Part 864: Gaius (Father) A

Got a minute, Noire?

Oh... Hello, Father. What is it?

Have a look.

...Eeeek! M-Mother's cursing implements! Gods, there's so many... Father, what are you planning to do to me?

Heh, nothing to you, Noire. I swiped these from your mother so she couldn't put any more weird hexes on you.

You... you took away Mother's tools? But... you never did anything like this before...

Before, you said we couldn't change anything. That we're bound by fate. Well, I thought I'd see if I couldn't lay that fear to rest. If I did something the future me couldn't, it would prove everything can change.

Hmm... I guess that's true. The father I knew wouldn't even get near these tools, let alone take them.

I only changed because you came back to me. And together, we can change anything. All of us--you, me, your mother... everyone.

Just please don't ever leave me again.

Nothing's taking me away from you again. Not even death!

That's... a little much, perhaps? But thanks.

Wait... Do you feel that? A sudden sense of foreboding; a fury rising from the shadows... A Risen ambush? No... Bears? Is it bears? No... Urk! I-it's your mother! And she's FURIOUS!

She must have realized you took all her toys.

Drat. I'd better get outta here before I test that whole "not even death" promise... See ya, Noire! Love you! (flees)

Wow, he's faster than I remember...

And I can't recall Mother ever coming after him like this, either... Hey, maybe things really can change for the better!