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𖤓 Sole Wielder/Baker/Craftsmaker 𖤓ESFJ - 22 - 🜬 - 5'5" - Non-Bi-nary Biography Ashley is the youngest member of the Solegatti family and the younger sibling of Blake. They’re nonbinary, not feeling they identify with a man or a woman, but something in between or neither. When Ashley and Blake disbanded and left Sunshire, they hoped their magic would return, only to have their hopes dashed, especially when met with Blake’s skepticism and refusal to believe in or have anything to do with magic. Although inexperienced, Ashley longs for a taste of life outside of Sunshire and meeting new people to share new experiences with them. Ashley was taught from a young age to help those in need and always do for others. This is one of the main reasons they assist Makayla and go above and beyond to help her, so that Ashley will help others to the detriment of their well-being. Ashley has a bright, sunny disposition and is often cheerful to the point of burying their sadness and ignoring their problems in favor of always being happy. They have recurring nightmares that bring them dread, and they refuse to discuss them. However, this bubbles to the surface when their brother, Blake, tries to control them and shield them from the world; it is their naivete that lands them in trouble with specific individuals. Hopefully, a certain magician can use his magic to whip them from that. DESIGN Relationships Soulmate Ex BOS cast tarots-blake.png Step-dad Friend/Co-worker Ex-friend Gallery Characters

Characters Characters

My rough sketches. Sketchbook

Chapter 1 Sunflowers “Ashley! They’re back again!” Ashley fluttered their eyes open to canary-yellow walls and their brother standing by their bed. The sun lit up the room, casting light onto the shiny and colourful cat ornaments, feathers, and crystals tucked into every nook and cranny. Ashley: “R-Really?!” Their cerulean eyes sparkled with a warm, cat-like smile. They were soft and round with their chubby build and delicate features. Their long ombre hair flicked at the top like cat ears, and they had a dark olive complexion. Their brother looked like an elongated, masculine version of them, dressed in a leather jacket with darker blue eyes and darker hair that he wore in an undercut style. Ashley rolled out of bed, dressed in their cat onesie pajamas. They squeezed into their long, brown faux fur coat and followed him into the living room with the same canary yellow walls. Green couches and an ornamental rug surrounded the TV. The sweet and earthy concoction of fresh cookies and sage leaves filled the house. At the centre of the room, a family photo hung on the wall. It depicted them as children, sitting with their parents under a strange tree by a lake with the sun beaming down on them. Their father had a slender build and wore the same faux fur coat. Their mother was short and plump like Ashley. Her long blonde hair flowed down her white dress, and she wore a crystal necklace. Their faces were obscured by the sunlight beaming through the window. He opened the door, presenting them with a pile of sunflowers on the doorstep. Ashley beamed with a glint of hope in their eyes. Ashley: “Blake? You don’t suppose?” They quirked an eyebrow at their brother, tugging at the same necklace their mother wore in the portrait. Blake flicked his gaze to the family portrait on the wall. Blake: “That’s not possible...” He said gently but firmly. Ashley: “Did I do this then?” They pondered, picking up one of the sunflowers. Blake turned to gape at them. Blake: “What do you mean?” He pressed them. Ashley: “...I had that dream again.” They glanced down at the sun tattoo on their hand. It depicted a circle within a circle with triangular points around it. Blake paused. Blake: “So, you were sleepwalking?” He queried skeptically. Ashley: “More like I was sleepcrafting!” They beamed, picking up the sunflowers. Blake gaped at them. Blake: “Magic isn’t real, Ash.” He scoffed and laughed. Ashley: “How do you explain it then?” They challenged him. Blake: “I dunno. Maybe you have an admirer?” He shrugged. Ashley laughed disbelievingly. A tabby main coon cat trotted up to them, rubbing around their legs with their bushy tail. Ashley lit up and scooped the cat up in their arms. Blake: “Maybe Stella did it?” He shrugged, patting their cat. Ashley: “Stella?! Where would he get sunflowers from?” They laughed, gazing at their cat. Blake: “I don’t know. Maybe he got it from a neighbor’s garden or somewhere in the bushland?” He shrugged. Ashley laughed disbelievingly and skipped back inside with the sunflowers. The kitchen beamed brightly with its earth tones and sunlight casting through the window. It resembled a kitchen catalog from a bygone era. A vintage kit-cat clock hung on the gaudy 1960s-style wallpaper pattern. The bench tops, cabinets, fridge, and stove were a matching set of lime green. Ashley: “Magic is all around you, Blake! You just gotta believe in yourself!” They exclaimed, placing the sunflowers in a vase and admiring them under the sun. Ashley: “And think outside the box!” They added as they picked some fresh sage and rosemary from the cooking herbs sitting on the windowsill. They then proceeded to the fridge, where they pulled out mushrooms, bacon, and eggs. Ashley: “Even cooking is magic! Taking these ingredients from the earth and transforming them into something extraordinary and delicious with the element of fire!” They explained as they sautéed the mushrooms with butter, garlic, and sage, and cooked the bacon and eggs. Ashley: “Watch as I turn these eggs, blueberries, flour, butter, and sugar into muffins!” They exclaimed as they mixed them in a bowl, waving their hands over it like a magician. They then poured the liquid into the muffin tray and shoved it into the oven. Blake: “That’s not magic!” He laughed. Ashley frowned as they served up their breakfast and sat down at the table across from him. Blake: “If all I have to do is believe in it, where is your magic then?” He challenged them. Ashley paused. Ashley: “...I don’t know. Ever since the day we left… I lost my spark.” They glanced down at the sun tattoo on their hand. Ashley: “But it looks like it's coming back now!” They beamed hopefully at the sunflowers in the vase and took a bite of their mushrooms. Blake paused. Blake: “Ashley…” He began sympathetically, placing his hand on their shoulder, revealing his matching sun tattoo. Blake: “Sunshire was a cult.” He said firmly, frowning at his tattoo. Blake: “The ‘magic’ came from mushrooms spiked in our food.” He explained skeptically, holding up a mushroom. Ashley recoiled. Ashley: “T-That’s not true! Sunshire is our home and our family! That wasn’t mushroom magic!” They countered. Blake sighed. Blake: “Well, Selene Valley is our home now, and we are the only family we have now…” His voice trailed off, locking his gaze on Ashley. Ashley: “I know…” They said softly, gazing at the family photo on the living room wall, through the archway, as if it were divided. ~ Later that day, Ashley sauntered onto the veranda, dressed in bellbottom jeans and a charcoal shirt with their father’s coat over it. They sipped on their lemongrass tea and drank in their lush surroundings. Their green weatherboard cottage was nestled amongst the trees and a long dirt driveway. The gentle breeze flickered through the windchimes, and the chirping magpies in the gum trees filled the air. Blake stepped out onto the veranda, lighting up a cigarette. He wore his leather jacket over an olive green button-up shirt with black slacks and boots. There was an embroidered fern tree on his shirt pocket that read ‘Possum State Valley Parks’ on it. Blake: “I’ll be back later.” He nodded to Ashley, heading over to the orange HQ Kingswood station wagon parked on the lawn. Ashley’s eyes perked up. Ashley: “Ooh, off to go range some parks? Can I come too?” They pleaded with Blake, following after him. Blake: “No, Ash. You stay here. DON’T go wandering off anywhere while I’m gone!” He held his hand up, barring them from the car. Ashley’s shoulders slumped with a frown. Ashley: “Aww, I never get to go anywhere…” They sighed and kicked their bare feet against the soil. Blake: “It’s for your own good.” He frowned and got into the car driver’s seat. Ashley: “How is it good?” They pouted. Blake: “Because. It’s my job to protect you, and you’re safe here.” He concluded and started up the engine. Ashley heaved a defeated sigh as they plonked down on the grass and watched him cruise down the driveway. Ashley: “Protect me from what? What is he so afraid of anyway?” They muttered to their cat as they stroked him on their lap. When Blake was out of sight, Ashley flicked their gaze to their closest neighbor with curiosity. It was an old mansion on a hill, surrounded by bushland between the two properties. A soft ball of fur circling their legs snapped them out of their daze. They glanced down and smiled at their cat. Ashley: “Did you bring me those sunflowers, boy?” They knelt and picked him up in their arms. Stella meowed. Ashley: “We’ll see about that. Let’s go on an adventure!” They scooped up their cat and snuck out through the old wooden gate. ~ Ashley wandered through the bushland with their cat, admiring their surroundings and the crisp smell of leaves in the air. They observed their surroundings, not spotting a single sunflower in sight. Twigs and leaves rustled under their feet until they reached a moss-stained cement fence surrounding the property. They leaned up against the rusty iron gates, getting a closer look at the house. The old Victorian house stood three stories tall with slated gable roofs and a veranda surrounding the big red door at the entrance. The weatherboard had decayed with the elements and sands of time. Large stained glass windows looked out onto the garden. The garden boomed with daisies and fresh vegetables, but there were no sunflowers in sight. Ashley paused and pondered, exchanging a look with their cat. A smile spread across their face, and a glint of hope lit up in their eyes. Ashley: “...No sunflowers. Does that mean my magic is coming back?” They stroked their crystal necklace. Cackling emerged from within the decrepit mansion, snapping them out of their daze. Ashley froze and felt a shivering vibration between the earth and the soles of their feet, rippling from inside the walls. Ashley: “HahahahaHAHAHAHA!” They stumbled over a laugh and scrunched their toes against the earth. Suddenly, something neon caught their eye, sticking out like a sore thumb amongst the greenery. Ashley: “...What the heck is THAT?!” They chuckled and curiously wandered towards it. As they drew closer, they could see it was a man standing on the side of the highway. He looked like a piece of licorice, dressed in bright, neon pinks and greens. His face was obscured by his neon pink, wide-brimmed hat and pink sunglasses. He had tanned skin that looked like he had been bathing in orange juice for a week, and his mullet was dry and yellow, resembling a haystack on his head. He was seated on a pink leopard guitar case and a cardboard box full of his belongings. Ashley: “Oh my stars! It’s a clown!” They gasped with amusement and approached the neon-clad stranger. Ashley: “Hello! Do you live here?” They gestured to the decrepit mansion. A crooked grin spread across the man's gaunt face, and he removed his tacky star-shaped sunglasses to greet Ashley with his beady moss-green eyes. Neon stranger: “Nice pussy baby! You’re smokin’ hot!” He purred at them, eyeing them from head to toe. Ashley awkwardly laughed, stroking their cat. Neon stranger: “...for a fat chick.” He added with a laugh that resembled a hyena. Ashley shifted their eyes. Ashley: “Uhh… thanks? I think, haha?” They awkwardly scratched their head. Ashley: “So uh, do you live here?” They reiterated, gesturing to the mansion. The man scoffed. Neon stranger: “I don’t have a house, baby! I got kicked onto da streets!” Ashly knit their eyebrows. Ashley: “Oh no! I’m sorry! What happened to the circus?” They pressed him. Neon stranger: “CIRCUS?!” He blinked mutely at them. Ashley: “Yeah, you’re a clown, right?!” They tilted their head with a laugh. Neon stanger: “Nah-ah! I’m NOT a clown! Don’t you know who I am?!” He pouted indignantly. Ashley: "Haha, no, of course not, we only just met! A stranger is a friend you haven't met yet! I'm Ashley Solegatti! Nice to meet you!" They beamed and waved at him. Maxx: "Da name's Maxxyyyyy! Maxxy Malone! I'm a VERY famous rockstar!" He grinned. Ashley's eyes widened. Ashley: "...WOW! You're a famous rockstar?!" They gasped, clutching their cheeks. Maxx: “Dats right!” He said loftily, presenting Ashley with a glamor-shot photo of himself. He was making a pouty face with the title 'Sex Bees' above him with a crudely scribbled ‘T’ at the end. His signature was scribbled at the bottom in pink marker. Ashley snickered at the name and gasped, awestruck that he played in a band. Ashley: “HAHAHA, Sex Bees! That’s hilarious!” He giggled. Maxx’s nostrils flared. Maxx: “...Sex BEEST! BEEST! T! T!” He scolded him through clenched teeth. Ashley: “OH! My apologies! Why does it say Sex Bees then?” They laughed and scratched their head. Maxx: “Cos, da printers made a mistake ‘n I didn’t wanna pay five bucks for new ones!” He pouted and huffed. Ashley: “Haha, you’re funny!” They chuckled. Maxx gaped at them. Maxx: “...Funny?! I’m NOT funny, I’m SEXY!” He squawked. Ashley shifted their eyes and cleared their throat awkwardly. They couldn’t tell if he was joking or not. A silence lingered between them with chirping magpies in the distance. Ashley: “So, how did you end up out here? What happened?” They pressed him, breaking the awkward silence. Maxx pouted. Maxx: “My bandmates kicked me outta da house! I got nowhere to go and I GOT NOTHIN’!” He huffed, kicking up leaves and dirt with his obnoxiously elongated cowboy boots. Ashley: “I’m sorry! Did you need a place to stay?” They knit their eyebrows. Maxx’s face lit up. Maxx: “OWWWH! Can I crash with you, baby?!” He grinned at them. Ashley smiled and nodded. Ashley: “Of course, I’ll help you! That’s the Sunshire way!” They chirped and led him through the bushland towards their house. Maxx: “Sunshire?” He scoffed. Ashley nodded and smiled, presenting him with their Sunshire tattoo. Ashley: “That's where I come from!” They explained. Maxx squinted his eyes, taking a look at it. Maxx: “Pfft, I know dat place!” Ashley paused and blinked at him. Ashley: “Huh?” They tilted their head. Ashley: “You don’t look Sunshirean?” They examined him, disbelievingly. Maxx: “Nah, baby, not ME! Dat fatty asshole, Brad!” He scoffed. Ashley’s confusion only grew. Ashley: “...Brad? I don’t know anyone named Brad?” They racked their brain, trying to place a name and a face, but they drew blanks. Ashley: “Are you sure?” They pressed him. Maxx: “Yeah, baby, Maxxy Malone ain’t no liar!” He scoffed. Ashley paused and pondered. ~ Ashley led Maxx into the house. Ashley: “Make yourself at home.” They smiled, spreading their arms with a warm welcome. Maxx: “Don’t mind if I do, baby!” He grinned, plonking down on the couch and putting his feet up. Ashley flicked their gaze to his dirty cowboy boots on the couch. Ashley: “Oh, do you mind taking off your shoes inside?” They asked with a strained smile. Maxx: “Alright, alright!” He waved his hands, slipping off his cowboy boots. Ashley smiled a bit, but not for long, as the unpleasant odor of vinegar and cheese pervaded the room. Ashley: “Actually… on second thought. Nevermind! Put them back on!” They gagged and fanned their face. Maxx: “Damn, baby, I ain’t no piece of meat!” He pouted. Ashley rushed into their bedroom and came out, waving a burning stick of herbs around to clear the air. Maxx: “Ohoho, let’s party! Dats da biggest joint I ever saw!” He cackled. Ashley laughed. Ashley: “It’s not a joint! It’s sage and lavender!” They clarified. Maxx’s face crumpled when he caught a waft of it. Maxx: “Nooo! I don’t like it!” He hissed at them like a wild animal. Ashley tilted their head, surprised by his response. Ashley: “Huh… that’s strange. It’s supposed to clear away bad vibes and make you feel good?” They scratched their head. Maxx: “NAH-AH!” He pouted. Ashley extinguished the herbs and sauntered over to the kitchen. Ashley: “Can I get you anything?” They offered him. Maxx: “Chickie nuggies!” He commanded. Ashley was taken aback by his baby babbling response. Ashley: “Sure, I think I can make those, haha? I’m more of a baker than a chef!” They smiled and nodded, heading into the kitchen through the archway. They stood on their tip-toes reaching for a cookbook on the top shelf. On the cover, it read ‘Kitchen Magician’ by Lazaros Katsaros. A slim and swarthy man with long, blue-black hair spread his arms out, presenting a feast of delicious delicacies. He wore white gloves on his hands and was dressed in a sharp, glittering purple suit that matched his violet eyes. Ashley opened the book and leafed through the pages. Every page was filled with photos of the man presenting each dish with a proud smile. Ashley chuckled and stopped on the page with the chicken nuggets recipe. Ashley: “Ah, here it is!” They beamed and rummaged through the pantry for the ingredients, laying them all out onto the table. They went over to the sink to get the gloves, and they noticed the sunflowers on the window. Ashley turned on their heel to Maxx through the archway. Ashley: “Did you have anything to do with this?” They queried him, presenting him with the sunflowers in the vase. Maxx looked dumbfounded. Maxx: “Pfft! Hell no! Dats chick stuff!” He waved his hand dismissively. Ashley smiled, feeling hopeful. That can only mean one thing, they thought. Ashley: “Do you believe in magic, Maxx?” They pressed him as they prepared the food through the archway. Maxx: “Do I LOOK like a magician?” He scoffed and laughed at the photo of the man in the cookbook. Ashley: “Haha, no.” They laughed. Ashley: “And not that kind. I mean like spell casting.” They clarified. Maxx looked at them as if they had three heads. Maxx: “Nah-ah! Dats chick stuff!” He scoffed. Ashley laughed awkwardly. Ashley: “It’s not just for chicks. What’s wrong with chick stuff anyway?” They challenged him. Maxx: “I ain’t no chick!” He pouted. Ashley forced a strained smile. Wow, this guy is like a broken record, they thought. ~ Three hours later, Ashley served up the chicken nuggets and a pot of lemongrass tea served in a tabby cat-shaped teapot. The fresh herbs and spices permeated the room, and the chicken nuggets were fresh, crispy, and had a soft center. Ashley: “La Cena è servita!” They exclaimed with a warm smile, spreading their arms like the man in the cookbook. Maxx gaped at the nuggets in front of him. Maxx: “Ohhhhhh, nah-ah! I wanted Kaptain Katpilla nuggies!” He pouted. Ashley recoiled and their mouth hung open. Ashley: “...Those frozen nuggets for kids?” They tilted their head. Maxx: “YES!” He whined, pounding his fists on the table like a child. Ashley was too stunned to speak, but before they could open their mouth, the door swung open as Blake entered. Ashley: “Hi, Blake! Want some tea and nuggets?” They greeted him with a smile and a wave. Blake’s face fell when he saw the neon disaster sitting across from Ashley. Blake: “What the fuck is THAT?” He pointed at Maxx. Maxx pouted at him. Maxx: “I’m Maxxy Malone of Sex Beest, thank you very much!” He huffed. Blake gaped at him, and he furrowed his eyebrows. Blake: “Get Out.” He bellowed at Maxx, pointing to the door. Ashley knit their eyebrows and pulled Blake aside. Ashley: “Blake? Why are you being mean to him?” They pleaded with him, looking over at Maxx as he picked up the cat teacup. Blake: “I don’t like him or trust him!” He huffed and glowered at Maxx. Maxx dunked the tea out onto the floor and pulled out a cask wine sack, pouring it into his cup. Ashley: “You don’t even know him!” They sighed. Blake: “Neither do you!” He countered. Blake: “What were you thinking, bringing vagrants into our house, Ash?!” He snapped and shook with anger and concern. Ashley recoiled and swallowed hard. Ashley: “I-I’m sorry, Blake! He needed help… he had no one else and nowhere to go.” They pleaded with him. Ashley: “And… that’s what mom would have done…” They cried, clutching her necklace. Blake’s harsh features softened, and he drew a long breath. Blake: “We’re in the real world now, Ashley. This isn’t Sunshire!” He said firmly, folding his arms across his chest. Blake: “This isn’t your problem! HE is the problem!” He swung his gaze to Maxx as he drank straight from his cask wine sack. Ashley gave him a look. Ashley: “How do you know that?” They pressed Blake. Blake: “I just do. I know an asshole when I see one!” He replied. Ashley paused and looked up at him. Ashley: “...Wait, are you an energy reader?” They pressed him. Blake gaped at them dismissively. Blake: “What? No? There’s no such thing! Isn’t it obvious he’s full of shit?” He countered. Ashley: “Okay, so he’s not the brightest bulb and he looks like a clown, but that doesn’t make him a bad person! He just needs help and guidance!” They pleaded with him. Blake: “Oh, I’ll give him some guidance.” A smile spread across his face. Ashley’s face lit up. Ashley: “Really?!” They beamed. Blake: “Guidance out of here!” He grabbed Maxx’s vest and dragged him to the door. Maxx: “HEY! HEY! Hands off da merchandise!” He whined and flailed around in Blake’s grip. Maxx: “YOOOOOOOWWWWWW!” He yelped as Blake kicked him out the door. He pulled the door shut, slamming it behind Maxx. Ashley: “BLAKE!” They knit their eyebrows. Blake held his hand up and stood in front of the door. Blake: No, Ashley, I’m doing this for your own good!” He said firmly, locking the door. Ashley: “I’m not a child, and you’re not my dad! I'm twenty-one!” They cried defiantly. Blake: “I’m protecting you! You have NO idea how the real world works!” He fired back. Ashley: “Maybe I would if you let me live in it!” They fired back at him, stamping their feet in protest. Blake pursed his lips. Ashley: “Maybe you don’t understand the world! How can you if you don’t want to connect to it? You just want to shut everyone and everything out!” They cried. Blake laughed a hollow laugh. Blake: “Because the world isn’t magical sunshine and rainbows, Ashley. That’s why I disengage from it and protect you. Because I DO understand the world.” He countered. Ashley bowed their head. Ashley: “...Do you? …Or are you afraid?” They said softly. Blake gave them a look. Blake: “I just don’t want you getting hurt.” He sighed. Ashley: “I already am...“ They confessed in a shade above a whisper. Ashley: “How could I have a ‘secret admirer’ if I’m cooped up in here all the time? I don't know anyone because you won’t let me go anywhere or do anything on my own!” They cried. Ashley: “And Stella couldn’t have brought me those sunflowers either because there are none in the bushland or at the neighbours! There’s no other explanation than my sun magic! But you don’t want to believe me! Are you afraid of magic? Is that it?” They knit their eyebrows. Blake paused for a moment and turned to them. Blake: “...You went to the neighbors?!” He gaped at them. Ashley sighed and nodded. Blake: “Stay away from that house, Ashley!” He warned them. Ashley pouted. Blake: “And stay away from that clown!” He added for good measure. Ashley rose to their feet. Ashley: “I ended up at that house and felt something for a reason! And I crossed paths with Maxx for a reason, too! He needed my help, and he knows about Sunshire!” They argued. Blake gaped at them disbelievingly. Blake: “That’s impossible! He looks nothing like us!” He twisted his mouth. Ashley: “He said he knew someone named Brad.” They pressed him. Blake scoffed and laughed. Blake: “There was no ‘Brad’ in Sunshire! He was bullshitting you. I knew he was full of shit!” He huffed. Ashley paused and didn’t know what to think. Ashley: “...What if Brad changed his name like we did when we left?” They challenged. Blake froze and held his hand up. Blake: “Don’t ever tell anyone those names!” He hissed. He leaned back and drew a breath. Blake: “Look, Ash. That clown is a liar. There are no others like us out there! We are the only ones left!” Ashley: “...Are you sure?” They tilted their head. Blake paused and had a look in his eye that Ashley had never seen before. Blake: “I’m sure, Ash.” He heaved a sigh and rose to his feet. Blake: “I’m going to the shed for a bit…” His voice trailed off, and he headed to the door. Ashley: “Okay…” They flashed him a smile, knowing what that meant. They heard the rustling of power tools and sighed. They munched on their chicken nuggets and gazed at the sunflowers under the moonlight. They knit their eyebrows and rose when they saw Maxx standing alone on the highway. Ashley: “I have to help him…” They pursed their lips. Ashley: “I need to take this leap of fate into the world!” They exclaimed, grabbing the car keys off the hook. Ashley: “An open mind opens doors!” They took in a deep breath and opened the door, stepping out into the unknown.

Chapter 2 Burger Party Under the cover of night and the pale moonlight, Ashley approached the orange Kingswood station wagon. Their heart thundered in their chest as they climbed into the driver’s seat of the car. Their hands trembled as they slid the keys in the ignition. They turned the keys, revving up the engine with giddy laughter. They shifted the gear into drive and floored the accelerator, feeling their heart racing with a wild rush of adrenaline. Ashley: “Hahah aha hah YES!” They sped down the long driveway and onto the highway. They flicked on their turn signal, pulling up by Maxx on the side of the road. They wound down their window and stuck their head out of the car. Ashley: “Hey, do you need a ride?” They pressed him. Maxx turned to them with a grin. Maxx: “Owww, don’t mind if I do, baby!” He purred, throwing his belongings in the back seat of the car. Ashley: “So, where do your bandmates live?” They asked him. Maxx froze and turned to them. Maxx: “Wha? Why do you wanna know dat?!” He scoffed and shifted in his seat. Ashley: “Well… you can’t stay with me and you have nowhere to go, and they’re your bandmates! Maybe I can mediate and help you guys make peace!” They exclaimed. Maxx gaped at them. Maxx: “NAH-AH! Dat ain’t gonna happen!” He shrieked in protest. Ashley: “Look, man, my brother and I argue all the time, but he’d never let me sleep on the streets! I’m sure whatever it is, you can resolve it! They’re your bandmates and there can’t be a ‘Sex Bees’ without you!” They offered gently. Maxx’s face flared red. Maxx: “SEX BEEST! T! T!” He shrieked and stamped his feet. Ashley: “...Sorry, haha.” They laughed awkwardly. Ashley: “What happened with you and your band anyway?” They pressed him. Maxx pouted his lips and blew some air. Maxx: “HMPH! They robbed me and kicked me out!” He huffed. Ashley turned to him, wide-jawed. Ashley: “Why would they do that?!” Their eyes widened with a gasp. Maxx: “Cos, they’re jealous assholes!” He bitterly folded his bony arms across his chest. Ashley turned to look at him. Ashley: “...Jealous of what?” They asked, genuinely curious. Maxx: “Cos I get all da hot chicks!” He grinned widely and winked at them. Ashley gave him an incredulous look. Maybe Blake was right, I don’t understand the world, they thought. Ashley: “What did they steal from you?” They pressed him. Maxx: “Something VERY, VERY, VERY important to me!” He exclaimed with a burning passion they hadn’t seen him express before. Ashley: “It must be VERY important then.” They replied. Ashley: “Well, how about we get it back?” They offered with a smile. Maxx turned to them, and a crooked grin spread across his gaunt cheeks. Maxx: “Ohohoho, hot damn! You’re da best, baby!” He grinned at them. Ashley laughed awkwardly. ~ Maxx directed Ashley down the main street along the beach. It was an eclectic blend of dumpy weatherboard houses and Victorian mansions on the opposite side of the road. Ashley followed the loud, thumping music like a breadcrumb trail, leading them to the source of the noise—a white, weatherboard house with a terracotta roof. The jumping silhouettes of the mosh pit could be seen through the bay windows, with loud cheering over the music. Maxx: “Ohhhh, nah-ah! You can’t have a party without Maxxy!” He pouted, pressing his face up against the window, leaving a fake tan mark. Ashley: “Wow! You have LOTS of bandmates!” They chuckled and observed all the people. Maxx turned to gape at them. Maxx: “Pfft, wha?! They’re not all my bandmates!” He laughed and scrambled out of the car. Ashley: “Oh! Well, who are your bandmates?” They pressed him, treading carefully through the minefield of empty beer cans and pizza boxes scattered across the lawn. Maxx: “You’ll see!” He waved his hand and barged into the door. Ashley glanced down at their sandals and slipped them off before entering the house. Ashley followed Maxx inside, where they entered the living room. The house was packed with people dressed in black and denim, and they were hit with loud, aggressive music. Ashley recoiled to the lyrics, yelling in their face about dead bodies in a vat of acid. Ashley: “Oh dear! How dreadful!” They gasped and covered their ears. Ashley could feel disapproving looks surrounding them. They felt out of place in their vibrant bohemian clothes. But then they turned to Maxx, who stood out like a sore thumb with his bright, clashing neon colors, and they didn’t feel so out of place anymore. Ashley: “Oh, oh, s-sorry! Mi scusi! Pardon me! Mi dispiace!” They awkwardly stammered as they made their way through the crowd, sandwiched between the sea of moshing thrashers and the haze of smoke. Ashley: “Maxx?” They looked around for him in the crowd, but he was nowhere in sight. How do you lose a ball of neon in a crowd? They thought to themself. Their eyes lit up when they spotted Maxx standing across the room. Ashley: “Maxx! There you are!” They smiled as they approached him, reaching out to his arm. They gasped when Maxx suddenly fell back as if he were a flat object, and they realised it was just a cardboard cut-out of Maxx. Ashley: “What the?” They laughed awkwardly, trying to make sense of it. “Hey! Get away from that!” A woman’s voice interjected from behind them. Ashley: “Oh! S-Sorry! I was just looking for my friend!” They waved their hands and turned on their heel to face her. Her harsh features softened when she caught a glimpse of Ashley. Her green eyes peered at them through thick, wavy locs of purple hair and dark eyeshadow. She had a dark tan complexion with freckles adorning her chubby cheeks. She was dressed in a black tank top and jeans that clung tightly to her plump figure, leaving little to the imagination. Purple-haired Woman: “Well, well, look what the cat dragged in.” She smirked at Ashley, cross-examining them and tugging at their faux fur coat with her chipped nail-polished fingertips. Ashley: “Uhh, cat?” They chuckled and tilted their head. Ashley: “Where?”! They beamed, looking around for a cat. The woman smiled tightly at them and chuckled. Purple-haired Woman: “You’re so cute. I mean you, silly!” She cooed at them, poking their tummy. Ashley jolted and shivered. Ashley: “HAHAHAHahaheeheh!” They flopped down onto the floor like a puddle of goo. The woman stood over them and laughed. Purple-haired woman: “Aww, ticklish are we?” She teased them. Ashley shifted their eyes and laughed. Ashley: “Very!” They confessed proudly. Purple-haired woman: “I’m Makayla Medeiros.” She held her hand out to them. Ashley smiled up at her. Ashley: “I’m Ashley Solegatti!” They chirped, taking her hand and staggering to their feet. Makayla’s expression shifted when she saw the sun tattoo on their thumb. Makayla: “Ooooh, I love your tattoo!” She smiled at them, getting a closer look at it and gliding her fingertips across it. Ashley froze and redenned. Ashley: “O-oh, t-thank you! It’s my Sunshire tattoo!” They beamed. Makayla: “Is that so?” She locked her gaze on them with intrigue. Ashley tilted their head and smiled. Suddenly, a gruff and booming voice interjected over a speaker from outside. Man: “IT’S SHOWTIME CUNTS!” He spoke with a thick, Australian accent, igniting a spark of excitement through the crowd like a stick of dynamite. Ashley pulled a face. Ashley: “Oh my! How rude!” They cupped their mouth. Makayla chuckled. Makayla: “That’s my cue! Let’s go!” She exclaimed, taking their hand. Ashley reddened. Ashley: “W-woah! Wait! I need to find my friend!” They gasped as they were suddenly dragged through the party and out into the backyard. ~ The party poured into the backyard, buzzing with excited cheering. A classic Hill's Hoist clothesline sat at the center of the lawn, like most Australian backyards. Sacks from boxed wine known as "goon sacks" were pegged on the clothesline with several people drinking and yelling obnoxiously. There was a bonfire pit in the yard, surrounded by people sitting around it, drinking and laughing among themselves. Ashley’s eyes widened at the wooden stage set up with neon green lights and large speakers towering over them. Planks of wood were uneven and attached at random angles. Nails and bolts poked out, creating a hazardous mess. Ashley: “Oh dear, Blake would be so mad about that craftsmanship!” They chuckled to themself. Makayla climbed up onto the stage, picking up a red bass guitar and smiling at Ashley. Ashley’s eyebrows rose surprisingly. Ashley: “W-wait, you’re in Sex Beest?!” They beamed at her. A mighty roar cut in as the man with the microphone stomped over to Ashley in his big tradesman boots. Man: “SEX BEEST?!” He rasped, and his lantern jaw twisted with disgust. Ashley recoiled to his loud, booming voice bouncing off the distortion. They glanced up to see a tall man with a tan complexion and green eyes like Makayla’s. He resembled a lion with his wild mane of long blond curls and mighty roar. He wore torn jeans and was dressed in a frayed denim vest, which showed off his tattoo and muscular biceps. The tattoo was of a skull with a nuclear symbol on it. Man: “We ain’t fuckin’ Sex Beest, we’re NUKLEAR INTOXIKATION!” He announced into the microphone, working up the energy of the crowd. Ashley tilted their head in confusion. Ashley: “O-Oh! My apologies! I thought you were Maxx’s band!” They waved their hands around. Makayla gaped at Ashley. Makayla: “Maxx?!?” The man’s face flared red with fury. Man: “WHAT?!” He snapped and glared at them. Man: “HOW DARE YOU! You shoeless fatty! I’ll kick ya ass!” He thundered, marching up to them. Ashley recoiled and shut their eyes, huddling into their father’s coat. Makayla: “CRAIG!” She cried out to him. Suddenly, Craig was yanked back by someone. He turned around and saw a pale man with long raven hair and a white streak. He was dressed in a black denim jacket over his purple shirt and black jeans. His ice blue eyes gave Craig a disapproving look. Man: “Oi! Let go of me, Andreas! He insulted us!” He protested. Andreas shook his head and drew an exasperated breath. Andreas: “If you throw stones at every dog who barks, you will never reach your destination, Craig.” He scolded him. Craig pouted. Ashley: “Oh, I’m not a dog! I’m a cat!” They chirped and laughed, gesturing to the tufts on their head that resembled cat ears. Andreas turned to Ashley, cross-examining them with curiosity. Andreas: “What made you think we were Sex Beest?” He pressed them, picking up his black Ibanez guitar. Ashley: “Well, Maxx told me his bandmates lived here.” They explained. Makayla gaped at them. Craig: “WHAT?!” He fumed. Andreas drew a breath and rolled his eyes. Ashley: “I'm sorry, I don't know what happened between you guys, but I'm here to help him make amends!” They sighed and smiled hopefully. Craig: “Wait, that clown drongo is here?!” He laughed bitterly. Andreas gave Makayla a look. Makayla: “I told you he'd come back.” She smirked. Ashley tilted their head in confusion. Ashley: “Oh, he's not a clown! He's a rockstar!” They gently corrected him. Craig gaped at them and threw his head back with a mighty cackle. Makayla laughed, and Andreas shook his head. Craig: “Pfft, like fuck he ain't!” He scoffed and grabbed the microphone. Craig: “This is MY thrash bash and I’M the fuckin’ rockstar! LET’S GET THIS SHOW STARTED!” He grinned and roared into the microphone, pumping up the crowd. A tall, muscular man with a tan complexion and dreadlocks sat behind the drum kit and hit the cymbals and blast beats. Andreas shredded on his guitar, and Makayla followed with her bass line. Craig stomped around at the centre of the stage, rasping the vocals and pumping up the crowd. Craig: “Moonlight on the water’s surface. Let go of what no longer serves us!” He belted out his vocals. Craig: “Set sour to glower, break out from your tower!” Ashley stood there, wide-jawed and wide-eyed. Ashley: “Wait, is he singing about tarot stuff? I never would have pegged him for being into that and so articulate with words!” They remarked as they were pounded by heavy distortion swirling around them. Ashley: “If they’re not Maxx’s band? Who is? Does he even have a band?” They pondered, stroking their chin. Ashley: “Where the heck IS Maxx?! I have SO many questions!” They pouted, scanning the crowd for him. They felt someone’s eyes on them and turned to see Makayla locking her gaze on them with a smile. Ashley blushed and smiled back at her. Suddenly, they felt Makayla’s bass lines vibrating under their feet and rippling up to their stomach. They clutched their growling stomach as they felt a sharp pang of hunger. Ashley: “God, I'm hungry!” They looked around the party, scanning for something to eat. Ashley: “Where's all the food?! What kind of party doesn't have food?!” They gasped and stamped their feet. ~ Ashley rushed back into the house, barging into the kitchen. People were standing around the kitchen, drinking beer, and a couple was making out against the fridge. Ashley: “Mi scusi, pardon me! I gotta get through here!” They chirped and gently shoved past them. The couple didn’t take their lips off each other and rolled out of the way. Ashley: “Thank you!” They opened the fridge door, scanning its contents. Ashley pulled a face at the chaotic mess inside. There was a half-eaten hamburger, a jar of pickles, a carton of milk, too many potatoes, four tubs of half-finished butter, and a carton of eggs. Ashley grabbed the milk, butter, and eggs with a laugh. Ashley opened up the pantry and pulled out the flour and a block of chocolate. Ashley: “This will do!” They nodded, tying their hair back and pulling off their faux fur coat. A little green bag fell out of the pocket and onto the floor. Ashley: “Huh…” They picked up the bag and smiled, shifting their eyes to the butter. ~ The band continued their set, and the crowd began to dissolve back into the house. Andreas quirked an eyebrow. Craig: “The fuck is goin’ on?!” He twisted his mouth. Makayla sniffed the sweet aroma of freshly baked goods in the air. Makayla: “Ooh, do I smell cookies?!” She smirked, putting her bass down in the middle of the song and rushing inside. Andreas: “Where are you going, Makayla? We’re halfway through our set!” He pressed her. Craig: “Cookies?! Who the fuck is makin’ cookies?!” He gaped as if someone threw up on the rug. Andreas sighed and shook his head. Andreas: “Does it matter?” Makayla sauntered into the kitchen. Her eyes lit up when she saw Ashley pulling trays of cookies out of the oven. The sweet aroma of fresh cookies filled the house, drawing a hungry crowd to the kitchen. Makayla: “Oh my, that’s a lot of cookies, Ashley!” She smiled at them. Ashley: “Haha, yeah, I made some for the whole party!” They replied, spreading their arms out. Makayla: “Aww, you didn’t have to do that! You have them! They’re yours!” She picked up a cookie, sliding it into their mouth. Ashley tilted their head with an awkward laugh, taking the cookie out of their mouth. Ashley: “Haha, there’s no way I can eat ALL those cookies!” They laughed. Ashley: “Besides, they’re special herbal cookies… if you know what I mean.” They added with a wink. Makayla beamed widely. Craig barged into the kitchen, cutting through the crowd. Craig: “OI! Who the fuck is makin’ cookies?” He grumbled. Ashley: “Oh, I made some for the whole party! Enjoy!” They beamed. Craig gaped at them. Craig: “Mate, this ain’t a little kiddie birthday party! This is a THRASH METAL party! Cookies ain’t metal! ‘N they ain’t manly!” He laughed at them. Ashley tilted their head, with a look of confusion plastered across their face. Ashley: “Uhh, no, they’re made of flour, eggs–” They explained. Craig twisted his mouth and interjected. Craig: “I know, ya cheeky lil shit! Don’t ya know what thrash metal is?!” He scoffed and laughed at them. Ashley tilted their head again. Ashley: “...What’s a thrash metal?” They pressed him, innocently nibbling on their cookie. Laughter erupted around them. Craig’s jaw hit the floor, and he gaped at them like they had three heads. Craig: “WHAT?! The fuck do you mean?! How do you not know what THRASH METAL is?!” He shrieked with outrage. Andreas shoved past Craig, grabbing a cookie and eating it. Craig turned to Andreas. Craig: “No, Andreas!” He pouted and pleaded with him. Andreas: “I’ll do what I want, Craig. Sorry, you’re threatened by a cookie.” He said with a hint of bitterness and exasperation in his tone. Craig pouted. Craig: “Are you mad at me?” He whimpered like a puppy dog, draping his arm around him. Ashley observed as Craig’s demeanour swung like a pendulum from a roaring lion to a cowering puppy dog. Andreas: “You’re being an asshole, Craig.” He scolded him and then turned to Ashley. Andreas: “I’m sorry about him and sorry we got off on the wrong foot. Thanks for making us food, Ashley.” He offered to Ashley. Ashley’s eyebrows rose surprisingly with a smile. Craig: “Wha? You’re apologisin’ to him? He insulted us!” He gaped at Ashley. Andreas turned back to Craig. Andreas: “They only had Maxx’s side of the story, and you know what he’s like.” He said firmly. Craig dropped his shoulders and pursed his lips. Makayla: “Maxx is bad news, Ashley.” She shook her head. Ashley tilted their head. Ashley: “...What do you mean? What happened between you guys?” They pressed them, taking a bite of their cookie. Makayla watched them intently. Craig: “He’s a lyin’ cunt! We ain’t HIS band! This is MY band, ‘n we ain’t a lame glam band! I’m gonna kick his clown ass for that!” He protested. Andreas twisted his mouth. Andreas: “ Our band, Craig.” He sighed with a twinge of hurt in his tone. Craig: “That’s right! We’re gonna kick his clown ass together!” He exclaimed. Andreas sighed and turned to Ashley. Andreas: “Maxx bailed on his rent and we got sick of his shit, so we kicked him out.” He explained matter-of-factly. Ashley: “W-what?” They cupped their mouth. Ashley: “What about the important object he said you stole from him?” They pressed them. Andreas: “...That eyesore in the living room?” He groaned and twisted his mouth. Ashley: “The cardboard cut-out picture of him?” They tilted their head. Makayla cackled. Makayla: “He blew his rent on that stupid thing, so I bound him to it until he pays his rent back to us!” Ashley quirked an eyebrow at her. Ashley: “...Binding?” They gasped. Craig emerged from the living room, panting. Craig: “IT’S FUCKIN’ GONE! THE CLOWN CUTOUT IS GONE!” He rasped. Makayla's face twisted. Makayla: “NO! Our leverage!” She threw her arms up in the air. Andreas: “I told you this would happen. What did you guys expect?” He shook his head. Ashley bowed their head. Ashley: “I’m sorry… I brought him here, so I’ll find him.” They offered. Makayla turned to them and smiled. Makayla: “Aww, you’re so sweet. I’ll join you, Ashley.” She placed her hand on their shoulder. Ashley: “S-Sure.” They smiled and ran their fingers through their hair. ~ Makayla followed Ashley out into the street, feeling the cool night air on their face. Ashley: “Where would he go if he has nowhere to go?” They pondered, scanning the dark, empty street. Makayla: “Hmm, I think I have an idea…” She smirked at the neon red sign in the distance, over the main road. Ashley: “Oh? What’s that?” They chirped. Makayla: “The best place in the world.” She smiled at them, leading them towards it. As they reached the main road and drew closer to the sign, they could see it read ‘Voyage Burger’ in a runic font with white horns perched at the top. The restaurant was shaped like a giant Viking ship with round windows and a mossy moat wrapping around the establishment. The ship's bows were shaped like hamburgers and a faded red and white striped sail flowed at the mast. Ashley: “Voyage Burger?” They tilted their head. Makayla smiled at them. Makayla: “...You’ve never been to Voyage Burger?” She gaped at them. Ashley shook their head. Ashley: “No. I make my own food, and my brother says fast food makes you fat.” They laughed awkwardly. Makayla: “What’s wrong with that?” She laughed bitterly. Ashley: “Well, I’m already fat, and so are you, haha.” They laughed, glancing down at their chubby stomachs. Makayla gaped at them, taken aback by their response. Makayla: “There’s nothing wrong with that. You’re handsome the way you are.” She smiled at Ashley, poking their tummy. Ashley reddened and trembled when she touched them there. Ashley: “O-oh, thank you! So are you!” They stammered. Makayla smiled at them. Makayla: "I think you mean beautiful!" She chuckled. Makayla chuckled and gazed up at the full moon, beaming down on them. She inched closer to Ashley, locking her gaze on them. Makayla: “Blessed to be the way that you are. Blessed to your appetite and blessed to me tonight…” She sang in a voice as sweet as pie as she stroked their tummy. Ashley felt a shivering vibration pulse through their body as they were lulled into a trance, fixing their eyes on her. Ashley: “W-woah! You’re a really good singer! You should sing in the band, too!” They chirped. Makayla chuckled and smiled at them. Makayla: “Don't those burgers smell good?” She cooed at them. Ashley flicked their gaze to the Viking diner with ravenous hunger. Ashley: “I could go for a burger…” Their voice trailed off in a hungry daze. Makayla: “So could I.” She beamed, leading them over the bridge to the big red wooden door at the entrance. A six-foot-tall statue of a muscular man in a loincloth with a hamburger head and horns stood at the doorway. Suddenly, it jerked its axe and rotated its hamburger head to them, startling Ashley to jolt. Makayla placed her hand on Ashley’s shoulder to comfort them. Makayla: “It’s okay, sweetheart, it’s just the Burger Berserker!” She assured them gently. Burger Berserker: “RAAAGH! I am the Burger Berserker! Welcome to Voyage Burger! A feast to ravage! Eat like a savage!” A muffled voice rasped through the speaker. Ashley laughed awkwardly. Makayla: “We will.” She replied to the animatronic, pulling the big red door open. ~ Ashley and Makayla entered the establishment. The restaurant was dimly lit by red lights running across the ceiling. Plastic swords, axes, and shields were mounted across all the walls. The seating was cosy with wooden red booths and shield-shaped round tables between them. Makayla led them to the booth by the restrooms. The men’s room was labelled: “Vikings” with an illustration of the Burger Berserker holding up an axe, and the women’s room was labelled: “Viqueens” with an illustration of the Burger Berserker in a dress, holding a shield. Ashley looked around for Maxx, but there was no neon in sight. Ashley: “I don’t see him here.” They mused. Makayla: “He’s probably in the restroom or something.” She waved her hand and gently shoved them into the booth with her ass and slid in beside them. Ashley: “H-hey! Hahaha!” They gasped, and their heart hammered in their chest when they felt her body sitting against theirs. A waitress came over to their table, dressed in a uniform consisting of a vermilion red dress with brown sandals and a headband with Viking horns on it. Waitress: "Welcome aboard to Voyage Burger, get ready to set sail for the feast of Vikings and Viqueens! I will be serving you tonight!” She droned as if she would rather be anywhere else. Makayla: “I’ll just get the usual.” She nodded to the waitress. Ashley: “What’s that?” They pressed her. Makayla: “Why? Do you want it, too?” She poked their tummy and they fell into a daze. Ashley: “Yes, please!” Their voice trailed off as their mind raced with thoughts of food. Ashley: “I think I put too much catnip for humans in those cookies! I’ve never been this hungry before, haha!” They chuckled. Makayla quirked an eyebrow. Makayla: “Catnip for humans?” She laughed and smiled at them. Ashley: “Yeah! I grew it in my garden!” They nodded in confirmation. Makayla’s eyebrows rose. Makayla: “Really now?” Ashley: “Yeah! I grow all kinds of herbs and veggies!” They explained. Makayla: “That’s so cute!” She cooed at them. Ashley blushed and smiled. Makayla: “I knew someone like you who grew ‘catnip for humans’.” Her voice trailed off. Ashley’s eyebrows rose surprisingly. Ashley: “R-really?!” The waitress came back to the table, carrying trays of food. Ashley was amazed at how such a tiny person could carry so many plates. She filled the entire table with salty, battered delicacies, hamburgers, and dairy treats. Ashley: “W-wow! What’s all that?!” They exclaimed. Makayla: “Odin Rings, Freyja fries, Ragnarok burgers, Valhalnilla shakes, Chockorok pies, Little Berserker meals, Feathered and battered burgers, and bruised and battered pancakes!” She explained, biting down into the feathered and battered burger, which was a piece of fried chicken with garlic aioli, Swiss cheese, mushrooms, and lettuce. Ashley followed suit, like a mirror reflection, biting into the same burger as her. Makayla: “Mmm, so good!” She purred, sipping on the Valhalnilla shake and locking her gaze on them. Ashley picked up their Valhalnilla shake, drinking from it, too, and returning her gaze. Ashley: “So good.” They purred. Makayla smirked at Ashley and dug into her ‘battered and bruised’ pancakes, which were blueberry pancakes with butter and maple syrup dripping from them. Makayla stroked her finger through the maple syrup and sucked on it. Ashley mimicked her with the same gesture, which sent shivers down her body. Makayla bit her lip and took a huge bite out of the Ragnarok burger, which was an Angus beef patty wedged between cheddar cheese, aioli, onion, tomato, and lettuce. Ashley followed suit and suddenly froze and recoiled with disgust when they bit down on something unpleasant. Ashley: “Non mi piace, pomodoro!” They groused, spitting out the tomato and snapping out of their daze. Makayla gaped at them. Makayla: “W-what’s wrong, Ashley?” She knit her eyebrows. Ashley: “Sorry, I don’t like tomatoes, haha.” They laughed awkwardly, putting down their burger. Ashley’s eyes widened when they suddenly felt the heaviness in their stomach and noticed the empty plates on the table. Ashley: “O-oh, wow! Did we eat all that?! Where did the time go?” They gasped, clutching their stomach. Makayla smiled at them, fixing her gaze on them. Makayla: “You’re so cute!” She cooed at them. Ashley: “Haha, thank you.” They reddened and laughed, scratching their head. Makayla: “Let’s go back to my place.” She purred at them, taking their hand and pulling them out of the booth with her. Ashley reddened and flashed her a smile. Ashley: “What about Maxx?” They pressed her. Makayla: “It’s not your fault, Ashley. We will find him. Don’t worry.” She assured them. Ashley smiled a bit. ~ The street glowed with red and blue lights as a police car pulled up in front of the Nuklear Intoxikation house. Ashley: “W-what’s going on here? Did something happen to Maxx?” They gasped and cupped their mouth. The police officers approached Craig and Andreas on the doorstep. Cop: “Who is the owner of this address?” Craig furrowed his eyebrows and went to speak, when Andreas stepped in. Andreas: “Let me handle it, Craig.” He held his hand up and turned to the police officer. Craig pouted and folded his arms. Andreas: “That would be us. What seems to be the problem?” He asked politely. Cop: “Look, our phones have been ringing all night with complaints. If you shut this down right now, we’ll let you off with a warning.” He said firmly, with a twinge of irritation in his voice. Craig’s jaw dropped. Craig: “W-wha?! Come on, mate! Who’s been bitchin'?” He snapped. Andreas twisted his mouth with a knowing look. Makayla: “Ugh. That stinky-foot witch.” She groused and glared at the Victorian cottage across the road. The spiked iron gate swung open as a woman emerged from the property. Ashley: “Stinky-foot witch?!” Their eyebrows rose with intrigue, and they observed the woman. She was tall and slim with crimson red hair styled in an a-line bob cut, and she was dressed in a white silk gown with a feather boa around her neck. She dabbed her cheeks with a lace handkerchief. Woman: "T-They're terrorizing me with that dreadful noise they call music, officer! They’re ruining my beauty sleep!" She sulked and spoke with a Soviet accent in a deep, husky voice. Ashley: “Is the lady dressed as a goose, the stinky-foot witch?” They asked Makayla. Makayla stumbled over a laugh, and Craig burst out laughing. Andreas chuckled. The woman turned on her sharp white heel, boring her ice-cold grey eyes onto them. Woman: “How very dare you! Don’t you know who I am?” She spat. Her demeanor shifted as if she were changing hats. Ashley: “You’re the stinky-foot witch, right?” They smiled at her. Craig and Makayla wheezed with laughter. Andreas sighed and cupped his ears. Here we go again, he thought. Woman: “STINKY FEET?! My feet DO NOT STINK!” She shrieked. Ashley recoiled at her loud, piercing screech. Jaclyn: “I am Jaclyn Kovalenko, the fabulous fashionista! Do NOT believe their LIES!” She pointed her skinny, manicured red fingernail at the band. Jaclyn: “And do NOT trust HER!” She glared at Makayla. Ashley tilted their head and turned to Makayla who stood there smirking. Makayla: “I wouldn’t trust a LIAR!” She countered, tearing off Jaclyn’s heel. The overpowering stench of roadkill permeated the air around them. Ashley recoiled with disgust. Ashley: “Argh! Noo! She lied! She really is the stinky-foot witch!” They groused and gagged. Craig fanned his face. Craig: “Holy shit, that reeks!” He gagged and laughed. Andreas buried his head into his hands with a groan. Jaclyn glared at them all, snatching her heel off Makayla. Jaclyn: “LIES! She cursed you ALL to think that!” She spat, putting her heel back on. Craig: “Checkmate, Stinker-foot!” He cackled. Jaclyn turned to them with a smirk. Jaclyn: “Checkmate? Your party is dead and your clown is missing, is he not?” She chuckled darkly and left, flipping her hair. Ashley’s eyes widened. Ashley: “How did she know that?” Makayla glared in Jaclyn’s direction. Makayla: “I don’t know, Ashley, but we’re going to find out!” She placed her hand on their shoulder. Ashley smiled back at her.

Chapter 9 New Moon Later that night, Andreas marched around his and Craig’s bedroom, gathering his belongings into a black bag. The walls were painted neon green with various posters of action heroes and thrash metal bands. The clutter and collection of thrash metal vinyl records and gym equipment encumbered Andreas’ collection of candles, jewellery, and tarot cards in the corner of the room. Andreas: “If this doesn’t speak volumes, I don’t know what does...” He laughed bitterly at the “Death” card sitting on top of his tarot deck. Craig: “W-What speaks volumes?” He whimpered and hovered behind him. Andreas threw the card at Craig's head. Andreas: “Do I have to spell everything out for you? Can't you read the room?!” He spread his arms out, gesturing around the room. Andreas: “Nothing was ever OURS, it was always YOURS and about YOU!” He poked Craig’s chest. Andreas: “I was just tucked away in the corner of your room like some trophy to you! You literally accused Blake of 'stealing' me away from you like some object!” He huffed, grabbing his belongings from his corner of the room and shoving them into his bag. Craig: “C’mon, Andreas! I didn’t mean it like that! I’m sorry! I’ll paint the walls black for you, and I’ll let you do whatever you want in Nuklear now! Please don’t leave!” He pleaded with him, groveling to his feet. Andreas glanced down at him and shook his head. Andreas: “Oh, so you’re permitting me to do what I want in OUR band now? It was never OUR band, you always said it was YOUR band, despite ME writing the songs and Makayla getting our gigs at Hellbent and SolarisFest!” He snapped, grabbing his black left-handed Jackson Kelly guitar and shoving it into its case, slamming the lid shut. Craig winced, and his bottom lip trembled. Andreas: “And it wasn’t OUR house either, nooo, it was YOUR 'Metal Mansion'.” He rolled his eyes as he made air quotes with his hands. Andreas: “Despite this dump NOT being a MANSION and me cleaning up everyone’s mess and covering your rent more times than I can count!” He snapped at him. Andreas: “You go on about how you're the ‘King of the concrete jungle’ and the ‘King of the thrash metal scene’ but you're King Nothing!" He spat and shook his head. Craig recoiled and trembled at his words. Andreas: “Well, it’s all YOURS, now… Merry Christmas.” He said coolly, picking up his guitar case and bags and turning on his heel to leave. Craig ran up to the door, spreading his arms out to block his exit. Craig: “NOOOO! ANDREAS!” He cried, tearing off his own Nuklear Intoxikation shirt with his bare hands, exposing his six-pack abs to him. Andreas gaped at him. Craig: “C’mon, Andreas… Don't ya wanna ravage me in bed right now? You still love me, right?! RIGHT?!” He pleaded with him with tears in his eyes as he flexed his biceps. Andreas furrowed his eyebrows at him. Andreas: “No, Craig. All of this shows you don’t really know me at all...” He said coolly. Craig’s face and shoulders dropped like a heavy weight of heartache. Craig: “W-what?!” Andreas: “...I’m not that young man anymore… but you still are… and that’s why this isn’t working anymore…” He sighed and bowed his head. Andreas: “I’ve given so much only to lose so much, and I’ve reached my limit now…” Craig pursed his lips and went quiet. Andreas: “Have a nice Christmas.” He said earnestly and walked past him. Craig: “Where are you going, Andreas?!” He cried out to him as he approached the door. Andreas: “Anywhere away from here.” He said coolly and twisted the doorknob. Makayla: “I can’t believe you’re giving up and turning your back on the band!” She pouted and folded her arms across her chest. Andreas: “Frankly, I don’t give a damn. All you care about is yourselves!” He groused and slammed the door behind him. ~ Andreas walked through the streets of Selene Valley as the sun started to rise on a new day. He felt at ease at the peace and quiet of the empty streets and the birds chirping in the trees, a stark contrast to the noisy chaos of Nuklear Intoxikation. He inhaled a deep breath and closed his eyes, drinking in his newfound peace and freedom as he sat down at the bus stop. Andreas rested his suitcase and guitarcase down on the ground and reached into his black denim jacket, pulling out his cigarettes. A car pulled up beside him, blasting heavy metal. Andreas drew an exasperated breath and turned on his heel. Andreas: “I’m not changing my mind–” He paused when he saw the Orange Kingswood station wagon. The driver’s seat window rolled down, revealing Blake behind the wheel. He wore his leather jacket over an olive green button shirt with a small fern tree embroidered on the chest and black slacks. Blake: “Do you need a ride?” He offered, exhaling a drag of his cigarette. Andreas’ eyes widened, surprised to see him. Andreas: “...Yes please.” He nodded and went to pick up his guitar case and suitcase when Blake stepped out of the car. Blake: “Allow me.” He said gently, picking them up and carrying them to the car for him. He then opened the passenger door for him to get in. Andreas reddened and smiled. Andreas: “Thank you.” He said softly, locking his gaze on him as he got in. Blake smiled back at him and he got back in the car. Blake: “Where are you heading?” He asked him, pulling out onto the road. Andreas: “As far away from here as possible.” He frowned and embraced himself. Blake: “Dare I ask?” He took a drag of his cigarette. Andreas sighed. Andreas: “I left the circus… and the big stupid lion.” He twisted his mouth. Blake’s eyebrows rose. Blake: “Oh, I’m sorry…” He said awkwardly. Andreas: “Don’t be. I’m only sorry I wasted all those years on him and HIS circus band…” He said bitterly. Blake: “Why did you? Didn’t your cards tell you he was an asshole?” He asked. Andreas turned to him and laughed at the blunt and offbeat question. Andreas: “In hindsight… yeah. But I guess I wasn’t ready to accept it yet… and wanted to believe otherwise…” His voice trailed off as he placed his cigarette in his mouth. Blake reached over and lit it for him. Andreas reddened and mouthed a “Thank you” Andreas: “I foresee the potential in people to be their higher-selves… so, I expected better of him and I believed in him to do better to reach that… ignoring my own intuition telling me otherwise.” He exhaled a long drag of smoke. Blake: “I see people for exactly what they are.” He replied. Andreas: “What do you see?” He pressed him with curiosity. Blake: “Craig isn’t a lion; he’s a chihuahua in the body of a grown man.” He rolled his eyes. Andreas laughed a bit. Blake: “And the only ‘higher-self’ Craig will ever be is high off weed and beer. He clearly hasn’t grown up since high school, so he’s not going to change.” He shook his head. Andreas: “You’re right… I feel like such a fool.” He nodded and bowed his head. Blake turned to him. Blake: “The only fool here is Craig for losing you! You deserve better than that jackass!” He said earnestly. Andreas smiled a bit. Andreas: “Thank you…” He locked his gaze on him. Blake reddened and kept his eyes on the road. Andreas: “So, where were you heading at this hour?” He asked, giving him a look. Blake: “I was on my way to work… but then I saw you…” He reddened. Andreas observed his olive green shirt with an embroidered Fern Tree emblem on it that read “Possum Valley Parks” Andreas: “Oh, you’re a park ranger? I love the Selene Ranges!” He smiled. Blake: “Me too…” He smiled back at him. Andreas: “You work on Christmas?” He asked curiously. Blake: “Yeah, the pay is good and I don’t celebrate Christmas anyway. People have their Christmas picnics up there, so they need us around.” He explained. Andreas: “Why don’t you celebrate Christmas?” He asked. Blake paused and his expression soured. Blake: “Because I hate it.” His voice trailed off. Andreas: “I’m sorry…” He offered. He could feel it was a sensitive topic for him and didn’t want to press him further. Blake: “What about you?” He shifted the question. Andreas: “Well, usually I would be with the Medeiros family, but that’s not happening.” He laughed bitterly and sighed with relief. Blake: “What about your family?” He asked him. Andreas: “I’m estranged from my family.” He replied. Blake’s eyebrows rose surprisingly. Blake: “I understand that… I am, too. Except for Ashley.” He stated. Andreas turned to him, surprised he wasn't the only one. Blake: “So, you don’t have anywhere to go, huh?” He asked him. Andreas shook his head. Andreas: “...Not really.” He said softly. Blake: “Well… if you need somewhere, you’re welcome to come stay with us…” He blurted. Andreas’ eyes widened. Andreas: “Really? Are you sure?” He smiled a bit. Blake nodded. Blake: “Yeah… it’s the Sunshire way to help people in need.” He blurted and then shuddered. Why did I just say that? He pondered. Andreas: “Sunshire?” He asked. Blake: “Oh, it’s this fruity cult me and Ash grew up in… I was being facetious, but… I do want to help you.” He said quickly, glancing down at his Sunshire thumb tattoo. Andreas’ eyes grew large. Andreas: “...Is that a Sole-Wielder sigil?” He took his hand to get a closer look. Blake froze and reddened all over. Blake: “A what?!” He gaped at him and slammed his brakes to a halt. Andreas’ jaw dropped. Andreas: “...You don’t know what it is?!” He gaped back at him, dropping his hand. Blake: “It’s the ‘mark of the sun goddess’ or whatever.” He used air quotations and rolled his eyes. Blake: “They gave us these tattoos when we were born to brand us like property.” He shook his head. Andreas: “...You think it’s a tattoo?!” He gaped at him. Blake: “What, are you telling me I got marked by the sun goddess?” He laughed bitterly. Andreas: “Are you telling me you got tattooed as a baby on your HAND and it didn’t fade or stretch over time?” He countered. Blake paused. Blake: “How do you know what it is then?” He pressed him, turning into their tree-lined driveway. Andreas drank in the lush green surroundings. Andreas: “I've read many books about the history of Majique. The sole-wielders were said to be the original Majique-users, dating back to ancient times.” He explained. Blake: “You mean ‘The ancient ones’?” He laughed bitterly with air quotes with his hands. Andreas: “Yes…” He nodded and gazed at Blake with fascination. Andreas: “No one knew what happened to them, and some thought they were a myth…” He gazed up at Ashley as they came out of the house to greet them. They were dressed in red velvet paisley bellbottom pants with an orange sunface shirt with lantern sleeves. Ashley: “Blake?! What are you doing here? I thought you had to work.” They scratched their head. Ashley: “Oh my stars! Do you want to celebrate Christmas with me?!” They gasped and cupped their cheeks. Blake: “No, Ashley…” Ashley bowed their head, looking hurt. Andreas stepped out from the other side of the car and greeted Ashley. Ashley: “Andreas?! What are you doing here?!” They beamed. Blake reddened. Blake: “He’ll be staying with us…” He declared. Ashley’s eyes widened. Ashley: “Oh dear! I’m so sorry about you and Craig!” They rushed over and gave him a hug. Andreas was taken aback by their overly warm hospitality. Andreas: “Don’t be sorry, it was my choice and I’m glad I made it.” He smiled and hugged them back. Ashley: “Aww, that’s so sweet of you to help him, Blake! I’m proud of you for coming around to the Sunshire ways and helping those in need!” They exclaimed. Blake: “I didn’t do it for Sunshire.” He blurted bitterly. Ashley tilted their head and looked over at Andreas. Ashley: “...OH! Okay, haha.” They winked at Blake and nudged him. Blake reddened. Ashley: “Come on in! I’ll make tea and cookies!” They clasped their hands together, scurrying back up the steps onto the veranda and back into the house. Andreas: “That sounds nice, thank you.” He smiled earnestly, following after them with Blake. Blake: “After you…” He stepped aside the door, gesturing for him to enter. Andreas: “Thank you.” He flashed him a smile as he entered through the door. Andreas stood at the centre of the living room, taking in his surroundings. He marvelled at the various decorations and plants hanging along the canary-yellow walls. He paused with intrigue at the family portrait taken under the strange tree on the wall by the vase of dead sunflowers. Andreas: “Is that you? …Oh wow, is that a sacred life tree?!” Blake froze when he saw him looking at their family photo. Ashley emerged from the kitchen through the archway, beaming with excitement. Ashley: “Oh, my stars, you know what a sacred life tree is?!” They chirped, clasping their hands together. Andreas turned to them with a smile. Andreas: “Yes, but I’ve only read about it. I’ve never seen one before.” He remarked. Ashley’s eyes lit up. Ashley: “R-Really?!” They gasped. Andreas: “So, that’s Sunshire, huh?” He pressed them with intrigue, observing the smaller details in the photograph, taking in the small A-frame buildings in the far background. Ashley smiled and nodded. Ashley: “Yep! I’m the little chonker kid, and Blake is the angry kid, haha!” They explained, pointing at the small, chubby child with a cat-like smile on their face, while the taller kid frowned, looking off into the distance as if he would rather be anywhere else. They were both dressed in hand-woven woolen ponchos and robes. Ashley: “And that’s our mum, Eleanora, and dad, Nikolai!” They explained, pointing to their parents in the photo. Blake fixed his gaze on the kettle in the kitchen through the archway, beginning to whistle. Andreas: “I see the resemblance…” He remarked, noting the strong resemblance to Ashley with her blue doe eyes, delicate features, and chubby figure. She had long caramel hair with white ombre tips and wore a crystal necklace around her neck. He noted the man had a stronger resemblance to Blake with his darker, masculine features and height, and wore the same faux fur coat he had seen Ashley wear before. The kettle whistling soared louder from the kitchen, snapping them out of their daze and grabbing their attention. Ashley: “Oh dear!” They gasped and scurried over to the kettle to turn it off. Blake dropped his shoulders and exhaled a long breath. Andreas turned to Blake. Andreas: “Is something wrong?” He pressed him, observing his energy. Blake paused and turned to him. Blake: “I’m fine… I just need a smoke.” He assured him and forced a smile. Andreas: “Sure.” He flicked his gaze back to the Sunshire family portrait, looking pensive. Ashley sauntered back into the room with a fresh pot of tea served in a cat-shaped teapot. Ashley: “I made lemongrass tea! Fresh from our garden!” They chirped, setting it down on the table in front of them. Andreas: “Thank you.” Ashley: “And I made you a coffee, Blake! Just the way you like it!” They exclaimed, handing him black coffee in a smiling yellow cat mug. Blake: “Thank you, Ashley…” Andreas chuckled a bit. Ashley: “The cookies are on their way!” They chirped and headed towards the kitchen. Ashley paused when they saw a plume of dust out the window as a car sped down their driveway. Ashley: “Ooh, we got a visitor!” They beamed with curiosity and excitement. Blake slammed his cup down on the table. Blake: “Who the hell is that?!” He narrowed his eyes into slits. Andreas twisted his mouth with a bad feeling in the pit of his stomach. Ashley: “Makayla?” They gasped when they saw her blue Ford Escort pull up to the house. Blake groaned when he saw her emerge from the car, dressed in a red velvet dress that left little to the imagination. Andreas sighed with relief when he saw it was just her and Craig wasn't in sight. Makayla: “Ashleyyyyy!” She hollered out for them. Ashley smiled and sauntered out to greet her. Ashley: “Hey, Makayla! What a nice surprise!” They chirped and pulled her in for a hug. Makalya: “Surprise! Merry Christmas!” She beamed and squeezed them tightly. Makayla: “I want you to spend Christmas with me and my family!” She took their hands and gazed into their eyes. Ashley: “R-Really?! You want to spend Christmas with me?!” They gasped and brightened. Makayla: “Yes, so grab your jacket and let's go!” She tugged at their shirt. Blake twisted his mouth. Ashley: “Oh, you still have my jacket, remember? I need to get that back, haha!” They chuckled. Makayla’s smile faltered. Makayla: “I meant the jacket I gave you Ashley…” She frowned. Ashley titled their head. Ashley: “Uhh, you want me to wear THAT to meet your family?” They laughed, thinking she was joking. Makalya gaped at Ashley. Makayla: “What is that supposed to mean?! Do you have a problem, Ashley?!” She cried with hurt in her tone, placing her hands on her hips. Ashley: “N-no… it's just… my fluffy kitty jacket is special to me…” Their voice trailed off, thinking of their father. Makayla: “What and a jacket gifted to you from your girlfriend isn't special?” She cried. Ashely knit their eyebrows. Ashley: “...N-no… I mean… yes?” Their head spun. Makayla gaped at them. Makayla: “So I'm not special to you?!” Her bottom lip trembled. Ashley waved their hands around. Ashley: “N-no, no! I didn't say that!” They pleaded. Suddenly, the door burst open as Blake stormed out of the house. Blake: “Cut the crap and give Ashley their jacket back!” He barked at Makayla. Makayla recoiled and glared at Blake. Makalya: “Hey! Don't yell at me!” She snapped at him. Blake: “Ashley doesn't want your stupid jacket, they're just too polite to say so!” Ashley awkwardly embraced themself. Blake: “That jacket isn't Ashley. It's YOU.” He added for good measure. Makayla frowned at him. Makayla: “Stop speaking for Ashley!” She snapped back at him. Blake: “Speak for yourself!” He countered. Makayla glared up at Blake. Makayla: “You don't speak for me! You don't speak for no one. You don't speak at all.” Her voice rose to a high pitch on the verge of a song. Blake felt that strange paralysis from last night came over him once more, but this time he felt it in his mouth. The words weren't coming out and felt like they were muted. Ashley's jaw dropped and their head spun with confusion. Andreas interjected as he stepped out onto the veranda. Andreas: "That's enough, Makayla!” He snapped at her. They all turned to him. Makayla: “Andreas?! What are YOU doing here?!” Her jaw dropped, and she swung her gaze to Ashley. Makayla: “Back off from my cutie pie!” She gasped and stood in front of Ashley, protectively. Ashley and Blake gaped at her. Andreas: “You're just as perceptive as your brother.” He deadpanned and rolled his eyes. Makayla: “Well, my brother is looking for you, so get in the car and let's go! Its fucking Christmas, so put your fighting aside and let it go!” She huffed and opened the car door. Andreas gaped at her. Blake: “He's NOT going anywhere with you!” He bellowed, stepping forward and shielding Andreas. Makayla glanced up at Blake and over to Andreas. Andreas: “There is no fight, and I did let it go, Makayla. I broke up with Craig and left the band. I'm done. I don't want anything to do with either of you.” He said tersely. Makayla gasped as if she had just been kicked in the stomach. Makayla: “Seriously?! You're just going to throw away five years over some asshole?! After everything we’ve been through? We've known each other since high school!” She cried and threw her arms up, looking over at Blake. Blake glared at her. Andreas: “Yes, I threw away five years too many over some asshole, and we're not in high school anymore!” He folded his arms across his chest. Andreas: “Even though you and Craig seem to think so.” He twisted his mouth. Makayla recoiled to his harsh words. Makayla: “B-But you can't just turn your back on us and the band! Music is our dream!” She cried. Andreas: “Yes, I can. I owe you nothing.” He turned on his heel, facing his back to her. Makayla’s bottom lip trembled. Makayla: “Why are you being mean to me, Andreas?” She cried. Ashley knit their eyebrows and wondered the same thing. Andreas: “Because I know what you’ve been doing… I know what you really are.” He narrowed his eyes at her. Ashley tilted their head. What does he mean by that? Blake: “What? An asshole?” He chimed in. Andreas laughed a humourless laugh. Andreas: “In a sense...” Makayla looked at Andreas with hurt. Makayla: “I-I can’t believe you would believe those horrible rumours about me… I thought you were better than this! Don’t be like them, Andreas! Please don’t leave Nuklear!” She pleaded with him. Ashley knit their eyebrows, feeling sorry for Makayla. Blake stepped forward. Blake: “He wants to be left alone, so leave him alone.” He said firmly and waved his finger at her. Andreas gazed up at Blake as he defended him like that. Makayla turned away, looking hurt. Makayla: “F-fine, be like that! Let's go, Ashley!” She sniffled and took Ashley’s hand. Ashley knit their eyebrows. Blake: “You’re not going off with her!” He interjected. Makayla: “You can’t tell Ashley what to do!” She fired back at him. Makayla: “Besides… you’re the present under my tree, don’t you agree?” She sang to Ashley, stroking their tummy, lulling them into a dazed state. Suddenly, she turned on her heel and sat under the tree. Ashley: “Aww…” They smiled at her and sat down under the tree with her. Why am I sitting here? She thought. Makayla: “No more racket, grab your jacket, and let’s go, my cutie-pie.” She hummed a melodic tune, rising to her feet and grabbing her own jacket from the car, sliding it on. Andreas quirked an eyebrow at Makayla. Ashley smiled and nodded, heading back inside to grab the jacket. Blake gaped at them. Blake: “Ashley?! What are you doing?!” He snapped and went to follow after them. Andreas placed his hand on Blake’s shoulder, stopping him in his tracks. Blake froze to his touch. Andreas: "Let them go, Blake…” He said firmly, but gently, giving Ashley a knowing look. Blake turned to him with his mouth agape. Blake: “WHAT?!” Andreas grabbed the windchime pendant dangling down and pulled it towards himself. Andreas: “The more you try to pull something towards you.” He released it from his grip as it swung away from him. Andreas: “It will push away from you.” He explained. Andreas: “But if you let it go, it will come back to you.” He added as the pendulum swung back to him. Andreas: “Ashley needs to see this for themself…My senses tell me they will see the moon for what it is very soon…” He hummed. Blake sighed and nodded, dreading the thought of losing Ashley. Ashley ran over to Makayla, wearing the ill-fitting jean jacket Blake detested so much. Makayla: “Aww, you bring a smile to my face!” She cooed at them and kissed their cheek. Blake: “Hmph…” He pouted and folded his arms across his chest as he watched them get in the car with her. Blake: “I need a drink.” He huffed as Makayla roared up the engine and sped away with Ashley. ~ Ashley and Makayla arrived at a single-story, freestanding house constructed primarily of red brick, giving it a warm, traditional feel. It had a hip roof covered with terracotta roof tiles. A small, slightly elevated front porch was accessible via a short set of brick stairs. The porch had a white metal railing with a zig-zag pattern. The front door was a striking, vibrant red, contrasting sharply with the red brick and white trim. There was a small, awning-like structure over the porch, with a green-striped detail. Two white chairs and a small table sat on the porch. The house had large, white-framed windows. A prominent picture window dominated the front facade to the right of the entry. Ashley caught a waft of the barbecued meat sizzling from the backyard and brightened. Makayla grabbed Ashley’s hand and led them up the cement path, snapping them out of their daze. Ashley: “Whoa!” They laughed awkwardly. Makayla dragged them up the stairs and barged in through the front door. Makayla: “I’M HOME!” She announced, leading Ashley through the archway and into the kitchen. The scent of boiling vegetables, onions, and garlic whetted Ashley’s appetite as soon as they entered the room. The second thing they noticed was the horizontal lines scribbled across the doorframe, marking Craig’s height as he grew up over the years. The kitchen had dated wooden cabinets and linoleum floors that were scuffed at the edges from age and wear. A middle-aged woman stood at the orange benchtop, cutting up vegetables. She wore her curly blonde hair in a ponytail and wore a dress with cherries on it. Woman: “AH, MIJA!” She put down her knife and cooed, wrapping her arms around Makayla. Ashley smiled at them, endeared by her mother’s love and how much they missed theirs. Makayla: “Hey, Mama! Meet my new boyfriend, Ashley!” She exclaimed, wrapping her arms around Ashley, showing them off as if they were a prize. Ashley: “...Boyfriend?” They gaped at her. The woman’s face lit up. Celia: “OH? Boyfriend?! That’s wonderful! I’m Celia! Nice to meet you!” She pulled Ashley in for a tight hug. Ashley’s eyes widened. Ashley: “O-oh, uh, I’m not a boy!” They stammered between her tight grip. Suddenly, they heard screeching tires tear into the driveway, blasting heavy metal. Makayla: “Here comes the star of the show.” She muttered. Celia: “MY BOY IS HERE!” She clasped her hands and lit up to the blasting heavy metal coming from the lawn. Ashley covered their ears. Ashley: “Oh dear! How does he hear anything with the music so loud?” They laughed awkwardly. The music shut off, followed by the slamming metal car door and Craig’s heavy footsteps stomping up the stairs and into the house. Celia: “HIJA!” She scurried up to him, pulling him in for a tight hug and showering him with kisses. Craig: “Muuuuum!” He groaned, flustered with embarrassment. “IS THAT MY BIG MAN?” A deep masculine voice boomed from outside. Makayla groaned as a tall, muscular Latino man entered with a plate full of barbecued steaks. He looked like Craig if he were an aging 1950s Greaser. He wore his blonde curly hair in a pompadour hairstyle, and wore a black shirt with blue jeans and brown boots on his feet. Craig: “Sup, paps?” He grinned and gave him a high-five. The man gave him a high-five back. Celia: “Take your seats, everyone. I will serve your plates.” She offered. They headed into the dining room through the archway. It was a small room with a wooden table and a cheap paper Christmas tablecloth thrown over it. At the centre of the table were ceramic snowmen and Santa Claus ornaments with a gingerbread house. Family photos covered the walls, depicting Craig and Makayla as children and teenagers, along with their parents and grandparents throughout the years. A speaker system sat in the corner of the room with the Christmas tree by the window, with various gifts tucked underneath it. The TV sat on the other side of the room, playing reruns of football games from the 1970s. Their father sat down at the head of the table, under the window, and in view of the TV. Makayla sat away from her father on the other end of the table with Ashley. Craig sat down at the other end of the table, on the other side of Ashley and adjacent to his father. Celia walked around the table, serving up their plates, starting with their father, serving him the biggest piece of steak. He grinned at Craig and swung his gaze to Ashley beside him. Man: “Ohhh, what’s this? You stopped playin’ the field ‘n ya settling down now, ey? Who’s ya misses, Craig?” He beamed with delight, nodding to Ashley. Ashley’s eyes widened, and Craig froze. Makayla: “WHAT? No, Leon, Ashley is MY boyfriend!” She huffed, grabbing Ashley’s hand. Leon twisted his mouth at her and bellowed with laughter. Leon: “Very fucking funny. She’s more feminine than you.” He snorted. Makayla furrowed her eyebrows, and Ashley awkwardly shifted their eyes. Celia: “Where is Andreas?” She asked, noticing his absence as she served up Craig’s plate full of steak. Craig’s heart sank. Craig: “He… had to go see his family in Norway.” He forced a smile. Ashley tilted their head. Ashley: “Oh? I thought he broke up with you?” They scratched their head. Craig’s heart sank. Leon’s jaw dropped, and Celia gaped at them. Leon: “The fuck do you mean BROKE UP?” His voice took on a trace of an edge. Craig waved his hands, trying to signal to Ashley. Why is he doing that? They wondered. Ashley: “Oh, well, Craig thought my brother was trying to steal his man, and then Craig got into a fight with him, and we all got banned from Hellbent! Then Andreas quit the band and broke up with Craig! He didn’t tell you?” They explained, running their fingers through their hair. Craig went pale as a sheet and grabbed Ashley’s arm, pulling them into him. Craig: “WAHAHAHA, very fucking funny, sweetheart! Isn’t she SO funny?! My GIRLFRIEND, the comedian!” He forced a smile and wrapped his big arm around Ashley. Ashley quirked an eyebrow. Ashley: “...Girlfriend? You’re not even into girls, and I’m not a girl!” They pouted. Craig covered Ashley’s mouth with his big hand to silence them. Craig: “SHHHHHH!” He hissed and glared at Ashley. Makayla: “HEY! What the hell do you think you’re doing, Craig?! She snapped at Craig. Ashley awkwardly shifted in their seat. Leon roared with laughter. Leon: “Oh, Craig, you sure can pick ‘em. She just about gave me a heart attack!” He laughed. Craig: “She was just fuckin’ with ya dad! Ain’t she a beaut?” He stroked Ashley’s hair. Ashley narrowed their eyes at Craig. Makayla glared at Craig, and a wry smirk spread across her face. Makayla: “Oh, by the way, Andreas didn’t go back to Norway. He’s living with Ashley and his brother now.” She smirked. Craig released Ashley from his grip and shot up from his seat in a fury. Craig: “W-WHAT?!” He rasped. Ashley caught their breath and knit their eyebrows at her. Why did she tell him that?! Craig: “WHERE?!” He paced around the room. Ashley shifted their eyes and sank into their seat. Oh no, Blake and Andreas! Ashley: “Makayla! Please don’t!” They knit their eyebrows, grabbing her hand and pleading with her beseechingly. Makayla: “Right next door to Madelyn on Willowbury Lane! The green weatherboard house!” She explained. Ashley bowed their head and sighed, looking worried and hurt. Craig barred his teeth. Craig: “REALLY NOW?!” He rasped and marched out of the house, slamming the door behind him. Ashley jolted. Leon: “OI! Ya left your girlfriend behind, Craig!” He called out for him, gesturing to Ashley. Ashley pouted and folded their arms across their chest. Celia: “Oh dear!” She cupped her mouth as she heard Craig’s tires screech as he took off down the street. Makayla sighed happily as the sound grew fainter until he was gone. Makayla: “Don’t worry, Ashley, now we’re at peace. Now, eat up!” She cooed at Ashley, stroking their cheek. Ashley turned away from her. Ashley: “No, we’re not… Why did you do that, Makayla?! Andreas said he wanted nothing to do with Craig, and what if he hurts my brother?!” They cried and embraced themself. Makayla frowned. Makayla: “Don’t worry, Ashley, it will be fine. They will work things out, and we will be a band again!” She assured them, stroking their head. Ashley: “But–” Makayla pressed her finger to their lips. Makayla: “Eat up and be merry… my sweet berry… drink up your sherry, and eat up your dairy.” She sang to them, stroking their tummy and lulling them into a paralysed state. Suddenly, she grabbed Ashley’s plate and dug into eating their food. Ashley: “Uhhhh?” Their head spun with confusion. ~ Craig’s tires screeched as he sped down Willowbury Way. Craig: “I’M COMIN’ FOR YA ANDREAS!” He rasped, making a sharp turn onto the property, running over the gate and zooming down the long dirt driveway, kicking up dust behind him. He slammed his foot on the brakes, bursting out of the car and slamming his car door behind him. Craig: “ANDREAS!” He hollered out for him. Blake and Andreas approached the living room window, looking down at him from above. Blake: “What the hell is that idiot doing here?!” He growled between gritted teeth and clenched fists. Andreas: “...Makayla must have told him where I was…” He twisted his mouth. Craig: “GIVE ME MY MAN BACK BEFORE I KICK YA ASS, BLAKEY BOY!” He roared from outside. Andreas knit his eyebrows. Andreas: “I’m so sorry about this!” He exclaimed. Blake: “Don’t worry, I will deal with this…” He assured him.