They pull, the mask lifts off, and May's stomach twists in revulsion.
It must show on her face, because Three gives an understanding look. “I know. Not the prettiest of visages.”
The left half of their face is completely covered by several blood-red ropes of what might be muscle, but resemble slithering, hungry worms. They part to reveal a piercing white eye looking from within the moving mass.
“As you can certainly guess, I too have been neglected nearly my entire life. My sister was the only person who I felt truly cared for me. However, she’s…” Three pauses, “No matter. What’s important is that I have the capability to assist you with your troubles.”
May shakes herself out of her morbid surprise and regains her posture. “You can? How?”
Three gently touches their face. May wonders if it feels as squishy as it looks… She wonders if it hurts.
“This visage of mine does come with its advantages. I hold a power greater than any of the students at your school. Greater than your sibling.” They step closer to May, who resists the urge to back away. “Tell me, what do you know of the Incarnates?”
…No way. “The… you—?”
Three grins. It was not the same careful attempt at a smile as before, but a sharp curl of his lips. Saying nothing, they walk up to a nearby tree and place their hand on its bark. The branches above begin to move like snakes, growing and contorting and reaching down as flowering vines emerge from underneath the soil. With the delicacy of a butterfly, the tree’s branches pluck the vines with the prettiest flowers and twist them together to form a circle. As the vines recede once more, the tree lightly places the flower crown atop May’s head.
“I am the Earth Incarnate, my child. And I have been looking for a true friend to Bless.”
May’s heart pounds and hands shake. Not from fear or intimidation. No, she’s excited. “Is– That’s real?”
He laughs softly. “Of course. Now, please…” Three reaches out his hand, his skin rough and nails overgrown. “Will you fulfill this role for me?”
A shuddering breath escapes her lungs. May thinks of June. Of every moment in her memory where she had been chained in their shadow, forced into obscurity by the smarter, stronger sibling with more power than they deserve. She remembers every sneer directed at her from the one person who is supposed to be her best friend, inseparable, her twin.
They had love, once upon a time. Sharing toys and splitting snacks. But not anymore. Hope was lost somewhere along the line between years of blatant favoritism and the isolation May was never able to shake.
So, it was very easy for May to grasp their hand. “Yes.”