Heart-Shaped Box

- Back on the Real World -

Boom, everyone was back in their actual, physical bodies, and the real Gideon let go of the Power of Love, which Ramona picked up. "Gideon... I think it's safe to say it's over between us." She stated, her tone calm.

"Are you okay?" Envy asked, getting down from the stage.

"Back off. You think I need help from you?" Gideon snapped, making everyone wince.

At that moment, Scott seemed to have a pause of realization, reflecting on the way he treated her. And probably his previous girlfriends.

"Gideon, I think I understand you, man." Scott stated, looking at him with a solemn look. "...and now I have to kill you."

- Level Up! -

Something began to glow in Scott's chest once again, another handle of a sword. Scott smiled and grabbed it, holding his new blade. He also had a yellow shirt with a red star in the center.

- Scott has earned The Power of Understanding. -

"You can sit this one out, Y/N. It's time I start taking care of things myself." Scott assured you, his voice more confident as he held his new, bigger sword.

"Go get him, tiger." You smirked, and stepped back.

However, unexpectedly, Gideon grabbed Envy and grabbed something in her thigh. Unexpectedly, he pulled out a small sword, which ripped the rest of her dress on the way up, revealing the other dress under the first.

"Yes! I had a sword built into Envy'd dress in case of emergency. That's just the kind of guy I am!" Gideon exclaimed, as he stood before Ramona and Scott. "Ramona... you belong to me. I am a genius, and you are my muse."

"Gideon... you're a dead genius." Ramona responded, narrowing her eyes.

"Aww yeah!" Scott cheered, excited and pumped.

"Oh, this is the perfect time for a little something I've been working on!" You said, before running up to an arcade machine and absorbing the video. "Hey Stephen, remember when you said you wondered what a song written by me would sound like?"

"Yeah?" Stephen raised an eyebrow, not expecting this.

"Well, I got it done! Even got an instrumental!" You beamed, and using video, you created an entire band of angels with different rock instruments, as well as some speakers and a microphone.

"Huh? What are you doing in my palace?!" Gideon exclaimed, not sure what to make of it.

"This song is dedicated to and inspired by two amazing people." You announced, and turned to the angel band. "Hit it!"

(Yes, you were the one that wrote Angel With A Shotgun in this universe. Sorry, 2008's American rock band "The Cab")

With a soft tone of voice, you began to sing the lyrics to the song you'd been writing since Stephen had inspired you to do so...

I'm an angel with a shotgun, shotgun, shotgun...

an angel with a shotgun, shotgun, shotgun...

Get out your guns, battle's begun,

Are you a saint, or a sinner?

If loves a fight, than I shall die...

With my heart on a trigger.

They say before you start a war,

You better know what you're fighting for.

Well baby, you are all that I adore.

If love is what you need, a soldier I will be!

I'm an angel with a shotgun!

Fighting til' the war's won!

I don't care if heaven won't take me back!

I'll throw away my faith, babe, just to keep you safe!

Don't you know you're everything I have?

And I, wanna live, not just survive, tonight...

Sometimes to win, you've got to sin,

Don't mean I'm not a believer.

And major Tom, will sing along.

Yeah, they still say I'm a dreamer...

They say before you start a war,

You better know what you're fighting for.

Well baby, you are all that I adore.

If love is what you need, a soldier I will be!

I'm an angel with a shotgun!

Fighting til' the war's won!

I don't care if heaven won't take me back!

I'll throw away my faith, babe, just to keep you safe!

Don't you know you're everything I have?

And I, wanna live, not just survive, tonight...

- Meanwhile, during the bridge during 2:21 -

"It'll never work between you two. I've seen it." Gideon stated, blocking a slash from Scott.

"You've seen what?" Ramona questioned, going in to strike him.

"I've watched you guys... do stuff." Gideon confessed, blocking yet again.

"You were the cat!" Scott exclaimed, believing he'd connected the dots.

"I was not the cat!" Gideon protested, offended.

"Then why is its name Gideon?!" Scott asked.

"You named your cat Gideon?" Gideon inquired, pausing his assault due to his genuine confusion.

"I- I have my own way of working things out!" Ramona replied, quite defensively.

"So how were you spying on us?" Scott demanded, trying to strike at Gideon.

"I was in your head, pal. I thought that was obvious." Gideon retorted, clashing blades.

"...the Subspace Highway?" Ramona realized, looking up.

"Hell yes. I've been back and forth all year. Very convenient. Practically empty, too, except for some dull-ass high school memories... I may have spiced them up a little." Gideon revealed, trying to run toward you to try and quit the music.

"You sleaze! His brain doesn't need any extra damage from you!" Ramona scolded, going in for another slash.

"Extra?" Scott asked, concerned and a bit hurt.

- Back to you! -

I'm an angel with a shotgun...

Fighting til' the war's won...

I don't care if heaven won't take me back...

I'm an angel with a shotgun!

Fighting til' the war's won!

I don't care if heaven won't take me back!

I'll throw away my faith, babe, just to keep you safe!

Don't you know you're everything I have?

And I, want to live, not just survive, tonight!

And I'm gonna hide, hide, hide my wings tonight!

They say before you start a war...

You better know what you're fighting for...

Well baby, you are all that I adore...

If love is what you need, a soldier I will be...

- And... end -

As your song came to an end, Ramona delivered a blow that knocked the sword out of Gideon's hands. "Getting rid of me... won't save you. You're both your worst enemies! Both of you!" He stated, his tone sour from defeat.

Ramona and Scott looked at one another. "No, I'm pretty sure you're worse, dude." Ramona replied, looking down at him.

"You're definitely worse." Scott added, equally as dismissive. Then, he straightened up and held the Power of Understanding. "For messing with my head... why Ramona's head... for the League of Evil Exes... for Evil Y/N... for the good of all mankind... I'll punish you!"

"I concur." Ramona nodded, holding the Power of Love.

"Fine. But one last thing... You could've done much, much better than Scott..." Gideon trailed off, smirking as he saw Scott's and Ramona's faces show slight curiosity.

"And...?" Ramona asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Oh, I've seen the inside of your mind. And I couldn't help but notice... a certain someone understood you far more than Scott ever did. And even before that, you both seemed quite the compatible pair, didn't you?" Gideon asked, smirking widely.

"Who are you talking about?" Scott questioned, also curious.

"Oh, come on. It's obvious, isn't it? Someone who could truly love her. And I don't mean just love her, I mean truly understand her..." Gideon hinted, giggling a bit. "You could even say, she also has a bit of a thing for this particular person... and it's not Scott. So, Ramona, are you sure Scott is really the best option for you?"

"W-What? No! I don't-" Ramona protested, blushing and looking away.

"You don't...? You're not denying anything?" Gideon asked, laughing. "I've already seen everything. You know I have. I know exactly what goes through your head, and how much you care for this person."

"Wait, are you... are you talking about..." Scott trailed off, feeling a bit confused and worried.

"I'll give you a hint: they're right here!" Gideon pointed at you.

"Me?!" You gasped, taken aback.

"Her... and Y/N? What do you mean?" Scott demanding, putting his blade on Gideon's neck.

"Scotty boy, it's true. Hell, don't take it from me if you want. Why not ask her?" Gideon inquired, smiling. "So, Ramona... what is the truth? How do you feel about Y/N?"

"I- I..." Ramona stuttered, unsure how to reply.

"Mhm? Come on, spit it out. Don't want to keep Scott waiting." Gideon urged, and you could swear he was enjoying this. "Who was it that spent their days looking all over Toronto for you? Who was it that helped your exes get over you and became friends with them? Who was it that comforted you and made you feel better when Scott was too oblivious to realize you were feeling upset or hurt?"

"Well..." Ramona began, trying to find the right words. "I... I don't think that..."

"Oh? Not what you think? Are you sure?" Gideon asked, his smirk growing wider. "Because, as I've seen, Y/N here has made you smile more, laugh more, and genuinely feel better more than anyone else. And you can't even deny that, can you?"

"I mean..." Ramona was now struggling. "Sure, I've been happier and... felt better around Y/N. But I don't know if that's because they're... um..."

"Oh, come on, we both know that's what it is. What was that you called them? Sweet? Kind? Caring? That you can tell how much you matter to them?" Gideon inquired, chuckling. "Say, that song's lyrics, they sound like Y/N was pouring their heart out, wouldn't you say? I wonder... is there perhaps a chance that Y/N feels the same way?"

"Don't twist this against me! That song was inspired by how I thought Scott felt about Ramona!" You argued, feeling embarrassed.

"Is it now? But what if it was based off of your feelings instead? And I don't mean how much you care for your friends. I'm talking about how much you care about her. Isn't that what it sounded like?" Gideon questioned, and in truth, you were starting to doubt yourself, too.

"Is it, Y/N?" Scott asked, looking at you.

"No! I think? ...I don't know! Geez, can't a person write a song without someone taking it like it's something more?" You asked, trying to keep your composure.

You couldn't make the evil decisions anymore, since Infamous Y/N was gone. Which meant... only good choices. So, in terms of morality, your options left you conflicted...

- Prove Gideon right

It was true, you did care for, comfort, and enjoy being with Ramona. And it was also true that you had been the one to understand her and make her feel better. So, maybe, deep down, there was a reason behind that... and maybe you had been denying that reason. You didn't realize your feelings until now, but... was Gideon right? Were you...

- Prove Gideon wrong

No. You wouldn't accept it. Gideon was lying, he had to be. Sure, you liked Ramona, but as a friend. Yes, she was nice, fun, and beautiful, but... she had a boyfriend. And that was Scott, not you. You did this for their relationship, because you supported them. Because that's what friends do. Because you... were just a friend.

"..." You were hesitant. "I guess... Gideon might have a point. There is a connection. I- I can't deny it. The way Ramona makes me feel is special."

"I knew it! See, Ramona? All this time, Y/N has been the perfect match for you. It's clear to everyone that-" Gideon began to gloat, until...

"But." You interjected, and he looked at you, surprised. "The problem is... Ramona cares for Scott. And so do I. If I try to convince her that I'm the best choice, I'd be no different from you."

"I've been a loyal, caring, and supportive friend to both Ramona and Scott, and I'll stay this way. Everything you said may have been true, Gideon, and I won't deny that. But that doesn't change how I feel. I'll stand by and support their relationship, whatever happens." You continued, determined.

"Y/N..." Ramona smiled, and her expression showed that she was grateful and impressed.

"Yeah, I cared for Ramona. I comforted her. But you know what? That's not any different from what I'd do for all my friends. If Scott was hurt, I'd care for him, too. And that's exactly what I did when Ramona vanished out of the blue. I love Ramona, but as a friend, just as much as I love Scott as a friend. My friendship with both is what's most important. And you won't tear me apart from either of them." You declared, and turned to the two.

"Scott, Ramona... I care about both of you. You've been through your bumps, but I truly believe you'll be a great pair together. And I won't let anyone or anything, not even myself, jeopardize that." You stated, smiling like never before. "That's what friendship means. Supporting your friends and believing in them, no matter what. And that's what I'll continue to do."

Ramona and Scott's hearts were touched by your words, and Gideon was taken aback, having failed to break your bond.

"Y/N, thank you." Ramona spoke, smiling.

"You're the best." Scott agreed, smiling, too.

"I'm just doing what a good friend would." You replied, grinning. "Now then, if you would..."

You signaled to Gideon, and Ramona and Scott looked at him, preparing to strike. With the Power of Love and Understanding, the two slashed and struck him, making him yell in defeat and burst into a rain of coins.

Which everyone was happy to see come from the sky, but then realized that coins were, y'know, actually raining down, and quickly began to cover their heads.

"Are we done? 'Cause I'm tired." Ramona asked, sounding like she just wanted to go home and sleep.

"I think we may be done." Scott replied, but halted once Envy walked over to them.

She said nothing, and her stare was intense. Scott gulped, but then, she hugged him. He was surprised, but returned the gesture, smiling at the fact he had finally gained his closure.

"Oh, man. Were you and Gideon, like, a thing?" Scott asked, still a bit confused.

"We could've been, but I doubt he ever felt that way. Maybe I was just after the power, the connections, the money..." Envy responded, sighing. "But if it weren't for a certain someone, I wouldn't have seen that sooner. Thanks, Y/N."

"Hey, I just want to help. And you're welcome." You replied, smiling.

"Anyway, turns out he was crap. Big surprise there. I'm over it." Envy added, but then paused. "Oh, and please get off the stage."

"Right, the show. Sorry, we got caught up in a whole thing." You apologized. "C'mon guys, let's go."

- And so... -

"I never wanted you to freeze. I never thought I'd be some kind of ice queen. And even if I say... I wanted you to stay... it's over and I'm gone... north where I belong... cold way my heart has been all along." Envy sang, and the audience loved it.

At the same time, the cryogenic machine that held Gideon's six exes lowered, and the chambers began to open. If you weren't mistaken from the labeled names on the capsules, their names were Courtney, Riley, Nina, Sloane, Irene, and Ginger.

"Where the hell am I?" Ginger demanded while Riley simply checked her phone.

"I'm Sloane." Sloane said as she casually shook Nina's hand.

"Hello." Nina greeted, equally as casual.

"What the crap? Who are these people?" Irene asked, confused and annoyed.

"C'mon, I just charged you..." Courtney stated, looking at her phone.

- After -

"Hey, congrats, kids. They're shutting down my new favorite club after one night, but I'm glad you got your crap sorted out." Wallace said, giving a thumbs-up to Scott and Ramona.

"Hm... I have another use for this club..." You rubbed your chin, looking at the amount of space the club had.

"So like, when you guys disappeared in the middle of the fight... what was that all about?" Stacey questioned.

"Oh man! We went in Ramona's head where Gideon was eighty feet tall and holding her prisoner like a total bad dude! Then I headbutted him and gave him the Glow and Y/N struck his head and there were a million Ramonas and they kicked his ass! It was amazing!" Scott explained excitedly.

"Believe it or not, that's pretty much what happened." You added when you noticed that everyone had a "what the hell" look on their faces.

"So, where've you been all year, Rammy?" Stacey asked, changing the subject.

"You really want to know?" Ramona questioned, and everyone agreed in the form of...

"Yes."

"Duh, yeah."

"Very much so."

"Me too."

"I'm a little curious, sure."

"If you feel like it, go ahead."

"Dudes, I just went to my dad's. He lives in the middle of nowhere. I thought I'd get my head together and come back in like a week or two. You know, like a wilderness sabbatical." Ramona began to explain. "Yeah, but it didn't really work that way. I just ended up sleeping around all day, dicking around on the internet and watching every episode of the X-Files. I mean, I tried calling you, Scott..."

"...Yeah... maybe you two were meant to be." Wallace spoke up, chuckling a little.

"Just call me for the wedding." Stacey added, smirking.

"I'll go help everyone get up. Evil me did a number on them." You informed, heading over to everyone that your infamous counterpart knocked out.

- And so you helped everyone out, and they went home -

You were also now on the elevator with Scott and Ramona.

"Things can never be the same, can they?" Scott asked, breaking the silence.

"Dude... things were never the same. Change is... it's what we get." Ramona replied, looking up at him.

"It's really the only constant thing in our lives." You added, shrugging.

"I guess that's my problem- I'm trying to beat the clock, outrun the universe... Like nothing can change me, as long as I change first." Ramona admitted. "I feel like I'm in this river, just getting swept along... and if I hold on to anyone, if I'm holding on for dear life, I'm not getting anywhere. I'm stuck...I never wanted to get stuck."

"Hey, no one wants to get stuck. But, when the universe keeps moving, you can only move with it. It doesn't matter at what speed. Sometimes, you want to just slow down and take your time. And that's okay, too. As long as you keep moving." You reassured her, smiling.

"And, when you feel you get stuck when you're holding on to someone, then help them move with you. Move together, follow each other's pace, and keep going." Scott advised, which surprised you.

"Heh, now you're getting it." You said, grinning.

"All that time listening to your speeches, Y/N. Something had to rub off on me, right?" Scott joked, chuckling. "We can get somewhere together, Ramona. We can get unstuck. We'd have to be careful... it could be a bumpy ride. It could get messy. But... it'd be worth it. We just need to hold on."

"I've never been good at holding on." Ramona replied, still unsure.

"Hey, you'll get it. It just takes practice." Scott assured her, putting his arm around her.

"And if you need a helping hand, well, you can always count on your friends." You added, crossing your arms and smiling.

Ramona smiled, and pulled you in to a hug, too. "Thanks, guys."

- The Next Day -

Scott's apartment, the new location for Sex Bob-Omb's practice days. Everything had been set up smoothly, and everyone was ready.

"Alright, this is Knives' last practice with us." You informed the band. "So, let's make this one count, okay?"

"You got it, Y/N." Kim responded, nodding.

"Thanks for the new equipment, by the way." Stephen added, tuning new his guitar.

"It burned a bit of a hole in my pocket, but you're welcome." You chuckled, shrugging. "It's time to level up, so the least we can do is upgrade a bit. I'm getting popular for paint job commissions, so money's not a big problem. Plus, our albums are doing quite well. So, I thought, why not? You guys deserve it."

"I'm gonna miss you guys, and all of this." Knives spoke up, looking at all of you as she plugged in her keyboard.

"Heh, you can visit any time you want, y'know. Thanks to me." You reminded her, smiling and patting her head. "We'll never be far from Montreal. I'll make sure you're in touch with all of us, too."

"Enough wishy-washy feelings for now. Let's jam." Kim interrupted, looking at all of you.

"Right, right. Everyone ready?" You asked, prepping the visuals. Everyone nodded. "Kim, take it away."

"Ahem... WE ARE SEX BOB-OMB! 1! 2! 3! 4!" Kim exclaimed, and the song started. It was a cover of "I'm A Believer" by the Monkees.

- Then. -

"So um, I mean I guess I'll..." Knives sniffed, tears threatening to spill.

"Come here, you." You said as you offered a hug, and she accepted immediately, bawling on your shoulder.

"Give us a call when you're in town." Scott told her, and she nodded, wiping her eyes.

"Guys... you'll always be my Clash at Demonhead." Knives smiled as she hugged the both of you. You weren't sure what she meant by that, but it was sweet of her regardless.

- So. -

You were at the Chaos Theatre. Various cans of spray paint were laid out on the ground, and you were finishing up a few final details. You called everyone over to see the result.

"They'll love this." You said to yourself, smirking at your work.

All around the theater, there was no spot that didn't have at least some kind of paint job or mural on it. It was like a big art exhibition, a show of your best moments. Everyone you cared for was on display.

"Wow..." Scott trailed off, eyes wide and jaw hanging open.

"That's really impressive, Y/N." Ramona smiled, nodding.

"How long have you been working on this, exactly?" Kim asked, impressed.

"For a couple of weeks. But, I think it was worth the wait." You answered.

"No kidding." Stephen agreed.

"I'll send Knives a picture, something she can put in a frame and look back to like in one of those scenes in a college movie." You chuckled.

"Immaculate work of an experienced artist such as you, Y/N." Matthew complimented, smiling.

"Captured my look perfectly, Rowe." Lucas nodded.

"Look, it's the time when they officially joined the band!" Scott pointed, and indeed, there was a mural of that exact moment.

"And when they managed to get the Vegan Police off my back, over there." Todd added, gesturing to another section.

"And here I thought I was good." Roxie remarked, eyeing all of the different murals.

"Incredible capture of all our struggles and growth, Y/N." Kyle commented.

"I struggle to find the appropriate words to describe the quality of this art." Ken added.

"Crazy to think we went through all those things, isn't it?" Ramona mused.

"I'm proud of the progress we've made. All of us." You grinned. "We've got a long way ahead of us, but I'm looking forward to what the future holds."

"So are we." Everyone else replied, nodding.

"Alright, people. Smile for the picture." You said, whipping out your phone and taking a group shot of everyone standing in front of the Chaos Theatre.

You captioned the photo as: "We love you Knives. We're sure gonna miss you." With that, you sent it and smiled, putting your phone away.

"So, who wants to head back to Sneaky Dee's and get something to eat? I'm starving after all the work." You asked, stretching.

"Sure. Let's go." Everyone agreed.

You stood back for a bit, looking at all the people you had come to know and befriend over the course of your stay here in Toronto. All of these people, all of them were important to you in some way.

You set the can of spray paint you were holding onto the floor, then to the ceiling, where a grand mural of all of your friends were, in a single pose, smiling and posing as if they were looking down on you.

You were eager to see the future ahead of you, and the new experiences that will come. And that would start as soon as you ran after the others. But before that...

"Thank you, guys." You muttered, smiling. "All of this... the experience, the lessons, the bonds... it was almost as if it were handed to me in a...

"Heart-Shaped Box."

- Roll Credits! -

- Thanks For Reading -