Shadows of Another World || Five Hargreeves

Chapter Six

Days passed by.

Months.

Years.

Fifteen years, to be exact.

Five had gone missing for his stubbornness. A little while after this, Ben died during a mission, and Emma followed soon. At least that's what their father said when he delivered the news of Emma not being able to control her powers and getting herself killed.

Powers that nobody knew how she got.

After all of this, it was like a domino effect. Everyone went their own ways, except for Luther because he would always be daddy's proud. But he would soon leave for a supposed mission to the moon that kept him away for a few years. The house remained empty, with only Pogo, Grace, and Reginald living there. Until the brothers reunited again with the breaking news of their father's death.

Vanya arrived first, taking time to explore her childhood manor, memories surfacing, only the good ones that she had when Emma was around.

She went to the living room and found books on the shelf. While inspecting, she recognized her own book and grabbed it. She caught sight of Pogo entering the living room, now older and with a cane to help him walk.

"It's great to see you!". The primate complimented her. "Ah, yes, your autobiography."

"Do you know... If he ever read it?". Vanya asked.

"Not that I know of" She just smiled a little at Pogo and looked away, at Five's painting on top of the fireplace.

"How long has Five been missing?"

"It's been 15 years, 4 months and 14 days." Pogo said, also looking at the boy's painting. "Your father insisted I keep a record."

"Do you know something crazy? After Emma left, I kept the lights on like she did, so if he came back, it wouldn't be dark." Vanya stopped for a moment, having memories of Emma and her in the kitchen.

—

"Emma, we shouldn't be doing this at this time of night." Little Vanya said sluggishly to Emma, who was still in the kitchen making sandwiches and cookies.

"It's for Five too. You know that he's always hungry, and I'm sure he will be as well when he comes back. He always asks me to bake something for him."

Vanya just rolled her eyes but kept a smile either way to help her friend finish the meals so they could go back to their rooms, as it was getting late. After waiting for a few minutes for the cookies to cool down, they took their midnight snack to their dorms. This time, it was in Vanya's room. Their rooms were similar, but they imagined one inviting the other for a sleepover.

Before going to Vanya's room, they stopped by Five's room so Emma could leave a sandwich and a few cookies by his bedside table. She always left the light on.

"I don't want it to seem like we forgot about him."

"It's pretty hard when dad just hangs that enormous portrait of him in the living room".

"Oh, I just know how his ego will skyrocket when he sees that".

—

Vanya could still remember about all those nights that they could just be together and be kids. Meanly when those moments became so scarce after she started her training. It just felt as if the light was deeming every day that passed.

"When Emma was still here, I remember we would make snacks for him".

"I remember your snacks." Pogo smiled. "I'm sure I stepped on half of the peanut butter sandwiches."