Ravioli (Ruy x Alvar)

Part One
Alvar was on his way to his room, grumbling something about his father and crumpling up a scroll, tossing it on the ground.

'''Fintan rolled his eyes. “Did your dad try to convince you to ‘Come back to him?’”'''

'''“I wish my father would leave me alone. I made the right choice by joining the Neverseen. I just wished he was less obsessed with the Vacker legacy so he could see that...”'''

Alvar stormed to his room.

Ruy was sitting on his bed, sharpening a throwing star.

'''Alvar sat down on his own bed, then looked over a Ruy. His eyes were focused on the blades of the star. Alvar blushed lightly. Their beds were so close together... He quickly looked away when Ruy looked up.'''

'''Ruy was fully aware that he had been staring. He raised an eyebrow. “Hey, kid.”'''

'''Alvar glanced back up at him. He wished Ruy would stop calling him a kid.'''

“Sorry about your jerk father.”

'''“He’s... not a jerk. He just doesn’t understand me.” Alvar laid down on the bed and stared up at the ceiling. “I’m... I’m not a bad person, am I? I mean, I joined the Neverseen because the world is so... unfair. And you guys are changing it.”'''

'''“Your not a bad person, Alvar. Trust me. If anyone is bad, it’s Gisela. She gives me the creeps.”'''

'''Alvar smiled. “Yeah, she’s pretty horrible, isn’t she?”'''

'''Ruy stood, stretching. He patted Alvar on the shoulder. “You’re a good kid.”'''

'''Alvar blushed. “Thanks. That means a lot coming from you. I-I mean, it would mean a lot coming from anyone, not just you. That would be weird.”'''

Ruy raised an eyebrow.

'''Alvar could only succeed in getting redder. “I’ll... shut up now.”'''

'''Ruy laughed. “You’re really somethin’ else, aren’t ya? See you later, kid, I got chores to do.”'''

'''When Ruy walked away, Alvar blew out a heavy breath. “Oh, god,” he muttered. He went after Ruy. “Wait! I... can I help?”'''

“You want to help me do chores?”

'''“Yeah. Why not?”'''

'''Ruy smiled. “You’re too nice.”'''

'''Alvar laughed nervously. “Yep. I’m like this around everyone. I’m just a really nice guy...” He continued to laugh nervously. He covered his mouth with his hand. “I’ve been laughing for too long...”'''

'''“Ohhhhhhkay then. Let’s get to work.”'''

Part Two
'''Alvar scrubbed at the floor, scowling. He hated chores, but he let his stupid crush get in the way, and now he gave himself more chores. He knew Ruy would never like him like that... but he couldn’t help himself. He was one of the only ones that had seen Ruy without his addler, the strange gadget that obscured his physical appearance, so no one really knew what he looked like. Ruy takes it off when he’s sleeping.'''

'''Alvar had gotten up in the middle of the night once, and had nearly gasped when he looked over and saw Ruy, laying in bed and snoring peacefully. He had dark hair, and the most handsome face Alvar had ever seen in his entire life, with slightly jagged features that somehow made him even more good-looking. Sometimes, he would sit up for a few minutes before he went to sleep, wishing that he could see his eyes... he wondered what shade of blue they were.'''

“Hey, Alvar?” Ruy’s voice snapped him out of his thoughts.

“Yeah?”

“I think that spot on the floor is clean by now.”

'''Alvar looked up at him. “Oh.”'''

“You’ve been scrubbing that same spot for like, ten minutes straight.”

'''“I... I have?”'''

'''“Yep. Don’t worry about it, kid, I zone off like that sometimes, too.”'''

“Can you stop calling me ‘kid’?”

“Why?”

“You’re only a year older than me.”

'''“Then we’re both kids.” Ruy made a silly face. “What’s wrong with being a kid?”'''

'''Alvar blushed. “Nothing, I guess.”'''

'''Alvar noticed that their eyes had locked. He blinked and looked away. “So. Um. What’s the next chore on the list?”'''

'''“Laundry. You know what that means. Off to kelpie island for us. You don’t have to come if you don’t want. It smells terrible.”'''

'''“I know. I’ll come anyways.”'''

'Damn, this kid must really like me,'' Ruy thought. He tried not to think about it too much. ''What if he does like me? What’ll I do? What if he does something weird, like kiss me?'

He stopped himself before his thoughts could get any wilder.

'''“Well.” He pulled out a light-leaping crystal. “We’d better hurry so Fintan doesn’t torture us, huh?”'''

'''Alvar nodded. “Yeah...”'''

'''Ruy took a deep breath and gagged. “Wow. It smells horrible. So. Alvar, I wanted to talk to you about something. And... well, I guess we’re alone here, so I... I just... You seem to hang around me a lot. And I...” He stopped talking for a moment and took off his addler.'''

'''Alvar felt like he couldn’t breathe for a moment. Ruy’s eyes were so green, they could barely count as blue. But they were the most stunning eyes ever... Alvar’s face went pink. “You have... really nice eyes,” he said quietly.'''

'''Ruy blushed. “Thanks... so... you do like me?”'''

'''“I... well... yes, but... y-you won’t tell anyone, will you? I don’t know how people would react to me being... like this.”'''

'''Ruy flashed a smile. “You’re secret’s safe with me.”'''

'''Alvar gave a shaky smile. “Thanks.”'''

'“Also, you think I'' have nice eyes? Have you looked in the mirror?”'''

'''Alvar smiled bashfully. “Ruy... do you think you’d maybe want to...”'''

“Yes.”

“What?” Alvar looked at his eyes, stunned.

“I’ll go out with you.”

'''Alvar felt like exploding with joy, or screaming, or maybe even kissing him. He quickly pushed all of those weird thoughts away and hugged him.'''

“Whoa, hey, just because we’re going out, doesn’t mean that we’re automatically going to be soulmates, alright?” Ruy said awkwardly, not quite hugging back.

'''Alvarks face fell a little. “Oh. Yeah. Of course. I know that. I just...” He trailed off and released Ruy from the hug, clearing his throat. “Sorry.”'''

'''“It’s fine. I’m just not really a touchy-feely kind of guy.”'''

'''“I know. I’m not, either. I just... I... like you. A lot. And I can’t believe this is happening.”'''

'''Ruy smiled. “You’re adorable.”'''

'''Alvar’s heart skipped a beat. “Th-thanks.”'''

'''“Okay. Now, we have to get this kelpie skin before Fintan kills us.”'''

'''“Oh! Right.”'''

Part Three
'''Ruy poked at the food on his plate for a moment. “So..” he started, not quite sure what he was going to say after the “so.”'''

There was a short silence before Alvar blurted, “Sometimes I watch you sleep!”

'''Ruy’s eyebrows shot up. “You what?”'''

'''He covered his face with his hands. “Looking at you... helps me fall asleep.”'''

'''Ruy smiled slowly. “Wow. You’re weird. That’s both really cute, and really creepy.”'''

“I’m terrible at this,” said Alvar through his hands.

“What do you mean?”

'''“Dating. I’ve never dated anyone before. A lot of girls have had crushes on me, but... they were... girls.”'''

“Well, if it makes you feel any better, this is my first date with a guy.”

'''Alvar pulled his hands away from his face. “Really?”'''

'''“Yep. As it turns out, I’m terrible at flirting, and have gotten slapped by more people than I can count.”'''

'''Alvar smiled a little. “Well. I won’t slap you.”'''

'''He snorted. “Thanks. So. How long have you had a crush on me?”'''

'''“Well... it’s kind of embarrassing... but... ever since Foxfire, really. You were one level above me, and after you went to Exillium, I kinda looked up to you.”'''

'''“Really? I’m not much to look up to.”'''

'''“Yes you are! Meanwhile, I’m just an embarrassment. My father is a jerk, and so is my brother. They’re both blind to reality.”'''

'''“Hey, hold on a minute. You’re not an embarrassment. Your adorable, but your not an embarrassment.”'''

'''“I’m not adorable. Stop calling me that.” Alvar looked away.'''

'''Ruy smiled. “I mean, being to shy to tell me how you feel? In Foxfire? How adorable is that!”'''

'''“I was just worried about what people would think of me... I’m a Vacker. I’m supposed to be all perfect, like my dad. My stupid dad...” He looked up to see Ruy smiling at him. “Why are you smiling at me like that?”'''

'''“I just can’t take you seriously with that little mustache,” Ruy snorted. “I mean, we use a lot of disguises, but this one is one of my favorites.”'''

Alvar blushed.

'''Ruy and Alvar were sitting together at a restaurant in Atlantis. Ruy had taken off his addler, since no one knew what he looked like, while Alvar was forced to use an elixir to grow a bit of facial hair.'''

“I mean, how have you never had a boyfriend before?”

'''Alvar shrugged. “There’s not a lot of people like me. So, I guess I never really tried. I’ve had a couple crushes, but they all thought I was a freak...” Alvar looked down at the table. He had barely touched his food. “I never really seem to fit in anywhere. I used to make everyone think I was normal so they’d like me.”'''

'''Ruy grabbed his hand under the table. “Hey,” he said quietly. “I don’t fit in, either. You’re not a freak, and neither am I. We’re just different. And there’s nothing wrong with that.”'''

'''Alvar squeezed his hand gratefully and gave a shaky smile. “Thanks, Ruy.” He looked up at him, and their eyes locked.'''

'''“Any time,” Ruy whispered. He pulled Alvar’s chair a little closer to his.'''

'''Alvar’s eyes widened a little. He didn’t dare break the sudden connection they were having. Everything seemed to be going in slow-motion.'''

'''“There are people... staring at us,” Alvar said quietly.'''

'''Ruy had nearly forgotten that they weren’t alone in the restaurant. But he kept his eyes locked onto Alvar’s. “Don’t look at them. Look at me.”'''

'''Alvar felt Ruy’s arm go around him. On the inside, he was screaming, “TURN BACK! YOU’VE NEVER KISSED ANYONE BEFORE!” But on the outside, his eyes were wide, and he was staring at Ruy’s lips. “R-Ruy?” he said quietly.'''

“Yeah?”

'''“I’ve never... k-kissed anyone before.”'''

'''“Well. Do you mind if I kiss you?”'''

'''“Kiss me?” Alvar was dazed. His mind raced. ''Kiss me? Ruy? Lips? Yes? No? What the heck am I supposed to say? Ahhhhhhhhh, what do I do with my lips!? Where do they go!?'

All the thoughts melted away when Ruy leaned forward and—

Part Four
'''A man sat down at their table, abruptly ruining the moment. He had long dark hair and dark blue eyes. Alvar quickly scootched away from Ruy, his face red.'''

'''"Who are you?" Ruy demanded, obviously annoyed.'''

"You don't recognize me?"

'''They both gasped at the sound of his voice. Fintan's voice. He must've been using appearance-altering elixirs.'''

'''Ruy blushes. "H-how much of that did you see?"'''

"Pretty much all of it. Also, there's a meeting. Be there in am hour."

They both nodded.

'''"Um, you're not mad, are you?" asked Alvar quietly.'''

"No. I don't care about your love life unless it gets in the way of your job. But if it does get in the way, I'm obligated to fire one of you."

They shared a look.

Fintan looked around and abruptly left.

'''Ruy leaned forward. "Well. That was embarrassing."'''

"Yeah... you don't think he'll tell anyone, will he?"

'''"Where are Ruy and Alvar?" Gisela demanded.'''

"On a date," Fintan replied with no hesitation whatsoever.

'''"Hopefully not," Ruy said. "But he probably won't."'''

"Hm."

Ruy pulled him close again.

'''Alvar blushed, leaning against him. "You... were going to kiss me..."'''

'''"Yeah." Ruy pressed his lips against Alvar's cheek.'''

'''Alvar smiled. "Not on the lips?"'''

"Fintan ruined the mood."

"Yeah... but... I kinda wanted to kiss you."

"You did?"

"I did."

Ruy smiled and kissed him.

'''Alvar's heart skipped a beat. He kissed back.'''

'''Ruy pulled away. They stared at each other for a few moments before both blushing furiously.'''

Alvar leaned against him.

"They'll be back in an hour," said Fintan.

'''"But what are they doing?" asked Trix.'''

"They're on a date."

'''Trix's jaw fell. "Wait, like, a date?" asked Trix with disbelief. "They're... together?"'''

"Mhm," replied Fintan casually, looking at him.

'''Trix looked down at the table. "Really?"'''

Ruy and Alvar suddenly came into the room, holding hands.

"I thought you were on a date," said Fintan bluntly.

'''Ruy pulled his hand away from Alvar. "You told them."'''

"Mhm."

'''Trix stared at them. Gisela made a gag-me-now gesture.'''

Alvar covered his face with his hands.

'''"Since when were you guys together?" asked Trix.'''

'''Ruy sighed. "That was our first date."'''

"Oh, well, congrats, I guess," Trix mumbled, looking at Alvar.

"Ew," grumbled Gisela under her breath.

'''Ruy scowled. "Excuse me?"'''

"I'm sorry. I just think it's disgusting."

'''Alvar's stomach felt queasy. He continued to cover his face with his hands. Now they knew... they all knew that he was a freak...'''

'''Ruy leaned closer to Gisela. "Say that one more time, I dare you."'''

'''Gisela didn't flinch. "That's just my opinion. I think. You're. Disgusting."'''

'''His fists clenched. Trix moved back. "Oh, jeez. Gisela, you can't just say stuff like that!"'''

"I can say whatever I want."

"You're messed up."

"Oh, come on. Fintan, you're with me on this one, right?"

"I'm not with anyone. I could care less."

"Figures," she mumbled.

Alvar suddenly rushed away.

'''Ruy and Trix both glared at Gisela. Gisela shrugged, smirking.'''

Part Five
'''Alvar sat on the bed, sighing heavily. "Ruy?"'''

"Yeah?"

"Do you think it's worth it to be together? Are things like this gonna happen to us a lot?"

'''Ruy made a face. "I don't know, Alvar... but... I want to be with you. Even if people don't like it."'''

'''Alvar blinked, looking at his eyes. His eyes were so pretty and green... he didn't know how to say no. He blushed. "Alright..."'''

"It'll work out. I promise."

Alvar stared at his feet, "I... I love you."

'''Ruy froze up a little. "I... love you... too..."'''

'''Alvar looked away. "Sorry," he mumbled.'''

'''"No. Don't be sorry." Ruy grabbed his hand.'''

'''Alvar pulled away, looking down. "I... I don't like feelings. They hurt."'''

'''Ruy sighed. "Yeah. They do."'''

'''Alvar leaned against him. "But it hurts a little less with you."'''

Ruy didn't know what to say to that, so he kissed him.

Alvar's eyes widened and he kissed back.

'''Suddenly, Trix walked in. He saw them kissing and gasped. "Oh my gosh! I-I'm so sorry--"'''

'''Ruy pulled away from Alvar, scowling. "Why didn't you knock!?"'''

'''"I'm really sorry," he mumbled. "I can... um... wait. I-it's not important." Trix quickly shut the door.'''

'''Ruy sighed. "Well, he ruined the moment."'''

'''Alvar leaned against him again. "That's okay."'''

'''"So?" asked Fintan impatiently. "What are they doing?"'''

'''"Um..." Trix blushed. "Their... busy."'''

"They're making out, aren't they?"

"Y-yeah..."

'''Fintan snorted. "Whatever. The meeting starts without them. We have a new member. She's a Phaser and and Empath."'''

"Ooh, another woman. Finally," mumbled Gisela.

'''"With two abilities?" Trix asked in surprise.'''

"Her name is Hazel."

"I know her," Vespara said suddenly.

"You do?"

"She's an Emissary for the Council. She's obsessed with humans. It's gross. Humans are gross. She'll try to protect them, you know."

'''Fintan looked away. "I... haven't told her about the attack on the humans that I'm planning. In fact, I'm not telling her at all."'''

'''Suddenly, a woman came into the room. She shivered. "Wow, it's cold in here. No heating, huh? Not enough money for a heating system? And when was the last time this place was swept!? It looks awful." The woman sat by Fintan, kicking her feet up on the table and sweeping her long, frizzy brown hair off her shoulders. She smiled. "Am I interrupting something?"'''

"Not at all. Everyone, this is Hazel," Fintan announced.

"Shut it, fire boy, I can introduce myself," Hazel snapped.

Fintan scowled.

"Hey everyone! I'm Hazel! So nice to meet you!"

'''Gisela smiled. "I like her..."'''

"Don't call me that," muttered Fintan.

"What are you gonna do about it, fire boy? Kill me?"

"I... n-no."

"I know. You'd never kill me. You like me, don't you? I can't blame you. What's not to like? I have pretty rad shoes."

'''Fintan blushed. "I... could care less about your shoes."'''

'''Hazel stuck out her bottom lip, scooting closer to him. "You love my shoes."'''

Fintan flinched.

'''Gisela abruptly started laughing hysterically. "Wait a second! Sh-she LIKES you!? That is priceless!" Gisela covered her face with a hand, laughing.'''

'''Vespara looked unamused. "It's absurd."'''

'''Gisela snorted. "Wow, I'm not sure whether to be angry at you for recruiting someone who's in love with you, or to just... start laughing again." She let another giggle escape from her mouth.'''

Hazel rolled her eyes.

'''Fintan covered his face with his hands. "She isn't just in love with me. She's my girlfriend."'''

"I'm sorry, what?"

'''Hazel kissed his cheek, causing him to blush deeper. "He's so mad at me right now. Isn't that cute? He's always mad at me, though."'''

"I'm not always mad at you," he tried to say.

'''She quickly cut him off. "Yes, you are."'''

He scowled.

'''Suddenly Ruy and Alvar came into the room. Alvar was gripping his hand nervously. Gisela rolled her eyes. "Look who finally decided to show up," she mumbled.'''

"Seems like fire boy isn't a good enough leader to make his little workers on time," said Vespara mockingly.

'''Fintan's hands curled into fists. "Do not call me that!"'''

'''"Fire boy," Hazel said, grabbing his arm. "I think she's right. They were like, a whole ten minutes late."'''

'''Fintan looked at her. Then he looked at Ruy and Alvar. "It's not like they missed anything special," he said under his breath.'''

'''Hazel nudged him playfully. "Hey! I'm special!"'''

"That's not what I meant..."

"Say it, fire boy, say I'm special."

'''Fintan flushed and covered his face with his hands. "You're special..."'''

'''She squealed. "I know!"'''

'''Ruy snickered. "Um, what's going on?"'''

"Fintan has a girlfriend," Trix mumbles, which is the first thing he's said since Hazel came into the room.

'''"He does?" Alvar and Ruy say at the same time.'''

"Mhm."

"Wow. Sorry we're late," said Alvar quietly.

"I hope you had fun making out," Fintan said under his breath, causing them both to blush.

'''"Hey, why don't you make out with me more often?" asked Hazel, poking his shoulder.'''

'''He glared at her. "Well. This conversation is officially over."'''

'''Hazel giggled. "For now, fire boy."'''

Part Six
The next couple of days went by, and Fintan explained the plan to everyone.

'''Haze would be joining the Black Swan as a double agent. She squealed. "This is so exciting! You seriously have no idea how exited I am for this."'''

"You told me about a thousand times," Fintan grumbled.

"I know! Do I get to kill anyone?"

"What? No! Jesus, you're insane..."

"I know!"

'''He sighed. "Just... don't do anything stupid."'''

"I can be as stupid as I want, fire boy. I'm the double agent, not you."

"I hate you."

"Sure you do."

"You can leave, now."

'''Meanwhile, the Black Swan was having a meeting. Granite was standing in the corner, watching the other members of the Collective argue, when suddenly there was a flash of light. A woman had leapt into the room.'''

"Ah, yes. Finally. The new member is here," Granite said.

'''Everyone stopped arguing to turn and look at the woman. Then they glared at Granite.'''

"She hasn't even sworn fealty yet," Mr Forkle grumbled.

'''Granite sighed, going over to Hazel and taking her hand. "Everyone, this is my sister, Hazel."'''

'''"Sister?" echoed Wraith.'''

"Is there a problem?"

"I highly suggest that we no longer let siblings work with us anymore."

"You had a twin brother! And the Vacker kids work nicely together."

'''"Should I leave?" Hazel asked quietly.'''

"No, of course not."

'''Ruy looked over at Alvar. "Hey, can I talk to you about something?"'''

"What?"

"I tried to use my ability yesterday..."

'''"And did it work?" asked Alvar curiously.'''

"Um, no. My hands hurt. Like, a lot."

"Are you okay?"

"I'm... not sure."

'''Alvar studied him carefully. "You're not just trying to scare me, are you?"'''

"No, of course not."

Alvar reached for his hand.

Ruy flinched.

'''Alvar quickly drew away. "How bad does it hurt?"'''

'''Ruy looked down. "It's tolerable."'''

"Ruy, seriously. What if there's something wrong?"

"I'm sure it'll go away."

'''"Whoa!" Alvar exclaimed suddenly.'''

"What?"

"Your... fingernails..."

'''They both watched as Ruy's fingernails slowly started to turn black. Ruy's eyes gwent wide, and his arms started to tremble. "Okay... i-it kinda stings now..."'''

'''"Oh my god, Ruy!" Alvar stood. "I'm going to get Fintan!"'''

'''"No, Alvar, I'm f-fine!" The inky blackness started to creep up his fingers. Ruy shuddered.'''

'''Alvar looked pale. "I'm telling Fintan."'''

"But--"

"Your hands are turning an unnatural shade of black, Ruy! You're in pain, I can tell!"

Ruy stared at his hands.

Alvar ran to get Fintan.

Part Seven
'''Fintan looked at Ruy, pressing his lips together. "Hm. This... isn't good."'''

'''"Do you think he'll be okay?" asked Alvar quietly.'''

'''"No. I don't," Fintan said bluntly. Alvar glared at him. He shrugged. "You asked. I personally think he'll die."'''

"He's not gonna die! R-right, Ruy? You'll be okay...?"

'''Ruy glanced back and forth between Alvar and Fintan. "I... think I'll be okay," he lied.'''

'''Alvar gave a shaky smile. "Of course you will! Everything's gonna be okay. We'll find a way to fix this..."'''

'''Ruy grabbed his hand. Fintan rolled his eyes.'''

'''Alvar was trying not to tear up. "You'll be okay..."'''

Fintan went out.

"Alvar, I'll be okay."

"I know! You have to be! Because if you're not... I... don't know what I'll do..."

'''Ruy looked at him. "Don't do that to me. Please."'''

"What?"

"Alvar, what if Fintan's right?"

"H-he's not right! He can't be! I l-love you..."

'''Ruy was feeling so many conflicting emotions at once. He wanted to tell Alvar that everything would be okay, but he knew that would be a lie. He winced as his hands started to sting again. His entire hand was almost black, and slowly creeping down his arm. "Alvar, I don't know what's gonna happen to me, alright? I just... don't know."'''

'''Alvar looked away. He carefully grabbed Ruy's hand.'''

Ruy winced, but didn't pull away.

Alvar was trembling.

'''Fintan came back into the room. "Well, to put it lightly, I have absolutely nothing that can help you, and you're probably going to die."'''

'''"Oh my god..." Alvar croaked, covering his face with his hands.'''

"But on the bright side, we'll be getting a new psionipath."

They both give him a look of horror.

'''"You're already replacing me!?" exclaimed Ruy.'''

"Well, duh."

"Who!?"

"Don't worry about it. I'm almost positive you'll be dead by the time they get here. In two days."

'''"You think he's gonna die in two days!?" Alvar squeaked.'''

"No! No, h-he's just joking," Ruy said quickly.

'''"No, I'm not," Fintan clarified. "Why would you think I'm joking? I honestly think you'll be dead in two days."'''

Alvar started to cry again.

'''Ruy strangled back a scream. "Oh my god, Fintan, get out."'''

"Am I bothering you?"

"Yes!"

'''He smirked. "Wow, what a baby," he muttered, walking away.'''

'''Ruy wrapped his arms around Alvar, then immediately winced. His wrists were now black. "Oh, jeez," he muttered. The edges of his vision started to go black, and he squeezed Alvar's arm.'''

Alvar's response was to start freaking out, and he raced out of the room.

Everything went dark.

Part Eight
'''Ruy jolted awake. At least, he thought he did. There was nothing but darkness all around him, and he appeared to already be standing up. But if he was dreaming, then why did his shoes feel... wet? He looked down. He was stepping in a puddle. He stepped out of it. It was raining. There were puddles everywhere. He looked around. It was almost too dark to see anything, but he could just make out tall buildings. He rummaged through his pockets, and found nothing. No leaping crystal, no anything. He was stuck here. Wherever he was...'''

'''He looked around again, hoping to see something, anything that was familiar, but the buildings were unlike any he'd ever seen. There were domes on top of all of the towers. He shook more rain-water off of his shoes. He glanced up and saw a strange-looking lamp...'''

'''Suddenly, the rain started pouring harder. Ruy looked up. He could've sworn he saw a fish flailing around in the air. Some of the rain-water got into his mouth, and he coughed it out. It was salty... like the ocean...'''

'''He looked at his hands. They were still black. He tried to make a force field, then immediately cried out in pain as a strange electric-shock went up his arm.'''

He cursed quietly, shaking out his hands.

'''He watched as water started crashing down more violently than ever. Then the realization hit him. He was underwater. In Atlantis. The forcefield was gone, though, and the ocean was crashing down on top of him. He was going to drown.'''

'''"Ruy is GONE!" Alvar shouted.'''

'''Fintan narrowed his eyes. He looked like he could care less. "Well, we'd better hurry up and get that replacement psionipath in here."'''

"NO! Y-you gotta find him!"

"Why me? He isn't my responsibility," Fintan snapped.

"He disappeared! Like a Vanisher! He literally just Vanished! I watched it happen! HE'S! GONE!"

Ruy's body bobbed to the surface of the ocean, motionless.

About an hour later, it washed up on a beach.

'''The lifeguard sat up. Apparently, while she was sun-bathing, a crowd of people had gathered by the shoreline. Jeez, you look away for two seconds, and chaos is already happening. She rolled her eyes and stood up, fixing her bathing suit and walking over. She moved a few people out of her way, nudging them aside, then froze when she saw the man laying there.'''

'''She dropped to her knees beside him and checked his pulse. He was still alive...'''

"Everybody get back! Give him some space! And, jeez, give me some space. I can't do CPR while you're all huddled around me..."

Part Nine
'''Ruy jolted awake, spluttering for breath. The lifeguard moved back. "Hey? Hey, are you okay?"'''

'''"Wh-who are you? Where am I?" he asked between coughs. He was speaking the Enlightened Language. The woman couldn't understand a word he was saying.'''

'''The lifeguard gaped at his vivid green-blue eyes, dark hair, and rugged features. Wow, he was handsome.'''

'''"Sir?" she said quietly, studying his strange clothes. He was wearing a cape...'''

'''"What?" Ruy spatin English, sitting up.'''

"How long have you been... in the ocean?"

'''"I..." Ruy tried to think back. He remembered being in Atlantis, and the feeling of the water as it pressed him down in the water, nearly drowning him, and finally managing to make his way to the surface... and then... blackness.'''

'''There was nothing after the memory of almost drowning. He though he was probably out there for quite a few hours, but probably not a whole day. He hesitated. "I'm not sure," he finally says, shaking some sand from his hair and wobbling to his feet. His legs felt like he hadn't walked in years, and he almost collapsed.'''

"Whoa, what's wrong with your hands?"

'''Ruy looked at his hands. They were still black. He sighed shakily, then coughed some more water out of his lungs before responding. "I'm trying to figure that out, okay? Just leave me alone."'''

'''She tried to focus less on his strange accent, and more on his injuries. "Sir, you need to go to a doctor."'''

'''"I don't need a physician, I need a... I need to go... back." He desperately searched his pockets again.'''

'''Figures. No crystal. He had a feeling he'd be stuck here for a while.'''

"Do you have a phone?"

"A what?"

"A... phone?"

"N-no."

"You seriously don't have a phone?"

'''"I have a..." An impartner.'''

'''His eyes widened and he rummaged through his cape pockets for his impartner. He pulls it out of his pocket, smiling when he saw it was undamaged.'''

"Ooh, what's that?"

'''"It's... my phone," he lied. He tried to hurry away, but the woman took his arm.'''

"Hey, what are you doing? You can't just leave! You almost drowned!"

'''He rolled his eyes. "I've been through worse, trust me."'''

'''She believed him. He had faint burn marks on his arms. She wondered what they were from. He caught her staring and flinched, but didn't say anything.'''

"Sh-show me Fintan," he muttered to the impartner.

'''The woman watched curiously as Fintan's face appeared on the screen. "Whoa, you have a weird phone."'''

"Ruy! Where the heck are you!?"

"I'm at a beach..."

"Why!?"

Ruy ran a hand down his face and showed him that he was with a human.

'''Fintan's eyes went wide. "Ruy, who is that?"'''

"Um, I don't know..."

They looked at the woman.

"Oh, I'm Jackie. I'm a lifeguard. This guy almost drowned," she said.

"How did you almost drown!?"

"I don't know!"

'''"Okay, well, how did you get into the freaking ocean!?" Fintan demanded.'''

'''"Why are your ears pointy?" asked Jackie.'''

'''Fintan glared at her. "It's... a costume," he grumbled.'''

'''Jacky snorted. "Weirdos."'''

'''Ruy looked tense. "I... don't have a way to... get back."'''

"You seriously need me to come get you?"

"I have no idea where I am Fintan!"

"And you expect me to find you how?"

"I... don't know," Ruy mumbled.

"Oh, you're at the Sinai Peninsula."

"The... the what?"

'''She laughed, as if it were unbelievable that he'd never heard of the Sinai Peninsula. She gave him a look. "You, actually have no idea where that is?"'''

"N-no..."

"It's the most popular beach in Africa! Duh! Jeez, where are you from?"

'''"Um, I..." Ruy didn't know what to say. He wasn't as familiar with the Forbidden Cities as Fintan was.'''

'''"We're from America," Fintan said quickly. "On... vacation."'''

'''"Oh, are you a couple?" she asked innocently.'''

'''"No!" Fintan said quickly. "No, never, not in a million years."'''

'''Ruy's face went red. "We're... friends."'''

'''Jackie smiled. "That's what they all say."'''

"NO! Ugh, I'd never date Ruy!"

"I-I already have a boyfriend," Ruy said quickly.

'''"Oh." She was still giving them that weird smile.'''

'''Ruy blushed. Fintan scowled.'''

'''"So, uh, Fintan, can you... come get me?" Ruy muttered, fidgeting.'''

"Fine."

Part Ten
'''Ruy sighed. "So, what now?"'''

"Just keep your mouth shut," Fintan snapped.

"Okay..."

"We have to find a place to leap out of here where no one will see us. But first, how the heck did you nearly drown!? What are you doing in the Forbidden Cities!?"

"I-I have no idea... I just... I was asleep, and when I woke up, I was in Atlantis. And it... caved in. All the water poured in... and I... couldn't do anything. I alost died."

'''"Well, you're gonna die, anyways, regardless of how it happens." Fintan shrugged.'''

'''Ruy scowled. "Can you stop bringing that up?"'''

'''Fintan sighed. "Even if I wanted to help you, I can't. I... I just can't. Unless you want me to completely remove your arms-"'''

'''"No, thank you!" Ruy said quickly, shuddering.'''

'''"Wait!" a voice called behind them.'''

'''They whirled around to find Jackie standing there. She looks nervous. "Um, why are your hands black?"'''

Ruy was about to say something.

'''Fintan rolled his eyes. "Why do you care?"'''

'''"Um, because his hands are black. Like, I know I'm black? But that's a different kind of black, and, uh, just on his hands? Don't you think that's kind of weird?" She placed her hands on her hips and waited for an answer.'''

"It's. A disease," Fintan said through clenched teeth.

'''"A disease!?" Ruy stuttered.'''

'''"Ain't like any disease I ever saw," Jackie said. "Why are your ears pointy?"'''

"Leave us alone!"

"Are you elves?"

Fintan gave her a blank stare.

'''Jackie smirked. "I know I'm human, but I'm not stupid."'''

"How did you know about--"

'''Jackie punched him in the arm. "Quiet! You're very annoying."'''

"Ow."

"Oh, you're fine. Anyways, I should be the one asking questions! What on God's green Earth are you doing in the Forbidden Cities!?"

'''Ruy and Fintan exchanged glances. How did this human know about the Lost Cities?'''

Part Eleven
'''Alvar’s face went pale. “No. No, you’re lying…”'''

“I’m not,” Fintan said quietly.

'''Alvar looked over at Hazel, who bit her lip. “I’m really sorry, Alvar.”'''

'''He was trembling a little. "You... n-no... NO!" Alvar suddenly screamed. He shoved past them and ran down the hall to he and Ruy's room. Ruy was laying down on the bed. The inky darkness was spidering up his neck. He groaned.'''

'''Alvar yelped. "Ruy!"'''

Ruy didn't respond.

'''Alvar burst into tears. "No," he choked out, not wanted to get closer, but not wanting to run away. He just froze there and stared with horror.'''

'''Hazel came up behind him. "Alvar..."'''

'"Don't! DON'T! I can't- he- NO''!" He cursed at her, tears streaming down his face.'''

She stepped back, looking down.

'''He cursed again and broke down in the doorway, sobbing. He slid down the door-frame, covering his face with his hands. Hazel hesitated before placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Alvar, I'm... I'm so sorry..."'''

'''He said something indiscernible, then pushed her hand away, forcing himself to his feet and wobbling nearer to Ruy's bed. "R... Ruy?"'''

Ruy stirred a little.

Alvar struggled back tears as Ruy pried his eyes open.

'''Ruy groaned. "Llllllvar?"'''

'''Alvar sobbed. "H-hey..."'''

'''Ruy coughed. Something dark sprayed from his lips and onto the white blanket. Alvar yelped, thinking that it was blood. But it wasn't red... it was black. Alvar covered his mouth with his hands. "H-Hazel!"'''

Hazel hurried over "What's wrong?"

Alvar pointed wordlessly at the splatter of black on the blanket.

Her face paled.

'''He slowly grabbed Ruy's hand. "R-Ruy?"'''

'''He didn't respond. Didn't move. Didn't groan. Didn't... didn't breathe.'''

'''Alvar sobbed, shaking him gently. "RUY!"'''

Ruy flinched and his chest heaved with a heavy breath.

'''He exhaled, squeezing Ruy's hand again. He didn't think he could handle losing Ruy. He just wouldn't be able to function anymore. He couldn't lose him. He loved him. A lot.'''

Part Twelve
'''Alvar stood there by Ruy, watching him breathe for the rest of the night. He couldn't bring himself to leave. He just held onto his hand.'''

'''The next morning, Alvar was still standing there. He had bags under his eyes and was gently tracing his thumb up and down Ruy's hand. Up and down. "I love you," he whispered. "You'll get better, I promise... everything will be okay..." Up and down. Alvar let go of his hand and touched the side of his face.'''

Ruy's eyes opened.

'''Alvar gave a small shaky smile. "Ruy?"'''

'''Ruy groaned. "Alvarrrrrr?"'''

'''Alvar took a shaky breath, gently swiping the hair off of Ruy's forehead. "Hey..."'''

"I love you, too," he croaked.

'''Alvar kissed his forehead, tearing up. "P-please don't... g-go... okay?"'''

'''Ruy's eyes swelled with tears. "Alvar..."'''

'''"Promise me?" he whispered.'''

'''Ruy closed his eyes. "I promise," he mumbled. He took in a shallow breath. And then another. And then... there was nothing.'''

'''Alvar's eyes went wide. "R-Ruy?"'''

No response.

'''Alvar burst into hysterics. "RUY!" He shook him, probably a little more violently than he needed to, tears streaming down his face. "NO! Don't- y-you can't... you can't leave," he sobbed, his voice going up an octave. He let out a long string of curse words before hearing footsteps behind him. Hazel, Fintan, and Trix had all run over, hearing him screaming Ruy's name.'''

'''Hazel hurries over to Alvar. Trix covers his mouth with his hand, and Fintan just stands there solemly.'''

'''Hazel quickly wraps Alvar in a hug. Alvar tries to pull away, but then falls against her, sobbing against her. Hazel hugs tighter. "Oh, Alvar, I'm s-so sorry..."'''

Alvar sobbed something, but she couldn't quite understand what it was.

Part Thirteen
'''Ruy's Wanderling sprouted up from the ground slowly. Alvar looked pale.'''

'''Haze placed a hand on his shoulder, but he flinched away. "Don't," he croaked.'''

'''Trix looked sad. Gisela looked shocked for the most part. Vespera showed zero emotion, as always. It was a pathetic funeral. The only people who were actually sad were Alvar and Haze. Trix's sadness was more empathetic; more of a ****-your-boyfriend-is-dead-I'm-sorry kind of sad.'''

'''Alvar couldn't stand the pity. They had no right to pity him. Had no right to feel sorry for him. They had no idea what it was like.'''

'''Fintan was being awfully quiet. Not one dark joke, not an I told you so. He stared at the Wanderling, thinking. God knows what he was thinking about.'''

'''Empty. That was the only way Alvar could describe it. Losing one of the few people he loved. He wished his family hadn't hated him so much for joining the Neverseen. It was really too bad he'd discovered the Neverseen before he'd discovered the Black Swan. He thought the only way to change this screwed up world was to hurt the people who were messing it up, but apparently that was wrong. Apparently so wrong that his own brother wanted to kill him, and his family disowned him. At the time of disownment, it had felt nice. He was no longer restrained by his "Vacker legacy." He could do what he wanted without people trying to control his actions, saying things like, "But remember, you're a Vacker, you can't do that." But now he would do anything to be a Vacker again. He would do anything to go back home to Everglen and being with his family. Even if Fitz tried to kill him again.'''

'''He missed his mother's warm smile, and the way she would protect him no matter what. He missed his father's wise words, telling him that there was "no reason to worry."'''

'''He used to think that was a stupid thing to say. "No reason to worry." There was always a reason to worry. Worried when the Neverseen wiped his memory. Worried when he realized he'd have to betray his family. Worried because he didn't want to hurt his family after they joined the Black Swan. Worried when Ruy's ability vanished. Worried when he fell in love with him. Worried that he'd never be the same. Worried. Worried. Worried.'''

He missed Biana.

'''He remembered when Biana was little, she'd try to give him make-overs. He'd tell her, "No, Bia, make-up is for girls."'''

'''But then he'd let her do it anyway. Because make-up apparently wasn't just for girls.'''

'''He'd showed up at Foxfire with make-up on once. He was about to graduate from the Elite towers. People made fun of him for it. Alden had been disappointed. Apparently, Alvar had done something "completely out-of-line." Okay? "You have the Vacker name to uphold. And if you are going to do your make-up, at least let your mother help you."'''

Yeah, as if Alden could do make-up any better than he could.

Alvar never came out to his parents.

'''Now would be a bad time, though, wouldn't it? They thought he was dead, and they hated him. He imagined going back to Everglen, showing up at the front door, lifting the crystal knocker and knocking on the door. Tempting. But he knew where he was going if he did that. Straight to Exile.'''

He stormed away from the pathetic funeral.

'''Fintan didn't look up. Haze was sniffling softly. Vespera watched him leave curiously, but not curious enough to care. Gisela sighed heavily. Trix only looked slightly concerned.'''

Straight to Exile.

Part Fourteen
'''Alvar took a deep breath. He didn't want to think about what he was doing. He just wanted to hug his mom.'''

'''He took a shaky breath. He knew, one-hundred percent, that this was a horrible idea. He just wanted to hug Della. He missed her so much. He missed his family. His life before the Neverseen.'''

'''He exhaled, letting out something between a chuckle and a sob. He knocked on the door.'''

'''Waiting for the door to pen was the worst part. He considered light-leaping away or crawling up a nearby tree, or attempting to climb over the huge Everglen gate. A few moments later, the door swung open. Della was standing there. When she saw Alvar, she made a face.'''

I know that's very vague, but she made a face.

'''She looked... scared? Overwhelmed? Angry? Tired? Confused? Horrified?'''

'''There was something else in her expression. Maybe it was love. But it was probably just fear, because she screamed and stepped back into the house slamming the door.'''

'''Alvar heard her shout Alden's name. Well... it was worth a try.'''

'''Actually, no it wasn't. Now Alvar felt... worse.'''

'''No, scratch that. He felt like ****.'''

'''He wanted to leap away and never come back again, but something held him there. He collapsed in front of the door and burst into tears.'''

'''He heard frantic talking. He heard Della crying. He heard the door open.'''

'''Alden looked down and saw Alvar crying. He was... perplexed. "Alvar-"'''

'''He looked up. Alden's mouth went dry. Alvar looked horrible... I mean, he just looked horrible. There were bags under his red eyes, and he looked like he hadn't been eating, or showering, or... anything. "D-Dad," he choked out.'''

'''Every bone in Alden's body wanted to scoop Alvar up, carry him inside, and just cradle him in his arms. Tears stung his eyes. "What are you doing here?"'''

"P-please help me," he whispered.

'''Alden shook his head. "Alvar-"'''

'''Alvar wobbled to his feet, nearly passing out as he did so. His body was shaking. "Please!" He choked back tears. "Please," he whispered hoarsely. "I can't..."'''

'''Alden looked torn. He swallowed. "What happened?"'''

'''Alvar wrapped his arms around himself. "I can't," he repeated.'''

'''Alden furrowed his eyebrows. Della was standing behind him, in tears. He turned to look at her. She shook her head hard, looking away.'''

'''Drowning. Alvar felt like he was drowning. His mind felt blank and hyper-active at the same time. Which was fine. Of course, it's fine. We're al fine. Alvar is fine. "Don't worry, Alvar is fine," Alvar whispered.'''

'''Colours. Colours. Waves. Alvar wobbled a little on his feet.'''

He heard Alden say something.

"No reason to worry, right, Dad? Alvar is fine," he whispered.

Drowning.

'''Suddenly, everything was sideways. Alvar's hip hurt really bad. Did he fall over? He barely noticed. He started crying and everything went black.'''

"Don't worry, Alvar is fine."

'''Alden looked at him. "Alvar?"'''

'''His son gazed at him emotionlessly. "No reason to worry, right, Dad? Alvar is fine," he whispered.'''

'''He collapsed. Alden yelped and quickly dropped to his knees beside him. "Alvar!" He burst into tears, cradling him in his arms. "Alvar..."'''