Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Otto awoke with a surge of adrenaline, and he was on his feet striding toward the shower before he'd come fully awake. He turned on the water and stepped in without waiting for it to warm up. The world came into stark focus as the cold water drove away the visions the nightmare had left behind. The glowing embers faded from his vision and he realized belatedly that he hadn't even bothered with the lights this time. With a flick of telekinesis, Otto turned on the lights, and he glanced down at himself only to make another realization. Sighing with frustration, Otto shrugged out of his drenched pajamas and tossed them out onto the counter before beginning his hygiene ritual. While he did that, he turned his mind toward the growing list of problems that he was now facing.

He was in the third week of his vacation after twenty straight years of working at the Motherlobe, and while it had initially been a breath of fresh air, the air was starting to turn sour with cigarette smoke. None of the Psychic Seven smoked cigarettes (they smoked other things that Otto didn't mind as much), which he was grateful for. Sasha Nein did, but he'd long ago come to a deep sense of safety with him despite his smoking habit. Sasha had helped him work through some of his childhood trauma years before, when the Deluginist threat had begun and the rumors of Otto's involvement had started circulating.

Sasha was the only friend that Otto had ever made outside the Seven, and he was a good friend to have. Unlike the rest of the Board under Truman Zanotto, Sasha had directly approached him about the rumors. Otto had reluctantly agreed to allow Sasha to search his mind for proof that he wasn't a spy. Sasha had discovered so much about Otto in that one trip, yet he hadn't betrayed Otto's confidence. When facing the rest of the Board afterwards, Sasha had given only the details to prove that Otto wasn't a Deluginist spy. From that moment on, Otto had respected him, and he'd eventually confided in Sasha to work through some things. Like his phobia of lit cigarettes.

Sasha's calm, soothing voice came to him from past conversations. "A phobia is irrational fear, Otto. Your fear has a very real basis in your past. There is nothing wrong with you being afraid of them."

Otto turned off the water and reached out to grab a towel. He dried himself off without looking in the mirror then he picked up his soaked pajamas and hung them on the door to dry before he went into his room to dress and decide what to do for the day. He had to factor in his tiredness, which was growing exponentially by the day. Oh, and of course the headache that was blooming behind his eyes.

Once he had his pants on, Otto sat down and began rubbing his temples in slow, rhythmic circles. That eased some of the tension, but it was still building. He was going to have a monster of a headache in about ten minutes. So now he had a choice to make. The same choice he'd had to make every single day. Should he go to his friends and talk about what was wrong? That was the best solution for the headache. Otto knew it. He knew it in his gut and his bones. So why were his feet carrying him to the medicine cabinet again? He didn't want this. He wanted to trust them. Then, as he reached for the cabinet door, his eyes landed on the scars that peppered his arm.

Otto's headache burst to life like a geyser, and he moaned and staggered, grabbing the door and opening it. He couldn't do it. He couldn't. He was a bad boy, a bad, bad boy for even thinking of telling anybody what Mother did to him. Nobody needed to know their personal business. Nobody, not even his friends. So he grabbed the Psyconium bottle, popped the top, and took a long swig. The headache began to recede at once, and Otto took another sip just to be sure before he capped the bottle. Relief didn't even begin to describe how Otto felt at that moment. Then came the shame, and he closed his eyes to stop the tears, knowing he should tell the others that he was still taking copious amounts of Psyconium to deal with his headaches instead of talking about things with his friends. Yes, his mother would have said it was none of their business, but Otto so badly wanted to make it their business. He knew they would be there for him, so what was wrong? Yet he knew that already, too.

It was the lake. The lake that none of his old friends had seen in his mind. Otto couldn't get past it himself without help. Sasha had been able to fairly easily navigate the treacherous waters, the fog, and the lake monsters, whereas every time Otto tried on his own, he was sent spiraling out of his own mind into a sobbing, screaming mess. It was why he'd written in rules so that he wouldn't ever have to have a Mental Exam—thank you, grandfathering clause—unless he wanted to. Most agents had to sit through several a year, but not Otto. Only now did he realize that he was so badly off that he couldn't even trust his friends anymore. He'd trusted them more than anybody else in his life, but they'd never gotten to the school in his mind that contained his childhood trauma. By the time he had been ready to risk it all, it was too late and his friends had faded away until it was only him. And it had been only him until Sasha had come along ten years ago.

The headache had receded to a low ache in the base of his skull, which meant he could now function. So after staring at himself with disgust in the mirror, taking in the shame and fear mirrored back at him, he turned and left the bathroom, turning off the lights. He finished dressing then pulled on his lab coat. Whenever he wore his lab coat, he was a respected Psychonaut, not a scared, naughty little boy who needed to be punished, so he wore it every day, even when not working. His friends teased him about it, but he didn't mind. He had a good idea that they would stop if they thought it bothered him. But it didn't bother him that they teased him. It bothered him that he couldn't trust them. And so he was back to the lake that lay in his mind, quiet and still as long as the monsters were undisturbed by passersby. He couldn't trust them with that.

It hurt too badly, the shame and guilt and fear and self-loathing that Otto felt around his friends sometimes. He'd failed them at the most crucial moment of their lives, and they had lost everything because of him. He couldn't get past that trauma enough to trust them with his childhood trauma. So he'd just keep taking the Psyconium. It was all he could do at this point. But as he glanced at the calendar, he realized brightly that Sasha would be back at the Motherlobe soon.

Despite his irritation with Sasha over the Psyconium earlier in the summer, Otto wasn't too miffed at him. Yes, it had been humiliating, but much good had come of it. Besides, he could talk with Sasha about the nightmares and flashbacks he'd been experiencing. Nobody else in the entire world knew him like Sasha did. Even when he wasn't actively inside his mind, he understood Otto's intentions and vouched for him to the Board. He was a friend. The only one who had made it across the lake and past the monsters, into the frozen fog, and even down into the depths of the school where his tangled, complicated childhood lay in his psyche. Sasha was the only friend Otto trusted right now, and that, too, made him feel so ashamed.

There was a knock at the door, and Otto jerked out of his revery. He straightened his coat then padded over to the door. Cassie and Compton stood there. Otto smiled.

"Good morning," he said brightly.

"It certainly is," Compton said. "I've got an idea for breakfast."

"I'll eat anything you cook, old bean," Otto replied, and he shut the door behind him and walked with his two friends toward the Heptadome.

Cassie giggled. "Oh, Otto, you're so funny."

"He's acting funny, Boolie. He's not mourning at all. What's wrong with him?" 

"I don't think he has any feelings at all, personally."

Otto shrugged, ignoring the scathing voices from the past. "I can't help that, Cass. But I did check myself in the mirror, and I thought I looked pretty good."

Cassie laughed outright and Compton snorted, but his eyes shone with glee in the morning light. The air was fresh and wonderfully outdoorsy, just like when they'd first found the Gulch. There was no smell of sanitizer or cleanser, just wonderful forest air. Otto enjoyed the forest very much, but his heart just wasn't content as it had been so many years before. The same people were here, but he felt isolated from them all.

"Otto?" Compton prompted gently.

Otto glanced at him. "Hm?"

"Lost in thought again, eh, old bean?" Compton asked.

Otto's face warmed, and he reached up and adjusted his glasses then smoothed his hands over his lab coat before tugging it closed. He fiddled with the buttons but didn't button the coat. He could feel Cassie and Compton staring at him, but he didn't know what to say. That was happening more and more often, and he knew they were beginning to notice. Once again, they didn't ask, but he felt their eyes on him the rest of the way to the Heptadome. He was relieved to find Helmut and Bob already there. Ford and Lucy were lingering at their house.

Unwilling to wait a second longer, they'd gotten married as soon as Augustus had said he didn't care. It had hurt Lucy to hear that. Augustus hadn't even looked at her as the rest of the Aquatos packed up to go on a tour with their new act. But she'd waved them off with a smile. Then she'd broken down and began mourning the life she could never get back. And oh, how she missed her family. But the time she'd been spending with her old friends and her new husband had really helped her in her darkest time. She was already almost her old self again, only with a renewed vigor for Ford, which was both amusing and a bit irritating as they weren't very particular about the location of their amorous activities. At least Bob and Helmut were respectful.

There was a ping deep in his consciousness and he paused for a moment, focusing on the burst of information. Sasha was back! He'd take a day or two to settle in then come by to chat. Otto was pleased by that, and he sent a packet of thoughts back in a return burst. Then he continued walking.

"What was that about?" Cassie asked, peering at him.

"Oh, Sasha Nein is back at the Motherlobe."

"The one taking your position until you go back?" Helmut asked.

"Yes, the very same," Otto said.

Bob shifted and cleared his throat. "You don't think he'll try and force you out?"

"The thought never crossed my mind," Otto replied.

"We wouldn't know. You never share anymore," Ford said, coming in with Lucy behind him. She smiled and trotted over to Cassie, plopping herself on the same cushion and leaning against her. Cassie smiled and embraced her with one arm then turned to Ford.

"Ford?" she asked. "Now?"

"I see no reason to put it off," Ford said.

"Put what off?" Otto asked uneasily.

"Your Mental Exam, of course."

And that was what Otto had been afraid of.

Chapter Text

Sasha stared thoughtfully at the letter, written by Truman's own hand, then down at Raz. The boy was squirming from foot to foot, excitement and anxiety gleaming in his eyes. Sasha folded the letter and strode over to set it on the table.

"Well?" Raz burst out.

"It should be a good learning experience for you to be my assistant, Razputin, and it would be my pleasure to take you under my wing, as they say.

"Really?" Raz exclaimed. He pumped his fist in the air. "Oh, that is the best news! I get to work with Sasha Nein!"

Sasha was bemused by how giddy Raz seemed to be. He casually shifted so that Raz's eyes landed on his face again, and he was surprised when he skimmed a bit of a heroic gleam around his own name. Was he really Raz's favorite agent? That was… touching, in a way. He nodded.

"Very well, Razputin," Sasha said, his low voice as even as ever. "First things first, Agent Vodello and I have retrieved all of my things from Whispering Rock. The camp is closed until next year. So I would like you to help me sort them and put them away. Everything has its proper place in my lab."

"Just tell me what to do," Raz said, standing straight and saluting.

Sasha began to instruct Raz, and he was pleased by how energetic and eager the boy was. He gladly fulfilled every task, never complaining about Sasha being finicky about position and angle like his previous interns. To Sasha, that was a good sign. Perhaps Raz wouldn't quit like all the others.

When everything was in place, Sasha scanned the room then nodded, pleased by the order. "Very good, Razputin," he said. "Now, tell me what I've missed while I've been away."

Razputin immediately began to talk, explaining how his first summer as a junior Psychonaut went. While the boy was chatting, Sasha could sense something boiling beneath the surface. He pressed his lips together and Raz stopped speaking at once.

"Did I say something wrong?"

"Tell me, Razputin," Sasha said, absently lighting a cigarette and taking a deep drag. "Have you had a Mental Exam yet?"

Raz shook his head. "What's that?"

"Call it a mental health check," Sasha said. "Somebody would go into your mind to help you sort through your recent experiences."

"Oh." Raz hesitated. "No. No that hasn't happened. Uh, who'd be doing the exam?"

"Well, you can have your pick if you'd like, but since you are my assistant, I would be expected to perform the exam."

"Oh," Raz relaxed and grinned. "I'd prefer you. When should we schedule it for?"

"Does tomorrow morning at nine-thirty work?"

"Yep!"

"Then we are done for the day. You are dismissed, Razputin."

As soon as Raz left, Sasha took another drag on his cigarette and let the smoke plume out around him as he considered his new assistant. He would be more than adequate. All previous attempts at having an intern or assistant had failed. Most people didn't like working with him personally. They found his cool professionalism to be off-putting, and they soon requested a transfer in mentor. All it took to rectify the situation was his signature on a transfer form, so he didn't really consider it a problem. But a warm glow filled Sasha's heart at the thought that Raz wouldn't want to be transferred.

As soon as he noted the feeling, he took another drag on his cigarette then breathed out and closed his eyes. When he opened them, he was in his mind. To his surprise, it was a disorganized configuration he didn't recognize.

"Interesting," he murmured, peering around. It was a black and white circus with wild patterns and acrobatic equipment everywhere. "I now have a facet for Razputin. But the question is, why?"

He landed on the circus tent and slid down onto the floor, which was a swirled earthy pattern. Walking around, he clicked his teeth together. There was something a tad unsettling about the patterns. They weren't gaudy in the colorful way, but the pattern was still a bit overstimulating. Idly strolling around the new facet, he twinkled his fingers through a new figment, shaped like Raz, considering this unexpected development. The boy had helped clear away some mental cobwebs and emotional baggage that had been lingering after a rather large lapse in control several weeks before camp had started. Certainly that explained the strange warmth. It was simply a bit of affection for the boy. That was acceptable enough.

Nodding his head, Sasha turned and looked around, satisfied that he had successfully figured out what was wrong. Of course, if he needed a Mental Exam, he could always go to Milla or hunt down Ford Cruller, but it always took too long to craft the world in a way that would keep him in control at all times. He thought Ford suspected what he was doing, but he hadn't pried yet. Milla was oblivious to what he was doing, and as that thought crossed his mind, the surface beneath his feet rumbled. Sasha let out an undignified yelp as his entire configuration burst outward for a brief moment. He heard his mother's soothing hum then saw his father's worn, emotionless face. Then the inevitable scene began burning through his mind.

"No!" Sasha boomed, and he clapped his hands together. Instantly, everything slowed then began reassembling back into his compressed cube. That done, he stayed on a floating block as he began to puzzle out how to fold away Razputin's new facet in his mind. Censors were keeping the memory at bay, and that was enough. He finally figured it out, and the last block fell into place, granting his cube a new look. He peered around, satisfied with his tidying, then a vibration rippled across his awareness.

"Milla," Sasha greeted. "You're back from your mission. It was successful?"

"I'll tell you all about it later, darling. I need to shower and change. It's just so humid today. But I wanted to check in."

Sasha stared out at his mindscape, watching the ripples of thought burst pink and green across his black-and-white inner world. Only Milla could add a bit of color to his life, and he enjoyed that about her. He would never admit it, of course, but he secretly reveled in the color as he responded coolly.

"Of course. I'll get dinner for us and we can meet in my lab."

"Sounds fabulous, darling! Tchau!"

As Milla withdrew, the colors went with her. A part of him missed liking color just to like it. But that was a foolish part of himself that had long ago been snipped away. He was the better for it. But as the last vestiges of pink faded away, he wondered what Milla would say if she knew about a few of his less desirable parts. Glancing down at the cube beneath his feet, he tapped it with his boot. It sounded out loud and strong, which was good. He couldn't afford that kind of leak. Not with needing to do a Mental Exam on Raz the next day.

He nodded to himself, satisfied that he was in complete control, then blinked himself aware. He hummed then took another drag on his cigarette before he stubbed it out then headed to the cafeteria to get dinner for himself and Milla. It was a courtesy they both extended to each other if they could, getting meals for each other after missions. It saved the headache of having to tell the newest stories a million times.

By the time Sasha made it to his lab, Milla tapped his mind and let him know she was coming. He set the trays down and arranged things then sat down to wait. It was only a few minutes before she came sashaying in, her bright emerald eyes sparkling.

"Oh, Sasha, you will not believe it!" Milla exclaimed. "I thought I'd have a relaxing day back, but I didn't realize they'd need my levitation."

"Eat something and tell me about it," Sasha said, picking up his tray and gesturing to her chair.

Her mind pinged against his again, and he pinged her back. The smile that lit up her face pleased him. She was very aesthetically pleasing to begin with, but her smile was especially nice today. She sat down and picked up her tray then began to detail the unexpected mission. Sasha listened with great interest, taking in her lively gesticulations and reading exhilaration in her eyes. When the tale was done, they had both finished eating. Sasha felt the itch for nicotine and idly lit up another cigarette. Milla frowned at him.

"Are you alright, darling?"

"Why do you ask?" Sasha asked, taking a puff.

"You just don't usually smoke around me too much."

Sasha glanced at the cigarette in surprise, then, to his horror, a zap of unease went through him. 'No! I am in control!' Sasha thought, crushing the unwanted feeling with ruthless abandon. His mask would not slip again.

"It's been an interesting day," Sasha said, glad his eyes were hidden behind his sunglasses. "Razputin is my new assistant."

"Did he make a mess in your lab?" Milla asked sympathetically.

"Hm?" Sasha took a deep drag on his cigarette. "Oh no. Razputin didn't make a mess. Nor did he complain about my exacting standards. No, he will be more than adequate."

Milla gazed at him thoughtfully. "Then why are you smoking?"

Sasha didn't answer. He couldn't. This was one thing he couldn't trust anybody with. Not even the best friend he'd ever had. Besides, it was only a feeling of unease. He didn't know the source yet. He'd need to go into his mind and work some things out on his own. If he needed help, then he would go to her.

"Sasha, darling?" Milla asked.

Sasha took one last drag on his cigarette then stubbed it out and sat back. "Sounds like you had quite the time."

"Yes. Yes I did." Milla watched him closely.

Sasha controlled every movement as a sense of pressure surrounded him. He would not lose control. Not in front of Milla. If she saw those parts of himself, the parts he'd done away with, he didn't know what she'd do. "I am sorry. It's been a long day," Sasha said, leaning his head back. He didn't close his eyes, but she didn't know that.

"But you are pleased with Razputin?"

Sasha nodded. "Very much so." He paused then sat up straight, squirming.

"Sasha?"

"Hm? Oh, yes, my apologies. Razputin will make an exemplary assistant."

Sasha desperately needed to go into his mind and regain control. Heat began creeping up his cheeks as Milla stared at him. Oh, great, he was embarrassed now?

"Sasha? Whatever it is, just say it. You can, you know."

"Razputin seems to have a bit of a… a thing about me being his favorite agent," Sasha said, still squirming. 'Get back, get back!' he ordered. 'Go back to your hole! Leave me be!'

Milla laughed. "Oh, that's adorable, Sasha!"

Sasha began to relax as he wrested control back from the unruly Nervensäge that dared to try and take it from him. His face cooled and he relaxed back into his chair, suddenly drained of all energy.

"I don't know about you, Milla," he said. "But I am ready for bed."

And another cigarette, but she didn't have to know that. She could probably guess if she had half a mind to.
"Me, too," Milla said, but her eyes radiated concern for him. "Are you sure you're okay?"

Sasha could not lie to Milla. She knew his tells, both physical and psychological, so he stood up.

"I'd better be getting to bed."

Sasha half hoped she'd call him back, but as soon as he noted that thought, he began to stride purposefully back to his bedroom. He needed to take care of this leak now. It was unacceptable for those Nervensägen to be out and toying with him. He knew what he had to do. As painful as it would be, he needed to do a bit of mental organizing tonight, and he set his mind on it with grim determination.

Chapter Text

Otto grabbed his lab coat and wrapped it around himself tightly then he released it and rubbed his palms over the material. "What Mental Exam?" he asked, but he could hear the resignation already in his voice.

"The one we are about to perform," Ford said.

"After breakfast, right?" Compton asked, hovering over a stove.

"Something quick," Ford agreed.

"Toast and honey," Compton and Cassie said at the same time. They grinned at each other then began cooking breakfast.

Otto said nothing. He knew there was no use fighting. They had gone into everybody's minds but his by this point. It had only been a matter of time. He mechanically ate his toast and honey then sat and waited for the others. There were no arguments he could make against their wishes. He just hoped they could get farther in than him.

"Ready Otto?" Ford asked, breaking him out of his brooding.

"Of course, Ford," Otto said, a polite smile on his face.

His friends couldn't help but notice that it was the new, distant smile he'd had ever since they'd come back together. Sometimes, he'd smile like he used to, all bright rays of joy and exuberance, but they were getting less frequent, and in their place was what they could only call a 'business smile'. It was the same smile they'd seen Otto bestow upon those who asked for a photo or an autograph. Along with the smile would come rote answers to a few questions before he would turn back to whatever he was doing without missing a beat. In short, it wasn't their Otto's smile anymore, and they were determined to help.

"Do you consent?" Bob asked when it was clear that Otto wasn't going to say anything else.

"I do," Otto said, sitting up straight. He closed his eyes and took a breath as the portal settled on his forehead. He sensed them coming in, and he focused inward.

When he opened his eyes, he could hear the others calling to each other along a long, stony beach. He swallowed and turned away, making his way toward the dock's flashing lights. When he got there, he selected a boat and settled in the pilot's chair. He didn't feel like a captain. He couldn't even make it across by himself. The others arrived after awhile, and Otto turned to start the boat.

"Otto?" Lucy asked, her voice soft. She recognized the terrain.

"Do we want to keep going?" Otto asked, his voice too pleasant. "We can leave whenever you want."

"Let's get going," Ford said, his hand tightening on the back of the chair.

Otto started them off across an expanse of blue-green water. Nobody said anything for awhile, peering out at the mindscape around them. Then the fog started rolling in as the temperature plummeted. A low, vibrating hum passed over them all, and Otto's hands tightened on the controls.

"I hope you all brought a change of clothes with you this morning," Otto said calmly. "Though I suppose we always did keep extra in the Heptadome."

The fog was thick now, and the temperature had to be below freezing.

"Otto, what do you mean?" Cassie demanded, grasping the edges of the boat. Her breath hung heavy in the cold air around them.

Otto stared at nothing as the hum grew deeper and louder. "I mean, I won't be surprised if we don't get by," he continued, his voice still painfully pleasant.

The water rippled around them, as if great things lurked below.

"I haven't ever done it by myself, personally."

Their breath mingled with the fog.

"Otto, what's going on?" Ford demanded, frightened by the lack of control. Otto had always, always been in control. To see his mind like this, to see him barely hanging on was painful. None of them had realized it was this bad.

"Here they come," Otto said softly, and he closed his eyes… and let go of the controls.

The water suddenly surged up beside the ship, revealing a hulking figure with glowing eyes. Eyes in the shape of Bob's favorite pair of glasses. It held a bottle in its hand as it reared up over the boat.

"What are you doing back here, loser?" it demanded, and Bob was sickened to hear his own voice, slurred with drink and pain. The figure lifted the bottle to its lips and took a pull. "Get a load of this? He's come back again!" he hooted, and the lake continued to ripple as more figures rose out of the water.

"Otto!" Ford screamed, and he snagged his shoulders to shake him. Otto didn't react other than to shudder, curled in a tight little ball with his hands covering his face.

"Always so contrary!" Ford's voice boomed out from another giant figure. "When are you going to learn, you big dummy!" That figure had cracked eyes and seemed to be fritzing a little. Ford's knees went weak as he gazed up at a representation of his self after his mind had been broken.

"He doesn't learn," Cassie's voice said from the thinnest of the monsters. "You should know that by now, Ford." The Cassie on the boat gazed in horror at the projection. She had leaned into her witch persona the rumors had started, but to see herself this way terrified her. Monster Cassie's eyes were malevolent and unfeeling.

"Unable to, if you ask me," Compton's voice sneered from the monster nearest to Cassie's. "Quite a pathetic specimen. If you can't learn from your mistakes, what kind of a man are you?"

"Otto doesn't make mistakes, remember," Monster Bob hissed. "He always said so. So he must have wanted me to end up this way. Isn't that right, Otto?" He took another swig.

"That's why I ended up dead," Monster Helmut said. "Because he wanted it." His monster was huge, and he was pale blue, like cold, cold death beneath the waves.

Otto rocked back and forth in the chair, whimpering as the boat sloshed around between the hulking figures. Ford swore and jerked him out of the seat then sat down and stared at the controls. He didn't know how this boat worked. It wasn't like anything he'd ever seen before. Desperate, he copied what Otto had been doing, grasping the same controls, and he felt the boat surge under his hands. It was psychic! Of course it was. They could work with this.

"Ford!" Cassie screamed, pointing upward.

Monster Bob had finished off the bottle and he had reared back to throw it at them. Ford focused on the boat with his mind and it roared as he jerked the wheel. The enormous bottle missed them by inches, and water washed over the boat in a wave as it hit the lake and shattered with a sound like thunder. Everybody besides Otto screamed and clutched at anything they could reach. Otto didn't grab a thing and was swept overboard.

"No!" Lucy cried and commanded the waters to put him back. For the first time in her life, the water did not obey her.

A low, dark laugh began to fill the air, familiar and terrible. A figure rose from the lashing waves, Otto captured in the water beside her. His face was blank as he gazed at nothing.

"What makes you think you can control my waters, eh?" Maligula laughed. "None of you have any power here. We do. We are the ones in control. And it is time you knew it."

The waves rose around them in a wall of water, towering twenty feet on all sides. Ford released the controls because there was simply nowhere to go. They all watched the six monsters tower above them. Otto still didn't move, trapped by Maligula's water.

"Otto!" Cassie shouted. "Do something!"

"Do something?" Maligula laughed again. "He hasn't been able to 'do something' in twenty years! But it's what you deserve, isn't it, Otto, dear?" She stroked his face with mock tenderness.

Otto moved for the first time. He closed his eyes and nodded weakly. "My fault," he said dully.

"No, it's not!" Bob shouted. "Don't listen to them, Otto!"

Maligula didn't like that. She stared at them then smiled. "Have a nice swim," she purred.

With a single snap, the walls of water came crashing down. Maligula released Otto and he plummeted limply toward the lake as the rest of the Psychic Seven braced themselves for impact. The last thing they heard over the crashing waves was all six of the monsters laughing. Then they were flung out of Otto's mind with more force than any of them expected.

Ford opened his eyes, groaning. He registered that he was wet, and for a moment thought Maligula was back before he realized it was just his pants that were wet. They'd been ejected from Otto's mind. Otto's! Never before had that happened. Just as Ford began to piece together the memories, Otto let out a scream that chilled him. Ford forced his aching body up so he could look around. Otto was gripping his cushion hard, and there was a ripping noise as he tore it apart. Feathers flew everywhere, and everybody else was scrambling to their feet, wincing and trembling.

"Otto!" Cassie gasped, staggering over. "Otto, sweetie, it's okay!"

As soon as she touched him, there was a zapping crack and she shrieked as she was shocked with a burst of psychic energy. She shot backwards, still on the floor, but Otto screamed again, doubling over and hugging himself. Bob padded over and gazed with compassion at his friend.

"It's okay, Otto. We're here," he said.

"I know!" Otto sobbed, unable to stop shaking. "That's the problem! Just l-leave me alone!"

He struggled to his feet and ran for his lab, leaving them shouting and calling behind him. Tears streamed down his cheeks and he stumbled blindly down the small path he'd just begun to make. When he got to his home, he staggered inside then locked the door. He didn't hesitate this time as his skull felt as if it would split in two. He went straight for the bathroom, popped the top off the Psyconium bottle, and drank the rest of it in several large gulps. Then he staggered over to his bed and lay down, still crying. But at least the pain was going away. He just wanted to sleep, that was all, and he hugged his pillow and waited for the tears to stop.

Back at the Heptadome, the others had already changed their clothes and were gathering feathers. It wasn't very windy, so they had little trouble collecting them. None of them spoke as they processed just what they had experienced in Otto's mind. Bob spoke first.

"I can't believe that's who I was."

"Bobby," Helmut scolded.

"No, Helmut," Bob said sternly. "When I was drinking, that's actually what I was like. And I didn't care who I hurt because I was hurting so badly myself. You didn't see it, and I'm glad. But Otto did see it. For years. Until I was fired. Then I left without saying a word to him. Because he knew. He knew I was going to be fired and he said nothing." Bob paused. "But I don't blame him. I blame Truman for that."

"Does he know that?" Helmut asked, pulling Bob close.

"Do you think he does, Helm?" Bob asked softly.

"No," Helmut admitted. "He still blames himself for what happened in Grulovia."

"Not just Grulovia," Lucy said. "But everything after, too."

Cassie swallowed. "Oh my goodness, you're right. He watched us all fall apart, too." She turned to Ford. "Did you know he was the one who found you after you lost your mind?"

Ford shook his head. "No. I didn't."

"He smiled when he told me you were in the medical ward," Cassie said softly, tears sliding down her cheeks. "I asked what had happened, and he said you'd died of a broken heart, but not to worry because you were still breathing. But he didn't mean you were dead. He meant you were gone. Boolie and I hoped so hard that it was temporary, but… but I think Otto knew it wasn't." She covered her face and began to cry. "He was never the same after that. And Boolie and I didn't care."

"It's not that we didn't care, Cass," Compton said. "We were grieving over Lucy and Helmut, and suddenly Ford was gone too. And Otto just kept working like always." He paused. "You left soon after that. And I locked myself away. But Otto…"

"Otto was alone," Cassie whimpered. "We left him alone in his lab because that was what he wanted."

"But it wasn't what he needed," Ford said. "We can't change the past. But he needs our help now, so that's what we'll do."

"But how, Crully?" Lucy asked. "How when we cannot even get to the source of the problem?"

"I don't know," Ford admitted. "But we're gonna figure it out. Now, any ideas on what to do next time we go in?"

They all considered this for the next while as Otto lay curled around his pillow, finally unconscious but getting no rest.

Chapter Text

After a successful, if a bit long and painful, reorganizing session, Sasha fell asleep, utterly exhausted. He awoke to a timid tap on his door. He grunted and pinged whoever it was, wondering why they were bothering him. It wasn't Milla. She would have woken him with a ping instead of knocking. The sensation he got back was surprised alarm and confusion, and he sat up, blinking. He reached out with his mind and threw back the blankets when he realized it was Raz. After pulling on his glasses, he opened his door and stared blearily at the boy.

"Yes, Razputin? Is something wrong?" he asked.

"Um, you're a bit late for my appointment?" Raz asked, unsure of himself.

"What?" Sasha demanded then spun to look at the clock. "Scheisse! Oh, Ich bin ein Idiot!"

Looking around, he ran his fingers through his hair, trying to figure out what to do. Then he heard voices. "Get in here!" Sasha ordered tightly, grabbing Raz's collar and yanking him in before snapping the door shut.

He leaned against it and sighed in relief when nobody pinged him. Then he straightened and looked at Raz. "My apologies. I do not like Agent Alvares."

"Noted," Raz said. He glanced around, his eyes gleaming with curiosity. "So… what now?"

Sasha glanced down at himself, embarrassed at being seen in his nightshirt. It was old-fashioned, but he'd never felt the need to change what he wore in his own room. Missions were different, and he had a few nice pairs of normal pajamas, which he desperately wished he'd put on the night before. "I need to shower and get ready. Then we can go to my lab."

"Okay."

"You may look through my notes if you'd like," Sasha said, guiding him to a bookshelf stuffed full of notebooks. "I would limit yourself to the first shelf, though."

"Oh, yeah! Thanks!" Raz said, and he began picking through the books, peering at the covers before putting them back exactly where they belonged.

Sasha hurriedly showered and got ready for the day in his bathroom then came out to see Raz studying his notes on Mental Exams. He was very pleased by this.

"Oh, hey," Raz said when he noticed Sasha. "I just thought I'd familiarize myself with the process, you know?"

"A very good thing to do," Sasha said, nodding his head. He reached for a pack of cigarettes then stopped. "Do you mind if I smoke?"

"As long as I don't have to," Raz quipped.

That brought a small smile to Sasha's face, and Raz suddenly looked proud. Sasha schooled his expression again then lit up a cigarette and took a deep drag. The nicotine helped clear his mind, and his stomach growled, alerting him to the fact that he'd missed breakfast.

"Hungry?" Raz asked.

"I overslept," Sasha said tightly.

"I did too for like three weeks after we stopped Maligula. And I'm still really tired sometimes. Is that normal?"

Sasha's mind latched onto the problem, and he clamped the cigarette between his teeth as he shuffled through his secret food stash. "It's certainly time for you to have a Mental Exam. You're probably fighting in your sleep without realizing this. Some awareness training can help to bring you to consciousness during these periods, which will assist you in knowing when you need help."

"Ooh, can I have one?" Raz asked as Sasha pulled out some breakfast pastries.

"I don't think you'll like it," Sasha warned, but he passed one over.

Raz opened it and took a big bite. "Mm. Govikberry jam, right?"

"You like govikberry?" Sasha asked, spinning around.

"Oh yeah," Raz said, licking his fingers. "Mom still makes some recipes from the old country for my dad. We always bought govikberries when we came across them during my circus days."

This pleased Sasha even more, and he quickly pulled out a larger selection of food from Germania. "I have more you might like," he said, setting out an array of treats.

Raz's eyes nearly popped out of his head. "Cool! Stern bars! Man, I've got to take one for my dad! He talks all the time about those!"

"If you'd like, I'll take you with me the next time I go for a shopping trip and we can get your family as much as you want," Sasha said, his low voice taking on an excited edge. "I can help you build up your food stash."

"Should I have one?"

"Trust me, Razputin, it's a good idea," Sasha said, puffing on the cigarette again as he paced and gesticulated. "Sometimes when you get back from a mission, you'll need to process some things, and a trip to the cafeteria will be the last thing you want. An array of snacks is most advantageous for those days."

"Then just let me know when we're going," Raz said.

Sasha ate more breakfast than he usually did, too busy explaining the foods to Raz to even notice that he was eating. Raz tried everything he'd set out before declaring the govikberry tarts to be his favorite.

"You have a good palate, Razputin," Sasha said, a small, pleased smile on his face. "Those are my favorite, too. So nice and sour-sweet. And you should try some right out of the oven with some buttermilk sauce to dip it in. There was this wonderful little shop down the road from my home, and once a year I'd get a tart for my birthday. It was such a treat, Razputin. So warm and gooey with a nice, buttery crust. Ach! You must try one when we go!"

Sasha realized only when he looked at Raz that he was being far more animated than usual. Razputin's eyes gleamed with delight at being able to see this side of Sasha. Sasha stopped talking then looked away and reached for his cigarettes again as he calmed himself down.

"Anyway, let's go to my lab for your exam. You may take a few Stern bars for your family."

Raz grinned and picked out a few. "They're touring right now. But I'll take theirs!"

They cleaned up and stashed the uneaten food back in the hidden compartment before heading for the lab. Sasha pulled out a set of chairs for them and gestured for Raz to sit down.

"Come now. Our task today is your exam, Razputin. Do you consent to a full Mental Exam?"

"Yes," Raz said, sitting down. He pulled his goggles over his eyes and sat rather stiffly. "I'm ready, Agent Nein."

Sasha pulled out his door and paused for a moment. "Have you made one for yourself?"

"No."

"Then that shall be a task for another day. You may continue to use my spare."

"You're not mad?"

"No," Sasha said simply. "Now, relax, Razputin. Let's see what you've been experiencing."

Sasha used telekinesis to place the door on his forehead. It opened and Sasha projected himself outward and through it. When he landed, he opened his eyes but was dazzled by darkly striped circus patterns. "Ach! Scheisse!" he muttered, reaching under his glasses to rub his smarting eyes.

"Agent Nein?" Raz asked in a small voice.

Sasha quickly adjusted his glasses and peered down. "My apologies. I didn't expect such strong psychic colors in such a young mind."

"Yeah, it's a bit of a mess," Raz said softly. He peered around. "I tried to explore a couple times by myself, but…"

"It was too much," Sasha finished. "Naturally. I suggest refraining from over-stretching yourself, and that includes exploring your own mind without training. Yes, you are young and powerful, but you have plenty of time to learn more. Too much too fast can be dangerous."

"Okay, Agent Nein."

Sasha hesitated, his lips tightening. "When it's just the two of us, you may refer to me as Sasha if you'd like."

Raz grinned. "Okay, Sasha! So what do we do first?"

"A bit of exploring," Sasha said. "Show me around and we'll listen for stray thoughts. I'll try and help you make some connections."

"Okay then. Um," Raz glanced around then started walking. "This way, I think. The show's about to start."

Sasha ducked inside the tent and peered around. It was chaos, with projections of Raz's family running around. Raz shrank in on himself and glanced up. "I haven't talked much with my family. It's complicated."

"Well, let's explore that," Sasha said. "Pick one problem to focus on at a time. What would you like to work on first?"

Raz looked around at the options then winced. "How about… Dion?"

"Focus on him then," Sasha encouraged. He watched as Dion came into focus. As he approached, he grew so much larger. Raz whimpered and stepped behind Sasha.

"Hey, traitor. Who's your loser friend?"

Sasha studied Dion. "Razputin, does your brother intimidate you?"

"Um… yeah. He kinda does," Raz admitted, clenching his fists. "He's the favorite son, after all. He gets away with everything and he bosses me around all the time. Mom loves him best. Nona loves him best. Everybody does. And Queepie, he gets away with stuff because he's cute. And Frazie blames stuff she did on me. You know that?" Raz laughed and turned away, ashamed of his tears. "She blames me for stuff if she thinks I'm getting too big for myself."

"How does that make you feel?" Sasha asked, continuing to stand between Dion's towering projection and Raz. He reached back to gently squeeze Raz's shoulder when Raz hesitated.

"I… I don't like this," Raz whimpered.

"It's necessary, Razputin. Now focus on the problem. He intimidates you. And you feel small?"

Raz peeked out from behind Sasha and Dion scoffed. "Can't even fight your own battles, traitor?"

"I'm not a traitor!" Raz yelled, his voice cracking. "I just… I just wanted…"

"Say it," Sasha said.

"I just wanted to try something else. I don't want to just be an acrobat. I want to be a Psychonaut."

"And that makes you a traitor," Dion sneered.

"But does it?" Sasha asked. "You ultimately helped your family, Razputin, even if you appeared to be betraying them. It will take time for them to realize the extent of what you've done for them. But there is no reason to divide your life into Psychonaut versus acrobat. Why not be both?"

Raz sniffled and wiped at his cheeks. "Is that allowed?"

"Why wouldn't it be?" Sasha asked. "Now, let's cut this problem down to a manageable size."

"Uh, you won't tell Mom what I'm doing, right?"

"This is your mind. I am not allowed to disclose anything to your family barring medical emergencies," Sasha said. He paused then smirked just the tiniest bit. "Would you like to beat up your brother, Razputin?"

Raz grinned and lowered his goggles. "You'll help?"

"It's why I'm here."

Raz rubbed his hands together. "Let's do this!"

Between the two of them, Dion was soon taken care of. With one final blast, he faded down to his usual size and the distortions went away.

"Okay, that wasn't so bad," Raz said.

"Who's next?" Sasha asked, adjusting his coat.

Raz smiled and picked out Queepie. That battle was far more acrobatic than Dion's and Sasha was astounded by Raz's ability. No wonder he could make it through minds so quickly and with so little training! Sasha watched with absolute glee as he tamed his jealousy of his brother.

"Excellent Razputin! Excellent!" Sasha exclaimed. "Who's next?"

Raz hesitated, wiping his forehead. "I'm a little tired."

"One more!" Sasha begged. "This is fascinating. Please, Razputin, just one more!"

Raz turned away and glanced around. "Um… I don't want to do dad yet. Frazie… Matala… Nona… No, I don't want to do this again today."

"Please Razputin," Sasha urged. "What about your mother?"

Raz's eyes grew big and he shook his head. "No. No, I don't want to think about… Mom?" He peered behind Sasha and whimpered. "Sasha please don't make me do this."

Sasha froze. Raz sounded so small, so frightened, so unwilling. He didn't want to do this. He didn't want to but Sasha was trying to make him.

"Sasha?" Raz asked. "Hey! Hey, Sasha! Look out!"

Sasha didn't expect the powerful attack that hit him. One moment he was staring blankly ahead, a deep sense of unease and loss pounding inside of him, the next he was brutally thrown out of Raz's mind. His body jerked violently and he flung himself backward out of his chair, gulping for breath. He recognized what had happened only when he felt the wetness soaking his pants. He tore off his glasses and began scrubbing his face, gasping in hiccuping breaths. He hadn't been kicked out of a mind in years, but that wasn't what bothered him.

"Sasha!" Raz gasped, coming around to face him. "Sasha, I'm sorry! Please, what's wrong?"

Sasha looked up, and Raz's eyes widened.

"He has grey eyes!" Raz thought, the noise rebounding around Sasha's mind like a pinball. "And… whoa…" His jaw went slack and Sasha saw the connections beginning to form. Horrified, he cried out and shoved Raz away.

"We will continue later," he gasped then he grabbed his glasses and jerked them on, bolting to his office where he had a fresh set of clothes and a pack of cigarettes waiting. He would change and chain smoke a whole damn pack, even if it wasn't healthy! Anything to get his mind off the fact that he had been willing, for a minute at least, to dismiss Raz's desire to stop and try to change his mind to suit his own curiosity.

He grabbed a cigarette first and lit it up before pulling out a clean set of clothes. Then he froze as something hot traced down his cheek. Reaching up his gloved hand, he swiped at it and was startled to see that his glove was wet. He was crying. Oh no. The leak wasn't going away. He needed a Mental Exam as soon as possible, but there wasn't a chance in hell he'd tell anybody about his unease, not even Milla or Ford. He'd probed just enough to know his unease was tied with his mentor and their experiments, and he refused to go down that road. Then he stopped and looked at the mirror that hung on the wall. He reached up and took off his glasses and stared at himself.

Razputin had seen him without his glasses.

"But is it the proper solution?" he asked his reflection. "He's just a boy." He got no response, and he moaned then lit up another cigarette.

Looked like it was chain-smoking after all. Maybe he'd come up with a better idea.

Chapter Text

Otto woke up to a deep ping that came from a distance away. He blinked himself awake and lay there for a moment, heavy and aching, before he focused on the packet and opened it. To his great relief, it was Sasha. Sasha wanted to talk! Otto actually shed a few tears as he tore the covers back and scrambled for a fresh outfit. Sasha was the only one who had gotten across the lake. He knew more about Otto than anybody else. He was safe in a way his old friends weren't anymore.

It took Otto very little time to get ready, and he made his way to the hatch off the paths. He could hear the others in the Heptadome, and he tweaked his watch, making sure his psyche wasn't able to be picked up by any of them. On silent feet, he crept around to the entrance to his Otto-B.O.N., keeping his breathing low and steady.

When he got to the entrance hatch, he paused to listen. Nobody broke from their conversation, so Otto triumphantly opened it and slipped in. But before he could close the hatch, he saw Bob staring at him from the door of the Heptadome. He said nothing, but he did nod an acknowledgment. Otto let out a breath and relaxed, his face burning. He was glad it was Bob. He'd understand Otto's sneaking around because he used to be the one doing it. Bob padded over.

"Going somewhere?"

"To visit somebody at the Motherlobe," Otto said, unable to meet Bob's eyes.

"Do you think they'll help?"

"Yes."

"Then just promise me you'll be safe and not take any more Psyconium."

"What?" Otto asked sharply.

"It's tomorrow night, Otto," Bob said softly. "You passed out, you didn't sleep. I checked on you."

Otto was absolutely horrified by that news. He didn't move, suddenly feeling dizzy and cold.

"It's okay. I covered for you."

"I've got to go," Otto mumbled, and he closed the hatch and used the key for Sasha's lab. When he popped out, he landed with a soft grunt. The first thing he noticed was a haze of cigarette smoke. Oh no. When Sasha smoked this much, it was never good.

"There you are," Sasha said from behind him, and Otto turned to see him puffing on a cigarette and pacing next to a very full ashtray. He looked so distressed and tired, but as he looked Otto in the face he stopped and his expression crumpled. "Oh."

"Guess we both need to talk," Otto said, smiling a little. "Want to play Rochambeau to see who goes first?"

Sasha snorted. "I think something a bit stronger than nicotine will be necessary."

"Double it," Otto said.

Sasha's lips pressed together and he scanned Otto up and down. "Have you eaten?"

"Go and get us something. I'll pour the drinks," Otto said. "Any requests?"

"Something strong. Surprise me."

Sasha popped into the Otto-B.O.N. to head off to the Noodle Bowl, and Otto mixed two strong drinks. He was craving something sour and fruity, and he idly selected ingredients as he mixed the drinks. He smiled to himself as he remembered how he'd dazzle the others with bartending tricks when they were younger. Oh, they had experimented with so much back then.

By the time Sasha was back, Otto had arranged things to be comfortable, and they set out the food and began to eat. "You been eating?" Otto asked.

"Not much. You?" Sasha said after a few moments.

"Not much." Otto shifted, embarrassed at what he had to say. "I… No, you first."

"Go on," Sasha said.

Otto couldn't meet Sasha's gaze as he confessed that he'd been passed out since the morning before. Sasha took a long drink, mulling over the confession.

"Very well. That barrier has been crossed," Sasha said at last. "Now promise me if you overindulge again, you will seek help before you pass out if you can. If not, come straight to me afterwards. I will speak to the others for you. Those are your options. You go to them or come to me. This may happen a second time, but it will not happen a third. Are we agreed?"

"Completely," Otto said fervently.

"Excellent." Sasha leaned back and took off his glasses to rub at his eyes. Otto was astounded. He never removed his glasses. Ever. 

"What's been happening with you?" Otto asked curiously.

"I… I got kicked out of a mind today," Sasha said.

Otto softened. He knew how proud Sasha had been of his record. All gone. But how? And who? "Well, I'm all ears," Otto said, holding up his glass and toasting Sasha.

As Sasha talked about Raz and the disastrous Mental Exam, Otto could sense Sasha holding some things back. When it came to his inner self, Sasha was a locked safe with top notch security around it, but when he chose to open up and show Otto something new about himself, Otto was honored. Sasha was even more private than him. Well, perhaps that wasn't true. Sasha was currently as private a person as Otto had been in his twenties, before he'd made his first real friends. It was unsurprising, considering what Otto knew of his past, and he was willing to wait as long as necessary so Sasha could trust him without pressure. Sasha didn't do well with certain kinds of pressure, though he was a master at others.

When Sasha was done talking, he swallowed the rest of his drink and waited for Otto's reaction. Otto considered the new information, sipping his drink and savoring the sour.

"I could do the Exam, as long as it's unofficial," Otto finally said.

Sasha's mouth tightened, and Otto could feel him staring through him. There was no other way to describe the sensation. In those moments where Sasha stared at him like this, Otto felt completely naked psychologically. The first time he'd experienced it, it had scared him. He was used to it now, so he sat up straight and met Sasha's gaze without flinching and let his mind wander.

Otto didn't know how or why, but he was aware that Sasha had a unique and unnatural psychic profile. Though he was curious about it, he was content to wait until Sasha was ready to share. The fact that he hadn't meant that it was personal and most likely painful, and Otto respected him too much to pry unless absolutely necessary. As he sat staring at Sasha, he didn't fight the feeling, even though by this point he likely could.

Sasha's lips twitched into a smile and he stood up. "I'm getting another. Want one?"

"No, but you can bring me a lemon wedge," Otto said.

"Mm, on a sour kick, I see." Sasha walked over to cut a few wedges then telekinetically passed them to Otto.

"Does that mean something?" Otto asked, amused. He took the wedges and squeezed one into his drink.

"In your case, you crave sour when your mood is low."

Otto raised his eyebrows and thought about it. "That… is true, I suppose."

"Can I ask why, or do you not know?"

Otto cast his mind back to his childhood. "Mm. Lemon drops were something my grandmother would give me when I was upset."

Sasha turned and leaned against the bar, a tender smile on his face. "That is sweet, Otto. Or sour, as it were."

Otto laughed. "You always make me think, Sasha. You're a good friend." He paused. "If you have time…?"

"I'd be happy to listen," Sasha said. "But about your proposition…" He scratched his chin, and Otto knew he wanted another cigarette.

"Have a smoke," Otto said. "And what about it?"

Sasha dug a pack of cigarettes out of his pocket and tapped it against his palm before pulling one out. He lit it with pyrokinesis, pinching the tip between his fingers as he sparked it and inhaled. His entire body relaxed into the sofa as he held it for a moment before exhaling.

"Thank you," Sasha sighed.

"Thank you for refraining," Otto replied, his eyes trained on the glowing tip. "I can tell you're stressed. Though it's going to kill you very soon at the rate you're going."

"I know," Sasha groaned, covering his face with one hand. "And I thank you for your offer, but you're going through enough."

"You don't trust me to do the right thing," Otto said plainly. "You say you don't know what to do, but your mind is already made up. So go ahead, Sasha, but be careful. And if you need to talk, come down to the Gulch. I have a guest room you can stay in if you ever just need to get away."

Sasha smiled. "Thank you, Otto. Now, what's on your mind?"

Otto couldn't look away from the cigarette, and he began scratching at his arms. When he realized what he was doing, he clutched at himself. "Mother has been visiting me at night again," he said, and his voice suddenly sounded very young.

Sasha instantly transferred the cigarette to his other hand, getting it farther from Otto. "Any particular instance?"

Otto relaxed a bit. Sasha was always so considerate. He was able to look away from the cigarette to his friend's face. Sasha gave him a reassuring smile and nodded. Otto exhaled and picked up his drink, downing the rest. Sasha got up and held out his free hand. Otto handed the glass over and Sasha went to make a new one. He took his time so that by the time the drink was ready, he was finished with his cigarette. He blew out the final plume of smoke as he engulfed the filter in flames then picked up the drink and went over to settle beside Otto.

"Here. Nice and sour," Sasha said.

Otto took the drink and sipped it. His mouth tightened and he smacked his lips. "Now that's sour!" he said delightedly. "Mm, this is good."

"Thank you," Sasha said. He leaned back, more relaxed after his smoke. "So, a particular instance?"

"Mostly the times when she thought I was going to tell my non-existent friends about what she was doing," Otto admitted. He hesitated then pushed back his right sleeves to bare his arm. The small round scars peppered across his skin stood out whiter than his blueish skin and were the reason that Otto always wore long sleeves, even on the hottest of days. One thing he could say is that his friends had never seen him without a shirt, let alone naked. They had always enjoyed skinny dipping, but Otto had never participated. He didn't mind being with them and would simply sit on the shore working on projects. But that had been years ago.

Sasha reached out slowly, and Otto let him touch his bare skin. He couldn't help but shiver from the contact. Sasha took his arm and touched the scar in the crook of his elbow. "I'm guessing this one again?"

"Yes," Otto said in a tiny voice.

"Do you know why this particular instance?" Sasha probed.

"I want to trust them," Otto said quietly. Then he looked up at Sasha, his eyes swimming with tears. "But I can't. Mother won't let me."

"Your mother is dead, Otto. Remember that. She can't hurt you anymore," Sasha soothed, smoothing his gloved fingers over Otto's scarred forearm. "She died in prison."

"And I put her there," Otto said. A grim look passed across his features.

"Her crimes put her there. You did the right thing," Sasha said.

"I don't know," Otto murmured. "What if they're disgusted?"

Sasha took Otto's hand and squeezed it. "Do you honestly think they would be? Don't they have scars, too?"

"It's… it's not quite about the scars."

"Of course not," Sasha said. "It's about being vulnerable with them when you don't trust them."

"I want to trust them, though," Otto said. "I was ready twenty years ago."

"Twenty years ago, there wasn't a lake or monsters to block the way," Sasha replied. "What you should do is build trust with them and keep trying to get across."

Otto nodded slowly. "That sounds like a good idea, Sasha. Thank you."

Sasha nodded and gently pulled first the sweater sleeve then the lab coat sleeve down to cover Otto's arm. "If you need to talk, feel free to come over," Sasha said. "But for now, I think we need to cheer up a little."

"Agreed," Otto said. "Tell me what I've missed so far."

Smiling, they toasted each other and took a drink before they turned their discussion to lighter things. Otto wasn't sure about Sasha, but he certainly felt a bit better about what was going on. He actually knew how to proceed now. But that was for tomorrow.

Chapter Text

Milla found Sasha in his lab the next day, and he wasn't exactly happy to see her. She had pinged him to talk several times since they'd had dinner the night before last, but Sasha couldn't face her. He'd given Raz a tedious task to perform that day then had fled the boy's presence. He wanted to be alone. He needed to be alone. But here she was, her eyes shining with concern again.

"Sasha?"

"Agent Vodello," Sasha intoned, turning his eyes back to his papers.

"We're alone, darling."

Sasha didn't correct himself, and he sensed Milla getting closer.

"Raz came to me yesterday. He told me what happened."

"Nothing happened!" Sasha snapped, his voice rising a bit.

Milla didn't reply, and he glanced over to see she was shocked and a bit hurt. He looked away quickly and brushed his fingers through his hair.

"Darling, it happens to everybody who gets kicked out of a mind. There's nothing to be ashamed of."

Sasha realized that Milla thought he was upset about wetting himself. Then he actually had to face the thought of what had actually happened and that she knew. A burning heat crept up his cheeks. He hadn't felt so ashamed in years, and he squeezed his eyes shut and hunched over, fighting back the humiliation. Milla approached and slipped an arm across his shoulders.

"There there, darling. It's alright."

Sasha managed to contain the impending tidal wave of emotion into two hot tears that traitorously slipped from his eyes. Milla's breathing hitched when she noticed, then her gentle thumb smoothed them away.

"It's alright, Sasha," she murmured. "Raz will tell no one else. And neither will I."

She didn't understand and he couldn't explain. He wrested at his control and beat back the feelings while Milla embraced him. It was a warm comfort that she was here, but Sasha was too busy fighting himself to appreciate it. Milla's fingers brushed across the back of his neck, and he shivered then straightened as he was immediately victorious.

"My apologies," he said, his voice monotone.

"Darling, it's okay. I'm just surprised. You get kicked out as often as I do."

Which up until yesterday hadn't happened in years.

"I've never seen a mind like Razputin's," Sasha said, the only safe thing he could think of.

"Do you need some help with him?"

"I'll ask if I do, Milla."

His use of her first name put her at ease. "Just ask and I'll be there, darling. I'm going to go meditate."

Sasha nodded and pretended to become absorbed in his work again until he sensed that she was meditating. Then he flung down his papers and strode quickly for his lab. When he got there, he saw Raz carefully sorting through the papers just the way he'd left him. He had made some progress, but Sasha didn't care about that.

Raz looked up when he heard Sasha approach. "Oh, hey! I'm almost through the first binder."

"Something's come up. Follow me. Now," Sasha said tightly.

Raz set aside the papers then hopped up and followed. He had to half run to keep up with Sasha's long strides. Something was off about him, and it had been since he'd been kicked out of Raz's mind the day before. To his surprise, Sasha took him to his bedroom again, shutting and locking the door behind him before he pressed a button. Raz immediately felt compressed, and he went to his knees as the soft murmurs of the minds in the Motherlobe went silent.

"Sasha!" he wailed, reaching up to his head.

Sasha was there in an instant, gently grabbing Raz's hands. "It's all right, Razputin," he soothed. "My apologies for not preparing you. I forgot how new you are to the agency."

"I can't hear anything," Raz said feverishly. "It's too quiet, Sasha!"

"Hush now. This is what it's like in a psychoisolation chamber. Relax, it's okay. Just breathe. Focus on calming down. Breathe in. And out. Get used to the silence. It can be good to have silence, Razputin. That's it."

Raz's breathing steadied in Sasha's presence, and he became aware that it wasn't quite silent. He could feel a pulsing tide coming from Sasha, breaking up the silence just enough to help ease him. He finally relaxed and looked at Sasha.

"Sorry," he mumbled.

"No need to be embarrassed, Razputin," Sasha said.

"I'm not!" Raz argued.

Sasha sighed heavily then lit up a cigarette and took a deep drag. "You are, and there's no use lying to me, Razputin. I can see it through your eyes."

"Through my eyes?" Raz asked.

Sasha hesitated for even longer, pacing around and puffing away as he tried to think of any other alternative. There was none, so he stubbed out his spent cigarette and lit another before he faced Raz. He licked his lips then reached up before losing courage.

"Razputin, I need to be able to trust you with something I've told nobody in the agency."

"Anything!" Raz exclaimed at once. "Whatever it is, it'll go right in the vault."

"No, Razputin, that isn't what I need from you. I need you to give me a full Mental Exam."

Raz's heart seemed to stop with shock. "Am I qualified?" he asked slowly.

"I just need to get a bit of control over the situation," Sasha said, taking a drag. As he spoke and paced, smoke plumed around him. "Think of it as an introduction. Then I can go to Ford and— No. No, he suspects what I'm doing. But Milla… Scheisse, I can't do this with her either! And Otto is dealing with his own problems right now. They don't know, and they cannot know, Razputin. Do you understand me? Nobody must know!"

"I don't understand, Sasha," Raz said in a small voice.

"Then let us rectify that," Sasha said, and he reached up and pulled off his glasses.

Raz stared at Sasha's grey eyes, stunned again by them. It wasn't their color that took his breath away, it was the depth. He could see into Sasha's mind, right through his eyes. He knew he was seeing far more than Sasha had ever shown to anybody in the Motherlobe, and he could sense so much about him. But as he stared, he noticed some raw golden edges fluttering around.

"You see them," Sasha said. It was not a question.

"What are they?" Raz asked dazedly.

"Nervensägen," was all Sasha said, and Raz winced at the raw feeling flooding off of him.

"What am I supposed to do?"

"Get in there and restore order. I'll help when I'm able. Please, Razputin. Please help me. I cannot go to anybody else. My mentor is far away, Otto is busy, and Milla and Ford cannot know about this."

"You'll guide me?"

Sasha walked over to a drawer and pulled out a wooden whistle. It was very old but well-cared for. He handed it to Raz. "This will go with you into my mind, and nobody else's. If you need help, blow on it."

"Need help, blow the whistle," Raz mumbled. He stuck it into his pocket. "Okay. Okay, so what do I need to do?"

"You must get my consent for a full Mental Exam," Sasha said. He was through his second cigarette and lit up a third. "Always ask fellow Psychonauts for permission, Razputin, whenever you possibly can. I am aware there are exceptions, but I expect you to respect this rule."

He glanced at Raz expectantly, and Sasha's thoughts rang as loud and clear in his mind as his own.

'Chain-smoking again. Ach! This is getting expensive."

"Razputin," Sasha said, and Raz blinked and realized Sasha was growing uncomfortable at his stare. "Do I need to put my glasses back on? I know it's a bit much."

"No!" Raz said quickly. "I'm sorry. It's… interesting. I'm curious why your eyes—"

"Never mind that, Razputin," Sasha said sharply.

Raz was startled to see a red flush creep up Sasha's pale cheeks. His eyes leaped up to meet Raz's again and his thoughts boomed across Raz's mind.

"He's probably going to find out anyway, but mein Gott, I don't want him to."

"Do you consent to a full Mental Exam?" Raz asked, pulling his goggles across his eyes.

Sasha took one last drag on his cigarette and stubbed it out as he sat down in his desk chair. "I do."

Raz pulled out his doorway then fixed it onto Sasha's forehead. Both of them took a deep breath, and Sasha met Raz's eyes just as he was projecting himself outward. He was flooded with no thoughts, but a primal terror so deep that it stunned him to his core. It took him several moments to realize he'd landed in Sasha's mind, and he opened his eyes and looked around. It took him another several moments to process what he was seeing. It wasn't the cube he'd seen before. This was far, far more interesting.

Before him lay a rutted dirt path winding through grassy hills. He peered around curiously then checked to make sure he had the whistle. He did, so he began to wind his way along the path, using his acrobatic skills to duck and weave through distorted terrain. The colors were muted and drab, like an old movie, Raz thought. Soon enough a small village came into view, just as colorless as the rest of the land. Nobody appeared to be around, so Raz cautiously explored. He saw a few figments, and he stopped to peer at them.

One was of a set of tools, a hammer and strange nails. Another appeared to be a boot much like the ones Sasha wore. As he ran his fingers through it, he realized what was going on. Sasha's father had been a cobbler in Germania! Of course! His accent was obvious, but Raz had never made the connection. That's why he liked govikberries. They were a major export of both Grulovia and Germania, which were neighboring countries. Raz grinned with glee. He had a stronger connection to Sasha than he'd ever dreamed possible.

There was a clattering noise, and Raz turned and trailed a gleaming shine that dashed down a street nearby. He took a deep breath and shook himself out, preparing for a chase.

It was quite the chase through a labyrinthine maze of cobbled streets and businesses. Raz was breathless when he finally reached out and caught the golden glow in his hands. For a moment there was triumph. Then the light in his grasp turned into a solid hand, and Raz found himself staring at a tall boy with pale skin, dark hair, and glasses.

"Sasha!" Raz asked, unable to believe his eyes.

The boy grinned and tugged his hand free then bounced off the wall and onto a roof.

"Du bist lustig!" the boy Sasha laughed, leaning over the roof. "Let us do again, ja? This time, I chase and you run."

"Um… what?"

"Does funny boy not speak English? Ich spreche Deustsch."

"Nein!" Raz said quickly. He did know a bit of German from Sasha's editions of the Psychic Tales series. "I speak English. English is good."

"Ja, thought so," the boy said. "Most who come whispering by are all in English now. Is very sad. I miss my mother tongue."

"Sasha misses speaking German?" Raz asked, perking up.

The boy scoffed then rolled onto his stomach and peered down at him. "Sasha does not miss German. I do. Sasha is big man now. Has no need for bad me. Is my fault anyway." The boy looked so guilty and sad for a moment then rolled forward and dropped off the roof, facing Raz. "Who are you, funny boy? I never get visitors."

"My name is Razputin Aquato," Raz said.

"Ooh, Razputin," the boy purred the name, pronouncing it just like it was supposed to sound. "Nice name for good boy. Tell me, Razputin. Why are you here?"

"Well… first I need to know who you are," Raz said. "Or… or what you are…" He squinted at the boy, completely puzzled.

"I am Sasha Nein from Reizenbeck in Germania." The boy stared at Razputin, proud of his answer.

"So he's not you, but you are him?"

"Past tense is closer, Razputin."

"Oh…" Raz frowned "So he's not you, but you were him?"

"Yes, Razputin. Before he decided he didn't want me, I was Sasha Nein. But now? Am just ein Nervensäge."

"And what does that mean?" Raz asked.

The boy stared at Raz then flickered back into gold. His feet sparked and fritzed like a power cord that was cut but active. "It means she cut me away from him."

"She?" Raz asked. "Who is she?"

As he glanced around, he shook his head and he formed into a boy again. "We do not speak her name. Curiosity says it gives her power."

"Ooh. Who's Curiosity? Could I meet him?" Raz asked.

"Oh sure. But we will have to go through the village. Can show you things, ja?"

"I'm kind of in a hurry," Raz said. "Sasha's asked me to help him."

Delight suddenly flashed across the boy's face. "Oh, good boy Razputin, here to help! At last some good news! Come. I will take you now. No dillying or dallying, nein. We must hurry!"

Without another word, the boy grabbed Razputin's hand and pulled him into the labyrinth.

Chapter Text

The next day, Otto woke up feeling much better. He'd returned to Green Needle Gulch very early that morning and had gone to bed without seeing anybody else. Turning over, he noticed the clock read one. He blinked several times then realized he'd slept past noon. That was definitely unusual for him. Still, he felt refreshed and it didn't matter when he got up since he was on vacation.

After a hot shower, Otto got dressed then began to clean a little. There was a knock at the door soon after, a series of timid taps, and Otto used telekinesis to open the door.

"Come on in," he called.

He'd expected Ford, Lucy, maybe Cassie or Compton, or even Helmut. But it was Bob. He came right over to Otto and peered at him. He visibly relaxed.

"Worried?" Otto asked, looking away.

"A bit. You're not one for sleeping in," Bob said. "Did you take any at all?"

Otto turned and met Bob's gaze. "I did not. I simply returned very early this morning."

Bob nodded, scratching at his chin. "Look, just so you know, I'm not trying to be controlling…"

"Bob," Otto said gently. "I'm aware of that. But you're right to be concerned. I've never had enough to black out before. That was new, and I don't like it."

Bob shivered. "And you've never blacked out before, right?"

"I didn't think Psyconium could produce that exact effect with the Psytanium balancing out the Psylirium, so no. I've never blacked out on that."

For several moments, Bob squinted at him. "Okay, I'll bite. Have you blacked out on something else?"

Otto smiled guiltily. "There was an experiment with Psylirium. Some fumes produced that effect. Luckily, Sasha Nein preserved my dignity by keeping me locked in his lab until the effects wore off. Apparently, it was quite the show."

"I'll have to ask for the story," Bob said, amused.

"Oh… if you must," Otto mumbled, turning away.

Bob stared at him. "What's wrong, Otto? You've been acting so strange lately."

"It's complicated."

"I've got time."

"It's not something you'll want to hear." Otto began sorting notes on his desk to keep himself busy.

"Try me."

Otto stayed silent until he'd run out of papers to sort. Then he leaned forward and braced himself against the desk.

"I don't trust any of you," he said, his voice faint.

Bob stepped closer. "What was that?"

Taking a deep breath, Otto confessed again, louder this time. "I no longer trust any of you, Bob," he said, his voice shaking. "I just can't. And I'm sorry."

Bob slipped an arm across Otto's back. "I don't blame you," he said. "After what we did to you, I'm surprised you can even pretend."

"I'm not pretending," Otto argued, squeezing his eyes shut. He shook his head. "At least I don't think I am. I love you all. There's no part of me that doesn't."

"You can love us and not trust us," Bob said. "Trust takes awhile to build, especially after it's been broken. And I'm willing to help. We all are."

"I don't know what to do," Otto admitted, reaching up to rub his eyes.

"First, come and have some lunch."

Otto pressed a hand to his stomach and smiled. "Food sounds good."

"Did you eat last night?"

"Noodle Bowl," Otto said.

"Good. Ready to go?"

Otto glanced around. "I suppose." He hesitated before following Bob to the doorway. Stepping outside, he shut the door and looked around. "Bob?"

"Hm?" Bob stopped and turned around.

Otto flushed. "Are they upset?"

"Not really," Bob said. "We're all concerned. I didn't tell them you were passed out. It wasn't my place."

"Thanks?" Otto asked under his breath, and Bob grinned.

"It's better coming from you," Bob said.

"But harder," Otto said, adjusting his coat.

"I know."

Otto smiled at Bob, and they headed toward the Heptadome without another word. He slowed when he heard Ford and Cassie arguing, but Bob slowed with him, and that gave him a bit of courage to continue. Though he was planning on slipping in and staying in the background, he didn't get the chance. As soon as he stepped foot inside, Cassie stopped mid-argument and turned to look at him.

"Otto!" she cried, and hurried over. She placed her hands on his cheeks and pressed their foreheads together. A mind burst later, and Otto staggered back, dizzy from the exchange.

"We were worried," Helmut said, catching him and easing him onto a cushion.

"Where have you been?" Compton demanded. "Bob said he knew where you were, but he wouldn't tell us anything. And he says he saw you last night, too."

"I went to the Motherlobe last night," Otto said, adjusting his glasses then crossing his arms. "I told Bob where I was going."

"Why did you go to the Motherlobe?" Ford asked.

"Sasha wanted to talk with me," Otto said defiantly, raising his chin.

Ford opened his mouth to retort, but Lucy swatted him hard with her cane. He yelped. "Dang, woman! What was that for?"

Lucy snorted. "Is not good idea to argue now," she said darkly. "Crully will be good. Or else." She waved her cane, and Ford smiled a little as he relaxed.

"I like it when you're feisty," he said with a wink.

"If you're going to copulate, kindly go somewhere we won't walk across you again," Otto shot at Ford.

The others all burst out laughing as Ford looked abashed. Lucy did not. She cackled as Ford's face turned red. "But is so much fun to get a reaction out of you."

Otto snorted, but he couldn't hide his smile. "Yes, well I can say with complete confidence that you certainly get a reaction out of Ford."

That led to another round of laughter, and Compton cut off his pyrokinesis. "Lunch is ready," he announced.

"Let's eat," Ford said quickly.

They all continued to snigger as they filled their plates. Otto eagerly ate his lunch. He loved Compton's cooking. Plus there was variety. He was sick of the stuff at the Noodle Bowl most of the time. Bob smiled at him, clearly happy to see him with an appetite. Otto did stop eating when stressed, so he had to admit it was a good sign. He was done quickly, satisfied with his meal, then he pulled his glasses off and began to clean them on his sweater. He didn't know where to look or what to say. How could he explain himself to his old friends? The words had once flowed like a river, never-ending despite the changing terrain, but now? The river was as dry as a desert. Not even a word could escape his lips, and it hurt.

"So where were you?" Compton asked once everybody had finished eating. His tone was still a bit angry.

Otto fought back a shudder, reminding himself that Compton was his friend, not his mother. But he couldn't fight the detachment that washed over him. It didn't feel like him that answered as casually as if he was discussing the weather.

"I was passed out in my room," Otto said pleasantly. "Had a bit too much Psyconium after I got back from our little excursion. Sorry about that, by the way. It's a mess in there."

Silence. Helmut turned to Bob after several moments. "You knew about this?" he asked.

"I took care of him while he was out," Bob said calmly. "He was up several times while I was there."

"Mm. I have no memories of that," Otto said, slipping his glasses back on.

"I'm not surprised," Bob said. "You weren't coherent for most of it. Said some things. But mostly you were out."

"And you didn't tell us?" Cassie demanded.

"He said it wasn't his place. And I agree," Otto said. "I assume Bob was certain I didn't need medical attention or he would have gotten you."

"Yep," Bob grunted. He tapped his thigh. "So, what do we want to do about it?"

"Keep trying to get across, of course," Otto said.

"You want us to?" Ford asked. "Because I can understand if you don't."

"I need to get past this," Otto replied. "And now that you're here, you can help me."

Ford nodded. "If you're sure."

"Oh, I haven't been sure about myself since I found you in the Heptadome," Otto replied, still feeling detached. He smiled a little, though it wasn't happy. "Just wandering around, and you didn't recognize me. I took you to the medical ward at the new Motherlobe, but I knew it was no use. The Astrolathe was still warm."

Cassie snapped her cup of tea onto its saucer. "You knew it was the Astrolathe?"

"Yes, but it didn't matter," Otto said dismissively. His hands began rubbing up and down his arms as he rocked back and forth.

"I wish I could take it back," Ford said.

"Oh, you're fine now, thanks to Razputin."

"I meant about you finding me." Ford looked down, shifting on his cushion. "I… I think it broke you when it was finally me. Because it was always you and I, butting heads and fighting, but we were together. And then I gave up and left you alone. And I'm sorry."

"Nothing to apologize for," Otto said. "All in the past."

Ford frowned and moved right beside Otto. "Bull. I know I hurt you."

"I'm fine," Otto insisted.

"Don't be a dummy," Ford said, and he pulled Otto into a hug. "I'm sorry."

Otto shoved Ford away hard enough to fling him across the floor. He stood up, his expression hard. "I am not the dummy! You are! Everything would have been fine if you had just told us that Lucy was alive. But no, you thought so little of us, of me, that you decided to do what you did behind our backs. Then you couldn't handle the guilt. And instead of coming to us then, you used my invention to break your own mind. That sounds like a dummy to me, Ford Cruller, so don't you dare to call me that again!" He paused and adjusted his glasses. "Tell me, Ford, did you honestly think that we would have wanted her dead? Because every action you took practically guarantees you did."

Ford didn't move, Otto snorted. "That's what I thought. So much for friendship, eh? I'm going to my lab. Not that you'll be surprised by that news."

Turning on his heel, he left them behind just like they had left him, one by one, until he was surrounded by strangers in the middle of their dream made real without a single friend left to talk to.

Chapter Text

Raz was grateful for the boy Sasha's guidance through the streets. There were back alleys and doors that led every which way except where they were supposed to. By the time they got to the end, Raz was ready to get to the next bit.

"Okay. So we're through the village. Finally," he said, clomping up to the top of the hill. "So where is this…" He trailed off and saw a giant laboratory/library hybrid looming above him. "I'm guessing there. That's where Curiosity is, yeah?"

"Ja, Razputin," the boy said. "He doesn't usually like me going in, but this is special. I will be extra good this time. Come now. We go."

And off he went again, dragging Raz with him. Raz caught up and kept pace, watching as the building grew closer. A mix of exquisite stones and sleek metal, it towered above them. When they got to the door, the boy Sasha reached up and pressed a button.

"Yes?" Sasha's voice asked, coming through a speaker.

"I want you to meet somebody."

"Ach, not now, der Jüngling. I tire of your games."

"Is not game!" the boy snapped.

"It's really not," Raz said quickly. "I'm Razputin Aquato. Sasha sent me in."

Silence. Then the door opened and a taller Sasha stepped out. He was the same kind of being as the boy Sasha, glowing gold around the edges, but he was several years older.

"Mein Gott," he said in disbelief. "You really do have a friend this time. Well, come in. You, too, der Bengel."

"Oh, thank you very much!" the boy Sasha exclaimed and hurried inside.

"Come in, Razputin Aquato, and let us get properly acquainted."

Raz obediently headed inside, peering around the lab. It was the same kind of amalgamation of old library and modern science lab as on the outside. They walked through towering stacks of pages to an exam room.

"Be seated," the older Sasha said. "And you, der Bengel, stay out of things."

"Ja, ja, I know," the boy Sasha said. "But talk to Razputin. He says he's here to help!"

"Ja, but the type of help depends on why Sasha sent him here," the older one replied, his tone cautious.

"You really are Curiosity, aren't you?" Raz asked. "It fits, you know."

"Ja, if you'd like to call me that, you can," the older Sasha said absently, searching through notes for something. He grunted and pulled out a file. "Interesting. Your file is already quite large. How unusual." Curiosity turned to peer at him then flipped through the file. "Hm."

"What?" Raz asked.

"You appear to be a very bright boy with incredible powers, as noted by your unbelievable ability to traverse minds quickly and with minimal effort. You're a bit on the reckless side, and you have made a few poor decisions. But you are actively working to rectify them, and you are just learning."

Curiosity leaned forward to peer at something then gasped and disappeared into a ball of glowing mist. He dashed upward and struck a stray thought then began to make some new connections. Raz watched, impressed by the speed of the connections. When he hit the first cloud, Sasha's voice rang out.

"Interesting. I have a new facet for Razputin. But the question is, why?"

The thought had barely stopped echoing before Curiosity pinged out of the thought and ricocheted through a mass of connections before hitting another.

"You like govikberries?"

Then another.

"His family's from Grulovia, Ford, which borders Germania."

Then one final thought that burst into gold.

"I suppose he has a facet because he reminds me of myself at his age."

With that thought, Curiosity detached himself and reformed on the ground then began flipping through the file as if nothing had happened. "You are from Grulovia, ja?"

"My dad is," Raz said. He kicked his feet and stared around the room. "So, what do you call him?"

Curiosity looked up. "Call who?" He glanced over at the small Sasha. "Him? I call him many things, depending on his actions. Der Bengel, der Jüngling, though lately he's been der Racker," Curiosity said, snapping his fingers as the boy glanced up at the stray thoughts for a few moments too long. The boy made a face then began to walk around. "But I suppose you may call him Fancy. That might answer your question in a more satisfactory way. Ja, Razputin?"

"Fancy," Raz said. "Like… imagination, right? So he's Sasha's imagination?"

"A piece of it, you may say," Curiosity said. "His boyish fancies, if you will." He flipped through a stack of papers then effortlessly pulled one out without the stack even moving. "Aha. Here it is. He scanned the paper then turned and snapped. "Der Bengel! Come here."

Fancy approached with a skipping twirl, using psychic tricks just for the fun of it, or at least it seemed that way to Raz. He was fascinated by these mental… whatever they were. Because they weren't projections. He was sure of that. They were far deeper than a projection, more natural to Sasha's being. But if that was the case, then why were they separate from him? Raz licked his lips then posed a question.

"So she cut you away from him, too?"

Curiosity turned sharply to look at him. "What? Where did you get such a funny idea, Razputin? Unless der Bengel is telling tales?"

"I'm here to help," Raz insisted. "But I can't if I don't know what's wrong."

Curiosity placed his hip on the desk and leaned against it, staring at Raz with an inscrutable gaze. He finally looked away.

"Know this, Razputin. It is not this trip that will define your relationship to Sasha. It is what you do afterwards."

Raz frowned. "I don't understand."

"You will. Come. We must get through my library. We'll meet with Sensibility on the other side."

"Ooh! You are coming, too! Ja, we go and everything will be all better again!" Fancy sang.

"Not necessarily," Curiosity said, turning his face toward Raz.

Raz could sense his penetrating gaze, and he grew uneasy as he worked through Curiosity's words. Was he not going to do things right the first time? Well, he was determined to prove him wrong. "Let's get going. But please tell me it's not a maze."

"No. But I might have misplaced the two keycards we need to get through. You'll have to help me search."

Raz nodded. "Okay. Let's get searching then."

It didn't take too long between the three of them, and when they finally got them, Curiosity led them straight through the rest of the building, letting neither Raz nor Fancy get sidetracked with any of the vast stores of information around them. He scanned the keycards before attaching them onto a lanyard that he stuck in his pocket.

"On we go, Razputin. This way and you'll meet Sensibility."

"So, what does he represent?" Raz asked, watching the beautiful green land stretch before them.

Curiosity padded along. "I believe you should meet him, Razputin, without my perceptions."

"He was the last one she cut away," Fancy informed him. "It hurt very bad, that one. Even I felt it, and I was cut away first."

"You won't tell me who she is?" Razputin asked.

"Her name should not be spoken. You'll find out more soon," Curiosity assured him.

They walked for awhile then came suddenly upon a beautiful forest that reminded Raz of Camp Whispering Rock. Everything seemed rich in this area, almost overwhelmingly so. It was enough to make Raz reach up to swipe at his eyes.

Fancy laughed at him. "Sensibility is getting to him and he hasn't even met him!"

"He has that effect, and you know he does," Curiosity said. "That's why he was cut away to begin with. A mistake, if you ask me, but Sasha won't listen anymore. He's been cut off from him for too long to feel the pain any longer."

Raz stopped. "Pain?" he asked in alarm. "Sasha's in pain?"

"Well, if you cut off your arm, wouldn't it hurt?" Curiosity asked smoothly. "Cutting off pieces of your inner self is intensely painful, Razputin. But as with any cut, it has healed to a scar and now he rarely thinks of it."

"But why did he cut you off?" Raz asked in exasperation. "I don't get it."

"It is not an easy question to answer. Have you seen his vaults?"

"Um… yeah, a couple," Raz said, a flash of the memories Sasha had pulled from his father's head passing through his mind. "You mean the one where he used his psychic abilities on his dad, right?"

"Ja, Razputin. That's what started it. And here we are twenty years later." Curiosity stopped them and pointed at a figure sitting beside a campfire. "Here he is. Hello, Sensibility. Fancy and I have brought a guest."

Unlike the others, Sensibility was entirely solemn. His outline rippled like the air around a panic attack, doubled and tripled as he moved before he settled.

"Ah. Razputin Aquato," he said, his voice faint and soft, almost tender. "This should be interesting, ja, Curiosity?"

"If not painful," Curiosity said grimly. "Come. Let's get through the forest."

"Will it hurt when everything fixes?" Fancy asked, skipping along.

Curiosity and Sensibility didn't answer, and when Raz looked up at them, they looked very grim. His stomach churned as the three whatever-they-weres led him straight through Sasha's mind. They stopped abruptly at the edge of a large canyon. Fancy backed off and ducked behind Curiosity, who brushed his fingers over the boy's hair.

"It will be all right, mein Spatz," Sensibility said. "It will only hurt for a moment."

Fancy pulled back then turned to Raz. "You said you are here to help?"

"Yes," Raz said uneasily.

"Then why will it hurt?" Fancy asked, and his voice was shaking.

"Let's get this over with," Curiosity said. "Get ready, Razputin."

Raz stared at the three… whatever-they-weres. They all were a part of Sasha, yet they somehow weren't. He didn't like this. But Curiosity and Sensibility stood on either side of Fancy and nodded at him. Then he turned and watched the canyon as the ground seemed to groan. Raz yelped, and as the noise echoed around them, the ground suddenly began shaking beneath their feet. Thick purple vines started crawling out of the canyon. Fancy whimpered and tried backing up, but Sensibility stopped him. Fancy began to cry, and Raz knew that he had made a mistake as a towering woman made of purple energy reared up from the darkness of the canyon.

"Little Nervensägen are causing trouble again," the woman hissed. "You've been a bad boy, Fancy!"

"No, Miss!" Fancy gulped. "I will cause no trouble now. Nein. Not one bit."

"But you have been. That won't do. You're a bad boy. And bad boys must be punished!"

Fancy's face crumpled, and before Raz could do anything, purple vines burst out of the ground and wrapped around Fancy's waist. He began screaming and crying harder, apologies pouring out of his mouth in a mix of German and English. Raz cried out and looked around, trying to figure out a way to help. Curiosity grabbed his arm.

"There is nothing you can do this time. But watch and pay attention," he whispered.

Then Curiosity stood up and walked over to the edge of the canyon. Sensibility stood serenely a few feet away.

Vines sprang up around both of them, and Curiosity grimaced. Sensibility didn't react at all. They were lifted into the air beside a writhing Fancy, who reached out imploringly toward Raz.

"Please!" he sobbed. "Why does he do this to us, Razputin? I just want to know why he hurts us! He shouldn't want to hurt his Self!"

"I'll find out!" Raz called, his heart hammering.

There was a shriek from the woman and the vines squeezed tighter and tighter around the three of them, forcing them down out of their forms and into their flickering golden essences. Raz could see the pain dripping from them as they flickered and struggled to exist. Then, with a whoosh of air that blew him backwards, the woman dragged the three balls of light down into the depths of the canyon, leaving silence in her wake.

There were several long moments where nothing moved before the ground beneath Raz's feet cracked away from the rest and lifted him up. Higher and higher he went until he could see the whole of Sasha's mindscape. This was nothing like the training area. But as he watched, the world began folding away. The village where he'd met Fancy folded into itself, the houses slotting together perfectly, revealing a metal slat. Raz gaped as he realized what was going on. Sasha's mind was rearranging back into the training area. The beautiful scientific library was broken down and cast aside as if it meant nothing. Sensibility's enchanting campsite was folded like origami and tucked away into one side of the cube. A faint sound of calliope music reached Raz's ears, but he couldn't quite see where it came from. Still, within a minute, the cube that he'd first known as Sasha's mind was back, and the last square was the one he was standing on. When it settled into place, Sasha's voice echoed around him.

"Very good, Razputin. You did well. Come out and we'll go and get a snack."

Raz looked around the area where he'd learned how to use psi blast, the area he'd thought was so sophisticated and cool, and he realized that this wasn't Sasha. Not all of him. And Raz was suddenly very sad. He slipped the whistle into his backpack and pulled out the smelling salts. Swallowing, he wished he could apologize to Fancy and Curiosity and Sensibility. Because he knew in his gut that though Sasha was very happy with him, what he'd just done was wrong. He'd hurt Sasha, and he didn't like it. As he broke open the salts and inhaled the terrible scent, he wondered what exactly he had done and how he could fix it.

Chapter Text

Otto had been working so long the sun was beginning to set, but he had no intention of stopping. When somebody knocked on his door, he became aware that he was hungry again. He reluctantly opened the door with telekinesis, and Bob and Helmut came in. Otto didn't say a word, tightening a few screws on his invention.

"Hungry?" Helmut asked after a moment.

Otto grunted, vaguely waving his hand toward the table in the corner. Helmut set down the plates then turned around, glancing at Otto uneasily. Bob walked right over to stand beside him.

"All in the past?" he asked bluntly. "Are you sure about that?"

"Bobby!" Helmut exclaimed, horrified.

"Kindly go screw yourself," Otto said darkly.

Bob didn't reply, and Otto realized they weren't going to just leave. Sighing, Otto threw down the screwdriver and pushed himself up. He nearly fell over as his knees protested the quick movement after hours of stillness. Helmut was there in an instant, catching him.

"Whoa there!" he said. "Easy, Otto. You've been sitting too long. We're not as young as we used to be."

"Oh, trust me, I'm well aware," Otto mumbled. He stretched his aching back and tested his joints before shrugging Helmut's hands away. "What have you got there?"

"Sandwiches," Helmut said. "Compton made your favorite."

"Oh did he now?" Otto asked tartly. "Well, maybe my tastes have changed, did he consider that?"

"Maybe you should tell him if things have changed," Bob replied.

Otto's eyes flashed and the air around him seemed to bow out for a moment as his emotions caused a psychic ripple. "Maybe he should ask instead of assuming." A sneer pulled up his lip and he mimicked Compton's voice almost perfectly. "Although, come to think of it, he's Otto. He never changes. Would be nice if he could though. Heartless git."

Silence. Helmut gazed at him fearfully. Bob frowned. "Did he really say that?"

"Among many, many other things," Otto said, waving his hand dismissively. "Not that it matters. We're all back together again and that's what matters!"

More silence. Then Bob spoke. "It matters, Otto. It's okay to say it matters even if it hurts."

Otto's anger, which had been simmering all afternoon and evening, eased away, and he slumped, tired and aching and hungry. "Mother wouldn't think so," he said, and rubbed his forehead.

Both Bob and Helmut stiffened. Otto never spoke about his mother. Ever. The only thing they knew about her was that she had been a single mother who'd had a penchant for smoking. That was all they had ever managed to get out of him. They didn't even know the woman's name, and Otto had told them that even he didn't know who his father was. When they'd asked about pictures of him, Otto had stared at them as if they'd lost their minds before telling them pictures were for the people you wanted to remember, and his mother didn't want to remember him. The fact that Otto didn't have any pictures of his mother either told them plenty.

"Well, she's wrong," Helmut finally said cautiously.

Otto snorted and scrubbed his eyes before cleaning his glasses. "So he made my favorite?" he asked quietly.

Helmut turned to grab his plate and passed it over. He passed Bob his, too, then grabbed the last one. "Has it changed?"

"I don't know," Otto murmured. He picked up his sandwich and peered at it before taking a big bite. He grunted with pleasure at the wonderful flavors that he hadn't had in years and made short work of his dinner.

"Hungry?" Bob asked.

"For variety," Otto managed to say through his last mouthful. "Damn Noodle Bowl won't change their menu because they have to ask Ford, but he wouldn't agree while his mind was cracked." He took a long drink of water then sat back, sighing. "I'll have to ask him about that when we're speaking again."

"So you're not leaving?" Helmut asked.

Otto frowned at him. "Why would I leave?"

"You always do when you and Ford fight."

"Well, I guess some things can change," Otto muttered. "I don't want to go anywhere."

"We'd be happy if you stay," Bob said.

"Well, you don't have to worry about me leaving," Otto said. "I have nowhere else to go. Even back then I didn't. I'd just wander around until I came to my senses then come back here."

"You mean that, man?" Helmut asked softly.

Otto smiled a little. "You're not the only one who's lived out of a car, Helm. The first time I did was until I managed to scrape together enough money to get that old pink nightmare of a house I used to have." He scowled. "Don't miss the plumbing havoc from that." He paused then softened. "But it's where Ford and I came up with our initial ideas."

"How did you two meet?" Helmut asked.

Otto snorted. "Oh, you're not interested in that, are you?"

The looks on their faces said otherwise.

"Oh, very well. Have a seat."

After looking around at the lack of furniture, Bob and Helmut settled on the floor. Otto used telekinesis to pull pillows off his bed for them. They smiled gratefully.

"We've got to furnish this place," Helmut said.

"Later," Bob muttered, and took another bite of his sandwich. "Go on."

Otto leaned back in his chair and scratched his chin. "Well, I had just managed to buy that pink house. I'd been living there for a few weeks, still getting used to my new freedom."

"So you left home?" Bob asked.

"I had finally managed to sell the house I'd lived in with my mother," Otto said.

Bob hesitated then bit. "What happened to your mother? Did she go with you?"

Otto looked down at them, his expression guarded. His head tilted just a bit as he answered. "My mother went to prison because of certain crimes. She died there less than a year into her sentence. I was on my own by that point. I had nobody left. Not that she was ever there for me to begin with."

Bob and Helmut exchanged glances. This was more information about Otto's mother than they'd ever hoped to know. Bob dared to ask one last question.

"What was her name?"

Otto's lips pressed thin, and his gaze became inscrutable. For several moments, he stared at them. It came to the point where they were sure he'd kick them out. Then he said one word, his voice dead and distant.

"Charlotta."

Bob and Helmut knew not to ask anything else about the woman for the moment, so Helmut smoothly changed the subject. "But what does this have to do with Ford?"

Otto relaxed and reached up to clean his glasses. "Oh, we're off topic, aren't we? Well, I was living my life, enjoying myself for the first time ever, when who should knock on the door but Ford Cruller. I opened the door, and he stared at me.

"'Are you Otto Mentallis?' he asked.

"'Who wants to know?' I replied.

"'I'm Ford Cruller,' he said, 'and I heard that you invented these.'

"And then he pulled out my psychic detecting goggles. Early and crude invention, but it certainly seemed to pique Ford's interest. I was cautious but invited him in to talk."

Otto paused and took a drink of water, considering things. "Of course, I had no idea I'd just met one of my best friends. As far as I was concerned, I didn't need anybody. Mother taught me that if you need somebody, it's a weakness. It took awhile before I started to realize she was wrong."

Bob and Helmut stiffened again. That was the second time Otto had mentioned his mother without any prompting. They glanced at each other and opened their minds to share their thoughts. Both of them agreed that the years had changed Otto more than they'd initially believed. Otto didn't notice and sat pondering his first meeting with Ford.

"He was excited to meet another psychic, and when he put on the goggles in front of me, he was floored by my own psychic power. He insisted I check him, and his readings registered far stronger than I had expected. That piqued my curiosity. So I invited him back the next day. He came bright and early, and he brought breakfast. And I let him into my inventing room. Nobody had ever been interested before, and I didn't really know if Ford was anything like Mother, but he was psychic when she wasn't, so I took a chance. I'm rather glad I did. His curiosity was refreshing, and by the time he left, I had several new ideas, as well as a tentative friendship."

Bob held up three fingers without looking at Helmut, and Helmut leaned forward. "How did it go from there?"

"Oh, Ford was desperate for a job in the Whispering Rock area. I…" Otto paused and smiled a little. "Let's say I assisted in getting him his job as a park ranger. In exchange, he would provide me with information about what he discovered. And what he discovered was incredible. So much Psytanium, so, so much. But how were we to get it out? Well, both of us began putting up psychic protections around the area, though it was already pretty well guarded by the psychic animals and the adverse effects of too much Psytanium in the air. The area was called Whispering Rock for a reason. A lot of people thought the area was haunted, but it was just the Psytanium."

Otto took another drink. "We began mining it out, but it was taking so long. I finally had to get out of the mines and take a break. I had explored hydrolic mining in theory, but Ford was against it. Or he was, until I met Lucretia Mux and introduced them. As soon as I saw Ford make goo-goo eyes at her, I knew we'd be getting the Psytanium out with her hydrokinesis. He wouldn't fight her. And he still can't."

Bob snorted. "What do you mean by that? He fights with her all the time."

Otto looked at him evenly and arched an eyebrow. "And yet any time she throws herself at him, no matter where in the Gulch they are, they end up copulating. And notice that Ford seems to regret getting caught every time, but Lucy only gets more and more amusement out of it? And despite Ford saying he'll stop, they never do? And why is that? Because he can't fight Lucy." He adjusted his glasses and gave another small smile. "I never said he doesn't fight with Lucy."

Helmut snorted into his hands then laughed outright as Bob bit his bottom lip to try and hide his smile. "Okay, so you're not wrong," Bob said, his eyes shining.

"Have I thanked you and Helmut for your discreetness in matters of copulation?" Otto asked intently. "Because if I haven't, thank you."

Bob went red but laughed along with Helmut. After a moment, Otto broke and joined in. For a few moments, their old Otto was back, laughing and radiating joy and pleasure in their company. As he settled down, his fond expression remained for a moment. Then he looked up at them and became solemn once again. It didn't matter, though. They'd seen that their dear friend was still there. He just needed a little coaxing and some patience. That gave them something to hold on to.

Otto rolled his shoulders and looked at his desk. Bob stood. "Want to get back to work?"

"Not really," Otto said. "I want Helmut to take us for a drive in the Feel Mobile. I need a break."

Helmut lit up and stood. He grimaced and stretched his back and joints for a few moments before grinning back at Otto. "Sounds groovy, man. You want me to swing by or do you want to go with me to get her?"

"I need to put away my tools and make sure my project is stabilized first. You come and get me."

"Let's go, Bobby," Helmut said. "Be back in ten."

Otto nodded and waved his hand. Helmut and Bob left, and Otto stared after them for a moment before starting to clean up. He felt all mixed up inside, and he wasn't quite sure why. Helmut and Bob had been looking at him funny for awhile during their conversation. He couldn't pinpoint what had made them look like that, despite going over the conversation several times as he straightened his desk and replaced all his tools. When Helmut beeped the horn outside, Otto set aside the question for later. A relaxing ride in the Feel Mobile would be nice. Or maybe, Otto thought, Helmut would find a straightaway and see how fast she could go. Either way, it would be a nice break from his own thoughts.

Chapter Text

Sasha watched Raz as he came out of his trance, shuddering and coughing low in his throat. The boy looked tired, but he'd done well. His control was back in place, and it would be awhile before those Nervensägen would be allowed to be loose again. He stood up, feeling like he had a new lease on life despite his pounding head and heavy, aching limbs.

"Hungry, Razputin?" Sasha asked, lighting up a cigarette. The nicotine helped his headache, and he took a deep drag before letting the smoke plume out around him.

"Yeah," Raz said. He pulled his goggles off and rubbed his eyes, and Sasha realized that he wasn't wearing his special glasses. He quickly settled them into place. There was no need for Raz to know how horrible Sasha felt. He might not agree to help again if he knew.

Sasha took Raz to the Noodle Bowl and they got in line. "What would you like?"

"I don't care. Just make sure it doesn't have cilantro in it," Raz said. "It's bad enough when my mom washes out my mouth for saying bad words. I don't want to eat soap."

Sasha was pleased. "A boy after my own heart," he said. "Now if only we could convince Milla of that."

"Do you call her by her first name or her agent name?"

Sasha paused and studied Raz. "Depends on the company. If we're alone, I see no reason not to call her Milla."

"You know her name is Camilla, right? Cam-mee-la?"

Sasha hesitated. "I thought she was Spanish when I first met her. And she didn't correct me for weeks."

Raz grinned. "How did you find out?"

Sasha didn't answer until they were tucked away in a corner away from everybody else. "I found out," he said, slicing up his pancakes, "when she introduced herself to Ford our first year together at Whispering Rock."

"What happened?"

"I was mortified of course," Sasha said, and his voice became dead to Raz's ears. "But I couldn't very well ask her about it. We still haven't discussed it. I don't know why she didn't correct me."

"Oh, I know why," Raz said, grinning.

Sasha sat up straight then leaned close. "You do?"

"She thought it was cute."

Sasha sat back in his chair, his expression tense. "Cute?" he asked flatly. "She thought it was cute to let me get her name wrong and humiliate myself in front of everybody?"

Raz hesitated, aware he might have made a mistake. "Well, I don't think that's quite right…" He shoved a forkful of food into his mouth. "I think you should ask her. She'd be happy to talk with you about it."

"What makes you say that?"

"She's always happy to talk with you. You make her happy."

Sasha frowned suddenly, and a flush began to rise up his cheeks. "Are you going on about that ridiculous rumor that Milla and I are secretly madly in love with each other? Because it's not true."

Raz swallowed and set aside his fork. "I haven't heard that one. I've just heard about how you two are a really good team. A lot of people are shocked you trust her when you won't trust anybody else. Some of the ladies are jealous of the attention you give her."

"Preposterous, Razputin, and I'll thank you to not mention it again," Sasha said, his voice back to monotone.

"I'm sorry, Sasha," Raz said.

"It's quite alright, Razputin. I just do not like gossip. There is too much of it."

"Like cilantro," Raz said, picking out a stray piece from his food.

Sasha nodded. "Exactly."

Raz finished his food and Sasha rubbed his forehead. His headache was getting worse, and he needed some sleep. "If I leave you for the rest of the day, could you get those binders sorted? I have other things to do."

"A nap?" Raz asked.

Sasha grimaced a little. "Perhaps a small one. I am tired."

"Of course. I was too, after my Mental Exam," Raz said. "I'll get those binders sorted today and we can debrief tomorrow."

Sasha's lips twitched. "Indeed. Well, if you'll excuse me, Razputin."

"Aren't you going to finish?" Raz asked, gesturing at his plate

"I'm not hungry," Sasha said. He wanted a cigarette more than food at the moment, so he left Raz sitting at the table with his half-eaten food and made his way back to his room for a smoke and a long, long nap.

Raz watched him go then pulled the pancakes over and finished them. He carried the plates to the counter then began to wander the Motherlobe and think about what had just happened. He didn't want to think about it, but he couldn't help it. What had he done to Sasha? Whatever it was, he knew it wasn't good. Raz could tell that Sasha was incredibly uncomfortable during the whole meal. He barely ate anything, which was a sign of stress. That's what his mother said when he'd grown worried about his father after finding out about Maligula and Nona and what had really happened to his mother. He was eating well by the time they'd left for their tour, but that was after Hollis and Truman gave him a long Mental Exam. Raz was grateful that he hadn't had to do that one himself.

"Agent Aquato?"

Raz looked up and was surprised to see Milla. He'd wandered back to Sasha's lab without thinking about it, and Milla stood in the doorway of her meditation room.

"Agent Vodello," Raz greeted.

"Have you seen Sasha?"

"He's going to take a nap," Raz said.

Milla's face went slack. "What?"

"A nap. He had a rough Exam."

"Exam? Who gave him an Exam?"

"Well… me," Raz admitted. "But it was weird."

"Weird?" Milla asked.

Raz looked up, hesitating. "I don't think I'm supposed to discuss Exams with others."

"Razputin, you're not qualified to do an Exam on Sasha," Milla said in exasperation. "He comes to me for that. Or Hollis or Truman. And on the most desperate of occasions, Morrey."

"So you've been in his head?"

"Of course, darling."

"Can I ask you something then?"

"Sure."

"What exactly are those three Sashas?"

Milla frowned. "Three Sashas? Mental projections, perhaps."

"No," Raz said plainly. "I've seen a lot of those, and Fancy, Curiosity, and Sensibility aren't projections."

Milla stiffened and stared at Raz with shocked eyes before she gestured for him to follow. Raz pointed at Sasha's lab.

"I'm supposed to finish the binders."

"After a debriefing," Milla said shortly, and led him straight to the Nerve Center. She went up to Truman and Hollis and whispered to them. They both stiffened and looked at Raz before standing up. Morrey glanced at them then frowned before he stood up, too.

"What's that look for, Vodello?" he asked.

"Come along," she said lightly and led them toward Truman's office.

Raz followed, wondering what in the world was going on. He was soon settled on a couch with four of the most powerful Psychonauts in the Motherlobe staring at him.

"What's going on?" Morrey demanded.

"Razputin just gave Sasha a Mental Exam," Milla said.

"What!" Hollis exclaimed. "He's not qualified. He's a Junior Agent. Emphasis on junior."

"I don't think Razputin knew that," Milla said. "Did you, Razputin?"

Raz hesitated. "I asked him if I was qualified."

"And what did he say?" Hollis asked, crossing her arms.

Raz looked down at his knees, knowing Sasha wouldn't want him to answer. 'Nobody must know, Razputin!' echoed in his mind. But Sasha wasn't okay, and Raz was the only one who'd been inside his head recently.

"He said he just needed to get control of the situation," he admitted. "I don't know what he meant, except… except the training area wasn't there."

"What did you see?" Truman asked curiously.

"I think… I think the village was based off of Reizenbeck, you know, where he grew up? That's where Fancy hangs out. Curiosity lives in this awesome scientific library, and Sensibility stays in a mental projection of Camp Whispering Rock."

There was dead silence from the agents in front of him. Raz looked up to see wonder and shock on their faces.

"You're sure it wasn't the cube, kid?" Morrey asked.

"Absolutely," Raz said. "It turned into the cube once the monster thing dragged off Fancy, Curiosity, and Sensibility." He paused, peering at them as he realized they'd never seen who Sasha truly was.

"What is going on?" Hollis demanded, beginning to pace.

"I think Ford was right," Milla said grimly. "Sasha is hiding things."

"Of course he is," Morrey said. "Whose mind is a cube, eh? Those are walls he's built up around who he is."

"I've got to say, I'm not really surprised," Truman said. "He's always so reserved."

"But we've all noticed the cracks," Milla said, raising her hands in exasperation. "It's been happening more and more. That's not good."

"I think those three Sashas are at fault," Raz said, kicking his feet. "He really was pleased when they were locked up again." He paused and looked at Milla. "Do you know German?"

"Not much, I'm afraid. Sasha doesn't speak his mother tongue much."

"Oh."

"Why?" Hollis asked.

"Because he used a funny word when he talked about them."

"Do you know the word?" Hollis asked.

"Nervensägen," Raz said after thinking carefully.

Hollis quickly sat down at a computer and typed out the way the word sounded before she began to research German pronunciation. Several web searches later, she found the answer, and she didn't like it.

"Roughly translated, it means 'raw nerves'," she said tightly.

Raz paled and he held his hand up to his mouth.

"What is it, Razputin?" Truman asked.

"Fancy… Fancy told me that they were… cut away by somebody," Raz said weakly. "But if they're raw, that means they aren't healed." He hesitated then looked up. "And Curiosity compared it to cutting off your arm. And… and they wouldn't tell me her name."

"Her?" they asked in alarm.

Milla sat down beside him. "I need you to tell us everything you saw in his mind, Razputin. In detail. Please. This is important. We are worried about him."

Razputin looked up at the four adults, and he knew they all cared deeply for Sasha Nein. So he looked into his lap and told them every detail he could remember. They didn't interrupt, and he ended with coming out of Sasha's mind and seeing how much pain Sasha was in. He left out the detail of how he knew; he'd keep the secret about the depth of Sasha's eyes to himself.

"Oh, daisy doodles," Truman breathed, leaning back on the sofa across from Raz and Milla. He looked around at the others. "What is going on?" he asked, tugging at his beard.

"And who is that 'her' they wouldn't talk about?" Morrey asked suspiciously. "That's not good. Not at all. Too much like trauma for my tastes."

"What is, Coach?" Raz asked.

"The fact they wouldn't talk about that 'her'," Morrey replied. "The way you described them acting? That's not normal."

"They aren't normal, Morceau," Hollis said sharply. "Whatever they are, they are not supposed to be separate from his psyche. My guess is he's done some kind of experimentation on himself with this mysterious 'her', and perhaps they went too far in some ways. He's probably protecting her identity so the Psychonauts don't come down on them for illegal experimentation."

"Eh, that is possible, actually," Morrey said. "This is Sasha we're talking about."

Raz didn't say anything as the adults all agreed, but he knew in his gut that Sasha wasn't protecting her identity just for kicks. He was genuinely scared of her, and after seeing how that monster had treated the three Sashas, he knew he had good reason to be.

"Can I go do those binders now?" Raz asked.

"Of course, darling. And thanks for telling us," Milla said.

Raz stood up and headed out of Truman's office through the Nerve Center, his stomach tight. Sasha would be mad at him. He knew it. But he also knew he'd done the right thing.

"Know this, Razputin," Curiosity had said. "It is not this trip that will define your relationship to Sasha. It is what you do afterwards."

'Well, I did it,' Raz thought uneasily as he sat down and looked at the binders. 'And there's no going back now.'

Chapter Text

Helmut went for a combination, heading for a clearing where he could practice turning and figure eights. Otto strapped himself into the middle of the front seat and enjoyed the harrowing ride in the darkening forest. He found himself relaxed for the first time in ages, and he couldn't stop laughing. He was sorely in need of fun, and both Bob and Helmut were happy to indulge him. They kept at it until Compton gave them a rather loud, insistent ping that ricocheted through the car's psychic receiver.

"You're late for dinner!" Compton's voice practically bellowed through the car speakers, and Helmut hit the breaks. The Feel Mobile slid to a stop and the three friends sat there, their ears ringing. Then Otto burst out laughing again and began tapping at the computer.

"I'd better lower the intensity of the receiver," he chuckled, his eyes shining.

"You think?" Helmut asked, twisting a finger into his ear.

"Better get back before Compton gets any angrier," Bob said.

"How fast can we get there?" Otto asked, grinning as he sat back.

Helmut grinned back and hit the gas as he spun the wheel. Otto laughed again as Helmut sped back to the Gulch. With a neat twitch of the steering wheel, he whipped into the spot that the Feel Mobile usually occupied. As he turned off the engine, Helmut sighed.

"That was fun. Good idea, man."

"I have a few," Otto said smugly.

"Sure do," Helmut said.

There was a bang against the door and Bob snickered as he opened it to reveal Compton glaring at them, a wooden spoon in his hand.

"Lost track of the time," Bob said apologetically.

"Well, it's ready. Now come and eat."

The three men got out of the car and followed Compton to the Heptadome. The others were already waiting, and Cassie grinned at them.

"You're late for dinner," she teased.

"So we've heard," Otto said, his eyes shining. "I guess it's a good thing I'm hungry, then. Compton cooks like nobody else, and I'd hate to miss it."

That did seem to mollify Compton as he psychically passed out the plates. He smiled at Otto. Ford, on the other hand, wouldn't look at him at all. Otto felt guilty for hurting him so badly. He understood what had happened to a degree thanks to Sasha, yet he hadn't shown compassion. As he ate, he considered what to say. When he was done, he sat there in thoughtful silence for a few moments then spoke.

"I suppose it was the fact that all of the international representatives were calling for her blood, wasn't it, Ford?"

Ford started and looked up. He hadn't expected Otto to try and make sense of his actions. Otto had done so years before with Sasha, but Ford clearly hadn't thought about it too much yet.

"I guess that factored in," Ford said after a moment. He stabbed at his food and looked back at his plate. "Lucy was hurt after I took her down, half in and out, and I was just so tired. All I could think about were those world leaders and ambassadors calling for her to die, and I couldn't let that happen. So I decided to fix things. And I just broke them worse."

"Was not all bad," Lucy pointed out. "I have happy family. They are upset, yes, but they are whole and healthy. Even if they never come back for me, I am happy I had so much time with them. You gave that to both myself and my Gussy, Crully. I have few complaints."

"You shouldn't have married me after what I did to your family," Ford muttered.

"But I still love you. And I understand why you did it, Crully. And it seems Otto might, too."

"I've processed some of it," Otto said. He took off his glasses and cleaned them on his sweater. "But it is different with you in your right mind again, Ford. I'm sorry for getting angry. But I always hated you calling me a dummy. I heard that enough from my mother, and I'm not going to take it from you anymore."

There was silence in response to those words. Otto placed his glasses back on his nose and peered at his friends. They all appeared stunned by his pronouncement. His brows drew together. "Oh, come now. Surely you knew I didn't like being called a dummy. I always lashed out when you did."

"Not that part," Ford said faintly.

"What?" Otto went back over what he'd said. "You in your right mind? Are you not?"

He stared at them as they stared back, and Otto's scars began to itch. He rubbed his arms through his sweater. It was Bob who broke the strained silence.

"You said your mother's name was Charlotta?"

Ford, Lucy, Compton, and Cassie all swung their heads to look at Bob. "He told you her name?" Cassie asked, bewildered.

"He's mentioned her at least four times today without prompting," Bob replied.

Otto suddenly understood why Bob and Helmut had been staring at him during their conversation at lunch. He had mentioned his mother. Oh dear lord, no. He couldn't talk about her with them. Not in the way their expressions clearly hinted at. Panic set in, and Otto stood up abruptly. Helmut came up at the same instant and went to stand between him and the nearest exit.

"Don't run."

"Then don't corner me," Otto said, his voice strained.

"You've processed some of it," Bob said. "Right?"

"Yes," Otto said tightly.

"With who?" Cassie demanded.

"With that nice young man, of course," Lucy said. "Sasha is his name?"

"Yes." Otto felt trapped as they stared at him. Then Compton spoke.

"Your mother must have been quite the bitch if you have this reaction just at the thought of speaking about her."

Otto stared at him and rubbed his arms several times, trying to push away the phantom burns that dotted his skin. When he realized what he was doing, he reached up to clean his glasses again. All he wanted was for them to stop staring. "It's none of their business, Otto. You didn't tell them anything, did you?"

"No," he murmured to himself. Then louder. "Change the subject or I'm leaving."

He could feel their eyes on him, burning him like the tips of cigarettes, and when they didn't speak, he turned and walked toward the Otto-B.O.N. hatch. "I'm leaving then."

"We didn't say we wouldn't change the subject," Cassie argued.

"Then change it, or I'm leaving," Otto repeated, stopping by the other doorway.

"I'm sorry I called you a dummy for so long," Ford said. "I thought it was funny how you'd react."

"It's not funny at all," Otto said. "I hate it. I always did."

"Then I'll stop," Ford said simply.

Otto relaxed then padded back over to his cushion. He sat down but kept his eyes averted. The others finished eating, and Otto could practically hear the thoughts zinging around him as they talked mentally to each other about what had just happened. Otto didn't care as long as they didn't ask him anything else about his mother. They didn't, but he could feel their curiosity almost like a living thing, pushing against him, begging that he share. He would have, if only the lake wasn't there. But it was there, teeming with monstrous versions of his friends.

"So, you're close with Sasha Nein?" Ford asked after a few more minutes.

"I suppose you could say that," Otto said. "How much of your time with him do you remember?"

"Eh, well," Ford said slowly, scratching his head. "I have vague memories around Camp Whispering Rock of speaking to him about the kids. But I have clearer memories of him discussing his tech and ideas with me while in my little hideout under camp. The Psytanium helped to make things sharper. But it's still not all there."

Otto smiled a little. "Years ago, I asked Sasha if he was willing to work with you, and he agreed. Milla came in later, and Morceau was last. A questionable choice, but he certainly has style."

Ford snorted. "Trauma can do funny things to you. I feel bad for him."

"Who?" Compton asked.

"Morceau Oleander," Otto said. He adjusted his glasses. "He's on the Board with Truman, Sasha, Milla, and Hollis."

"Board?" Bob asked, startled. "Truman makes the decisions, doesn't he?"

"Oh yes," Otto said. "But he's assembled a team around him of specialized agents." He paused and looked around at them all. "Kind of what we did, Ford. Just a new generation."

They all sat in contemplative silence before Bob spoke. "So he doesn't trust himself, is that it? I'm not surprised."

"Who?"

"My nephew," Bob said, a sour note in his voice. "But be careful. If he's willing to fire family, nobody's safe."

Otto pressed his lips together and cleaned his glasses again. "Dang, those must get dirty fast," Ford teased cautiously.

Otto blushed and put them back. "Oh, stop that, Ford," he said, but his tone was light. "It's just a nervous habit."

Ford grinned at him, clearly relieved Otto was taking his teasing. Then his grin faded. "So you are nervous around us? Because that, I'm pretty sure, is new."

Otto gazed out at the forest. "I don't trust any of you anymore. And I'm sorry that I can't. I'm trying to change it."

There was a thoughtful silence after this pronouncement, and Otto sat very still. He jumped when Ford suddenly teleported right beside him. He was pulled into a hug before he could react further.

"I'm sorry for what happened," Ford said sincerely, holding him tight. "I'd change it if I could. And the first thing I would do is tell you all that Lucy is still alive and needs help. Then we'd dig up Helmut and help him."

"We can't change it," Otto said hoarsely, tears filling his eyes. He was never one for hugs, but he leaned into it and clutched at Ford. He was afraid to let him go again. The last time had ripped his psyche open in the worst way. Ford didn't pull away, and Helmut was suddenly there. He wrapped both of them in a huge hug and lifted them off the cushion.

"Don't leave us out, man," Helmut said.

Otto smiled as the others joined in. It was nice to be at the center of the circle this time. As his friends surrounded him and held him, Otto was suddenly overwhelmed by the fact that they were alive and present, and he began to sob. They only held him tighter. He was relieved that they weren't running away. His mother had never approved of tears, and any time he'd started crying after the Incident, she'd left him alone to deal with it by himself or told him that she'd give him something to cry about if he didn't stop. It was his punishment for being a psychic like the father he'd never known a thing about. But he wasn't with his mother. He was with his friends.

When he'd managed to calm down, Otto shifted and they pulled apart. Otto reached up for his glasses to clean the tears away, but Bob snagged them and took care of it for him with his own cleaning cloth. Subdued and feeling shy, Otto sniffled and accepted his glasses back when Bob held them out.

"That's better, isn't it?" Ford asked, placing a hand on Otto's arm.

Otto didn't flinch. Instead, he smiled and nodded. "Yes, thank you. I'm sorry about that."

"Don't be," Bob said. "Better out than in."

Otto peered at him. "Solid advice. Hard to follow though."

"Why?" Cassie asked.

Otto hesitated then looked into his lap. "Because Mother would punish me if it came out," he admitted softly. "Better to not have a reaction at all and just get back to work. It'll stop hurting eventually." He let them absorb that before he looked up. "How about a walk?"

They all nodded, their expressions thoughtful and a bit disturbed at what their friend had just told them. It gave them a much clearer picture of why Otto had been so reserved in the early years. Besides that, it hurt to see Otto talk about his mother. His eyes became guarded and his mouth tightened and he grew so defensive. They understood a bit better now. And they also understood that Otto had offered them this little peek into his inner life as thanks for what they'd just done for him.

Cassie smiled. "I think a walk would be nice."

"No complaints here," Bob said. "I need to get my exercise in for the day."

Helmut grinned at Bob. "I can think of a few things to get your heart rate up."

Bob blushed but smiled. "Later," he promised.

"Groovy," Helmut said.

"And I'm going to thank you again," Otto said as he stood up.

Helmut and Bob burst out laughing, but the others didn't understand.

"Thank them for what?" Compton asked.

Otto grinned at Ford. "Discreetness in matters of copulation," he said.

While Lucy cackled and Ford turned scarlet, Compton, Cassie, Bob, and Helmut were all laughing so hard that they had to lean on something. Otto smiled at Ford, who rolled his eyes.

"You're awful, Mentallis."

"At least I can keep my pants on outdoors," Otto shot back.

"Oh, you don't have to take them off," Lucy said. "Crully has figured it out. He's good at that."

"Lucy!" Ford shouted as another round of laughter began.

Otto wrapped an arm across Ford's shoulders and smiled. Ford grumbled and glared but there was no heat to it. They headed out along a trail to take their walk, the others still chuckling as they followed. Overall, it had turned out to be a very good day, and Otto was grateful once again to have his friends back.

Chapter Text

Sasha awoke in the late afternoon, and he felt so much better. The scar in his mind had healed over again, and everything was as it should be. He shoved away the needling doubts that prickled in his psyche and sent the censors after them. After smoking a cigarette, he took a long, hot shower to soothe his aching body. Then he smoked another cigarette and raided his food stash again. He didn't care what he ate. He rarely enjoyed food nowadays. Still, it was better without copious amounts of cilantro!

There was a ping from Milla as he was finishing his food. Crumpling the wrappers, Sasha pinged her back and let her in.

"Yes, Milla?" he thought at her.

"There you are, darling. Have a good nap?" Milla thought toward him.

Sasha frowned a little. How did she know he'd had a nap? He pressed his lips together and pretended to not care. "Yes, quite refreshing. I'm going to go and check on Razputin's status. I set him a task in reorganizing some binders."

"Before you do that, could you come to Truman's office? We need to have a meeting."

"Certainly. Give me fifteen minutes."

Milla withdrew to a faint murmur and Sasha quickly got dressed. For some reason, he had a knot in his stomach about the meeting. Had Milla been her usual self, or had there been an undercurrent of concern in her mind? Nervously, he lit another cigarette and took a few puffs as he got ready. After stubbing it out in an ashtray that was somehow full again, Sasha headed for the Nerve Center.

When the doors slid open, Milla was waiting with anxious eyes. That's when Sasha knew something was wrong. His throat tightened, and he swallowed hard as Milla smiled and gestured for him to follow. They went up to Truman's office, where the rest of the Board was waiting for him. He scanned Morrey, Hollis, and Truman, peering at their eyes. They were all nervous, but with his glasses on and them so far away, their thoughts were dull, and there was no way he was taking them off.

"Have a nice nap?" Hollis asked.

Sasha's lips tightened and he crossed his arms. "What's going on?"

"Sit down, darling," Milla said, guiding him to the sofa.

Sasha obeyed, his nerves screaming at him. The others glanced at each other and seemed to be trying to figure out how to begin. Sasha could see the strands of thought connecting them, and he knew they were mentally talking to each other. He was usually in the web, though, and it made him uneasy that he wasn't.

"What is the meaning of all this?" Sasha demanded harshly. His accent grew a bit thicker, which normally would have embarrassed him, but the tension in the other board members was palpable. Hollis huffed.

"I'll do it then," she said. She walked over and stood over him. "We had an interesting conversation with Razputin earlier."

"About what?" Sasha demanded, his heart pounding. The boy hadn't gone to them, had he?

"Oh, this and that and Nervensägen," Truman said cautiously.

Sasha froze and panic clawed at his insides. Razputin had told them? This was why he didn't trust anybody. But Razputin? Why?

"The boy had concerns for your mental health," Hollis said. "And what he told us is concerning, Sasha."

"I'm absolutely fine," Sasha said, but his voice wasn't calm, cool, and collected like usual. Oh, great. Sensibility was trying to reconnect now?!

"Don't lie to us, kid," Morrey said. "You've been cracking for awhile now. We've all seen it."

"I have not!" Sasha boomed, and the mirror on the other side of the room shattered.

Sasha jumped and stared at it as everybody else looked grim. "Yes, you have," Hollis said. "And you need a Mental Exam, Sasha."

"No!" Sasha snapped. "Don't ask again."

"Fine," Hollis said. "You're no longer allowed on missions until you allow us in. We need you stable."

"You can't do this," Sasha said desperately.

"We can, and we will. Let us in."

"No," Sasha said, crossing his arms and leaning against the sofa.

"All in favor?" Hollis asked.

"Nay!" Sasha snapped.

"Aye," Truman said.

"Aye," Morrey said, though he looked reluctant.

"Aye," Milla said. She looked sad

"Then it's official," Hollis said.

Sasha couldn't believe it. He was on leave? They were cutting him out of the Psychonauts?

As if reading his mind, Milla spoke. "I'm sorry, darling. But you're not okay, and we're concerned for you."

"You'll be heading the junior agents instead of Hollis," Truman said. "So it's not all bad."

Sasha stood up, feeling numb, and he turned away and headed for the doors without saying a word.

"Sasha?" Milla asked, reaching out to him.

Sasha realized that she was still connected mentally, and he snapped the connection hard and fast. Milla let out a scream and he heard her stagger and hit the floor.

"If you please, Agent Vodello," Sasha said, his voice low and cold. "Stay out."

"Sasha!" Truman exclaimed.

Sasha didn't turn around to check on them. He left Truman's office and went out of the Nerve Center toward his lab. When he got there, Raz looked up from his task and smiled. His smile froze when he saw the look on Sasha's face. The door slid closed behind Sasha and he marched up to Raz. To the boy's surprise, he reached up and took off his glasses.

"Look at me, Razputin," Sasha commanded. Raz did. "Now what did you do? And why?"

Raz didn't try to hide or lie about what he did. He stared up at Sasha and shared his great concern and fear at how unnatural Sasha's mindscape was. Sasha gazed at him intently, looking for any selfish motives, but he found none. He saw what had happened with Milla and him being pulled into the Nerve Center.

"Damn you, Vodello," Sasha moaned. He turned and slammed his fist into the wall.

"You're not mad at me, are you?" Raz asked in a small voice.

Sasha stared at Raz, and in his eyes, the boy could see pain and betrayal when it came to himself, but anger wasn't prevalent. Recognizing that he was vulnerable, Sasha put his glasses back on and sat down in his chair.

"I don't know, Razputin," Sasha said. He put his head in his hands. "When does Hollis check in with the junior agents?"

"Every afternoon around three," Raz replied. "Why?"

"I am no longer an active agent," Sasha replied, his voice monotone. "Your interference has caused the Board to vote me into a period of leave, and now I have to take over the junior agents instead of going on missions."

All color drained from Raz's face. "I'm sorry, Sasha," he said softly.

"Actions have consequences, and you made your choice."

Raz stared at him then looked down. "Do you not want me to be your assistant anymore? I get it if you don't."

Sasha huffed and pulled out a packet of cigarettes. He tapped the package against his palm then pulled one out. He lit it with pyrokinesis and took a deep drag as he considered Raz's question. "I am rather hurt by your betrayal of my trust," he acknowledged. "But there was not a bit of malice in your confiding in the rest of the Board. You were genuinely worried. But Razputin, that did not give you license to act without consulting me. I asked you to keep that in confidence."

Raz winced and looked down, hugging himself. "I'm sorry, Sasha. Do you want me to finish up while you do the paperwork?"

"What paperwork?" Sasha asked.

"About dismissing me…?"Raz asked slowly.

"I never said I was dismissing you, Razputin," Sasha replied. "If you wish to remain my assistant, you most certainly can. But…" Sasha took a deep drag on his cigarette.

"But you have to learn to trust me again," Raz said plainly.

"Yes. Let's do it this way. If you are worried about something, especially concerning myself, you come to me and ask to talk. If you can't explain…" Sasha reached up and adjusted his glasses. "Is that agreeable?"

Raz nodded. "Sure. And I'm sorry again. But you were in so much pain, Sasha, and when I came out and saw how much, it scared me."

"It does hurt like a bitch," Sasha admitted, taking another puff. "If you'll pardon my French."

"That's not French," Raz said.

"It's an expression used after a curse word to try and excuse the use of the curse word to the listener," Sasha replied.

"Oh." Raz frowned. "Language is weird."

"Especially English," Sasha said. "Now, how does Hollis go about this?"

"She meets us in the classroom and talks about assignments."

"Wonderful," Sasha muttered. "Well, let's go. It's almost three now. She's probably waiting to officially switch roles with me."

Sasha stood up and engulfed the filter in flames as he breathed out a last plume of smoke. Raz set aside the binders and followed Sasha to the classroom. The other junior agents were there, and they turned when Sasha came in. Norma raised her eyebrows at Raz.

"You have to ask before you can bring a friend to class," she teased, pushing up her glasses.

Before Raz could respond, Hollis came striding in. Relief flashed across her face as she saw Sasha waiting. Sasha didn't acknowledge her smile as she walked up to the podium.

"All right, agents," Hollis said. "We've got a slight change to go over. Sasha Nein is taking over managing your assignments. You will go to him first if you have questions instead of me. Is this understood?"

"Yes, Agent Forsythe," the junior agents all responded.

"Good. Sasha?"

Sasha didn't acknowledge her words with anything more than a nod. He didn't trust himself to speak. Sensibility might try to reconnect again, and it wasn't an ideal time to break down.

"Very well. I leave you in Sasha's capable hands," Hollis said, her brisk tone not masking the hurt she felt from Sasha's refusal to look at her.

She left, and Sasha glanced around at the kids. He wasn't intimidated by their curious eyes. He'd handled kids at camp for years, and he knew how to 'roll with it', as Milla said so often. So he swallowed his wounded pride and nudged Raz to join his friends. Raz did so. Norma flicked his ear, and Raz poked her in the back. Then they all settled in. Besides Raz, none of the other junior agents had had much contact with Sasha Nein.

"Do any of you have any active assignments?" Sasha asked.

"Our active assignment is to figure out where the Deluginists are holed up," Lizzie said, rolling her eyes. "But how can we do that? We aren't even allowed to fly the ship and leave when we want to."

Sasha chewed on this, pacing back and forth as he considered things. "The first thing we should do is gather all data related to the Deluginists. Razputin, you must have quite a bit considering your connections. I want you all to make notes over the next twenty-four hours of every single thing you can think of related to the Deluginists. Consider the events of the summer and try and make connections. When we gather here tomorrow, I'll see what you've got and we will go from there."

The junior agents all stared at Sasha. This was nothing like how Hollis led them. In fact, they were pretty sure they were just being kept out of the way of the full agents. But Sasha was taking the assignment seriously, which made them feel better about receiving such an impossible mission.

"That sounds like a plan, Agent Nein," Raz said.

"Then I suggest you get to it. I'd like to be the one who actually helps with this so-called mission."

The junior agents stared at him. "Okay, what are you talking about?" Sam asked.

"You're not wrong," Sasha said. "They are keeping you out of the way. But I know a way we might be able to actually find the information they want. And that will prove I'm not slipping."

"Why do you have to prove it?" Adam asked.

"You'll see. He'll show up tomorrow to gloat, no doubt. But don't you worry about it. You are all dismissed. I expect you to take this assignment seriously now."

"Yes, Agent Nein," the children chorused.

They left, chatting with each other about their new supervisor. Sasha stood in the room and looked around as Raz stayed behind.

"I really am sorry," he said.

"You must make the best of your circumstances," Sasha said grimly. "But remember this the next time you make a promise and think of breaking it."

"Yes, Sasha," Raz said.

"Come. Let's see how your own assigned work is going," Sasha said.

Raz smiled brightly. "I'm almost done. Just got one more to finish."

"You're a diligent worker," Sasha praised. "I expected it to take you at least two days. But it's a lot to go through."

"I don't mind it," Raz said.

Sasha looked down at Raz, and he saw himself for a brief moment in the boy's upturned face. Sasha reached over and grasped Raz's shoulder. "You're a good boy, Razputin," he said sincerely.

They strode toward Sasha's lab, both of them quiet and thoughtful. Sasha's mind was on his new position. But Raz's mind went over the praise that Sasha had given him. After what he'd done, Sasha could still call him a good boy? It didn't feel right, but Raz didn't want to argue. He'd think about it later. But Sasha couldn't mean it, could he?

Chapter Text

The next morning found Otto waking up bright and early, refreshed and rejuvenated for the first time since he'd moved to Green Needle Gulch. He showered and got ready for the day then headed out into the clean forest air. He inhaled and looked around as he considered where to go. He finally decided to go see Bob and Helmut at their newly built home. It had been a nice project during his vacation, and Otto had been happy to help. Helmut was happy, too, and he'd admitted in an embarrassed tone that he just couldn't handle sleeping in the van every night anymore. Otto had only mentioned the benefits that come along with age.

"What's that?" Helmut had asked. "Because I don't see very many."

Otto had flashed his teeth in a grin as he responded. "Oh, but you do. Aching joints and being unable to do things you used to."

"Oh. Those benefits," Helmut had laughed. "Yeah. Got plenty of them. But no experience to match with it." He'd given Otto the saddest look. "I'm still who I was, but everybody else has changed."

"You've changed, too, Helm," Otto had replied, but Helmut clearly didn't take comfort from that.

So today Otto wanted to spend some time with him and Bob. He picked his way to the greenhouse, now on level ground, which was connected to the new house they'd constructed with Otto's help. It was a comfortable home for two, and there were enough guest rooms for their friends in case they wanted to stay the night. Otto stopped to gaze appreciatively at his work then strode up and knocked on the door. A mental ping invited him in, and he opened the door to the wonderful smell of Helmut's famous pancakes.

"Hey, Otto," Bob said, sitting in an armchair and drinking tea.

"Good morning," Otto replied. "I thought I'd swing by, spend some time with you two." He paused and adjusted his glasses. "That is acceptable?"

"Sure, if you want pancakes," Bob said. He smiled. "It's my cheat day. Helmut promised to make them for me."

"Ooh, yes please," Otto said. "I'll go tell Helmut."

"Better tell Compton, too," Bob warned. "If he makes breakfast for you and you don't show up…"

"Noted," Otto chuckled.

He sent an information packet to Compton as well as Cassie just to be sure he got it as he headed into the kitchen. Helmut wore a psychedelic apron, and he turned to grin at him.

"Hey, man," he greeted. "Want breakfast?"

"I haven't had your pancakes in ages, Helmut," Otto said. "I'll risk Compton's wrath. Besides, I wanted to check on you."

Helmut frowned. "I'm fine."

"Are you?" Otto asked sincerely.

Flipping the pancake with a twitch of his wrist, Helmut genuinely thought about it. "Be more specific."

Otto walked over and leaned against the counter. "How are you and Bob?"

Helmut's whole face lit up. "Oh, we're groovin' along just fine. He's happy to show me how all the new gadgets work, and I'm helping him get back in shape. We're exploring recipes we'd like Compton to try making, too."

"Mental health?" Otto asked.

Helmut's face reddened. "I've been focusing on Bobby."

"What about you?"

Helmut didn't reply, pouring more batter into the pan. Bob must have been listening, because he appeared in the doorway. "Helm?" he asked quietly.

"I don't want to," Helmut muttered.

"Oh, Helmut," Bob murmured, and he gazed at him with such compassion. "We can focus on you today. Just me and you and Otto. If you want?" Bob glanced between the two of them his gaze lingering for a bit longer on Otto.

Otto was shocked to be invited, but he accepted at once. "If Helmut wants us to, I'm game," Otto said agreeably.

Helmut sighed. "I guess."

Otto placed a hand on Helmut's shoulder and squeezed. "Pancakes first. Then we can talk."

Helmut nodded and Otto followed Bob back into the living room. Bob's expression was pinched with worry.

"I didn't know," he said weakly.

"Because when Helmut doesn't want to focus on himself, he makes sure we don't focus on him either," Otto said.

Bob's eyes widened behind his glasses. "Hey. That's true. How did you figure that out?"

"I simply noticed the pattern," Otto replied. "It's always been the same, and I've known you all for so long. Some of the patterns haven't changed, even after twenty years."

"You've always been good at noticing patterns," Bob admitted.

"Why, thank you," Otto said, flushing with pleasure at the compliment.

Bob glanced at him and nodded. "Not to bring down the mood, but how's the Psyconium thing?"

"Haven't had a drop since the overdose," Otto said, leaning back. "Hasn't felt necessary today, which is nice."

"Good," Bob said, his voice warm and friendly. "I've been worried."

"Thank you," Otto replied. "It's nice to have somebody else to worry about me besides Sasha."

"Tell us about him, Otto," Helmut called from the kitchen. "You have a weird link with him."

"No doubt my link between you all is weird now, too," Otto replied.

There was a long pause before Helmut spoke. "Yeah. Kinda is."

"Sasha thought so, too. Says I should try and work things out with you to soothe the line. They're apparently brittle and jagged, though I haven't seen them myself."

Helmut came to the doorway, his eyes huge as he stared at Otto. "Wait. Sasha's got psychic Synesthesia, too?"

"Not that I'm aware of," Otto said. "But I haven't ever had the pleasure of going that far into his mind."

"Really?" Helmut demanded. "That's impossible. Your link with him is so deep, man. You've got to have experienced everything, like with us."

"Nope," Otto said, smiling a pleased little smile. "But then again, he and I don't smoke or take things like I did with you back then. It's a lot harder to crack open a diamond hard shell without copious amounts of drugs to loosen inhibitions."

Helmut and Bob gazed at Otto, unable to understand just what that smile meant, especially when combined with his comment.

"Mary Jane isn't in your life anymore?" Helmut asked.

"Sasha wouldn't do it with me, and I'm not doing it alone. So nope. And I don't have any around. Though I'm sure Bobby can supply it, so I suppose there's no reason to worry."

Now his eyes were glittering, and Helmut and Bob glanced at each other. "What's on your mind, man?" Helmut asked.

"Sasha would know," he said quietly. Then his smile vanished and he sat up, a haunted look crossing his features. "He knows a lot, actually. I'm sure I mentioned that I've never gotten across the lake alone, but I have before, about half a dozen times, with Sasha. He's been about as far into my psyche as is possible."

"So he's your friend?" Bob asked. Helmut gave him a funny look, but his husband's attention was firmly on Otto.

Otto inclined his head and smiled that same little smile again. "As of this moment, he's my best friend. I'm not sure anything can completely alter that, considering our forays into the depths of my psyche." His smile faded again and he stared out the window. "For the last twenty years, I always wondered what you all would think of what's over there. Not about you, but about before I met any of you. I don't want you to see what's there about you." There was a long pause where Otto gazed at the fresh roses outside the window. "I suppose if you get across, there's no choice in you seeing that. But I'm not looking forward to it. Sasha's helped me with it, but you're all back in my life, and that's made it all different. It's raw again."

"Otto?" Helmut asked.

"Something's burning," Otto said quietly, and he removed his glasses to clean them.

Helmut yelped and bolted for the stove as smoke began to float out into the living area. Otto psychically opened the window then placed his glasses back on his nose. Bob was still staring at him.

"How are your plants?" Otto asked to change the topic.

"Can we tell the others what you said?" Bob asked.

"Yes."

"Then my plants are doing well."

Otto glanced over and smiled a little. "I notice a copious number of roses all around the outside of the house."

Bob's face flushed, but he smiled. "Yeah. We've been busy."

"After twenty years? I have no doubt," Otto teased.

Bob grumbled but it was affectionate, and Otto knew he didn't mind. Twenty years had changed certain things for all of them. It was just figuring out what those certain things were for each of them that was giving him trouble. But Otto could tell he liked the teasing now. Twenty years before, he would have been mortified into silence, and Helmut would have glared at Otto and swatted him psychically as Otto would state he was teasing, which would have led to an argument about what was and wasn't acceptable.

"I can stop," Otto said, just to be sure. "I know you never liked it."

"True, but I sure missed it after we fell apart," Bob said. "Besides, the only reason I acted that way was because I was a bit sheltered in some ways. Ma treated all that stuff about physical intimacy as shameful."

"Sex," Otto said pointedly.

Bob snickered then looked up and met his eyes. "Yeah. Sex."

Otto snorted then began to laugh. "I'm glad not all the changes are bad. I was beginning to think…" He trailed off and his laughter faded.

"To think?" Helmut prodded from the doorway to the kitchen.

"I was beginning to think that things were hopeless for my relationship with you all."

Bob sat up straight. "Otto," he said compassionately.

Otto shrugged and swallowed hard. "How are the pancakes, Helm?" he asked. His voice quavered a little.

"Well, the last one was charcoal, but the rest are just fine. Ready to eat?"

"Very much so," Otto said.

They headed into the kitchen and sat at the small table full of plates heaped high with pancakes and eggs. Otto had never been happier as he devoured Helmut's pancakes for the first time in over twenty years. They tasted even better than he remembered. Bob was clearly of the same mind, as there was no talking for several minutes as they sated their hunger. They didn't speak until Helmut had filled their plates again.

"I've missed your pancakes, Helm," Otto sighed, gladly accepting the maple syrup from Bob.

"Me, too," Bob said. "It's a symphony of flavors, man."

Helmut smiled a little, but there wasn't much energy to it. Otto leaned back, gazing at Helmut as he thought. Helmut noticed and straightened.

"What?" he asked.

"I'm thinking it's modern society that's got you down," Otto said. "And the tech. You avoid my lab and inventions as much as the Motherlobe."

Helmut set his fork down, his face reddening. He sat quietly as Bob and Otto stared at him then he let out a big sigh and nodded.

"I'm trying," Helmut said, his voice shaking. "But so much has changed. It's… it's too much. I feel like I'm on a bad trip and can't come down. It just… just stays the same amount of confusing."

Bob reached over and grabbed Helmut's hand. "It's okay," he said gently. "I'm here."

"We all are," Otto affirmed. He stabbed a slice of pancake and raised it to his mouth then paused for a moment. "I'd be happy to help you with tech, Helmut. You could say it's my specialty."

Helmut nodded and picked up his fork again. "I just don't want to look stupid to you."

Otto closed his eyes and took a deep breath but it didn't calm him down. He tossed his fork aside and shoved away from the table. Helmut and Bob looked surprised as he headed for the door.

"Hey! Hey, what's wrong?" Helmut asked, jumping up.

Otto stopped with his hand on the doorknob. "To me," he said, his voice cold. "That was specific. And as much as I tried to convey the opposite, it still didn't matter."

"What?" Bob asked, and they came toward him.

They were stopped by a psychic field so strong that it took their breath away. Otto opened the door and looked over his shoulder as he left. His expression was raw and hurt even as his voice stayed cold and detached. "That you all believe that I think you to be stupid. I've never said that. Ever. And every single one of you has said that I think less of your intelligence in some way. I didn't know you all thought so little of me. Good to know it really is everybody, I suppose. I won't be joining you in Helmut's mind today."

"Otto!" Helmut exclaimed as he slammed the door behind him. Several pictures fell off the wall. Helmut lunged over, but they didn't hit the floor. Bob telekinetically hung them back on their nails, and both of them took a deep breath as the air relaxed around them.

"I don't get it," Helmut said. "What did I say?"

"We need to talk to the others," Bob said softly, his eyes on the door.

"Why?" Helmut asked.

"Because I can believe my drunk ass said that to him, but not anybody else."

Helmut swallowed. "But what did I say, Bobby?"

"You implied Otto is stuck-up about his intelligence around us. And that's something he's always hated, just like being called a dummy."

"What do you mean?" Helmut asked.

Bob looked at him and shook his head. "Patterns. It's all patterns. He was right. Are you done eating?"

Helmut glanced back at the table and nodded. After that outburst, his appetite was gone. "Yeah. Let's go. He won't be there."

"No," Bob said. "He won't be. Come on."

Without another word, they hurried toward the Heptadome.

Chapter Text

Sasha blew out a plume of smoke as he sat and studied his notes on the Deluginists and their activities. He expected great things from the junior agents, especially Raz, now that he was in charge of their 'mission'. Ha! Mission? It was a distraction. He had voted against distracting them, had in fact wanted the junior agents to be allowed to help full agents. But they were considered too green by Hollis. She was so cautious it was irritating sometimes. Though, Sasha reflected, he was a bit lax on the same subject. Two approaches to the same thought that were so very different.

He was interrupted by a loud bang as the Otto-B.O.N. hatch flew open and Otto bounded out into Sasha's lab. Sasha raised his eyebrows and stubbed out his cigarette automatically. Otto didn't even seem to notice as he began a litany in perfect German, bashing his old friends in almost every way he could. Sasha simply leaned against the desk and listened until Otto finally ran out of steam.

"What brought this on?" Sasha asked when Otto looked for his reaction.

Otto let out a breath and sagged as his anger drained away. "Breakfast with Helmut and Bob," he muttered.

"Did they do something?" Sasha probed.

"Helmut doesn't want to look stupid to me," Otto muttered.

"Ah. That would do it," Sasha replied. "Reminds you of Travis Walters, doesn't it?"

"Yes," Otto ground out.

"Mm. Want a drink?"

"A drink? I'd take a joint if I had one, but I'm not asking Bob for anything right now. He's probably off gossiping with the others. 'Oh, you won't believe what Otto did this time.'"

Otto crossed his arms and stomped his foot childishly. Sasha smiled a little. "Lemon?"

"Lime," Otto grumbled.

So Sasha got up and mixed a couple drinks. It was early, but Otto looked ready to burst with frustration and hurt. He carried the green drink to Otto, who took a big swallow. His mouth puckered and his eyes widened at the strength of the sour on his tongue.

"More sour than alcohol," Sasha explained, sipping his own drink. "It's too early to get drunk."

"I want to agree," Otto replied then took another swallow so that his mouth puckered again.

"So what do you want to do about this?" Sasha asked.

"I know what I should do. I should explain about Travis and what he did, but how can I?"

"One word at a time," Sasha replied.

Otto grunted and walked over to observe Sasha's notes. Intrigued, he picked up the top page and scanned it. "Are you searching for the Deluginists?"

"I've been taken off active missions and am now in charge of the junior agents," Sasha said tightly.

"What? Why?" Otto turned to gaze at him in astonishment.

Sasha itched for a cigarette so he scratched his chin. Otto nodded at him and leaned on the desk as Sasha pulled a fresh one out of his pack and lit it with pyrokinesis. He sighed out a plume of smoke and leaned back. "I did what I planned, and it went wrong. Razputin was concerned about me and told the other board members, who refuse to let me continue on active missions until I consent to a Mental Exam performed by them." Sasha took a deep drag on his cigarette then scowled. "Obviously, I should have let you do it. You would be preferable to them and their meddling. At least you would understand."

"It's a privilege that you think that about me," Otto said, smiling. "But it's too late for that now."

"I know," Sasha muttered, taking another drag. "How would you like to help me supervise the junior agents today? I believe you would get something out of it."

"You know what? That sounds marvelous," Otto said. He straightened and began to pace. "What do you have on the Deluginists?"

"That is what our first meeting is going to be about," Sasha replied. "I've asked them to gather all the information they can."

"Excellent!" Otto exclaimed. He sat down and scooted close to the desk, clearly eager to start. Sasha pulled a chair over with telekinesis and sat down beside him. He passed several sheets of blank paper to Otto and slid him a pen.

"Anything you can think of," Sasha said then leaned back and picked up a pen with telekinesis while smoking with his hands.

The two men sat in companionable silence as they both made detailed notes of every rumor that had floated around about the Deluginists since the Psychic Seven had defeated Maligula. Neither one of them felt the need to talk, and Otto relaxed more as the time ticked by, scribbling away with complete focus. Eventually, he sat back and rubbed his hand. Sasha sat up straight and mussed his hair, yawning.

"Tired?" Otto asked.

"Yes," Sasha said plainly. Normally he wouldn't elaborate, but he felt like sharing for once. "I'm not too happy with what Razputin did. I have him working on the mission with the other junior agents."

"So what happened?" Otto asked.

Sasha reluctantly explained, keeping the details of what concerned Raz to himself while explaining what the Board had said and done in great detail. Otto listened with great sympathy. He could remember with perfect clarity when he had gone before the Board, and they had discussed the anxiety it had produced quite thoroughly, but now it was Sasha that was feeling anxious over his own time in the hotseat. The difference was that Sasha didn't have the same edge that Otto had, namely a spokesman for himself on the Board.

"I am sorry about this, Sasha," Otto said, leaning forward to lay a hand on Sasha's shoulder. He squeezed gently, and Sasha gave him a tired smile. He reached up under his glasses and rubbed his eyes. Otto was staring at him by the time he had readjusted his glasses and opened his eyes.

"Can I help?" Otto asked.

"I don't think so."

"But you don't know so," Otto pointed out. "You can trust me, Sasha."

There was a long, long pause where Sasha thought about everything he and Otto had been through. He'd been a green psychic when he'd come to the Motherlobe years before, and so much had shaped him into the man he was since then. Otto had seen promise in him, the promise of safety among others, which was important since his friend Bob had been a drunken mess spiraling into chaos and it was only a matter of time until he was fired.

In a move that was part hope, part fear, and part desperation, he had made Sasha into his lab assistant and then facilitated his first meeting with Truman, bypassing the fierce competition from the other agents to get in good with him to get a seat on the Board he was forming. Hollis had already been selected, as well as Agent Trudy Feldman, who had since retired. Milla had taken her place a year or so after Sasha had been instated as a Board member. Morrey was the most recent Board member, though most people were surprised by that choice. But he had a shield that was damn near impenetrable, and the rest of the Board was constantly helping with his instability. Besides, Sasha found him far more interesting now after what he'd done at camp that summer.

But Otto? Otto was a friend. He had escorted Otto through his wrecked mind and had helped soothe what he could. He could do nothing about the lake and monsters, but perhaps there was a chance to soothe even that part of Otto, now that his friends were here.

Otto leaned forward, placing his hand on Sasha's shoulder. "At least promise me if you're in trouble, you'll come to me for help. I'm more than willing to assist you in whatever is going on."

Sasha stared at him steadily then nodded. "Very well. Now, we need to go and speak to the junior agents."

Otto stood up with a groan and Sasha pushed to his feet with a grimace. They had both been sitting for far too long. Sasha took out his pack of cigarettes and raised his eyebrows. Otto nodded. Sasha lit one up and inhaled deeply, blowing out a plume of smoke. He physically relaxed and Otto gathered their notes and organized them. Once Sasha was through with his cigarette, they headed for the classroom.

Sasha and Otto arrived to find the children waiting for them, but they weren't alone. Milla was there, talking with them and clearly waiting to catch Sasha. Sasha ignored her.

"Agent Vodello," Otto greeted. "What brings you here?"

"I thought I could help with the mission, since I've not got an active assignment. What about you, Agent Mentallis? I thought you were on vacation."

"A break from the usual is most desirable right now," Otto replied.

"I hope you all have your notes," Sasha said.

"Yes, Agent Nein," the children responded.

"Excellent," Sasha said, sidestepping Milla as she reached out for him. "Once Agent Vodello gets back to her own work, we'll begin."

Raz stiffened and glanced between two of his greatest heroes as Milla looked hurt.

"I want to help, Sasha," she said, not bothering with the formality.

"You have helped enough," Sasha replied coldly.

"Oh, come on, Nein," a heavily accented voice said. "You could use all the help you can get."

Sasha's whole body went rigid at the voice of Agent Diego Alvares, and his lips tightened. He turned around to see Alvares standing in the doorway with Agents Hunter Groste and Leon Ryder. They were his cronies, doing his every bidding without a thought in their heads. When Alvares looked at Milla, Sasha automatically stepped in front of her. Otto stepped beside him; though most people didn't know how far Alvares had pushed Sasha in the past, Otto did, and he didn't like Agent Alvares any more than Sasha. But Milla was always so polite and kind. She didn't seem to realize what designs Alvares had on her.

"This is a closed meeting," Sasha said coldly, aware of the children watching and listening. "Leave."

Alvares snorted. "What's the matter, babysitter? Upset you don't get to go out on missions anymore?"

Sasha's face remained impassive. "Leave."

They came into the room, and Sasha stepped forward, pinging the children that they should get behind him. They scrambled to obey, all too aware of the tension.

"You will leave," Sasha said coldly.

"Looks like neither one of us is welcome here, Milla," Alvares said, purposefully using the correct pronunciation of her name. "Come on and I'll treat you to dinner."

There was a pause then Milla stepped out and went to him. Sasha nearly screamed out loud when he realized she had chosen to go with Alvares instead of staying with him. Why would she do this? She knew how he felt about Alvares, even if she didn't know why! Then it hit him. She was doing this on purpose.

Milla turned to the children. "Good luck on your mission," she said with a sad smile. Her eyes flicked over to Sasha who continued to stare straight ahead at the wall, his jaw clenched.

"Thanks, Agent Vodello," Raz said weakly.

After Milla walked out, Alvares turned and gave Sasha a wolffish grin. "She picked me, Nein. Guess you're finally slipping."

A dark flush of anger rose up Sasha's cheeks as Alvares turned and sashayed out. There was silence for a few moments as the kids peeked out from behind the two adults.

Raz finally spoke. "I can see why you don't like him, Sasha."

Sasha shrugged tightly, and Norma spoke. "Guess that was what you said would happen."

"So the 'he' was him?" Morris asked.

Sasha didn't answer, his mind boiling with rage. He felt ready to kill somebody. He pulled out a pack of cigarettes and showed it to the children. "Do you mind?" he asked.

"You're not supposed to smoke in the classroom," Otto pointed out. "Hollis's rule."

"She can go fling herself into a lake for all I care," Sasha said coldly. Otto and Raz grimaced at the reference.

"You can smoke if you want," Lizzie said. "Just don't make me do it."

"I suggest never getting into the habit," Sasha said dryly. He lit up a cigarette with pyrokinesis then held out his hand to Otto. Otto pulled their notes out and handed them to Sasha. The kids stared at the not-inconsiderable stack.

"Where did you get all that information?" Sam demanded. The children all pulled out a page or two of notes, except Raz.

"Years of rumors around the Motherlobe," Sasha replied, smoke pluming around his head. "You wouldn't have that information, being so new. But what about you, Razputin? Where are your notes?"

"I, uh, didn't finish them," Raz said nervously. "It was a lot, and I only got to issue seventeen yesterday."

"Issue seventeen of what?" Adam asked.

"True Psychic Tales," Raz muttered.

The children all laughed at him, but when Raz looked up, Sasha had a pleased smile on his face.

"Excellent. Then you know the plan for today already, Razputin."

The children stopped laughing and stared at him. "What?" Lizzie asked slowly.

"That is how we will find them," Sasha said. "True Psychic Tales are just that: true. They are missions and adventures that have happened to the members of our organization. Some are set before they joined but they are adventures that shaped them into the psychics they are."

"So… we get to read comics all day?" Raz asked excitedly.

"Yes," Sasha said, smiling again. "And I will show you what to look for. Otto? If you will assist me."

Otto had no problem agreeing to help, and he hurried to get the comics they were going to scour. Sasha finished his cigarette then engulfed the filter in flames as he moved to gather the notes they had already taken so they could go over them. Though his movements were calm and sure, he was not okay. He felt as if his heart was raw and bleeding at Milla's betrayal. But if she could so easily choose Alvares over him after everything, then there was simply no reason to care anymore.

So why did it hurt so very badly?

Chapter Text

Otto had calmed considerably by the time he climbed into the Otto-B.O.N. and said goodnight to Sasha. The day of collecting evidence and clues to the Deluginists' activity had greatly reduced his stress and he felt ready to talk about Travis, if they were still waiting up. He hoped they had at least saved him some dinner, but if not, he could make do.

When he got to Green Needle Gulch, Otto popped out of the hatch and landed with a grunt, catching the lid before it banged shut in case they were sleeping. He smoothed his lab coat and adjusted it nervously before he gathered the courage to look up. Bob was standing in the entrance of the Heptadome, and he smiled a little as he came out.

"We were starting to think you weren't coming back tonight."

"Well, here I am," Otto mumbled sheepishly. "And I'm sorry about this morning."

"It's okay. But we didn't mean to hurt you," Bob said.

"Bobby?" Helmut called then stepped out. He caught sight of Otto. "Hey! Otto's back!"

"Thank goodness," Lucy said from inside. "Didn't want to hunt him down."

A pleased flush spread across Otto's cheeks as Helmut held out his arms in welcome. Otto normally did not hug, but a few exceptions wouldn't kill him. He stepped forward and let Helmut hug him. He felt Helmut stiffen and gasp in surprise before his arms wrapped firmly around Otto and he squeezed.

"I'm sorry about this morning," Otto muttered.

"I didn't mean to hurt you," Helmut said. "Please believe me."

"I do. And it's not your fault."

"Care to explain?" Ford asked from where he was lounging with Lucy.

"I will, but is there anything to eat?" Otto asked hopefully, pulling away from Helmut and adjusting his glasses.

"I'm a bit peckish myself," Compton said, twisting his mustache thoughtfully.

"Whenever you say that, Boolie, we have a feast," Cassie teased.

"If we all help, it can be done in an hour," Compton said, his tone wheedling.

"What do you want me to do?" Otto asked.

"Besides explain why what I said hurt you so badly?" Helmut asked hesitantly.

"Yes. That's a given. And doing something would help me to explain better."

"Is that why you're always working?" Cassie asked.

"I suppose," Otto said evasively, but his cheeks warmed as he adjusted his glasses. Then he stopped and gazed at nothing. "No. I suppose that's a lie. I work because it was the only thing I could do that Mother approved of. Until she found out it was psychic and not mechanical."

"Your mother wasn't a fan of psychics, eh?" Helmut asked.

Otto reached up and began to run his hands up and down his arms, his face devoid of any emotion. "Oh, that's putting it mildly," he said softly. After a moment, he shuddered then gained expression back in his face. "What do you want me to do, Boolie?"

Cassie giggled and covered her mouth with her hands. Compton thought about lashing out, but the nickname was actually said kindly and gently, not mockingly as it so often had been from everybody but Cassie. He brought Otto the ingredients and gave him instructions for a stirfry. Otto waited until everybody else had their tasks before he began to follow Compton's directions. As he started to cut up the vegetables, he focused intently on the task, his heart hammering. Then he started to talk.

"What were your schooldays like?"

The question was so far out of left field that it startled them all.

"Fine student, bad behavior," Lucy finally admitted, flashing a grin.

Ford chuckled. "Oh, I can see that. I was pretty bad myself. Bet you got straight-A's."

"Of course," Otto replied. "But that was when I thought gaining back my mother's love was a possibility."

The coldness of those words made them glance at each other. Otto was methodically working, his expression never changing.

"I suppose I was a fool for ever thinking so," he added after a moment.

"No, man," Bob said. "It's natural. My own ma, she… I loved her, but sometimes I hated her, you know? Is that what you mean?"

Otto chopped the vegetables into perfect strips then set the knife down. "I am the reason my mother died alone in prison," he said blankly. "And I wouldn't change it."

That admission made them all stop. Otto didn't know what to expect. Horror? Disgust? He wasn't sure what would be worse. What he didn't expect was Cassie's gentle words.

"What did she do to you, Otto?"

"That's not what we're going to talk about," Otto said brusquely. "We're going to talk about Travis Walters and how he betrayed me because he thought I was a stuck-up, know-it-all who just needed to be shown how stupid he really is." Tears filled Otto's eyes and he blinked them away. "I can't remember what to do next, Boolie," he said pitifully. "I don't want to do it wrong."

"You're doing fine, old bean," Compton encouraged.

"Yeah, I'll help you and you can help me after that," Bob said, and he hurried over to help him. "Keep going," he said, nudging Otto as he began to heat up a pan with pyrokinesis.

"It was a science fair, or something of the like," Otto said. Bob guided his hands to a spatula and gestured at the oil. Otto obediently passed it over. "It was after I discovered I was psychic, so the whole school was afraid of me." More tears, and Otto blinked faster as Bob poured the oil into the pan. The tears didn't stop. He hiccuped and reached up to scrub his face as Bob poured the sliced vegetables into the oil, which sizzled and spattered. It was too much to remember. "I can't do it," he whimpered. "It's none of your business and I'm not supposed to tell anybody about what happened."

"Says who?" Cassie demanded, sounding ready to eviscerate them.

"My mother," Otto gulped, stirring the vegetables through blurred vision. "If… if anybody found out how bad I was, and what she had to do to control the bad part of me, I'd… I'd…"

The hot oil suddenly spattered as a tear dripped into it, and a drop leaped onto the back of Otto's hand. He let out a primal scream that was raw and terrible and flung the spatula across the room as a ripple of psychic energy burst out of him and bowled everybody over. He clutched at his hand and began to bawl.

"I'm sorry," he sobbed. "I'm sorry. I won't say anymore…"

Ford was up first and he hurried over to grab Otto's wrist. Otto tried to jerk away.

"Not again, please!" he screeched. Then his eyes focused on Ford and he came back to himself. He began to hyperventilate as he looked around, his face flushed with embarrassment and shame. Compton moved to take over the stirfry and Ford guided Otto over to Cassie. She had a first aid kit, and Ford tried to give her Otto's hand to assess the damage.

"No, I—" Otto protested weakly, trying to pull away.

"Let her see it," Ford ordered.

"It's not so bad."

"I want to make sure," Cassie said. "Sit down, Otto. It's okay."

It wasn't okay. It wasn't okay at all. His heart was hammering and he couldn't seem to breathe as Ford released his aching hand and placed his hands on Otto's shoulders. He pushed him to sit down, his eyes worried, before he went to help with the food again.

Otto looked around and noticed Bob staring at him. He hadn't moved from beside Compton, and Helmut had taken over the other preparations. Bob looked from the sizzling pan to Otto then back again. He walked over to Otto and stared at him, a question in his eyes. He didn't ask it, but took his hand and flipped it over so Cassie could see the burn.

It was a raw red dot on his skin, so small, yet somehow bad enough to make Otto lose his mind for a brief minute. He knew that it had been a stupid overreaction, but the oil had felt just like the burn of a cigarette being jammed into his skin. He sniffled and averted his eyes, which were still leaking a continuous flow of tears. He couldn't calm down.

"Take a breath in," Bob urged. "Like this."

Otto copied Bob and continued to do so as Cassie studied the burn.

"Aloe Vera?" she asked Bob.

Bob nodded and took one of the seeds from the first aid kit. He padded over to the entrance and tossed it out then held out his hand. A wave of power washed over the ground and a large Aloe Vera plant burst from the earth. Bob selected a leaf and stripped off the outside as he headed back over.

"Here we go, Cass," he said, handing it to Cassie. He took Otto's other hand then started breathing with him again. When Cassie moved to touch the burn, Otto sucked in a hiccuping breath and his teeth chattered as he tried to jerk away. Bob steadied him.

"I guess you don't like being burned," Bob said, his voice even.

Otto glanced up and saw something in Bob's eyes. Did he know why it bothered him? Did Sasha betray his trust?

"Have you spoken with Sasha Nein?" Otto asked quietly as Cassie finished with his hand and stood up to rinse her hands.

"Not at all," Bob replied. "But I'm surprised you're friends. He smokes, doesn't he?"

Otto's lips tightened and he inclined his head. "He smokes cigarettes. He's quite addicted. But I can't blame him. We all have vices. I'm a workaholic."

"Didn't your mother smoke cigarettes?"

Otto's face went slack as a wave of oppressive terror and shame rolled over him. Bob leaned close.

"We'll talk about it tomorrow. I haven't told anybody, not even Helmut. Okay?"

Otto nodded, and he reached up to swipe at his cheeks again.

"Let's breathe some more," Bob encouraged.

Otto followed Bob's example as he breathed slowly and deeply, and he began to feel better. The tears slowed and stopped after a few minutes, and it was a relief to be able to relax. He slumped against Bob tiredly, drained from everything that had happened that day. Bob made such a nice pillow that he began to doze. It seemed like only minutes later when he was shaken awake.

"Food's ready," Bob said. "Let's eat, then you can get to bed."

"Mmhm," Otto muttered sleepily.

It was a good meal, and just like Cassie had predicted, it was a feast. They ate it all, though it was an effort, then finally slunk to bed. Bob and Helmut escorted Otto back to his house. Before he went inside, Bob stopped him.

"I'll come by tomorrow morning to show you those new psychic plants."

Otto gazed blearily at Bob then nodded. "Okay. If we wake up in the morning. Check first. Better yet, come by at noon."

"Deal," Bob said. "Goodnight."

Helmut hugged Otto tightly then let him go. With a wave, the two men headed for their own house. Otto gazed after them for a moment then turned and went inside to shower and get ready to sleep.

It wasn't until he had settled into his nice, soft bed that he realized that Bob wasn't coming to talk about plants. He was coming to talk about cigarettes and his mother. But Otto was just too tired to cry anymore. He sighed and turned over, closing his aching eyes. All he wanted was to sleep…

The next thing Otto knew, a packet of information slammed into his mind so hard that he jolted awake. He yelped and tumbled out of bed, scrambling for purchase on reality as his tangled dreams faded away. Rubbing his sore head, he opened the packet and was blasted with so much information that he couldn't sort through it all. He got bits and pieces.

Sasha. Gristol Malik. Kasmira. Maligula. Experiments. Promises. Betrayal. Threats. Danger. He 's gone, gone, gone with her! She's coming! HELP ME, OTTO!

Otto scrambled up and stripped out of his pajamas, tossing them aside as he psychically pulled together a suitcase. There was no way he wasn't going to help Sasha. His promise had been trusted and accepted, and that was a huge step. Otto got the sense from the burst of information that he needed to be elsewhere, but he didn't have time to parse out where they were going. He packed efficiently as he dressed, including a secondary bag that would hold his experiments. He tossed in whatever he thought might be useful, hesitating over the Hyperhyglaciator. It had caused so much damage the last time he'd used it that he was reluctant to bring it. Then he tossed it into the bag and zipped it up. Slinging it on his shoulder, he picked up his suitcase and walked to the Otto-B.O.N. to head for Sasha's lab. He didn't even think to leave a note as he climbed into the hatch with his bags and used the psychic key.

The heavy sound of the hatch slamming closed echoed around Green Needle Gulch, and the rest of the Psychic Seven all woke up briefly to wonder at the noise. Every single one of them turned over and went back to sleep, not knowing that their friend had left them or where he was going.

They didn't know the next day around noon would find Bob going to Otto's house to talk about what he knew; that Bob would go inside after not receiving an answer and find a messy disarray of clutter with evidence of a hasty exit and not a single note or message about where he'd gone or what he was doing.

They didn't know Bob would come running to the Heptadome, panicking that he had destroyed any hope of Otto reconciling with them because he hadn't been brave enough to discuss things the night before and Otto had fled instead of talking with him.

They didn't know that Otto and Sasha were one step ahead of the Deluginists, safe and secure and preparing for the fight of their lives as they realized what the noise had been the night before and ran for the Otto-B.O.N. to head for Sasha's lab, the only place they could think of for him to go.

What they did know when they popped out of the Otto-B.O.N. was that the terrifying, beautiful woman who grinned at them as she sifted through Sasha's research papers was not a Psychonaut and should not be there.

Chapter Text

Sasha couldn't breathe as he stared at the empty Psychoisolation chamber, the note on the door mocking him with a signature he'd hoped to never see again. Memories flooded him, and he went to his knees, a groan escaping him. He began to hyperventilate, sweat popping out on his forehead as the world wavered in front of him. How had she gotten through? Gristol Malik, of course. He would have needed psychic help to find Maligula. And somehow, he had found her. 

'Oh, scheisse! What do I do?' Sasha thought desperately. Only one thought came to him.

"At least promise me if you're in trouble, you'll come to me for help. I'm more than willing to assist you with whatever is going on."

Sasha didn't hesitate. He couldn't afford to, and he had Curiosity gather up every scrap of information in his head that could be relevant, then he bundled it up and sent it to Otto. That done, he lit up a cigarette and smoked it as he considered his options.

By the time he engulfed the filter in flames, he knew what he was going to do. Sasha closed his eyes and sent a ping with information to each of the children under his care. He was responsible for them, and so he would take them with him. She would be here very soon, and the children would be far safer out of the Motherlobe once she got there. No doubt she would have the others with her. It would be their greatest conquest, just liked she'd planned so long ago.

Sasha took the Otto-B.O.N. to his lab then sprinted for his room, his senses on high alert for his old companions. He threw a bag together, gathering his entire stash of food, two cartons of cigarettes, and several sets of clothes with telekinesis and stuffing them into his bag. Just as he zipped it up, there was a knock on his door. Sasha opened it to see Raz with his backpack and a duffel bag.

"Sasha?" Raz asked worriedly.

"Where are the others?" Sasha asked curtly.

"In the atrium."

"Good. Let's go."

Raz hurried to keep up with Sasha's long strides as they rushed to the atrium. Sasha came out and saw the other children with various bags standing there, and they stiffened at the determined look on his face.

"What's going on, Agent Nein?" Adam asked tightly.

"New mission. We don't have time for questions. I will explain later. You will obey me. This is a deadly mission. No talking, come on."

The Otto-B.O.N. burst open as they walked toward it, and Otto flew out, a pack on his shoulders and a duffel bag in his hands. He landed with a grunt and hurried over. Sasha reached out to him, grateful beyond words. Otto grabbed his hand and squeezed, his eyes so kind. And then Sasha sensed them cross the psychic barrier. He wrapped his mind quickly.

'I told you I would,' Otto thought, gazing directly into his glasses.

Sasha nodded and gestured that they needed to leave.

"To the campgrounds," he thought to them all. "No talking. Elliot can hear a pin drop from a mile away."

Puzzled looks crossed their faces, but they nodded and followed him to the Otto-B.O.N. One by one, he gave them each the key to the campgrounds hatch and they disappeared into it. Raz was the last of the junior agents through, and then it was just Sasha and Otto. Otto embraced Sasha tightly and pinged him. Sasha let him in without a smidgeon of hesitation, a first for their relationship. Usually it was only Milla he let in, but he had already lost her. Hollis, Truman, and Morrey had betrayed him, too. Otto was the only one left.

When he pulled back, Otto reached up and smoothed his thumbs over Sasha's cheeks. Sasha was ashamed to feel the dampness of traitorous tear tracks as his friend wiped them away.

'We need to talk. I couldn't sort through it all," Otto thought to him.

"I'm driving. You can sort through things on the trip. But I have something for you to read once we get to camp. Please remind me if I forget. I am not eager to do it, but I no longer have the choice of privacy."

Otto nodded then they both activated the Otto-B.O.N. key one after the other, and the hatch slammed shut behind them. There was a pause, a brief pause, then the entrance chimed and a cool female voice spoke to the empty atrium.

"Welcome, Agent Nick Johnsmith and guests," echoed around the room.

Gristol Malik looked around distastefully as they appeared in the atrium then turned to the beautiful woman beside him. "There. I've gotten you in, Kasmira. Now find me Maligula."

"All in good time," Kasmira replied, her German accent thicker than Sasha's. She turned to the men and women behind her, who were looking around in shock. "Find me Aleksander Nein. And my little pet spy."

"What about the others?" one man asked.

"Bring them to me."

One of the men tilted his head to listen.

"What's wrong, Elliot?" a pink-haired woman asked.

He frowned. "I think I hear a motor."

"There are all sorts of machines in this place," Gristol said dismissively.

Elliot shrugged and listened as the sound grew fainter. Perhaps it was powering down…

But no, it was only getting out of his range.

As soon as the sense of his old companions disappeared, Sasha mashed his foot on the gas and shifted gears. The kids loved it, whooping and laughing as he slung the modified van around a hairpin turn in the mountains before shifting gears again and speeding up. He glanced at the children in the rearview mirror before he finally spoke.

"How far are your mental fields?" he asked.

"Pretty far," Raz answered.

"No. Be specific, Razputin."

"About half a mile."

"About a quarter, I'd say," Adam said, grasping the back of Sasha's chair tightly.

"Same," Lizzie said.

"A bit more than that for me," Norma said smugly.

"I think half a mile," Morris said.

"What about you, Sam?" Raz asked.

"A mile," Sam said primly, tossing her hair.

"No way," Norma sneered.

"I practice with the forest animals," Sam said with a shrug.

"Otto?" Sasha asked.

"Why are you asking?" Otto asked.

"We need to stay invisible, and we don't have time for a leisurely drive. There are Smokies up and down this area, and they will stop and ticket. I am not going to slow down. I am going to speed up. And you all will keep us out of their perception. Work together. So Otto?"

"At max range? Two and a half miles," Otto said. "But that's without enhancements. And we have some good ones in this project, don't we?"

Sasha grinned as Otto tapped the dash to turn on the psychic components. The engine growled and blue light surged across the dashboard as it came online. Otto tapped away, twisting a knob or two and twiddling with buttons. A receiver went up in between the two adults in the front seats, and the children watched as Otto tapped a few more buttons. The receiver began to spin.

"Brace yourselves," Otto said.

A few seconds later, an intense psychic burst passed over them, and a screen on the dashboard lit up. Murmuring voices filled the car.

"Range?" Sasha asked.

"It can go up to fifty miles," Otto said.

"Monitor the situation. I'm going to use the booster. Ready?"

The children grasped the seats and nodded. Sasha shifted a lever on the steering wheel. A burst of psychic energy sent the car spurting down the road in a blur. The children were enjoying it immensely until the murmur of voices became louder and solidified into one voice.

"Ugh, there's never anything exciting on this road," a man thought.

Otto turned and looked at them. "Time to practice camouflage tactics. Make sure he can't see us or doesn't register what we're doing."

"How?" Adam asked.

"You're psychics. Get creative," Otto replied.

The kids grinned and put their heads together. They spent the whole trip whizzing by other cars and rest stops and people at speeds that were dizzying. Sasha was an excellent driver, taking turns with precision and skill as he raced for the only safe haven he had left, and that was only for a little while longer. Somehow, in some way, Kasmira had returned in his life with a vengeance. He couldn't run much farther, but at least at camp he'd have the advantage.

It was only three that morning when he finally shifted out of the booster and slowed the van to turn into the parking lot of Camp Whispering Rock, setting a new record for speed. Then again, he'd never used the booster the whole way. He turned off the car and slumped back, rubbing his eyes tiredly.

"What are we doing here?" Raz asked.

"I will tell you later," Sasha muttered. "Sleep."

Almost as one, the kids all yawned. Otto headed to the counselors cabin with his and Sasha's bags as Sasha got the kids settled in the cabins. Some were out before he flipped off the lights. Raz followed him outside before he laid down.

"Sasha?"

"Yes, Razputin?" Sasha asked, thinking longingly of one last sleep before he was obliterated.

"What's going on?"

Sasha knelt down and took off his glasses to gaze into Raz's eyes. Raz's face went slack as he searched Sasha's inner world. Sasha sat up and put on his glasses when Raz began to get overwhelmed.

"Explain to the others tomorrow," Sasha said solemnly. "We might not survive her."

"Kasmira," Raz said. "That's her name. The one they wouldn't tell me."

Sasha nodded. "I need sleep, Razputin. Good night."

"Night," Raz said, then turned and went back into the boys' cabin.

Sasha sighed and forced himself to his feet then plodded to his lab. As he passed the counselors' cabin, Otto appeared. Sasha gestured for him to follow, and Otto obeyed. After grabbing the button, Sasha climbed onto the Psychoisolation Chamber platform and opened the one that led to his lab. He slipped the button into its slot and the hatch opened. Otto followed him down into the depths of his secret lab without saying a word.

When they were on the ground floor, Otto looked around. "I assume you're going to show me whatever it is you don't want to show me?"

Sasha nodded and walked over to the hidden door then typed in the code on the secret keypad. Otto laughed to himself as the door slid open; he hadn't built that part of the lab. It was all Sasha.

"Clever bastard," he said slyly.

Sasha smiled a little then led him into a place nobody else had ever seen. He walked straight to the chest and pulled out the key. After hesitating for a long minute, Sasha knelt down and unlocked it. The files were on top, where he'd thrown them that summer after camp was over. His hands were shaking as he reached in and picked up the heavy folder. He took a deep breath then turned and pushed the files into Otto's hand.

"Here. I'm going to bed. Let's go."

Otto didn't argue as Sasha locked up again and they headed back to the counselors' cabin. When they got back to the cabin, Sasha walked straight for his bed and fell into it. He didn't even bother taking his boots off. Otto clicked his tongue then removed Sasha's boots for him. He sighed with relief and turned over as his friend pulled a blanket over him. The last thing Otto did was take off Sasha's glasses. Sasha tiredly blinked up at him, no longer bothering to hide his secret, and Otto froze, his face going slack.

"Sasha?" he asked in amazement.

"File," he muttered. "Talk later."

"Of course," Otto said.

Sasha turned over and his breathing eased. He heard Otto sit down at the desk on the other side of the room. Then there was the soft noise of the file being opened. Sasha was just too tired to stay awake to find out what Otto thought. As he listened to the soft turn of pages, Sasha fell into a deep sleep without dreams, his only hope that Otto would understand.

Chapter Text

Otto finished the file in the wee morning hours, his eyes aching with tiredness. As he tossed it aside, he gazed around the counselors' cabin and thought about what he'd just read. The first thing that came to mind was that he was not surprised Sasha had kept everything a secret for so long. The pain and shame and confusion of a boy who had witnessed far too much of his father's memories of his mother had been overwhelming for Sasha, and he'd never fully recovered. Rubbing his forehead, he sat up and stretched his stiff joints then turned and walked over to the bed he was going to use. He needed sleep. They could talk later.

Sunshine woke him after several hours, and Sasha was nowhere in sight. He didn't feel completely rested, but there was no more time for sleep. He needed to talk with Sasha and then they had to find out how to stop the crazy bitch that was after him. Rolling out of bed, he refreshed himself in the bathroom, splashed cold water on his face, then headed outside. He looked around the quaint little camp and took a deep breath of mountain air. Then he pinged Sasha and waited. He didn't have to wait long before Sasha pinged him back. Otto headed his way.

When Sasha came into view, Otto wasn't surprised to see him smoking. He was up in the tower that looked over the campsite, sitting and gazing out at nothing. Otto walked over and sat down beside him with a long sigh. For several minutes the two men sat in silence, and tension oozed off of Sasha. Finally, he spoke.

"Well?"

"It's a lot," Otto said.

Sasha swallowed and nodded, taking another drag on his cigarette. "I know," he said, smoke pluming out around him. "But what do you think?"

"I think that kind of experimentation isn't so good, and I'm no longer going to make a miniature Astrolathe for cosmetic personality choices," Otto replied.

Sasha's lips twitched then he smiled. "Good choice."

"So what are we going to do?" Otto asked, leaning back in his chair.

"First off, keep the children out of her grasp," Sasha said. "I was thirteen when I met her, and it ruined me. It was after I had left my home because I couldn't look my papa in the face anymore. She promised to help."

"And she cut away Fancy," Otto said.

Sasha shivered and nodded. "He was the first. It worked for a long time. But at eighteen, the memories came back with a vengeance. I think she was disappointed that it hadn't worked, so she did it again and cut away Curiosity."

"Without your permission," Otto said.

Sasha's fist clenched and he lit up another cigarette without asking. "What are you talking about?"

Otto hesitated then quoted the part of the file that he had reread multiple times, desperate for it to not mean what it said. "'Subject questioned whether a second cutaway would be wise. Gave assurance that his mind would be changed by the time he woke up. Sedatives were administered before response. Proceeded to operate and cut away a different undesirable section of his personality. Operation was a success. After subject woke, he could remember no objections. Will continue to monitor progress.'"

Sasha went rigid and his bottom lip trembled. "I have no memory of this," he said flatly.

"Because she took it away," Otto replied gently. He leaned over and embraced Sasha. "You have a severe need to get permission for Mental Exams because when you revoked yours, she ignored you and did it anyway. Then she changed your mind for you. You couldn't do anything about it."

Sasha didn't move for several moments then his entire face crumpled and he began to cry. He shook his head violently, as if trying to deny what was so very true. Otto held Sasha against him as he wept bitterly over the realization of what exactly had bothered him for so many years about Kasmira and his relationship with her.

"She w-wasn't my friend," Sasha gulped, clutching at Otto.

"No she wasn't," Otto said, rocking him back and forth. "She used you. She betrayed you. Because I can promise you, if Lucy had looked up at me at the last second and told me she had changed her mind about the Astrolathe experiment, I would have stopped instantly. She didn't stop for you. She saw an opportunity to expand her knowledge and brushed aside your boundaries. And I'm so, so sorry that happened to you Sasha."

Sasha wept and wept, unable to stop as he broke down completely. But Otto understood at last. Kasmira had betrayed Sasha. She had been the mother-figure he hadn't had because his own had died when he was so very young, and yet she had broken his trust to sate her curiosity. From that second operation onward, something inside Sasha had shifted, and he had no longer trusted her. That had led to further experimentation, cutting away layers of psychic shielding around his mind so that she could see inside his mind as much as he could see inside others' minds. To keep him in line and control him. He might as well have been standing psychically naked in front of her, as much as she was able to see inside. And Otto could do nothing but hold his best friend as he realized all of this and began to grieve everything he'd lost so many years ago without even remembering it.

Sasha slowly calmed down, hiccuping and shivering. Otto held him, smoothing his fingers in gentle circles on Sasha's back. Eventually, he sat up and swallowed. Reaching up, he removed his glasses and scrubbed at his face then he lowered his arms and looked up at Otto through eyes that revealed everything so clearly. The depth of his gaze was chilling, because Otto had a feeling this was why Sasha always seemed to be able to read people. Sasha smiled a little and responded aloud.

"Ja, Otto. That's right."

Otto shifted and glanced away, dimly aware of how much Sasha could see through his eyes. Sasha leaned back and flicked his gaze away. "That's why I made these," Sasha said idly, holding up his glasses. "A combination of Psylirium and Psytanium condensed and liquified then compressed into lenses. That's why I borrow your lab sometimes. Mine doesn't have the technology, or the privacy, to be able to do that. And I appreciate your never asking."

"You never ask for things like that," Otto replied, taking the glasses and holding them up to the light. "So when you did, I knew it was for a good reason."

Sasha glanced over and Otto saw a flash of gold through his eyes. A second later, Sasha snorted with amusement and turned to face him. "Ja, Otto, but you trusted me enough to leave me alone in your lab, the only safe haven you've had for a very long time. You could no longer go to the Gulch because of Cassie and Bob living there, and you don't feel safe in the Motherlobe because of how popular you are and how easily rumors can start from the smallest of accidents. That is a great privilege, and I am well aware of it. So thank you for your trust. It means the world to me."

The raw honesty behind Sasha's gaze seemed almost indecent, and Otto flushed a little. "I knew you would come to me when you were ready," he said.

"Ah, then you were wrong. I wasn't ready. But you were." The gold flash in his eyes brightened for a moment before Sasha ducked his head and wiped at his eyes. "Scheisse," he mumbled. "Stop it, little pest."

"Stop what?"

"Sensibility is trying to reconnect."

"What?" Otto asked, amused. "That's one of your disconnected pieces, right? Why is that his name?"

"Ever heard of tender sensibilities?" Sasha asked wryly, sitting back to smile at him.

"Ah. So that's where you got that name. The other two I understood. But what is he?"

"The depths of my feelings," Sasha admitted. "I was becoming emotionally unstable toward the end of my stay with her. So she nipped that in the bud and snipped a large section of my emotions away."

"So when he reconnects?"

Sasha flushed and glanced away, the memory of him sobbing in Otto's arms passing across his mind. Otto saw it through his eyes, and he smiled and wrapped an arm across Sasha's shoulders.

"It's quite all right, Sasha," he said.

"But we don't have time for that. We need to come up with a plan to try and debilitate her cronies."

"Shouldn't be too hard," Otto said breezily.

"They each have a single psychically enhanced gift that is most likely honed to an insane degree of skill by this point," Sasha said, staring intently at Otto and allowing him to gaze at the memories of the training sessions that he had been a part of so long ago. "And I don't know who else she has now."

"Okay. So it'll be extremely hard," Otto amended easily. "But we've faced impossible odds before."

Sasha swallowed. "It's never felt like this," he whispered, and tears slipped down his cheeks again.

"It'll be okay," Otto encouraged. His heart was so full of love for his friend. He was glad and honored to be able to finally give him a fraction of the solace that had been offered to him in his most vulnerable moments. Sasha glanced up, and a warm flush crept up his cheeks as he registered Otto's feelings. Otto clearly saw his shy pleasure at being accepted after so long of hiding. He squeezed Sasha into a hug then handed him his glasses. "Okay, Sasha. We'll wait on Sensibility. But promise me we can look at it later."

"Of course," Sasha said. He slipped his glasses back on and it was immediately much easier for Otto to look him in the face. "So what do we do?"

"I have some inventions I brought along," Otto said. "And we have the junior agents, who have full permission to use most of them."

Sasha grinned at Otto and stood up. "Let's give her a challenge then. Come, Mentallis. We go to war."

Otto grinned, ideas flying through his head. Where to begin? What should he focus on. Then he looked at Sasha.

"You said Gristol Malik did something. Where does he fit in?"

Sasha nodded and they headed down the ramp toward the cabins. "Ah, well he was missing and Kasmira left a note for him that he didn't take with him when he left. Clearly they had planned this."

"Who left the note?" Otto asked.

"I don't know. But perhaps Nick Johnsmith wasn't the only rat in the organization," Sasha said.

"Who else could it be?"

"Is it too much to hope it's Alvares?" Sasha muttered.

Otto snickered. Then he thought about it. "Now that you mention it… that's not too farfetched."

Otto saw the children talking to each other in front of the cabins, and Raz waved up at them. Sasha took a deep breath as he and Otto approached.

"How are things, Razputin?" Sasha asked carefully.

"We've been talking about a battle plan," Raz said. "How do you feel about working with Mike and Janet?"

Otto adjusted his glasses and leaned down. "Who are Mike and Janet?"

Sam smiled then sashayed over to the edge of the woods and gave a shout. "Yo! Mikey! Jan! Come here!"

Two giant bears lumbered out of the woods and over to Sam, their eyes alight with psychic energy. One leaned down to lick at Sam. She waved the bear away. "Yeah, yeah, it's been awhile. And Dogan ain't me. Still, we got work to do."

"We do indeed." Sasha said. "There are dangerous enemies coming soon, and we must defend the camp."

The children went silent and their eyes got big. Raz stepped forward and saluted. "Tell us all about it, Sasha."

"Wait on that," Otto said. He pinged Sasha as he turned and hurried to get his duffel bag and all the tools he'd need to put his inkling of an idea into action. Sasha opened his mind at once, such a new and wonderful thing, and Otto felt the question.

"I have to modify something," Otto thought to Sasha. "Need to get everything for the project. I'll work while you talk. But promise me something."

"What's that?" Sasha thought back.

"Leave that spineless brat to me. We need to… chat, about Lucy."

Sasha agreed. "Hurry back. There's so much to go through."

Otto wished briefly for Ford's teleportation power before he picked up the pace. His friends should be safe in Green Needle Gulch. That much, at least, was a relief.

Chapter Text

Truman, Milla, Hollis, and Morrey were grouped together while the rest of the Psychonauts were rousted and dazed into a strange hypnosis that left them powerless. The Psylirium shackles on their wrists prevented them from psychically sensing each other, let alone mentally communicating. They could do nothing but wait and listen. And what they heard concerned them.

"Sneaky little snake," Gristol muttered, pacing back and forth in front of them. Kasmira had gone to search for Sasha herself. "Where is he? I want my Maligula."

There was a shuffle and footsteps and quite suddenly the Psychic Seven were forced into the room, shackled and agitated. Gristol gave a cry of delight and bolted for them.

"There she is! My precious Maligula!"

As he reached out for Lucy, she reared back, terror flashing across her expression. Ford's movement was so fast that nobody saw him do it. He stepped forward as he clenched his hands together then swung his shackled fists hard, striking Gristol with so much force that he flew back and slid across the floor. His voice was so very angry as he spat at him.

"Your Maligula my ass!" he snapped. "Don't you touch our Lucy again!"

Helmut and Cassie pulled Lucy close and Bob scowled at Gristol, stepping beside Ford to protect her. "You just don't know when to quit, do you, loser?"

Gristol sat up, fire in his eyes. A soft laugh came from behind them.

"Feisty aren't they," Kasmira asked, stepping out.

"Where did you get them?" Gristol demanded.

"Oh, they helpfully popped out of one of those," she said dismissively, pointing at an Otto-B.O.N. hatch.

"Ah. Well, there's one missing. Where's Mentallis?"

"Who?" Kasmira asked.

Gristol walked over and pointed up at the carvings of the Psychic Seven. Kasmira studied the wall before she turned to look at the group of men and women who had dared to dream of the Motherlobe decades before.

"Not much to look at," she said, and a ripple of laughter came from all of her cronies. There was a cold cruelty in their eyes as they stared at the Board and the Psychic Seven with hunger.

"Neither are you, bitch," Ford retorted. "But at least we have the personality to make up for it."

This time, the laughter came from the Psychonauts, including the Board. The Board members were tickled by his quick wit, and they were rather surprised. After decades of Ford Cruller being loopy and not-all-there, he now had full presence of mind and tongue again. Sasha had mentioned that it was highly entertaining, but that had been before they'd argued. It certainly was entertaining to see, even if the situation was so bad.

"Where's Sasha?" Gristol demanded.

Kasmira scowled. "I have checked every inch of this place."

"What about Mentallis's lab?" Gristol asked. "It's across the lake.

"You stay out of there!" Cassie spat.

"Yeah, leave it alone," Bob snarled.

"Wouldn't work anyway," Truman said quietly.

The Board all nodded, and Kasmira didn't like that. "We'll see about that. Lead the way."

With much pushing and shoving, both groups of Psychonauts were forced outside, across the floating platforms, and in front of Otto's lab. Kasmira walked right in, followed by everybody else. The giant metal doors blocked the way, but Kasmira saw the scanner and clicked her tongue.

"We need Nick, Gristol," she said.

With great dignity, Gristol walked over and stood in front of the scanner. The Thinkerprint scanned him up and down. Then there was a long silence before an alarm blared so loud it nearly shattered their eardrums. Elliot screamed, clamping his hands over his ears.

"Non-Psychonaut detected. Emergency lockdown protocols initiated," a cool female voice said.

There was a loud growling grind and the room suddenly filled with gas. Kasmira clamped her hands over her face and they all ran outside again. Turning to look at the building, which was now impassible, Kasmira clenched her fists. Then Truman spoke, sounding amused.

"I did try and tell you it wouldn't work."

Kasmira turned and slapped him across the face. Truman yelped as he fell against Hollis, who supported him and shot daggers at Kasmira with her eyes.

"Where is he?!" Kasmira screamed.

"Ask Milla," a familiar voice said, pronouncing her name with the 'L' sounds.

Agent Alvares joined them in front of Otto's lab. Milla's entire being tightened. After she had left the classroom with Diego, he had started commenting about Sasha and his so-called inadequacies. Like his German accent, how skinny and pale he was, and his 'silly interests'. Milla kept trying to change the subject, but Diego had constantly tried to put Sasha down. Their lunch had ended with Milla coolly telling him that she wanted nothing more to do with him if insulting Sasha was all he was going to do. Diego had warned her that he wouldn't be there for her much longer. Now she knew what he meant.

"Which one is Milla?" Kasmira asked.

"That bitch," Diego said easily, pointing at her.

Milla straightened and tossed her head, her eyes flashing like fire. "It's pronounced 'me-ya,' actually," she said haughtily.

Kasmira stepped forward and yanked her away from the others. Truman, Hollis and Morrey lunged forward to try and grab her, but they missed. Diego walked right over to stand next to her.

"One last chance, my beauty," Diego said. "It's me or Sasha. Take your pick."

Milla spat in his face. "There's only one option, and you simply aren't it, darling." she snarled.

Diego looked outraged. "Find out where Nein is. I'm going to torture him myself."

Milla's eyes went wide, and Kasmira turned to look into them. A wave of dizziness passed over Milla and her face went slack as she stared at the inky pools. Then Kasmira sneered.

"What's Camp Whispering Rock?" she asked.

"Ah! Of course!" Diego exclaimed. "That's the summer camp he and this bitch here run during the summer. To recruit psychics."

"We'll have to keep that up, even if most of the rest of this organization is trash," Kasmira said. "I do so like finding new candidates. Now, where is this camp?"

"On the other side of the mountains," Diego replied.

"Well then, let's get going."

"There are vehicles we can use," Gristol said. "Follow me."

So off they went, Kasmira's cronies pushing and shoving. Diego walked right beside Milla, a hand grasping her arm no matter how she twisted and turned.

"You chose wrong, darling," he sneered. "And I'm going to make sure you watch that bastard suffer."

"What is your problem with Sasha?" Milla demanded.

"You give him far too much attention. And you don't look around despite the fact that he's too sexually and emotionally repressed to reciprocate your feelings."

"That is none of your concern," Milla said coldly. "I don't need you to understand my relationship with Sasha. It is our relationship."

"But nothing will ever come of it! You deserve a husband who will adore you and please you, but Nein will never be able to. He's too wrapped up in seeing his mommy screwing his daddy through his daddy's mind to ever pay you any attention. You're making a mistake."

"I've made my decision," Milla said. "Sasha is my decision."

The Board quietly listened to all of this, unsurprised by the conversation. They were surprised that Diego knew these things, though. It had taken them catching a very slippery memory vault in Sasha's mind to find out about why he'd left home, and he refused to talk about it when they brought it up. The Psychic Seven, on the other hand, were stunned, especially Ford. Sasha Nein was a very repressed person, but now that he knew part of the reason, he understood. He'd caught his parents in bed when he was ten, which was bad enough, but he hadn't experienced it directly from their heads. That added a whole new layer of distress. All of them silently contemplated this as they made their way into the garage.

"What should we take?" Kasmira asked.

"I think… that one," Gristol said. He stepped forward to unlock it before Kasmira could stop him. It didn't matter. Though Otto's lab recognized that Gristol wasn't a Psychonaut anymore, the main building worked on a different system, and Nick Johnsmith was still in the Thinkerprint database thanks to some of his work as Truman. He grunted with satisfaction as the car unlocked.

"Why did this work?" Kasmira demanded.

Truman spoke again. "Otto's lab is entirely out of my control and in his. It appears that Otto specifically designated that his mind in particular wasn't a Psychonaut. Kinda genius, and we really should look into that, Hollis."

"Noted," Hollis said tightly. "If we survive."

"Get in," Kasmira snapped, and she shoved the Psychonauts into the back of the van. It was incredibly cramped, but they all wriggled into semi-comfortable positions as Kasmira got in the driver's seat and angled the mirror back at them. Gristol got in beside her after unlocking several more vehicles for the others. They would get to ride comfortably.

As the van started off, Milla shifted and leaned back sighing. Kasmira and Gristol didn't speak for awhile until the Grulovian prince turned around to gaze at Lucy.

"I don't see why you won't help me," he said lazily. "Grulovia could be bigger and better under our combined reign."

Lucy licked her lips then squinted at him. "Little prince grew up, that's for sure."

Delight spread across Gristol's face. "Oh, good. You do remember me."

"Of course I remember you, little Grissy. Though I do not like who you have become now. Too much like your father."

"Don't say that! My father was a fool," Gristol said acidly. "He could have had everything. Then he would have given it to me."

"Your father was a cruel and selfish man," Lucy said. "Is time you realized that. You do not have to continue down his path."

"He had the right idea, just not enough force behind them," Gristol argued.

"He used too much force sometimes," Lucy said. "You know that."

Gristol gazed at her coolly. "You always did have a sharp tongue. Father simply curbed it in the best way he knew how. You should be honored to have been corrected like that. Many women would give anything for the chance to spend time with the Gzar."

Lucy went silent, her eyes going wide. She didn't answer, pressing against Ford as she trembled. He glanced at her, frowning, but she shook her head. Gristol sighed and turned around.

"Can you change her mind?" Gristol asked Kasmira.

"Easily," Kasmira said.

"Are you sure?" Gristol insisted.

"If I can change Aleksander's mind, I can change anybody's mind."

"But Nein was on your side," Gristol said.

"Not really," Kasmira said flippantly. "But he was under my control. That's the important part."

"Then why was he not here to let us in?"

"Because he needs a little tuneup," Kasmira said, and the Psychonauts could hear the smile on her face. "Don't worry, Malik. Nein is as good as mine. Once I erase the poison of the Psychonauts from his mind, he'll be my sweet little lamb again." She glanced in the mirror and met Milla's defiant, angry eyes. "Of course, his whole purpose of joining up was so that we could take down the organization."

"What happened?" Gristol asked, though he didn't sound too interested.

"I don't know. But I'm going to take a peek inside and do some… rearranging."

The Board looked at each other, frightened by the information and the threats. Was it true? Had their loyal Sasha not been so loyal? But no, he had separated himself from this crazy woman. They all agreed with one look that Sasha had not betrayed them. They didn't know how he'd known about the coup, and he had left without informing them. But he was clearly still angry and hurt over their voting against him that he hadn't even considered coming to them. But there was something else important that gave them hope.

Otto Mentallis wasn't with them in the van, which had to mean Sasha had gone to him. If Otto was with him, he hadn't betrayed them. Otto was the staunchest Psychonaut of the lot, and he had every right to be. He had dreamed up the whole organization with his friends, the very friends sitting across from them in the same predicament. The Board's concern was mirrored on the Psychic Seven's faces. They couldn't speak, couldn't communicate in any way with Kasmira and Gristol in the front seats.

Milla reached over to Ford and touched him. He looked at her, genuine fear in his face. Milla squeezed his hand and shook her head a little, trying to assure him that Sasha wouldn't do that. It was only when the six members of the Psychic Seven glanced at each other that Milla realized that they weren't just worried about Sasha's loyalty, but also Otto's. She knew things were rough between them, but she also knew Otto quite well.

Though she wasn't sure about the others, Otto loved Ford so very much. He loved him enough to carve out a place for him at Camp Whispering Rock as a janitor, cook, and more, making use of all his cracked personas, despite heavy resistance from Hollis and Truman. Sasha had been by Otto's side since he'd first gotten to the Motherlobe, and he had always taken great care of Ford during the summers. Neither one of them would betray their friends.

As the convoy of vehicles began making its way across the mountain range toward the camp, Milla held onto that hope as tightly as she could. Because she still remembered the cold, painful snap of Sasha cutting himself off from her. She missed Sasha so much, but he had to let them help him. How they'd accomplish that, she wasn't sure. But she'd be ready. They all would be. Because whoever this bitch was, she wasn't going to hurt Sasha again. Milla would make sure of it herself.

Chapter Text

Sasha sensed them enter his range, and he blew out a final plume of smoke and engulfed the filter in flames. He didn't bother hiding his psyche this time. He didn't have to thanks to Otto's amazing watch. He'd let him borrow it with the promise that he would make him a brand new one once they got out of this. Sasha found this absurdly optimistic, but he had accepted the watch and Otto had shown him how it worked. They wouldn't be able to sense him, which would make him harder to track. As for them, he could practically feel the cars speed up as they got to the home stretch. They pulled in and he pinged everybody.

"They're here. You know what to do."

There was a buzz of agreement before Sasha withdrew again. He itched for another cigarette, but instead, he turned himself invisible and watched them get out.

"I can't sense him, Kasmira," Ambrette said.

"He's here. Get them out." Sasha's stomach cramped painfully at just the sound of Kasmira's voice, and when he saw her, he had to focus on continuing to breathe as his body seized up. He had hoped to never see her again. He'd stopped replying to her letters, and he'd prayed that it had been enough, that he was safe in the Motherlobe amongst psychics. But of course she hadn't been content to lose her prized second-in-command. So she was here, watching as her cronies pulled open the back doors of a van and began yanking people out.

Otto pinged his mind, and Sasha opened the link to hear a litany of swearing. He could also feel Otto's dismay and terror at seeing his friends being forced out right behind the Board. Sasha watched the Psychonauts stagger and stumble as they were pushed and shoved toward the camp.

Sasha lowered his voice to the barest of whispers and spoke. "Hello, Elliot."

Elliot's head snapped up and he turned to peer toward Sasha. Then his head snapped the other way and a look of unease crossed his face.

"What's up?" Dietrich asked in a bored voice.

"You don't hear that?" he asked.

"Hear what?" Gristol demanded.

"He's funny," Sasha whispered. "But I don't like him. What should we do if he touches us?"

He didn't know what Otto's reply was, but Elliot turned away and began to moan and clutch his ears as his breathing sped up.

Kasmira looked back at him and scowled as she turned back to the camp. She scanned the trees and saw nothing.

"Miss," Elliot whimpered. "Miss, I think the trees are angry."

"Oh, you hear it, too?" Milla asked. She stood gathered with the rest of the Psychonauts, and though her face was serious, her eyes were devious. She'd guessed what Sasha was doing. "They talk all the time, darling. The rocks whisper, too, if you listen hard enough. That's how we named the camp."

Elliot moaned. "The spirits aren't happy! We should leave, Miss!"

"We are going nowhere. You know Aleksander is doing this, right?" Kasmira demanded.

"But they're talking from all sides!" Elliot cried. He looked ready to bolt, so Kasmira walked right over and reached out to brush her fingers along the back of Elliot's neck. Immediately, all expression left his face and he stood up straight and spoke in a monotone. "My apologies, Miss."

"Let's go," Kasmira said as Milla's mouth dropped open. Sasha flinched. So she did remember accidentally deactivating his response when they'd been talking. He backed up, using his psychic power to mask his footsteps as he trailed their movements and kept pace with them. He passed by another invisible figure, and Sam giggled. Sasha hushed her with a ping and continued to follow. He could sense most of the children around him, and Otto was on the other side of the group with Raz and Gisu, prepared to make his move as soon as Sasha had finished his. If it went the way they had planned, which he highly doubted. Kasmira was exceedingly good at throwing wrenches into the best made plans.

As they followed along, Kasmira was turning her head from side to side. She stopped. "Aleksander, I know you're there," she said.

Sasha wrapped his hand around the watch as her eyes scanned the forest. It worked because she continued on, the group following. Milla's eyes were darting around, and the rest of the Board were as serene as they could be. He thought about pinging them to reassure them but decided against it. Kasmira had a much more refined ability to peer through eyes. Sasha had been the Guinea pig, the lab rat, the test run, and he felt sick at the thought. Still, he followed, swallowing down his disgust and fear and sadness. She would simply use them against him, and he couldn't stand the thought of her seeing inside him again. He reached up to adjust his glasses, making sure they were there. Even if she demanded he take them off, he would not. Not this time.

Kasmira stopped at the cabins and looked around. "Aleksander I am done with your games. Be a good little lamb and come out."

Her voice was as sweet as honey and alluring as a siren's call, and Sasha found himself taking two steps forward before he bumped into one of the children. He reached out to grab whoever it was to steady himself, and Adam pinged him.

"You all good there?"

"No," Sasha thought back.

Adam grabbed his hand and squeezed reassuringly. Besides Raz, the children only knew that Kasmira had a dangerous hold on Sasha's mind, and Otto had been adamant that they be aware of it so they could help him resist. He'd reluctantly divulged this to them, and they were more than ready to fight for him. Somebody else took his hand and pulled him back, and he sensed the children lining up around him to protect him and keep him stable as they watched Kasmira. She was getting frustrated. It rolled off of her in waves, and if he took off his glasses, he was sure he would be able to see the psychic imprint produced by her emotions. Milla and the rest of the Board were still calm, but the six members of the Psychic Seven were agitated. Otto pinged him, and Sasha pinged him back to reassure him.

"Somebody's sending thoughts, Miss," a young woman Sasha didn't recognize said.

"Come out, Aleksander!" Kasmira shouted.

"This is ridiculous!" Gristol complained. "You said you had him in hand. You said it would be quick and easy. And you can't even find him."

"I'll find him for you," said a familiar voice, and Diego Alvares pushed out of the middle of the crowd of minions. He walked right up to Milla and snagged her face. Before anybody could react, he jerked her into a forceful kiss.

Everything inside of Sasha froze for a single moment, and Curiosity connected long enough to wonder if she was working with him. But when Milla jerked back and swore at him in her native tongue, he knew that it hadn't been mutual.

It happened in a single instant. He felt the moment Sensibility reconnected, and a white hot rage filled him to overflowing. The children were knocked back and barely kept their camouflage as Alvares was psychically picked up and blasted into a tree before he crumpled to the ground, unconscious. Everybody turned from him to Sasha, who was now completely visible, and he snorted in disgust. Then Kasmira purred his name, and a bone-deep terror gripped him.

"Hello, Aleks."

Sasha stepped back and snarled at her.

"Don't do this, Aleks," Kasmira warned. "It will be worse if you run. Come here like a good little lamb."

"You mean lab rat, not lamb," Sasha spat, and the Board straightened at his words. The Psychic Seven were watching, and Helmut's mouth fell open as he stared between Sasha and Kasmira. "Besides, despite your efforts, I'm not dead. And I refuse to be sacrificed on your alter of science and progress!"

With that, Sasha turned and ran, pinging the children and Otto to keep the plan going once she followed him. Because she would follow. She already was, and he was terrified as he tore through the camp. His only thought was to stay out of her grasp, but the odds were against him. Alvares had ruined everything, forcing Sasha to reveal himself before they were hemmed in by the psychic animals. But he heard Sam's spine-chilling scream as she summoned them, and he knew things on their end would go better. He had prepared them for most of the gang, though there were a few members that he didn't recognize. Still the odds were in their favor. Theirs, yes, but not his.

Otto was confident he would survive. Sasha was not. Kasmira was going to destroy his mind and will, and there was nothing he could do about it. There was nothing left for him back at the Motherlobe anyway. His only regrets were the children, especially Raz, and Otto. So much potential, and he had to keep it alive. He would give everything up for them, for the Psychonauts organization that had saved him from his old mentor and within which he had found what he'd longed for since he was a child: acceptance, kindness, and an abundance of love, peculiar and in many forms, true, but love nonetheless. So he would die, at least mentally, for them all to live. Perhaps he would make it in True Psychic Tales one last time.

Sasha was suddenly tripped by a long, thin whip that snapped around his ankle and jerked him back. He crashed to the ground, gasping for air and sweating from every pore. He heard Kasmira's cry of triumph, and he curled up into a ball, shielding his face with his hands as he trembled.

"Got you," Kasmira panted. "I finally got you back, Aleksander. Now we can stop plying these games."

"Nein!" Sasha shouted. "It's not a game! My life and mind and are not your play things! You tricked me! You lied to me! I don't want anything to do with you any longer!"

Silence. Then Kasmira leaned down and brushed her fingers over his neck. All fight left him, and he slumped forward, but he refused to let the apology slip from him. He wasn't sorry, and he never would be. Even if she changed his mind again, he knew where he stood. He finally knew where he ended and she began, and for so long that had been a mystery to him.

"Well," Kasmira said softly. "I've changed your mind for you before, Aleks. Time for another session."

Sasha tried to lunge away, but Kasmira settled the door on the back of his head and he went limp and still, his focus being drawn inward toward the cube. The last thing he heard was a crunching sound before a dark purple wave of power blinded him. Suddenly, he was whizzing through his mind. The cube he kept everything in burst apart at Kasmira's command, and he was flying through Fancy's mental Reizenbeck. Sasha saw him sobbing and running through the streets, looking back with terror.

The next thing he knew, he had sailed across the fields and through the decorative glass window of the scientific library. He heard Curiosity scream and saw him running for cover as glass rained down around him. Then he was on the other side, crashing through the trees of the forest as he was dragged farther and farther into himself. He saw Sensibility look up at him before he stood and walked away.

Sasha was terrified as he was dragged toward the fissure in his mind, and he turned and clawed at the ground, carving deep furrows in the earth as he tried desperately to get away. But it was no use as purple vines grabbed his ankles and pulled him into the crevice. He fell so far that there was no light, no sound except his panting and sobbing. He hit the ground with terrific force, and he had no time to process things as the vines caged him, wrapping him so tightly that he couldn't move. Then there was silence for several long moments.

Sasha was aware of nothing but darkness, of his own pitiful mewls as he struggled to move. But he couldn't. Kasmira had finally done what she had long threatened to do. She had locked him away in his own mind. Once she was done destroying everything, she would change his mind. And this time, it would be permanent. He would no longer be in control of himself, and the damage he would do by her side would be catastrophic.

Sitting there alone in the dark in the place where he had repeatedly imprisoned the undesirable parts of himself that Kasmira had cut away, Sasha wept at being cast aside and for everything he had lost. He wanted his friends back. He wanted things to be like they were before. But they never would be. He would be imprisoned there forever, and even if she let him out, a part of him would remain bound in the dark. Because when she changed his mind, he would no longer be himself. He hadn't been himself since he had allowed her to cut away Fancy.

"Es tut mir leid," he whispered, then repeated it again and again. Maybe if he said it enough, Fancy, Curiosity, and Sensibility would hear him and understand before she utterly destroyed them, and with them, any chance that he would ever be himself again.

Chapter Text

When Alvares kissed Milla to draw Sasha out, Otto was outraged. He heard Raz and Gisu gasp before Milla jerked away and swore at the rat. A second later, Alvares was blasted into a tree as Sasha became visible. Their exchange made Otto grit his teeth, and he was glad to see Sasha run. When he was pinged to stick to the plan, he nodded to himself and connected to the children as Kasmira took off at an astounding pace after Sasha.

"Time to improvise. Let's shake them up. Elliot is the main problem. Can't talk with him conscious."

"Allow me," Sam thought, then she sashayed into view and dropped her invisibility. "Hey guys, know any place to get something to eat?"

Everybody turned to gape at her, and Compton gasped. "Sammy!"

"Heya, Gramps," Sam said, winking.

"Psychic!" one of the goons shouted, and Elliot's eyes glowed with the threat of power.

So Sam did the only thing she could to incapacitate him. She filled her lungs and screamed as she sent a psychic command to the animals. Elliot went to his knees and clapped his hands over his ears. One of the others sent out a bolt of psychic power that turned into flaming snakes. Sam snorted and flipped her hand.

"Snake attack? Please. Go back where you came from!" she boomed.

The snakes stopped then turned and attacked the man who had tried to use them. He screamed as he was engulfed with fire then the snakes exploded into a psychic burst that knocked him out. He fell and hit the dirt, his eyes glazed.

"No animals!" a woman cried.

"Oh, yes animals!" Sam decreed. "Meet Mikey and Janet!"

The bears came tearing out of the forest their eyes glowing. Then Raz jumped out and shouted as he became visible. "Now! Get them! Free the Psychonauts!"

In the uproar, Gristol Malik turned and fled. Otto watched him go for a moment before he put a psychic marker on him. There was no way out of the camp in that direction. The mountains and cliffs cut off all access. He'd have to come back or hide, and Otto knew which the coward would choose. He'd hunt him down later, once the children were safe.

Meanwhile, it was impressive to see the children's creativity. Adam was incredibly dexterous as he used a psychic yo-yo. He was good, wielding it expertly to dazzle as well as attack. Sam was astride one of the bears, her eyes alight with the same insane energy as sometimes came over Compton. Speaking of his old friend, Compton was watching with frantic worry as his granddaughter led two of the fiercest psychic creatures they'd ever come across in a game of chase with two of Kasmira's goons.

Lizzie and Norma were using their powers quite nicely as well. Lizzie's specialty seemed to be cryokinesis, and she kept slipping up her foes, which allowed Norma to use her pyrokinesis to great effect in dazzling and taking down the goons. Morris was helping Raz ricochet off trees to strike down their opponents, while tripping up the ones fighting his friends.

While the others were occupied, Gisu stood beside him, the only junior agent to not have moved. She had very specific instructions from Otto, and she was to trail him when he went after Gristol after this was all sorted. She stood and watched, flipping her hair as her fingers twitched.

"Can I help?"

"No," Otto said.

"Are you sure?"

"I've told you what I want you to do," Otto said.

His gaze kept sliding to his friends despite the ferocity of the battle. Compton was twitching anxiously as he watched Sam fight, and he pressed against Cassie. Cassie shifted, letting him know she was there in the only way she could. Helmut, Bob, and Ford were around Lucy protectively, and Otto had a feeling Gristol hadn't kept his thoughts to himself on the ride over. He would ask about it when they had their little talk.

Raz did a neat backflip, bounded up against a tree, then slammed into another one of the men. He went flying, crashed into another tree, then went still. The last two tried to run, but Norma gleefully whipped them up into the air and smacked them into the ground. And then there was silence, punctuated only by the gasping children.

Otto stepped out and made himself visible. "Very good," he said approvingly, and everybody spun to see him.

"Mentallis!" Hollis gasped.

"Let us out, Otto! Sasha needs us," Milla begged.

Otto adjusted his glasses and glanced back over his shoulder where Gristol had gone.

"I agree," he said, turning back to the Board. "However, I do not possess a key, and I'm not touching those Psylirium shackles."

"Well, I have gloves on, and I can get them out," Raz said, flashing his teeth in a pleased grin.

"Oh, very good," Otto said. "Now, I have some business to attend to, Agent Aquato. Monitor the situation and free them."

"Sure thing, Agent Mentallis," Raz said with a salute.

Otto turned and walked into the woods. He heard his friends calling for him to wait, but he didn't feel like it. He wanted a few words in private with that Grulovian prince, and he was going to get them. He gestured for Gisu to follow, and he heard her padding along behind him.

"Should I stay invisible?" Gisu asked.

"I believe there is no need," Otto replied, and she became visible. "And remember. I don't want you to hear the conversation."

"What about your orders?" Gisu asked.

"I can give them psychically. Now, please be quiet."

Gisu huffed but walked alongside the man she had interned for. She didn't understand him too well, but she did like him. He had some pretty cool inventions, and she was the one he had entrusted the controls to. She held the control panel in one hand as they walked toward whatever it was Otto wanted to do.

Otto sensed the psychic marker he had put on Gristol, and he veered toward the lake, humming one of Helmut's songs. Gisu followed on, and Otto turned and went to the mouth of a cave. Peering in, he smiled.

"Gisu, please go and stand at the edge of the woods and wait for my signal. No matter what you see, press that button after I ping you."

"Sounds easy enough," Gisu said, and he waited for her to walk away. When she pinged him that she was ready, Otto turned back to the mouth of the cave.

"I know you're there, Princey," Otto said. "Come out and we'll talk." Silence. He lowered his voice and flexed his hand so that fire filled his palm. "Or stay in there and burn to death. You have fifteen seconds before I act."

Otto had barely counted down to twelve when Gristol Malik came out to face him. The prince's eyes were haughty, and his voice dripped with complete disdain and condescension.

"What do you want to talk about, Mentallis?"

Otto adjusted his glasses and gestured for him to follow. They strolled along the shore, and Otto began. "Well, Nick, I am surprised that it was you. You even had me fooled."

Gristol preened at the praise. "Fooling Otto Mentallis is no mean feat."

"True," Otto agreed. "But what I want to know is, are you going to leave Lucy alone?"

"Who?" Gristol asked. He snorted. "Oh, you mean Lucrecia Mux?"

"She's Lucrecia Cruller now, and I'll thank you to remember that," Otto said sternly.

"She's Maligula, Mentallis, and that's all she ever will be."

"You're wrong, Nick."

"Don't call me Nick!" Gristol snapped. "That persona is no longer necessary. You will call me Prince Malik."

"Then you will call Lucy by her real name."

Gristol sneered. "No."

"Okay then, Nick," Otto replied.

Two spots of color grew on the prince's purple cheeks. "You're as insolent as Maligula was."

"That's our Lucy," Otto said proudly.

"Yes. And she was properly punished for her sass. Father showed her just how to shut up. Hard to talk with your mouth full."

Otto stopped and forced Gristol to stop, too. A deep, sick feeling filled his gut."What are you saying, Nick?"

Gristol turned to smirk at Otto. "Does that stupid Ford Cruller know she was with my father? No doubt he can't compare."

Otto's ears started ringing, and he sucked in a sharp breath. Surely he was lying! But Otto had always wondered just why Lucy had snapped so hard into her survival persona, and that would certainly do it. Gristol grinned at him, and Otto turned to stomp to the end of the dock to stare out at the lake. Gristol continued to approach, continued to talk, and Otto could feel his blood pressure spiking at the prince's gloating, mocking tone. 'Just a little closer,' he thought. 'Come on, Princey.'

"Oh, she was always so snappy with her replies. I found them amusing, but Father didn't. And he finally had enough when she told him she'd be going back to you and Cruller and your friends. She was tired, she said. She was going to go home, she said. My father reminded her that she was Grulovian by birth, and she belonged to him. She defied him again, so he took her aside to show her what a woman was really for."

Otto turned to face him, his expression dark with rage. "This is what you will do, you little brat," he said in a low voice. "You will leave this country and you will never touch or even think about Lucy again."

"Why would I touch her now? She's hideous," Gristol said, waving his hand dismissively. "Father at least had her when she was beautiful. Now look what's left over for Cruller."

A bellow of rage burst from Otto, and he lunged forward and tried to wrap his hands around Gristol's throat.

"Get off me!" Gristol screamed, bucking him off. "You're crazy, old man!"

Otto laughed, the hysterical sound booming across the lake. "Crazy?!" he shouted. "I'll show you crazy, you egg-sucking little bastard!"

He lunged again and wrapped his arms around Gristol as he tackled him into the lake. They sank to the bottom, shocked by the cold that drove the air from them in streams of bubbles. Otto struggled to pull an invention out of his pocket, and when he finally got it out, he pinged Gisu then latched onto Gristol and closed his eyes before he activated his invention. Gristol immediately stopped struggling and went limp. Otto swept his mind through Gristol's and felt a sense of triumph. He had done it!

And then a deeper cold than he'd ever known sliced through him as his Hyperhyglaciator activated and froze the entire lake in hyper ice.

Chapter Text

As soon as Otto left, Raz bolted over to the Board and pulled out a hairpin. Morrey snorted as Raz slotted the pin into the locks on his wrist.

"You can pick locks?"

"Can't everybody?" Raz asked sincerely, popping the lock with such speed that everybody gaped at him.

"Whoa, cool!" Lizzie said. "You gotta teach me that."

"Sure," Raz said, popping Milla's lock then Truman's then Hollis's.

"We've got to help Sasha!" Milla exclaimed.

"Wait! Milla, wait!" Raz exclaimed and dug something out of his pocket as the Psychic Seven started going ballistic at not being immediately freed, too. Milla took the whistle he pulled out and gazed at it in bewilderment.

"What is it, darling?" she asked.

"If you need help in Sasha's mind, blow it."

"Sasha's mind?!" Hollis yelped.

"Oh, butternuts. That's not good," Truman groaned.

"If that crazy bitch gets in there…" Morrey didn't finish the thought. He didn't have to.

"He said if he had to run, he'd go around the lake to the caves," Raz said. With that, he took his hairpin to pick the locks of the Psychic Seven.

"Thanks, darling!"

Milla turned and began to bound through the forest, the others on her heels. They could plainly see the heel marks from Kasmira, so they followed them. Then they heard a wild scream from Sasha that cut off abruptly. They stopped behind some trees in time to see Kasmira kick a limp Sasha in the ribs.

"Silly little Nervensäge," Kasmira said, and she reached down to grab Sasha's glasses. With a single movement, she crushed them into pieces then tossed them away and gazed into Sasha's eyes, her expression intense. Then she laughed.

"Run, little pests. For it is your last day."

With that, Kasmira stepped back and they saw her project herself into the door on the back of Sasha's head.

"No!" Milla screeched, and the Board raced forward.

None of them hesitated as they surrounded Kasmira and projected themselves through the door. They didn't quite know what they'd find, but they needed to help Sasha.

They landed on a dirt path that looked as if it had been bombed from the skies. They looked around in both shock and dismay at Sasha's inner world. They'd never seen it before, but to see it devastated like this was horrific. The ground beneath their feet shook, and Truman pointed.

"That way!" he called.

They began to run down the path, helping each other up and around the terrain, distorted from destruction instead of simply being a natural mindscape. When the ruins of a village came into sight, they stopped for an instant, staring at the smoking heaps, then they ran toward it. They hurried into the rubble, and Milla called for Sasha. The others followed suit. There was no sign of him. But just when Milla was about to turn away from the ruins of a cobblers' shop, she saw a flash of movement.

"There!" she exclaimed,

Morrey stepped forward and flexed his shield, forcing the rubble away to reveal a small door set in the floor. Milla knelt down and knocked.

"Sasha? Darling, are you in there?"

"He couldn't fit in there, Milla," Truman pointed out.

As he finished talking, the door creaked and shifted as somebody peeked out.

"Pretty lady is here?" a soft, young voice asked in a heavy German accent.

"Pretty lady?" Morrey snorted.

"Come on out, darling," Milla said.

"Nein! She will destroy me! She said so!" the voice sobbed.

"We won't let her," Truman crooned, catching on. "Now come on out."

There was a few beats of hesitation before the door pushed upward to reveal a boy of about twelve or thirteen. He wore an old-fashioned outfit of brown breeches with a dark brown shirt and a grey vest, but he had no glasses, revealing grey eyes that were frantic with terror and sadness.

"Sasha?" Hollis gasped.

"No way," Morrey said, rearing back.

"Of course not," Milla said. "You're Fancy, aren't you?"

"Ja, pretty lady," the boy said. He turned and looked around at the village. "All gone. She destroyed it all again."

"What do you mean again?" Hollis demanded.

Fancy looked at her and sniffled. "Again! Again! As in it has happened before! So many times. But this time she wants me gone, too. He finally made her mad enough and she took him."

"Took who?" Milla asked, gazing in wonder at the younger version of Sasha.

"Sasha," Fancy said miserably. "The real him. The him she thought best to keep."

"What are you?" Truman asked.

Fancy sighed and stood so that his lower half became gold. It flickered as if it was a cut power line, spewing sparks to try and form a connection. But there was no connection. At that moment, the rest of the Board began to understand just why Sasha didn't want them in his head.

"Where did he go?" Morrey asked.

"She sealed him in the canyon, I think," Fancy said, scrubbing at his eyes.

"Can you take us there?" Milla asked gently.

Fancy looked miserably up at her. "Why not go and have lunch with that Wichtigtuer again, pretty lady? Surely you enjoyed his company."

Milla was shocked that this younger version of Sasha was calling her out for her bad decision. "What else was I supposed to do?" she asked. "You— I mean, Sasha wanted me to leave so I did."

"Ja, leave me alone, not leave me for him!" Fancy exclaimed, stomping his foot. "He's a bad man. A very bad man, pretty lady, who has bad thoughts about you. He is dangerous, and yet you walk away with him, la dee dee, as if no problem. You are too pretty sometimes, we all think so, and that is not good when you are so nice."

"You all?" Hollis asked.

But Milla blushed, shocked that even this part of Sasha found her beautiful. If this was how this part of him thought, what about the rest of him? For years she had stayed by Sasha's side, fighting alongside and supporting him, but he'd never truly reciprocated her romantic feelings. Everybody else in the Motherlobe was well aware of how she felt, but Sasha? She had always wondered, but after finding that memory vault with the reasons he left home, she couldn't blame him and had decided to stay with him anyway. Nobody else attracted her like Sasha, so she had settled into the friendship and been fairly content for years. But was there actually a glimmer of hope?

"I am sorry, little one," she said, running her hand along Fancy's cheek. "I didn't know."

"Ja, because it is not for ladies to hear about what he wants to do to you," Fancy muttered.

"So he wants to sleep with her?" Morrey asked.

"With?" Fancy asked. "Nein. I said to her not with her."

Milla recoiled at the thought, and Hollis grabbed her shoulder to steady her. "We'll take care of it," Hollis assured her.

"Better hope I don't get to him first," Fancy muttered. Then he sighed. "Well, we better see if she destroyed Curiosity. That nice library, all gone again."

Fancy looked at the rubble sadly before he took a breath and stood straight. His body flashed gold as he reconnected, and the entire destroyed village distorted then settled itself into a pile, leaving a clear branch of paths, including softly glowing portals. He stuck his hands in his pockets then walked straight through, looking neither right nor left. The Board followed him a rather short distance and they were out of the village and into a beautiful green meadow. Over the crest of the hill, Fancy stopped and began to cry.

"There," he said thickly, pointing to another building that was devastated. Papers flew everywhere on the breeze, but there was no sign of Kasmira. "Let us see if he is dead now, ja?"

Without waiting for an answer, Fancy went toward the rubble. When they got there, the Board looked around at the devastation.

"Hello?" Hollis called.

Silence. Fancy shook his head and began crawling over the stones. When he got to a spot that he apparently recognized, he pointed.

"There, little man," he said to Morrey. "Move it all and we shall see if he made it into his hiding spot."

So Morrey used his shield to clear the rubble away. Once again, a door was revealed, though it was bigger than the one Fancy had been hiding in. Fancy hopped down then banged on the door in a special pattern.

"Is me. Please tell me she didn't destroy you, mein Bärchen."

There was a pause before the door pushed up and an older version of Sasha climbed out of the hole. His grey eyes flashed with fire as he saw the damage to his laboratory, then he huffed and shook his head before he focused on Fancy. He embraced the boy.

"Am just fine, der Jüngling," he murmured. "But she will find us and she will destroy us."

"We need help, Curiosity," Fancy whimpered, burying his face in the older Sasha's chest.

"Help?" Milla asked, recalling Raz's words. "What about this?"

She pulled the whistle out of her dress pocket and held it out. Curiosity and Fancy both turned to look then their eyes went wild with excitement. Fancy shoved away from Curiosity and began to dance.

"And you said to leave him alone!" Fancy said gleefully, pointing at Curiosity. "You said to not bother him with my little fancies! But look! Look what I've done! And it is good this time, ja?"

"Very good!" Curiosity boomed. "Perhaps you are necessary."

"Of course he's necessary," Hollis said. "Why else would he be a part of Sasha?"

A look of shock crossed both Sashas' faces. Curiosity scratched his head. "But he is the cause of us leaving home. That's why we snipped him away."

"What does that say about you?" Truman asked, stroking his beard.

"What do you mean?" Curiosity asked.

"You were snipped away, too."

"Ha! Apparently it was against his wishes," Curiosity said smugly. "Little Fancy was the problem."

Fancy wilted and looked away. "I just wanted to know about Mama. He never talked about her."

"Well now we know, ja?" Curiosity said haughtily. "We know just what Papa thinks of Mama and now we can't go back home!"

"Enough!" Hollis snapped, but her voice shook a little. This wasn't what any of them had expected. Sasha was far worse off than any of them had guessed, even Milla. Curiosity and Fancy turned to look at them, and Fancy scuffed his boot.

"Sorry am bad. We go now," he said sadly. "Sensibility is next. If he lives."

"He will be harder to destroy than us," Curiosity said, and he began to pace just like Sasha. "He was deeper than we are, more vital."

"Don't say that," Milla said. Curiosity stopped and glared at her, placing one hand on his hip.

"Why not?" he asked. "Or did Alvares put you up to this? How was your lunch, eh? Nice, sparkling conversation, I bet, of all my flaws."

"How do you know that?"Milla asked.

Both Fancy and Curiosity laughed, but it wasn't a free laugh like the one in the car had been on the way back from Camp Whispering Rock. It was bitter and jagged, and Fancy tossed his head, his eyes flashing.

"Pretty lady thinks so much of him," he sneered. "Great man, she thinks, and can't see why we hate him."

"She's an imbecile," Curiosity said, not looking at Milla. "We warned her to stay away. And she didn't."

That one was like a punch in the gut. Milla flinched, but she didn't argue. Without looking at her, both Fancy and Curiosity looked around.

"Clean up then we go, ja?" Fancy asked.

"Ja, ja," Curiosity said.

There was a burst of gold as he reconnected and a surge of power washed over them as the rubble was piled neatly in stacks. Curiosity grunted as he disconnected and his feet returned to normal.

"Come then," he said. "We go to die, ja, Fancy?"

"I'd deserve it," Fancy said, kicking a rock. "But you don't. He wanted you."

Curiosity looked shocked. "Mein Spatz? Don't say that."

"Why not?" Truman asked. "You did a few minutes ago."

"He shouldn't be destroyed," Curiosity argued.

"But he should be cut away?" Truman asked pointedly.

Curiosity went silent and turned to run his grey eyes over the younger version of Sasha as he slunk away. "I don't know anymore," he said, and he sounded surprised. "His fancies did get us the whistle."

"What does it do?" Milla asked.

"You'll see. But first we need Sensibility. Come, pretty lady, let's go to camp again."

With that, Curiosity began to stride after Fancy, leaving Milla stunned. Her face was warm as Morrey snickered.

"They both called you pretty lady. Didn't know Sasha noticed."

"Shut up, Oleander," Hollis said.

They all hurried after the two Sashas, their minds whirring with all they'd discovered while knowing there was still more to come. It was almost too much for them, but they knew something else: Sasha had to live with it. So despite the uneasy feelings and fear of what they'd find, they continued on, determined to help their dear friend, who had so often been there for them.

Chapter Text

All in all, today was going far worse than any of the Psychic Seven had even thought of when they'd frantically tossed aside the meal Compton had made and run for the Otto-B.O.N. to try and find Otto before he did something rash. They had not expected Kasmira Gristoff to be standing in the Motherlobe. Ford had recognized her by two other names, but they hadn't had a chance to talk or even fight before she blasted them back and shackled them.

As soon as Gristol Malik came into view, Lucy had nearly had a panic attack, but seeing her husband whack him across the room had quickly eased her fears. Her friends standing with her, surrounding her, reminded her that she wasn't alone with the Gzar this time. Besides, time had not been as kind to Lucy as her friends. She had actually had a rather hard life with Augustus before they had established their circus, and even then, the circus life was hard, too. And always with the nagging suspicion that something was wrong. But that was past. And now was the present.

The present that was somehow bringing back the memories she'd been trying to repress, the ones she had hidden from even Ford and her friends. How could she tell them what lengths the Gzar had gone to just to control her once he'd caught wind of her desire to leave and go home to her friends? What he had done to her that night, she couldn't remember exactly, but she recalled flashes, and she remembered the feelings. The feelings had been black as pitch, and the next day, the Gzar had commanded her to break up the protest. She hadn't expected to not be able to stop the rain, nor for the dam to burst. But worst of all was finding Morona lifeless in the aftermath of the flood.

And that was the moment she had lost herself in her pain.

The creature called Maligula had been fed from the abuse, and there, kneeling in the stream as she held her sister's corpse, all kindness left her, and she determined to destroy the Gzar for what he'd done to her and her family. She'd tossed aside Ford and Cassie and Compton and Helmut and Bob and Otto, but it was no less than they'd do to her once they found out everything, she rationalized. And so she had started to kill those around the Gzar, letting the rain continue, letting the flood pour from her soul. And then they had come. Her friends had come for her.

From the moment she saw them, all Lucy could feel was shame and terror that they would throw her away, especially Ford, because she was tainted now. Even a man who would take a widowed woman wouldn't want her after what the Gzar had done. So she had lashed out first, and had fought them all. Cassie's sweet speech broke through her pain, and she wanted to believe her, but Maligula burst through again. She remembered striking Helmut, and then a soft, insistent beeping. The next thing she knew, the world had become cold, and Ford had fought her and dragged her away, kicking and screaming and fighting her old lover because he could not know.

And then… nothing. Followed by a man in a long coat bringing her Augustus. Her son from that moment forward. And her life with her family began, everything before hazy and only there in the watches of the night.

Sitting in the van, staring at Gristol as he asked her why she wouldn't rule Grulovia with him, she tried to reason with him, but his answer chilled her. He had found her stumbling back to her rooms that night, and he said he'd talk with his father about it. If he had, it had only tainted the young prince. Just as his father had tainted her in so many ways.

Lucy spent the rest of the van ride, huddled between Ford and Helmut. She knew they could probably feel her trembling, but she hoped they would think it was the van.

After hours of stillness, the van jerked to a stop and Gristol and Kasmira got out. The back doors opened, and the Psychonauts were forced out. Stumbling and staggering as they followed Kasmira, jostled by her goons, they looked around and saw nobody. But they knew somebody was there. So they followed her again.

When that Alvares kissed Milla, her reaction reminded her of that horrible night with the Gzar. But at least Milla had somebody to fight for her. It was quite satisfying to see him crumple to the ground after Sasha's vicious attack, and then he ran, Kasmira chased, and chaos erupted as a girl walked out and asked for something to eat.

After a whirling, crazed battle, the junior Psychonauts were victorious, and then, to the Psychic Seven's delight, Otto stepped out, as calm, cool, and collected as ever.

"Very good," he said approvingly, appearing near where Raz had jumped out.

"Mentallis!" Hollis gasped.

"Let us out, Otto! Sasha needs us," Milla begged.

Otto seemed distracted as he adjusted his glasses, glancing back over his shoulder.

"I agree," he finally said, turning back. "However, I do not possess a key, and I'm not touching those Psylirium shackles."

"Well, I have gloves on, and I can get them out," Raz said proudly.

"Oh, very good," Otto said. "Now, I have some business to attend to, Agent Aquato. Monitor the situation and free them."

"Sure thing, Agent Mentallis," Raz said with a salute.

Otto turned and walked into the woods, and Ford shouted for him. "Otto Mentallis, you wait up!"

"Where are you going, Otto?" Cassie cried.

Helmut and Bob yelled at the same time.

"Hey, man, wait for us!"

"Otto, please, don't run! I'm sorry!"

"You'd better wait for us, old bean!" Compton called. "You don't know these animals!"

But Otto didn't turn around. He disappeared into the woods, and Ford waited impatiently for Raz to unlock the Board. They rushed after Sasha, and he shoved his hands at Raz after a terribly long wait for him to finish his conversation with Milla.

"Unlock them!" he begged.

Raz went to Lucy first and popped the lock then she reached up and pulled out a hairpin as he moved on to Helmut. Lucy picked Ford's lock just as easily as Raz had picked hers, muttering under her breath as she reached for Cassie's lock.

"You can pick locks, too?" Norma asked Lucy.

Lucy glanced at her and grinned as she reached for Bob's wrists. "Of course," she teased, popping the lock. "Can't everybody?"

"I know, right?" Raz asked, his eyes shining as he picked Compton's lock.

"Not everyone is like us, Pootie," Lucy said.

"Let's go, Lu," Ford said. "That man's gonna kill himself here! Compton is right about the animals."

"But Gramps, I've already talked with them," Sam said, but none of the Psychic Seven heard her as they ran into the woods.

Cassie threw open her mind and searched for Otto's familiar psyche. "This way!"

"How far?" Ford asked.

"Don't know," Cassie gasped as they went after their friend.

They hurried along until they heard a bellow from Otto just ahead.

"Get off me!" Gristol screamed. "You're crazy, old man!"

Otto laughed, the hysterical sound booming across the landscape as his friends burst out of the woods only to see Otto facing off with that Grulovian prince on the dock. "Crazy?!" Otto shouted, an insane edge to his voice. "I'll show you crazy, you egg-sucking little bastard!"

They watched in dismay as Otto tackled the prince into the lake, and they disappeared beneath the surface. After a moment, Lucy began to move forward to bring them up. Before she got more than a few steps, a girl burst out from the forest and slammed her hand on a controller she held.

The first soft beep sent a wave of nausea through Bob. He felt like his worst nightmares were coming true again. That noise had echoed in his dreams as the precursor to the loss of his lover. He began to run toward the girl, desperate to stop history from repeating itself.

The second beep tore Cassie's feet from the ground, her voice caught in her throat as the worst day of her life began to happen again. She ran after Bob, unable to scream, unable to do anything but run. If they could get to the controls, they could stop this.

Another beep, the pause slightly shorter than the first one, and Compton rushed after Cassie, his mind becoming a raw blur of panic as he moaned under his breath. "Oh dear. Oh my. Not again, not again, not again!"

Lucy and Ford took off by the next beep, leaving Helmut behind them, wondering why his friends were so panicked. Was he missing something?

The beeping quickened as they rushed for Gisu. Ford teleported right behind her and snagged at the controller, but the girl twisted aside and the controller fell from her hands and crashed to the ground. Ford shoved at her, trying to get her away, but she tumbled over and landed on the controls with a loud shriek of pain. She rolled over and stared at them.

"What have you done?!" she screamed.

The beeps became a constant stream of noise, and a loud, concussive bang! suddenly echoed over the campgrounds. The next thing Helmut knew was a terribly familiar cold, a cold that was unnaturally sharp and psychically painful, and he realized what had happened. Otto's invention, the one he'd made years before to freeze water, had once again gone off. And this time it wasn't Helmut underwater. It was Otto. 

Helmut barreled through nearly a foot of snow as Bob let out an unholy wail, lunging for the ice. "Bobby!" Helmut cried. "Bobby, it's okay!"

"No, no, no! You stupid girl! How could you do that?!" Ford shouted, looking half crazed.

"We had a plan!" the girl snapped. "And now what am I supposed to do?!"

"Gisu!" another voice called, and Raz and the rest of the junior agents skated across the lake toward her.

"Get Sasha!" Gisu screamed. "They broke it! They broke it!"

"On it!" Raz said, and he turned and dexterously skated away from them toward the woods several hundred feet down the shoreline from the dock Otto had been on.

Helmut got to Bob and grabbed him around the middle. He lifted him up and pulled him off the ice, where he was pounding his fists against the surface. "You're gonna hurt yourself!" Cassie and Compton had grabbed rocks and were chipping away at the ice, both of them out of their minds with grief and horror. "Guys, stop! He had a plan! She said so!"

Lucy stood at the edge of the lake, her eyes so big and frightened, staring out where Otto had gone down with Gristol beneath the water. But even she couldn't handle hyper-ice. That had been the whole point.

The kids watched as the six members of the Psychic Seven lost their minds, carving at the ice or just standing still, fighting each other and muttering to themselves. They didn't understand what was going on, but whatever it was, they all agreed it was traumatic. Just when it seemed they were actually going to start hurting themselves, a commanding voice came to them.

"That's enough, you big dummies!"

Chapter Text

They got to the campgrounds to find them untouched. The trees still stood tall and proud, their leaves whispering against each other. Milla took a deep breath, enjoying the reminders of their time at camp. She noticed both Fancy and Curiosity gazing at her, and she smiled at them. Both of them suddenly went crimson and turned away.

"Come, we go to his hiding spot," Curiosity mumbled.

Milla had a feeling she knew where it was, and sure enough, they came upon several Psychoisolation chambers. She didn't wait for Curiosity or Fancy and walked right to the tree she knew the button was hiding in.

"Here we go, darlings," she said, tossing the button to Curiosity.

"You are perceptive, pretty lady," Curiosity said, and climbed up to the chamber with Fancy. They both knocked, one after the other, in different patterns before Curiosity slotted the button into place and the hatch opened up.

At first, they were sure a panic attack was coming out as they saw the doubled and tripled outlines. Then an older Sasha came up, completely solemn, except for his grey eyes.

"Pretty lady is here?" he asked, his voice monotone even as he raised his eyebrows.

"And the rest of them," Curiosity said.

"And I did good!" Fancy burst out, clinging to the older Sasha's hand as he stood on the metal platform. "Show him what I did, pretty lady!"

So Milla pulled out the whistle. Sensibility, for that's who it had to be, looked viciously triumphant for a moment then he squeezed Fancy's hand and his expression settled back into apathy. "You did well, mein Spatz."

"What should we do now?" Milla asked.

"We take you to the canyon, and we hope Kasmira is there," Curiosity replied.

"If so, you blow the whistle and things will get better!" Fancy exclaimed. "Sasha promised us this long ago, ja, ja!" 

"What do we do?" Truman asked.

"You will go down into the canyon and talk to our Core," Sensibility replied. "He's not well, and he hasn't been for awhile. You need to get to the root of the issue."

"Then what?" Morrey asked.

"We do some weeding," Truman guessed, and Sensibility nodded once.

"Come. We go. She'll be there," Sensibility said. He paused then looked at Milla. She braced herself for another scolding about Alvares.

"Do you regret it?" was all he asked.

"Very much, and more so every time I think about it."

Sensibility nodded once then turned and led them through the trees. Nobody spoke as they walked. The trees thinned then fell away about thirty feet from a canyon. And there she was, peering down into the depths with a grin on her face. She spoke as they approached, and Milla realized she was talking to Sasha.

"It will be all better soon, mein Lamm," she crooned. "And then you can come home with me. I've missed you, Aleks. Nobody is as wise or strong as you, and think of what we can do together!"

Those words made the Board angry. It was the same kind of talk Gristol had used with Lucy. If Sasha didn't want to do it, he had every right to refuse. Suddenly, purple vines burst from the ground and grabbed all three of the Sashas. They screeched and Kasmira turned, looking triumphant. Then she saw the Board and scowled.

"Get out before I make you," she said haughtily. "This is my mind and you are not welcome here."

"This is Sasha's mind, not yours," Milla said coolly. "And you are the one unwelcome. Get out or we'll make you."

Kasmira laughed. "You think so, eh? Go ahead then." Her eyes glowed purple and a huge woman that looked vaguely like Kasmira rose from the canyon.

"Pretty lady! Help us!" Curiosity boomed.

Milla tugged the whistle out of her pocket, and Kasmira's face twisted. "Oh no you don't!"

Vines exploded around them, but Truman held out his hands and they stopped at once. "Easy there. You might take somebody's eye out with those," he teased.

Kasmira was not pleased. The towering, smoky woman reached for them, but Morrey used his shield to block her attempts at getting to them.

"Blow it," Hollis ordered.

Milla did. The low, warbling noise that came out startled them. Everybody jumped as there was an explosion of gold from all three facets of Sasha that shot straight to the ground. As soon as they connected, they surged with growth, tearing out of the vines that held them. Kasmira paled and turned to lash out at the Board, but Morrey's shield held fast and the little man made a face at her, laughing. Suddenly the ground beneath their feet burst upwards so that they shot into the sky, ending up face to face with Sensibility.

"We deal with this. You deal with him. Good luck, pretty lady."

With that, the piece of earth they were standing on tilted and tipped them into the canyon. They yelped in surprise as they began to fall.

"Vodello!" Hollis ordered.

Truman, Morrey, and Hollis linked hands, and Milla took Truman's. Focusing inward, she projected levitation and they bounded upward a bit so they stopped falling so fast. With each bound, they wondered how far down they were going. Deeper and deeper they went until quite suddenly, they hit the ground. They all crashed hard, gasping and swearing and moaning at the jarring impact.

"Hush," Milla suddenly said.

They heard whimpering. Milla pushed to her feet and began moving toward the noise with her hands held out in front of her. She came into contact with something and ran her hands down until she touched something else that gasped.

"Nein, nein, don't hurt me," Sasha moaned. He had never sounded more frightened and broken, but Milla was overjoyed.

"Darling, we found you!"

"Milla?" Sasha asked, his voice trembling.

"Of course, darling, now come on."

"I can't," Sasha said.

"What do you mean can't, soldier?" Morrey asked.

"Let's find out," Hollis said.

With a flash, light filled her palm and illuminated their surroundings. Towering up on either side of them were the walls of the canyon, stretching high up into the darkness. And there was Sasha. He was so pale, and it was obvious he'd been crying. He flinched away from the light, squeezing his grey eyes shut as he shook his head weakly. As he did, they saw at once that Sasha had been telling the truth. He couldn't move. He was anchored in place by thick purple vines. Truman stroked his beard and poked them.

"Are these even yours?" he asked.

"No," Sasha said. He gestured with his head behind him. "She planted this during the first surgery to contain Fancy and make sure he's under control."

"Let me take a look," Truman said. He squinted and glanced at Sasha. "Do you have shears? Unfortunately, I don't have mine on me."

Sasha blinked and a pair of shears appeared.

"Aha! Thank you! And nice control."

Sasha heard a snip, and the ground shook as the vines around his throat loosened. Another few cuts and Sasha lunged away from the plant, shivering as he passed by the others before he stopped and waited. Truman studied the great stalk, thicker than any tree they had ever seen. But it narrowed down at the bottom, where it grew amid a small bush with a thin, delicate stalk.

"You need to do some weeding, Sasha," Truman said somberly. "I don't think any of us can pull it out."

"I can't," Sasha whispered, keeping his back to them.

"Why not, darling?" Milla asked.

Sasha shook his head. He felt sick with anxiety, and the very ground shook as Kasmira's shrieks echoed down to them.

"Sasha, darling," Milla said, approaching him. She laid her hand on his shoulder. He didn't shrug her away, so she came around to face him. His face was cast in shadow, but she could see pain and terror in his eyes. "You have such pretty eyes, darling," Milla murmured.

Sasha huffed. "What use is that when one look in them and everything I am is laid bare?"

Milla frowned a little. "What?"

"Never mind, Milla. I'll show you later," Sasha mumbled, shivering as he glanced back at the plant.. "Mein Gott, I'm tired of it. But I… I don't know how to live without it."

"We're right here with you, Sasha," Hollis said.

"Now and afterwards," Truman agreed.

"It's up to you now, soldier," Morrey said.

Milla took his hand and led him to the plant. Sasha knelt, trembling as he reached out and grasped the stalk.

"I can't," he whispered, but he didn't let go. "You betrayed me. All of you."

"I'm sorry we upset you, Sasha," Milla said. "But you're not okay. We want to help you, but you must be willing to work with us."

Sasha swallowed hard and shook his head. Then Milla whispered to him. "I'm sorry about Alvares, darling. And I do regret it."

That seemed to bolster Sasha more than anything as he took a firm hold of the narrowest part of the stalk with both hands. He breathed out then sucked in and yanked as hard as he could. The ground shuddered beneath their feet and vines exploded out of the bush, trying to defend the stalk. Truman got control of them and tied them in knots as Sasha grunted and tugged again. The bush didn't move. Sasha groaned.

"Can't," he panted.

"You can do it, soldier!" Morrey barked.

Sasha gritted his teeth and pulled with his whole body. He felt as if his head was going to split open, but he also felt roots snapping as he pulled. He screamed, unable to help himself, and Milla embraced him from behind as Hollis grasped his shoulder.

"Come on, Sasha!" Truman urged. "You're getting there."

Another tug, and the whole mindscape shook, sending rocks crashing down around them. Morrey put up his shield, and they huddled close as tears began streaming down Sasha's face. But knowing he wasn't alone helped him take one last, firm grip on the stalk and he yanked with all his might. There was a final snap and Sasha sat down hard as the whole stalk shuddered then fell like a great tree right into the canyon. Sasha heard Kasmira screaming and swearing in German then nothing but the sound of the falling stalk that was going to crush them.

Quite suddenly, the noise stopped and there was a swooping sensation as the ground beneath them rushed upward. They burst into the light to find Fancy, Curiosity, and Sensibility towering above them looking pleased. The canyon was gone.

"Who has the whistle?" Sasha asked weakly.

Milla pulled it out of her pocket, and she blew it without being asked. The three facets began to shrink back to their normal size, and soon they were hurrying over. Fancy skipped and twirled, using psychic tricks just for the fun of it as they approached. They stopped in front of Sasha and said nothing for several moments. Then Fancy flew forward and embraced him.

"We did it! We did good, ja?"

"Very good, mein Spatz," Sasha said, patting Fancy's head as the boy squeezed him around the middle.

"Not too bad," Curiosity said, staying back away from his Core. "And I am glad to be rid of that nuisance. What should we do with it?" He gestured at the giant purple plant that lay limply across his mindscape.

"Destroy it," Sasha said at once. "I don't care for it anymore."

Fancy pulled back and gazed adoringly up at his Core. "So we don't have to be pulled back into the dark again?"

"No. Never again," Sasha said.

All three facets relaxed, and Sensibility gave a small, pleased smile. "We have work to do."

"Ja, ja, I know," Sasha said tiredly. "But not now. I just want to sleep."

Suddenly, blue and green burst across the sky, and Raz's voice came booming down around them.

"Sasha! Where are you? We have a problem with Otto!"

"Damn," Sasha moaned. He pinged Raz, and a burst of stars filled the sky, dazzling the Board. Sasha huffed and looked at them. "Do you have your salts?"

Everybody frowned and shrugged. "We were rousted out of bed late last night, so we have no equipment," Truman said.

"Great," Hollis muttered. "With no change of clothes, too."

Sasha snorted and held out his hand toward Curiosity. Curiosity dug through several pockets then pulled out a small capsule. He tossed it to Sasha, who opened it and held it out. "We have to go. Quickly now."

They all took a whiff of the bitter scent and disappeared from his mindscape. He paused for a moment as he looked at his three facets, then he said the only thing he could.

"I'm sorry."

"We know," Sensibility said. "You said it a hundred times down in that canyon. Now go on. Otto needs you."

Sasha shook his head. "Us. He needs us. If you'll help." Without waiting for an answer, he inhaled the bitter smell. He rushed back toward his body and hit hard, blinking himself aware. The first thing he saw was his shattered glasses.

"Scheisse!" he spat, standing up. "Damn you, Gristoff!"

"Sasha? What happened, darling?" Milla asked.

"My glasses! She broke my glasses!" Sasha pointed at the shattered lenses.

"How bad is your vision?" Truman asked.

Sasha took a deep breath and turned to them. He saw his psyche slam into them with the force of a hammer and they went silent as he met their gazes.

"I have perfect vision, actually," Sasha said. "It's more of a shield than to help me see."

The thoughts floating through their minds were all variations of, "That's what he meant about his eyes." Before they could respond, Raz came sprinting toward them. He stopped, panting.

"Otto underwater. Controls broken," he gasped.

"Damn it all!" Sasha spat, and he turned and ran through the snow.

"Snow?" Hollis asked in bewilderment.

They said nothing else as they followed Sasha through the trees until they came to the lake shore. Sasha didn't hesitate to leap out and skate over to the dock, where the Psychic Seven were losing their minds while the children watched. He filled his lungs as he skated neatly to the dock then let his voice boom into the chaos.

Chapter Text

"That's enough, you big dummies!" Sasha boomed, sliding neatly to a stop beside the dock.

Everybody turned to look at him, and every response died in their throats as they looked into Sasha's grey eyes and were paralyzed into silence. He swept his gaze across them then pointed at Gisu.

"Explain."

"I did what he told me to!" Gisu said, fire coming back to her as she found her voice. "But I barely started counting when he tried to take it from me!" She pointed at Ford. "Then he pushed me and I landed on the controls."

Milla, Morrey, Truman, and Hollis got to the dock and climbed up. They saw Sasha roll his eyes, looking exasperated.

"You really are a dummy sometimes, Ford Cruller," Sasha said dryly, sticking his hand into his pocket.

"Why's that, Nein?" Ford asked faintly.

Sasha pulled a thin controller out of his pocket and wiggled it. "Because you, all of you apparently, think Otto doesn't learn from his mistakes. Everybody off the ice, now." He typed out a command then clicked a button as soon as they were clear. "Brace yourselves," he said.

An instant later, the bitter chill turned into a burst of hot, humid air as the hyper-ice split and splintered with a crack that boomed like thunder in the stillness. Sasha pointed at Lucy.

"Get them up. They'll be unconscious by now."

With a flex of her power, Otto and Gristol were thrown from the icy water onto the dock. Both of them were so pale, and neither moved. Sasha huffed and knelt down beside Otto. Ford was at just the right angle to see Sasha slip his hand into Otto's pocket and pull something out. Ford inhaled sharply, and Sasha jerked his head up to look at him. Ford couldn't speak as the entire plan Otto and Sasha had made between them flashed into his mind from Sasha's eyes. Ford blinked and shook his head.

"I am a dummy, damn it," he muttered, and he turned and walked away.

"Yes," Sasha agreed. "Now what are you going to do about it?"

Ford glanced back and his mustache twitched as he fought a smile. "Learn from it and ask what you think we should do."

"Can you teleport back to the Gulch?" Sasha asked, hefting Otto's cold, limp form up into his arms.

"Yes."

"With how many?"

"Depends on if they can supplement," Ford said.

"Can you take the Seven there?"

"Easily," Ford said.

"Then take Otto back and tend to him. We'll handle Gristol and the kids."

Ford frowned. "That it?"

"It will be enough to occupy you," Sasha said.

Helmut stepped forward and took Otto from Sasha. "He needs warmed up."

"You did so once, but his invention produced some ice that he wasn't prepared for. He's in desperate need of a thaw again."

Helmut stared into Sasha's eyes and grinned a little. "Wow. That's kooky."

Sasha looked away, color rising on his cheeks. "Yes. Now please take care of him. He wasn't supposed to be under that long."

Helmut carried Otto back to Ford, and Compton, Cassie, Lucy, and Bob crowded around and linked arms.

"You sure about this?" Ford asked.

"We'll drive back tomorrow. Can't leave the modified vehicles here. He and I agreed he would go back tonight anyway. He didn't want to worry you."

Relief filled Bob at those words, and he squeezed Helmut's arm. "So he left in a hurry to help you?"

"Yes. I asked him to help, and he was happy to. Though he admitted he forgot to leave a note and was worried you'd panic. And he knew that you had when you showed up here."

They nodded, feeling so much better already just knowing that Otto hadn't been running from them.

"Thank you so much," Cassie said earnestly.

"We owe you," Compton said.

Lucy smiled at Sasha, and Ford closed his eyes and flexed his power as his conscious friends pooled their psyches with his to increase his energy. When he opened his eyes, they were back in the Heptadome.

"What do we need to do, Ford?" Compton asked.

"Can we use your house?" Ford asked Helmut and Bob.

"Of course," Bob said.

"Off we go," Ford muttered, and flexed his power again. They appeared in the living room, and Cassie rolled up her sleeves.

"Run a cold bath," she ordered Bob. Then to Helmut and Ford, "Get those clothes off of him. Boolie, I'll get some blankets and you make something hot to eat and drink."

"What should I do?" Lucy asked.

Cassie turned to her and frowned. "You haven't looked well since this morning. I want you to sit and rest."

Lucy didn't have the strength to argue, so she sighed and nodded. "If that is what you want," she said, and padded over to sit on the sofa.

Deciding they would worry about Lucy's odd behavior later, Bob hurried into the bathroom to start some cold water while Helmut and Ford started to undress Otto. This was made more difficult by the fact that Otto's clothes were half frozen and very stiff. With great effort and the crackle of ice, they got his lab coat off of him and tossed it aside then began wrestling with his shirt. Otto always wore long-sleeved shirts, turtlenecks and sweaters of all sorts and colors, which they had never minded, but the long sleeves certainly made undressing him more tricky. They finally peeled it off of him and tossed it aside.

"How do you want to get his pants off?" Ford huffed, wiping his forehead then shaking out his cold hands.

Helmut didn't answer. Ford looked up at him to see Helmut had gone pale. His wide eyes stared at Otto and his lips began to tremble.

"What's wrong?" Ford demanded, then followed Helmut's gaze to Otto's torso.

All the breath left him, and Cassie and Lucy stared in confusion. Their silence drew Compton into the room, and he stopped whisking as he gasped. "Oh!"

Bob came in to see everybody frozen. "What are we doing? What's wrong?"

"Bobby…" Helmut whimpered. "Otto… I don't… I don't understand. Look at him."

Bob approached and took in Otto's blue skin, unusually pale. But paler still were the dots that decorated his chest and arms and stomach.

"Chicken pox?" Cassie asked shakily.

"Nope," Bob said. "His ma used to smoke and she didn't like psychics."

Silence for several moments as everybody turned to look at him. Helmut spoke, his voice cracking as tears filled his eyes. "Bobby?"

"No," Ford said, shaking his head as his eyes traced the scars he'd never known about. "That can't be right."

"I don't know if it is or not," Bob admitted. "That's what I wanted to talk to him about." He paused. "Come on, we need to warm him up. Get him undressed. The bath's ready. I'll tell you what I think later."

So for the next few hours, they warmed Otto up by adding small amounts of hot water to the tub until the water steamed and Otto's body was flushed and shivering. That done, they took him out and dried him off before Ford teleported to Otto's house and grabbed a pair of pants for Otto. He couldn't find a shirt, though, as most of the clothes had been packed at some point and the rest were dirty. Ford teleported back to Bob and Helmut's house, hoping that Sasha would bring Otto's clothes back with him.

After Otto was dressed, which was far easier than undressing him, and wrapped in layers of Lucy's quilts, they shifted the furniture around so that one of the guest beds was in the corner of the living room so they could keep an eye on Otto as they talked and settled him in. Then they accepted mugs of hot chocolate from Compton as the smell of the soup simmering away on the stove filled the house and sat around to talk.

"Okay, Bobby, spill. Why do you think his mother…" Helmut couldn't finish the sentence.

"Think about it, Helm," Bob said, running his hands through his beard nervously. "He never talked about her twenty years ago, and I mean, like, ever. We only found out her name a couple days ago. And remember when we asked to see a picture of her? What did he say?"

Cassie spoke quietly. "He said that you only keep pictures of people you want to remember."

"And then he got burned by the oil from that pan," Bob said.

They all recalled the terrible, horrible scream that had come from Otto when he'd been burned the night before. They hadn't known such a noise could come from their quiet, reserved friend. It had been a big reaction for such a small burn, and it had scared them. He had sounded terrified, and then he'd started sobbing. Cassie gasped as she remembered something else.

"He muttered about being sorry he was telling us," she said. "And before that, he'd said his mother wouldn't like him to talk to us."

"Oh my word," Compton said, and he slumped back in his chair. "So she… she punished him…"

"With lit cigarettes?" Bob asked grimly. "I think so, but I'm not sure. I was gonna talk with him at noon today, but he left to help that Sasha and… well, you know the rest. I thought he was running from us and it was my fault. But it wasn't. He was just being Otto and forgot to leave a note. Thank God."

They went quiet and sipped their hot cocoa. After awhile, Otto shifted and muttered, his eyelids fluttering as he shivered. Cassie hurried over and smoothed her hand over his forehead.

"Easy there, sweetie," she murmured.

"Cold," he muttered.

"Oh, I know you are. Let's get you some soup. Think you can sit up and eat?"

Otto moaned, and Helmut hurried over to help him sit up. Otto blearily looked around and muttered something under his breath. Helmut slipped behind him and let Otto lean against him, biting back a gasp at how chilly Otto was still. He personally knew how long it took for the chill to go away; it would be a few days before his temperature evened out.

"Have some cocoa, old man," Compton said, bringing a mug of cocoa over. He used telekinesis to lift it to Otto's mouth as he climbed onto the bed. "Come on, small sips now."

Otto obediently sipped the hot drink, wincing as it burned a path to his gut. But it did help, so he sipped at it until Cassie brought him a bowl of chicken soup. She sat beside him and spooned up some.

"Here we go, honey," she said. "Open up."

Otto had enough presence of mind to shake his head a little and pout. Cassie gave him a look. "Yes, I'm going to feed you. You'd shiver the soup out of the spoon if you did it. Now be a dear?"

He grumbled but allowed Cassie to feed him, too tired and cold to fight her. Helmut kept him upright as he ate, and Compton offered small sips of cocoa every once in a while. Otto didn't quite finish the soup, but he did finish the cocoa, and then he settled back against Helmut and cuddled him. Helmut grinned a little.

"Guess I'm warm, eh?"

Otto grunted and groped for a blanket. Cassie tucked him in as Helmut pulled Otto close.

"He's too cold," Compton muttered, placing a hand on Otto's forehead.

"He'll be chilled for awhile," Helmut said. "For now, he just needs sleep. We'll see how he feels when he wakes up tomorrow."

"Sounds like a plan," Ford said. He held out his hand to Lucy. "Let's get home and go to bed."

Lucy hopped down and pattered over to her husband. She took his hand and looked at Bob and Helmut.

"Tell us when he is awake, yes?"

"We'll ping you guys," Helmut promised.

Ford grasped Lucy's hand and teleported them back to their house out on the water. Compton and Cassie both headed out soon after, leaving Bob and Helmut alone with Otto. They cleaned up, glancing at him every once in a while to check on him. Bob finally burst into tears. Helmut hurried over.

"Hey, Bobby, what's wrong?" he asked, embracing him.

"I don't want it to be true," Bob gulped. "But I think it is. And I can see why he didn't tell us."

"Hey there. He's here, and that's the important part. It might not be true. We'll find out tomorrow. Now come on. Let's shower and get to bed. It's been a busy day."

"No kidding," Bob muttered. He walked over to Otto and smoothed his hand over his friend's cool forehead. "We should check on him tonight," he said.

"Of course. I'm gonna hop in the shower."

"I'll be there in a minute. Save me some hot water."

Bob sat beside Otto and pulled the blankets down to peer again at the scars. He could still remember his shock the first time he'd seen them. Otto had been blacked out on Psyconium and had gotten sick all over himself. So Bob had helped him to take a shower. But seeing the scars had made Bob's insides hurt. He knew they were scars, and just like Cassie, he'd thought Otto had had a severe case of chicken pox as a kid. But then the oil had burned him, and all the pieces had fallen together at Otto's sobbing apology to a woman that no longer lived except inside of Otto's memories.

"I'm sorry, Otto," he murmured, and then he tucked him in again, turned off most of the lights with telekinesis and headed toward the bathroom for a shower.

Chapter Text

Sasha watched as Ford teleported the Psychic Seven away before he looked back at Gristol. The prince was unconscious, and Hollis walked over to kneel beside him.

"We need to warm him up," she said.

"Razputin?" Sasha said.

"Yes?" Raz jumped forward and Sasha met his eyes briefly.

"You are free to wander around camp for the rest of the afternoon. If you need anything, please contact me."

"Oh no you don't!" Milla scolded. "Come to us, not him. Sasha is done for the day."

Sasha kept his eyes away from everybody and shrugged. "If that's what you want, Vodello."

"Truman, Morrey, help me warm up Gristol," Hollis said. "Milla, you take care of Sasha."

The older kids snickered, and Sasha shot them a glare that sent them staggering back several feet. Sasha winced and looked away again.

"Come on, darling," Milla said. "You need some sleep."

As Raz and the kids started to plan out the rest of the day and Truman, Hollis, and Morrey lifted Gristol telekinetically and hurried toward the cabins, Milla led Sasha around the lake behind them. Sasha trudged along, hurting all over with a splitting headache. He was so tired, and he wanted to sleep for a hundred years at least. That might put a dent in his exhaustion.

"Sasha? Are you all right?" Milla asked.

Sasha shrugged and kept walking several more paces before he stopped. Milla stopped with him and slipped an arm across his shoulders.

"Darling?" she cooed.

Sasha glanced into her eyes and she understood at once how he was feeling. She embraced him, and Sasha buried his face in her beautiful hair and cried. Milla rubbed his shoulders as he broke down.

"Ach!" Sasha moaned after several minutes. "What am I doing?"

"You're processing things, my coração," Milla murmured. "It's okay. Just remember to breathe. That's it."

Sasha sobbed harder. He didn't deserve her after leaving her at the Motherlobe, knowing who was coming for him. Alvares had forced a kiss on her, and he wished he could change things. She didn't deserve that. "I'm sorry, M-Milla," he murmured when he could speak again.

"What for, darling?"

He pulled back and met her eyes, unable to put everything that had happened to her into words. Milla looked into his eyes with great curiosity. She pulled him closer, gazing at him with such fascination. Sasha's face warmed when he noticed how close she was. She smiled, reading everything clearly for the first time ever.

"You're so cute when you blush, Sasha," she giggled.

"Cute?" The word burst from him before he could stop it. "Ach, you are crazy, pretty lady."

"So you do think I'm pretty?" Milla asked.

Sasha was shocked. "It's an objective fact, Milla. You are the Mental Minx, after all. Besides, you are beyond pretty. You are beautiful, inside and out."

Milla gazed into his eyes and laughed. "You really aren't aware of how flirty that sounds!"

"Flirty?" Sasha asked, and he pushed away from her, feeling shy. "I'm not flirting with you!"

"I know, darling, but if you look at what you just said from a more average perspective…" Milla said, biting back a smile.

Sasha's face flushed bright red again, and he turned away. "You tease, Vodello."

There was a pause before Milla spoke again. "You don't believe the rumors that I'm in love with you. And they've been around so long. Did you ever stop to wonder why?"

"That is irrelevant."

"Why?"

"Milla," Sasha murmured. He didn't want to keep talking, knowing things were changing yet unsure where they would end up.

"No, Sasha. Why?"

"Well," Sasha said awkwardly. "Alvares is right. You deserve somebody who can love you without any hindrances. And I… have a lot of them."

"But Sasha, baby," Milla murmured, grabbing his hand. "That's what you don't understand. I'm willing to work through them with you. But I didn't want to ruin what we had when I honestly couldn't tell if you were flirting with me or not. Sometimes I thought you had to be, but other times I knew you didn't mean it like that at all."

Sasha shrugged and looked at his feet. It was better than her reading everything he was experiencing. Milla took his hand and led him back to the counselors' cabin. She pushed open the door, and Sasha followed her in. She pointed to the bathroom. "You can shower by yourself?"

"Yes," Sasha said quickly.

"Then take a long, hot shower. I'll clean up."

Sasha obeyed, leaving Milla alone in the men's room. She shook out the sheets and made the two beds Sasha and Otto had used the night before then prepared three more for the other board members. That done, she looked around to see what to do next when she saw the file folder on the desk. Curious about what experiment the two men had been discussing, she walked over and flipped it open only to see a picture of a young Sasha. He was pale and unconscious, stretched out in a hospital gown with tools spread around him. Scrawled above the photo were the words, 'Patient 07, great promise shown.'

Milla didn't realize that she had lowered herself into the chair until she was seated. Her eyes began dashing over notes and figures as she flipped the pages, feeling sick. She barely took in most of it, but words jumped out at her. 'Unique psyche', 'powerful repression', and 'concentrated psychic gaze' built a picture that Milla couldn't deny. This wasn't an experiment Sasha and Otto had been discussing between them. These were the notes on Sasha, who was the experiment. Her breath caught in her throat and tears filled her eyes.

Milla flipped through the whole file, which had over fifty pages of notes on the experiments Sasha had gone through before he'd become a Psychonaut. She couldn't stop herself. When she got to the last page, she dropped the file and leaned back in the chair, covering her face with her hands.

"I suppose you've read it then?"

Milla jumped and turned to see Sasha with damp hair, clean pajamas, and a wary expression as he came out of the bathroom and tossed aside his filthy clothes.

"I'm sorry!" she exclaimed. "I shouldn't have read it without asking."

"I was going to show it to you anyway," Sasha said tiredly. "And the rest of the Board. It's a bit sooner than I would have liked, but I can't be bothered by it now." He went to sit on the bed and hugged himself, looking for all the world like a scared, lost child. Milla walked over and sat beside him, embracing him again. Sasha turned his face into her hair and inhaled. She still smelled faintly like her shampoo, which he'd always loved. It was exotic, something she bought back home in Brazaillia, and it comforted him. Milla held him close, her heart aching at the little she'd gleaned from the file.

"I understand why you didn't tell us, darling," she murmured.

"I was ashamed. No. I am ashamed," Sasha said, nestling into her. "I am a world-renowned psychic with expertise in psychomechanical science… and yet I was tricked into destroying myself because she said she would take care of me. That's all I wanted, was somebody to take care of me. And she lied."

"Oh, Sasha, darling," Milla murmured. She pulled back and gazed at him, stroking his cheek. "I'm sorry. And I'll take care of you, if you'll let me."

Sasha gazed into her beautiful eyes, past the natural psychic defenses into her mind. He was startled by the depth of feeling behind her gaze. Leaning closer, he brushed her hair aside, terrified of the question but needing to ask.

"What do you want from me?" he asked softly.

"You, however you're willing to give yourself to me."

A blush warmed Sasha's cheeks again, and he bit his bottom lip. Fancy suddenly reconnected, and he snorted. "Pretty lady is teasing again," he murmured.

"You call it teasing, I call it flirting," Milla replied, her eyes sparkling.

"Would you really take me?" Sasha asked. "I have no experience in relationships beyond the platonic. It might be a long time before anything happens."

Milla cocked an eyebrow. "I have waited over a decade already without any promise of something more. What's a little more time, especially if I can spend it getting closer to you?"

As if to prove it, she hugged him again. Tentatively, Sasha slipped his arms around her waist. "It is nice to be close to you," Sasha murmured happily.

"I feel the same way, darling."

Sasha swallowed, his face hot as he spoke the next words. "So I don't know how this goes. Are we… are we dating now?"

Milla grinned up at him, her green eyes shining. "What are you saying, Agent Nein?"

Sasha swallowed harder, and she saw a flash of gold in the depths of his grey eyes before he spoke with great solemnity. "I am saying I love you very much, Agent Vodello, and I believe it might be possible to try and start a more intimate relationship with you, if you would be so kind as to date me."

Milla's own face grew hot, and Sasha smiled a little, his eyes twinkling as he took in her reaction firsthand through her eyes. "Mm, such a gentleman," she finally managed to say. "And what would our first date be if I were to say yes, Agent Nein?"

"That will be a discussion for later, but I assure you, there's nothing to worry about. If you're there, we're sure to have a good time."

Milla laughed with delight then she threw her arms around his neck and pulled him close. "What about you, darling?"

Sasha frowned a little, the flirtatious mood broken by his sincere confusion. "I'll be there, too. That's the point of a date."

Milla giggled. "Then how can I say no? A kiss to seal the deal?"

Sasha hesitated then leaned forward to peck her cheek. Milla didn't seem surprised at all, and she retaliated by kissing Sasha's nose. He gasped then laughed softly, the noise surprising him. He rarely laughed, and it felt so good to laugh with his girlfriend. Nobody in the Motherlobe would believe it.

Sasha bit his bottom lip and nudged Milla. "I have an idea for a bit of fun."

"What's that, Sasha?" Milla asked.

"We are dating, ja?"

"If you need a straight answer, then yes, we are," Milla said, and she practically glowed as she said it. "Why?"

"What if… we don't tell anybody and see how long it takes to get around?"

Milla sat up and gave a wolffish grin, much nicer than Diego's. "Oh, yes, Agent Nein. But of course we'll simply be acting normal!"

Sasha nodded and ran his fingers through his hair. He sighed, but it morphed into a yawn. Milla stood up and helped him under the covers.

"You sleep, darling. We'll watch the children. Though what we can do for food, I don't know."

"Talk to Razputin. He knows," Sasha murmured.

"Will do."

"And show the other Board members the file."

There was a slight pause before Milla replied. "If that's what you want. But you know they'll have questions."

"Ja, I know," Sasha said. "But I'm tired of hiding it all. My mind is in shambles, and I don't know what to do. I need you and the others to help."

Relief spread across Milla's expression and she leaned over to kiss Sasha's forehead. "All you had to do was ask. We'll figure out how to start in the next few days. We've probably got a huge mess back at the Motherlobe to handle first."

"Thank you, Milla," Sasha said.

"For what?"

"For taking care of me," Sasha said. "You've never betrayed my trust before. Kasmira did."

"What about our voting against you?" Milla asked.

"I was hurt, but I understand now."

"What about Alvares?"

Sasha considered this for awhile as he looked at her. She saw a myriad of thoughts and feelings and flashes of memories of Alvares with Sasha through his eyes. Then he spoke. "You said you regret it," he said plainly. "And I know he's not the best company. And you didn't choose him over me. You chose leaving with him over leaving me and Otto by yourself and facing how badly I was hurting you. I can see how that could be an easier choice if you didn't know better."

Milla nodded, her eyes flicking away. Sasha raised his hand and kissed his fingers then pressed them onto her mouth. "As a promise for later. I will make you forget his kiss. When I can."

Milla pecked his fingers and smiled. "You are sweet, Sasha. Now sleep, baby. You've had such a hard few days."

Sasha nodded and turned over to sleep. When he heard Milla leave the cabin, he raised the hand Milla had kissed to his lips and kissed his fingers again, as if to transfer her kiss. A fierce blush spread over his cheeks and he covered his mouth and began to giggle as Fancy reconnected. He didn't fight him this time. How could he? He had a girlfriend! And it was his dear Milla! That was the best part of this whole fiasco by far. He lay there reveling in his delight until he eventually laughed himself to sleep, warm and content despite his aches and pains.

Chapter Text

Otto awoke to a severe need to relieve himself. He found himself bound in something and began to panic, whimpering and wriggling as he tried to get free.

"Hey, hey! Easy, Otto. Hang on. I've got you."

Hands touched him and shifted something, and he was free. He twisted and tumbled to the floor, gasping at the impact. Those hands touched him again, and Otto looked up to see Bob. He used a mind burst to share what he needed, and Bob immediately helped him stagger to his feet and down the hall to the bathroom.

When he was back in bed, he shuddered and grasped for the quilts, burying himself in them. He was so very cold. Glancing around as he shivered, he noticed Helmut standing in a doorway and he blinked and squinted.

"Where am I?" he croaked. "Where's Sasha?"

"You're at our house," Bob said. "And he stayed at camp to drive back some modified vehicles or something."

"But he's alive?" Otto pressed.

"Yeah. And he's got some kooky eyes," Helmut said. "I thought having Synesthesia was wild, but I didn't know you can manufacture it."

"I wouldn't recommend repeating the process," Otto mumbled. "It's not pleasant, and most of it was done against his wishes."

"What?" Helmut asked.

"Yep. Put him under before he could say no then changed his mind for him and wiped the objections out of his memory."

Silence. Otto opened his heavy eyes to see Bob and Helmut gaping at him. Suddenly realizing who he was talking to, Otto sat up and pointed at them, shrugging off the blankets.

"Don't you dare repeat that to anybody! I shouldn't have told you that."

"He'll know when he sees us," Helmut said plainly.

"I know. And I hope the fact that I can't think straight will encourage him to go easy on me."

Otto scrubbed his eyes then reached for the blanket again. He suddenly took in his bare arm, and he realized he wasn't wearing a shirt at all. He sucked in a breath, and Bob and Helmut started talking, but their words were meaningless. The words that roared up from the back of his mind, however, were not.

"How dare you tell, Otto!" his mother screamed, and his scars began to burn. Otto clamped his hands over his ears and folded over as he instantly began to cry and hyperventilate. "You're just like your father! I should've known you would be, but I had hope, and this is the thanks I get for giving you a chance? Come here, boy! Now!"

There was a bang as his bedroom door was flung open and she stormed over and grabbed his arm.

"No no no no no!" Otto screeched and tried to twist away, crying so hard he couldn't see.

The next thing he knew, there was the sound of glass shattering and silence fell. The hand that held his wrist released him and began to smooth over his hair as he was pulled close. There was no way his mother was doing this, but he couldn't see through his tears. Then the sweet smell of perfume told him who it was.

"Cassie?" Otto whimpered between gulps of air, needing to be sure.

"That's right, sweetie," Cassie murmured. "It's okay. It was just a hallucination."

"Memory," Otto hiccuped.

"Whatever it was, I took care of it. Now try to calm down."

It took several minutes for Otto to regulate his emotions. Cassie held him close, and he was so chilled that she felt toasty warm. He buried his head in her shoulder, shivering. At once his blanket was adjusted to cover him completely, and that helped immensely as his scars stopped burning when he was sure nobody could see them. He slowly stopped crying, his friends murmuring in the background as Cassie soothed him. When he could finally sit up, he scrubbed his eyes and squinted around.

"Glasses?" he mumbled.

Compton telekinetically passed them over and Otto accepted them and put them on the same way. His face was warm as he glanced around at them, huddling in his blankets. Compton and Cassie were handed some tea by Helmut, and Bob went to sit down in his chair. He didn't know what to say. Then Helmut spoke.

"Well, if that doesn't prove you guessed right, Bobby, I don't know what would."

"Guessed what right?" Otto demanded, his heart in his throat.

Before he could get an answer, there was a knock on the door frame and Ford peeked in with Lucy. It was then that Otto noticed the front door was wide open.

"Any reason you're letting out the cold air?" Ford asked.

"Otto had an incident," Compton said, sipping his tea.

"What kind of incident?" Ford asked as they came in and shut the door.

"A psychic apparition that I assume was his mother," Cassie said primly. "I took care of it."

"Your mother truly was a bitch, wasn't she?" Compton asked Otto.

Otto was confused and cold and hungry and frustrated, and he couldn't stand not knowing what was going on. "Guessed what right?!" he shouted at Bob, clutching at his blankets.

Silence. Otto's scars began to burn again. Then Bob sighed. "You don't remember me coming over when you were blacked out on Psyconium. But I helped you shower when you got sick all over yourself. I saw your scars then. And I thought…"

"Damn that was a bad case of chicken pox?" Otto mumbled.

"How did you know?" Cassie asked.

"Because that's the lie mother told me to use," Otto said bitterly. "It was the best one we had to convince people that I was fine. Nobody noticed I kept receiving more because I started wearing long-sleeved shirts so they'd stop asking."

Ford walked over to Otto's bed and plopped down. "So your mother used to burn you with cigarettes?" he asked bluntly.

Otto couldn't look at any of them as he nodded. He had told nobody about his scars himself. Sasha had found out in his first trip into Otto's mind about them, and he was always so gentle and tactful about them. But there was just something so horrible about his old friends knowing, and he began to rub his arms under the blanket. Ford pulled the blanket away, and Otto flinched and rubbed harder as he rocked back and forth.

"Please stop it," he begged, squeezing his eyes shut.

Ford hugged him and Otto settled. He relaxed into Ford's embrace and stopped rocking as he sighed with contentment. "There we go," Ford said. "Now just breathe. It's okay, Otto. We aren't laughing at you and we won't. Though if we had a marker, we could connect the dots and see what comes out…"

Otto couldn't help it. Despite the shame and fear that threatened to drown him, he laughed at Ford's joke because it was just so Ford. "You're awful!" he gasped, swiping at his eyes.

"There he is," Cassie said. "There's our Otto."

Otto managed to stop laughing and smiled at her. "I have been gone awhile, haven't I?" Then, aware of his scars, he began to rub at his arms again.

"I always wondered why you do that when you're upset," Compton said.

"It's soothing," Bob said. "And it's the only way a lonely kid can feel like he has somebody to care when nobody does."

Otto glanced at Bob. "You too?"

"Ma was… difficult, sometimes. And when she was drunk, she didn't care. So I had to pretend a lot. But I don't have anything visible like your scars to show what she did."

"That doesn't mean they're not there, Bob," Otto assured him.

Bob smiled. "You've changed yourself, after all these years. You're more understanding."

"Thank Sasha for that," Otto said. He shivered as he tugged the blanket over his shoulders, huddling into Ford's warmth.

Ford squeezed him. "He is quite an interesting man. And those eyes. What was up with that?"

"I'm not going to tell you without his permission."

"Could you ask for it?" Ford asked.

Otto thought about it then nodded. "Go to my house and dig into the third drawer on the left in my desk. There should be something that looks like a radio. Bring it back here."

Ford disappeared in a flash and was back a minute later, hefting the radio up onto the bed before resuming his previous position. Otto huddled into him as he fiddled with the knobs. Then he focused his eyes on the radio and his voice came out.

"Sasha, you wouldn't happen to be on the way back?"

"Morning, Otto," Sasha's voice came through, crisp and clear. "Ja, we just left the little shop twenty miles from camp. I had to buy sunglasses."

"Oh no," Otto's voice came through again even though he didn't open his mouth. "She broke your glasses?"

"Unfortunately," Sasha said. "And I'm already tired of startling people when I meet their gaze."

"Well, Ford and the others are here and they want to know about your eyes and how they came to be the way they are. And I accidentally let slip some of it already, but I had just woken up and I am sorry."

Silence for several moments. Then Sasha's voice came through again. "I see no reason for you to hide it from your friends. But it goes no further than them, please."

"Oh, good," Otto thought, his eyes lighting up. "And thank you. How long until you're here?"

"We're staying at the speed limit because Truman is driving, and we'll say it's been awhile."

Otto snorted. "So tonight."

"Yes."

"Well, I'll see if Compton will cook something hot for you."

"Much appreciated. And good to hear you're okay. There was an incident."

"What happened?" Otto asked.

"Ask Ford," Sasha replied. "Goodbye."

Otto flicked the radio to another setting then telekinetically set it across the room. He sighed and rubbed his forehead.

"Is there anything to eat first? I'm cold and something hot would help."

Compton popped up. "What would we like?"

Otto hesitated. "I would love an omelet."

"Mm, omelets it is. The usual?"

"Yes please," Otto said, rubbing his hands together in anticipation.

While Compton began to cook breakfast, Otto huddled into Ford. Ford, of course, couldn't resist teasing a little.

"You're never this cuddly," he said slyly.

"You're never this warm," Otto mumbled.

Ford chuckled and they sat there for a few minutes. Otto dozed a little. Then Helmut leaned forward. "So what about Sasha's eyes?"

"Compton's busy," Otto muttered.

"I can listen just as well in here," Compton said.

"No no," Otto said, and he pointed at Ford. "What incident? After that, we'll cover Sasha."

Ford's face reddened, and Bob spoke. "We panicked when we realized what invention you were using, especially when you didn't come out of the water. Ford tried to get the controls away from that girl, and they broke."

Otto nodded. "Makes sense."

"It does?" Ford asked weakly.

"It was the most traumatic event we ever went through together, and none of us are unscathed." Otto squeezed Ford into a big hug. "It's okay. Sasha was all right, and he had to have split the ice or I wouldn't be here."

"He called me a big dummy," Ford muttered, glancing away.

"That was for my benefit, as I'm sure you've guessed," Otto said, grinning.

"Yeah. But he was right," Ford replied. "None of us even thought that you'd learned from what happened in Grulovia."

"Indeed," Otto said solemnly. "Then you are a big dummy, Cruller." He smiled a little. "But I don't mind. We're still figuring out all the changes. The point is that we're here and can help each other move on."

"Sounds like a plan," Bob said.

"Oh no. The plan is for the Board to get us past the lake," Otto replied. "But that will be later." He shifted and stretched a little before curling back into Ford. "Do you mind if we go to my lab? I want to make Sasha a new pair of glasses."

"Uhhh," several of his friends said.

"About that, Otto," Helmut said. "That lady, she tried to use that prince to get in, so…"

Otto burst out laughing. "Oh, I can clear that up in an hour or so. In fact, Truman could have canceled out the alarms and cleared the room. Besides Sasha and myself, he's the only one able to do so after a breach like that."

His friends grinned at him. "That's good," Cassie said. "I was worried."

"No need. The Psylirium gas is a good enough deterrent for Psychonauts and non-Psychonauts alike."

"That's our Otto," Compton said fondly. "Brilliant to the nth degree."

Otto flushed with pleasure then began to fill them in on the many, many times Sasha had been experimented on, and not all with his permission. They were sobered by his words, and Ford in particular was very curious about Sasha's past. Soon, the omelets were done, and Otto talked all through breakfast, too. When he was done, his friends were contemplative and quiet.

"That's awful," Cassie sighed.

"Can we do anything for him?" Ford asked.

"Not without his permission, and he hasn't given it yet," Otto said. "Besides, I'm not sure if there's much I can do for most of it. She removed layers upon layers of natural psychic shielding to get him to where he is. Removed, not cut away. The good news is that Fancy, Curiosity, and Sensibility are still there and able to reconnect, however briefly. That means they can at least be healed, to some degree at least. But he will never be the same as he was before Kasmira's surgeries."

Silence. Then Ford squeezed him. "Do you think you could make him his special glasses?"

"I'd like to try. It takes him four hours, but he must be efficient at this point. He makes a new pair once a year."

"Then we'd better get going. But all your clothes are dirty, so I don't know where you'll find a shirt."

"My lab, of course," Otto said, smiling. "You underestimate me again, Cruller."

"I should really stop doing that," Ford said, grinning back. "Okay then. Let's clean up and head to the lab."

Chapter Text

Sasha awoke around dawn to a quiet cabin. He felt rested and refreshed, though he was still aching all over. Rolling out of bed, he padded from the men's bedroom into the bathroom and got ready for the day. He was glad he had fresh clothes, and he noticed that Otto's bags were still here. He packed everything with telekinesis while he brushed his teeth then set Otto's bags and his by the door, ready to be loaded.

Once he was ready, he grabbed a pack of cigarettes and walked outside to take a deep breath of camp air. He went to his secret lab, lighting up a cigarette as he strolled along. The nicotine helped his headache, and he took another drag as he retrieved the button. Going down into the depths of his lab, he went straight for the secret room where he kept his keepsake chest.

After several hours, Milla called down to him. "Are you down there, Sasha?"

"Ja, come on down."

Sasha heard more than one pair of feet on the stairs, so he wasn't surprised when Truman, Hollis, and Morrey came down with her. Morrey looked around with keen interest.

"So this is your lab, eh?"

Sasha came out of the secret room, lighting up another cigarette. "Ja, Oleander. Better than your asylum, at least."

Morrey grumbled at the reminder of his little power trip, and he looked away. Truman grinned at the banter, stroking his beard as he so often did. "At least you can tease, Sasha. You were sleeping so soundly that we were worried for awhile."

Sasha shrugged one shoulder and held out a book to Milla. "Might interest you."

Milla took the book and opened it as everybody stared at her. She giggled and started turning the pages. "You were so cute!"

Hollis leaned over and fought a smile. Truman and Morrey used their telekinesis to lift themselves up to see inside. The book was a photograph album, full pictures of Sasha and his village. The photos were sepia-toned, and Sasha looked so solemn even as a child. His tall, stern father was in many of the pictures, and, starting halfway through, there was an artistic slant to many of them.

"Photography?" Truman asked with delight. He turned to Sasha. "You like photography?"

"Capturing a moment is difficult," Sasha said. "Light and angle and tone and setting matter."

"Similar to relationships," Truman said. He studied a few more photos. "You weren't close with him, were you?"

"Nein. I wasn't. How did you know?"

"The things you listed," Truman replied. He glanced over, and he froze for a moment as Sasha met his eyes. Truman crashed to the ground and was shocked to realize that he had stopped projecting telekinesis. He blinked several times as Hollis knelt down.

"You all right, Tru?" she asked.

"Sorry," Sasha muttered, averting his eyes. "That's why I always wear my glasses. I can't help it. And I haven't been able to since the seventh surgery."

"It's certainly astonishing," Truman said breathlessly.

Sasha turned away and took a drag on his cigarette as he walked back into the room. Milla shut the book and followed him in. Though she'd been in his secret lab many times, she hadn't known about this secret room. She stopped to see what looked to be a completely up-to-date collection of True Psychic Tales carefully stored on shelves around the walls. But right across from the doorway was a chest. Things were piled up and it looked like he was emptying it.

"What's all this, Sasha?" Morrey asked.

Sasha took a drag of his cigarette. "Going through some old things," he said, keeping his eyes averted.

"Really?" Milla asked gently.

Sasha nodded curtly and said nothing, tapping off an ash.

"Can we help?"

"If you're willing," Sasha said, his voice monotone.

"All you had to do was ask, Sasha," Hollis said.

"You read the file?"

Silence. Then Truman cleared his throat. "Yes. Some of it went over our heads, but Hollis explained what we didn't understand."

"Then you know why I didn't ask."

"It's understandable," Truman replied. "Though it's a wee bit unhealthy, too."

"Fair point," Sasha said. "Are we about ready to drive back to the Motherlobe?"

"We have to get the children packed up, and whatever you want to take. Oh, and we are almost out of food," Milla said.

"That little shop twenty miles from here has a grill," Sasha said. "I'll treat everybody to a nice, hot breakfast. We'll have options down the road for lunch, though I'm not sure about dinner."

"We'll fire up the Noodle Bowl if we have to," Truman said.

"Sounds like a plan," Sasha said. He flexed his telekinesis and everything organized itself neatly into the chest. "Would you help me get this into the van?"

"Of course," Truman said, and he and Hollis took it with their telekinesis.

Sasha closed up behind them as they headed up into the Psychoisolation Chamber. When everybody was out, he climbed up and shut the door then took the button. He heard the click of his lab sealing, then he stepped out and shut the Psychoisolation Chamber. They clambered down and headed for the cabins, stopping only for a moment so Sasha could hide the button again.

When they got to the cabins, the kids were already packed and ready to go. Sam was riding on one of the bears, and she waved at them.

"Yo! We leaving soon? I'm hungry!" she called.

The bear glanced up at her and grunted.

"Thanks but no thanks, Jan. I need something cooked, not raw," Sam said.

Lizzie rolled her eyes and shook her head. "When are we gonna eat?"

"Soon. How much do we have left from my bag?" Sasha asked.

"Not enough," Adam said. "Sorry, Agent Nein, but we got hungry last night."

"I can't blame you. You Kinder take the rest. There is a shop we can stop at where we will get a nice, hot breakfast. My treat. Now, do you have everything?" Sasha asked.

"Pretty sure," Raz said, coming out of the cabin. "Morris, you forgot these."

He tossed him his headphones, and Morris gasped and hung them around his neck. "Thanks, man. We'd be turning around."

"Come on, children," Milla said. "The sooner we load up and get going, the sooner we can all eat."

That certainly got them moving, and they lifted their things and began walking. Raz stayed back to walk up with Sasha when Sasha went to grab his and Otto's bags. Sasha glanced down at him, and the boy flinched a little when he met Sasha's eyes, but his bright smile and his joy that they were safe didn't dim at the invasion. Sasha smiled a little and patted his shoulder.

It took about fifteen minutes for them to load everything up and decide who was driving what, and where the children were riding. With five vehicles, all five adults would have to drive, and that included Truman. Sasha ended up in the van he'd driven down to camp, along with most of the luggage and Raz sitting in the front seat beside him. He lit up a cigarette and started the car with the psychic key, adjusting his mirror. He took a long, hard drag and his hand was trembling a little as he lowered it onto the steering wheel.

"You okay, Sasha?" Raz asked.

"I have to drive to the shop without any glasses," Sasha said quietly. "I must go slowly, because I cannot distract the drivers by unintentionally meeting their eyes. Milla will drive up front, and we'll be at the rear of the convoy. Please watch for people and help me get to the store without incident."

"What then?" Raz asked.

Sasha pulled out of the parking area after Morrey. "You will go in and purchase a pair of the darkest sunglasses you can find. Then I will put them on and others won't be affected by my gaze unless they are close to me."

"But what about you?"

"My gaze will be only slightly inhibited, but it is less distracting for me than others. I gain information. They are struck with my psyche. There is a difference."

"Oh yeah, for sure," Raz said. "Well, mission accepted, Agent Nein!"

Sasha felt Fancy reconnect and he snorted then laughed a little. "You are so funny, Razputin."

Raz stared at him a moment. "Can I ask you something?"

Sasha nodded. "Ja?"

"Why don't you call me Raz?" Raz asked.

Sasha finished off his cigarette then stubbed it out in an ashtray he'd placed in a cup holder. "Because I prefer your full name, Razputin. It's so rare to come across a name that comes close to my mother tongue, even in our agency. But if you want me to call you Raz, I suppose I can."

"No, no!" Raz exclaimed. "I didn't realize you liked saying my full name. Nobody else pronounces it like you. You do it right, just like Dad and Nona… ah, my great aunt, or whatever."

Sasha glanced at Raz, who folded his arms across his chest subconsciously. Sasha reached out and patted his knee. "Once I get settled and am allowed to perform Mental Exams again, what say we spend some time clearing up some mental cobwebs and tagging some baggage? I promised to help you but things got in the way."

Raz smiled at that. "I'd like that, Sasha. I'd like that a lot."

Sasha nodded and gripped the steering wheel tightly. When they finally got to the shop, Sasha passed Raz some money and told him to have everybody else order while Raz got the sunglasses. Raz came back five minutes later with a dark, square pair of sunglasses. Sasha took them and put them on and had Raz look at him.

"Anything?" Sasha asked anxiously.

"It's kinda distorted around your face a bit, but I can look at you just fine."

"Only psychics should be able to detect it. Now, let's get something to eat. I haven't eaten since lunch yesterday, and even then it wasn't enough."

Sasha purchased breakfast for everybody, and they sat at the shop and ate their food gratefully. When they were done, they piled back into the cars and started off. They had made it about five miles when a deep ping ricocheted through the car and a receiver went up. Raz's eyes went huge as Otto's voice came out of the radio.

"Sasha, you wouldn't happen to be on the way back?"

"Morning, Otto," Sasha said, his voice coming through the radio even though his mouth didn't move. "Ja, we just left the little shop twenty miles from camp. I had to buy sunglasses."

"Oh no," Otto said. "She broke your glasses?"

"Unfortunately," Sasha replied. "And I'm already tired of startling people when I meet their gaze."

"Well, Ford and the others are here and they want to know about your eyes and how they came to be the way they are. And I accidentally let slip some of it already, but I had just woken up and I am sorry."

The last part came out in a rush, and Sasha pressed his lips together as he thought. He finally nodded as he replied. "I see no reason for you to hide it from your friends. But it goes no further than them, please."

"Oh, good," Otto said. "And thank you. How long until you're here?"

"We're staying at the speed limit because Truman is driving, and we'll say it's been awhile."

"So tonight." It wasn't a question. Then again, Otto knew exactly how far away the camp was, so he could estimate pretty well.

"Yes," Sasha replied.

"Well, I'll see if Compton will cook something hot for you."

Sasha's expression brightened. "Much appreciated. And good to hear you're okay. There was an incident."

"What happened?" Otto asked, sounding curious.

"Ask Ford," Sasha thought back. "Goodbye."

Sasha tapped the off button and the receiver went down. Raz studied him.

"You know, you've got some cool gadgets."

"I'm Otto's number one customer," Sasha said, a smirk lifting his lips. "So ja. I've got some cool gadgets."

"Mind if I put on the radio?" Raz asked after a few minutes.

"Nothing hard."

Raz fiddled with the dial Sasha had pointed to until a nice classical piece came on. Sasha relaxed and nodded his approval. The two of them sat and listened to the music as Sasha followed the line of Psychonaut vehicles, the silence comfortable as they thought over the last forty-eight hours. It had been harrowing, but one thought beat all others. 'We survived Kasmira.'

Raz blurted out. "Hey, what happened to Kasmira and her goons?"

Sasha glanced over. "Raya made us forget, no doubt. As soon as she woke up, she distracted you so she could get the others together."

"They have to be walking then!"

"Hugo can teleport vast distances. As soon as Kasmira joined them, they teleported away."

"But that's not fair!" Raz cried. "We had them."

"Slippery describes my old gang, Razputin," Sasha said. "But I have good news. Now that I know, I can figure out where they're holed up and how Alvares found them. Knowing that might help us find them."

"How?"

"Alvares is in over fifty True Psychic Tales comics. I'm still off active duty, so I expect you and the other Kinder to help me."

Raz's distress faded, and he relaxed. "Yeah. Yeah that sounds like a plan."

Sasha smiled a little then focused on the road. They had a long drive back to the Motherlobe, and he already felt stiff. It was going to be a rough day, but they would have some hot food waiting for them, at least if Compton agreed to cook. He kept that thought in mind as they started winding their way up the first mountain on the road back to the Motherlobe.

Chapter Text

Otto heard the children first as they came into the atrium via the Otto-B.O.N. hatch. He strolled to the doorway of the Noodle Bowl in time to see Sasha pop out, followed by the rest of the Board and their luggage. They all looked weary and travel-worn, but they were all whole.

Sasha turned toward the Noodle Bowl when Otto pinged him. Sasha smiled with relief then guided everybody toward the food. Once they caught the smell of fresh, hot food, everybody hurried in. Truman nodded his head at Otto then froze several steps inside when he caught sight of his uncles. Helmut looked up and grinned but Bob only glanced at him, his eyes hooded.

"Heya, Tru! You and Bobby match," Helmut teased.

Truman blushed but was forced forward by Hollis, who had a slight smirk on her face.

"Hollis," Truman begged.

"You're going to eat, Tru," she said. "You don't have to sit with them."

Truman huffed and headed for the food. Sasha and Otto watched this exchange as the others filed past them. When they wouldn't be overheard, Otto dug into his pocket and held out a small box.

"I think I got them right," he said.

Sasha took the box and opened it. Inside was a pair of his own special glasses. He gasped with delight, a flush of excitement rising on his cheeks.

"Oh, Otto, you are wunderbar!" he said. He pulled them out of the box and took off the sunglasses. Otto took them as Sasha angled his new glasses toward the light and peered through the lenses. A pleased smile lifted his lips and he slipped them on.

"They are perfect, Otto. Thank you so much," Sasha said.

"I had to delve into your files in my lab to find your instructions on making them," Otto said. "I hope you don't mind."

"I don't have much else that's hidden from you, Otto," Sasha admitted. "I don't mind at all. I'm just glad I don't have to go without them. With all these psychics around, it would be dangerous for all parties." Sasha hesitated then squeezed Otto into a hug. Otto gasped in surprise; Sasha knew he wasn't a hugger, but Otto knew Sasha typically wasn't either.

"Sasha?" he asked, squeezing him gently.

"Fancy and Sensibility," he muttered, pulling away.

"Interesting," Otto said. "Now come on. You need some food. And we have to tell you how things stand in the Motherlobe."

"Ah, yes. It does seem remarkably calm considering Kasmira was here," Sasha said.

"Food first," Otto insisted, leading him to a buffet of options.

Sasha piled his plate then followed Otto to a table away from the others. As soon as he sat down, he began to make short work of the delicious food. Sasha grunted with satisfaction as Otto ate a bit of his own food. He'd been sampling all evening, so he wasn't too hungry, but it was nice to see Sasha actually eating a full meal. He rarely ate much, and Otto had brought it up once as a concern. Sasha had gently but firmly told him that he didn't care to have his eating habits brought up. Yes, he knew it was unhealthy but they'd had little food when he was a child, so he was accustomed to it. It didn't make it right, but Sasha had drawn a line so Otto refused to cross it again. Besides, his eating habits weren't the best either.

Sasha glanced up over his glasses at him and Otto sucked in a breath when he met his eyes. Then Sasha smiled. "I appreciate it. And I am actually hungry right now. It is nice to taste food instead of sating my hunger as I usually do."

"Stress response," Otto said, blushing as Sasha pushed his glasses up again.

"The frames are too loose, but that's the only problem," Sasha said. "I congratulate you, Otto. You've done a fine job."

Otto glowed at the praise. "Thank you, Sasha. It was my pleasure."

Sasha finished off his plate then sat back, sighing with contentment. He was much more relaxed now that the worst of it was over. But they still had to find Kasmira. Otto had noticed that they'd come back without captives, but he wasn't sure how to bring it up. Otto glanced at Sasha and he caught another glimpse of his eyes. As soon as Sasha registered his thoughts, he leaned back and pushed up his glasses again. He scratched his chin, and when Otto nodded, he lit up a cigarette then leaned close, keeping the glowing tip away from Otto.

"Want to see something astounding?" he asked.

Otto nodded eagerly, and Sasha turned and raised his voice. "What happened to Kasmira, Hollis?"

The entire room went dead silent as all faces turned toward Sasha. Then the Board jumped up and shouted.

"We didn't see her after we left your mind!" Hollis exclaimed.

"How could we miss her?" Morrey demanded.

"Oh, butternuts!" Truman groaned, slapping his forehead. "This isn't good!"

Then the kids joined in. "What about the Deluginists?" Norma demanded. "We kicked their butts, but where are they?"

"Yeah, man!" Morris shouted. "How could we let them get away?"

Raz answered that as he pushed his plate away. "Maya did it, didn't she Sasha?"

"Raya, not Maya," Sasha said, puffing on his cigarette. "Her expertise is confounding people. She can pull thoughts out of minds and redirect thought patterns so that you forget and can't think of it until it wears off or you're snapped out of it."

Dead silence. "So you're telling me we just forgot to bring them in?" Hollis finally demanded.

"Pretty much, ja," Sasha said. "But don't blame yourselves. I'm guessing she woke up because of the icy explosion from the Hyperhyglaciator. Then all she had to do was confound you children, distract you, and wait for Kasmira to get back. Then once Hugo woke up, they'd teleport away without alerting us." He took another drag and tilted his head toward Otto. "But she left Gristol behind, unsurprisingly." He glanced at Otto. "We left him in the hospital. He's warmed up but completely out of it. Can't even remember who he is."

"Is it unsurprising that she left him?" Raz asked.

"He was her worm into the Motherlobe. As soon as she got in, he became a nuisance. So she let him be captured."

"Not much she could've done about it," Otto said, and he glanced at Sasha.

"Not with your invention. So she cut her losses and got away."

Otto nodded. "So what now?"

"We need to track them, find out where she's operating out of now."

"But what about the rest of the psychics?" Hollis interrupted.

"They should be with her, Hollis," Sasha assured her. "She doesn't go anywhere without her entourage."

"Not them, Nein. I meant our psychics!"

"We checked on them while Otto was clearing his lab," Ford said. "Managed to snap everybody out of it, but I suggest not pushing work for a few days."

"Her psychic hypnosis is debilitating for even non-psychics," Sasha said. "I suggest Mental Exams for every agent that was put under before we allow them to become active again."

"You can't be involved," Hollis shot at him.

Sasha leaned back in his chair and finished off his cigarette. Engulfing the filter in flames, he lowered his glasses and met her gaze with his own. She staggered back a few steps, and everybody else shivered at the intensity of his grey eyes.

"I'm aware of that, Forsythe," Sasha said. "I shall be monitoring the Kinder and their mission."

"Right," she mumbled. She scrubbed hard at her eyes and shuddered. Helmut got up and walked over to Sasha.

"Can I say something?" he asked.

Sasha glanced up at him. "You're the one with psychic Synesthesia," he stated, pushing his glasses back up.

"Yeah. And that lady was awful, man. Your relational line with her was actually terrifying."

"I cannot see the one I have with her. She made sure of it," Sasha replied.

He scratched his chin and glanced at Otto. Otto inclined his head and took a sip of water. Sasha lit up another cigarette, and Otto saw Helmut's eyes flash with anger.

"Do you have to do that?"

Sasha took a puff and nodded. "Ja."

Helmut's eyes flicked over to Otto, and Otto realized what was wrong. "It's fine," he said.

Helmut didn't look satisfied with that, and neither did the rest of Otto's friends. So Otto turned the topic back to the psychics. "Okay, so Mental Exams all around. In the meantime, we should start looking into where they could be holed up. Sasha?"

Sasha shrugged. "She moves every few years and never goes to the same place twice. I have no idea where they are now."

"I bet Alvares does," Milla said darkly. "But I just don't know how to pinpoint when he changed. Because he wasn't always in her employ, right?"

Sasha suddenly sat up straight and slapped his hand on the table. "That's it! Thank you, Milla."

Everybody stared at him. "I'm glad to help, darling," Milla said, amused. "But what did I help with?"

"You'll see later. As for now, I believe we should all get to bed."

"Now, that's a plan," Truman said. He yawned. "We'll start the Mental Exams tomorrow. We should start with those who help others best."

"Agreed," Milla and Hollis said.

"All right then. To bed, Kinder. Tomorrow we'll continue with your mission," Sasha ordered.

The kids all brightened, and Otto noticed that none of them mentioned that their mission was now the mission of the entire agency. Sasha lowered his glasses and met their eyes as the children looked to him. As they all grinned, Otto noticed but didn't say anything. Everybody began filtering out. Sasha stood up and stretched.

"Well, Otto, if you want to play, come to spend time with the junior agents. We could use your help. It would be an advantage."

"Oh, are we playing another game?"

Sasha flashed him a grin and leaned close, keeping the cigarette away from Otto. "It's a race. The Kinder and I versus the rest of the Motherlobe. And we've already got a head start. Care to join?"

Otto grinned back. "Gladly. I might be able to convince my friends to join as well."

"Of course. They'll be welcome. Though I suggest you show them your lies before the next issues get here."

Otto sagged. "Yeah. Guess I should. I just don't know how they'll react. Nobody else approved them. Nobody wanted to."

"I'll make sure to have at least seven copies of it. One for us, and one for each of them. But I suggest you at least prepare them for it."

"Otto! We're headed back. Come on!" Cassie called.

Otto smiled at Sasha then hugged him tightly. "You're the best friend I could have ever asked for, Sasha. And I'm proud of how you're handling everything."

Those words clearly affected Sasha, and he turned away to hide his expression once Otto let him go. "Thank you," was all he could manage to say, his voice tight and full of emotion.

Otto hurried to his friends and headed for the Otto-B.O.N. hatch, where the luggage was. Ford already had Otto’s duffel bag, and Helmut held the bag with his clothes in it. The Board and the children headed for their rooms, while one by one, the Psychic Seven went off to Green Needle Gulch. Otto was the last to leave, and he caught Sasha plodding to his room. Sasha looked back and caught his eye then smiled and waved. Otto waved back before he hopped in and used the psychic key. He rushed through the tunnels and was turned right side up just before he popped up. The hatch door snapped closed, and then they were left in the blissful quiet of the woods at night.

"Well, that's done," Otto sighed.

"I thought you said Sasha knew about your scars," Helmut said, and Otto was startled by his angry tone.

"Well, of course he does," Otto replied. "He asked before he lit up both times."

"He did?" they all asked in shock.

"We have our ways," Otto assured them. "He always asks. Well, except for at the camp after he showed me his file, but I can't hold that against him. He was still kind enough to keep the lit end away from me, even if he didn't ask."

"Are you comfortable with him smoking?" Ford asked.

"If I wasn't, he wouldn't have lit up in front of me. When we first became friends and he noticed that I avoided lit cigarettes, he stopped smoking around me altogether. He'd always leave the room to have one. It wasn't until he went into my mind to prove I wasn't a Deluginist spy that he discovered why I don't like cigarettes. We talked about it, and we settled on some signals he can use to ask me without making it public. If I say no, and I do on really bad days, he respects that and leaves before he smokes." Otto gazed at his friends earnestly. "It's nothing to worry about. I trust him, and he trusts me. That's good enough, especially considering what we've been through."

"If you're sure, old bean," Compton said.

"I am. But thank you for your concern. Now, I'm going to go home and get to bed. I'm cold."

"It'll last a few more days," Helmut said. "Warming up the blankets will help you get to sleep."

"I'll try it," Otto said. He shivered in the cool night air. "Goodnight."

They all split up to go to their houses. Ford and Lucy teleported away immediately. Cassie and Compton headed for her house, where he would sleep in her guest room, which was pretty much Compton's room now. Bob and Helmut, however, followed Otto until he turned around.

"What are you doing?" he asked.

"We want to make sure you get home safe," Helmut said.

"Unless you want to stay at our place again?" Bob asked.

Otto hesitated. "I wouldn't want to overstay my welcome."

"You won't," Helmut said. "You're too independent to stay for too long. But since you're still not feeling well…"

"It won't be a bother?" Otto asked.

"Not at all," Bob said.

"Then I would like to not be alone right now," Otto murmured, so low they almost didn't catch it.

"Then let's go," Bob said.

So Otto gladly followed his friends to their house, relieved that he wouldn't have to be alone.

Chapter Text

Sasha awoke the next morning feeling wonderfully light. He was excited to get back to the search now that he knew approximately when to look back in Alvares's life. There had been a moment when Alvares had mentioned his secret memories, and it had to have been around that time. How else could he have known about them unless Kasmira had been involved? He just needed to pinpoint the missions that Alvares was going on at the time, and that would narrow it down.

After a hot shower, Sasha dressed then headed out for breakfast, determined that he and the junior agents would win the game. Of course, Hollis and the rest of the Psychonauts didn't know they were playing, but that was part of the fun.

Otto was already there with his friends, eating a fantastic breakfast that was definitely off-menu. Otto passed him a plate as he sat down. "Saved you some of the variety," he said jovially.

"Much appreciated," Sasha said, and he picked up his fork. "Did you tell them?"

"About the lies?" Otto asked. A flush rose up his cheeks as he smiled sheepishly. "I told them this morning that I had lied about the battle in Grulovia, and sent it in to True Psychic Tales."

"And?"

Otto bit his bottom lip. "Ford insisted they read it instead of me telling them what I wrote. So I hope you have several copies."

Sasha grunted and took a bite of his food. "Of course."

Otto allowed him to eat, and he made short work of his breakfast. "Mm. Food has taste again," he muttered.

"I didn't know it was that bad," Otto said.

"Because I didn't tell you," Sasha replied. He sat back with a sigh of contentment. "That was good. Compton is an excellent chef, just like you said."

"Ooh, you were talking about Boolie, Otto?" Cassie said from the next table. "Telling tales?"

The rest of the Psychic Seven turned to peer at Sasha. He could see wariness in their eyes even with his glasses on, but there was also a firm resolve to 'get used to Sasha' because he was Otto's good friend. He appreciated that, and he knew Otto did, too.

"He's told me many things about all of you," Sasha said, scratching his chin. Otto nodded, so Sasha pulled out a cigarette and lit it by pinching his fingers on the tip and inhaling as he used pyrokinesis. He blew out smoke and gazed at them, choosing his words carefully. "In many instances, Otto lamented you no longer cooking, Compton. And he was right about how tasty your food is. His raving over your food is well-deserved."

Compton blushed at the compliment and immediately grew warmer toward him. Cassie did, too. Ford grinned, the most at ease with Sasha due to his fragmented memories of Camp Whispering Rock, but Helmut, Bob, and Lucy studied him curiously.

"Did he ask?" Lucy asked.

"Yes, Lu," Otto said.

"How?"

Sasha scratched his chin and Otto snorted. "You're already smoking one."

"She asked how, I showed her," Sasha replied, tapping ash onto his plate.

"That's it?" Ford asked.

"The whole point of me asking him like that is to be subtle," Sasha said. "The whole organization doesn't need to know about Otto's aversion to cigarettes and smokers. If they did, they'd ask questions, questions he has every right not to answer. So it's better the fewer who know about it. Thus, subtlety."

Ford nodded. "Makes sense when you put it that way."

Sasha nodded and blew out another plume of smoke. "Are we about ready to go set up for the day?"

"I am," Otto said.

"Then let's go. The Kinder should be there soon, and I want to be ready for them."

Otto nodded, and they psychically piled the plates into the dishwasher in the kitchen and started it before heading toward the classroom. When they got there, Otto and Sasha had the others wait, and the two men retrieved the True Psychic Tales they would need. Sasha gathered seven issues featuring the battle in Grulovia, settling them on top, then they wheeled the trolleys back to the classroom.

Cassie was studying the digital notes Sasha and Otto were keeping on their mission, flicking through the screens.

"I don't understand these," she said.

"You'll learn as we go today," Sasha said. He passed her the comic. "I suggest reading this first."

Cassie took the issue and gazed at the artwork. "So this is it?"

"Yes," Otto said. He shifted uneasily. "I didn't know what else to do, and I'm sorry I lied."

"We'll see what you came up with and go from there," Ford said, and Sasha handed him five other copies.

"Pass these around and settle in. Otto, you help me get these issues organized. We need to figure out the approximate time Alvares was contacted by Kasmira."

Otto brightened and clapped once. "Of course! That should narrow things down." He paused for a moment then shook his head. "But how will we figure that out?"

"Alvares shouldn't have known about why I left my home," Sasha said. "And yet he mentioned it while taunting me."

"Details?" Otto asked, adjusting his glasses and turning to the digital board with a special pen that would mark on the hologram.

"It was cold, so it must have been late fall to early spring."

Otto began to write, all of his focus now on their task. He didn't notice his friends watching with great interest. Sasha did and he smiled at them before he turned to lean on the podium and thought some more.

"What else?" Otto asked.

"He definitely went to another country," Sasha said.

"He had to," Otto said, writing out the new information. "We've already marked off this country due to other factors. Next."

Sasha considered the vague memories. "He must have gone alone or gotten separated from his partner."

"Ooh, that will narrow it down," Otto said, writing out the next point. "Is that all?"

"Unfortunately," Sasha said. "He's been after me for so long that it all just blurs together."

"Well, that gives us a starting point," Otto said. "Let's sort through these issues and get them ready for the children."

Sasha nodded and they sat down on one of the beds and began to sort through the comics. Now that the exciting part was done, the rest of the Psychic Seven sat down to read, so for the next while there was no talking. When nine rolled around, Raz came bounding in, looking bright and ready for the day.

"Morning, everyone!" he called, hurrying over to Sasha. "I'm ready for the mission, Agent Nein."

Sasha looked over to see the boy's eyes sparkling. "Very good, Razputin. We added a few more notes. Look them over then join us."

Raz hurried over to study the new information then he joined Sasha and Otto on one of the beds and peered at what they'd gotten done. Without a single question, Raz began picking up the unsorted comics and sorting them. It was another half hour before the rest of the junior agents came walking in.

"There you are, Raz," Adam said.

"Here I am," Raz said. "We're almost done with this."

"What should we do, Agent Nein?" Morris asked.

"We've narrowed down the Tales you need to go through," Sasha said. He gathered one of the smaller piles into a neat stack and telekinetically passed them to the children. "We are looking for inconsistencies, something that doesn't belong or that pops out of the ordinary. Be vigilant and study the stories. Focus on one or two issues each, and comb through them thoroughly."

The junior agents agreed, and they separated out the comics and settled on other beds. Raz finished sorting the comics with Sasha and Otto then took a couple issues for himself. "Ooh, Alvares went to Germania in this one, right?" he asked, flashing the cover to Sasha.

"I believe so," Sasha said. "I turned down that mission, so he picked it up to try and outshine me. As usual."

Otto and Sasha split the rest of the comics between them then settled down into the silence. All that could be heard was the turning of pages, soft sighs and the occasional laugh. Sasha glanced around every once in a while, and he caught the rest of the Psychic Seven staring at Otto or glancing at each other. He was sure if he peeked over his glasses, he'd see strings of thought connecting them, but he didn't care to find out. Otto angled one of the adventures toward him and pointed at a strange symbol. Sasha shook his head and pinged him. Otto let him in.

'That's a gang symbol in that city.'

'Ah,' Otto thought back.

Then they focused again. Sasha was aware of Otto's mental presence, and he found it comforting. He missed being in constant contact with Milla, and though Otto's mind wasn't as familiar, it was comfortable. Sasha glanced over at Otto to see his lips twitch, and he nudged him mentally, clearly catching Sasha's stray thoughts. Sasha nudged him back, turning the page.

That was how they spent the morning. The other members of the Psychic Seven each reread the one comic several times then settled in the corner and talked in low voices. The children continued to scour the books, but none of them found anything. By the time lunch rolled around, everybody was tired. So Sasha stood up and got everybody's attention.

"That's enough for today, Kinder," he said. "You all may go and have lunch then rest. You may take your comics with you overnight to study. You are dismissed."

The kids all stood up and stretched before gathering up their things. They waved and left for the Noodle Bowl, all except for Raz. He was studying the issue he'd asked about carefully and was only halfway through. Sasha touched his shoulder.

"Razputin?"

Raz jerked and looked up at him, blinking several times. "Hm?"

"It is time for a break. You need lunch."

Raz placed a hand on his stomach, surprised, then laughed. "Guess I do. Can I take these?" He held up the comics he was looking at.

"Of course. Study more tonight if you'd like," Sasha said. "Now go have lunch. We'll resume tomorrow. Hopefully we'll have more luck."

Raz stood up and stretched before he did a neat backflip, landing nimbly on his feet. "Okay then," he said. "I'll see you tomorrow, Sasha."

"Have a good afternoon," Sasha replied.

Raz left with a spring in his step, and Sasha sighed. Otto stood up with a groan and had to grab Sasha to steady himself. Flexing his knees, he managed to remain standing.

"No backflip?" Sasha deadpanned.

Otto snorted and shoved Sasha's shoulder. Sasha grinned at him, unable to stop it as Fancy reconnected. Otto looked surprised then took it in stride.

"Well, no luck today," Otto sighed.

"There's always tomorrow," Sasha replied. "Now I think you'd better go."

"Why? Tired of me already?" Otto asked, arching an eyebrow.

"No. The others want to go back to the Gulch and talk about the issue they just read," Sasha said, gesturing at the rest of the Psychic Seven.

Otto looked over and his cheeks flushed. "Ah. Yes. That." He squirmed a little, biting his bottom lip as his eyes searched Sasha's face for reassurance.

Sasha nudged his mind. "You're always welcome to come by if it's too much," he thought.

Otto relaxed and nodded. "Well, if that's what they want, I'd better be going," he said. "Take care, and have some lunch."

"I will," Sasha said. "See you later, Otto."

Otto nodded and turned toward his friends, a knot of anxiety in his stomach. They didn't look upset, which was a good sign. More thoughtful than anything, they smiled at him as he joined them.

"Ready to go?" Otto asked. "Or are we going for the Noodle Bowl first?"

"I'll make something when we get back," Compton assured him.

"Then let's go, I suppose," Otto muttered.

He glanced back at Sasha, who nodded. He saw Ford slip an arm across Otto's back as they headed for the nearest Otto-B.O.N. hatch. Sasha watched them go then lit up a cigarette and turned to put everything away. Overall, it had been a good day, and he was ready for a bit of a nap. He didn't usually take naps, but he felt so weary. After all he'd been through, he needed some rest, so once he was done cleaning up, he headed for his room, sparing a thought for Otto and the Psychic Seven and the conversation they were having.

Chapter Text

Otto popped out of the Otto-B.O.N. and landed shakily on his feet. His joints were still protesting a bit from his prolonged stillness, but it wasn't too bad. The nerves roiling in his stomach were worse, and Otto smoothed his hands over his lab coat and tried not to throw up. Ford slipped an arm across his back, and he glanced over. Ford smiled encouragingly.

"A bit nervous?" he teased.

"I don't like lying about us," Otto murmured, swallowing.

"Well, you certainly lied," Ford said. "You framed it as if it was entirely your fault."

Otto shrugged and scuffed his shoe over the ground. "Wasn't it?"

"A bit," Cassie admitted, leaning over to kiss his cheek. "But we all were to blame. Lucy was so crazed at that point. The Gzar must have done something awful to make her fall into Maligula so hard."

Otto froze as the memory of speaking to Gristol flashed through his mind. He sucked in a breath and turned and walked away. How could he even bring it up? Nobody else knew what the Gzar had done to Lucy. Ford snagged his wrist.

"Hey! Where are you going?"

Otto shook his head mutely, tugging against Ford's grip. When he didn't let go, he said the only thing that would give him some time to think. "Bathroom," he muttered.

"Oh, sure," Ford asked. In a flash of blue, they were in Otto's house, and he had no choice but to go into the bathroom and shut the door.

After relieving himself, he slowly washed his hands and stared at himself in the mirror, his heart numb. Lucy, their dear, sweet, fiery Lucy, had been raped by the Gzar of Grulovia. She had looked up to him as the leader of her country, yet it hadn't been enough. He had pushed her over the brink of sanity just to try and keep her, and Otto felt sick at the thought of what he must have done to her. And Ford. Did Ford know? Probably not. Lucy was of the old school way of thinking, and rape wasn't to be spoken of in polite company, even to a loving husband. Maybe especially so.

There was a knock on the door. "You drown in there?"

Otto rinsed off his hands then grabbed a hand towel and wiped the water off. When he opened the door, Ford's sharp eyes scanned his face.

"Are you okay?"

"I need to speak with Lucy," Otto said quietly. "Please bring her here then leave."

Ford snorted, a teasing smile on his lips. "As long as you remember that she's my wife," he said, and there was such pride in that statement.

Otto smiled a little. "Of course."

Ford disappeared in a flash, and Otto went and sat in his desk chair. He took a deep breath and began to swivel back and forth, trying to stay calm. Lucy and Ford appeared, and Ford released her hand.

"Compton's making sandwiches," Ford said. "I'll come and get you two when he's done."

Another flash of blue and they were alone. Otto stared at Lucy, who gazed back at him curiously. "You want to talk?" she asked.

Otto hesitated, unsure of how direct to be then realized sandwiches wouldn't take too long to make. So he bit the bullet and spoke plainly. "I know what the Gzar did to you," he said. "Malik told me."

Lucy's face lost all color and she nearly fell over. Otto had expected that and caught her with his telekinesis, guiding her to the floor. When she was safely down, Otto stood up and gathered the pillows off his bed and sat down beside her. He didn't touch her physically, unsure if she wanted that, so he used his telekinesis to make her comfortable. He could see a fine tremor as Lucy held one of the pillows against her chest. They didn't speak for several moments. Then Otto broke the silence.

"I know why you didn't tell us," he said gently. "But you need to at least tell Ford. He can comfort you in ways I can't."

"How?" Lucy croaked, her expression tight as tears wound down her face.

"Well, I don't know," Otto said. "Do you have any ideas?"

"Don't want Crully to know," she muttered.

"Do you honestly think he'd leave you?" Otto asked.

Lucy hesitated then shrugged. "Don't know. Don't want to find out." She sniffled and turned to bury her face in Otto's lab coat. Otto smoothed his hands over her back, soothing her as best he could. She cried for several minutes before she pulled back.

"Let me think on it," Lucy said.

"Let me know if I can help in any way," Otto said. "Now come wash your face. Ford will be here any second."

He guided Lucy into the bathroom and filled the sink with water then went back to his desk to wait for Ford, clicking the door shut behind him. He'd done all he could for Lucy at the moment, so he would wait until she came to talk to him again. Ford appeared and glanced around for Lucy before he saw the bathroom door closed. He went and leaned his hip against the desk, crossing his arms.

"What was that about?"

"Just wanted to let her know that Gristol won't be a problem anymore," Otto said as the bathroom door opened.

Lucy's eyes flashed with hope. "You are sure?" she asked.

"Malik no longer knows who you are," Otto said. "I stole any thought of you from his mind. Sasha has the invention holding his memories. I assume he took it, at least. It wasn't in my pocket."

"He did," Ford assured him. "I didn't quite know what it was, but I knew it was part of the plan you didn't tell anybody else."

Ford held out his arms to Lucy, and she glanced at Otto as she pattered over and pressed close. Otto said nothing, but he stood up and slipped his arm over Ford's back.

"I'm hungry. Let's go."

Ford squeezed Lucy with one arm and Otto with the other and teleported them back to the Heptadome, where Compton was waiting for them with narrowed eyes.

"There you are," he said. "What took you so long?"

Otto used the same excuse. "I was telling Ford and Lucy that Malik will no longer be a problem."

Cassie, Bob, and Helmut looked at Otto curiously as Compton relaxed at this news. "What does that mean?" Cassie asked.

Otto smiled and accepted his plate from Compton. "It means that between myself and Sasha, we finished my Thought Extractor that I was working on for ages, and when I took Gristol under, I used it on him to make sure he would leave our Lucy alone. Maligula is gone now, and good riddance."

"Wait," Bob cut in. "You planned to be underwater when your invention went off?"

"It was a strong possibility," Otto agreed, then took a big bite of his sandwich.

His friends all stared at him. Lucy slipped over and touched his shoulder, and Otto looked at her quizzically. "You knew and still went under… for me?" she asked softly.

Otto swallowed and shrugged. "For all of us, actually, but especially for you, Lu. That man won't touch you again. Or even think about you. I made sure of it. Because I'm not losing you all again until we keel over from old age." He paused and thought about that. "Or possibly a psychomechanical malfunction of some kind. But I digress."

Lucy hugged Otto tightly, forcing him to put down his sandwich. The plate was taken from him by Ford as Ford hugged him, too.

"Thank you," Lucy murmured.

"You're the best, Otto," Ford said, his voice hoarse.

"I know. And it's high time you realized that, Cruller," Otto replied. Ford pulled back to find Otto smirking at him. "Oh, and give me my lunch. All that research has me hungry."

Ford grinned at Otto and passed his old friend his plate. Otto took the sandwich and bit into it with a grunt of pleasure. He glanced at Ford and muttered through his mouthful. "By the way, you'd better sign off on changing the menu of the Noodle Bowl now. We're all sick of the same old options after twenty years."

Ford tilted his head. "Uh, what?"

Otto rolled his eyes and chewed until he could swallow. Then he pinned Ford with a sharp gaze. "I suppose that means," he said in a low voice, "you do not recall refusing to sign off on the menu changes, which is a requirement you requested during the construction of the Motherlobe, and one that I am exceedingly sorry I agreed to, do you?"

Ford blinked then laughed, and Helmut and Lucy joined in a moment later. Compton, Cassie, Bob, and Otto, on the other hand, did not laugh. All of them had had the same experience with the same old food year after year, and there were some meals on the menu they refused to eat anymore simply because they were sure they would throw up if they did. In other words, they were running out of edible options.

When they realized the others weren't laughing, they tapered off. Ford had a sheepish grin on his face. "Just show me where I have to sign, Otto," he said.

"Oh, there is a God!" Otto shouted happily.

"There must be," Compton replied dryly. "Now let's eat. And discuss that interesting comic book."

That sobered Otto, and he glanced at the sandwich suspiciously before he took another, smaller bite. The others settled in to eat and there was quiet for awhile as they sated their hunger. When the plates were empty, Compton gathered them and stacked them up before they all settled down with tea.

"So, Otto," Cassie said. "You blamed yourself for what happened in Grulovia. It was quite apparent that you framed the story that way."

Otto shrugged but didn't answer. He didn't know what to say. There was still a rift between them, and he didn't know how to tell them all that, besides Lucy and Helmut, everybody else had blamed him too before they'd broken apart completely. Ford had said it while they'd been digging at the ice. Bob had said it repeatedly in his drunken stupors. Cassie and Compton had discussed it quite thoroughly several nights back at the Motherlobe before Cassie had left and Compton had locked himself away. He didn't know how to tell them anything, so he settled for silence as they stared at him.

"Otto?"

Otto shook his head tiredly. "It doesn't matter."

"Another sore spot," Bob said, and it wasn't a question.

"Same one, actually," Otto said. "And I'd rather not say until we've gotten past the lake."

They all sat up straight and gazed at him. Ford broke the silence. "You said you want us to, right?"

"Yes," Otto said. "Why?"

"We could try again?"

Otto looked at Ford and shrugged. "If you want. I doubt we'll get by without Sasha, though."

"Challenge accepted," Ford said.

Otto stood up and stretched then settled down in front of them on one of the plush cushions that Cassie made with Compton's help gathering enough feathers. The others arranged themselves around him and smiled encouragingly at him. Otto braced himself.

"Do you consent to a Mental Exam, sweetie?" Cassie asked pointedly.

"Yes," Otto said, and he closed his eyes. He was pretty sure they wouldn't make it through unscathed. They would most likely need to change clothes after this adventure, but if his friends wanted to try, he would let them. He owed them that much at least.

The small, psychic door settled on Otto's forehead, and he took a deep breath and focused inward. He felt them enter as he fell toward the terribly familiar lake shore where his entire life had changed for the worse.

Yes, he was doing it for his friends, but he didn't expect to get by. They didn't quite understand how hard it was to get past the lake monsters. Sasha did, and he had promised back at the camp while they'd been making their plans to help them get by, if they survived. So even if they failed like he thought they would, Sasha could and would help them with this soon.

Chapter Text

Sasha and Otto set up the classroom while the rest of the Psychic Seven studied their notes so far. They were determined to help catch Kasmira Gristoff, especially Ford, and it was the first time they'd all be working together on an official Psychonauts mission.

Sasha glanced at them every so often, noting their eager expressions as they murmured to each other. He smiled and mentally nudged Otto, who glanced up then over at his friends. A pleased, warm smile lifted his lips and he turned back to Sasha, who smiled back. He couldn't help but be a bit more expressive now around his close friends. Otto seemed to like it at least. He hadn't seen many of the others due to the emergency Mental Exams. But there would be time for that later. They were already racing against the growing number of active Psychonauts, who were all pooling their resources to find Kasmira.

Sasha and the kids still had a head start, but his way required methodically searching True Psychic Tales until they found the key. There had to be something there. There always had been before. That's how Sasha had solved so many other mysteries, though he'd never divulged his secret. Alvares had laughed at his interest in comic books. Then again, he had laughed at everything Sasha did or liked. That didn't mean he didn't have the best clearance rate of any active agent though, and the challenge was a nice distraction from the upcoming therapy session he was going to have to sit through with the Board.

Each member of the Psychic Seven took one issue to study and were already deeply invested by the time the kids got there. Raz bounded in and went straight for Sasha. He handed over one of the comics he'd taken back, but he kept the other.

"Pretty sure there's nothing in this one," he said.

Sasha glanced at Raz's face and saw his anxiety as he waited for Sasha's response. Sasha nodded and took the issue. "Very well. What about that one?"

"I'm only halfway through. I got into that one last night. I needed a break from this one," Raz said. "But I am completely ready and willing to go on with it today!"

"Good lad," Otto said. He patted the space beside him. "How are the rest of you?"

"Doubtful this is gonna work," Norma muttered.

"What was that?" Otto asked, tilting his head toward her.

"The other agents are doing some cool stuff out there," Morris admitted.

"They invited us to spend some time with them," Lizzie said almost apologetically.

Sasha nodded, unsurprised. "Of course. If you want to join them, by all means, do so."

They all hesitated. "You won't be upset?" Sam asked warily.

"Not at all. You all could learn many things with the other agents," Sasha replied. "This is simply my way of doing things. In fact, since the entire active force is now tasked on finding Kasmira, why don't you all go and find the ways that work better for you?"

The junior agents all lit up. "You are the best, Agent Nein," Adam said, tipping his hat.

"Better than Forsythe," Sam muttered, and the kids all laughed.

"Wrong," Sasha said sharply, cutting off the laughter. "I am different, not better. Each of us contributes something unique to the agency. Her teaching skills have influenced many of the younger agents in this agency. Her concern for your safety is valid. I myself am sometimes too lax with that. But that is beside the point." He waved his hand. "Go on if you're going to. We need quiet."

The kids all stared at Sasha as he sat down on the bed beside Otto and opened an issue of True Psychic Tales. They shrugged at each other and left. Raz hesitated, staring after them. Then he nudged Sasha.

"Is that an order?" he asked weakly.

"My orders are to find the way that works for you, Razputin. That is all," Sasha said, his lips twitching up into a smile as he peeked over the top of his glasses and met Raz's eyes. Raz beamed and settled back in with the comic as Sasha pushed his glasses up again and the room went quiet.

Occasionally the various members of Psychic Seven would check the notes and discuss something with Sasha or Otto then return to sit on the beds as they studied. They saw no problem with Sasha's way of doing things. But that might have to do with the stories Otto had told them about Sasha's success with this method. Either way, he was grateful, because more eyes were good. It drastically cut down the time needed to get through multiple issues.

The time ticked by, and Compton brought them all lunch so they could rest from their search. Raz ate quickly then went back to studying the issue again, frowning intensely. Sasha watched him closely, eager for a breakthrough, but he focused on Otto after awhile as he enjoyed his lunch. Compton was trying out recipes on them to find the perfect meal to add to the menu. It was the first time in twenty years that a new item would be added, and he was happy to be a part of this experiment as he tried some kind of pork sandwich that reminded him of home. He'd have pork sometimes as a boy, and it had always been a treat. His papa really had tried.

'It just wasn't enough.'

Sasha shook his head hard to try and get rid of the unexpected and unwanted thought. Otto peered at him, tilting his head as he mentally nudged him. Sasha's cheeks grew hot, and he turned away, trying to finish his meal with a strange ache in his gut. Otto frowned a little and reached over to pat his shoulder. Sasha couldn't bring himself to acknowledge it. He felt as if his control was shaky, but now was not the time to break down. He had to find Kasmira. Otto squeezed him then left him alone. Finally, Sasha set aside his plate then stood up and walked over to Raz, who hadn't turned a single page. That was usually a good sign.

"Something caught your attention?" Sasha asked.

"Well, I don't know. I've seen it before, but I don't know which issue it was or where it came up," Raz said.

"What is it?" Sasha asked, pulling a pack of cigarettes out of his pocket.

Raz showed him the pages. Sasha frowned and leaned forward, studying the panels. It was nighttime, and Alvares was sleeping. He seemed to be having a nightmare, but it was a confusing mass of images. One symbol stood out clear as anything, and Sasha felt Curiosity reconnect and zing through the connections. He gave a shout. "That's it, Razputin! Let's just hope they haven't moved on!"

Otto stood up and hurried over. "You've got it? Are you sure? How can we know?"

"We need Milla," Sasha said sharply. "Come on, all of you."

Raz jumped up, and he and the Psychic Seven followed him out to the atrium, which had been converted into a central hub where all active agents were collecting all the information they could about Gristoff. Sasha paused at the middle of the ramp, scanning the room, then spotted Milla talking with Hunter Groste. He pinged her, and she immediately turned to see him. He gestured her over, and she weaved her way through the crowd, leaving a stunned Hunter behind her.

A warm burst of pleasure filled Sasha as Fancy reconnected, delighted by her choosing him over anybody else. He watched his girlfriend approach with a very pleased eye. Milla was exceedingly beautiful, and he had finally admitted it aloud. Doing so seemed to have loosened something inside of him, especially when Milla hadn't rejected his statement of the fact of her beauty. He was now able to properly admire her, and he enjoyed it.

"Hello, darling. How is your mission?" she asked as he came down the ramp to meet her.

"I think I might have discovered where Kasmira is holed up," Sasha replied. "At least, where she was staying when Alvares met her for the first time. Your meditation could uncover if they're still there or not, based on the psychic imprint."

Milla grinned. "You always win your little games, don't you?"

"Oh, not always," Sasha said plainly. "But it does keep things interesting."

"I'll say," Otto said under his breath.

"Bite me, Mentallis," Sasha replied.

There was a ripple of laughter from the rest of the Psychic Seven, and Sasha shook his head and gazed at Milla expectantly. She smiled and shrugged.

"Anything for you, darling." She sat on the floor, relaxed and open, and began to levitate as she probed the psychic space. "Just show me where, Sasha."

Sasha connected with her mind without even thinking about it. They had done this so many times before, and yet it had never felt so wonderfully refreshing as it did after such a prolonged disconnection. He guided her psyche as they pushed outward towards the one place Sasha had never wanted to go back to.

Milla let out a scream that silenced the chatter of the other agents as she suddenly struck something psychically painful. Sasha had expected it and ripped them away from the protective field, flinging them back toward their bodies. Milla nearly crashed to the ground as she came back to herself, feeling electrified. Sasha caught her and eased her down. He knew he was right, though he wasn't happy about it.

"Chloe has gotten better," he said as he helped her up.

"What's going on, Nein?" Hollis asked, pushing her way over.

"I've discovered where Kasmira is," Sasha said, steadying Milla.

"What, using your comics?" Hunter sneered.

So the children had told the others about his method. Well, Hunter had never been as cutting or clever as Alvares so Sasha turned to face him. "I would watch yourself, Groste. I already find it hard to believe you never noticed Alvares acting strange."

Hunter's face flushed. "I wasn't in on that! I had no idea he knew that lady!"

Sasha waved his hand dismissively and turned back to Hollis. "They're holed up in the psychic caves outside of Reizenbeck in Germania."

"You can't know that," Leon Ryder said.

"Oh, something is there and should be looked into," Milla said, cocking an eyebrow at him and touching Sasha's arm. "I just sensed it myself."

Sasha was grateful for his iron control as her perfume wafted around him. He'd always loved it, but somehow it was even more intoxicating than before.

"You're sure?" Hollis asked.

Sasha scoffed. "Fine. Otto? Run your psychic scan over Germania. How long will that take?"

"Decently-sized country," Otto said. "Would take, say, three hours for a basic. Would that cover it?"

"Considering Chloe nearly shot Agent Vodello through the roof, I would say she has become far more powerful."

"Who's Chloe?" Leon asked.

"Yeah, and how do you know all this, Nein?" Hunter demanded.

Sasha shrugged one shoulder. "I was in Kasmira's gang before I was a Psychonaut. When I joined, I cut contact with her. I recognized quite a few of her companions from the old days, and she's acquired more. Your friend Diego Alvares among them."

Hunter and Leon both went silent and blushed as they realized everybody was staring at them suspiciously.

Sasha squeezed Milla's arm then turned away and let her go. "Let me know when the scan is complete. I'll be waiting."

Otto nudged his mind, and Sasha nudged him back as Milla settled into her accustomed place in his awareness. As he made his way to the classroom to clean up, he heard footsteps behind him and he glanced over his shoulder. Raz stopped and waved halfheartedly. Sasha smiled at him and gestured for him to follow, which Raz gladly did. When they got to the classroom, Raz hurried to the comic Sasha had left there and pulled it open to the page again.

"Can I ask you something?"

Sasha lit a cigarette and nodded as he took a drag. "Of course."

"What exactly is this symbol? I recognize it but don't know from where."

Sasha went through the other comics and pulled one out. Flipping through the pages, he stopped when he found what he was looking for and passed it to Raz. "It's something I draw every once in a while," he said. "I would carve it into places I'd been when I was a boy. Just a fancy of mine. But I did doodle it in this one, and several others."

Raz took the comic and found the design. It looked like a tree of some sort, but there it was, plain as day on a piece of scrap paper in the upper left panel which depicted Sasha bent over his desk, tired from work. "So how did you know it was the caves?"

"Best hiding place for a group that size. Besides, I carved that into one of the cave walls, and it was cruder than the ones I can draw. The rock wall was very strong, and I had to use my psychic power to do it. The picture here," he opened the issue Raz had been studying, "is not like it would be in wood, which is where I did most of my carvings. See the way it's rough? It's because I struggled to carve it."

Raz looked up at him admiringly. "Wow. You're really smart, Sasha."

"I couldn't have done it without your help," Sasha said. Raz blushed but smiled, and Sasha began to gather the comics. "Come, let's put all this away then go out for a walk. It will be awhile before Otto gets the scan done, so we have time."

Raz helped him, then they headed for the Otto-B.O.N. hatch to get to the parking lot outside the Lumberjack Diner. Both of them were pleased with their work, and it was time for a well-deserved break.

Chapter Text

Otto was tapping away at the keyboard in his lab when the scan beeped, indicating it was done. He stood up and passed Ford and Lucy, who were cuddled together, and headed for the computer. A few key taps, and the country of Germania popped up on the map overlay. Otto yelped with surprise when he saw the obvious hot spot outside of Reizenbeck, indicating Sasha had indeed been correct.

"He found them then?" Ford asked lazily.

"Whoa," Bob muttered, approaching to stand beside him. "That's huge!"

Everybody else was drawn over to look, and they were all surprised. Ford leaned forward and squinted. "Same principle as the goggles?" he asked.

"Yes, only far stronger and more detailed," Otto said. He shook his head and sent the map to the main database. In the notes he wrote, He was right again. - Otto. Then he leaned back and sighed. He was worn out and still a little nippy in temperature. He shivered, and Helmut squeezed him into a warm hug.

"What do you want to do now?" Otto asked.

"Do we have options?" Cassie asked.

"We could go talk to the Board about the findings,"

Bob made a face. "Pass," he said flatly.

"We could go to the Noodle Bowl."

"Pass," said Bob, Compton, and Cassie insistently.

"We could go back to the Gulch and have dinner."

Nobody objected to that one. So Otto shut down his lab and pinged Sasha to let him know what he was doing. Sasha pinged him back, and Otto smiled a bit as he made his way to the Otto-B.O.N. hatch. Ford squeezed his shoulder then they jumped in one by one and zinged off toward the Gulch. Otto popped out and landed with a grunt as the hatch banged shut behind him.

"Well that was a full day."

"Was not bad, yes?" Lucy asked.

"No, it wasn't bad," Otto assured her. "Just tiring. I'm chilled, too."

"Then I'll get started on something hot to eat," Compton said.

"I'll get some honey for some hot tea," Cassie said.

"Will go get blankets. Come, Crully," Lucy commanded, clutching at Ford's arm.

Ford grinned at her and they disappeared in a flash of blue. Helmut and Bob escorted Otto into the Heptadome then psychically sealed out the elements to keep it nice and warm. Lucy and Ford reappeared with a heap of homemade blankets, and Otto smiled at them as he slipped off his lab coat, then he was wrapped in several quilts. He sighed with relief, leaning against Helmut as he settled beside him.

"Mm," he hummed.

Helmut put his arm around him and squeezed. "Let's warm you up."

Otto gladly cuddled Helmut. He'd always been a very warm-blooded man, and they had all used him for warmth at some point. Otto was much more comfortable this time around, considering it wasn't as bad as the rainy camping trip all those years ago, and he closed his eyes and dozed in and out as the others talked and Compton cooked and Cassie made tea. When Cassie shook him and offered him a mug of steaming tea, he uncurled himself and accepted the cup gratefully. Sipping it sent a path of heat burning to his gut. Cassie settled down on a cushion, and he eyed her as a faint memory tickled his mind.

"Did you feed me hot chocolate after I was in the lake?"

Cassie giggled. "No. I fed you chicken soup. Boolie gave you the hot chocolate."

"So that did happen," Otto muttered. "I wasn't sure. It's the first memory I have after being so cold for so long, but it's vague and hazy. What happened exactly?"

"Well, we saw you attack that punk kid," Ford said.

Lucy stiffened and her eyes got big as she suddenly realized why Otto had attacked Gristol Malik so viciously. That must have been when he'd found out her secret. Otto didn't even look at her, but he pinged her to comfort her, which proved he still understood her so well.

"Hardly a kid now. Then what?" Otto probed when none of them continued.

"Your invention went off," Bob muttered after another long pause.

"Ah. So chaos. What then?"

The rest of them relaxed, glad to not discuss the aftermath of the invention going off just yet. They spoke much more easily now.

"Sasha showed up and thawed everything out," Helmut said.

"Yes, then he sent us back here and dealt with things at the camp." Compton continued.

"And we brought you here to warm you up, like we did for Helmut after we found his body," Cassie added.

Otto could feel the heat rise in his cheeks. He was still coming to terms with the fact that his friends had seen him naked. For him, with his friends at least, it wasn't the modesty that bothered him so much as the scars his mother had left on him. Nobody had said a single thing about them since their initial conversation after he'd woken up, but he couldn't stop thinking about it.

Ford noticed and, as usual, seemed to be able to read Otto's mind without actually doing so. "We don't care about them, you know."

Otto grumbled and hid his face in Helmut's side. Ford came over and grabbed one of Otto's hands that were clutching at the blankets. Otto fought halfheartedly for a moment then allowed Ford to draw his arm out of the blanket. He kept his face hidden as Ford pushed his shirt sleeve up, but he couldn't stop the hiccuping noise that came out of his throat. Helmut squeezed him.

"Hey, man, it's cool, yeah?"

"Yeah," Otto breathed, nodding against him. Ford touched a scar on his forearm, and Otto shivered. Sasha was the only other person who had ever touched his scars, and it was almost overwhelming. It was just so personal.

"Ford," Cassie warned.

"He said it was fine," Ford argued.

Otto nodded again, struggling to speak. "Fine," he wheezed.

Ford made a happy noise as he began to trail his fingers over each scar. "Told you so, Cass."

"If he says stop, you stop," Cassie said sternly.

"Of course," Ford agreed then focused on turning Otto's arm back and forth, touching each shiny scar. Otto didn't know what he was doing until Ford squeezed his hand. Otto peeked back to see Ford's sad expression. He actually had tears in his eyes. "Seventeen, right?"

He was counting them? Otto turned away again but nodded as he fought back tears. "One hundred thirty-four total," he croaked. "I…" His voice broke and he cleared his throat. "I've counted them before."

Ford ran his hand over Otto's blue arm then leaned over and hugged him. "I'm sorry that happened to you," he said softly.

Otto broke and began to cry. He couldn't talk about this with them. Not yet. He jerked his arm back under the blanket and hid his face in Ford's neck, sobbing quietly. Ford didn't push any farther, but he did hold him tightly until he managed to calm down. Afterwards, Otto sipped at his tea, warmly pressed between Ford and Helmut, and watched Compton cook.

Compton Boole was an astounding chef. He had in fact tried to go to culinary school, but that hadn't ended well due to the stress. Still, when he wasn't under pressure he was such a good cook, and his friends were glad to be able to be with him as he worked. Before, he'd been so nervous about messing up, and that meant there had been many disasters. But now he was calm and self-assured as he expertly used his psychic abilities to cook without a stove.

"You've calmed a little," Otto stated, and Compton glanced back at him.

"Who, me?" Otto nodded so Compton hummed thoughtfully. "Lucy's grandson helped me to put some things into perspective."

"Great-nephew," Ford corrected.

"Ah, right. Great-nephew. My mistake," Compton said easily. "Anyway, he helped with some things I've been worrying about for awhile and… put them into the proper perspective. Because you're not judging me all the time, are you?"

"Not at all," Otto replied. "I wondered what was behind that."

"I tried to tell you, Boolie, but you just wouldn't listen," Cassie sighed, taking a sip of tea.

"I know, Cassie," he said. "To be quite frank, I needed more than a single conversation. But you left before I realized it." He tossed a panful of frying vegetables over the fire then licked his lips. "I, ah, I am sorry for that. I just couldn't take it, and it seemed that everything fell apart because of me. I couldn't face you, Cassie, with the question I needed the answer to, let alone the others."

"What was the question, Boolie?" Cassie asked.

Compton swallowed and when he spoke, his voice broke. "Do you all hate me because I couldn't stop what happened?"

"Depends. Do you hate me?" Otto asked.

Compton snorted. "Why would anybody hate you? You stayed and kept working while we fell apart."

"I did," Otto said, inclining his head. "Against all common sense and through years of depression and anger and self-loathing. I've had no peace since Grulovia. Not until you all came back to me. So no, Boolie, I don't hate you. And I am sorry I used to tease you with that nickname. I didn't know your ex-wife at the time."

The pyrokinesis roared violently and Compton let out a squeak as he turned to face Otto.

"You've met Arielle?" he asked faintly.

"Twice. Then I decided that she needed to never come back to the Motherlobe. So I had a chat with her, and to my knowledge, she hasn't been back since. And that's smoking."

Compton was flustered as he turned back to tend to the flames. Otto watched him for a moment.

"She's wrong about you, in every respect except one."

Compton stiffened. "What's that?"

"You are a great man."

"Oh, come off it," Compton scoffed. "Arielle would never say such a thing. I know you're lying now."

Otto scowled and flexed his psychic power to project his memory of his conversation with the woman.

"What's the matter, luv? Can't take the truth?" a British woman asked.

"I disagree with all points, Arielle. And you won't change my mind," past Otto said to her. "Besides, there must've been something that attracted you to him."

"Compton Boole might be small, Mentallis," she said. "But I knew he was a great man when we met. And look at him. Neurotic as ever. I thought I could get him past it. When I realized he wasn't changing, I gave up. Now I'm married to somebody who's got status."

"Ah yes, the senator," past Otto said coolly. "I suppose he doesn't know about your little tryst with Agent Nathaniel Strauss?"

There was the sound of glass shattering and a bang. "You wouldn't."

"You don't know that," Otto said, his voice turning low and sweet. "So now you're going to leave the Motherlobe. And never come back."

"But Samantha! And Dogan!"

"Don't care. Your children and grandchildren are welcome here, but not you. You ever come back, and there's some nice security footage that I have saved somewhere special that I can send with a single psychic command. Are we agreed?"

"Why are you doing this? For that crazy little man?"

"You're far crazier than Compton ever will be."

"Little bitty Boolie," Arielle sneered, her voice becoming a bitterly mocking taunt. "Even now he's interfering. This isn't fair."

"No, what's not fair is divorcing a good husband and driving him further over the edge because you never loved him as a person," Otto growled. "He was your ticket, and when the ticket took you to the wrong place, you transferred. That's disgusting. Lucy and Ford weren't even married and they would never have done that to one another. And Bob and Helmut? Don't make me laugh! Now, you have ten hours to pack up, say your goodbyes, and make your excuses. I want you gone by midnight tonight."

"You're a conniving bastard," Arielle snarled.

They all heard that past Otto had a smirk on his face as he responded. "Oh yes. Glad you've noticed. Now, nine hours and fifty-nine minutes. Pleasure doing business with you, Arielle."

She swore and cursed as her voice got further away before the sound of a door slammed shut. Past Otto sighed. "That takes care of that problem."

Then Otto cut the memory, leaving Compton gazing at him with tears streaming down his face. He looked around and was startled to find that the others had finished preparing the various dishes he had started. Otto gazed at him sternly.

"She might not think so now, but that doesn't mean she was wrong. You're a great man, Compton Boole. And it's time you knew it."

Compton swiped at his cheeks. "You're a good friend, Otto. You didn't have to do that."

"You're right. I didn't," Otto said bluntly. "Especially after you blamed me for everything."

Compton froze and flushed, glancing at Cassie. She squirmed. "Otto," she started.

"No!" Otto shouted. Then he lowered his voice. "No more tonight. Please. We'll talk about it when Sasha brings the Board to help get us past the lake."

"You sure about that?" Bob asked.

"Absolutely," Otto said. "We need help."

It was true. Though they had tried their hardest, the Psychic Seven were out of practice in tackling psychological problems of this magnitude. They had gotten farther than before, but once again they had been flung violently out of Otto's mind. It hadn't been a fun time.

"Are you fine with them seeing inside?" Bob asked carefully.

"They won't see much if things go to plan," Otto said. "But that's for later. Right now, let's just enjoy Compton's delicious food and talk about other things." He paused then looked around. "I will end with this. I don't blame any of you for what happened in Grulovia. But there are other things that happened afterwards that we need to discuss later. Okay?"

They all nodded, and Helmut psychically passed out the plates that he had artistically arranged. Compton was very pleased.

"Oh, Helmut, it's gorgeous! Your artistic eye has won again!"

Helmut grinned and took a theatrical bow. His friends laughed and clapped like they had after every performance he'd ever given them.

The atmosphere was much lighter as they began to eat. Otto was glad that they had agreed to defer their conversation. He wanted to sleep before anything else happened. He would contact Sasha the next morning about the Mental Exam. The sooner the better, as far as he was concerned. It was time for him to show them everything, even the parts they wouldn't like. The truth was they had hurt him, deeply hurt him. Otto couldn't deny that now. But he wanted to forgive them, so he needed them to understand what their careless words and actions had done to him. To do that, he would need Sasha's help. And he knew without a single doubt that Sasha would be there for him.

Chapter Text

"Absolutely not, Nein!" Hollis exclaimed.

"Hollis, please, this needs to be an exception," Sasha urged.

"You're not active! You can't perform Mental Exams!"

They were arguing up in Truman's office in the conference room. The door was shut and the shielding was on, but that was simply standard procedure for the kind of board meeting they were having. Hollis was pacing up and down the length of the small room, and she scowled at Sasha as he crossed his arms defiantly.

"Why does it need to be an exception, Sasha?" Truman asked.

Sasha turned to face Truman, who sat at the head of the conference table. "I am the only person who has ever gotten past certain obstacles in his mind. I am also the only one he will let in, and if I'm not there, you won't be doing anything."

"Is this necessary?" Truman asked.

"Tru!" Hollis exclaimed.

Truman held up his hand and peered at Sasha. "Is this necessary?" he repeated.

"Yes," Sasha said.

"Otto won't let anybody else in without you?"

"His friends, but they can't get through."

"I see. So you want to go perform a Mental Exam?"

"With the rest of the Board, yes."

"And what about you?"

Sasha stiffened. "What do you mean?"

"We've finished all the emergency Exams," Truman said. "So we were going to focus on you and evaluate if you can go with us to Germania."

Sasha's mouth went dry. "And?"

"I'll make you a deal. We'll join you in Otto's mind this morning if we can talk with you this evening."

"Talk?" Sasha asked cautiously. "Just talk?"

"I figured you need some more time to get your mindscape in order before we come in," Truman said. "So yes. Just a therapy session with your friends."

Sasha hesitated. He really didn't want to, but he needed to help Otto. So he braced himself then nodded once. "Agreed. Now get ready to go."

"Whoa," Morrey muttered. "That was easier than we thought it would be."

"Get ready, Oleander," Hollis ordered, then to everybody, "Meet in Sasha's lab then we'll head to the Gulch."

Sasha grasped Truman's shoulder as he walked past him. "Thank you."

"Remember your promise," Truman replied.

Sasha nodded, swallowed hard, and murmured, "I'll try."

Truman squeezed his shoulder then headed to get his equipment. Sasha hurried to his lab and went straight for a length of psychic rope, looping it over his shoulders. Then he lit a cigarette and gathered the rest of the tools he would need.

Milla came in first, smiling at him. Sasha's heart leaped in his chest, and he stubbed out his cigarette and admired her as she walked over. Milla noticed his interest, so she grinned and swayed her hips a little. Sasha's mouth went dry and his face flamed. He turned away, unable to keep looking at his girlfriend. Milla slid her hands over his shoulders and she leaned over and kissed his cheek. Sasha shivered, and Milla giggled.

"You're so sweet," she murmured.

"And you are deliciously beautiful," Sasha replied sincerely, looking over the top of his glasses to meet her eyes and cocking an eyebrow.

It was Milla's turn to blush, and Sasha smiled with satisfaction. It was official. He liked this little game, especially now that he could play along.

"Behave," Sasha murmured, kissing the tip of her nose and pushing his glasses back up. Milla looked delighted and giggled as she backed off.

Sasha felt giddy by the interaction, but he was glad to hear the lab door open. Truman walked in, ready for the mission in his gardening outfit. "All ready?" he asked brightly.

"Yes," Sasha said. Hollis strode in behind him, her eyes shining with excitement.

"Otto Mentallis," she said. "Can't wait."

"You won't be seeing much, on his request," Sasha said. "But the lake monsters have gotten worse since his friends came back, and it will be hard enough keeping them all in the boat."

"What boat?" Morrey asked loudly, stopping just inside the doorway.

"In Otto's mind," Sasha said.

"I can't swim…" Morrey grumbled.

"Ah, yes. That reminds me," Sasha said. He walked over and dug around in a drawer then carried a small capsule over. "I finally finished it."

"What is it?" Morrey asked.

"You stated you liked the mermaid tail," Sasha said. "This should bring it into minds for you."

"Yes! New equipment!" Morrey exclaimed. He stuffed the capsule into his belt pouch. "Can't wait to try it, Sasha."

"You're all ready?" Sasha asked.

"Yep," Morrey said.

"Ready as ever, darling," Milla said.

"Let's get going then," Hollis said.

"To the Gulch?" Truman asked.

"To the Gulch," Sasha agreed.

Sasha used the key first, and he dashed through the psychically enhanced piping at super speed. He popped out beside the Heptadome, and he landed easily then stepped away so as to not get hit when the others came out.

Bob peeked out and turned to talk to the others. "Sasha's here." Turning back, he added. "Got some breakfast if you want."

Truman popped out and landed beside Sasha. He automatically stepped away then turned to speak to him. When he caught sight of his uncle, he froze and blushed fiercely. Hollis popped out and landed with ease, followed by Milla then Morrey. Once they were all there, Sasha guided them through the psychic barrier over the door into a rather warm room.

"Why's it so hot?" Morrey asked.

"Otto's probably still cold," Sasha replied.

"Right again," Otto said. He was sitting in between Ford and Helmut, huddled in blankets.

"Not so bad?" Lucy asked.

"Not at all," Sasha said, shrugging out of his coat

"Made some breakfast if you're hungry," Compton said.

"Oh, how sweet!" Milla exclaimed.

Compton glanced at her and blushed a little at her enthusiasm. "Not much, but homemade bread well-toasted, served with fresh butter and honey."

"Sounds good," Truman said. Bob scowled at him, and he snapped his mouth shut, his cheeks red.

Compton passed the Board their plates, and they gladly ate their toast. It was delicious, and it didn't take long. Otto sat there staring into space, and Sasha knew he was anxious. When he and the others were done eating, he set aside his plate and walked over. "Ready for this?"

"Nope," Otto said plainly.

"Willing?"

"Yes."

"Very good. When you're ready then."

Otto shrugged out of the blankets as Cassie arranged cushions on the floor. Otto selected the one in the middle and settled down with his legs crossed. Sasha waited for the rest of the Psychic Seven to settle before Otto then took a cushion for himself. The rest of the Board members sat down, too.

"Do you consent to a Mental Exam?" Sasha asked.

"Yes," Otto replied.

"Very good. Everybody ready?"

"Yes," the rest of them chorused.

Sasha pulled out his door and settled it on Otto's forehead. "In we go."

He projected himself through the mental door and descended into Otto's mind. He landed on the shoreline with a grunt and peered around. It was just as it was supposed to be, so he headed for the boat. When he got there, he turned on the light to show the others where to go. Otto arrived first, looking a little green. He sat down in his accustomed spot and stared at nothing. Sasha patted his shoulder as the others began to arrive.

The Psychic Seven sat down as they boarded, but Truman, Hollis, Milla, and Morrey looked around and began to peer into the storage containers. Sasha started the boat and sat down in front of the controls.

"Everybody settle in," he said, starting them off. "We've got to drive into the middle of the lake. It will take a bit of time."

Helmut snagged Truman and pulled him to sit beside him. Bob was on the other side of Helmut and refused to look at him.

"Well, look at you, Tru!" Helmut said happily. "Nice beard. You and Bobby match."

"Yes, you've said that before," Truman said awkwardly.

"Well it's true. I remember when you were worried it wouldn't grow in at all."

"Well, it did," Truman muttered.

Helmut continued to chat with his nephew, and Truman began to relax a little as he realized that one of his uncles didn't hate him. Hollis, Milla, and Morrey peered out across the water.

"Fog's coming in," Hollis said.

"As usual," Sasha replied. "Milla, come drive. Keep us steady on course."

Milla took the controls and Sasha unlooped the rope from himself. "Okay, Otto. In position."

Otto blushed fiercely but placed one hand on the edge of the boat near a handle grip. Sasha proceeded to lash him down, tying his hand to the handle then anchoring him to his seat. He checked the knots then went to stand behind Morrey as the fog engulfed them. Truman stopped paying attention to Helmut and stood up, his body tingling.

"Something's coming," he warned, placing a hand on his belt.

"Steady on," Sasha urged, keeping an eye on Otto.

Otto was beginning to breathe quickly, his eyes dashing around. Sasha tensed as a low rumble filled the air.

"All right," he said into the silence that followed. "Here they come."

The water rippled, and Otto moaned and doubled over as Monster Bob rose from the lake, bottle in hand and glasses gleaming with malice.

Truman groaned low in his throat. "Why does it have to be Uncle Bobby?" he asked nobody in particular. Bob glanced at him but said nothing.

"You again!" Monster Bob snarled, finding Sasha at once.

The other monsters began to rise from the lake, more agitated than before. The Board watched with shocked expressions as the giants towered over the boat. Then Truman sighed, pulling out a small sack. "I'll get Uncle Bobby. Again," he said tiredly.

"Again?" Bob blurted out, but Truman ignored him, dipping his hand into the sack and pulling out two glowing seed pods.

"Ready?" Truman asked.

"Ready," the Board said.

"Morrey, keep us safe," Sasha ordered. "Milla, get us through. The rest of you, let's cut them down to size before Maligula gets here."

"Maligula?!" they demanded.

Sasha pointed at Lucy and raised his eyebrows. They understood but weren't happy about it. Morrey guided them through the water as Monster Bob took one last pull from the bottle. He cocked his arm back and threw it. Milla grinned and the boat revved and sped off. The bottle missed them and crashed into the surface of the lake with a loud, thunderous boom! A wave of water passed over them, soaking them to the skin. They all cried out at the frigid water, but the boat was steady as it weaved between Monster Cassie and Monster Compton. The tall Witch of the Woods threw out her arm and a buzzing cacophony reached their ears as a swarm of giant insects rose from the water as she cackled gleefully and sent them flying toward the boat.

"Oh, what the dickens is that?!" Compton yelled.

"My bees," Cassie moaned, holding tightly onto the boat.

They dove at them, swarming, but Morrey flexed his psychic power and his shield rose up around them. The creatures struck the shield, and Hollis reached out and threw electrokinesis at the shield. It lit up with the crackle of electricity and the creatures fell into the water, lost behind them as they cut through the water. Morrey laughed, and Milla cut the wheel to the right as Monster Bob threw another bottle. The shield kept them safe this time, but now Monster Ford was coming at them, his empty, fritzing eyes glowing dangerously. Monster Compton breathed out flames, but missed the boat, sending a wave of steam up into the air. Outraged, he reached out for them, ready to pick them up, and they dodged right into the path of Monster Bob.

"Lower your shield!" Truman ordered, cocking his arm back.

Morrey obeyed for a split second, and Truman neatly threw the seed pods into the water right beside Monster Bob. As the shield came back up, the seed pods exploded into a huge, thorny plant that latched onto Monster Bob and began to entangle him. Monster Bob roared with displeasure and staggered away, trying to get free. That successfully distracted Monster Bob, but Monster Helmut looked outraged and slammed his fist on top of them. Morrey yowled and gritted his teeth as he kept his shield up. They were forced under the water before they immediately bobbed back up. When they turned around, Monster Helmut was trying to untangle Monster Bob, but now Monster Ford was in their way. Then a low, dangerous laugh began to ripple out of the water.

Sasha forced Milla aside, ignoring her protest. This was the hard part. He watched as Maligula rose from the water, as beautiful and dangerous as ever.

"What say you, Crully, eh? Should I have my fun?" Maligula asked Monster Ford.

"Mm, I love it when you're feisty," he purred, and Maligula grinned at Sasha.

"You're not making it through this time," she vowed. Sasha tilted his head and smiled a little, which infuriated her. "Insolent worm!" she screeched.

She flexed and the waves grew higher. Morrey looked around them then dug out his new capsule, which glowed bright blue in the mindscape. He cracked it open and lowered the shield as he jumped out of the boat.

"Oleander!" Hollis cried.

After a moment, Morrey leaped out of the water, his lower half a fish tail. "Love it, Sasha!" he crowed and tackled Maligula under the water.

Sasha laughed in triumph, urging the boat away from Maligula and the monsters.

"Is he going to be okay?" Cassie asked weakly.

"He'll need a change of clothes, but that's Morrey for you," Milla said.

"What now?" Truman asked.

"We get them to shore then leave them to it," Sasha said.

"Sounds like a plan," Truman said.

"What's in the pouch?" Helmut asked his nephew.

Truman poured a bunch of seeds and seed pods into his hand. They glowed gently in a variety of colors and sizes. "Psychic seeds, only able to work in the mind," Truman said. He grinned a little. "Sasha helped me invent them. They do different things depending on what you need."

"That's groovy," Helmut said. Sasha noticed Bob looked intrigued but said nothing.

Now that the danger was over, Sasha guided the boat through the fog until they came ashore on an icy bank. He used his psychic power to push the boat completely onto the shore then cut the motor, leaving their ears ringing in the howling winds around them. Sasha stepped back then walked over to Otto and untied him. Otto sat still, his eyes blank. Sasha shook him, and he focused on him.

"We're here. So I'm going to leave with the rest of the Board. Are you okay?"

"I will be," Otto whispered.

Sasha nodded and gestured at the others. Hollis, Truman, and Milla all pulled out their salts. They cracked them open and inhaled. Sasha handed his salt to Ford.

"Here. For when you're done," he said.

Ford looked grateful. "We need to get some salts."

"I'll tell Hollis, and she'll get them to you." He paused and looked at Otto. "He'll disappear when he steps off the boat. You'll have to make your own way. Just keep walking, and you'll get through."

"What? Why?" Cassie asked.

"He's stuck in the past," Sasha said simply. "It's quite all right. This will help. Now, if you please, Ford?"

Ford cracked open the salts and held them out to Sasha as he leaned away from the smell. Sasha squeezed Otto's hand then inhaled the bitter aroma. He fell back into his body and opened his eyes. The rest of the Board were standing up and grimacing. Sasha stood up and stretched his back then scanned the Psychic Seven, all frozen and poised on their cushions.

"Well, that's done," he said. He looked at Hollis. "Thank you. I know you're unhappy about it, but he needs this."

"Just remember your promise," Truman said as Hollis gave a curt nod to Sasha.

Sasha nodded and glanced around. "Where's Morrey?"

"Out here. Changing," he called from outside.

Sasha nodded, and they waited until Morrey came back in, stuffing the soiled clothes into his bag. "Ready to go?"

"Yes. I would like to unwind before this evening," Sasha said.

"Good. I want to try that pork sandwich," Truman said.

"I'm with ya there," Morrey said.

"Mm, that does sound good," Hollis said.

"Sasha? Want to eat with us?" Milla asked.

Sasha shrugged. "If I can get some time to myself this afternoon."

"Done," Truman said. "Now let's get there early so we definitely get one. I have no doubt the Noodle Bowl will sell out of their new item rather quickly."

Sasha followed them to the door but paused before he left. He swept his eyes over the Psychic Seven again, his gaze lingering on Otto. Then he turned and left the Heptadome. He was hungry, and lunch did sound good.

When he paused and looked back again, Milla took his hand and squeezed. "He'll be fine, Sasha."

Sasha nodded then followed her into the Otto-B.O.N. hatch, heading for the atrium and leaving Otto to work through his problems with his old friends.