Nova:Is Kane sad that he doesn't remember his parents?
Kane:More annoyed that I can barely remember my life before living with Claire. I just wish I could remember anything from then.
Nova:Nova doesn't see why that matters. You have a fun life. What's the problem?
Kane:The problem is that I was born here! There used to be a house here! I used to live in this town! I had parents, and I don't even remember them! All I remember is getting kicked out of a church and another person's house!
Smoky laid down, then sighed as he looked over at me.
Kane:It just sucks that no matter how much I try, I can't remember jack. I just wanna know why the hell these psychos would burn my parents' house down... and why they'd kick out a fucking four year old.
Nova:Would burning down a church help?
Kane:It would need to be a damn important church.
Nova:What about that basila catherdal?
Kane:The Cathedral Basilica...good idea, actually. It's only a forty minute drive.
Nova:Nova doesn't know how to drive.
Kane:None of us own a car, anyway.
Nova:Walking it is, then. When should we leave?
Kane:...Let's wait a couple of days. Claire deserves to catch up with her mom for a bit.
Nova:Okay...hey Kane. Nova has a question.
Kane:Go ahead.
Nova:How could Nova make Zekey like her? Nova reaaally likes him, but he's mean to her sometimes.
Kane:Uhhh...honestly, I don't have a clue.
Nova:Why nooot?
Kane:Think of it like this. He's a Seraphite and a huge believer in all that holy "repent and praise the Lord" type of shit, and you're Satan's daughter. See how there's a bit of an issue?
Nova:But he doesn't mind demons.
Kane:True, but he's still got a big head about his faith. I mean, maybe just keep being nice to him and see what happens, but Me and Abby couldn't ever find out what type of women he was into.
Nova:That's dumb.
Kane:Tell me about it. I believe most religious beliefs are stupid.
Nova:Are you one of those weirdos that doesn't believe in God?
Kane:Of course I believe in God. I just don't believe he's benevolent, merciful, or any of that shit.
Nova:Ahhh, that makes more sense.
Kane:Yeah, I'm just a heretic, not a maniac.
Nova:Nova begs to differ.
Kane:...So why don't you say "me" or "I?"
Nova:*shrugs*Nova has always done this, and she doesn't plan on changing it.
Kane:Fair enough.
April 24th, Year 8
I had Zekey pinned down on the bed and was trying to kiss him, but he kept headbutting me. I held his face still, then leaned closer while he squirmed under me.
Zeke:Let's go, woman!
Nova:Kane said to be nice, so I'm being nice.
Zeke:How is this nice, and why did Kane suggest this?!
Nova:Kisses mean niceness, so I'll trying yo kiss you.
Zeke:Don't you dare kiss me, Nova! So help me, God, I will-
I heard the door open, then looked to the right to see Claire staring at us. I giggled, then hugged Zekey tightly while he groaned.
Claire:Uhhh...whoops. I'll come back later. Sorry to interrupt.
Zeke:Claire, get her off of me!
Nova:No, Nova wants to stay!
Claire:Well, just be quick about it. We're heading to Saint Louis, and it's a fourteen hour walk without stopping.
Nova:Nova can run fast.
Claire:Nova.
Nova:...*puffs cheeks*Tell Zekey to hug me then.
Claire:Zeke.
Zeke:I don't want to.
Claire:Just do it.
Zeke:But-
Claire:Suck it up and hug her.
Zeke:...Fine.
Zekey wrapped his arms around me, and I felt myself getting super giddy as I nuzzled against his neck. I started touching his wings and heard Claire giggle while walking off. After a few minutes, I let go of him, and we headed downstairs. I saw Kane talking to the Halsey lady from a couple of days ago while Claire talked to her mother.
Kane:I uh...sorry for leaving so suddenly, but uh...we gotta get moving.
Halsey:That's perfectly fine, buddy. Just stay safe.
Kane:No promises...but uh...t-thanks for...well, all you did. I ain't blaming you for your husband being a dick.
Halsey:I...t-thank you, Kane. That...it means a lot.
Kane:Yeaaah...*sighs*
Kane opened his arms, then awkwardly hugged the Halsey lady. The lady hugged her back and patted his head.
Halsey:I'm just glad you're alive.
Kane:Y-Yeah...I'm perfectly fine.
Abby:Sooo, we're just walking to Saint Louis, right?
Kane:Mhm. It'll be quite a walk, so we gotta get going.
Cynthia:Dang it. I was hoping you'd all stay longer. I was enjoying the company. Claire:I'll make sure to visit again when I can.
Cynthia:I'll hold you to it, Claire...and stay safe out there.
Claire:I can. Kane's the one that needs to be told that.
Kane:...I feel like you enjoy scolding me.
Claire:I do.
Kane:...Now, I feel even more offended.
Claire:No, you don't. I know you don't.
Kane:Nooo.
Claire:*chuckles*Alright, Mom. I'll see you again sometime.
Cynthia:Just don't wait another twenty years this time.
Claire:I can do that.
Nova:Bye, angel's mom! Your food was tasty.
Cynthia:Awww, thank you, Nova. You all take care now.
I headed outside, then immediately felt myself getting tackled to the ground. I felt my stupid cloak get put on me, then stood up to see Zekey standing behind me.
Zeke:You forgot your cloak.
Nova:I know. I hate wearing it.
Zeke:Just keep it on.
Kane:Onwards, to Saint Louis!
Abby:*giggles*It's go time!
Claire:Hey, no running off without me!
Nova:...Does Zekey wanna hold hands?
Zeke:No.
Nova:*growls*You're never any fun. You know thay?
Zeke:I'm aware.
April 25th, Year 8
We were walking across a bridge as we made our way towards the cathedral. I stared at the gigantic arch on the other side of the bridge for a bit, then tapped Smoky's shoulder.
Nova:Smoky, what's that thing?
Kane:That's the Gateway Arch.
Nova:Ooooo, does it open a portal home?
Kane:*laughs*I wish. Nah, it was made for uh...I think as a commemoration for the Louisiana Purchase. Right, Abby?
Abby:*claps*You got it! Good job, Kane.
Kane:Yesss, I got it right.
Zeke:Well, it's about an hour long walk to the cathedral from here. I think we could sit at the park for a bit and relax.
Kane:Nah, we did our relaxing last night.
Zeke:...You mean the horrible excuse for "camping" we had.
Kane:There was a campfire. It counts.
Zeke:You set a tree on fire.
Kane:A bonfire.
