Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“So what you're telling me is there was another side that I've never met who died?"Thomas asked. Patton tilted his hand back and forth.

“Kinda. He was hurting you so I-we had to split him. And now you have the twins!” He smiled and Thomas frowned.

“How did he hurt me?” He questioned. Patton’s smile dropped slightly.

“Well kiddo, it's complicated. And a long story.” Janus suddenly frowned and sank out. Roman shot Thomas a sheepish smile and sank out to follow Janus. Thomas looked confused at their sudden departure. “Janus was the closest out of all of us to King, so he doesn't really like to talk about him much.”

Thomas nodded slowly, still confused but understanding. “So what really happened?”

Patton sighed. “Are you sure you want to hear? It's not a very happy story, and I don't want you to think anything bad about the twins because of it. King wasn't the best person, y’know.”

“I'm sure.”

Patton shrugged and sat on the couch, gesturing for Thomas to do the same. Logan and Virgil sat on the stairs and waited for Patton to begin the story.

~~~

Long ago, when you were about twelve years old or so, you had five sides. Logic, Anxiety, Self Preservation, Creativity, and, of course, Morality. This was before the twins and before any dark sides. Janus wasn't Deceit quite yet because you didn't see any negative parts of you yet as you were still young.

We were a close family. Of course, as family is, we had a few arguments, but it always got sorted out in the end. However, as you got older, I noticed the arguments becoming more frequent and got more and more violent. Until, finally, King and Janus set off to a different part of the Mind Palace and locked themselves off from us. We tried multiple times to get to them, but we couldn't. Eventually, we gave up. They still came to help when you were having a problem, but they changed so much every time we saw them. King grew out a beard and had more and more scars on his face, his eyes wilder. Janus wore more and more clothing and started growing scales on his face. It was obvious that what they were doing was not healthy!

One day, after helping you with a problem, King got so angry that he lashed out at me. He gave me a scar on my face, just under my cheekbone. You can't see it, of course, because I cover it with makeup. I'm not too fond of any reminder of that awful, dark time.

I was so confused. Every day I went to the door that separated us from them and I tried to get them to listen. Eventually, I gave up on King and just started to plead with Janus. What King was doing to him wasn't healthy. It had literally turned him into a monster! Not, of course, that Janus is a monster. However, I couldn't ignore the fact that Janus was becoming less and less human every day.

I started to think of how I could save him. I knew he wouldn't leave on his own because he was terrified of what the King could do, so I had to step in. I began to make a plan.

I knew that they both came over to the Light side when you had a problem and needed them, so I knew that was how I could save Janus. I talked to Logan and asked what he knew and how I could help. He told me about a way to erase a Side’s memories and neutralize them. It was terrible but eventually, I saw it was the only choice. Janus’ only hope.

We talked and I planned what had to be done. Eventually, we were ready and you needed them. It was perfect. I waited until the problem was resolved and, when they tried to leave, I had Virgil block the exit. Logan had snuck up behind Janus and handcuffed his hands together so he couldn't hurt himself in his panic.

King was outraged. He exploded with rage and tried to attack me again. Thankfully, we were ready for it. Logan threw a rope around him and tightened it, pinning his arms to his sides. I quickly pulled a piece of paper out of my pocket and read the words on it, King wailing in anger and, eventually, pain. It broke my heart to see him in so much pain, but I knew it had to be done, to protect us and you from him. He glowed white and, when we could see again, all that remained of him were two young twin boys, one in green and one in red, surrounded by tattered robes and a crown that was broken in half.

The boy in red opened his eyes and frowned. “Hello. Where am I?” He asked.

Logan and Virgil went to comfort Janus, so I had to help the twins. I crouched down and answered him. “You are in the mind palace, my young prince. What is your name?”

He furrowed his brow in concentration. “I don't know.” The boy in green shifted behind him and he turned to face him.

“'m here too!” The boy in green shouted. I could tell immediately the difference between the two. The boy in red, Roman, was polite, calm, and quiet. The boy in green, Remus, was wild and unpredictable.

I heard a clang of metal on the wood floor and turned just to see Janus jump to his feet and lunge forward, grabbing one of the twins and running. Virgil chased after him, but eventually came back empty-handed.

After that, Janus stayed with Remus on the other side of the Mind Palace. He never came out unless he was truly necessary. He always left Remus on the other side, never letting him meet us.

In fact, the first time we had seen Janus out for a significant amount of time was when you met him. We hadn't seen Remus since until you met him as well.

~~~

“A long, and quite sad story, but it is the story of the King.” Thomas was looking at Logan, who was comforting Virgil. He turned his attention back to Patton. “I really wish we didn't have to do that, but it was necessary.” Patton used his shirt to wipe his face and Thomas saw the deep scar as the makeup was wiped away.

“I understand.” He nodded and Patton smiled sadly.

“I think it's time for bed.” Thomas nodded again and headed upstairs to his room. The other three sank out to their rooms as well.

Chapter Text

Thomas flicked on the light to his bedroom and was about to fall onto his bed when he saw a leather-bound book lying in the middle of it. He frowned and picked it up.

He opened to the first page and saw the words “The King and the Snake” written in flowing cursive. He sat and started to read the messy scrawled writing.

-

I don't think it's safe for us anymore. I'm writing this journal in case he does something to either of us. My only hope is that, if that happens, one of us survives to bring this to Thomas.

Thomas, if you’re reading this, that means either J or I are gone and he is not. I hope I get to live long enough to see what you have become but I am sad to admit I do not believe I will. All I can ask is that you read, understand, and believe the words that I am writing and that he won't get away with this. I will start at the beginning.

~~~

It began with the five of us. Logic, Anxiety, Deceit, myself, and Morality. And you, of course. We all had a job to do and we all did our jobs well. Eventually, however, one of us began to look over us and see the imperfections we’ve always had. He noticed J’s scales and my eyes and L’s skin and V’s personality.

He forced J to cover his scales with concealer and I to wear contacts. L was to cover his skin with makeup and V was to be quieter. Eventually, these things became so natural to us that we forgot it was any other way. We forgot that L had grey skin and J had scales and V had a loud, booming laugh. It became second nature to us.

I realised soon after what he was doing. He was erasing us and moulding us into more ‘perfect’ versions of ourselves. I wanted it to stop, but knew I couldn't just confront him. I went to J instead. He told me how he hated the feel of the makeup on his scales and how he felt helpless. I knew I had to stop P but I didn't know how. Knowing I had J’s support, I began to get bolder in my approaches, even up to yelling at P.

J and I escaped to a separate part of the Mind Palace, cutting off contact with the others until the timing was right. We knew we had to save the others but we couldn't just barge in and save them. P had them brainwashed with his magic. He can control others' emotions and has learned how to use that to his advantage if he so wishes.

The only times J and I ever saw them was when you needed us. Other than that, we were over on the other side. It was a bit colder and darker over there, so we adapted. J had to layer more because he is cold-blooded, and my eyes adjusted to the dark easily.

Eventually, I got tired of seeing P try to take advantage of J, so I screamed at him. It was impulsive and unwise, but I couldn't seem to be able to stop myself. He tried to brainwash me into being calm with his magic, so I moved without thinking. I lunged forward, cutting his face, disrupting his concentration and, therefore, his magic. J and I escaped quickly back to the Dark Side, as we had affectionately dubbed our new home.

Every day, P knocked on our door and tried to manipulate us into opening it and letting him in. I knew he had ill intentions so I left it locked. We stayed in the dark, in the cold, in our home. Waiting for the right time to save the others and you from P.

-

The handwriting was different from that point on. It changed from a messy scrawl to the same elegant cursive on the first page of the journal, the pages dotted and some words smudged with watermarks, as if someone had cried on them. Thomas leaned closer to the book, reading intently.

-

They killed him. The King is dead and it's Morality’s fault. I knew he was a monster and wouldn't change.

I should back up and tell you what happened. Thomas, by the time you are reading this, you are an adult and Morality must've told you the story of King, with him as the hero and King as an unstable, abusive person. I knew this day would come and I would give you this journal. I hoped it wouldn't and King and I could be together and live. I know you won't know what he looked like or who he was, however, I believe it is in your best interest to know more about him, as he was once a large part of you all of us, in case Morality does anything to anyone else. I need you to know who we were, who we are.

Name: King
Age: 20
Trait: Creativity
Power: Creation (can summon items out of thin air)
Hair Colour: Brown with white strip framing face
Eye Colour: One eye red, one eye green
Prominent Features: Scars lining his face and arms from battles with creatures in the Dark Side
Favourite Song: Body by Mother Mother
Random Fact: Overprotective and always trying to make others laugh

Name: Janus
Age: 20
Trait: Deceit
Power: Lie detecting, forced truth
Hair Colour: Brown
Eye Colour: Right eye brown, left eye yellow
Prominent Features: Scales covering the left half of his face and along left arm and torso
Favourite Song: Monster by dodie
Random Fact: Always looking out for the wellbeing of others, very good at first aid

Name: Logan
Age: 19
Trait: Logic
Power: Analysing, memory recall
Hair Colour: Brown
Eye Colour: Left eye blue, Right eye grey with bright green pupil
Prominent Features: Grey skin
Favourite Song: His Theme by Toby Fox (music box cover)
Random Fact: Terrible with social cues

Name: Virgil
Age: 19
Trait: Anxiety
Power: Compelling voice
Hair Colour: Purple
Eye Colour: Dark purple (almost black)
Prominent Features: Dark eyeshadow under eyes
Favourite Song: Nothing Ever Changes by Nico Collins
Random Fact: Used to laugh a lot and made tons of jokes

Name: Patton
Age: 21
Trait: Morality
Power: Emotion Manipulation
Hair Colour: Dirty blond
Eye Colour: Light blue
Prominent Features: Scar on his cheek
Favourite Song:
Random Fact: Has the perfect ideal of a perfect family and will do anything to make it a reality

I was not going to add Morality to this list. However, I realised he is just as important for you to know as the rest of us. In the unlikely event that he is gone before you meet him, I want you to know who he was.

Now that you know everyone who is in this story, let's get to the actual story part. I know Morality already told you his side of the story, and I'm not telling you to ignore that. I'm just asking you to hear my side of the story and remember King's side of the story as well.

We had both gone to the Light Side to help with a problem, as we have been doing. Once we were done, however, they ambushed us. Anxiety blocked the exit so we couldn't escape and Logic put handcuffs on me so I couldn't interfere. I had to watch on in horror as they tied him up and Morality began to recite incantations. My beloved King started to glow and Morality instructed Anxiety and Logic to each grab one of King’s arms and pull. The white light grew as my love was pulled into two. Once there were two, they let go of them and the light slowly died. I barely remember what happened next, if I'm honest. I couldn't see much through the tears but I could see Logic and Anxiety uncuffing me and trying to comfort me. I could see Morality talking to one of the younger boys who used to be my King. The other had sat up and shouted that he was there as well. I saw the look Morality had given him and I knew I couldn't leave him to his brainwashing. I stood and ran towards the teenagers. I grabbed the loud one, and a half of King’s crown and ran to the Dark Side, locking the door behind me. I heard someone banging on the door but I ignored it, running further and further into the Dark Side. The boy was confused but started loudly asking me question after question. It seemed like he was asking me every question except who I was and why we were running.

I stopped running and set him down. He stumbled slightly before standing, staring at me with wide green eyes. Seeing King’s green eye in someone else was something I couldn't handle. I broke into tears again, collapsing to the ground. I held the half of the King's crown to my chest and sobbed.

The boy knelt next to me and placed a hand on my shoulder, concerned. He opened his mouth and coughed, before speaking in a raspy, rough voice. “What happened?”

I sucked in a deep breath, trying to compose myself. “You don't need to worry about it.” I wiped the last of the tears from my eyes and faced him. “I'm sure what you feel is more important and interesting. What's your name, young one?”

The boy looked down at his right hand and I noticed a black star in the middle of his palm. “I don't…I think…” He sighed and looked back at me, a wide grin on his face. “Remus! My name is Remus!”

I choked back a sob. Remus’ eyes were wild and excited, reminiscent of who he used to be.

“That's an excellent name, Remus. My name is Janus.” He grinned again and I smiled back.

From that day on, I kept him away from Morality and the others. I knew I couldn't let him kill this part of King, and he surely would. Remus was loud and explosive and expressive and purely dark in the best ways.

After that, I would still leave to the Light Side to help solve a problem. I never saw the other half of King. I assumed Morality was hiding him from me, not wanting him to hear stories about how he truly came to exist.

One day, after I had returned from helping the others with a problem you were having, I heard a gentle and somewhat timid knock on the door. I was very tempted to just continue and ignore it, but something in my gut told me to turn around. I looked through the peephole and saw Anxiety standing there fiddling with his sleeves and looking around fearfully. I quickly unlocked the door and he jumped, looking up at me.

“Are you okay? Did you need something?” I asked.

“Please.” He begged, his voice fragile and broken, as if he hadn't spoken in years. I immediately opened the door wider to let him in and he tentatively stepped through the threshold. He wrapped his arms around himself and glanced around, taking in his surroundings before staring at me. I noticed he was shivering slightly and quickly removed my cloak, moving to wrap him in it. When I first draped it on his shoulder, it fell straight through him to the floor. Both our eyes widened and he started to cry. I quickly picked it up and (successfully) wrapped him with it, before picking him up and sprinting to where Remus and I had been living. I couldn't help but be reminded of the day I first met Remus.

I burst into the living room I had fashioned out of the dark throne room. Remus bounced off the couch in surprise and ran up to us. “What's happening? Who is he? Is he dinner? I'm sure we can make what meat he has on his bones enough-”

Anxiety was shaking so hard, I thought I was going to drop him. He had started to hyperventilate with Remus’ words and was staring at him wide-eyed. “Remus! We are not going to eat him! He is our guest. No maiming, no threats, and no killing. No biting either.” I added after a moment. Anxiety’s eyes flicked back to me when I said Remus’ name, confused. Remus frowned but nodded, moving closer to Anxiety, eyes wide with curiosity.

Anxiety shrank away from him into my chest. Remus frowned. “He looks cold. And scared. Maybe he-”

“I'm going to bring him to my room!” I quickly cut him off, knowing whatever he was about to say was not going to go over well with Anxiety in his current mental state.

“Have fun, J-anus!” He called after us as I moved quickly to my room. I kicked blankets and pillows into a pile under the heat lamp King had made for me and set Anxiety on the pile. He curled up into a ball and half-burrowed into it. I sat on the floor next to the pile and waited, worried. His hand twitched towards me, as if he wanted me to hold it but changed his mind. I reached out my hand and left it hovering over his for a moment, waiting.

When he didn't notice, I asked, “Can I touch you?” He opened his eyes and saw my hand over his and nodded, closing his eyes again. I smiled softly and lowered my hand, clasping his. He shivered and stretched his neck out towards me like a cat. I smiled and set my other hand on his head, carding my fingers through his hair. A small smile appeared on his face and I smiled in return.

I sat there for hours, comforting him. Eventually, Remus opened the door and peeked his head inside. I smiled and waved him over. He tiptoed over without a sound and sat next to me. I wrapped an arm around him and he curled up into my side, closing his eyes. I grabbed a nearby blanket and pulled it over him. He shifted slightly, burrowing into my side before going still. I smiled and kissed his forehead. I looked back at Anxiety and his eyes were open, staring at me. He quickly looked away once he noticed I saw him.

“Did you want a kiss on the forehead too?” I asked. He flushed slightly, the pale pink a drastic contrast to his paper-white skin, before nodding. I leaned over and kissed his forehead. He relaxed into the pile of blankets and I smiled before closing my eyes and falling asleep.

Over the next few days, I encouraged Anxiety to speak and asked him what he thought of any certain thing. It was slow going; Morality seemed to have taught him he was better seen and not heard. As he got more comfortable speaking out, he became more and more solid. The more open and loud he got, the more relieved I was. Once I get the chance, I will have to remind Morality that he almost killed Anxiety.

Months turned into years and they were filled with laughter and healing. Anxiety opened up more to Remus over time and their relationship started to resemble that of brothers. I left the Dark Side occasionally to help solve problems you were having, but I never let Remus or Anxiety leave. Thankfully, neither wanted to, but I knew it was for their safety.

One day, Anxiety followed me to the door as I was leaving to help you. I noticed him before I opened the door. “What's going on?”

“I want to come with you.” He replied, his mouth set in a firm line. I started shaking my head and he quickly continued. “Thomas needs me and I know about Morality now. He can't hurt me anymore. Besides, you'll be there to make sure I'm safe.” I thought for a moment. “I miss Logic.” He finally added. I sighed and opened the door. He stood there for a moment before I smiled at him.

“Coming?”

His face lit up and he scrambled out the door. I followed him and locked the door behind me. We walked to the common room and Anxiety hesitated at the door. I rested a hand on his shoulder. “You can go back if you want.” He shook his head and straightened his posture, giving me a semi-confident smile. I chuckled and opened the door, Anxiety following closely behind.

Morality’s expression soured immediately after seeing me but lit up with a fake smile when he noticed Anxiety behind me.

I noticed a man who looked almost identical to Remus standing with perfect posture, speaking politely to Logic behind Morality. ‘That must be the other twin.’

They both turned when we entered and Logic’s eyes widened when he saw Anxiety. He jolted forward slightly, as if he wanted to run to him but stopped himself. Anxiety waved to him and Morality followed his gaze to catch Logic waving back. Once Logic saw Morality’s eyes on him, he dropped his hand immediately and stared at the floor. I spoke up to distract Morality from him.

“What's the problem we’re having?” I asked. Morality looked back at me and his smile widened almost painfully.

As we conversed on the issue at hand, I noticed Morality’s eyes on Anxiety and Anxiety shrinking into himself, getting quieter and quieter the longer we were there. I frowned and shifted slightly over time to stand in between them, blocking Morality’s vision of him.

“What's your name?” The red one spoke up suddenly. Everyone turned to him, surprised.

“You can call me Deceit. Or Dee works, if you would like. And what can I call you?”

He bowed dramatically. “I am Prince Roman. Pleasant to meet you, Dee.”

I smiled. “Likewise.”

Morality coughed and directed the attention to himself again. “I do believe this problem is solved.” He glared pointedly at me. I made a slight bow and Anxiety waved at Logic again, less enthusiastic than before. He quickly dashed out the door and I followed close behind him. I unlocked the door to the Dark Side and Remus leapt out, tackling Anxiety the second the door opened. Anxiety chuckled and I smiled at the sound, glad being in Morality’s presence had not completely reverted him to where he was a few years ago.

I heard a noise behind me and turned quickly to see the red twin, Roman, staring at Remus. I scanned our surroundings and, after confirming there was no one else around, moved towards him. I bowed slightly and spoke. “Greetings, Your Highness.” He startled and whipped around to see me. Anxiety and Remus looked up to see Roman. Now Remus was the one staring at Roman.

“I apologise for invading your privacy, however, I wanted to know more about you.” He looked back at Remus and their eyes widened. I sighed.

“Would you like to come in?” All of their eyes fell on me again. “You would be able to leave the second you wish. My only stipulations are Morality is forbidden from joining us or knowing how we do things. You are more than welcome to tell him what I tell you. However, I would not, as what I have to say isn't his favourite story.”

He nodded and I smiled and unlocked the door, which had closed and locked as we were talking, as it was created to do.

We led him to the living room and he shivered. I had Anxiety fetch him a jacket and he thanked him graciously. “What do you want to know?” I asked once we were all settled.

Roman’s eyes drifted back to Remus. “Who are you?”

“Why do you look like me?” The twins asked in unison.

I sighed and leaned forward, reaching for Roman's right hand. “May I?” He pulled off his glove and held out his hand and I opened it, only to see a blank palm. I frowned in confusion and he smiled, realising what I wanted.

“Oh!” He pulled back his hand and replaced it with his left after removing that glove as well, stretching open his palm, displaying a black star in the middle. Remus’ eyes widened and he reached out with his right hand, showing off his star. They reached out and clasped their hands together, pressing the stars together. At the contact, their hands glowed brown, glowing brighter and brighter until the light was white and so bright, we had to cover our eyes. Roman pulled his hand back, shaking it and hissing in pain. I pulled his hand into mine and examined it. It was red and slightly shiny.

“Shit.” I pulled a first aid kit from under the couch and pulled out some bandages, instant ice packs, and petroleum jelly.

“Why…?” Roman trailed off.

“One of us tends to get injured quite easily. We have these all over.” Anxiety answered, gesturing at Remus and rolling his eyes.

I turned to Remus. “Bottle of water? Clean water.” Remus sighed dramatically, created a bottle of clear water, and handed it to me. I thanked him and doused a pair of bandages in it, wringing them out slightly. I moved one of the wet bandages to Roman's hand and looked up at him. “This might sting a bit.” I wrapped the bandage around his hand and he hissed in pain again. I pressed the ice pack to the bandage over the wound and wrapped more bandages around it. “Hold that there for a minute. Your turn.” I turned to Remus and he scowled.

“It doesn't even hurt!”

“Your pain tolerance is infinite. You're still injured.” He huffed and let me give him the same treatment as Roman.

“While we wait for that for a moment, why don't I tell you why you have those stars?” They nodded and Anxiety looked away. I nudged him with my foot and smiled reassuringly at him when he looked up. He leaned into my leg and rested his head on my knee.

“You two are twins.” They glanced at each other and back at me. “This is Remus the Duke,” I pointed at the man biting at the loose end of his bandage. “And this is Prince Roman.” I pointed to the man staring at the bandages where the star was. “You two were…” I trailed off. I couldn't tell them they used to be the love of my life. I couldn't tell them they used to be King, until Morality, someone Roman trusts, changed that. “You came to us in a flash of bright light. Roman, you were the first to speak. Polite from the beginning, you said hello before asking anyone anything. Remus, ever enthusiastic, you wanted to make sure you were noticed as well. I brought Remus here to the Dark Side and Roman stayed with the others.”

I noticed Anxiety looking at me funny but I ignored it. I checked the clock on the wall, frowned, and stood abruptly. “I do believe it is time for you to get back to the Light Side. Make sure you change the bandages before you fall asleep and put petroleum jelly on the burn when you change them. The ice pack is disposable, so you can throw it away once it melts.” I noticed a small light flash on the wall by the clock, indicating someone was approaching. “Unfortunately, I don't believe you will be able to return, so I suggest you make what could be goodbye for a while.”

The twins leapt to their feet and embraced each other tightly. “Goodbye, Remus. I will never forget you.”

“You couldn’t get rid of me if you tried. Ask these two. We'll see each other again.”

I escorted Roman to the door and Remus called after Roman as he left. “Goodbye, Prince Roman!”

Roman grinned back at him before turning and walking to the Light Side and I locked the door behind him, barely seeing Morality run up to him and pull him into an embrace.

From that point on, the three of us lived together, myself leaving occasionally to help the others with a problem. I never saw Roman after that. Morality must've hidden him away every time I arrived.

Name: Remus
Age: 18
Trait: Creativity
Power: Creation
Hair Colour: Brown with a grey streak
Eye Colour: Green
Prominent Features: Moustache, black star on right palm
Favourite Song: Joker by Rory Webley
Random Fact: Extremely high pain tolerance

Name: Roman
Age: 18
Trait: Creativity
Power: Creation
Hair Colour: Red-brown
Eye Colour: Red
Prominent Features: Black star on left palm
Favourite Song: Drama Club by Melanie Martinez
Random Fact: Extremely formal upon first interaction

The next time I saw Roman was when I introduced myself to you. However, despite that, I have no doubt he and Remus had seen each other many, many times. I had only met Roman for that short time and already I knew he had the same stubbornness his brother did when he wanted something. They wouldn't be kept away from each other once they knew about each other.

I know I don't have any proof other than my word and potentially the words of the others. But yes, I am telling you that Morality lied to you, and yes, that might be hard to understand and believe, especially coming from Deceit, but you have to remember. Whoever lives to tell the tale, lives to make themselves the hero.

Chapter Text

“Whatcha readin’?” Thomas jumped and looked up to see Remy drinking coffee and staring at him. He quickly stashed the journal under his pillow and tried to look casual.

“Nothing! Just some light reading before bed.” He forced a smile and Remy rolled his eyes.

“Bestie, it's one in the morning. That's why I'm here.”

Thomas glanced at the clock and, realising he was right, frowned. “I was just about to go to bed.” He pulled the blankets over him and closed his eyes. He felt Remy sit on the bed next to him and press a finger to his forehead. Immediately, he fell into a deep, restful sleep.

The next morning, when Thomas woke up, he quickly shoved his hand under his pillow and sighed in relief when he felt the journal right where he left it. He stashed it in between his mattress and boxspring and went to get dressed.

Once he was downstairs, he saw Patton, Logan, and Roman in the kitchen. He moved to sit at the table where Patton was setting out bowls of oatmeal for them. He started to eat, unable to stop himself from staring at Logan's eye and Roman's left glove. He glanced at Patton’s cheek, where the scar was, and saw him staring back at him, a calculating expression quickly replaced with a smile when they made eye contact.

“Thinking about the story from yesterday?” He asked. Thomas jumped and nodded, quickly putting a bite of oatmeal in his mouth. Patton walked away to wash the dishes, glancing back periodically to watch him. ‘Shit. I think he’s suspicious.’

“Roman.” The prince looked up from his oatmeal, in which he was making pictures with fruits. “Could I speak with you in my office? I would like to go over a video idea with you.”

“Of course!” He grabbed a bowl of fruit and followed Thomas up the stairs. Thomas led him to the office and locked the door behind him. Roman watched him, confused. “Why are you locking the door?”

“I just don't want to be interrupted. You know how I get when I start something and get interrupted halfway through.” He chuckled nervously.

“Okay?”

Thomas showed him the script he was working on and tried to focus, but couldn't help staring at his glove again.

“Thomas? Thomas!” Roman's voice broke him out of his thoughts. He shook his head, clearing it.

“What?”

Roman sighed. “You're really distracted. Are you okay?”

“I'm fine, I'm just…” Thomas trailed off, glancing at Roman’s glove again. “I'm curious. Why do you always wear gloves?”

Roman looked down at his hands and back at Thomas, frowning. “I like them. Why?”

“I just realised I’ve never seen you without them and wanted to know if you had a secret tattoo or something.” Thomas added with a joking voice. Roman froze for a moment before smiling.
He pulled off his left glove and showed him his blank hand. Thomas stared at his other hand and Roman sighed, pulling off the other glove.

Thomas saw the thin burn scars wrapping around his hand and down his wrist before Roman showed the black star. “Woah.” Thomas stared at the star and noticed all the burn scars seemed to start at it. “It's just like Remus’.” He said and Roman flinched.

“How did you know about Remus’ star?”

“I've…seen it?” Roman didn't seem impressed. Thomas sighed. “It's a long story, but you have to trust me. Please don't say anything to anyone else.” Roman nodded and pulled his gloves back on before unlocking the door and sinking out to his room.

Thomas sighed and jumped when Patton knocked on the doorframe. “Oh, it's just you.”

“I just wanted to check in with you because you looked stressed this morning, kiddo. Are you okay?” Patton frowned, concerned. Thomas smiled weakly.

“Just…processing things. That was quite a story last night.” Patton chuckled quietly and rested a hand on Thomas’ shoulder.

“I'm going to my room. Call if you need me!” And Patton sank out. Thomas let out a breath he was holding and walked back to his room. He looked around to make sure no one was around, reached under the mattress and grabbed the journal.

Someone shrieked behind Thomas and he jumped, almost dropping the journal in surprise. He clutched it to his chest and looked over his shoulder to see Remus standing there, staring at him. “What's that?”

“Nothing!” Remus scoffed.

“I'm not an idiot. Show me!”

“I'm not hiding anything!” Thomas shouted. He clapped a hand over his mouth and stared at the open door, waiting for Patton to appear and ask what was going on. Thankfully, after a few seconds of silence, it seemed he wasn't coming to investigate. Remus huffed and stretched his arm around Thomas and plucked the journal out from behind his back. Thomas reached to grab it back but Remus pulled back and opened it. He frowned and fell to the ground, sitting with his legs crossed in front of him. Thomas whispered Janus’ name and sat next to Remus. Janus appeared in front of them and, when he saw the journal in Remus’ hands, leapt forward and snatched it out of his hands.

“Hey!” Remus complained. Janus thumbed through the pages and looked at Thomas.

“Did you read this?”

Thomas fidgeted. “I thought you wanted me to.” Janus nodded.

“I did. Am I to take your answer as a yes?” Thomas nodded and Janus sighed. “So you know. Do you believe me?” Thomas nodded again, glancing at Remus’ hand. “Please summon Roman. It's time we had a talk.”

Thomas stood and shook his hands aggressively, shaking the stress out of him. “Roman.” They waited in silence.

Roman appeared in front of them and grinned before seeing their expressions. “What's going on?”

“Can you make us a soundproof room in the Imagination please?” Janus asked. Roman snapped his fingers and they teleported to a room filled with comfortable chairs and a chandelier that was spinning slowly on its own.

“What's going on?” He asked. Janus motioned for them to take a seat and sat in a rocking chair himself. Once they were all seated, Janus began.

“Roman, Remus. Do you remember what I told you the first time you met? How you came to be?”

“A bright light?” Roman asked. Janus nodded and continued.

“That wasn't the whole story. You see, there was once a side named King. He was Creativity.”

“But we’re Creativity!” Remus interrupted. Janus smiled fondly at him.

“Yes. You two are Creativity. We will get to that part. Where was I? Oh, right.

He was tall, strong, and handsome. Most of all, he was kind. He loved his friends and partner dearly and would do anything to see them smile.

Unfortunately, there was a side who thought the others were too flawed. He wanted to erase the others’ imperfections to make the perfect family. This included skin tone, eye colour, and even personality. You see, once upon a time, Logan had grey patches of skin and a robotic eye. Virgil used to laugh loudly and always made sure his opinions were heard. And my King, he had heterochromia. One eye red, one green.”

“Wait, you're telling me King had two colours?” Roman asked. “I thought sides only had one!”

“He had one. But, because he was Creativity, his appearance was different. It got worse with the chaos the other side had caused. His colour was brown, but it had split to red and green in some places. His eyes, for example.”

“Oh.”

“Wait, your King? Was he ruler of the mindscape? Did he make you call him-” Remus started. Roman gasped and smacked Remus’ shoulder repeatedly in excitement.

“Wait, were you and King dating?” Janus sighed. He raised his left hand and pulled off his glove, revealing a silver band around his ring finger. The twins gasped and flapped their hands excitedly.

“Wait, does that mean you were married to the twins?” Thomas asked. Janus frowned and the twins glanced at each other, scowling.

“I suppose, technically, yes. Not that that really counts. And King and I were never married. We didn't feel like marriage was what we wanted.” He pulled a gold ring on a leather rope out from under his shirt where it laid. “This is a promise ring; not a promise to get married, but a promise to stay faithful and love each other for eternity.” His breath hitched and he cleared his throat. “We’re getting off topic. We will have time later to learn more about King." The twins stopped scowling at each other and turned back to Janus.

“This other side was willing to do whatever it took to make the perfect family. King had seen this and decided to leave to protect himself. He took me with him and we escaped to the Dark Side. We lived there for years, adapting to the cold and dark and coming back occasionally to do our jobs. We waited for the right time to save the others, but that time never came. One day, after we had helped the others with a problem Thomas was having, they jumped us. They handcuffed me so I couldn't stop them and the other side recited from memory an incantation that made King glow white. He instructed the other two to pull on King's arms and he turned from one to two. The light died down and the sides who had handcuffed me, released and tried to comfort me. The side who recited the incantation moved to the remains of King. You two.” Janus motioned to the twins.

“Who was the side who did this to King?” Roman asked. Janus made eye contact with him.

“Morality.”

The twins blinked in shock. Remus spoke up. “Is this why you always avoided talking about him at all costs? And never let me talk to him?”

Janus nodded and continued. “I saw how he had looked at Remus when he woke up and I knew he wouldn't treat him well at all. I knew I had to get him out of there so I did. I ran towards them, grabbed Remus and half of King’s crown, which had broken when he was split, and ran all the way back to the Dark Side. There, I lived with Remus for years, rarely leaving. I never let him come with me, as I knew Morality would not hesitate to get rid of him. One day, Anxiety knocked on the door. I opened the door and asked what he needed. All he could do was plead quietly for my help, his voice raspy and weak with disuse. I let him in immediately and helped him regain his voice. Together, the three of us lived happily and were very supportive of each other in every aspect.”

Janus summoned a cup of tea and took a sip. “And that is the true story of the King.”

The twins leapt to their feet and summoned their weapons. “We need to hold him accountable! He can't get away with this!” Roman exclaimed. Janus sighed.

“I tried to hold him accountable. It didn't do anything but make him cut off my food access for two days.” Thomas’ eyes widened and he looked at Janus incredulously.

“I'm sorry, he what?" Janus shrugged.

“It's not like I died. The point is-”

“The point is he hurt so many people and we can't let him get away with it!” Roman cut him off. “Besides, this time we have what you didn't.”

“King and I already tried, so if Deceit and Creativity couldn't do it before, it's not like there being two Creativities is going to change anything.”

“It might! Besides, having two of us isn't the only thing different!” Remus grinned a sharp tooth grin. “We have Thomas.”

The door to the kitchen slammed open; Logan and Virgil jumped and Patton turned around. “Oh hi Thomas!” He walked in, closely followed by Janus and the twins. “What can I help you with?” Roman slipped around Patton, grabbed Logan’ and Virgil’s arms and dragged them back behind Thomas.

“I'm sorry, what's going on?” Patton asked, keeping a confused look on his face. Thomas crossed his arms.

“We can't have you causing any more harm to anyone else.”

“Is this about the King story? I told you, I needed to protect y-”

“Enough." Thomas cut him off. He held out his hand to Janus and he handed him a piece of paper. “Just so you know, Patton. I don't hate you. I’m just doing what I need to to protect my family and myself. You almost killed Virgil, just because he was outspoken! And you killed King because he wasn't ‘perfect’.” He nodded to the twins and they stood on either side of Patton. Thomas read the words scrawled on the paper and Patton started to glow.

By now, he had realised what was happening. “Wait, no! I was just trying to protect you, Thomas! I was trying to keep you safe!” Tears were flowing freely down his face and Thomas felt his resolve waver for a moment. Patton really thought he was protecting Thomas and doing what he thought was right. Janus rested a hand on Thomas’ shoulder to reassure him as he passed him, walking to Patton. The twins started to pull on Patton's arms and the light grew brighter. Janus leaned close to his face and spoke softly. “This is for King.”

The light grew and dissipated as one person turned into two. The twins let go and the two collapsed to the ground. Thomas let out a breath and Janus looked to the ceiling. Thomas thought he saw him whispering something, but didn't comment on it. Instead, he turned to Logan and Virgil and pulled them into the next room to explain.

Janus knelt next to the two children on the ground, who were just waking up. “Hello. My name is Janus. I know you’re disoriented and confused, but I will explain in due time. First, however, I think we should get you situated.”

The two frowned at each other and turned back to Janus, huge identical grins on their faces. “Okay!” They said in unison. Janus helped them stand and they grabbed each other's hand before wincing and pulling away. Janus reached out and took their hands and saw the black heart on their palms. He smiled and turned to Roman, who knew what he wanted. He summoned two pairs of cloth gloves and passed them to Janus, who handed them to the two younger sides. They quickly pulled them on and tentatively reached out for each other’s hands. When no light or pain appeared, they tightened their grip and grinned at each other. Janus pulled them to their feet and led them to the Mind Palace, Roman and Remus following them.

They appeared next to a room with a pale blue and pale green swirled door replacing Patton’s. Janus opened the door to reveal a room with two beds on opposite walls, bedspreads matching the colour of the door and the new sides’ eyes. They grinned, ran into the room, and immediately started jumping on the beds. Janus smiled softly, watching them. One started to fall and Janus ran forward, catching him and cradling him to his chest. He started to cry and Janus carded his fingers through his hair, whispering comforting things to him. The other one ran to sit next to them and the one who fell reached out for him. They curled up on the floor, arms wrapped around each other.

A few minutes later, Janus spoke. “What are your names? Do you know?”

They looked at him and then each other, thinking. “Ace!” The green one exclaimed.

The light blue one thought for another moment before grinning and stating, “Ares!”

Janus frowned for a moment before smiling at the blue one. “Unfortunately, young one, you can't use that name. Do you have any other ideas?”

He thought for another minute and said, “Loki?” Janus smiled again.

“Nice to meet you, Ace and Loki.” They giggled and ran to a toy chest across the room. They started pulling out toys from Thomas’ childhood and playing with them. Janus walked out of the room, stopping at the door to turn and smile at the Moralitwins. He pulled the door closed behind him and walked to the living room where the others were gathered.

They stared as he walked in and he smiled. “They're adjusting nicely. It's going to be rough, but it'll soon feel like they were here the whole time.”

“Do they have names yet?” Virgil asked. Janus nodded.

“The green one is Ace, and the blue one is Loki.”

“Interesting choice of names.” Logan stated. “After all, Ace means honesty and Loki is the Norse god of mischief. I wonder if that has anything to do with their traits.” He trailed off, lost in his musings. Virgil smiled and bumped Logan's shoulder with his own, pulling him back to reality.