Keep That Smile Up, ok? Part 2 (The Stringless Puppet of The Void)

Acceptance

Erwin seemed to be in his thoughts, wondering what else he could do to help Haru. Of course Haru's problem wasn't easy to solve, but he still believed there has to be a way, like the shadow girl always told him, even though Erwin hated her, he had to admit, she was one of the only people that know a way to somehow save his love. He seemed tired, searching in his mind a method, a way.... It was difficult, suffocating, to know you have to deal with something you don't even know how to really solve...

He closed his eyes and seemed to fall into an ocean of sorrow, even if Erwin is rarely "vulnerable", just like every other human, has emotions, feelings... He didn't look well either, like his face was pale like we was about to puke. Who ever thought that emotions could affect you physically as well? They aren't just in your mind...
Then Erwin heard some footsteps, they started becoming louder and louder... But he couldn't move or open his eyes, he was stuck(?). He felt a hand touch his forehead.

"You don't look very well....Erwin? Can you hear me?"  it was familiar, it sounded like Haru

But he was facing a sleep paralysis and couldn't move his body, When he half-opened his eyes saw a weird dark figure behind Haru, it whispered: "I didn't think you were this weak..."

-AGH! Erwin jumped a bit, but struggled at first because he was paralyzed before

-Are you alright?? Haru asked worried

-Sorry... I think I had a nightmare..... Erwin said in fatigue

-I'm sorry I stressed you a lot... She said

-No worries, but we might need to speak with the others about this as well... He looked at Haru

-I understand... She looked away

The boy prefered to stay silent, he didn't want to make things even worse for Haru, so he just made her follow his lead to Arcadia Realm, where the other Soulworkers were resting after a mission.

Stella saw them from the distance.

-Guys!! Stella went to hug, Haru

-Stella... Haru said and hugged back

-So, how is it? Are things a little better? Iris asked

-Well... Haru pulled away from the hug

-That's why we actually came here... Haru is having trouble getting her thoughts together. Erwin explained

-Maybe by putting Haru under pressure, we could get to understand things better... What do you think, Haru? Can you take on a fight with one of us? Iris suggested

-A fight? How will that help me exactly? I'm looking for someone that could help me solve the situation I'm in. She told

-We need to see if you're still stained with desire energy and how much that affects you. Iris said

-Well I know I am... I saw the desire personality in the mirror a few hours ago, she asked me if I still have revenge. Of course I do, I just changed my perspective, I just want to take revenge on Kent, I can't kill you guys or other people for no reason... She said in a sad tone.

-Aww. Stella said in awe

-Well that's a thing... She was very upset the last time we saw her, but wanted to see Desire Erwin..? I swear it's hard to understand her, not to mention you have to carry burdens with you... Iris sighed and crossed her arms

-Your past is really terrifying, Haru, no wonder Kent sees you as a "perfect creation", but please always remember, you aren't HIS creation, you are your mother's and you don't belong with him. Erwin held Haru's hands trying to encourage the girl

-Thanks everyone... I'll try, really, I just don't want to lose my mind and go crazy... I can't let the desire get to me.. She looked down

-We'll help you, Haru, you aren't alone in this! And you don't have to be! Even if you lost so much you still have us <3. Stella grinned

-Ahaha... Stella. Haru forced a smile patted her head

-I guess Lily isn't here, right? Erwin asked Iris

-Nope, she was very upset for Haru roasting her at the snow battle, so she retreated in the battlefield for some time. I guess she just can't take a bit of agressivity heh... She chuckled

-I hope Lily is fine... Haru seemed a bit guilty

-Don't worry about her too much, she was always like this, nothing new. She kinda deserved that one too. Iris smiled

-We worried about you, Haru... We haven't seen each other in a long time and you also seem a bit distant too. Stella told

-I'm sorry, I'm just struggling, it's not easy for me, but I'll try like I said, to recover, anyways that won't keep me away from missions... She sighed

-Hmm, maybe you guys should take a look around the realm? We are going to look for Lily in the meantime. You could also look for the shadow girl, she was hanging here some minutes ago. Maybe she could suggest something better if you aren't up for a fight. Iris walked slowly away

-*sigh* okay... Haru seemed tired

-Let's go, Haru! He offered his hand

-Okay. Haru smiled

She smiled really just for him.

Thank you for reading!
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