Archive of Our Own ^beta

“It’s fine, Avelina. It’s cool.”

“We both know that’s a lie, Goth. You’re in one of your moods.”

A teensy and a human sat near each other. The teensy was laying on his stomach on a low hanging branch, his arm dangling from it. He was wearing a black cloak with red trimmings and a conical hat with the same colors. He wore an undershirt with a red belt around his waist. He was picking at the tree bark with his other hand. Below him sat the human with her ax in her lap. She had on a gray helmet with wooden wings on top and red rimmings as well. She had long, black, curly hair and her armor was the same color as her helmet. Her ax had maroon wrappings on the handle and a skull at the end. She was gently rubbing a cloth against the sharp edge as she looked up at the teensy.

Goth Teensy shifted around on the branch. The only sounds that could be heard were the calm forest noises of a sunny afternoon. The shaded spot the two were in had a slight breeze and few sunbeams straying from the tree leaves. Avelina frowned at Goth’s silence, knowing very well he had more to say.

She sighed and looked back at her ax, “Listen, Goth, you can be transparent with me. We have talked about this before, you know. And A. Ray has told me some details as well.” She stated, shrugging her shoulders. “This isn’t… new.”

“I know!” Goth blurted. He groaned and sulked on the branch. “And it shouldn’t be that! This should be new.” He turned over to look at Avelina. “Maybe, if it was new, I wouldn’t feel as bad.”

“You won’t feel as bad, or Rayman won’t feel as bad?”

There was another silence as Goth pondered his friend’s question. He reminisced about his times with Rayman and his friends. Did that really mean anything though?

“I’m… I’m sure he means well.” Goth Teensy rationalized. He shifted and laid on his back with his hands on his stomach. He played with his cloth belt and bit his tongue. “He’s just… busy. With, um, other things.”

“Isn’t that what he says about you?” Avelina asked as she quirked an eyebrow at him.

Goth stuttered an answer. “I… like… y-yes? But no. No, you’re wrong. He has every right to say that. I have a job to do. I should be doing that and not slacking off.”

“Goth, your job is protecting the door and to help Rayman when you’re not doing that. He’s obviously in the wrong.” She explained as she put her weapon away. She looked back up at him with a small frown on her face.

He let out a soft whimper before defending the hero again. “N-no, he’s not. He has other friends and… and I can’t get in the way of that. What would that make me?”

“It makes you someone who longs for affection.” Avelina told him, her purple eyes drifting back to the soft movement of the grass. “I understand how you’re feeling, Goth. With you and Rayman, I mean.”

“Really? I-I mean what do you mean? We’re nothing.” He corrected himself, coughing to cover his mistake.

The assassin exhaled and leaned on the bulging root of the tree. “You have to call it off. Maybe take some time for yourself. Rayman, well, I don’t really think he cares about you. Or at least, in the way you care about him.” Her voice was somber, but at the same time soothing to the teensy.

Goth went quiet again. He didn’t want to call it off. He didn’t have to call it off. Not when he was this far. He took a deep breath, “I shouldn’t– No, I can’t. I just need to give him more time. Time always works.” He convinced himself, a small, but uncertain, smile forming on his face.

“No, it doesn’t. I hate to be the one to tell you but, from what you’ve told me, your admiration with Rayman is very one sided. How many times has he forgotten to invite you on one of his adventures?” She asked as her head turned to him.

“Then I must have been telling you wrong! Rayman would never make me feel like a burden. He’s not like that. He’s a hero!” Goth pleaded, trying to convince Avelina of his side. She replied in a deafening silence, showing him that she knows the truth.

He let out a shaky sigh and looked away. “Fine. He hasn’t been the best of friends… to me at least.” He admitted. “I’m just… well, I was really hoping that his mannerisms would change after the… incident.”

“Incident?”

Goth waved it off, “It’s a whole thing before I got recruited.” He scoffed and looked at the leaves above him. “Rayman changed my life. I just wish he could see that as well.”

Avelina tilted her head as she glanced back at the ground. “If he can’t, does that really make you his friend? Or a loyal follower?”

The teensy let out a groan and flung his hands back. “I don’t know? I think he’s my friend, I would assume he’s my friend.” He bursted before moving to his side. “But, I guess you can’t argue with results, can you?”

“So, you admit it?”

“I… I guess…” Goth said, letting out a deep sigh. “If he could just drop me this fast, how much did I mean to him? Did I even impact his life at all?” He clutched the air, his once loose hands turning into fists.

Avelina shut her eyes and sat up, using her ax as a support. “Clearly not as much as he did with you. Goth, I think you’re in the same mindset as any other teensy in the Glade.”

He turned his head. “How so?”

“I mean, obviously it’s more impactful for you since you and Rayman were actually friends, well, putting it nicely. But so many teensy out there would bend over backwards just to get an interaction with him. A wave, livid! Even a glance would appease them.” She placed her hands on her hips and shook her head. “What I’m saying is, you have a right to feel heartbroken, but if you’re so hurt by this, why do you keep coming back?”

Goth knew exactly what she was saying, but all he let out was a stubborn grumble, “I hate all these questions you’re asking.”

She let out a small chuckle. “Hey, they’re for your benefit, not mine. I already have Cell and A. Ray to worry about.”

“I know, I shouldn’t be bothering you and adding more problems for you to deal with.” Goth muttered, exhaling a sigh.

“You serious? Those two doofuses are the most oblivious guys I know. Trust me, Goth, you’re not bothering me.” She gave him a sincere smile.

Goth couldn't help but smile as well. Sadly, that quickly turned into a frown as he recalled her question. “But, to give you an answer, I guess I just don’t have anyone else. Like, he saved me from eternal boredom guarding a door!” He explained as he waved his arms around.

“You don’t have anyone else?” Avelina asked as she crossed her arms. “What am I then? A mosquito?”

“No! No, that’s not what I meant. You, Assassin, and even Glob are great.” His hands dropped; however, with his gaze turned back to the grass. “I just want someone who’s… felt this before, if that makes sense. Like, having someone matter to you just, fade away. Rayman… he matters to me. A lot. And that’s the issue.” His groan morphed into a laugh as he held his face. “I guess I’m the fool, huh? Maybe it’s the way I am.”

He then felt a hand on his arm. He turned to see his friend looking at him with sympathetic eyes. She saw the tears forming in his own. “You’re not the fool. You’re just making excuses.” She said, her purple eyes gazing into his. “Yes, I may not fully understand what you’re going through, but that doesn’t mean you’re alone. I bet there’s hundreds of teensies who've been in your position. Have you tried telling him? Or at the very least standing up for yourself?”

The teensy sat up and wiped his eyes. “Not really…” He admitted.

“Why don’t you give it a shot? If he does care about you, he’ll understand.” She gave him a reassuring smile and offered her hand. “Now, let’s get you down from there.”

Goth took her hand and helped him down the branch. The teensy was still contemplating her words. Who else could be in his position of being forgotten by Rayman? He looked up and saw Avelina look off into the distance.

“Well,” She started and turned her attention back to him. “I gotta find A. Ray. You know how he is.” She chuckled slightly.

Goth Teensy let out one as well as he played with his robe sleeve. “Yeah, I know. Just like any thingamajig. Always diving head-first into danger.” He formed a frown as his mind went back to his time with Rayman. He let out a soft sigh. “I should head back to the Snoring Tree. Maybe, maybe they missed me.” Avelina gave him a look of concern before a slight nod, watching him walk away.

As he was leaving, he heard one more thing from the human. “Hey, Goth?” He turned his head and tilted it. “Good luck. With Rayman, I mean. Remember that you are worth something.” She smiled at him.

He smiled back. “Thanks. Good luck to you too. Say hi to the two for me.” The two shared a moment before heading off on their own ways.

—---------------------

“Ugh! Who cares, Glombrox? Obviously I don’t.”

“Obviously ya do, Raymesis.”

The sound of wood snapping could be heard followed by the soft footsteps on grass. Raymesis stood there, his hands clenched into fists and his teeth bared. In front of him was a thick trunk with a few splinters sticking out. Raymesis snarled and shook his hand while Glombrox stood behind him, his arms crossed. The purple thingamajig turned to his friend and shot a glare at him.

“No, I don’t! Why would I even care about him? I hate him! I hate him so much!” Raymesis hissed before punching the tree again, letting a few more crackles out into the air.

Raymesis wore a dark blue hoodie with a cyan hood. The hood was ripped up in some places while the hoodie had a white X on the center. His gloves were white as well, with spiked bracelets on his wrists. His shoes were the same color as his hood and his hair was violet and extremely messy. His glowing yellow eyes darted between Glombrox and the tree; his brows furrowed the whole time.

Glombrox, on the other hand, was a big purple glute. He had the same yellow eyes as the thingamajig and spikes covering his whole body. He had a white underbelly and a look of amusement on his face. He found some sort of entertainment in Raymesis’ conflict, and they both knew. It wasn’t helping Raymesis’ anger whatsoever.

“Oh, please. If ya didn’t care, then this wouldn’t have been the third tree ya punched a hole in.” Glombrox remarked, pointing to the previous two trees with splinters and bark sticking out of them. “Trust me, I know exactly how ya act when ya care about somethin’, especially when it’s about yur boyfriend–”

The glute was silenced with a punch to the face. It wasn’t meant to be harmful, but it was still a solid hit. Raymesis stood there, panting and his eyes narrowed. “He’s not my boyfriend! He’s my nemesis! My worst enemy!” He let out another pissed off growl and stomped around. “Why can’t he see that? What did I do wrong? It’s not fair!”

Glombrox rubbed his cheek as his brows furrowed. “Maybe because ya acted like some crazy fan. Goin’ ‘round and destroyin’ things just for the hope that Rayman would bat an eye.”

“Don’t think you’re clear from this too, Brox.” The thingamajig hissed, pointing at his friend. “You were always down to do it as well!”

“I’m here for the terrorizin’ part. Not the ‘Oohh Rayman please notice me’ part.” He corrected, leaning in to glare at the antagonist. “Face it, ‘Mesis, even that DarkRay had a better plan than ya.”

The mention of ‘DarkRay’ ticked Raymesis off as he lunged. The two got into a scrap, with Glombrox grabbing Raymesis’ ripped up hoodie and holding him away. “Raymesis!” He scolded, trying to reach his friend from the haze of hatred. “Why are ya getting so worked up over Rayman?”

“I have a great plan!” Raymesis retorted, clawing at him. “You’re just stupid! Just like those other thingamajigs! I’m Rayman’s worst enemy! Not some dark version of him! That was me! That’s me!”

“Do ya even hear yurself now?” Glombrox asked, shaking him around. “Yur so upset over this! Over Rayman! Sure, he doesn’t care, but ya don’t have to get so pissy ‘bout it.” He tried to explain as he placed him down. “Just call it off, why don’t ya?”

Raymesis didn’t attack Glombrox this time, but he did turn away. “You don’t understand. You wouldn’t care anyway.” He muttered, his hands slowly wrapping around his body. “He does value me. Your view’s just too cloudy to see it.” The glute frowned. He could see something in the corner of his yellow eyes, but Raymesis made sure not to let him see. “I… I just need some air.”

“I…” Glombrox stuttered a response, reaching to comfort his friend. He valued Raymesis. He really did. He just didn’t fully grasp his thought process on occasion. Especially when it came to the Hero of the Glade. “Yur right.” He admitted. He backed off and let his hand fall down. “I don’t understand. But that don’t mean I don’t care.”

The thingamajig sniffled in response. He could hear the disgust and mockery in the noise. In Raymesis’ whole demeanor. He couldn’t get to him. At least, not now.

Glombrox let out a defeated sigh and looked away. “I’ll give ya yur space. If ya need me, I’ll be in the hideout.” He did not bother attempting to reach him. If Raymesis didn’t want comfort, then he wouldn’t give him comfort. “Good luck, ‘Mesis.”

Raymesis looked back as he walked away. He still didn’t say anything to oppose. Instead, he wiped his eyes and stormed off, muttering insults and complaints under his breath and sniffles.

—---------------------

The Glade was eerily quiet at night. Despite the daytime being filled to the brim with singing and celebration, the inhabitants of the world valued a good night’s rest quite highly. When the two moons rose above the land, many Dreams and Nightmares alike halted their duties to rest like Polokus attended them too.

All except one.

Goth Teensy was always a heavy sleeper. He picked it up from his friends. When Barbara would head back to her kingdom, the four of them would lie together on the Snoring Tree and nap the day away. With all this sleeping, Goth became tired in the mornings which resulted in him falling asleep on the job. Multiple times. This night was different, however.

From the position of the moons, it seemed to be around ten at night. The soft, rhythmic snores of his friends echoed below him. Goth leaned over to look at his friends. He didn’t really sleep with them. Well, he did, but he was never one for cuddles, especially with his spikey fur covering his skin. As a compromise for him to hang with them and for a good night’s rest for the rest of them, Goth slept on the branch above. They were all happy about this conclusion, even Goth. He was never a cuddly teensy, especially in his sleep, so having a branch to himself must be a dream come true.

And on most nights, it is.

But it was on nights like these that made Goth Teensy rethink his decision. Despite having the equivalent of his own room, something about being separate from the group made him feel isolated, even outcasted at worst. He knows he should be used to it, but the conversation with Avelina was still fresh in his mind. Why does he keep coming back? What does Rayman and his friends have that Avelina and hers can’t give?

Goth hated spirals like these, especially during a time of rest and relaxation. He needed this sleep because, in the morning, the guys would be up and out of bed for a day of adventure and fun, leaving Goth with his door duties. Even though he knew they would leave him behind to do his job, there was a part of him that still longed to come along.

‘Responsibilities come first.’ He and all his friends would repeat to him. He was helping the Glade and his friends by watching the door to the Land of the Livid Dead. He was important.

Sadly, nights like these gave him a different impression on himself. Was he really as important as he and everyone else made him out to be?

He glanced back down to the stack below him. Globox on the bottom, Grand Minimus on his back, and Rayman leaning on the glute. They all looked so comfortable. But, if he joined in, where would he go? Maybe it was best that he slept on this branch.

Goth Teensy let out a sigh and readjusted himself. He was facing the night sky now. Despite the foliage above him, there was still a patch of night that peeked through. In his view were four stars. They were all clumped together except for one, which was a bit separate from the others.

One any other night, or day, the musical snores of his friends would’ve been fine, soothing even. But tonight Goth found himself getting irritated by them. Was it a sense of abandonment? He wasn’t sure himself. The guard managed to convince himself that it was because he wanted to hear the serene sounds of the forest at night. But he knew deep down that there was a different reason.

Goth tried really hard to tune them out, but Minimus was one of the best and loudest snorers in teensy history. Fortunately, after enough concentration, Goth managed to listen to the serene noises of the Glade of Dreams. He could finally hear everything. The soft rustle of the leaves, the calm flowing of a nearby stream, and the faint sound of crying.

The teensy perked his head up to the direction of the sobbing. ‘Who’s up at this hour?’ He thought, ‘And why are they crying?’ Out of the goodness in his heart, Goth carefully crawled off his branch to investigate. He maneuvered around them but accidentally brushed against Rayman’s hand. He winced and quickly landed on the fuzzy grass below as the crying got louder. He worried if he accidentally disrupted their sleep, but he knew that they only wake up from the morning sun or a good whack to the face. He shook it off and went to go see what was happening.

Goth Teensy didn’t know what he was expecting. The most he did was a lost kid, or maybe an injured creature looking for help. What he didn’t think he would see is a purple thingamajig on his knees and clutching his head. His ripped hood was over his head and his sobs were muffled by his hands over his mouth, but it seemed like he was trying to make them quiet.

He immediately knew who this was, but why was he so close to the Snoring Tree alone? And why was he crying? Goth slowly walked over, trying to make his presence known but not scare him away. Finally he cleared his throat and caught the anti-hero’s attention. Raymesis snapped his head towards the noise, his eyes narrowed with fresh tears on his cheeks. Once he figured out who it was, his eyes softened as he turned away, curling up into a ball.

“Go away…” He muttered through muffled sobs.

This response made Goth frown slightly. Despite everything Raymesis has done to him and his friends, he still cared about him. Raymesis was, in some way, a friend to Goth, even through his prickly exterior. After a moment to think about what he would say, he took a step closer to the thingamajig.

“Hey, are you alright?” Goth asked softly, trying his best to comfort him.

Raymesis paused and sniffled. He could see him wipe his eyes and hold back his whimpers. From his time with the doppelgänger, Raymesis wasn’t keen on showing weakness. This was no different. Finally, he spoke up. “Yes…” He managed to say with only his voice cracking barley.

Goth sighed and took a seat. He kept his distance in case Raymesis didn’t want company, but he was still close enough to have a conversation with him. “Raymesis…” He said, tilting his head to see his face better. “Are you sure?”

There was another silence as he composed himself. “Yes…” His voice was a little more shaky this time, like he wasn’t sure himself. Goth could just leave, but he didn’t. Raymesis helped him during his pity party, it was now time to help his.

The teensy let out a soft sigh and looked away from him for a second. “Do you… want to talk about it?” He asked, turning his head back towards him.

“I… No…” Raymesis corrected himself, burying himself further into his hoodie. Despite his use of his hair and clothing to cover his face, Goth could still tell how he was feeling through his nose.

As much as Goth Teensy wanted too, he decided not to push further. Raymesis hated being bugged, and if he was already in a bad mood and Goth bugged him now, it wouldn’t end well.

“Alright.” He admitted, standing up. Goth gave him one more worried look before turning around.

Suddenly, something grabbed his robe. It was a weak grab, but there was still a good grip. Goth gasped and turned his head to see Raymesis looking up at him. His normally piercing yellow eyes were now soft and scared with tear build-up.

“Goth, don’t go… please…” He whispered, his voice on the brink of breaking down.

The teensy gave him a soft smile and sat down beside him. Raymesis still had his hood up, but his hair moved to show his eyes, the yellow glow illuminating the dark woods. There was a calming silence, with the occasional shift of the grass from the thingamajig moving.

After a minute, Raymesis spoke, not looking at Goth Teensy. “Goth, what do you… think of me?”

“Huh? Like, as a person or…”

“No, no…” He corrected, sniffling and wiping his eyes with the back of his hand. “Just me. What am I to you?” He glanced at the teensy, his brows furrowed slightly.

Goth hesitated, trying to find the right words to describe him. Despite the rocky relationship the two have, especially when it comes to Rayman, Goth knew that deep down, Raymesis cared about him. And he cared about him back.

“You’re a… friend.” Goth replied, smiling at him. “Even through everything you’re still my friend.” He explained, watching for Raymesis’ reaction.

The doppelgänger picked at the grass. He was still not looking at the teensy. After a moment, he spoke once again. “What does… Rayman think of me?”

He tilted his head. “Rayman? Why do you want to know that?” He questioned, a small frown forming on his face.

“I… I just want to know if I matter…” Raymesis admitted, finally glancing at Goth. He could see tears build up, heightened by his glowing eyes.

“What are you talking about? You do matter–”

“Answer the question, Goth Teensy.” Raymesis spat as his eyes narrowed. He clutched the grass, digging his claws into the soil.

Goth was taken aback, but he let out a sigh. “I’m not sure.” He said, fiddling with his robe. “When I’m there, I don’t recall really talking about… you recently–”

“I knew it!” Raymesis yelled, getting up. Goth flinched from the sudden change in volume and looked up at the pacing thingamajig. His fists were clenched, his teeth bared. The teensy could only let out a soft whimper as he watched his friend growl.

“Knew what?” He said quietly as he slowly got up.

Raymesis snapped his head towards him, glaring daggers at the poor guard. He then let out a large sigh and turned away. “That I’m nothing.” He said bluntly, staring off into the horizon.

Goth Teensy frowned and walked up to him. “Don’t say that, ‘Mesis, you’re not nothing–”

“Oh, don’t coddle me, Goth!” Raymesis snarled as he took a step forward to loom over the small teensy. Despite the threatening angle, it made his tears more prominent. “I don’t need your pity! I don’t need Glombrox’s realism! I don’t need anyone telling me what’s wrong and what’s right!” He exclaimed before shoving Goth to the ground and running off.

He let out a small squeak before feeling his face. A small teardrop fell on it. Goth called for his friend. “Raymesis! Wait!” He quickly got up and ran after the thingamajig.

—---------------------

“Raymesis! Please! I’m sorry!” Goth Teensy cried out in the dark woods. He stopped and looked around to grasp his surroundings. Luckily, he could still see the Snoring Tree out in the distance, but he only now realized how far he was. He let out a frustrated whimper and scanned the forest. “Raymesis, please!”

The teensy was about to give up before he heard sobbing. It wasn’t muffled like last time, it was loud. Goth recognized the noise and ran over.

He turned a tree and once again found Raymesis, this time on his knees. He was surrounded by craters of dirt and pulled grass, with some trees near him having cracked bark. He was sobbing loudly, but he seemed to be fighting it. He constantly gasped for air and coughed, like he was trying to hold it back through everything.

Through his wailing, the teensy could make out some of the words he was telling himself. What he said only made his heart ache more.

“Pull yourself together, Evil Rayman.” Raymesis muttered, his grip on the ground tightening. Goth tilted his head at what he called himself, but he held his tongue. “You shouldn’t cry. Clones can’t let feelings get in the way on their mission.” He also noticed that the thingamajig seemed to be putting on a voice, a voice colder and deeper than Raymesis’ typical prankster voice.

As he continued to belittle himself, Goth Teensy just stood there, unsure if Raymesis knew he was here or not. Finally, he heard enough.

As Raymesis cried, the sound of his tears mixing with his snarls, he heard the patter of grass and looked up to see Goth standing in front of him. Raymesis, not knowing how much he heard, shut up, glared, sniffed, and sat up, but the teensy stayed silent. He shifted and turned his head, only to feel something warm wrap around his body. He let out a small gasp and looked down. There, he saw Goth Teensy, hugging him. He still didn’t say anything and Raymesis couldn’t figure out what to say.

They sat there with Goth’s nose resting on his shoulder. Raymesis whimpered before softly crying, hugging the teensy back. He dug into his back, but it wasn’t aggressive. It felt like he was gripping the last thing he had left. Raymesis sobbed into Goth’s shoulder, and Goth allowed it. He gently rubbed his back, not saying a word.

The small yellow source of light came back when Raymesis calmed down. He sniffed and wiped his eyes with his wrist, his eyes focused on the guard. Goth pulled away and looked at the thingamajig back, a comforting smile on his face.

Raymesis sighed, pushing back his tears. “I… I just don’t know what to do, Goth.” He finally admitted with shaking hands. He played with his bracelets as he tackled this new situation. He’s never been vulnerable about anything, especially with a teensy.

But Goth Teensy wasn’t really a teensy. Well, not like the rest.

“I really thought I mattered.” Raymesis continued, his gaze dropping down in shame. “That I was making a name for myself in the Glade’s history. But then this DarkRay came in and–” Raymesis gritted his teeth and clenched his hands.

Goth gasped and held the thingamajig’s hands. They were greatly bigger than his, but he still rubbed them. “Hey, hey…” He comforted, looking up at Raymesis. “It’s alright.”

The doppelgänger sniffled before chuckling. “It’s not really.” He said, gently pulling away from the teensy. “I failed.” He muttered as he yanked at his drawstrings.

His words tugged at Goth’s heart, which made him frown. He was about to touch his shoulder, but he hesitated. “Raymesis?” He asked, tilting his head so he could see his eyes. “Would you feel comfortable to… elaborate on what you mean? Like, what did you mean by ‘making a name for yourself’?”

Raymesis let out a small grumble and shifted to cross his legs. “As… as long as you don’t tell anyone. Please.”

“Well, since you asked so nicely.” Goth quipped, giving him a smile.

The thingamajig let out a chuckle and gently pushed the teensy, not aiming to actually move him. “Okay. You deserve a hate slap for that.” The two shared a small moment of laughter. After the giggles died down, Raymesis sighed and looked up at the stars. “So, you know Mr. Dark, right?”

Goth Teensy shook his head. “Yes, I’ve heard the stories. Both positive and negative.”

“Hmm. Then you may understand.” He said as he gave the teensy a small nod. “Well, if you couldn’t tell, I’m a creation of Mr. Dark. No need to give me an award.” He chuckled as he raised his hand. Even then, Goth could still hear some sadness in his laugh. “I was one of his last ones. Maybe, his final creation before his disappearance.” Raymesis exhaled and spreaded out his legs. “If it wasn’t obvious enough, I was created to kill Rayman. Or at the very least, stop him in some way.”

The guard shrugged and muttered. “Well, you don’t seem to be good at doing that.”

Raymesis bopped him on the head. “I heard that, Teensy.”

Goth squeaked and held his head, “Hey! I was just saying what I see.”

The two laughed again, with Raymesis leaning closer to Goth Teensy. “Anyway, have you ever noticed that creatures just stopped… talking about Mr. Dark in recent years?” Raymesis’ voice turned somber, his smile turning into a soft frown.

His question made the teensy think. He never really thought about it like that. “Well, now that you mention it…”

“Exactly!” Raymesis exclaimed, tugging at the grass. “And it’s not because he’s taboo, it’s because Dreams don’t see him as ‘scary’ anymore!” He groaned and sat up to start his pacing.

Goth tilted his head. “Really? But didn’t he steal the Great Protoon and defeat Betilla the fairy? Y’know, Rayman’s creator?”

“Yeah! But he was still defeated by Rayman! Like, fresh from the bubble Rayman! André did more to defeat Rayman. André! And he’s practically a joke.” Raymesis let out a frustrated grumble and plopped down onto the grass. He placed a wrist on one of his eyes as he looked at Goth Teensy. “Mr. Dark is nothing but forgotten history now. Even Jano has more relevance than the strongest dark wizard in the Glade.” He said, gazing back at the floor. “And being his final creation before vanishing, I have that burden upon me as well. And that feels like it’s my duty to fix his reputation.” He finally admitted, his voice cracking up a little.

With the thingamajig finally coming clean about his problems, Goth couldn’t help but feel sympathetic for his past. As someone who also has a title to uphold, he found himself relating to the poor clone.

“And to do that,” He continued as he sniffed back the tears. “I need to start by making a name as Rayman’s worst enemy. That’s why I go by Raymesis.” He looked up to see Goth staring at him. “‘Cause it’s like a play on nemesis and– oh, whatever, I thought it was smart.” He grumbled and rolled his eyes.

He sighed and turned his whole body away from the teensy. “I have to do this, to prove that my creator was the most powerful sorcerer ever conceived by Polokus.” He vowed as he clenched his hand into a fist. “If I can’t do that… What does that make me? A waste of magic?”

“Rayman complains about his life being boring after the defeat of Mansay, but I’m right here! I could be that villain he has to fight weekly to save the Glade! That’s what I’ve been trying to do! To make his life worse! Or at least interesting with Glombrox’s and I’s antics. If he just… just gave me a shot, I could bring back that spark he so desperately whines about.” He bared his teeth and looked up at the stars, ignoring the stinging in his eyes.

He scowled and gripped his shoulder. “What am I saying? He does see me as his greatest enemy. Not a minor inconvenience despite what I do to get him to see me as more than that.” He told himself, his voice laced with denial. He bit his tongue before whimpering and clutching his hair. “I am more than that… r-right, Goth? Please tell me I am.” He looked back at his friend.

Goth Teensy just stared at him and shut his eyes. He crawled over towards him and wrapped his tiny arms around his shoulders, giving him another hug. He couldn’t find the right words, but he hoped his actions spoke loud enough.

Raymesis tensed up before lowering his defenses and hugging Goth back again. The gesture did calm him down. “I sound so stupid, right now. I shouldn’t even be feeling this. I wish Mr. Dark created me without emotions.” He muttered into his shoulder, his eyes filled with tears.

The teensy hugged him tighter. He finally found the words before he was interrupted by a third voice.

“You do sound stupid.”

The two immediately recognized the sass in that voice. They turned their heads to see the root of their problems. His blonde hair turned into a bed head with slight eye bags under his blue eyes. Rayman yawned and rubbed one of his eyes as he tapped his foot. He looked like he just got dragged out of bed, and he probably was. His purple hoodie was covered in wrinkles, but his shoes and gloves looked fine. Surprisingly, it was just him that showed up. Goth assumed that Grand Minimus and Globox were still at the Snoring Tree, snoring.

Raymesis glared and held Goth tighter as he pulled both him and himself up to their feet. “What are you doing here, Rayman? How much did you hear?” His last question felt more urgent, with the teensy hearing his voice cracks.

“I could ask you the same question.” Rayman remarked, crossing his arms. “Didn’t we agree that you couldn’t come near the Snoring Tree?”

“I’m not near it!” He snapped back.

“Well, you’re near enough.” The hero yawned again and finally noticed Goth. “Oh, so that’s where you went. Why are you hanging around him again?” He asked, his voice dripping with distaste.

Goth Teensy stuttered a response and Raymesis’ grip didn’t loosen at all. “I-I was just… you know… comforting him?”

“Doesn’t he cause enough problems for you to deal with?” He asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Oh, zip it, Rayman. I’m not doing anything bad. Can’t you just leave us alone?” Raymesis hissed as he glared at the fellow thingamajig.

“Just so you know, I would gladly leave you alone if you weren’t dragging Goth into it. I just want to go back to bed and I hate fighting before breakfast, so let the teensy go and we can go our separate ways.” He offered, raising his hands up in surrenderment.

Goth Teensy couldn’t help but frown at his words. Once again he was being treated like a child, worse, a possession. Avelina’s words replayed in his mind as Raymesis spoke.

“I…” The doppelgänger hesitated. He was in no mindset to fight, especially not Rayman. Even with the advantage of him being half asleep, Rayman couldn’t see him like this, and fighting him would only make it worse. “Fine…” He let Goth go and stepped back, avoiding eye contact.

The teensy was taken aback by Raymesis’ sudden backing down. He could tell something was wrong. Goth looked between the two Rays, unsure how to approach this.

Rayman rolled his eyes at Raymesis and grabbed Goth’s arm. “Come on, Goth Teensy. We’re wasting night light.” He said as he guided him away.

Goth, however, glared and pulled away. “No. I’m not going with you, Rayman.” He was sick of creatures fighting his own battles for him. He needed to repay the favor.

The hero was stunned by the normally reserved guard talking back to him. He tilted his head. “What?”

“I said… I’m not going with you. I’m staying here. With Raymesis.” He confirmed, eyeing Rayman down.

Rayman couldn’t believe what he was doing, and the lack of a good night’s rest wasn’t helping. “Why? Why are you sticking up for him? Don’t you remember when–”

“Don’t think you’re free from that too.” Goth snapped back, taking a step forward. “Do you remember when you’ve always treated me like nothing? Just as that substitute friend you can leave anytime you’d like?” He asked, tilting his head.

The purple thingamajig was just as surprised as Raymen when he saw Goth standing up for himself. Even then, he couldn’t help but form a smile at the teensy.

“I-I would never–” Rayman’s defense was cut off.

“You would! Multiple times! I try and I try to tell you guys that I have feelings! That I exist! I want to be a part of things, but you cut me off the second you find a better person.” He explained, tears building up in his eyes. “And the second I do my own thing you pull me back and say that I mattered.”

The hero looked down, the guilt clearly seen in his eyes. “I-it’s not a big deal–”

“It is, Rayman. Listen to me for once in your life and answer me honestly. Do I matter to you? Do you care about me? Genuinely?”

“Why would you think that? Of course we care about you! Like when Minimus–”

“This isn’t about Minimus, or Globox, or even Barbara. This is about you and me.” Goth reinstated, his eyes narrowing at his hesitance.

Rayman played with his hoodie drawstrings and inhaled through his teeth. “Well… um… why do you always hang out with Raymesis then? He’s probably just worse than me since he strives to be that!”

“He’s actually better than you! He’s also a victim of your… of your inflated ego! You don’t care about him! He tries so hard to be your mortal enemy, to give you some flare in your life you always complain about, and seven times out of ten you ignore him.” Goth defended as he gestured to his friend. “You don’t even give him a chance. You don’t even give me a chance.”

“Why are you so upset about this all of a sudden?” His gaze drifted to Raymesis. “What did he tell you?” The hero demanded as he pointed to the thingamajig.

“All Raymesis did was tell me what he actually wants to be. How he wants you to treat him. Why do you always assume everything he says is bad?” Goth was willing to fight tooth and nail to defend his friend. He knew that he would do the same.

“Isn’t that what he wants?” Rayman retorted, “To be treated as ‘the bad guy’?”

Goth paused, his eyes narrowing. He took a glance at Raymesis and shut his eyes. “So, you know.” He sighed, still not looking at the hero. “Rayman, if you really don’t value me as a friend, a real friend, just admit it. It’ll spare both of us the time.”

“I-I do… I just don’t normally have the time too–”

“But you have time for Barbara?” He looked back at Rayman, his eyes welling up with tears. “To go all the way to Castle Rock and invite her to go adventuring? To leave me with my own job knowing very well she has a kingdom to look over? To easily tell me to stay because that’s all I am to you? A poor kid you bring around for cosmetics and an ego boost?” Goth asked, his voice cracking as he clutched his arms.

“Am I nothing more to you than your friend? No, not even that! Nothing more than just a fan?” Goth collapsed onto his knees, his head down. “I just want to stop this feeling… this feeling of being a side character in a story I was told I was important in.” He whimpered as water rolled down his face. “I really didn’t want to tell you like this but… but… I’m tired, Rayman. And it’s not because it’s late at night.” He cried softly, sniffling and wiping his eyes.

He extended his hands in front of him, seeing the dampness from his tears, “I… I feel like you keep me around just to have someone who calls you ‘friend’.” Goth admitted through his shaking voice. “But I guess I’d have to stop the world to stop this feeling.”

Rayman frowned. He didn’t know what to say, what to do. He reached over to place a hand on Goth’s shoulder, but he was beaten.

Goth Teensy looked over to see Raymesis comforting him, his glowing eyes sympathetic. Goth has never seen the doppelgänger so sympathetic and comforting for someone, especially in front of his mortal enemy. He then turned to Rayman and glared.

“I may be a ‘bad guy’, but at least I’m aware of it.” He said coldly before glancing back at the teensy. Goth nodded and Raymesis returned the favor. He helped him to his feet and they both turned and left, leaving Rayman alone with only his thoughts to comfort him.

—---------------------

“You really didn’t have to do that.”

“Of course, I did. And besides, it felt nice.”

The sun slowly rose over the horizon, the golden rays shining on the two friends. They have been walking for a while, seeing the night turn to day. The singing of the forest returned with the arrival of the sun. It finally brought some life into a normally quiet forest. After a bit of walking, they arrive at a small ledge with a hill below. In front of it was a perfect view of the sunrise with minimal trees obstructing it.

Raymesis took a seat and patted the grass next to him. Goth smiled and placed himself next to him. They sat in a comfortable silence before the thingamajig spoke again.

“Did it really?” He asked, tilting his head at the teensy.

Goth nodded, “Yeah. I should stand up for myself more.”

Raymesis nodded as well, “And I should let others fight my battles more.” He chuckled as Goth gently punched his shoulder, giggling also. “But in all seriousness, why do you stick around that jerk? And it’s a big deal when I call someone a jerk.”

The teensy hesitated and watched the sun rise, “I… I’m not so sure myself. I think it’s some sort of debt I have to pay him.” He explained as he fiddled with his hands. “He did give me a chance to redeem myself after being labeled as a ‘Nightmare’.”

“Hm. That’s dumb.” Raymesis shrugged and leaned back.

“Hey. How is that dumb?” He asked as moved back to see him.

“Well, you feel chained to this guy just because of one thing. I’m chained to him because that’s what I was built for. That’s my purpose.” He elaborated, slowly inching down to lay on the soft grass warming up from the sunrays.

Goth sighed and laid down as well. “You know, it doesn’t have to be your purpose. And it doesn’t have to be mine.”

“I’m listening.”

The guard snickered and twiddled his thumbs on his chest. “Why do you have to ‘fix’ Mr. Dark’s name? It’s his fault he got beat by a newbie. And besides, you’re your own guy, right? You did name yourself. Maybe, you should start fixing your own rather than someone else’s?” He sat up slightly, leaning on his elbows to look at Raymesis better.

Raymesis huffed and looked at the reddening sky. “And how would I do that? I want my name to be the opposite of Rayman’s. Where would I even start?” He asked as he saw the clouds slowly come into view.

Goth hesitated and leaned back down on the fuzzy grass. “I know a guy— well, three guys actually— who are all about finding the good in people. They’re always looking for new recruits, like, people who are good at fighting and stuff. They take in anybody really. They took in me, and I’m nobody.” He offered, smiling softly at the thingamajig.

“Hmm, maybe.” Raymesis chuckled slightly, “But I don’t think I can really be ‘good’ in the eyes of society. I wanna make the most of the cards I’ve been given. I have to win the game.”

“Or, perhaps, you’ve been playing the game all wrong.” Goth stated, staring up in the sky as well. He lowered his hands to feel the blades of grass, unintentionally inching close to Raymesis’.

Raymesis lingered on Goth Teensy’s words, his mind pondering if his friend was really correct about his mindset. “Well, what about you? It’s going to be awkward between you and Lameman over there and I know you wouldn’t spend a whole day guarding your precious door.”

The teensy giggled and shrugged. “I’ll figure it out. And besides, it’s not like I’m alone. I got Shadi, Avelina, livid, even you. Come to think of it, you’ve been one of my closest friends since I arrived at the Glade.” He looked over and shot a thankful smile at Raymesis.

Raymesis chuckled with a hint of yellow on his face and turned away, “It has been kind of lonely with just Glombrox and me. WIth First King busy with school and Selena with her people, I miss having a trio. Just so you know, our hideout is always open.”

“Yeah, I may pay you guys a visit. But I'm still not kicking any kids.” The two shared a laugh, not knowing that their hands had been touching the whole time.

“I’m going to be honest, Goth, never in my life would I find myself relating so closely to a teensy of all creations.” He admitted, glancing over at him.

“Well, good thing I’m not a normal teensy.” Goth Teensy let out a yawn and scooted closer. “But teensy or not, I still need my sleep.”

The thingamajig nodded, “Yeah, yeah, I get it. Do you want me to get you a leaf or something?”

Goth shook his head. “Nah, the sun is doing enough, but I normally sleep with friends. And right now, I don’t really have my normal ones.” He laughed awkwardly as he shifted in the grass.

Raymesis looked down before fully holding his hand. “I… I’ll be that friend, Goth. I’m sure Glombrox won’t care if I arrive later than normal.”

“I think he would care, just won’t mind.” He clarified as he yawned again. He let Raymesis hold his hand, and he honestly found comfort in the gesture. “Hey, ‘Mesis? Thank you.”

“Thank you as well, Goth.” Raymesis smiled genuinely, the morning rays shining on their faces. His face was covered in a light yellow hue. He was glad Goth had his eyes closed.

“Wow. The Raymesis actually using his manners. What a lifetime I live in, huh?” Goth giggled, his eyes still closed.

Raymesis faked offense and nudged Goth’s head with his nose. “Oh, shut up. I can’t believe I live in a lifetime when the Goth Teensy stands up against Rayman.”

The two shared a laugh and slowly closed their eyes. The sun finally rose about the horizon, shining on both the friend’s bodies. The mild heat from the light was like a warm blanket over the two, making the ambiance of the situation cozier.

“Good morning, Goth Teensy.” He mumbled, inching closer to the teensy.

“Good morning, Raymesis.” He muttered back, letting the doppelgänger move near.

They shared a yawn and let sleep take over, falling asleep in each other’s presence.