~ Wings ~ Sanders Sides ~

~ Chapter Fifteen ~ Logan ~

As Virgil and I approach the barrier, I notice Virgil become more tense. "If you do not wish to do this, I can always go on my own," I offer. Virgil shakes his head.

"There are a lot of... intricacies to the others," Virgil replies. "And you can only learn them by living with them."

I sigh, but allow Virgil to continue leading. I would prefer that he not purposely stress himself, however I understand that he is adamant about this venture.

Just before we reach the border, I notice Virgil's fists shaking, but from anger or anxiety I cannot tell. Knowing Virgil, it is most likely a combination of both. "It is not too late to turn back," I remind him. "I am perfectly capable of—"

"No," Virgil interrupts. "Out of all of us, I understand how they work the best. Besides, it's harder to take two people than just one." I sigh, knowing I cannot talk Virgil out of this, and continue forward.

We stand in front of the border, and Virgil takes my hand in both of his. Knowing he is trying to calm himself down, I squeeze his hand before calling out.

"Deceit, if you would please come to the border," I say, my voice slightly echoing in the emptiness of the hallway. Our resident liar is quick to appear, his golden eye glowing in the darkness.

"This is quite a surprise, I must say, Logan. Whatever seems to be the matter?" he asks. "Oh, and Virgil? You're here, too? My, my, this is a shock!"

"Enough with your games, Deceit," Virgil growls. "Where is Patton."

Deceit looks genuinely surprised. "He's not with you?"

"None of us have seen him today, he is not in his room, and Virgil is insistent that he has not run off," I explain, using my free hand to adjust my glasses. "Which leaves only one logical option remaining, that he is with you."

Deceit is silent for a few seconds. "I.. You're wrong, Virgil," he says eventually. "He had to have run off. I don't feel him anywhere in our part of the mindscape."

Virgil hisses. "You have to understand that we are inclined not to believe you due to your duplicitous nature," I explain. Deceit sighs.

"I know. But believe me this once, I don't have Patton." At this point, I notice that there is no longer a glow coming from Deceit's eye. I equate it to his eyes being closed.

"Yeah, right," Virgil scoffs. "You're just trying to get us off your case. Well, news flash: I'm not stupid! I know your games, and you can't fool me anymore, you—!"

"VIRGIL." Deceit steps forward, and I see that his eyes are both open... and brown. "I'll say it one more time and one more time only: I do not have Patton with me."

Virgil sighs, then turns to face me. "He's telling the truth." I blink in surprise, but trust that Virgil understands what is happening.

"Very well, then," I say. "If nothing is the matter, then we shall take our leave." I begin walking back to the living room, Virgil clearly worrying again. I place a hand on his arm. "We will find him, Virgil," I assure. Virgil nods, clearly not believing me. I frown as we continue walking.