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The first thing Jimmy noticed was the searing pain that bloomed in his chest. It was quick, but somehow not quick enough. He stumbled back, staring at the metal arrow lodged in the place where his heart lay. He thinks he hears someone cry out, footsteps rushing to him- the shouts of his allies. He fell to the ground and watched as crimson blood stained his clothes, almost gushing out of the wound the arrow had left. Was it getting harder to breathe? It felt like it. He was gasping for air, his throat was scratchy and burning. And now the pain was back.
He clutched his chest, gasping and coughing as that same crimson colour now spewed from his mouth. His vision was blurring, white around the edges, as he felt his cheeks become wet. Crying- he was crying. Was someone else crying? Jimmy used the little energy he had left to turn his head, chest heaving in protest as he gazed shakily at the figure by his side. He noticed blue hair. Scott. His husband- his love. He felt him cup his cheek, the other hand pressing on the wound, maybe to stop the bleeding. It wouldn’t work. He knew he was dying.
His throat scratched, and he could feel it filling with blood, yet he still tried to speak. He had to comfort Scott, assure him that he was okay and they would reunite again at some point in the future. He coughed again, more blood coming out as he blinked the blurriness from his eyes.
“I-it’s okay. Thank…thank you, Scott. I- I love..” The blonde's words slurred towards the end, and the whiting around the edges of his vision increased. The last thing he heard was Scott's lovely, rambling voice, sobs sneaking their way into his sentence as he faded away, and his heart came to a permanent stop.
– – –
Jimmy opened his eyes slowly. He was in some sort of…room. It was white - blinding even, so much so that he had to squint his eyes to see. The brightness dulled down after a moment to reveal a figure. This figure was tall and lean, with flowing golden hair cascading down the shoulders and reaching their lower back. Their body was covered in glowing green markings, swirls and stars and dots alike. Large white feathered wings spread out from roughly the middle of their back, flared out in a very confronting but almost comforting manner. Two halos floated around their head, shimmering in the bright illumination of the room, and their ears were pointed and stuck up, facing the ceiling.
This figure, Jimmy had seen before. In his dreams, from all the way back in Evo. He had always thought he was some sort of crazy for constantly seeing this strange creature in his visions and dreams - but now they were standing opposite from them, an almost kind smile on their face. Hesitantly, Jimmy stepped forward, rubbing his chest. The arrow was gone, and the wound appeared to be healed also, but the pain still lingered, sprouting from his heart outwards.
Why was he here? He’d died. He’d died on the battlefield beside his allies, Scott was next to him...Where was Scott? Was he okay? Had he survived the battle? Somehow, this creature seemed to notice his spiral of thoughts as they stepped closer and crouched down to Jimmy’s level - the best it could, being most likely more than ten feet tall. The blonde turned his attention back to them, wide, fearful eyes glancing up at their comforting presence.
“My dear Canary, do not fear. I promise, all your questions and queries will be answered, and your worries quelled. You are not in danger here, and I can assure you your lover is okay. He did not win, but he is just fine now.”
Their voice echoed, almost as if they were speaking with multiple voices at once, layered on top of one another. Jimmy was still hesitant, but at least now he knew - if he could believe this mysterious figure - that Scott was okay. He wondered if there was any way to see him again, to hold the smaller male in his arms and promise him it would all be alright. Farfetched hopes, they were. The creature chuckled, smiling softly. "Sweet Canary. You care for him very much, don’t you? We’ve enjoyed listening in on the two of you; your love grows stronger each day you spend with one another.”
A wave of emotion hit him as they spoke those words, a realisation that he may never get to see Scott again, may never get to hear his contagious laugh or bright smile. Because he was dead, right? To this, the creature chuckled, reaching out to practically scoop Jimmy into their arms. He yelped, clinging to the figure - he’d never been a fan of heights. “Would you like to hear his voice once more, sweet Canary?” Jimmy’s eyes widened at that, and he looked up to the creature with a pleading look in his eyes. Please. Please. He would do anything to hear Scott’s voice one last time.
The creature nodded, gently placing Jimmy down on the floor once more, looking at him curiously. They gently pet the blonde’s soft hair, smiling. “You are a wonderful creature, Jimmy. We’ve made your power dormant for many years, but now is your time to shine. You are far more powerful than we had anticipated. I’m sure Martyn will be glad to hear you’ve joined us.” This made Jimmy do a double take, and confusion spread quickly as he glanced up at the stranger.
“Martyn? Joining - you? I…power?” his voice sounded timid, and he wasn’t very fond of that, not at all. The god simply chuckled, shaking its head almost fondly.
“We will teach you all you need to know soon, dear Canary. For now, I will unlock your powers from their dormancy so you can hear your love.” The looming figure smiled one more time before taking a small step back. They closed their eyes, before opening them as they glowed a bright green hue - as did the markings along their body. Jimmy was still incredibly hesitant, but something inside of him leaned towards trusting the god-like creature, even if he didn’t fully understand what was happening.
All of a sudden, Jimmy felt an overwhelming amount of sound and pain. He covered his ears tightly, digging his nails into his hair and tugging tightly as if that would somehow stop the pain. Then, as quickly as the overwhelm began, it came to an abrupt stop. His grip loosened on his hair, and he let out a shaky breath of relief. Jimmy felt...different. He didn’t know what had changed but - hang on. Did his ears feel different? He touched them gently, noticing they were more pointed than usual. He was confused, but didn’t have much time to think about it too hard as the creature placed a hand gently on Jimmy’s shoulder.
“I apologise, it’ll take some time to adjust to your new abilities. But, for now. Think of your love, think of Scott. Once you do, lock onto him. Find him.” It sounded strange, but he decided to oblige. He closed his eyes and imagined Scott’s beautifully found face, the bright light that shone in his eyes, his gorgeous smile. Out of seemingly nowhere- though perhaps this was intended, because after a moment he heard him. Somehow, he did. Sure, he couldn’t see him - but he’d recognise that voice anywhere.
The cyanette was back on Empires, discussing something with Pearl. He imagined it was the game - right? It had to be. He focused harder, trying to hone in on Scott’s voice.
“-it’s strange. I remember...bits. Feelings, mostly. A few thoughts. I know I’m probably just imagining things, it has been a tad weird here ever since I learnt Xornoth is back. Thanks for the chat, Pearl.” Jim felt tears fill his eyes quickly - knowing Scott was alive, knowing he was okay. Well, as okay as someone who has survived that death game could be.
Interestingly, Scott didn’t seem to remember the games, nor did Pearl. Would he forget too? Was he going home to Empires? Once again, the creature- which now registered in his head like a whisper of a thought that the god sitting opposite him was called a Listener. And it also clocked in his mind that he too was a Listener. He had so many questions and too little answers. The Listener frowned solemnly, looking at Jimmy intently.
“You will, I’m afraid. Our powers cannot override those of...Them. We’re doing all we can, but your memories of the game will be erased once you return home. You will remain with your powers, as you have had them for many years without you realising, but most things regarding the games will regrettably be gone. You may remember..parts. As your lover has, but in all you will forget. We will continue to communicate with you when you return, as you will remember us. I’m sorry there’s not more I can do, dear Canary.”
The blonde was just giving quite a large amount of information at once, but he did his best to listen. He nodded with a heavy weight of anxiety and bittersweetness by the end. He would forget everything, He would become the same naive Jimmy he always had been. He wouldn’t...he wouldn’t remember his time with Scott. He’d always had a crush on Scott since he joined Empires, but having the chance to actually be with him was bliss. He didn’t want to forget that. The Listener sighed, patting his hair.
“I’m sorry, Canary. But I fear it is time to return you to your home server. Are you ready? Are there any more questions that I may be able to assist with?” Jimmy considered this but ultimately shook his head. Sure, he had a million questions, and his head ached from all the information he’d learnt within the past half an hour or so. He supposed that would come in due time, and that if the Listeners were to keep watching over him he would have another opportunity to speak to them. Hesitantly, he nodded.
“I’m ready. I- I’m ready to go home.”