?

No... no no no. He couldn't. He couldn't fail Pe-chan. He was the only one stopping Rosan from getting his hands on them.

Famine heard the impossibly quiet footsteps like they were a death sentence and pushed his burned body up, staring at his counterpart with wide eyes.

"I won't... I can't let you win," he said, eyes taking a desperate glint.

"I won't. I won't. I won't let you hurt Pe-chan!" Famine chanted, ice covering his body. He hissed in agony at the reaction it caused but ignored it.

Rosan stopped as he watched Famine actively hurt himself by icing over his burned skin, gazing at the action with inscrutable eyes.

"I won't let you!" he shouted, ignoring his pain and dashing forward.

Rosan hummed and leaned back, dodging the wild swing with a cold expression.

"Too afraid to bear the weight of the world… so you hid yourself away. Nothing anyone tried, ever got through to you. I am living proof of that. Your stubbornness plunged you into your greatest fear…being alone," Rosan said softly, ignoring the frantic swings as he weaved through them like a dancer.

Famine's breath hitched and he froze his swings.

"But you weren't truly alone. You had Pestilence. Pestilence has been a constant presence to you since you were born and now you love them comparably to how much I love Mod or Robin."

The corrupted redhead began shaking, body spiking in pain.

Rosan took a step. "But now that you don't have them, you've been reduced to the state you always truly were. A sad and afraid little boy who doesn't know what to do."

Famine began backing away from Rosan with wide eyes, the most expression on his face since this entire thing began.

Rosan was not bothered, he continued mercilessly approaching his other half, eyes boiling with unhinged mania even as his counterpart continued to back away from him.

"I see through you. Through the corrosive corruption, the anger, the sadness… you're just afraid," Rosan said truthfully.

"How… H-How do you know that?!" Famine whispered, stepping further and further back as Rosan closed the distance.

"How?" Rosan asked, stopping directly in front of the man. "That's easy."

Rosan reached out his hand and Famine flinched back, unable to do nothing in the face of his stronger and more ruthless half.

"I know because you're me, idiot."

Famine only had a moment to let out a surprised noise, before he was pulled into a strong hug.

"W-What?" Famine said, eyes wide in confusion as he was engulfed in such warmth. He felt his breath hitch as the pain in his body vanished, gazing at Rosan with wide eyes.

"All that love you feel for someone... to the point where you'd hurt yourself to keep them safe. The terror in your eyes when you realize something could happen to them and you can't do anything. The despair of loss... I feel those same things," Rosan murmured, eyes soft as he modified the pain away from Famine's body.

"Terrified of being alone so you surround yourself with an army of constructs that fight with you... I also have coping mechanism techniques that I learned because of my trauma," Rosan said softly.

"...You do?" Famine asked quietly.

Rosan nodded. "Save Point so I can never get separated from my loved ones again... Overhaul so I can never be betrayed like I thought I was, Auto Mode so I can't get ganged up on again... and creating Angel and Demon so I don't have to be alone," he said softly.

Famine froze completely at that, a torrent of emotions overwhelming him as Rosan spoke in a way that resonated completely with him.

"I know all those feelings you're experiencing. Of course I know. We're the same person after all. At the end of the day, Rosan is a coward who's terrified of being alone. Isn't that right, Rosan?"

Famine let loose a shaky breath at hearing the earnest way he was finally called Rosan.

H-He was being called Rosan by someone who actually believed it... No one had done that yet... nobody. Whoever called him Rosan didn't actually believe it was him... but once they learned he was also called Famine they stuck with that completely.

It hurt. It hurt being viewed as an impostor... but Rosan didn't view him as an impostor at all. He viewed him... as Rosan too?

"We split up because our heart was just too big for this world. You left the task up to me to protect us and I failed completely. I just made things worse and despite that, you suffered for it," the redhead sighed.

Famine began shaking. "You..." he trailed off, stunned quiet.

"When I felt myself dying, I apologized to a lot of people… but I forgot one person," Rosan said genuinely, eyes shutting at his mistake.

"I'm sorry, Famine. Sorry that I failed to properly protect us from this world until it was too late. I'm sorry for not making sure it was completely safe so that you could experience all that I experienced…" he whispered truthfully.

"But we can't be afraid anymore. This fear… it's chaining us down from the one thing we want more than anything and that's…"

"...To be loved by a caring family," Famine replied back, tears forming in his eyes.

Rosan smiled gently. "Aren't you tired of all this? I know I am. I'm so tired of hating myself. I know you're tired of it too. We're not alone anymore Famine. We're loved and for so long I couldn't find the reason... But as I look at you, as I see how you act, I realize exactly why. You managed to turn a creature who hated us, into your most loyal supporter and I think that's pretty damn awesome," he admitted.

Pestilence made it abundantly clear that they hated him. The virus despised Rosan with every fiber in their being... but that same virus gained a new reason for hating him and it was because of how much they loved this boy right here.

And as Rosan watched Famine's desperation peak, helplessness and terror in his eyes at the knowledge he'd fail his only friend, Rosan began to see exactly what everyone else saw.

It just took a long look in a more realistic mirror. Corruption, lacking most emotions, deprived of a life... and yet Famine still fought with his all to protect the one thing he had.

That was incredible. Rosan's jealousy that such a human being could exist vanished, when he realized he was that human being.

Famine couldn't believe what he was hearing. After all these years of preparing to usurp his counterpart... failure had dipped him into reckless desperation.

And now... now at the cusp of victory, Rosan wasn't trying to kill him? But... but why? Wasn't he the dark half? Why was he hugging someone who planned on taking everything from him?!

"I'm so tired of hating myself."

Is that what Famine was doing? Hating and rejecting a part of himself?

Did Rosan... did Rosan not hate him?

"The things you said, is that… is that why you're hugging me?" Famine asked quietly.

"We love hugs so I knew exactly how to calm you down," Rosan added with a tiny laugh.

Famine shuddered strongly. "So that means you…"

"Yeah, of course I love you," Rosan finished his sentence. "I love who we are. I love what we can be. If everyone can love "Rosan" then, I think we can afford to love ourselves a bit," he said genuinely.

"R-Really?" Famine stammered. "You don't… you don't hate me for shoving you into the world alone? For abandoning you? We could have dealt with it together b-but I ran away like I always do."

Rosan laughed softly and pat his counterparts head. "No I don't hate you because that was a decision we made together. We're two halves who were born out of the desire of the original… No one is to blame for that."

The redhead placed both hands on Famine's shoulder, flashing a brilliant grin towards him.

It was like... looking at the sun. Famine was blinded by the brightness that was his counterpart.

So this... this was why it was him who braved the world. His dark half... he wasn't dark at all.

Even with all the darkness surrounding him, Rosan still shone like a star.

"I think we've become strong enough. There's no need for this anymore. Let's both experience the world as we should. You don't deserve to be locked away anymore. That's not right. We're both Rosan," Rosan finished.

Famine said nothing. "But what if the world crushes us again?" he suddenly asked, deep voice vanishing in favor of something far squeakier…

Something far younger.

Rosan smiled gently and ran a hand through his hair. "Then our family will lift that weight off us. They are strong… and we're stronger than we think. We'll protect them and they'll protect us."

"…"

A flash of white engulfed Famine and he shrunk tremendously, features turning far younger as he clutched Rosan's midsection.

Rosan stared into the eyes of his 9 year old counterpart, those large, glistening, purple eyes that shone with such naivety and innocence.

Such innocence... Rosan wanted nothing more than to protect this tiny child. This child who hadn't been allowed to find the light before the darkness.

Of course he'd have to guide him back to the light. Rosan had been horribly misguided too before everyone helped him.

The sun. That's what Robin used to say he was, so Rosan would be a shining star for his counterpart.

"P-Promise?" Famine stammered, tears beginning to spill from his eyes.

Rosan crouched onto one knee, regarding the small redhead with a kind and fond grin as he placed a large palm on the child's head of hair. "I know we don't have a good history of it... but trust me this one time. I promise. We're safe, Rosan."

The child's lips wobbled at that and he let loose a sharp wail as he crashed into Rosan's outstretched arms.

"O-Okay!" he stammered, whimpering as Rosan engulfed him completely. "I'm sorry for being so afraid! I-I kept running away and you had to struggle just like me b-but we don't have to struggle if we're together!"

"That's right," Rosan said, tucking him in assuredly. "I'll shield you. I'll protect us... and you'll shower our family in the love they deserve."

His apology... it sounded a lot like Raisa's.

"Okay! I'm ready! We can do it!" he sobbed happily, clutching Rosan like a lifeline.

Rosan smiled in return, tears falling from his eyes. "Of course we can. We're Rosan after all."

Famine let out a watery laugh. "Yeah! We can do anything!"

"Except swim," Rosan laughed with him.

"Except swim!" Famine laughed too, wrapping his tiny arms around Rosan's neck.

The two engulfed and remained there, hugging each other as thousands of emotions and thoughts passed at once. The two laid themselves bare for the other, exchanging everything yet nothing at the same time.

The cold area around them melted away, grass growing livelier as the sun shone over them, a steady downpour pleasantly tapping their skin. Trees grew, flowers bloomed… and the vestiges of the castle fully melted away, snowflakes melting in the wind.

Finally, Rosan stood from his crouched position, eyes watery as a grin made its way to his face.

"This feeling..." he said eventually, basking in the weather with large and wondrous eyes. The red and purple of his eyes glowed brightly, as the black sclera melted away with the ice.

He held out a hand and felt his excitement grow at feeling the water touching his hand. He gazed at said hand with wide eyes, before summoning a mirror and taking in his complete appearance.

Rosan took a deep breath, before he threw his head back and began laughing.

"Kahahahaha!" he laughed in joy, unable to resist as euphoria filled him. Black and white wings, perfectly intermingled with each other sprouted behind him and the redhead flew around the sky, taking in the air with a giddy expression as he shared his joy with the mindscape.

He just laughed and laughed, red hair with black tips matting to his head completely as he spun in place, performing backflips in midair.

"It's been so long. 14 long years but finally…" Rosan breathed, landing on the spot.

"Took me long enough… We finally did it huh, Rosan?" he asked, staring at the two spots where he had just been.

His grin widened, as he felt a burst of warmth fill his body… at just hearing his name.

Mama, Meiko, Mod-chan, Robin, Ram, Maro, Ace, Sabo, Luffy…

Even as the tears continued spilling from Rosan's eyes, he laughed and laughed.

"They really were right! Maybe I really am stupid!" he beamed.

"Kahahahahaha!"

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

"So are you stuck like this?" Mod asked Ram in a hushed whisper, never taking her eyes off Pestilence.

She nursed her wounds and glanced gratefully at Ram, watching as the weapon tightened her dress from behind.

Ram grumbled, kicking her shorter legs out as she held a pistol that looked far too large for her. "I think so. I gave father a lot of power so that he was able to move about."

Mod nodded thoughtfully at that, taking in Ram's appearance with a thoughtful expression.

She was downright adorable, pudgy cheeks puffed out in indignation as she tugged at her fitted double breasted coat. Her hair didn't actually seem to have reduced in length so it spilled even past her legs, pooling on the floor if not for the fact she had twintails.

It was just too much. Mod nearly keeled over at the weapon holding a weapon that was too big for her.

"You did fantastic Ram. I'm so proud of you… you got us out of a tough situation," Mod said quietly, tearing her gaze off of her niece and focusing once more on Pestilence.

Ram blushed and rubbed a tiny hand against her silver hair. "I had to do it for Father. I knew something was wrong when I saw… them out and about," she spat venomously.

The trapped Pestilence snarled at her, looking more akin to a wild animal. They looked fully unraveled, eyes pulsing madly and practically foaming at the mouth.

Mod averted her gaze at that, not wanting to see someone break down so completely.

"Well done Ram. I'm so so proud of you," Mod said, pulling the tiny girl into a hug. "And now, you look your actual age! I can finally tell you to watch your language and there's nothing you can do about it!"

Ram groaned in annoyance but returned the hug anyways. "I hate this."

Mod smiled softly, clutching her to calm her nerves.

She was exhausted and bleeding and her dress was torn in all sorts of places and she hated that she was so exposed…

But she needed to be prepared… for anything. Whatever happened, Mod would have to react accordingly.

She would be ready for whatever happened. Even if it broke her heart to do so.

Footsteps halted her train of thought but it increased the tension dramatically.

At once, everyone hesitantly looked at the direction and saw a familiar figure approaching at a moderate pace.

All 3 lit up at the sight of a familiar redhead.

"Rosan!" Mod shouted in joy.

"Father!" Ram squealed happily.

"Famine!" Pestilence grinned, utterly pleased.

Mod's delighted expression vanished at the same time as Pestilence's and they gazed at each other in confusion.

"What are you talking about, dumbass?" Pestilence snarled incredulously. "That's Famine. Your little boy toy lost!"

"No, that's Rosan!" Mod shouted in fury, fangs bared. "And I told you not to refer to my son as that!"

Pestilence grit their teeth in rage. "Oh yeah? Famine, free me!" they demanded.

The redhead gazed at them all with a tilted head, before waving his hand and undoing the ground wrapped around Pestilence.

Pestilence beamed victoriously and weakly leapt onto Famine, shooting a smug grin towards the crestfallen Mod and Ram as he steadied their utterly exhausted body.

Mod looked on in distraught and closed her eyes, taking a deep breath and coming to terms with what she needed to do.

"Told you so!" Pestilence cackled.

The virus immediately dove for his lips but a finger stopped them from advancing and Pestilence regarded the man with confused eyes as he simply kissed their head instead.

"Famine?" they wondered in trepidation.

There was an apologetic glint in his eyes. "That's not right, Pe-chan. I love you but we can't do that."

Pestilence looked as if they had been struck by that statement. The virus weakly stepped back and regarded their partner with wide eyes.

"W-What?" they repeated.

Rosan sighed softly and shook his head.

"You three should stop arguing," he said eventually, turning towards the confused Mod and Ram. "There's no need for us to be enemies anymore."

"No need...? What the hell are you talking about Famine?!" Pestilence barked in confusion. "Don't you remember what they did to you?!"

"It was a decision I played a part in," he replied softly, staring at the confused virus with an assured expression.

"There's nothing to be upset about anymore. I feel better than I ever have," Rosan smiled confidently.

Pestilence looked utterly stumped, gazing at the redhead with a dumbfounded expression.

"R-Rosan?" Mod said, not looking too sure as she gazed at the black tips in his hair.

Rosan laughed and tugged at his spikes. "This? After effects of taking Pe-chan's energy for all these years. I think this is permanent," he explained.

"I don't… understand," Pestilence and Mod said at the same time.

Rosan smiled fondly and scooped up a yelping Ram. He squeezed her and held her in the air with a delighted gleam, watching as she fruitlessly struggled in his grasp.

"Look at how adorable my daughter has become. I can hold you so easily," he awed, spinning the girl around.

Ram squealed, face burning an epic shade of red as he held her in such a... such a demeaning position! "P-Put me the fuck down Father! This is embarrassing! S-Stop, I'm serious!"

Rosan shook his head, grinning wildly as he pulled the tiny girl into a deep hug. "Nope. How could I? I'm so proud of you right now."

Ram tried to struggle but his hands were too damn big and she was too damn tiny! It didn't take long at all for her to give up and the ring just wrapped her tiny arms around his neck. "You're the worst, Father," she mumbled, ducking her face into his neck.

"I know. Get some rest, you're tired," Rosan said soothingly, tucking her into his frame easily.

"You are too," Ram murmured, enjoying the warmth. "You're barely alive right now..." she trailed off.

"I'll get rest as soon as possible. Alright?" he whispered, feeling the way the tears spilled onto his body.

The ring was exhausted after the massive jump needed to make it to Rosan's position.

"I-I'm glad you're alive, dad!" Ram sobbed, clutching him tightly as a wail left her. She held him like he'd disappear any moment and Rosan's expression softened dramatically.

"I wouldn't be without you. Thank you, Ram," he said, squeezing her tightly even as she fell asleep.

"What's… going on?" Mod asked in confusion, watching the touching scene and noticing how at ease Ram was around who she thought was Famine... but felt like Rosan?

Rosan turned towards her with a small smile, ensuring the sleeping Ram was comfortable the entire time.

"I took a long look in the mirror. I know I'm stubborn but I can at least be a little reasonable, and I realized that… I'm not all that bad y'know?" he said softly, pulling Mod into a tight hug.

Mod gasped at that, defenses melting effortlessly in a way that only Rosan could achieve. "Wait, did you...?"

"Yeah. My two halves came to an understanding and they decided that I'm ready to face the world," Rosan finished with a small smile.

Mod teared up at that and let out a happy sob as she squeezed Rosan with all her might.

"Yes. Yes! After all this time... I'm so happy!" she exclaimed, crushing the man with tears of joy.

Rosan laughed and wrapped a single arm around her, taking in everything about her with a pleased gaze.

Pestilence watched with an expressionless face, closing their eyes and letting out a sigh.

So that's what happened. Their partner didn't take over. War and Famine had reached unity and truly became Rosan once more.

So this was what it felt like to get your heart broken, eh? It was no wonder Rosan broke in the first place. This was probably the worst feeling Pestilence had ever been through.

It was taking them everything in their power to not scream in frustration, not willing to crack until they were truly alone... or dead by this redhead's hands.

"Pe-chan."

Pestilence opened their eyes and looked at Rosan with a neutral expression.

"You know I'm still me, right?" he asked curiously. "I'm still the boy that you hugged for basically my whole life. I'm still the boy who you managed to make smile with your terrible singing… I'm still the boy who loves you… you know that right?"

Pestilence stared at him and scoffed, shaking their head. "Just leave me alone," they muttered.

With that, the virus stomped off deeper into the forest.

Rosan watched them go with a frown, sighing slightly as his mood dampened.

"Should we really let them go free?" Mod asked in concern. "I understand now that Pestilence is too great of a threat so maybe we should just be rid of them?"

He immediately shook his head, much to her surprise. "No. I don't wanna hurt, Pe-chan. I can speak to them eventually but for now, just leave them alone."

The redhead hummed and tucked the two a little tighter into his frame. "You guys need to rest up. I've got a lot of talking to do," he said tiredly.

"I'll stay awake with you… I'm just so relieved that..." Mod shivered, remembering the despair she felt at thinking Rosan was…

Think that he was dea—

Rosan clutched her tightly, running a hand through the shaking woman's hair and she broke out into weak sobs, body wracking in pain.

"I know... I'm sorry Mod-chan…" Rosan murmured gently, kissing her on the head as she cried against him.

"Please don't leave me, Rosan," Mod whimpered, clutching his torn outfit desperately.

Rosan's expression softened drastically.

"I'm still here, Mod-chan," he whispered to her, eyes turning misty at how hard she was shaking.

She nodded shakily and the redhead allowed her to desperately take in his features, allowing his mother to smother his cheeks in her bloodied kisses.

"C'mon we need to get you changed. I can see too much of your boobs. It's turning me homicidal."

Mod sniffed and glared up at him with teary eyes. "N-No one's even here to see me like this! You need to stop being so lewd!"

"You almost seem like a different person too, Mod-chan," he praised. "More cocky, less demure."

Mod blinked before an outraged expression crossed her features. "Stop talking about my attire! I understand that a lot of my skin is exposed! How do you think I feel about this?!"

"That is not what I meant," Rosan said with an amused smile.

Mod rolled her eyes and crossed her arms, turning away from him. "I came to some of my own realizations. I shouldn't be afraid to change myself."

"I'm proud of you," Rosan said truthfully, getting his mother to turn beet red.

"S-Shut up! I'm the mother here!" she protested in embarrassment.

Rosan smiled slightly, glad for the temporary peace.

It was going to get hectic very quickly after all.

He hoisted his mother up and tossed the startled woman over his shoulder.

"Hey look, I can see your ass," Rosan pointed out with an amused smile.

Mod's struggles increased tenfold. "R-ROSAN! I'LL KILL YOU! PUT ME DOWN! THIS IS REALLY EMBARRASSING!'"

Rosan patted the spot mercilessly, getting a squeal of rage and embarrassment out of his mother.

"I-I'M TELLING ROBIN YOU SLAPPED MY BUTT!" she stewed.

He froze at that and then shrugged. "I'll just let her slap yours next... She'll probably accept it."

"YOU'RE SERIOUSLY UNBELIEVABLE!"

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

"Hey."

Pestilence said nothing to the figure behind them. "Leave me alone," they said bitterly.

"I'm not gonna do that," Rosan muttered, pulling them into a hug and repairing their dress in the same movement.

Pestilence sneered and attempted to shove him off, failing miserably due to their injuries.

"Stop with the bullshit," they said venomously, struggling fruitlessly.

"Get the fuck outta here! I don't want you here. I don't need you anymore so just let me be alone in peace or kill me! I don't give a damn!"

Rosan sighed at the prickly tone. "Pe-chan—"

"Don't call me that!" Pestilence snarled, rounding on him with fury.

The redhead frowned, seeing the pain behind all the anger.

"You think I'm really that easy?!" Pestilence barked. "Stop fucking messing with me you stupid bastard. You think I don't know what'll happen?!"

Rosan remained silent, even as Pestilence poked a finger against his chest.

"You'll make it back to your precious little family and they'll accept you with open arms. You'll get everything you wanted with them and they'll fulfill you the way you've been wanting to be this entire time. You —"

"I'm not going to forget you, Pe-chan," Rosan said abruptly, seeing through them so effortlessly, it shut them up completely. "I'm still me you know?"

"I remember everything. How you helped train me up, how you pointed me to the realization that I could use ice, how you looked completely dumbstruck when I made a sculpture of you..." he trailed off.

Pestilence nearly went soft at that, before their anger came roaring back.

"You aren't Famine!" Pestilence hissed, glaring at him heatedly.

The virus scowled ferociously at the thought.

"You've become one with someone who tried to kill me! To someone who's jailed you! But just like everyone else you were just another whore for his words! You picked him over me!" they shrieked furiously.

"I thought you'd be happy that you saved me," he frowned.

"Happy?! You think I'm happy about this?! Happy seeing you hug and kiss that fucking traitor Mod right in front of me? Happy that you strayed this far from the plan?!" they asked incredulously.

The redhead closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "Pe-chan... Mod-chan and I aren't like that. There's love out there that doesn't have to be adulterous. There is pure love too."

Pestilence laughed disbelievingly. "So that's why you stopped my kiss."

"..." Rosan was expecting that.

"I don't see you like that," he said truthfully.

"The past few years would beg to differ," they scowled. "I wasn't the one chomping at the bits the moment they turned 18."

"The circumstances weren't normal at all, Pe-chan," Rosan countered.

"You used me," they replied, shaking their head in amusement.

Rosan sighed. "You're not being very fair at all, Pe-chan. You're still the one who caused me to split up in the first place," he said neutrally.

Pestilence went stiff at that, eyes turning into pinpricks as Rosan stared at them with a frown.

"The castle was created because of your actions in assisting Doc to break me. You hated me long before I even knew you existed and the existence of Famine and War were proof of that..."

Pestilence shuddered at his accusing words, averting their gaze at the truth of it. "So what? I already apologized for that. I didn't expect you to shatter like that," they said bitterly.

"Exactly... you apologized because you felt bad. Despite hating me, we still managed to talk and become best friends you know? That part of me hasn't left. Yes, I have some grievances with you now that I'm complete... but we can talk this through."

Pestilence scowled. "I don't want to talk to you anymore. Are you going to kill me and get it over with?"

"No. Why would I want to kill you? That's the last thing I want to do to you. You're afraid of dying," Rosan replied, looking affronted by such a thing.

The virus scoffed. "How thoughtful."

The redhead frowned at that, running a hand through his black tipped red hair.

"What are you going to do now?" he asked finally.

Pestilence let out a barking laugh. "Afraid that I'm still gonna try to fuck with you all? No. I'm good. Despite everything, Famine got what he wanted so I'm going to just stay here."

"...I don't hate you, Pe-chan," Rosan said eventually, crossing his arms as a tint of frustration crossed his features. "Why do you keep acting like I hate you?"

Pestilence twitched violently and their expression cracked slightly. "Isn't it obvious that you do?" they asked bitterly.

"Don't be so fucking stupid!" Rosan scowled finally, making them take a step back. The warning glow in his eyes were fierce, red and purple pulsing madly.

"Do you think I'd come out here to address you first if that were the case? Pe-chan, stop trying to force yourself to be alone. You hate that."

The virus turned livid at that. Seeing someone with Rosan's face and attitude, pretending like they knew what the virus wanted, irritated them beyond belief. "Stop acting like you know me! I don't want your sympathy, I don't want your warmth, I don't want any of it. FUCK OFF!" Pestilence roared, shoving him away.

Rosan's eyes flashed and he immediately grabbed their arm, hoisting them up in the air effortlessly.

"Why are you being so difficult?!" he snarled.

Pestilence gasped, body not even close to being healed. They thrashed at the pain and gazed at Rosan with fear in their eyes.

The redhead saw it and his eyes went wide, before he hastily dropped the virus.

"Sorry, I can't control my emotions so —"

"I won't ally myself with you. I never will. Leave me alone, Rosan," Pestilence said with a tone of finality.

Rosan said nothing, then inclined his head.

He palmed the floor and created a simple yet beautiful house for them.

Pestilence regarded it in confusion.

"I remember how you used to complain about how stuffy and big the castle was... and how you'd prefer to live in something a lot smaller," Rosan said quietly, dusting himself off.

"If you really want me to leave you alone, that's what I'll do. I won't imprison or restrain you in anyway so feel free to do what you want... but I think we both know what will happen if you do something negative so please don't. Bye Pe-chan."

Pestilence withered at seeing he had given up and instinctively put out a hand to stop him, before catching themselves and forcefully dropping it.

They scoffed and turned away from Rosan, scowling in fury at it all as they glared darkly at the black and white house.

"Stupid asshole," they snarled, entering the house to tend to their wounds.

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

"It didn't go well?" Mod asked knowingly.

Rosan frowned as he woke up. "Not at all. They're upset. I'll give them time before trying again."

"Leave them be, Mod-chan. You don't have to keep an eye on them anymore."

"Are you sure?" Mod asked in concern.

"I'm sure. Pe-chan is not my enemy."

Mod frowned at that but nodded. "If you're sure... but if things go south..."

"I think we all know what the outcome of that will be."

He could feel Pe-chan still listening in, they weren't trying to be detected but Rosan knew all their tricks. They had been each others partners for years now.

Mod couldn't believe the tables had turned so much. Right as she gained the resolve to eliminate Pestilence, Rosan now wanted to integrate them into their family.

It was surreal. He no longer seemed to have any animosity towards the virus...

Rosan tugged his hair slightly and stared at it. "The black tips are permanent now?" he mused curiously.

"I believe so… but we can always modify them," Mod said, just so thankful to be having a normal conversation with her son.

"I like it. I had black streaks running through my hair before anyways," Rosan muttered, thinking back to his time as Famine. "I'll ask Robin what she thinks. I need to visit her asap."

The redhead stood up and immediately grunted as a wave of agony washed over his body.

"Ugh," he groaned, reaching for his abdomen and clutching the barely healed spot.

He fell to his knees and groaned tiredly, eyes fluttering and blinking in brightness as his body began whining.

Every fight at Marineford, Aokiji, getting punched through his stomach by a magma man and then fighting his student who had delivered heavy blow onto his body.

Not to mention the deep mental exhaustion seeping into his very bones at the war he had just had in his mindscape.

He huffed tiredly, glancing blearily at the ring resting on his chest and idly put Ram on, securing her tightly and pushing himself up.

"You need to sleep soon, Rosan. We've been… ran completely ragged. You've put up an outstanding performance that deserves the longest rest you could want," Mod said tiredly, worry on her features as Rosan painfully pulled himself up.

He had been the star of the show. No one alive could deny that, enemy or ally. That great war had revolved around her son in every way.

Rosan deserved some rest... Mod didn't like seeing how much pain he was in.

"I know but people need to see me right now. I can't leave them in the state they're in."

"I understand. Just… don't push yourself, okay?" Mod murmured, tucking the tiny Ram against her repaired dress.

The ring continued to snore away and Mod cooed, pinching her pudgy cheeks and getting an annoyed grumble out of her

"My Raid Suits destroyed?" he mused, ignoring the jolt of pain.

...Not completely, but it had taken so much damage during the war that it may as well have been.

Rosan hummed and tested the transform feature, watching as it molded over his body and covered him back up.

That would do for now.

He peered inside his body, testing to see if the Philosopher's Stone was doing okay and the redhead let out a sigh of relief at feeling the tiny embers.

Now, he had people to visit. They should know that he was alright now.

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

Robin was curled into herself, feeling completely inconsolable despite Koala's best efforts.

Everything just felt so hopeless… she didn't know what was going on right now. Rosan but not Rosan had said some harsh things to her and despite how she saw right through his efforts, it still didn't change the things he said.

But none of that mattered because Robin didn't even know where her Rosan was. Would Famine be here forever?

What did that mean? Where would Rosan go now?

Was Mod-chan alright...?

Robin didn't know the answer to any of these questions and it killed her on the inside knowing she couldn't do anything about it.

The Devil Child jolted, as a presence suddenly appeared before her. An incredible warmth washed over her and she was going to look up, but a gentle hand gripped her cheek and did it for her.

Her heart stopped as eyes full of sorrow stared down at her. There was a reassuring smile on the person's face and Robin shuddered at that, eyes fogging up.

"Don't be sad," Rosan said softly. "If you're this sad, you'll make me sad and you know if I get sad I'll start crying and then you'll start crying too and then Mod-chan will start crying and it'll wake Ram up and then we'll all be crying."

Robin felt her breath get forcefully taken away, as those bright eyes stared down at her.

"Rosan…is it you?" Robin murmured, placing both hands on his cheeks.

"It's me, Robin," Rosan said softly, eyes glowing in visible worry as he saw the tears.

"You selfish boy," Robin scowled, tears falling as she glared at him.

Rosan paused, eyes wide at her sudden anger and he felt her grip on his cheeks tighten.

"I asked one thing of you... Rosan. All I asked was for you to not die... and you couldn't even listen to that," Robin said, shutting her eyes as memory of Rosan with a gaping hole in his stomach appeared in her mind.

The horrific sight brought a sob out of her and Rosan felt guilt wracking him at what he had done.

"You died, Rosan... and there was nothing I could do about it but watch. How could you do that to me?" Robin asked quietly.

Rosan went cold.

"I won't forgive you if you die."

Ah... shit.

Mod's eyes widened in horror.

"Wait Robin," Rosan said frantically, tiredness melting away in favor of horror.

He opened his mouth to explain himself and then shut it, as a look of realization crossed his features.

Then, he closed his eyes in acceptance. "Shit. I really am the worst boyfriend in the world. Nevermind anything I'm about to say... I made a decision without consulting you at all. I'm sorry for worrying you, I wasn't thinking…"

He let out a noise of surprise as Robin lunged forward, tackling him underneath her. His eyes widened as she furiously kissed him.

Robin pulled back and let out a happy sob, looking him in his eyes with a smile that made his heart flutter.

"I know I said I won't forgive you... but I lied just this once. You look tired, Rosan," she said with a happy grin.

Rosan opened his mouth to respond, but shut it instead and grabbed Robin close.

"Thank you so much," he breathed, squeezing her to his body as the melded into each other.

"I can't leave you, Rosan. We just have to talk about all the things you said to me," Robin murmured.

"I was just trying to make you hate me. I didn't mean any of it," he replied.

"I know. You keep trying to make me hate you. Why don't you understand that's impossible?"

"Because I'm pretty damn stupid."

They both grinned happily as they shared a moment and Koala would have reminded the couple that she was here…

But they deserved a little alone time so she departed from the room as quietly as possible, letting out a sigh of relief as she closed the door..

She was so glad Rosan was alive. The redhead had grown on her tremendously despite all his teasing and he had a charisma about him that you had to admire.

Rosan was one of the only people who could tell Sabo what to do without complaint. It was clear he loved his oldest brother fiercely.

Not to mention, Koala didn't like seeing Robin like that. She was glad her friend was smiling again…

Koala needed to see Sabo. Her partner took Rosan's temporary death so hard…

She hoped they were doing okay.

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

Robin shuddered against Rosan's frame, even as he tenderly held her.

"I'm sorry for spilling my tears on you," she said quietly. "And I'm sorry for holding you here. I know you're probably so exhausted and you want to see everyone else but it's just…"

"Robin," Rosan interjected gently, tucking her into his frame. "You're my girlfriend. You don't have to apologize for hogging my time. I'll always give you the attention you deserve," he murmured.

"Yes… I know but it's just…" Robin trailed off, clutching him tightly. "I feel awful, Rosan. The thoughts I were thinking, the feelings I felt…"

Rosan gained a look of understanding because Robin was filled with a staggering amount of guilt.

The circumstances of his… death were controversial and his family was intelligent. It was easy for them all to pinpoint the cause of why he got attacked.

After all, he sacrificed himself because of Ace's… admittedly stupid decision.

"Hey," Rosan muttered, sitting up with her so that they could look each other in the eyes. "I understand. I'm not mad at you and you have a right to feel exactly how you wanna feel. You know I don't judge."

Robin felt her throat lock up at that and she hid her face into his chest, shuddering as he ran a hand against her back.

"I… I hated him so much," she admitted quietly. "When I saw what happened… I truly felt nothing but rage at Ace's actions because he… he got you killed and… I was mad at you for paying for his mistakes."

Robin expected Rosan to feel disappointed in her words. After all, she just admitted to having hated his little brother. Disappointment was the natural thing to feel but instead, there was nothing but understanding in his stance.

"I'm sorry that I put you through that," Rosan said softly, roiling with guilt.

"I'm sorry for being the reason you had to put me through it. Truly Rosan, I'm so sorry about what I put you through at Water 7," Robin murmured.

"It's okay," he soothed. "Not all problems can be solved in the blink of an eye. We're still learning," he assured.

She nodded.

They said nothing else. They didn't need to. Difficult conversations were necessary, but difficult conversations with no clear answer to it?

Best to not delve into that. They both understood the others side regardless.

"I'll be better," Rosan said truthfully.

"I'll get stronger," Robin replied. "I'll become a monster just like you. I can't… I can't live with the fact that I would have been a liability to you. I never want to be a liability."

"...I wasn't strong enough either," Rosan said tiredly. "None of us were. We're too weak."

Robin's silence was the only reply he got.

To hear Rosan of all people deny his strength... it was humbling to know that even he realized the limits of his strength weren't enough. Despite wavering in many things, his strength was not one of them. Rosan always believed that if things got difficult, he'd be able to get them out of it.

"I need to go visit more people," Rosan said finally, eyes threatening to flutter shut.

As much as he wanted to hug and fall asleep in her grasp, there was too much to do.

"Will you explain everything with us all?" Robin asked, helping the exhausted redhead up. She looked at his injuries with a concerned glance and nearly used her privileges to get him to sleep... but she couldn't be selfish for so long.

It didn't take a genius to see that something had changed with Rosan. After all, he now had black tips and he was practically crushing Robin under a waterfall with his emotions.

He nodded. "Yeah I'll explain everything… What do you think about my hair?" he asked randomly, gesturing towards the black ingrained into it.

Robin looked at it and smiled despite herself.

She was glad he valued her opinion so much that even simple things like this were asked.

The Devil Child grasped one of his spikes and inspected it curiously.

While still predominantly red, each of Rosan's downward spikes looked as if they had been dipped in black ink slightly, before being pulled out, leaving the tips of each red spike black.

"...I like it," she said eventually, smiling at the redhead. "It looks like you idolized me to the point where you added black to your hair. It's like my red strand but way more fanatical."

Rosan's look of delight, vanished in favor of annoyance and he tiredly swatted her hand away, much to her amusement.

"C'mon let's go," he grunted, dragging her off the bed.

"Yes boss," she complied easily, feeling incredibly light.

She was just so thankful that Rosan was alive and here. She couldn't put it into words so she wouldn't but…

Rosan glanced back at her in concern. "You alright? Do you need a minute?"

Robin shook her head slowly, feeling a wave of exhaustion hitting her. "No. I'll be fine, Rosan."

He nodded and just pulled her close, understanding what she wanted just from taking a glance.

Robin sighed fondly. He was a reckless idiot, but he was her reckless idiot.

"Are you guys heading out?" Koala asked, peeking her head through the door after verifying that there wasn't anything inappropriate going on.

"Yeah, too many people are worried about me and I have to make sure they know I'm alright," Rosan said softly.

"Can I come with?" Koala asked worriedly.

"...You want to see Sabo, right?" Rosan asked knowingly, turning towards her with tired eyes.

Koala nodded, taking in his exhausted stance with a frown of concern.

Should he really be moving like this?

"I wanna see him too," he sighed, remembering all his brother's faces clearly.

The despair was heart wrenching but he needed to see someone else first. His brothers were currently unconscious and they likely wouldn't be waking up anytime soon.

"We'll go see them soon. I need to check up on my little rulers first…"

His fight with Maro was still fresh on his mind. She must have been crushed still and he was crushed after what he had done to her.

Rosan delicately took Robin's necklace off and placed it down so that they could have a Save Point to bring Koala and Sabo back home.

"Kami, I can't watch you guys do anything," Koala blushed, looking away from the two.

"You're just a stiff," Rosan grunted. "Make sure to kiss Sabo when you see him. He'll appreciate it alot and it'll make you feel better."

Koala opened her mouth to shout at him and then shut it, burying her face against Robin to hide her blush. "You're the worst."

"I know," he said, grabbing her as his tired eyes flashed.

The three vanished without any prompting.