RoseGold

RoseGold / The Snake Hero

...Now how exactly did Gold get here? Cornered by a corrupt pyramid monster, at complete risk of being shattered to sharp little pieces if he tried anything.

The pyramid looked eerily a lot like Pyrare, too, he thought.

But. Now definitely wasn't the time to think about that part.
It was like a standoff of some sort– both were watching the other like a hawk. Ready to retaliate within the blink of an eye if the other moved even a single inch.

Gold briefly thought about calling out for the others (why, just why did he have to get so focused on that yellow-colored snake carving in that window?)– but he immediately shoved that idea away. That would elicit an attack from the pyramid, most likely.
And he was way more than 100% sure that he was not able to take on a monster like this alone.

And so...
He watched.
Carefully.

Then– the pyramid spoke.
"I've been looking for you, Gold."

Gold felt a shiver go down his spine at the tone of voice. And– how...
"How do you know my name?" He demanded, quietly.

"Dub told me. Besides... Most of the corrupts are quite familiar with at least one of your names," the pyramid replied. He still stared down at Gold as he continued. "In fact... I'm not here to hurt you like all of the others."

Something in the back of Gold's mind was telling him that something was very wrong here.
He needed to tread carefully here.
"Then what are you here for...?"

"I'm here to... Recruit you."

...What?

"No." Gold snapped, surprising himself with how quick his response was. "I'm a Hero. I'm meant to stop what you are infected with. I–... I'm not going to turn my back on the Trees of Life."

The pyramid shook his head slowly. Disapprovingly. "I'm no ordinary corrupt, Gold. I'm sure you know my father... You're quite close with him, from what I'm told."

Gold paused. He quickly understood...
"...Barracuda?"

"Yep." Barracuda hummed. "Clever boy."

Gold paused again at the praise. He sighed. "I..."
Before he could find the words and continue his sentence, Barracuda spoke. "I presume you've always wondered who exactly I am? I am your brother... After all."
"Well– yeah... But, I..."
"You have a chance to do exactly that, then."

Gold looked up at Barracuda, his eyes wide as he genuinely debated his options...
"You won't be gone from your group for long. In fact... You'll still be with them every single second. You'll only be... A 'messenger', one would say.
...So.
What do you say, brother?"

Gold stayed silent for a moment. Something in the back of his head was screaming at him, 'NO! DON'T TRUST HIM! RUN!', but...
...'Brother'...

He inhaled deeply.

"I'm in."