3rd life, but make it Corika!

{Wristbands} Hesitant

"So. Mask is Red now." Aviators said.

Skull sighed, restringing his bow. "It would seem he is."

"Think we'll be safe?"

"Avi, I'm sure of it." Skull said, kissing his husband's cheek. "We're her parents. They'll... They won't hurt us. The most she might do is try and threaten us."

"Which is exactly what I wanna do." Mask said.

The two turned to the entrance of their little treehouse. There was the red life, leaning against the doorway. Her armband was red, and mask was off, leaving his face exposed but the emotion was unreadable. "I let myself in. Hi, Mom. Hi Dad."

"Mask, are... what are you trying to do?" Skull asked. "You took your own lives. Why?"

Mask grinned. "I wanna start a war."

"You what?!" Avi yelled. "Mask, why? That'll- a lot of us will die!"

"That's the idea, Dad." Mask said. "I've figured out this world. We won't really die. Just... trust me, guys. I need you two on my side here."

Aviators looked at Skull, who thought for a moment. "...I shall join, but under one condition."

Mask raised an eyebrow. "And that is?"

"You shall not lay a finger on Aloha, Army, or Rider." Skull said. "Not even if they refuse to join. If you dare harm them you'll lose that last life of yours quicker than you've expected."

"Deal." Mask held out her hand. "Welcome, Mom, to the Red Desert."

Skull shook his hand, face reserved. "Avi? You... want to join?"

Aviators nodded. "If Skull's joining, I'm joining." He placed his hand on his lover's shoulder. Skull's hand rested over it.

"Great. Follow me." Mask hopped out of the treehouse. Skull followed, a bit weary. So did Aviators.

Skull kept his bow handy, ready in case Mask tried any funny business. But, she didn't.

After a while of walking, the two came upon a woodland mansion. Wolves were stationed at the entrance, growling, but letting Avi and Skull pass through along with Mask.

"...Are you sure this is a good idea?" Skull asked. Mask nodded.

"They're tame. They won't hurt you. Trust me."

"Okay...."

Mask lead them to a room with a giant map on the table. At the head of it, was Vintage. The fade in his hair green. He wore what looked to be a wolf pelt over his shoulders like a cape, and a tiny wolf pup sat on the table. "I did not expect the allies... to be them. But, I suppose beggars can't be choosers."

Skull just narrowed his eyes. "Vintage." He said, voice sharp as he took a seat. Avi sat next to his wife.

"You're working with Mask?" He asked. Vintage nodded.

"Of course. He-Wait, Mask. What pronouns do you use?" Vintage asked.

"He/She/They. Interchangeably." Mask answered. "You can use just he or she or they for me but like I really don't give a shit what you do."

"Ah, thank you." Vintage cleared his throat. "He and I have both figured out how this works. This world, this... scenario, must be some sort of shared dream or hallucination." He stated. "We're in a world with the structures and mechanics of a video game, even with three lives. The only way this is possible is that it's not real. Meaning, when we lose our last life, there is a high chance we shall return home. If not then, when the person dies."

"That... does sound plausible." Skull said. "So, your goal is to cause a war and cause us to lose our lives that way, speeding up the process?"

"Yes." Mask and Vintage both said, in unison.

"It's our best bet to get out, since I doubt a lot of us would agree to a suicide pact between all of us." Mask said. "So, a war is the next best choice."

"It's... really not, but if you're sure." Skull stated. "I also doubt only four of us could actually start a war, here."

"So we're getting more people." Vintage said. "I can send my wolves out to others who wish to join us. All they need, is something with their scent on it."

"Oh, I think I have something with Aloha's." Avi said. He reached into his jacket pocket, pulling out a bracelet. "He dropped this, when we first left the circle. Would this work?"

Vintage nodded. "It should. Sally!" He whistled. "Sally! Here girl!"

A wolf bounded up, tail wagging. Vintage rubbed her head a bit. "I need you to deliver a message." He pulled out a book and quill, quickly writing something up before giving it to Sally. "To Aloha. Avi, hand me the bracelet."

Aviators tossed it to Vintage, who stuck it out for Sally. The wolf sniffed it, before running out. "she's on her way." He tossed it back to Avi. "Thank you."

"No problem!"

"...Yknow," Mask started. "Maybe the Desert won't work." She said.

Skull... well, couldn't raise his eyebrow due to a lack of one. But his eyebrow raise was implied. "What is it?"

"Vintage," Mask started. "I propose the Red Forest. May we use this as a base?"

Vintage nodded. "Of course.

"Then the Red Forest, it is! Tonight, we shall plant our flag. May our brave alliance stand for good!"