Synergetic Bonds

Earlier, during that said last week…  

Burning. Acidic scorching as the oxygen became too overwhelming. 

The black symbiote found himself on this planet, quickly having the try and find a host. But two homeless and one trash collector later, the symbiote still was trying to make do with yet another homeless person. 

This one, like the others, was very unwilling to bond. And while they suffered to the point of near death, the symbiote had to suffer separation and the burning of oxygen while also possessing the body enough to find a new host. 

The symbiote refused to give up. This was life or death, but by golly it looked like death was upon him. 

From what basic knowledge the symbiote was able to collect, Earth humans didn’t take too kindly to aliens, let alone being possessed by anyone. But someone should be persuaded soon! The symbiote could hardly take the constant pain anymore! 

As the possessed man found himself crawling some dark alleyway, clinging to life as the non-host looked desperately for something… someone to cling to. Wishing for a host that’d finally bond with it. 

… And sure enough, the creature saw through its host’s eyes. 

A man not looking anywhere but forward, tall in stature but small in attitude. 

A new victim… 

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

Sun felt his backpack get ever heavier with every step back he took. He had just gotten off of his shift for the daycare and today had been a very taxing day. Almost every kid showed up, many staff called out sick, and he was the only one willing to take on more kids than allowed in order to help the Daycare Admin have the time and strategizing to figure out which kid to put in which classroom. And of course he had to man one of the largest classrooms by himself since his assistant had to be pulled to help a newbie that couldn’t be left on her own with 7 toddlers. Not that he blamed anyone in particular, but he hopes next week will be better. And to top it off, the company gave everyone chocolate cupcakes as a sympathy gift... but Sun wasn't the biggest fan of chocolate, so he had to pass on the free dessert. 

Thankfully, it was Friday, so Sun was very happy to make it back home to watch a show, then shower before helping cook dinner, and eventually join the others in board-game night after resting enough. 

He was walking back when he noticed… a lot that wasn’t there before. 

Specifically, a supervillain’s debris. 

Yes, there are many villains and heroes in the world. But in his small town, there weren’t any reoccurring villains around long enough for the Superhero Division to grant the city’s request to have a superhero assigned to them. So for now, the city just uses the villain insurance to constantly repair the city and supposedly fund the cops and emergency services better. 

But regardless, repairs take time. And with how his usual route home is considered taped-off rough terrain due to the huge holes and knocked-down trees, Sun knew he needed to take a new route home. 

And luckily, he knew a potential way. But… he wasn’t looking forward to passing through the Montgomery Alleyway to do so, a dark alleyway fabled to be occupied by people who could take advantage of you and steal your wallet so sneakily that you wouldn’t know it’s missing until you’ve made it out of there. 

Thankfully, Sun hadn't brought his wallet. So he thought to himself: just walk and don't look. Bump into people if they try, but do not stop. 

With that, he secured his backpack, secured the zippers, and put his hands in his pockets. And taking a breath, he walked in. 

... 

It was dark. Not much to see. 

But that was fine. At least that makes it easier to get home on time and not worry the others! Especially since he... may have left his phone at home. 

It wasn’t his fault! 

It- 

Something suddenly grabbed him.  

Sun reflexively froze and looked, too used to children grabbing him, 

only to see a man hold him tight.  

He tried to kick, to yank, anything! But this withered man wouldn’t let go! 

“ ...Young one... stay here. I need... help.”  

“I-I can’t help you!” Sun blurted out. “Let me go!” 

“ Oh... I will see for myself.”  

Never had Sun thought he would kick a man in the face. Repeatedly. But here he was, running after he did exactly that so he’d let him go! He almost stopped as he heard a chilling scream, most definitely inhuman, but after the man was in sight of pursing him, he scrambled back to running away! 

While Sun did think of running home, there was no way in the world he’d lead this... thing back to his home! So, he made the stupidest decision and ran further down the alleyways. But he did good for a while! He had to admit, with childcare he made a very decent emergency runner. 

But... not a parkour master. He was eventually caught in a dreaded dead end. And to make matters worse, the man just stood there. Standing, but seemingly limping and breathing ridiculously hard. But Sun felt like he knew better than to try and kick him again. But how else could he possibly...? 

The man lunged. Sun narrowly dodged but he fell to the ground and could not scramble fast enough to purchase any pavement before the man grabbed his throat. He tried to do anything to get this man off, but froze as he realized the man’s eyes were inky black. And even worse? They were disappearing to rolled back ones as he suddenly felt something cold where the man was grabbing him. On reflex, he looked down. 

A black substance had just absorbed in his skin ! 

He screamed, clawing at where it went in, but feeling breathless too. The need to breath, eat, sleep, drink, while also not needing to blow a gasket in his head. And he collapsed right there. 

For anyone to find. 

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

“...Sun? Hey Sun! Don’t you be dead on me! Earth and KC will never let anyone leave again if you’re dead!”  

“WAKE UP!” 

With a gasp and a forced snort, Sun was startled awake. 

“Oh thank God! You’re not dead! I don’t need the extra chores to do if I became the new oldest.” 

Sun had to take a moment to collect himself before groggily looking to none other than his brother, Eclipse. 

“...What? Wha happn’?” 

“I don’t know! I wasn’t with you when you decided to go down Montgomery Alley , like an idiot! Well, I had to come down here to find you, but still! You’ve been missing and I just found you. Now come on.” 

Eclipse got up, dusting his pants before lending Sun a hand. Sun gratefully took it, trying to think back when the memory played back.  

The alleyway... 

The man... 

The chase... 

The goop. 

He quickly looked down to try and find any trace of it... only to find nothing as he lifted his shirt. 

“What? Suddenly expecting a six-pack?” Eclipse snarked. 

“It’s more likely to happen to me than you, toothpick.” 

“Excuse?!” Eclipse suddenly questioned. 

Sun was taken a bit aback. 

“Excuse? Excuse what?” 

“Did... But you... Oh, don’t try to make me think I didn’t just hear you call me a toothpick!” 

Sun just followed as Eclipse snatched his arm to lead him back on the public streets. Not even letting himself think over why he seemed to have been found in another part of the alley, he couldn’t help but wonder what Eclipse meant. 

...DId he call Eclipse a toothpick? 

...Well, it’s not like they weren't all toothpick-skinny. But Sun would have never said something like that out loud! That was mean! Or at least... he didn’t think he would... 

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

Earth was so ecstatic that Sun was alive that it took him so long before she released him from one of her infamously long hugs. True to Eclipse's prediction, the family had to have a whole dinner discussion about street safety from Earth. Sun had to explain his side of the story though, but Earth was quick to go easy on him before reminding the other siblings, who were bored from the meeting, not to do the same things Sun did. But at least Sun had some break from the Bloodmoon twins, who were just happy to have Sun help them with their food, as they still loved being spoon-fed. 

But soon, Sun was finally released from the dinner table along with everyone else. Lunar was quick to take the bathroom, the Copper Twins went to their room, Earth stayed in the kitchen to help and talk to KC, and the Bloodmoon Twins went to their rooms to ‘get ready for bed’. Normally, Sun would help the youngests with their bedtime routines... but he felt an urge to go into his room for some... time alone. The amount of people overwhelmed him... but why? If anything, he was used to never being fully alone in the house! He was the first adoption, after all. But he decided it was probably because he literally had a bad scare where he may have... 

Suddenly, he found himself going faster up the stairs and going in his room to look in the mirror. He looked for anything wrong: hands, arm, face, hair... 

Wait a second... 

Sun locked his eyes on a particular shine in his hair... a white streak. 

Damn it! He really did almost die! No wonder he felt like all his nerves were shot! He shuttered coldly as he stared up at it. Thankfully, his hair was already a pale yellow, so it was hard to spot. But his family was sure to notice eventually! He could try to hide it with dye, but there's no way he could keep a secret in this house! Not only did he have one dad and six younger siblings, he knew a few that were nosy and the youngest twins that were very attached to him! 

Suddenly, he felt suffocated! Like... he needed to leave! This house, these people...! 

With no hesitation in his body, he climbed his window and climbed aboard the roof. 

He had only escaped the house a few times... and never without at least one person knowing!  This felt so... strange to do as he practiced the motions of jumping on a tree to slide down and land on the ground. Quickly running, he found himself at the gate of the neighborhood faster than he’d thought. 

Fooooood.  

Something growled.  

Probably his stomach?  

Well, it was too bad. He didn’t exactly bring his wallet to buy food. 

Guess I’ll have to do everything then...  

The next thing Sun knew, he collapsed right then and there... 

Only to wake back up outside a bakery. Not even laying down. He was upright and walking, as if he was dreaming. And sure enough, the dreamy smell of chocolate filled the air... 

“Oh, hey Sun! Wanting to try some samples?” 

Sun suddenly realized his nose led him inside, just standing in the middle of the store. He approached the pink-haired woman and sighed. 

“Honestly Chica, I don’t know why I'm here. I’m just... hungry. 

As Chica hummed, Sun found himself pondering what she’d taste like if she were food. Maybe like the pastries she bakes...? 

“Actually, since you’ve been a huge help with promoting my business and you’re a good friend of mine, why don’t you try my newest cake! It’s a Brooklyn Blackout cake! I’m just hoping it isn’t too much, you know?” 

“Wait... how much am I allowed to have?” 

“As soon as it’s out of the oven, you can have the whole thing if you want! I don’t mind you taking it home to let the others try!” 

Sun nodded as he went to sit down. At this time, the bakery would normally be closed to the public, but Sun sometimes liked to talk to Chica. After all, he was the one that helped her gain popularity by partnering her with his daycare! He himself didn’t have much of a sweet tooth, but he was happy to pay to let the parents taste her goods during events. 

Hm... her name sounds like Chicken... what if she tastes like chicken ?  

“What?! NO!!” 

Chica gawked at Sun’s shout, to which he slapped his mouth shut. 

“Uh... I’m sorry, is something happening at home? Like a sudden chocolate allergy? I mean, you mentioned two new brothers, right?” 

It took a bit for Sun to find an excuse and uncover his mouth. 

“Sorry for that. I just... I kinda snuck out here. Not because anyone did anything! Just... wanted some alone time for a while.” 

Chica, in sweet understanding nodded. 

“If you still want to share, I could always send it to your house via delivery as an excuse.” 

Sun couldn’t help but smile. 

“Yeah. I’d like that.” 

Just then, the oven bell rang and Chica was quick to pull the cake out. 

Oh lord, it was an overwhelming delicious scent! Even if Sun didn’t exactly feel hungry due to dinner, this cake... it made him want to devour it whole! Screw flesh, he wanted that cake! 

Wait what? 

Sun quickly shook off the intruding thought as he went back to chatting with Chica until the cake cooled. Once done, she gave him the cake in a delivery box and a free cutter before wishing him a good day. Sun only lasted a quiet walk to the park before indulging in the moist richness that was the cake! It was the best thing ever, his rampage only stopping when he realized that the huge cake was pretty much halfway devoured by him. He felt uneasy at just how eager he was to eat it. 

Hmm... not bad for human food.  

Sun felt himself jump at the sudden voice. 

“Wh-Who’s there?” 

Oh Ssssun. Don’t tell me you onlyjust noticed... 

“Shut up! Who is this?” 

Do you want me to shut up or talk?  

“I MEAN... only talk if it's to tell me where you are!” Sun exasperates as he even looks up. 

Heh. I’m in your head.  

“...What?”  

Suddenly, he felt cold as he got a clammy feeling of wetness. A strange black goop started covering his legs and torse before splitting off to form a body facing him, chest to chest. Sun felt himself tense as the blackness formed white slits for eyes and a huge mouth with huge teeth. 

I am Venom. Like it or not, you are now my new host.  

“New host? No. Wha-How did this happen?” 

I believe you and your... brother called it Montgomery Alley.  

“That was you?! The man’s black goop?!” 

More like what was keeping him alive. And trust me, I can kill you just as easily if you try to fight against the bond.  

“Wh-what bond?” 

As Venom, I need a suitable host to stay in to live. And I have found one in you. Cooperate, and you’ll live.  

“I-Is Venom your name?” 

Please. To you, my species is Venom. We are Venom.  

“Species? Are you-?” 

Aliens? In your primitive understanding, yes.  

“...So you don’t have a name. Wait, why-?” 

Why are you not more scared? That’s because I didn’t want you screaming and crying when we had this talk. Hence why when you mentioned your family never giving you privacy, I made you leave.  

“That was you!?” 

It was.  

“Even the passing out and the cake?” 

The cake was yours. I was going to go back to eat the guy I met in that Montgomery Alley.  

“But... you won’t anymore?” 

Not now. The... chocolate satisfied me.  

Sun made a note to collect more chocolate for Venom. 

Wait... 

“Can I call you something else in case I meet another one of your kind?” 

...I suppose. Not like it matters.  

Sigh took a breath and raised a hand in solemn greeting. 

“Then how about Moon? I don’t have a sibling named that yet.” 

The Venom squinted his eyes before absorbing back in through the handshake. 

Fine. You may call me Moon.  

...  

It got a little awkward after that declaration. But Sun finally started to feel tired, so he found his way back on the route home. Well, not after asking for a half-cake box from Chica to store the half of a cake, to which Chica tried reassuring him that it’s fine to have cravings, which made him more embarrassed.  

But as he made it home, he had to debate how he wanted to deliver the cake. He ultimately decided to place the cake in front of the door to come up with an excuse about Chica texting him about the ‘package’ so he’d publicly collect it. 

So up the tree he- 

Just jump.  

“Just... what?!” 

You can literally use your ability to jump to your room door.  

“You mean my window?” 

It’s a glass door in a way, isn’t it?  

“No! It’s not meant to have people through it!” 

Ah...I...   

...Shut up.  

Sun chuckled to himself as he just climbed the tree to the Venom’s grumbling. But as he climbed through the window, he paused. A smell of chocolate, peanuts, and slight mildew invaded his senses. 

Fooooood  

“No... that’s more like...” 

Sure enough, right there, staring at him 

is Lunar. 

Sun froze, one foot on the ground and one knee on the windowsill as Lunar looked at him, eyes wide. 

“Oooo! Did Brother Sun do something rebellious ?” 

Sun winced as he had to think of any excuse he could use. 

I could eat him. He smells of chocolate.  

“No!” Sun exclaimed, but cringed at how he remembered Lunar was right there . Before the teenager could say anything, Sun stopped him with a hand. 

“Don’t you dare turn this into blackmail. Because if you try, I’ll tell Eclipse you took the last of his Marshmallow Peeps last Christmas.” 

Lunar’s eyes widened at the audacity, but was quick to nod after Sun gave him a pointed look. 

“Good. Now, what did you want?” 

Lunar walked over to the door with a wave. Sun followed and immediately knew what this was when the smell hit him (from this far away???). Sure enough, Lunar brought him to the Bloodmoon twins’ room, where they both had clearly been tickle wrestling when one of them had gone too far, if the tears and big wet stain on the other’s onesie said anything. 

“Come on, Duston. It’s okay. Let’s get you cleaned and changed.” 

As the boy sniffed and took his hand, he asked Lunar to help put Russel to bed as he grabbed a new onesie for the twin in his grasp. 

He could tell the part of him that was disgusted came from Moon, while he himself was grateful that this was the twin that secretly liked baths. 

But since Lunar did nothing for the twins until Sun was there to do the hard part, Sun knew he’d make sure Lunar was the last to have access to the chocolate cake.