Snap wasn’t one to ask for favors.

But if there was one thing Snap wished to keep a secret, it was its stats. Their eight-legged friend was unlikely to be hiding something dangerous given its friendly nature.

They trusted Snap enough to keep its secrets, but Frost wished to hear at least one reason for why it was so adamant. Everyone kept secrets. Such was a given. However, without any explanation Snap was bound to spawn curiosity. At worst, people might begin to suspect Snap of wrongs.

Whilst held in Jury’s arms, Snap approached Frost with its head lowered, as if to graze the grass.

“Brrr. Bzzt! Bzt!” Its head drew close. The lens of its monocular eye shimmered in the sunlight. Within Frost could feel an intense, sincere gaze from within.

“You can’t tell us because you think it’ll be dangerous if word got out?” Frost translated its words, causing Snap to innocently whine, croaking with its mechanical churns before it bumped its head against her stomach.

This was the first time Snap had ever expressed any semblance of fear. They were aware that Snap was able to take photos and potentially recordings of their happiest moments, but there was something deeper that it refused to reveal.

It didn’t take a genius to figure out that Snap was able to access other parts of one’s past. On the surface that didn’t sound bad. In fact, it promised to be incredibly useful when it came to better understanding others.

However, the fact that Snap was highly hesitant to reveal this likely meant that there was a malevolent caveat attached to its powers.

What do you think of this, Nav?

Frost asked her mechanical companion for help as she embraced Snap’s head, assuring it that they wouldn’t pry anymore. Jury, Ignis, the triplets – they all came in to offer comfort to Snap.

This was its only wish as the Observer of Hope.

“It’s ok, Snap.” Frost cooed.

“Firstly, as Snap’s friend, I will respect its wishes. It hopes that you will one day understand the importance of its secrecy.”

Do you think the Archetype of Hope has a hand in this too?

“Highly likely. They’ve become close as of recently. It would be wise to ask Magus directly, but it also seems that Snap is also doing this out of its own will.”

Snap purred into her lap before Nav suddenly flashed a prompt.

< There are things that are better left unknown >

< Snap asks that you allow it to remain as an observer >

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

< This is its only wish >

“… Snap…” Frost stroked its giant head lovingly. “The more mysteries there are, the more convoluted things get. After all the things we’ve seen, you can see why I’m worried about your secret.”

“… zzzt.” Snap sadly replied.

“But, if it’s you, then I guess it can’t be helped. I don’t think it’s anything dangerous. You’ve always been here by our side. Helping us. Everyone. Showing them that not all is dark in their lives with your captured memories.” She placed her face against its forehead. “I trust you. Even as a Corrupted you tried helping Calfasio.”

Hearing Frost’s words of rapport caused Snap’s giant, long hands to slowly wrap around her and Jury, pulling them close like a child wanting attention from their parents.

“If it makes you feel better, I’m the old Elysia. There isn’t anyone more dangerous than me. People are bound to think I’m a walking trojan horse.” Jury softly said, her tail coiling around one of Snap’s legs. “We have things we don’t want to share too. It can be hard even with the people you trust the most. Snap~ I’m happy that you’re finally speaking to us like this!”

“Yeah. You’re always so quick to help people, but you never stop to think about yourself.” Frost hummed.

“Snap’s AGI may be to blame.” Nav unintentionally joked in a serious tone. “Could AGI also affect the neurology of creatures? Electrical impulses being emitted and transmitted at such a speed would cause neurons to potentially wear out without the appropriate –!”

“Nav! Too much!” Anna exclaimed as the Little Frost cupped Nav’s mouth with a cheerful expression. At the same time, the Star Child wrote the equation and a diagram depicting exactly what Nav was trying to explain.

“Dizzy…” Ignis’ eyes swirled. “Is that what I have to learn too? I’m scared.”

“Basically, that means we electric wolves got the fastest reaction times! That’s what you’re getting at, huh!?” Cer proudly exclaimed, brightening the mood as she stood there with folded arms.

“Doesn’t that make us like machines too!? I heard you machines have all kinds of electric stuff running through you! Kinda weird. Not a lot of machines have electricity running through them.” Ber joined her, standing back-to-back with Cer with a smug, proud look on her face.

Res grumbled.

“No. That just means your brains are more fried than usual. Idiots.” She then shuffled to the side of Snap’s head, her ears folding lightly as she empathized deeply with how Snap felt. “I also have things I don’t want people to know. If they were ever brought up from the ash and mud, then I’d feel lost too. Don’t feel desperate. Out of everyone here, you’re the most trustworthy. At least I can feel safe that you’re not going to become a Corrupted and start turning your friends into crystals.”

Frost lightly laughed at her jab.

“I trust Snap too…” Ignis collapsed into Snap’s fur.

Scrutiny revealed one of the purest, pale flames deep within Snap’s body. Its heart was also shown to be closely entangled with theirs, as it shone a bright blue. There was no need to fear Snap. Rather, Snap assured them that this secret was in fact a good thing.

And one day, Snap would show them this.

“Gotta love secrets amongst friends. But I’m with you, Snap. I wouldn’t tell anyone about Jury’s secret collection of aphrodisiac fruits –!?” Cer’s mouth was instantly clamped shut by a thick, pale fuzzy tail. It wrapped Cer like a snake, and she was swiftly moved to a place where Frost couldn’t hear or see her anymore.

“She’s lying!” Jury exclaimed.

But the fact that she reacted so quickly caused clouds of doubt to brew.

… yeah, right.

“I’m immune to those, you know?” Frost sheepishly said, collapsing onto the grass where she stared up into her lover’s eyes. “… wanna tell me what you were going to do with them?”

Jury gulped hungrily at the sight of Frost’s exposed collarbone.

And when it looked as though she would feast on Frost –

“Well, how about me Nav!? Wanna check out my stats!?” Ber just managed to snap them out of their lustful trance. “Huh? Why are you looking at me like that? Did I do something, Nav?”

“… I was about to witness a reproductive scene between two mating partners. My knowledge has not yet dabbled on that aspect of life.”

“You don’t need to know anything, Nav!” Anna worriedly exclaimed, suddenly causing Nav to smile unexpectedly.

“Ah… I managed to get a reaction from someone. Bizarre that you reacted so strongly. Could it be that you’re well versed in it?”

Anna turned an immediate shade of red as the Hired Arm seemed interested in the conversation all of a sudden.

“I don’t know anything!”