Blindsided by a Field of Canaries

Joel looked up at the building that stood before him, reassuring himself that it'll be alright.

It's no big deal. He's just here to make amends for all the trouble he's caused, nothing special.

At least, that's what he told himself, ignoring the ache in his hands.

How do mortals do this? They say this is basic human decency, but it felt nothing like that. Felt more like a bullet to his ego. 

He lets out a heavy sigh, his shoulders slouched.

“Joel of Stratos?” Someone addresses, able to get a jump out of the God.

Be cool. The God clears his throat, turning around with a forced smile as he greets, “Hey, Jimmy!”

The sheriff stood unamused. He rolled his eyes as he insists, “That's Sheriff Jimmy, mind you!”

Joel nods, muttering, “Right.” In acknowledgement. For a second, an apology slithers up his tongue, but his arrogance makes quick work of it.

It's clear the sheriff was not for this, crossing his arms in annoyance, “Now, how can I assist you? Or, are you here to just make fun of me, again?”

The God dismisses that assumption, waving down his hand, “No, no! I just, uh… I wanted to, you know…”

This is so difficult. Why is this so difficult? Joel stresses, able to feel himself get a headache. 

“Just wanted to…” He can feel his mind fight back the words. Say it. “Wanted to apologize for calling you a toy… Yeah.”

All that followed was a raised eyebrow, “You want to apologize?” Jimmy scoffs, “A God such as you, apologizing? Never thought I'd see the day.”

Oh, he's got some spark. An insult rings in Joel's mind. Should we put him on a shelf, watch him cry about how he's too high up?

The crook of Joel's mouth twitched, having to fight back the urge. “Yep,” the words grain through his teeth, “I'm just full of surprises.”

But he collects himself, starting over, “In all honesty, I want to make amends for my actions,” he restates, “and I figured why not do so in the form of an alliance?”

With that, Joel reveals what's behind him in a heap of certitude

Jimmy is silent, leaning his head back with a discontent look, “So, you wish to express condolences by means of showing off? A building, nonetheless?”

That got a choke out of the God, “What? No, no, no…” He shakes his head, quick to explain himself, “This is our building, our Lore-Law building!”

It was then Jimmy softens up, “Oh, I see…” Though still on edge, Joel caught a glimpse of the boy's inclination.

“Come on,” Joel invites, soon to offer his hand, “let me show you inside!”

On instinct, Jimmy retracts; almost scared to take up the offer.

What if it's another prank? The cowboy frets, unable to tell what a kind gesture looks like.

But Joel waits for him—he'll wait as long as it takes.

There lies a moment, but he's able to gain Jimmy's trust; the latter soon to take his hand.

Only then did Joel notice how soft the sheriff felt, caressing his skin as they made their way towards the building.

Upon entrance, Jimmy's eyes widen, his hat off his head and pressed against his chest.

Inside, it was small but cozy; luminated by a lamp able to bring you comfort, decorated in a way that makes you feel at home.

A long table stood before them, two chairs pushed in—one for a God, one for a sheriff.

“Oh my… I—” Jimmy stammers, starstruck at the sight, “I'm at a lack of words, Joel. I don't know what to say…”

The God couldn't help but grow smug, expecting this praise.

“Why, thank you,” Joel responds, rather presumptuous as he brings his hand to his hip, “I tried my best.”

Jimmy steps forward, taking in the room—it's walls, the interior—before looking back at Joel with a light smile, “It's been so long since someone has given me a gift…”

That made Joel go stiff. That admission hurts.

Ah, that's right. A voice speaks out. Joel finds himself atop a stage, alone as light shines down on him. We caused this.

He catches note of the doppelgänger that paces around him, throwing call outs. We robbed him of the life he was offered, all while he laid oblivious to the fact that he's a toy.

Joel hangs his head low, clenching his fists, “I didn't mean it.” He's ashamed of himself, his actions.

Admit it. The crowd stood from their chairs, his double the one to give curtsy. You're proud over what you did.

All he gains is endorsement, the people soon to applaud him. He can't help but notice Sausage and fWhip within the crowd.

“Stop it.” Joel whispers. “Stop looking up to me. I don't deserve it.”

But they don't listen. All they do is praise him, adore him—ignorant to what lies within.

When will the people stop defining him as a hero? When will their stories get it right?

Their applause has grown to be so numb, so empty.

When will someone see him for who he is?

“Joel?” The God blinks, taking in a sharp breath before facing the sheriff.

It's quiet, something he isn't used to. Usually, the noise is able to block out his thoughts.

“Is everything alright?” Jimmy questions, resting a hand on the God's shoulder, “You went quiet, quite uncharacteristic of you…”

That touch strikes something in the God as it grounds him. Something he's unfamiliar to.

Joel nods, brushing it off, “I'm fine. It's rude to expect anything less from me.”

As the God slips away, Jimmy can only frown. He's hiding something from me, isn't he?

℧

If he could, he'd start over.

He'd go back to the day he met Jimmy and start all over.

“You're the sheriff?” He jeered during introductions, getting up in Jimmy's face, “Should I warn you when Andy is coming, boy toy?”

He knew what he was doing. He knew Jimmy's secret, and had the nerve to use it against him.

It's cruel of him, he knows. His actions never fail to haunt him.

That's why he would beg the Gods for a do over. He'd do anything to make things right.

He wants Jimmy close to him, show him what it means to be cherished.

He wants Jimmy to be his purpose, rid all of life's hardships for him.

Because, deep down, he loves Jimmy. He's a gift, perfect in various ways.

That's why the attack on Animalia scares the God.

As Mayor Lizzie panics, Joel catches on to the mention of explosions.

“The culprit used TNT, I'm sure of it!” She declares. “My residents claim that the place reeked of gunpowder, long before the attack!”

At first glance, you would assume it'd be Joey. That pirate had a thing for mischief.

But to carry the stench of gunpowder? No, that's not likely; Joey smelt more like ocean sea salt.

Jimmy was the one who smelt like gunpowder, a result from handling creepers.

“Which means Jimmy is the one behind this.” Joel concludes out loud, soon to ask Mayor Lizzie, “But, do you know why?”

Unfortunately, her answer was to be expected. “I have no clue. I have no idea why he would do this, I'm sorry…”

And so, now buried in thoughts, Joel began to pace around upper Stratos.

Why? He questions. Why would Jimmy do this? 

He wasn't the type for violence, it went against his moral code. He was a sheriff, a pacifist who turned away from chaos.

So, what was able to drive someone so obedient down the path of delinquency?

Could this have been a prank? Can't be, pranks weren't Jimmy's forte. He'd set up a court case before committing any high jinks.

He was serious with this. Jimmy was sending a message, but to who? Joel had not heard of any drama stirring up between Tumble Town and Animalia.

Could his target be Joel, the one responsible for their prolonged rivalry? Could this be him trying to get even? But, if that were to be the case, why would he attack Animalia?

Might this all be a warning? An attempt to be taken seriously?

Questions only led to more questions, never any plausible answers. Joel could feel himself going insane.

Why did he do it? Calm down, Joel. Jimmy, why did you do it?

“Why?” He seethes, losing control over himself. Gods are never left in the dark; they're above life, they always know.

Keep yourself together. Joel demands to himself, his fingers combing through his hair as his breath turns short.

“Why, Jimmy?” He can feel bits of himself crack, “Damn it, why?!”

Those words echo down the empty halls, reverberate in the God's mind.

Joel looks up, stuck in a somber state. He misses Jimmy, concerned for him.

You know, if you have a problem, you can tell me. That's what he told Jimmy. So, why? Why did Jimmy not run to him with his hardships?

Joel was so sure he understood Jimmy, but it seems even a toy is able to hold secrets.

Has he failed as a friend? Is this what abandonment feels like?

This must be the feeling Jimmy knew all too well.

Joel needed a moment; taking a seat on his throne as he wipes his face.

When was the last time he felt exhaustion? Joel always thought Gods were above emotions.

If he wanted any clue on Jimmy, he only had one last option: call upon his divine ancestors.

Joel was not a family man, so he hoped to stay clear of his relatives. Seems like that wouldn't be the case.

He should be shocked that it's come down to this, but what is life, if not all over the place?

Joel could only complain to himself as he stood before the Fountain of Strength, looking down at the Golden Apple in his hand.

“Pesky Gods,” he mutters, “you better not disappoint me.” Only then does the God extend his arm, letting the fruit fall.

The water sizzles upon contact, consuming the apple as it sinks to the bottom. For a second, it's all still.

But the waves turn violent, bits of it cascading down the fountain's marble rigids. It structures itself, able to shape into a figure.

Its shadow looms over Joel, enough to intimidate him. Still, the demigod couldn't help but let out an awkward, “Hey, grandpa.”

The God before him groans to the nickname, visibly irritated, “You have got some nerve, boy.”

Poseidon was always fun to mess with.

But now was not the time. “Yeah, yeah, I apologize.” Joel half-asses, turning his gaze away. “In all seriousness, I need some…” Don't say help, that sounds pathetic. “Guidance.”

The Elder God couldn't be bothered. “Go on.”

“So, you'll never guess what happened,” Joel leads on, holding a gawky smile, “one of the empires went under attack, yay! Now, I might, kinda, need you to give me a clue.”

Only silence rained. That got Joel to clasp his hands, “Please! I'll take anything.”

Poseidon continues to look down at the demigod in disgust, yet to be convinced.

“Anything.” Joel emphasizes, proving the lengths he was willing to go by getting on his knees. He was desperate. 

That pitiful sight was the last straw. “Fine.” Poseidon caved, “I see it that this case is handled once I tell you.”

Joel sighs in relief, always humbled when around the Gods.

The Elder God shuts his eyes, humming, “I sense another deity amongst you.”

“Huh?” Joel blinks, taken aback, “That can't be! Hermes made sure to choose me as his suitor, no one else!”

“The tides say otherwise.” Poseidon retorts, “Although, this power isn't like that of Hermes. It reeks of Fae.”

Fae. Joel had yet to come across them.

They were descendants of Sirens, almost like a distant cousin. They'll entice you with all the goods in the world; but, in reality, they don't mean it. All they want is to use you, to play you like a puppet.

If Jimmy is working for them, he's treading down a fate worse than death.

“Right, thank you.” Joel barely gets out before making his way to Tumble Town.

“You know,” Poseidon interjects, holding up Joel, “we still await your repayment.”

Ah, that's right. Immortality doesn't come around for free. Joel was still indebt to them, the Gods.

“It'll all be fine!” The demigod downplays, “I'll prove myself worthy!”

Poseidon is reluctant, soon to lecture. “You require more than confidence to see yourself out of bind. You need novelty, responsibility.”

“And,” The Elder God continues, his glare sharp, “what if you were to fail?”

Joel is silent. He knows what the answer is.

℧

Isn't this what you wanted? The Fae question Jimmy, looking down at him while atop the mesa. Don't you enjoy being human?

Human. “Yes, I enjoy being human.” Jimmy assures in a whisper, still getting used to that label.

That's right, he's human. He repeats that statement over and over again in hopes to convince himself.

Yet, a bit of him can't shake off this feeling.

Why does he still feel deceived? Life still feels like one, big lie.

Is this what it means to live out a dream, to be left stranded as the world continues to turn?

He can't help but grieve that in which he has lost. He misses a time where he had goals in mind.

Now, he's lost his path. He's wandering around aimlessly in the hopes of obtaining his next wish.

Only then does Jimmy takes in the humid air, looking up at the burning sun.

It's bright, blinding. It's so close, yet, so far.

Why can't he reach out to it? He's obtained his reward, but it still feels out of reach.

Could it be he was never supposed to obtain this? Was he never meant to live out this dream?

He feels so isolated. All he has is the Fae and its voices, a constant whisper in his ear.

He misses the silence, but silence only comes when you're alone.

And Jimmy doesn't like being alone. Humans are social creatures, they're never alone.

You don't like being alone. The Fae assure him.

Was that true? He can't tell… He used to be such a simple man.

He was the sheriff, he liked taking the train, and he found peace best when…

“Taking on the day, alone?” Someone steps in, “Yeah, that sounds like you.”

Jimmy looks over, taking in who stood before him.

Was it an illusion? If so, it wouldn't be the first.

“Joel?” Jimmy murmurs as a breeze passes by, strands of his hair moving alongside it.

The God held a serious gaze, disturbed to see Jimmy malnourished. They're overworking him.

“Hey, Jimmy,” Joel greets, acting casual while locking eyes on the trident, “mind telling me where you got that from?”

Jimmy turns to the trident in his hand, his reward, He clings to it, holding it close, “I got it from the Fae,” he admits, “it's my gift.”

So, Poseidon was right, the Fae were here and they were taking advantage of Jimmy. The God couldn't help but feel guilty.

“You know, the Fae are dangerous,” Joel warns, taking a step closer, “I think it's best you stay clear of them.”

Jimmy couldn't help but feel tempted, he always felt safe with Joel.

I advise it best you don't listen to him. The Fae intervene. After all, he isn't human. He wouldn't know the pain you've been through…

They'reright. Jimmy submits, soon on the defense, “Joel doesn't know what it's like.”

The sheriff can't remember. Was Joel ever a friend, or was he just another foe?

Jimmy's on edge. Joel tells himself, keeping put so he doesn't make it worse.

The sheriff could hear the voices, their accusations a constant loop. His body soon began to tremble.

“Joel doesn't know what it's like to be human.” Jimmy parrots.

“That's not true,” The God defends himself, “I know what it's like, Jimmy! I was human once, trust me…”

“Joel doesn't know what it's like being alone.” Jimmy parrots.

Is that what he thinks? Joel doesn't blame him. With how his people praise him, you'd think Joel would be some guardian angel.

“I do, Jimmy,” the God admits, “being a God, no, a demigod… It's not all it's cracked up to be.”

“He'll never know what it's like, having his own secrets used against him.” Jimmy parrots, a single tear rolls down his cheek. 

Joel couldn't counter that one. He had been caught red-handed. “I-I didn't mean it…” Anything he said would just be an excuse.

“How do you not mean it?!” Jimmy shouts, letting go of his pent-up anger, “You lied to me! You took my peaceful life away from me, all so you could feel high and mighty!”

“I did do that, didn't I?” Pain rattles in Joel's heart, “I didn't think of anyone but myself! This gift, my reward, got the better of me! I was stuck up on my high horse!”

“I held ill-intentions back then,” the God proceeds to come forth, a hand to his chest, “but I made an oath to myself, I vowed to make it up to you, here and now! The time I spend with you, the Lore-Law building… It's all to make up for a past I can never rewrite! I swore to myself that I'll write you a better future, one rid of all your pain!”

The air is heavy, both of them silent. It takes a moment for Joel to open his eyes, to face the consequences of his actions.

All that followed was a swift strike, a trident leaving a clean cut on Joel's right cheek, blood soon trinkling down.

Jimmy made an attack, but not by his own will; Joel can tell as he looks deep into the other's eyes.

Everything Joel said? He meant it. He meant every bit of his devotion, Jimmy knew that.

It was Jimmy's body that turned restless, his resentment getting the best of him.

How can you be so sure? The Fae confident in its words. He's lied before, who is to say he won't do it again?

“Forgive me, Joel,” Jimmy whispers, unable to stop his wave of tears, “I can't help it, I can't stop this.”

The God held onto a glare, one of pure, bitter hatred, as he steps back. He would never forgive the Fae for making Jimmy's mind his own enemy.

“Don't sweat it, Jimmy.” Joel reassures, summoning a trident in each hand and having them cross, “I'll save you, I promise.”

Don't bother. The Fae warn, pulling itself out of the ground to take form. You're not worth his protection, you liar!

Its limbs were thin and black all over, with its hands fading into a dark magenta. Over its head was that of a skull, a single piece of its former victim.

It lets out an abysmal hiss before making its way over to Joel. Each attack displayed the Fae's sharp claws, able to cut through skin as if paper.

But Joel stood his ground, he had to. He deflect each attack until the Fae grew in size, looming over him.

You think you're above everything, fake God? It mocks, able to look past the God's oh-so great façade. To us, you'll always be nothing more than a child!

The God could feel his eyes go bleak, unable to hold any care towards this creature after everything its done.

Joel takes a high jump, getting right up in its face, “You've got a lot of nerve talking to me like that.” his tone acidic, “No matter how human I look, I'm still a demigod. No human will ever understand just how deep our wrath goes.”

With a pierce from his trident, blood spills up in the air—the head of the beast severed from its body.

But Joel could hear someone rush up the Fae's standing corpse, leaping into the air with a trident swung back behind their head.

All the light returns to Joel's eyes, whispering out a soft, “Jimmy…”

He's switches back to defense right before Jimmy makes his strike—their bodies slamming into the ground, dust and bits of dirt buoyant.

Joel gets up, his vision limited as he calls out, “Jimmy?” Before clearing his throat, “I'm not going to fight you, Jimmy!”

“Why not?” The sheriff retorts, his silhouette standing along the dusty mist, “Does your pride prevent you from fighting anything inhuman?”

“Does it tell you that I'm not worthy?” His silhouette lurks, “Tell you I don't deserve respect?”

Joel can feel himself hesitate, “Never. I won't fight you because—”

“Because I'm not capable, right?” Jimmy answers behind Joel's ear, brushing away all the dust with the swing of an arm.

Because I don't want to hurt you, Jimmy. Joel corrects, remaining stubborn, “Jimmy, we don't have to fight—”

The edge of a trident, aimed right at his eye, cuts off that sentence.

“You know, I don't like that word. This never was a fight.” Jimmy rehashes, “This is retribution.”

Joel deflects Jimmy's trident, unable to avoid the cut that graces his left cheek.

With some distance between the two, they catch their breath. Whether it be mentally or physically, they're both tired. Oh, so tired.

Taking in a swallow, Joel lets out a genuine, “I love you.”

“I hate you.” Jimmy repels, clenching his teeth.

The God walks around the other, “You're all I ever wanted.”

Same goes for the sheriff, “Your mere existence is revolting.”

They come to a halt, time going still right as they clash into one another.

“Just admit it,” Jimmy shouts in the midst of their fight, “You look down on me! To you, I'll never be human!”

“Yeah, I did, once. I admit it,” Joel comes clean, “I saw you as a mere joke.”

“But not anymore!” The God asserts, pushing Jimmy back, “I know better now, I know the truth! The truth is, you're more human than I'll ever be!”

Because that's what Jimmy did to Joel, he made Joel realize he's the monster in his story.

And Joel loves him for that.

As their tridents collide, Joel leans in close to Jimmy.

“You know, I mean it when I say I'd give my life up for you.” The God cups the sheriff's cheek, “I just hope you'll be able to bring yourself to believe that.”

Jimmy could only hold in a breath, remnants of their past filling his mind.

But it wasn't enough to convince him, Joel knows that.

As the God's tridents are knocked out his hands, he can only fall back as Jimmy digs his foot into the other's chest—a blade right over his throat.

“Such a sad excuse,” Jimmy insults, his grip nothing but tight, “You never fail to showcase the worst of mankind!”

Even in this position, Joel couldn't help but admire the man above him, “And you showcase the best of it.” 

Is this how Joel goes out? He'd be fine with that.

To have Jimmy be the one to kill him? The thought brought a sense of peace to Joel.

To know that you're going out next to the one you love… Ah, so that's what he meant.

As the God's hair remains scattered against the beaten ground, he shuts his eyes. He waves his white flag, he admits defeat.

But it all comes to stops as something falls onto the ground, finding itself right next to Joel. He can't help but look over, honored by what he sees.

The music box he gifted to Jimmy, replicating that of the Ocean's blessings.

That familiar, angelic symphony began to fill the air, just like it did mere days ago.

He had held onto it the entire time.

He tucked it up and away from Roswell when thrown into jail. He kept it close while under the Fae's corruption.

Jimmy had held onto it because he loved it. He always loved the gifts Joel got him.

A tear dripped onto the God's cheek, then another. Soon, he could hear weeping.

Jimmy was crying, feeling remorse over his actions.

He tosses the trident aside, only able to let out a painstaking cry as he buries himself into his hands. 

“I’m sorry,” The sheriff whispers, hyperventilating, “I'm so sorry, I-I didn't mean to…”

Joel pushes himself up, “I know.” He comforts, “I know you didn't intend to. This is my fault, I should've warned you.”

“I just wanted to find it,” Jimmy admits under a shaky breath, “find my reward…”

The God lets out a soft hush, wiping the sheriff's tears with his thumb, “I know… I get it.”

The tension between them elevates as Jimmy reconnects with himself.

For once, peace is found within the silence.

But it's all cut short when a sharp puncture breaks through, bits of cotton in the air.

Joel's eyes shrivel as he takes note of the trident almost lodged into his heart; the force stopped by the person before him.

What a shame. The Fae taunts, laugher filling the air. Looks like I missed. I should practice my aim.

“No,” Joel mutters in disbelief, scared to look over, “Jimmy?”

Jimmy could only put his weight onto the God, letting out a weak cough, “Joel…”

Joel is quick to pull out the trident jabbed through the sheriff's heart, disturbed by the small specks of cotton that flow by.

“Jimmy? Jimmy!” Joel bawls out, holding the other's head up, “It's going to be okay, you're going to…”

He could feel the sheriff dig his fingers into his back, his legs giving out, “Joel… Oh, Joel…”

“Jimmy!” Joel calls to, cradling his corpse, “It's going to be alright, just stay with me!”

He could see Jimmy go in and out of consciousness, barely able to cling onto the God's toga.

“I'm so glad we could be together…” the sheriff confesses, holding a small smile. His one wish.

“Don't— Don't talk like that!” The God begged, his eyes watery.

“Thank you,” Jimmy whispers, able to let out a few more tears, “thank you for being my reward…”

Joel wraps his arms around the other, “You'll be alright, you're gonna be alright…”

But there was no response.

The God's choking on his tears, “You’re going to be alright.”

But there was no response as Jimmy's arm goes limp.

Joel didn't want to believe it. “Please, God, I’ll give anything.”

Quite ironic, isn't it? For what can be done, if even a deity must pray out to the Gods?

Nothing, as it is there we lose all hope.

Hope for this tale of lovers, never meant to be.

No. Joel counters, his grip on Jimmy firm. I won't let this be the end.

He made a promise, he swore he would repay Jimmy with a painless future.

And God forbid he breaks his promise.

With his lover in his arms, Joel pushes himself forward.

He catches of glimpse of the cotton, a reminder that Jimmy was never human to begin with.

But he was human, he was flesh and bones. No matter how the world phrased it, Jimmy was human. A human Joel loved.

“Just hang on, baby,” Joel mutters on his way to Stratos, “we're right there. Just a bit further.”

Jimmy had used that pet name, but only once during the Christmas season.

Only once, yet, the word managed to wrap itself around the God's heart.

Entering what laid beneath Stratos, Joel takes sight of his last source of hope: the Fountain of Youth.

Joel takes a step forward, taking in the sight of Jimmy. “Please, to all the Gods above, let this work. I beg of you!”

He knew what awaits him if he were to place Jimmy in the Fountain of Youth, but he didn't care. Joel would sacrifice anything.

Taking a kneel, Joel holds in a deep breath before placing Jimmy down in the fountain.

Only then, could the God feel something seep into his skin—pain.

It stings, burns, but Joel won't back down, he can't. He has to do this for Jimmy.

Even when he could feel his own divinity slip through his fingers, Joel stays in place. He stays by Jimmy's side.

“Come on,” Joel utters, soon biting down on his lips to turn away some of pain, “I beg you!”

But it grows to be too much. If he keeps this up any longer, he'll suffer from third degree burns.

It pains Joel to pull away, feeling as if he's abandoning Jimmy.

“I'm sorry…” Joel whispers, noticing no differences. He hangs his head in defeat.

He lost the man he loved, he lost his gift; he had been reduced to nothing all in an attempt to save everything.

Joel could only cry to himself as he murmurs, “I'm so sorry…”

He cries and cries, disappointed in himself.

But someone reached out to him, lifting his head with their hand.

Joel holds in a breath, taking in the man before him.

“What happened to your skin?” Jimmy teases, moving a few strands of hair out of Joel's face, “It's not as smooth, not as pretty…”

How dare he? How dare he joke at a time like this?

It filled Joel with relief, his only response to cry.

As Joel lets out a sob, Jimmy couldn't resist as he pulls the former into his arms.

“I thought I lost you!” The other cries out, “I thought I would never get to fulfill my promise!”

Jimmy could only sigh, letting out his own set of tears, “I know…”

So, this is what it's like to be human? Jimmy never knew it could be so consoling.

He let Joel cling onto him, the former God making no attempt to collect himself.

But that’s who Joel was, underneath all those fable tales. He is a mere man who wish to find love.

That’s what Jimmy realizes. It was the truth, deep down.

But one realization leads to another, all of it crashing down. Jimmy could feel his heart sink at the thought process.

“The Fae.” Jimmy reveals, able to catch Joel's attention, “The Fae is still out there. It plans to consume everything from this planet.”

Joel sniffles, taking in that information. “Yes,” he confirms, reflecting on the tales, “yes, they will do that.”

Jimmy goes cold, worried this is how it ends. “Where would we go that's safe? It's already got ahold of Tumble Town, so we can't go back! And, soon, it'll reach here, then everywhere else! In the end, we'll be cornered and then the Fae will—”

His tangent comes to a halt as Joel brings brings up his hand, shaking a finger. “Don't worry, I got something that'll save us.”

“You do?” The sheriff blinks, “What is it?”

Joel couldn't hold back a cocky smirk as he shrugs, “We can just hang out in Olympus, I'm sure my… ex-relatives won't care.”

Jimmy goes straight face, “What.”

As the former God escorts the two to the Eye of Stratos—Joel one-way portal home—the sheriff can only complains his way there.

“I still cannot believe you kept this entire portal a secret from me!” Jimmy lectures, “What if this disrupts the law, Joel?! That would seem irresponsible of me!”

Joel looks away, feigning innocence with a casual whistle, “Well, it never occurred to me. I'm not big with family, you know?”

The sheriff can only let out a huff, sad to admit that it was best to have kept this secret.

Only then, in that moment of silence, did Joel find himself opening up.

“I meant what I say, about doing anything.” Joel bares forth, “If losing my reward ensures you can be happy, I'd do it in a heartbeat.”

Jimmy could feel his face grow warm, leaning in to give Joel a peck on the cheek. Joel's eyes go wide, looking over at Jimmy in disbelief. 

“Well, consider this your do over.” Jimmy crosses his arms, “That's what you hoped for, right? Said you'll, what was it? ‘Write me a better future?’”

Joel felt eye twitch. He's teasing me. The former God complains. He died some minutes ago, watch me have a whole breakdown, and now he's teasing me!

“You are so annoying.” Joel grumbles, able to hear Jimmy as he lets out a snicker.

But Jimmy goes quiet, getting serious himself. “Though, I should thank you. You make me feel like I can live with a purpose.”

Now, that was how you boosted Joel's ego, “You're so welcome, baby.” 

Jimmy chokes, stammering over his words, “Baby? You remember that?! What—” Joel only sticks out his tongue, making is way through the portal, leaving Jimmy more confused, “Hey!”

The two continue to picker as they step through the portal, able to live in their version of a perfect paradise.