3rd life, but make it Corika!

{Wristbands} A mother's wrath

"...Please, mom. I won't make you fight. Just... I need you guys in my corner, right now."

Skull restrung his bow, listening to Aloha's pleas. "Aloha, I've told you many times- I'm not looking to get wrapped up in a war, especially not one between my children. I don't- I'm not going to pick sides, unless I need to. And it's the same with Avi."

Aloha sighed, almost dejectedly. "Please? If what Mask and Vintage think is true, then... this is like one of the 2v2s we do for practice, back home. I'm asking you to be on my team. How is that any different?"

"Because it's just a theory." Skull said. He slung his quiver over his shoulder. "If it's wrong, I don't want to die having faced off against my children. Either of them."

"...Aloha has a point, though." Aviators said, cleaning his own hunting knife. "If that theory is true, this... is basically a version of that. Except, well, more than just 2v2."

"Sugar, now's not the time. I'll be back soon." Skull kissed Avi's cheek, heading out of the small cottage they called home. Aloha followed.

"Mom, please. Just gimme a chance. Even if you don't fight, I need you for moral support. I... I need my mama."

"Aloha, my answer is no." Skull said, as if he was answering a child's plea for ice cream after they begged the whole day. "I'm not joining a war unless it's needed."

Footsteps on the undergrowth sounded loud in Skull's ears, presumably as Aloha thought of what to say.

"...Okay, Mom." His voice was quiet, much like a child's. "... I love you."

"I love you too, Aloha." Skull pulled his bandanna down to kiss his son's forehead. "...While I won't join the war, if... if you need anything, come find me, alright? Your mother's here..."

"Thanks." Aloha smiled, before heading back off to the forest.

Skull watched him walk off, with a small, sad smile. "They grow up so fast..."

Hunting was successful, as always. His game bag was overflowing with food that would last for the next while. As the sun was setting, Skull headed back home. As he approached the cottage, he noticed something.

It was dead quiet.

Normally, Avi would be humming, singing... He hated being alone in just, silence. And he often stayed up until the sun had fully set. He never went to bed this early.

"...Something's wrong." Skull said, aloud. He pulled out his com, private messaging Aloha.

Skull: I need you to come here. To my home. Bring Army

Aloha: Why?

Skull : Something's off. I'd prefer it if you two were here as backup.

Aloha: I'll be right there, mom.

It took a few minutes, a bit longer than Skull would've liked, but Aloha came pushing through the trees, Army following him.

"What's wrong?" Army asked.

"It's Avi. I don't think he's here." Skull said. "I need you two to help me search the house."

Aloha and Army nodded, following Skull in.

It would seem Skull's hunch was right. No one was there other than them. No sign of Aviators.

"...Maybe he went for a walk?" Aloha asked.

Skull shook his head. "No. He'd let me know."

"...Try messaging him." Army suggested.

"Good idea." Skull took out his com.

Skull: Avi? Where are you?

...

Skull: Aviators? You alright?

Skull: AVI?

Aviators: outpost.

Skull : What does THAT mean?

"...All he said was outpost." Skull said, feeling himself shake.

Army thought for a moment. "...Hey, isn't there a pillager outpost near the woodland mansion? He might be being kept there!"

Aloha nodded. "Yeah. We should check it out. ...That alright, Skull?"

"Y-yeah. And... I have a feeling this is Mask's doing." Skull stated. "So... I'll join you. But do not expect me to fight."

"Got it. For now, let's go save dad."