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Episode 26 : My Tell-Tale Heart

Family Matters | ft. Locker, Magnet, Caramel, Almanac, and Balloon
"Clock's ticking."

January 18th, 2026



Caine stares at a screen full of static tired and sweating. He thinks to himself "Since I saw it with my mom I've had this pulsing feeling in my chest. Like I can hear her heart beating from the bottom of the elevator shaft."
"It's like a song just for me from the deepest depths of the ocean. And for the first time in my life I feel something. I've never felt this before. I'm trying to drown out the soundd but all I can hear is thick bumping against my soul. For the first time, I feel guilty."
Montag stares worried at a collapsed Esme her sword on the ground in front of her. Montag takes the sword before giving her a hug.
Montag says "Oh yeesh your eyes!" as Esme opens her teary eyes to reveal that they are now purple. He continues "You and your cosplay... I thought you would have forgotten about it 20 years ago now." He looks at his reflection within Esme's sword.
Montag stares in confusion before dropping the sword. He leaves the room.
The next morning, Keiji is seen singing and running about. Montag tired stares around his room where pictures of Peter are able to be seen.
Montag wrapped up in a blanket in bed says "I killed a man Esme." She responds "He hurt your daughter." Montag shouts "I HURT HER TOO! I SCREAMED AT HER!"
Esme replies "And you really should not have." Keiji can be seen absentmindedly frolicking outside the room. Esme closes the door before Montag says "When she's in critterside... she sounds just like him... and I can't... I just latched onto that... that thought of him the thought of him being there."
Peter can be seen outside the house as Montag continues "I haven't even slept thinking about this. Keiji. That lightbulb guy. Peter... I just need one damn break." Peter speaks to himself "No... Not just yet."
Later Keiji can be seen running around. She jumps into his arms to hide inside him. As Esme approaches from behind he says "Huff... It's time to get some food. Let's see what new kind of freaks we meet today."
Montag says to Esme "Bring the uh anime sword thing... At best it'll ward off Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, and at worst we can get a blunt force knockout." Esme signs "I am... shocked you are not trying to be less violent." He responds "We don't have a choice anymore. It's do or die." Esme doesn't reply.
Esme walks over to her room to retrieve the sword with an uneasy expression on her face.
As she grabs the sword, she hears the Harbinger of Fate's voice say "Remember, Esme. You promised ETERNAL LOYALTY."
Later Montag and Esme are seen at a store. He says "If my memory serves me right we can't go to the uh store on Lagune... But this one seems unguarded. Gotta poach what we can while we still can."
Montag gives Keiji a candy and she mutters "Candy..." Esme suddenly looks surprised as Phaedra swoops in and says "Oh! Look at you."
Esme looks in shock before brandishing the blade and pointing it at Phaedra."
Phaedra responds "That won't do a thing to me darling! I remember you two... You're that lawyer!" Montag stands his ground. Phaedra says "Queen Locke told me all about you..." Montag shoots back with "Threatening me is what it is with you Sora people, but leave my family out of it!"
Esme looks worried as Phaedra continues "Oh I'm not here to threaten or hurt you sweetie... Or her." Montag asks "Then... what is this?" Phaedra leans into his ear and whispers "I know what you did." Montag begins to sweat.
Phaedra says "Yeah... Life is so sensitive with you humans. Given, taken. It's everything to keep it, and just look what taking it does to you!"
It continues "Maybe you think... you deserve to have it taken from you." Phaedra leaves a scrape on Montag with his sharp hoof. "But you have your daughter to take care of. And I'd NEVER leave her with..." Montag shoves Phaedra angrily and says "Can you cut the shit?"
Esme continues to stare in fear. Phaedra asks "Just what is it that you think you know Worley? Maybe it isnt even you that I'm here for, hm?" Montag responds "My sister is just a biologist. I think we both know who you're here for." Phaedra asks "Are you sure?"
Montag takes Esme's hand and says "You won't get into my head" as they walk away. His words echo in his head.
As the thought lingers in Montag's mind he digs through papers on his desk at home. He grabs a framed picture of himself, Esme, and Peter, and asks "What... did it mean!?" A news article can be seen in the background with the text "SORA FOUNDATION: DEVILS IN DISGUISE."

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