Zexich explained to Sigil who remained on edge. He told him the losses their organization had suffered. Everyone perished in the battle except a select few, Zexich being the only remaining member at the base. He explained how the base had been secured under Vezaias's control now. He told of how Vezaias's team members were now the ultimate authority at the base, and there was no point in trying to overthrow the new leader. He told Sigil how he had agreed to aid in Vezaias's goals in exchange for the opportunity to recreate his friends, Sigil being first as proof of compliance in the alliance.

  “We must not fight it. We must keep the peace, my love.” Zexich urged him.

  “He is no longer himself, and I do not feel I can forgive him for what he has done. I see he has offered me back to you, but what of the others? I cannot trust him.” Sigil pressed.

  “He has told me, he secured each of their souls and will keep them safe until his objectives can be met. He explained that he did this to minimize the amount of permanent human casualties. Please love, understand that I am doing this to guarantee their safety. Perhaps we will see them again, but only if we comply. He has won the war. He has all of the advantages. His strategy was brilliant and we must submit or he will eliminate us both then seek out my human self to do the work he needs completed. I cannot let that happen. I know the force and brutality he used was horrible, but he has since shown me kindness and kept his word of returning you to me. He is unthreatening to those who willingly comply with him as the new authority.” Zexich pleaded.

  “This is not easy for me to submit too.” Sigil looked frustrated.

  “My love, Vezaias is housing a very powerful demon inside named Solaris. His defense is absolute, and his offensive capacity is much more dangerous than we had feared. He also has Ava, and Lux who have new talents, and are a powerful part of his team, now alongside Remington, however Solaris alone would be enough to destroy us. I know it is difficult but if you accept this…..” Zexich trailed off looking desperate.

  “Fine.” Sigil gave in. He pulled Zexich into his arms. “As long as I have you with me I will endure this.” Sigil said softly. Eventually he turned to look at who he had known to be Vezaias.

  “I accept that you are now the authority as long as Zexich is safe and you will keep your word of what you have agreed to with Zexich. I want to know what you expect of me.” Sigil said seriously. Solaris smiled wickedly.

  “You must remain unthreatening to myself and my team. Any amount of hostility from you and I will feast on your flesh for my next meal. You will follow whatever orders I give you, and help me achieve my goals which will grant you immunity from the fate of the rest of humanity. My team is also your direct authority and you will comply with them as well. The base is secured and you are not allowed to leave unless I allow it. We will begin working on my next objective immediately. Zexich already knows what I expect.” Solaris explained very authoritatively.

  “Very well.” Sigil submitted. He tightened his hold on Zexich, taking a deep breath.

  “Remington, Ava, and I will be leaving for a short while. Do not be hopeful for any opportunity to use your talent. I am able to shut it off while you are caught in the delusion I have created. Lux, is the authority while we are away. If you give him any trouble I will kill both of you when I return.” Solaris pressed.

  “Wait! You are putting me in charge and leaving me here alone?!” Lux snapped anxiously.

  “Yes Lux, I trust that you can handle this. If either of these two do anything you believe I would be unhappy with, and do not worry about how much of a waste it would be, just kill them both. I trust your judgement, and you will not be alone, Ephraim will be here with you.” Solaris said seriously. Lux took a deep breath and nodded in compliance. The authority he was given was oddly satisfying even though it was unexpected. He felt important now and he wouldn't take this order for granted.

  “Ava, Rem, we are leaving.” Solaris ordered, then took Remington’s hand and left via portal with Ava eagerly following behind them.

  Sigil continued to hold Zexich for a long moment while trying to accept his new reality. He still felt as if he needed more of an explanation.

  “He has become a monster, and what of the other's, were they his meal?” Sigil asked solemnly.

  “They are all gone. You were also his meal. I could not watch him devour your flesh. It was horrific. I have only since been trying to make the best out of this nightmare that I cannot escape from.” Zexich said softly. Lux wandered over to them both now.

  “As much as I hate to do this, but Solaris will expect to see progress when he returns. You better get to work.” Lux said seriously. Zexich sighed deeply.

  “I suppose I should get started then.” Zexich said mildly.

  “Do you want some help?” Ephraim asked as he was also eager to please Solaris while he was away.

  “The next task will begin with mostly computer work. I won't need any help with anything until our leader returns.” Zexich said shifting into focus as he went to the computer to work. Sigil followed him closely and watched as he began to prepare for the next objective.

  “What does he want you to do?” Ephraim asked curiously.

  “I am afraid I cannot tell you that. He has made it very clear that he would like to keep his tasks a secret until such a time he is ready to apply them. Of course I will not be able to stop you from looking over my shoulder. I must warn you that whatever insight you are able to collect in this way must remain a secret.” Zexich sighed as he pulled up a particular file which was a 3D model of his next recreation.” Ephraim watched him very seriously as the objective revealed itself on the computer. The file was labeled 'Rocks2.5’ and the model was of his body from the most recent time he was recreated. Zexich then spent a lot of time erasing the 3D model leaving only everything from the jaw up, while becoming much more detailed as he erased smaller areas that wouldn't be needed. Ephraim now realized what this was for. Zexich was going to fix Remington's eyesight with this facial structure.

  Solaris took Remington and Ava to his bedroom first. He led Remington to the bed and helped him sit, then he directed Ava to sit at the desk.

  “I will let Vezaias take over from here.” Solaris said. He then began to fade out leaving behind Vezaias's human body. Although the transition was easier, changing was still very painful, making Vezaias’s muscles sore and leaving him fatigued after the switch was finished. He sank to his knees and held himself painfully. Remington was quick to search for him after hearing his audible pain response.

  “I'm fine Rem, it's just a rough transition.” Vezaias panted, however he took advantage of Remington arms around him by digging his face into the nape of Remington neck.

  “I just cannot tell how bad it is without being able to see you.” Remington said unhappily.

  “Can we go yet, I'm super bored.” Ava griped. Vezaias ignored him and waited until his muscles felt better before getting to his feet again.

  “First we need to get a few things straight, Ava.” Vezaias said seriously as he helped Remington stand up.

  “Ugh what is it?” Ava said sourly.

  “You can come with me under a few conditions. Number one: no fucking drugs. Number two: you are going to listen to what the fuck I tell you to do. And number three: you are going to play a role as someone else….” Ava immediately scoffed at the last condition.

  “But Vee, why can't I just be me? I’m way to fucking sober for all these demands.” Ava griped again.

  “Shut up Ava, do you want to come with me or not?!” Vezaias snapped at him.

  “Of course I want to come with, but being Skyler is horrible!” Ava groaned.

  “Not Skyler. You are going to be Dem. You are now him, as our drummer in the band.” Vezaias explained. Ava looked at him seriously.

  “Ughh okay so I have to be in the band and pretend to be this asshole forever? So I will be famous or whatever. Why should I do that?” Ava pouted.

  “Because Remington doesn't want the band to fall apart, and Dem doesn't want to replace the drummer because obviously his counterpart was the best person for the position. Now YOU are the only one who can fix that. It's not for me, do it for Remington. Please Ava, I just want Rem to be happy.” Vezaias pleaded him.

  “Its really not that important, you don't have to do it if you don't want to Ava. I understand.” Remington said. Ava studied him carefully. He looked so unhappy.

  “I know music is important to you Remi. I will do it, because I want you to be happy too.” Ava said softly, batting his eyes coyly. Of course Remington couldn't see this but he could hear the longing in Ava's voice.

  “Great. Now you will need to play your role perfectly Ava. If you are Alt you have to be dedicated to music the way he was. You will have all of his musical talent, so get ready because we're leaving.” Vezaias said seriously. Ava shifted quickly into his disguise. “I'll explain it as vaguely as possible. Dem doesn't have to know any more than necessary, I just hope he wont ask questions and he'll just accept it.” Vezaias opened a portal to Demetri's new house then helped Remington through the portal all the way until they reached the basement. Ava followed behind them until they found Demetri, Maxwell and Zach in the new designated music area. As soon as Demetri saw them coming down the stairs he jumped to his feet and sprinted to hug who he believed to be Alt.

  “I was so worried about you! Are you alright?? What happened?!” Demetri was in tears as he jerked back to look at Alt.

  Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

  “It's sorta complicated.” Ava said making sure to stick to his character.

  “Vezaias you said there was a falling out! Tell me what is going on!” Demetri turned to Vezaias looking desperate and angry.

  “Dem, I don't think it's a good idea that I explain it to you.” Vezaias said seriously.

  “Something serious happened. I know it. Why won't you tell me?!” Demetri stood firm hoping for information.

  “Demetri, don't force me to lie to you.” Vezaias pressed. Demetri stopped and considered what was happening. He looked at Alt for a long moment. This whole situation was crushing him.

  “So you….” Demetri began. “……you up for composing something?” Demetri said softly. He was filled with emotion knowing that something was very wrong, but he couldn't demand to know the truth. Vezaias wouldn't tell him no matter what. He wasn't okay with this at all, but there was no use fighting it and he desperately just wanted things to be normal.

  “Sure I do. That's why I'm here for Dem.” Alt said. The tension was thick as they settled into their seats so Zach could update Vezaias, Remington, and Alt on the band's situation. A lot had happened in ten days. There was more money coming through since the performance and there were a lot of offers on the table. None were accepted because of half the band's MIA status. Demetri kept the fans busy with regular updates on their situation documenting how the 'moving' was going as well as building the new sound studio and stage downstairs. The stage wasn't complete yet but the recording booth was nearly finished thanks to a lot of hard work from Maxwell and a few guys Zach knew that they hired to come and help. Demetri wanted to prioritize a few things now that the band was moving forward again. First; continue to finish building the stage, second; record prior music, third; work on new music, forth; organize a country wide tour. He also wanted Vezaias, Remington and Alt to be more active on their social media so the fans would stay interested. Maxwell began to continue working on building the stage with Zach's help while Demetri took the others into the recording booth to do some vocals.

  “Okay I have a list of our music. We have already recorded everything except for the vocal parts and I want to get them recorded as fast as we can because I want to release this as a sequel album to our first album. Then our tour will center around these two albums. Most of these vocals are either Rem, or Zay’s but I want Alt to do some of the back up vocals. I think we will start with Rem’s music first.” Demetri instructed. Alt went to go and help with the stage until needed. Demetri helped Remington into the booth and gave him a pair of headphones.

  “Okay you will hear the track play through the headphones, and all you have to do is sing. The microphone is right here, do you feel it?” Demetri said. “I will be in the mixing booth listening.”

  “Okay. What song will I do first?” Remington asked.

  “Well I would like to do Going Under, then I Will Follow You, and then Die For U.” Demetri said.

  “Okay sure.” Remington said then he put the headphones on and waited. Demetri returned to the mixing booth and put his headphones on. He offered another pair to Vezaias.

  “Do you want to listen?” Demetri asked. Vezaias took the headphones and put them on then watched through the newly installed soundproof glass as Remington prepared to sing. Demetri started the track. [A/N filler lyrics “Diving Bell” by Starset”] The first song on the recording list was a song Remington had written about how he had ghosted Vezaias. It wasn't an easy song to sing and Remington was throwing all of his emotions into each moment of the song. By the time he was finished singing the song if he could have been crying tears he would have been. Vezaias on the other hand really was silently crying. Demetri glanced over at him watching him try and brush away the tears before anyone could notice. The next song was the song Remington had written as a declaration of his loyalty to Vezaias. This song was a change of pace for Remington. He looked joyful or nearly euphoric as he sang this song. Vezaias listened carefully.

  [A/N filler lyrics “Follow You” by Bring Me The Horizon]

  He really was going through hell just to be with Vezaias. He followed him into battle without hesitation, he lost both eyes, had nearly lost his life, submitted to a monstrous demon just to stay loyal to the human that was attached, but no matter how much of a nightmare he was trapped in Remington was willing and eager to be by Vezaias's side. The song was over and the next song was about to play. This song was also personal. Remington had bled for Vezaias, and soon he was going to die in order to be recreated. [A/N filler lyrics “Die4U” by Bring Me The Horizon] When the song was finished Demetri took off his headphones followed by Vezaias.

  “He really shouldn't have to go through hell, or suffer so much just to be with you. I never would have put him through hell if he was with me.” Demetri's real feelings came out. Vezaias was quiet.

  “Don't get me wrong I love Maxwell and I want to be with him forever, but Remington is my best friend and I hate to see the way he is suffering. I think people saw how much he was suffering even though he was good at hiding it, they were quick to point the finger at you. It should be your fucking job to keep him safe and happy. I know you did a lot for him in the past, you got him out of trouble and waited for him but since you came back from the dead all you have done is put him through hell and made him suffer. He doesn't deserve that.” Demetri said, soaking in emotion and irritation.

  “Dem I tried….”

  “Don't give me that bullshit Zay! You tried? Look at him! He looks miserable on a constant basis now! You expect way too much from him, and he does it all without hesitation, but what the fuck have you done for him lately?!” Demetri snapped at him. “And if you weren't so inhumanly powerful I'd fucking beat your ass over it! Can't you just do a better fucking job at keeping him safe and making him happy?!” Demetri yelled angrily. He got up and left the booth to go and help Remington who was waiting for someone to come and help him. Vezaias sat there feeling destroyed over this as Demetri brought Remington back into the mixing booth.

  “Zay, are you in here?” Remington said quickly, looking lost and desperate.

  “Yeah.” He said trying to hide how crushed he felt, which wasn't working at all.

  “Zay, what's wrong?” Remington asked urgently as Demetri took him over to where Vezaias was sitting. He reached out trying to find him. His hand soon found the chair he sat in then his shoulder. He grabbed Vezaias shirt and guided himself close up against Vezaias to hug him.

  “It's nothing Rem.” Vezaias said softly as he put his arms around Remington. He was secretly glad Remington couldn't see him because he knew he must have looked destroyed. Remington didn't push the issue but decided to stay quiet and soak in anxiety over what was really going on.

  “Did……did I sound good?” Remington asked meekly.

  “Rem, you sounded like a beautiful angel. I'm so lucky to have you sing songs like those about me. I don't even deserve it.” Vezaias said as his voice cracked with emotion.

  “What? Of course you do Zay! You deserve everything!” Remington was nearly panicking now. Demetri stood not far and watched them as Remington clung to Vezaias as if his life depended on holding onto him. Vezaias was crying now silently.

  “You are just too good for me Rem, you know that?” Vezaias said, trying to sound comforting. He maneuvered Remington away to let him stand up. Remington sat in the chair looking anxious over this interaction.

  “Is it my turn?” Vezaias asked mildly while controlling his voice more to try and sound neutral.

  “Sure. I'll get the music ready.” Demetri said, looking at him very serious. Vezaias stared at the floor for a moment then walked past him and went into the booth. He sat down and slipped the headphones on, adjusted the microphone and waited for the music to start. He hadn't even asked what song he was going to do first, but he figured he would know as soon as the music started. In the mixing booth Demetri and Remington put their own headphones on as the track began to play. As soon as the familiar delicate piano melody began to play Vezaias quickly crumbled in his chair and began to sob. Remington could hear him over the headphones and began to panic. He stood up and took the headphones off and stumbled in the direction of the door.

  “Wait Rem!” Demetri jumped up to help him, but Remington didn't wait and fumbled through the door then continued towards the sound of Vezaias's crying until he was able to smash himself against him and nearly strangled him around the neck.

  “Zay what is wrong?? Are you alright? Why are you so upset??” Remington urged him. Vezaias didn't answer but only put his arms around Remington and hugged him tightly. “Oh Zay, please don't cry! What is it?? How can I help you??” Remington was now crying.

  “It was just this song Rem….” Vezaias choked out.

  “No, you were upset before the song played! I could tell by your voice!” Remington pressed urgently.

  “Can we talk about it later?” Vezaias asked softly, trying to reel in his emotions. Remington was quiet and held him tightly. “Maybe in private? It's not easy.” Vezaias continued. Remington cupped Vezaias’s face and pulled him to look at Remington then he kissed Vezaias passionately and with vigor.

  “Okay. We will talk about it later.” Remington said after pulling away from his lips. Vezaias was brightly flushed with heat on his cheeks and struck by the kiss. Remington pushed himself up from Vezaias chest and turned towards where he thought the door was. Vezaias got up quickly and helped him as he awkwardly walked towards the door. Demetri was in the doorway watching and intercepted Remington.

  “I got him from here.” Demetri said seriously. Vezaias shot him an angry jealous look.

  “Thanks.” He said well controlled with mildness. Demetri took Remington's hand and helped him towards a chair to sit in the mixing booth then helped him find the headphones. Vezaias returned to his seat and put his headphones on and waited. This time he was more prepared to sing the song and he used the past few emotional moments as fuel to press as much passion into each word he sang. By the end of the song he paused just long enough to cut the song then crumbled into sobs again. Remington sat in place listening to him cry over the microphone wishing he could know what it was that had him so emotional.

  “That was beautiful, Zay.” Demetri said into the microphone as he pressed the button to turn his microphone on.

  “Fuck off, Dem.” Vezaias returned in irritation.

  “No really. I'm glad you took my pep talk seriously.” Demetri said, sounding comforting.

  “Why the fuck wouldn't I?” Vezaias replied, taking shaky breaths and wiping tears away. Demetri leaned back in his seat after playing Vezaias's next song, this time choosing the song Vezaias had sung during their time on Good Morning City. Vezaias straightened up and tried to gather his resolve to sing all of the other music he needed to sing. While Demetri continued to play songs repetitively for Vezaias to sing, Remington began to figure something out.

  “You are the reason he is so upset. What did you say to him?” Remington said seriously.

  “I just told him how things seem from an outsider's perspective, and I only said it because you are my best friend and I want you to be happy. I also think he knows that I am right and he should do whatever he can to fix it.” Demetri said solemnly. Remington was at a loss. He wasn't sure what exactly this meant but it sounded like Demetri was criticizing Vezaias about his relationship with Remington.

  “Dem, he is dealing with so much. I am just trying to help him…”

  “But you shouldn't have to!” Demetri interrupted. “Do you think any normal relationship has these kinds of problems?” Demetri added in irritation. Remington was struck and didn't know how to reply to this. “Do you think you would have to deal with life or death situations or demons, or getting blinded if you would have ended up with me?!” Demetri snapped at him. Remington cringed at this. It was true and it made his heart hurt. He suppressed the urge to cry.

  “But Dem…..I want to help him. When I chose to be with him I knew how hard it was going to be! I'm the only one who could do this. I am strong enough to fight…!” Remington rebuttaled.

  “I know you are! I'm not saying that you're not! I just….!” Demetri paused. “……I don't like seeing you suffer so much. I want you to be happy.” Demetri said softly.

  “I am happy. Zay makes me the happiest that I've ever been, and I am so lucky to be with him. I know it doesn't seem like it sometimes but it's not his fault!” Remington pressed. It was quiet now until the last song was finished playing. Vezaias emerged from the recording booth and as soon as he was close enough Remington got up and reached for him. Vezaias let Remington pull and hug him desperately but he did not hug back.

  “Zay, don't listen to Dem. He doesn't know what the hell he is talking about. I love you. I don't care how difficult things get. I just want to be by your side forever, no matter what!” Remington cried. Vezaias shut his eyes and suppressed his tears.

  “He is right about one thing though Rem. You deserve to be safe and happy. I will do whatever it takes to make that happen.” Vezaias said, putting his arms around Remington and looking crushed. Demetri watched, hoping that Vezaias was serious about that as he turned to leave the mixing booth to find Alt.