3rd life, but make it Corika!

{Earring} The Tree

"There you are, Prince." Mask started, as Prince approached the outpost. "Now where were you?"

"It's none of your concern, Mask." Xe said, passing Mask without further acknowledgement.

"It's all of my concern. We're at war, you could've died."

"Last I checked that's what you want." Prince replied, tone indifferent. "You killed your own brother for your selfish cause, correct?"

The air only held the sounds of wind in trees and birds chirping and crickets singing.

"You would kill Regent in a heartbeat." Mask replied.

"That's where you're wrong, Mask." Prince turned to face xyr leader. "Regent and I... we may hate each other but I would never take his life, even if he asked me. And you took Aloha's life. Even if it was provoked, that's not right."

"Still haven't told me where you were."

Prince sighed. "I was mourning, along with Army. Since you wouldn't."

Mask was silent for a moment. They then spoke, in a rage, "You were with the enemy?"

"Just because we oppose each other doesn't mean we can't share their grief. I've known Army longer than I've known you. You killed his lover, he needs support." Prince said, calmly.

"You betrayed our cause. Just like Aviators."

"When did I ever agree to your cause?" Xe asked, trying to remain calm. "My brother signed up for your side because otherwise you'd kill his partner. No one cares for your war until you threaten their lives and the lives of those close to them."

There was a silence.

"...I'm going to get my things." Prince said. "Then, I'm going away. I refuse to be a part of a war where you kill your own blood and refuse to let people mourn with their friends on the other side."

Xe started to enter the outpost but was stopped.

By a knife to xyr neck.

"If you really want to get all soft and philosophical now..." Mask started, her voice a whisper.

Prince gulped, and closed xyr eyes...

Only for the knife to be removed.

"I'll let you." Mask said. "I won't stop you. Just know you won't be allowed here anymore. Or else."

He removed the knife from Prince's neck. Xe sighed in relief. "Thank you."

Prince entered the outpost, grabbing the few things xe needed; a bed, food, and a shield.

Xe left into the night, carrying a lantern that lit the path.

Unlike the last time xe were alone at night, Prince was strong. Xe followed the path to the spruce forest, hoping to take shelter in the home Emperor and Gloves had at the start.

Xe passed by the starting clearing. And... xe noticed something.

The tree with the rules written in red ink, had changed.

Prince held the lantern up, approaching the tree to read it.

The red ink had dried and, now xe were close to it, it smelled of blood.

Xe held the lantern to it, reading the words on the tree.

" The end of this game draws mear... Wait, no, that's near . One of tree- THREE- shall be the winner."

"The widow, the mother, or the plague."

"What in the world...?" Prince set xyr lantern down, placing a hand on xyr chin. "Hmm... The widow could be anyone. The mother has to be Skull... who's the plague? Mask?"

Prince's questions were only answered with the wind in the trees and in xyr hair.

"...I need to tell the others!"

Xe picked up xyr lantern and ran into the woods, having a new destination in mind.