#i think about this creepypasta once a month SIGHS….

[rakeshouseparty]

Most romantic creepypasta award goes to “the thing that stalks the fields”

Unironically real romance is when a giant dangerous beast monster bursts out of the woods and basically cages you and keeps u as its tiny small human pet thing and destroys anybody that crosses the barrier

#tpost #thank u creepypasta for totally real n tru romance this is true love #i think about this creepypasta once a month SIGHS….

[drgngutz]

Cybernetic Soulmate - I

BEN Drowned x Reader: Part 1

Soulmate AU – Implied Feminine Reader

Note: BEN is my favorite creepypasta, and lowkey I never see enough of him in the fandom. SO, I’m taking it upon myself to give this a try. Can’t promise it’ll be finished, but I’m having fun with it right now. If you’d rather read this on a website, ima post it on quotev and wattpad soon. Right now i’m vibin here. If you don’t like scary shit, this one might not be for u but we’ll see how it goes. Thanks for reading :) 

Description: Having the name Benjamin Lawman inscribed on your wrist until the age of 11, you had to live the rest of your life as one of the unlucky few who woke up one day with their soulmate mark crossed off. Devastated didn’t properly express the feeling of emptiness at the loss of connection between someone you had grown so close to. Ten long years have passed since then, but a new name has shown up just underneath the butchered one: BEN drowned. Soon enough you’ll figure out your old soulmate is now more demon than he is man. 

Masterlist

Benjamin Lawman 

BEN Drowned

The pads of your fingers swiped over the newly printed name on your wrist in absent-mindedness as you scrolled through page after page on the internet, causing subtle goosebumps to rise up on your skin as the bold letters brandished a light tingling with the friction. Old memories bumped around in your brain of producing the same feeling when the name you used to have was touched. 

It wasn’t feasible. It wasn’t something that had ever happened unless a soulmate had clinically died and been resuscitated within minutes. But over the span of ten years? Impossible. 

So why was this name here now? And why on earth was it different?

Returning to the old articles- the ones that you hadn’t looked at in years- yielded no results. 

‘Benjamin Lawman, aged 12, has been missing since around 6p.m. yesterday. Reports have mentioned he was wearing…”

‘It has been just over a month since the young boy, Benjamin Lawman, has gone missing. If you have seen anything in relation to his case…’

‘Benjamin Lawman declared deceased. “The search has gone on too long.” - Officer Hubris states…’

Hours and hours of looking at the same stupid newspaper clippings, public records, and news outlets was doing nothing besides digging up old memories that you didn’t want to relive. The times where Ben would talk to you, laugh with you, when you would play made up games with each other through the connection you both had created over a short time. He was always showing you his games on the console he had been gifted for his tenth birthday; you could still see the hazy image of a little boy with blonde hair swinging a sword at all kinds of different monsters, with Ben reciting each one of them as if he had memorized every detail of the game. You had talked to each other through the connection every day, and then he was just… gone. 

Exhausting your emotional and logical thinking, you ran your fingers through your hair before dragging your fingers down over your face to rid yourself of the stiffness. Glancing at the darkened letters on your wrist, you sighed in exasperation. Flopping the limb down onto your lap like a ragdoll, you traced the letters once more. It tingled again; that was the only grounding factor telling you that you weren’t dreaming all of this up. But, what kind of a name was BEN Drowned?

You swallowed thickly at the implication of both names showing up like that, how one replaced the other, and then opened up a new tab on your laptop. 

Immediately searching the name led you to a page on 4chan. Clicking on the site led to a very in depth and lengthy story, accompanied by multiple videos of a fucked up version of Ben’s favorite game, which took you about two whole hours to complete and understand. 

“...It already has proven to me that Ben can access my account/password and manipulate my computer, and like I said I have no idea to what extent it can do this, but know that it will do anything to break free. He is desperate. I’m going to do something, something rash that may not work. But, if it can keep everyone safe from him, I’m willing to try it. I’m going to make sure he stays in that fucking cartridge, so just forget about me, please…” 

It’s nearly dark out at this point, and your head is stuck spinning in place like a globe as you try to swallow the massive amount of information that you’ve been presented with. And still, none of it makes sense. But, really, did any of this? The newly branded name on your wrist certainly made no sense. Was it so odd that maybe there was something going on with this man, Jadusable, as well? And somehow it was all lining up together that this…thing shows up, and then its name shows up on your wrist just below where your old soulmate's name was crossed off, further implying that your soulmate was whatever BEN Drowned is. 

“Oh god. I need to go lay down.” 

Benjamin Lawman 

BEN Drowned

After the day that the name had appeared, you had been doing more research than you had ever bothered to do during your schooling. Each and every piece always led to the same two destinations; a declared dead little boy and a 4chan page that no longer had any active comments or replies from its author. 

You had since resorted to using the connection to try and make a breakthrough. 

The first time was difficult for you. Something that had laid dormant for so long felt… wrong. To try and open it again meant the possibility of connecting with someone who you’d assumed was gone forever. Now what? What if he answered? What if he didn’t answer? What if it wasn’t him?

It took a lot of thinking, and a lot more courage, to open up that connection again. 

Hands shaking, you clasped them together and closed your eyes, brows furrowing in concentration as you felt the familiar sensation flip like a switch in your brain. Clenching your teeth, you felt your eyes water beneath your eyelids as you let yourself fall away from your own consciousness for a moment, the familiarity nearly making you pull out of the sensation in discomfort. But, you pursued. You had never gotten this far, not after he disappeared. 

It was dark. That was the only way to explain it. Pitch black, with no source of light or sound to be observed. You dug a little deeper, trying to find the point of communication again… Only to be stopped. Confused, you tried to move forward again, only to be pushed back again. You tried over and over, poking and prodding at the connection, but to no avail. It was like something was specifically keeping you out; as if Ben didn’t want you to make a connection. 

You came back to your own consciousness with a start, eyes flashing open and feeling breathless as the connection dwindled and then faded away without your focus to keep it going. But, it was there. You had never been able to enter our connection like that before. Now, there was at least something.

It continued like this for the rest of the week; you trying to make a connection happen while something forced you away. But, you weren’t about to give up anytime soon. You were just as stubborn as Ben could be, pushing and pushing to no avail. You felt insane to be reaching out to somebody that was dead, somebody that wasn’t alive anymore, but you refused to give in. 

Then finally, it worked. 

You had gotten better at it the more you had practiced, gotten used to the familiar feeling that was at first melancholic; this time, you entered without bothering to close your eyes. Apparently, he had his guard down. 

A box shaped view, bordered in complete darkness. The light that peered in did nothing to illuminate the surrounding area; the light was coming from a window. Your window. You recognized it as the one in your living room that overlooked the couch opposite of the TV. And there you were, sitting straight, a focused look on your face as you stared at the wall, as you had done time and time again over the past few weeks. You watched yourself flick your eyes up to the TV in astonishment–

You were slammed out of the connection so hard that it sprouted a headache at the front of your forehead, and you flung your hand upwards in order to cater to the sudden feeling. Debilitated, you groaned tearfully before you could open your eyes again, blinking away the sting and glancing up at the TV. 

Stop trying.

The words were written in white, in a small text box at the bottom of the screen. You were only able to read it once before they disappeared as quickly as you had seen them. 

“What… What the fuck?” 

Benjamin Lawman 

BEN Drowned

He’s been watching her for a while now, observing, debating, keeping her annoying attempts at contacting him at bay; she was relentless in that particular field. 

Soulmates had always existed on this earth, apparently. And, although the fragmented memories of the soul he had ‘borrowed’ managed to save them from being imprisoned again via this aggravating connection, he wanted nothing to do with her. 

He was called many names; demon, ghost, vengeful spirit, poltergeist, cybernetic entity – Something born from a mixture of code and the aftermath of an abominable act – so they were not entirely wrong, but they were never right, either. Regardless, they were right about one thing. He had no room for care, or sympathy, or love. Not anymore. It was not programmed, not a part of his ideals. 

That was what he assumed, until the annoying little prick that he chose to resuscitate from that watery grave started to rekindle the connection he had before, when he was alive. The little bits of his host that still existed within him now crawled and zapped within the numbers, disagreeing with how he was treating the girl. He assumed this was some form of rebellion from the kid, and it was affecting them a lot worse than he understood. 

They weren’t supposed to feel the way he was toward this human, he wasn’t capable of having emotion at all. It wasn’t possible. And yet, here he was, watching her from the screen of the television that they had been trapped in ever since Ben’s last ditch effort at escape; it had worked, they were out of the cartridge, but they were missing pieces. That made the effort useless. 

Perhaps he should’ve chosen a better host for ascension. 

Benjamin Lawman 

BEN Drowned

WHAM!

You jolted awake at the loudness of the sound, feeling it reverberate through the ground and walls with the force of it. Sitting upright, you stayed still as a statue and listened closely, in the case that you had dreamt the sound. 

“Shit.” A voice whispered harshly against the silence, raspy and low. 

“We- We gotta make this quick. Hurry up,” Foot steps followed the higher pitched voice heading down the hallway. 

Swiftly, you ripped the covers off and dove for the closet, being as silent as possible as you settled below the hanging clothes and behind a hamper of dirty ones, trying to ease your breath and keep calm. Soon after, the two men barge into the bedroom and begin scouring your drawers. 

Addicts, you assumed. That was the likely situation, given your shitty location and even shittier apartment, they frequented the area and often ended up breaking into places that they figured were either abandoned or no one was home. A few of her neighbors had some close calls, while a few others were not so lucky. Flashes of ambulances and white sheets came to your mind, and you pushed them away, instead listening to the two of them argue in some kind of whacked-out dispute. 

“There’s no money, no jewelry; where the fuck is it all?” The first one started, slamming the drawer so loud the whole cabinet stuttered against the wall. 

“M-Maybe we got the wrong number,” The other replied, dumping something onto the floor, “is it the wrong apartment?” 

“If it is, we’re fucked. C’mon,” The two pairs of footsteps went further down the hall toward the kitchen, and you sighed gratefully. 

Hearing them rummage through the kitchen drawers now, you felt your heart beating in your veins as you slowly opened up the closet door and peered around. The room was empty, and you could hear them starting another argument about something else. Now was the time to move before they could come back and check the closet; there was no point in waiting like a sitting duck. 

Just as you were starting to silently make your way down the hallway and towards the front door, in the process realizing that they had burst the damn thing open in order to get inside, you heard the shuffle of footsteps in the kitchen begin to grow closer. Your blood ran cold, mind running wildly at the possibility of what would happen if they saw you. 

Wordlessly, you bolted to the living room, relying completely on instinct as you locked your eyes onto the black screen of the TV. You hesitated a second, debating if hiding somewhere would be a better option, but a quick glance around the room told you there wouldn’t be a place for you to do so. They were getting closer, the scuffing of their boots on the tile spurred you forward. 

“I am so fucking crazy for this…” You whispered, eyes flickering all over the screen as you gripped its edge in a vice. Fuck it.

“If you’re in there,” You took a deep breath, faltering out of fear, “I need help. Please, some men broke into my house and–” 

“Did you hear that?” You nearly stopped breathing from how close they were now. 

“Yeah, came from that room, there.” Hurried, heavy steps started toward the rooms entrance. 

“Shit.” You turned and gazed desperately at the screen, no response. 

“God damn you,” Frustrated, you began to scream and bang at its dark surface with your fists, “Fucking answer me!” 

“The hell’s wrong with you?” The two men had finally made it into the room, just staring at you as your slammed your fists repeatedly against the TV. One of them, a smaller, scruffy looking man, looked confused and concerned. The other, much taller and larger, looked pissed off. 

“What does that matter?” The bigger one began to advance, and right before he pushed you to the floor, you saw the screen light up. Hissing at the sting of the impact, you glanced behind the man towards the now lit-up screen.

Fine.

“Tell us where you’re keeping all of your shit. Now.” His harsh tone made you flinch, feeling spit hit your face as he loomed over you.

“I-I… I don’t have anything. I swear… I don’t have–” You stuttered, but couldn’t complete the sentence in time. 

SMACK!

The burning of your cheek registered before you realized what had happened, feeling tears fall down your face at the shock of the pain. You heard something clicking against itself, the harsh noise berating your ears and making you look back at him before freezing in place. 

“Don’t fucking lie to me. You’re hiding something, I know you are. Hand it over!” You’re left staring down the barrel of a hand gun as he shouts at you, and if you weren’t crying before, you definitely are now. 

“Hey… Hey Jim.” The soft voice of the other man interrupts the exchange, and the angry man, Jim, nearly blows a fuse. 

“Something’s wrong, man.” 

“What the hell are you on about now, Mike?” With a rage in his eyes, he turned around, the gun turned safely away from your face. Before he could say anything else, however, he stilled. 

You peered up at the screen, where they were both looking, as you trembled at the prospect of being shot. 

You shouldn’t have done that. 

“What the hell? This some kinda game?” 

You wish it was.

“Jim, lets go.” Mike practically begs his friend, inching towards the door. 

“There’s somebody else here. They’re probably watchin’ us, right now.” His voice trembles at the thought. 

“Don’t be such a pussy,” Jim spits, angry at the idea; “I’m talking to you too, creep! Come out and show yourself instead of hiding behind a fucking screen.” 

If you say so. 

There’s a moment where the screen goes dark, before another message pops up on screen. 

Close your eyes.

You obey the message without a word, clenching them as tight as you possibly can. Then, you hear the front door slam shut, despite it being broken off of it’s hinges before. 

“What the fuck was–” Jim’s words are cut off by his own strangled screams. Something drops to the ground with a clatter, shortly followed by Mike’s shrill screams that fade as he moves towards the front of the apartment. He begins to plead for something to open as something begins to snap and pop in the living room. You flinch at each noise, nearly sobbing as the man’s screams from in front of you are reduced to garbled grunts and groans, before he goes silent with one final crunch. 

Mike’s murmured ‘no, no, no’ can be heard from he hallway as he slams rhythmically against something over and over. The words are chased by his own screams that echo one final time before it’s swiftly cut short, only to be replaced by a deafening silence that leaves your heart beat thrumming in your ears. Ragged breaths help to filter out the lack of sound as you stay glued in place, not daring to open your eyes. 

A moment passes, then another; What feels like a few minutes go by before you hear anything else. 

“You can open them now.” Your eyes snap open at the almost robotic tone that instinctively feels familiar. 

A quick sweep around the room showed that there was nobody there; in fact, there was no sign that they had ever been there in the first place. The only thing that was different was the TV, which was still lit up, the same words that were spoken to you depicted in white letters in the textbox. 

You can open them now.

The screen dropped to black, and then lit up again. 

All done. You’re welcome. 

The screen went dark for the final time that night, and all that was left was the silence. 

Next Part

#bendrowned #xreader #creepypasta #fanfic #ben drowned x reader #ben drowned #x reader

[magicalyaku]

I had vacation and tooth surgery and thus a lot of time to be lazy! <3 A chunk of it I spent listening to the narrations of some creepypasta series. Though, honestly, I'm not sure they can be called that? They're more episodic paranormal stories. Yes, there's monsters running around and dangerous, maybe scary stuff going on, but they're also incredibly wholesome and soo sweet and very queer! So if you're into that, go look for the stories written by @02321 on r/nosleep and Youtube! My Name's Skyler, I'm a Freelance P.I. narrated by Baron Landred (the title on r/nosleep is I Work as a P.I and a Government Agent approached me to help with a case) and I Deliver Mail to Cryptids narrated by Animas. (And also a bunch of stories more set in the same universe of the Silver King.)

Now back to our regular books! We have 4 princes, 2 kings and 1 queen this month!

Banshee Blues (Nina Blazon): I'm in the editing process of my latest novel, which I'm writing in German, so I felt I should read a German, non-translated book for once. This was the only one in my pile but it is from my favourite German author, so all was well. I have a lot to thank her for. The first novel read from her was Der Dunkle Kuss der Sterne (The Stars' Dark Kiss) and that was the first time I liked first-person viewpoint! Her next book had split POV and different tenses and I had to admit it was done well. Banshee Blues was not quite up to par with her previous works but it went a few new directions than usual which was nice as well. It tried very hard to lead you astray with what's going on and who is evil and who isn't. And while I liked how things turned out between the two leads it would have been monumental to have them stay platonic.

The Fallen King's Penitent Soldier (Tales of the High Court 5) (Megan Derr): Sigh, it's been a ride. I had a good time with the whole series. I love the worldbuilding, really. But it is alright to end it here, while it's still good, you know. In a way, these five stories are all built very similar: Being kidnapped by bad guys, running from the bad guys or running after the bad guys for the first half and afterwards waiting to let other people sort it out. There's probably a limited amount of iterations you can go through while still be interesting. But for these five volumes it was fun! As for book 5 by itself, I think it's a good thing it comes so late in the series. Because it really takes its time. There's a lot introspection going on for the two protagonists which is okay because they go through a lot but it's also very long and sometimes not much else happens. I liked the two of them, I liked how religion was handled, I liked how it went full circle back to Allen's story. I liked the series. Good times. :)

Prince & Knight (Daniel Haack & Stevie Lewis): I wanted this for the pretty pictures. But apparently the universe didn't want me to? I ordered this last year already, but the package went on an odyssee through several cities without ever arriving at my home. I ordered it again this year and … the same thing happened?! 8D The odyssee was shorter this time, mind you, but … why again?! I tried a third time and ordered it for pick up at a local bookstore and that finally worked. Geez! It's a children's picture book so the story is as basic as it goes. Is it goo for children? I wouldn't know. The dragon doesn't die and it's very sweet and very pretty.

In all seinen Farben (Boy Queen) (George Lester): I had some exhausting weeks at work and thought I could use something inspirational. Something about finding your own way and shine. Which happens in this book but there's also a lot of drama going on and I was not prepared for the rock-bottom-hit in the beginning. xD I mean, it was written in the blurb but I've owned the book for a year why should I reread the blurb … I know nothing about drag or make-up or anything in that direction (I did watch like 15 minutes of the drag show at Comic Con Stuttgart last year but that hardly counts), so it was charming and interesting to read about.

We Could Be so Good (Cat Sebastian): I have to apologise to everyone on the waitlist for this at my library because I could have read it faster but … once I realised what sort of direction the 70% drama might take I had a tough time reading on. They were so happy and it was nice and I just did not want to suffer! I did assume, since the book goes out of its way to address how all queer books published during the mid of the last century would have to end badly (and the protagonist outright refusing to read them therefore), it would probably take a turn for a happy ending. That was the only hope that kept me going. If I had known any of the author's other work I maybe wouldn't have worried so much, because it's written in her bio already that she'll only write happy endings?! Well … So for anyone else fearing the drama of a book set in 1959: No queer person was harmed in this book! (Nothing major anyway.) I like the book, though! Enjoyed reading it. Nick and Andy are both sweet. But that fear did something to me, took me a while to recover. :'D

Prince & Assasssin (Perilous Courts 1) (Tavia Lark): I needed something simple for my fragile heart and it seems gay fantasy is my comfort read now in the same way my mom reads stuff named like "The Little Bakery at XYZ Street". And what should I tell you, yeah, there're men who are tenderly and not so tenderly intimate with each other, yeah yeah, but there's also giant talking cats! Giant talking cats! Also, I really like the author's writing style. It's so smooth! I started reading and didn't want to put it down anymore because it read so smoothly! The book itself was so much better than I had expected (which was basically nothing). It won't blow you off your feet but it's pretty enjoyable and surprisingly wholesome. Also the worldbuilding felt just right. I'm looking forward to reading the next volumes soon!

King of Immortal Tithe (Darkmourn 2) (Ben Alderson): Did I buy the expensive hardcover just because I like the illustration more than the one of the paperback? Why hello, that's me. So this is the second fae book I read this year. It's apparently a universal truth now that fae men are the most beautiful and well endowed beings on earth and beyond. Not that I mind, you do you, but why does fae anatomy work the same as humans' actually? Anyway, this is a stand-alone in a series of stories all set within the same universe. I like that concept. Hunting for pieces of lore is fun. Arlo is a feisty character so following him was enjoyable. The switch from enemy to lovers was kinda sudden like … I can see why but personally it still felt sudden. Also Faenir calling Arlo constantly Darling was not my taste but you know, if it's just that, I can overlook it. The twist at the end had me barking out evil laughter (which means approval). I did hold back reading the final chapter until I read the first volume as not to spoil any more! (While they are stand-alones the previous story is referenced in this one.)

Lord of Eternal Night (Darkmourn 1) (Ben Alderson): "He was so tall and his hands were so large and his length was so great and so thick my fingers couldn't touch reaching around it. He was not just a man, he was a god!" I laughed. That's not a literal quote, but a good summary. Yeah. I laughed. And while praising one guy he was also dissing his former lover, the baker's son, for not being as large. Not the poor lad's fault, no need to get mean! Should have known at that point already who was the true evil mastermind. :'P. But in all fairness, there is a little more going on in the story. And well, these books know very well what kind of fantasy they're catering. There's a short guy, a little crafty and feisty, not too weak, and the very tall, very beautiful guy who everyone says is evil, but turns out he isn't so evil, he just has a tragic past, he also falls very hard for the protagonist and oops, maybe he does have some capacity for evil. I did like how the story subverted who's good and who's bad like three times. Otherwise, it's not really complex. But I'm kinda into the ending.

Alpha of Mortal Flesh (Darkmourn 3) (Ben Alderson): The third installment in the series, they've been getting more elaborate with each volume. So instead of the 2 and 3 half characters we had in the first one, there's actually a whole cast in here with motivations and backstories. That was nice. The writing style, however, is still as … trying as hard as in the beginning. It's not bad, mind you, I commend it for trying to use the full range of the English language, but there's a lot of words, making everything longer than needed, and sometimes their choice is really weird. Example: "My tongue broke free. It slithered from the confines of my mouth." But it's just a normal human tongue licking something eagerly yet still very normally! And, they're indie books, yeah, but I do wish all three books would have gone through another round of editing. The unnecessary repetitions and errors made me suffer a little. And while I got a little bored and impatient at the end I do like the story and what it's trying to do. Just that it was trying too hard in some aspects of the writing and not hard enough in others.

That's it for July! Apparently, August will be library month again. My TBR bookshelf disapproves but duh. Let's go and have fun. :P

#yaku reads #books #queer books #lgbtq books #queer lit #bookblr #creepypasta #i deliver mail to cryptids #nick & skyler #we could be so good #darkmourn #lord of eternal night #prince & knight #banshee blues #tales of the high court #perilous courts #prince & assassin #boy queen

[moonlight-cp]

Proxy in Command (Creepypasta x Reader) Chapter 5

Series Masterlist

Morning arose and I got ready for the day. I took a quick shower and placed my uniform on.  Today was going to be the day we retrieved L.J, that is if he accepts.

I got out of my room and was about to head to the dining room but I heard another door open. I turned around and got greeted with icy blue eyes. I studied his face and he looked tired. His face didn't scare me like his victims, after all, I knew his backstory. I was aware of the tragic event that resulted in him burning his face.

"So you accepted huh?" I broke the silence. I didn't know if he held a grudge from last night.

He stretched his arms and nodded. "I admit I didn't believe you at first but did once I saw Slenderman when I woke up."

I smirked at his response. "Do you know where the dining room is located?" He only shook his head.

"Alright, follow me then," I said. We both silently walked down the stairs without a word. 

As soon as we were about to step onto the floor he asked, "How long have you been here?"

"A few months after I was born," I answered. I opened the door to the dining room and saw the proxies sitting down while staring at us. We both took a seat and I had to break the tension. "Jeff, meet Masky, Hoodie, and Toby," I said while pointing at them. They all nodded once I said their names.

Soon Slenderman appeared and held 5 dishes.  He set each one in front of us and took a seat in his place at the head of the table.

(...)

After breakfast, Slenderman informed us more about Laughing Jack. Since I held a copy of the information, I was already aware of what we were dealing with. Seeing as we were supposed to go outside during the day, we couldn't wear our masks in public. For Toby's case, he couldn't wear his goggles. His mouthguard was necessary due to the gash on his face.

As we were about to head out the mansion, Jeff came running towards us. "Can I come along? I don't want to be alone here."

I couldn't help but cringe. "No offense Jeff but you don't look human with 'that'" I pointed out while gesturing his face and hoodie. His eyes and mouth would draw attention along with his blood-stained hoodie.

"I can just say it's tie-dyed."

I facepalmed myself and let out a heavy sigh. "What about your face?"

"I can always cover my beautiful face with my hood." He demonstrated by placing his hood up.

"Jeff, you could always wear a spare hoodie," Slenderman said after teleporting next to us. I noticed he had another white hoodie but was blood-stained free.

"Aww hell yeah."

(...) We made our way towards a carnival. Slenderman stated Laughing Jack killed children so I assume he surely has a secretive place here.

"How the hell are we supposed to find a specific clown when they're everywhere?" Jeff spoke out.

He stood beside me while looking down just so no one would notice his features. The other proxies were behind us but not so close seeing as it could draw attention.

"He looks like an emo clown which shouldn't be hard to find seeing as every clown here is rainbowy. I wouldn't be surprised if people confused you over a clown based on your face." I joked.

He scoffed at me. "At least I don't look like a wannabe ninja with that uniform you wore last night."

I immediately grabbed his hoodie and made him look at me. "I was trained to be an assassin, not a ninja so don't you dare get them confused," I warned him.

"Y/N do you think he's there," Hoodie said while pointing at something. I followed his gaze and saw a black and white tent at the end. There wasn't anything surrounding it since it looked abandoned at the end of the carnival.

I let go of my hold and started to walk towards it. "Only one way to find out."

As we were getting closer we heard faint screams. One might have guessed it could have been kids from the rides but I knew better.

A boy around  8 ran outside the tent and stopped in front of us. "Please you have to help me. This black and white clown is hurting my sister!" He yelled at us with tears in his eyes.

I furrowed my eyebrows. "Lead the way"

The kid nodded and held my hand while we walked to the tent. The proxies and Jeff were behind me and prepared for anything.

Immediately as we stepped inside the tent, I saw Laughing Jack poking a dead girl with his nails. It could startle anyone especially a kid but it made me smirk.

"Laughing Jack I think you're missing one," I said while carrying the kid. He tried to get out of my hold but was too weak.

Laughing Jack turned around to look at me while smirking. I gave him the child in which made him smirk wider.

"Let me go!" The kid screamed, knowing well what Laughing Jack was going to do to him.

When Laughing Jack was about to kill the boy, Toby yelled out, "Y/N w-what are you d-doing?"

I turned to look at the Proxies who were waiting at the entrance. The child stopped screaming which made me realize I missed out on his death. I saw that the kid had gotten his heart ripped out by Laughing Jack and laid on the floor lifeless.

"Toby you made me miss out on the fun," I groaned.

Laughing Jack brought my right hand between his hands while staring at me with a creepy smile. "And who are you, my dear?" He asked. "Why would you return my victim and enjoy my wonderful show?"

I sighed knowing well what he will respond to my answer. "I'm Y/N L/N. You probably heard of me already," I answered while taking my hand away and crossing my arms in front of my chest.

He raised his right hand on his chin and nodded. "It does sound familiar but I can't seem to place my mind into it"

"Perhaps this could help you. I'm in the urban legend with Slenderman. You know the tall, bald, faceless creature who has tentacles and will kill you in the forest," I said while rolling my eyes.

He wickedly laughed and nodded. "Haha, you expect me to believe that when you're a cosplayer?"

I sighed. "If you think we're cosplayers do you think this is real? Toby show him your check"

Toby hesitated but nodded. He took out his mouthguard and showed him his gash.

Laughing Jack shook his head. "Cosplayers do crazy things with makeup"

I facepalmed myself and looked at Jeff. "Jeff take your hood off."

"What? You said I'm going to look like a clown."

I looked at the proxies and moved my head to the left, signaling them to put his hood down. Toby and Hoodie both grabbed him by his shoulders and Masky pulled his hood down from behind.

Laughing Jack took a step behind and cursed, "Holy shit! What the actual fuck is that?"

I smirked. "This is the famous Jeff The Killer! So, now do you believe us?" I asked

Laughing Jack nodded. "Alright if that's true why are you guys here?"

"Slenderman wants to form an army filled with serial killers so that we can kill this demon called Zalgo. If you accept you get to live in this mansion with us and will be provided with food. If you don't then we have no choice but to kill you because no one must know about our existence," I explained.

"Fine, I accept." He snapped his fingers which made the dead bodies disappear. "So do I have to follow you or what?"

I nodded. I turned around and started to walk away knowing well he was going to attack me from behind.

"Y/N watch out!" Toby yelled

I bend down and grabbed his arm that was about to punch me and pulled him close to me. I turned around, twisted his arm, and held his neck. I then placed my leg between his and dropped him.

"What is up with you guys trying to attack me from behind?" I asked, remembering my encounter with Masky and Hoodie.

"Alright, I believe you," Laughing Jack said while groaning with pain.

(...)

After gathering Laughing Jack, we made our way back to the mansion. He told us more about himself and his abilities. I now understood why Slenderman would want to recruit him. Surprisingly Laughing Jack relied on us and didn't try anything else against us.

I knocked on the wooden door and waited for Slenderman's reply. I opened the door for the guys to go in. We walked in front of his desk with Laughing Jack in front of us.

"Good job my proxies and Jeff. You are dismissed besides you Y/N. Laughing Jack, please take a seat. We need to discuss something"

The guys nodded left the office which left the 3 of us inside.

"Our next Creepypasta will be Eyeless Jack. I do recommend reading his file seeing as we'll be dealing with a cannibal." Slenderman informed me.

I nodded and bowed down. I then left his office, eager to know what we were going to deal with. I couldn't help but think how would a cannibal help us in the battle with Zalgo?

I got shivers down my spine when I thought about Zalgo but soon relaxed. I kept assuring myself I wasn't the same person from 10 years ago. I grew stronger and prepared for the upcoming battle.

As soon as I went inside my room, I headed towards my cork bulletin board. I got the red marker and marked X on Laughing Jack's picture. As I closed the cap I looked at Eyeless Jack's picture and looked at his blue mask with black eye sockets. I looked down his picture and read Cannibalistic Murderer.

As soon as I finished reading all his information, I couldn't help but look at the other 4 future creepypastas. I saw a guy who had a white mask with a smile on his face. His name was Helen Ortis also known as The Bloody Painter.  A guy with yellow eyes and yellow strings was called Jonathan Blake, also known as The Puppeteer. A guy that looked like Link was called Benjamin Lawman but was referred to as Ben Drowned The last one didn't have a picture but his name was Liu Woods. I didn't bother to read their information seeing as it wasn't their turn yet.

A knock from my door interrupted my thoughts. I quickly went towards the door and opened it.

"It's time for lunch," Masky said.

I nodded. I took a glance at the board before heading towards the dining room.

Series Masterlist---Next Chapter -> (Chapter 6)

#creepypasta x reader #creepypasta #slenderman #ben drowned #toby #ticci toby #zalgo #lord zalgo #jeff the killer #bloody painter #puppeteer #creepypasta x y/n #masky #hoodie #splendorman #trenderman #offenderman #laughing jack #eyeless jack #homicidal liu

[leos-regression-cove]

All The Lessons I Never Learned

24. Halloween

Synopsis: The brothers meet with Mobius and Sylvie for a night of trick-or-treating, but when rain ruins it, they end up spending the night in with scary stories, movies, and candy.

Word count: 3309

Stand Alone?: 2/2

Warnings: bad creepypasta gore, wetting/diapers

Notes: When I wrote this initially (like 2 months ago) I was convinced Crimson Peak was a vampire movie. I have learned the hard way that it isn't but I chose to keep the vampire costume anyway.

Also, I finally took a proper course to teach me how to plot things and I'll be gradually integrating some of that into this fic. But it also means I have had to rewrite my existing chapters. Uploads are going to be less frequent than once a week.

Read it on AO3!

When Loki arrived to pick his brother up, Thor’s makeup was smudged, and his hair had gotten horribly in the way, no longer neatly pulled back in a ponytail like it had been that morning. He grabbed Thor’s backpack, and asked him to say goodbye to Sylvie, before they left. 

“Why so quick?” Thor asked as he was pulled out of his daycare. 

“We need to catch the early train so we have time to fix our costumes.” 

“Kay!” Thor nodded, running to catch up with Loki’s unnaturally fast speed walking. 

It was unusually dark for only a little after five, and although Loki didn’t think much of it, Thor did notice and tugged on his brother’s shoulder, asking him to look up before they walked downstairs to the train station. 

“Clouds are normal this time of year, brother,” Loki told him.

After putting on his costume and fixing his makeup-- which included an amount of gore that came off as very much overcompensating for the fact that he had littles with him-- Loki strode out to the living room to check on Thor, who was watching a musical program and awkwardly dancing around. 

“Hey, let’s get ready to go.” 

Thor’s eyes widened a little bit as he paused and looked at his brother, leading Loki to question if the fake blood and viscera splattering his mouth, chin, neck, and down his chest was perhaps too much, until Thor gave him the biggest, brightest grin he was capable of. “You look SO cool, bubba!” he squealed. 

Loki smiled, flattered, and then remembered what he needed to do to get his brother ready. “Thank you, brother. Now, let’s pause the tv so we can get you changed.”

Thor raised an eyebrow and crossed his arms. “Imma big kid!” 

“Have you been trick-or-treating before?” 

The little shook his head. 

“There won’t be a potty all night after we leave.”

“I can hold it.”

“Lets see your proof,” Loki sighed, removing the foam outer layer of the little’s costume before nonchalantly pulling the pajama-like zipper of the skeleton costume down. “If you couldn’t hold it on the train, you’re not going to hold up through this.” 

“Is not very wet!” 

“That’s true. But any dribble now means you’ll want some extra protection when we go.”

“Loki!” Thor whined with frustration, dragging out his name. 

“I’m sorry, but you’ll thank me later!” 

Loki grabbed his brother’s hand and had him lie down in the nursery. 

Thor grunted and grumbled about being put back in diapers, maturely taking the change and trying not to think about it. 

“It’s just for the night. You won’t even notice it. We wouldn’t want you to get spooked and have an accident!” Loki sprung forward right as he said it to tickle his brother.

The little squealed and giggled, and also unfortunately proved Loki’s point right on the open nappy beneath him.

“... We’ll have to try that again, now won’t we?” Loki asked rhetorically as Thor covered his face. 

After a more successful second attempt at a diaper change, plus face paint touch ups and a quick brush through of Thor’s hair before putting it back up into the cleanest, tightest ponytail he could, Loki’s phone buzzed with the “we’re outside” text.

Realizing there was a drizzle outside, he had Thor put on his dragon-printed rain boots, grabbed two umbrellas, one much more juvenile than the other, and considered pinning up the train on the back of his jacket, eventually just deciding to carry it with the little’s car seat as he made sure Thor had his trick-or-treating bucket in his hand. 

“Okay, let’s go, let’s go,” Loki repeated as he ushered the little skeleton taco out the door and down to Mobius’ car. 

Sylvie and Mobius both stared at Loki when he got into the passenger. 

“You copied!” the little girl yelled incredulously. 

Mobius sucked his lips in and tried to keep himself from laughing. 

Sylvie, unfortunately, did not find it as charming as everyone else did, almost throwing a fit. 

“Vampires are pretty common, sugar plum. I told you there would be other vampires when you asked to be one.” 

She crossed her arms about it. She had even known Loki would be a vampire, it was just that she hadn’t really seen him in costume until now. 

“What do you guys want for dinner?” Mobius asked once they had started driving. 

“Pizza?” Thor suggested. 

“Pizza’s too slow, we'll miss the parade!” Sylvie protested. 

“We’ve got time. Do you guys wanna do Sforno or Patsy’s?” 

“I want McDonalds,” Sylvie pouted. 

“Loki, you’re gonna have to help me out and be my deciding vote here,” Mobius said. 

“Why can’t you vote?”

Mobius shrugged. 

“Um…” Loki considered the trouble of ordering a pizza that would make everyone happy. “I think we should do McDonalds…” he said quietly. 

“Alright. Burgers it is.”

“We’ll have pizza another night,” Loki reassured his little brother. “But we’re not going to make a fuss over this right now, okay?” 

Thor nodded and set down the angry words he was going to throw at Loki. He did not set down the seat kicks though and made sure Loki knew he was at least a little peeved that his caregiver hadn’t taken his side. 

The drizzle turned into a torrential downpour, and the clouds were as dark as midnight. 

Mobius pretended this wouldn’t affect their plans as he led them into the fluorescent and dry haven that was the fast food restaurant. 

After they had ordered, Sylvie stood up on her knees in the booth. “This one doesn’t have a playground,” she whined. 

“Most restaurants don’t,” Mobius told her while beckoning her to just sit back down and eat. 

The littles talked about the big parade and American candies as well as big scary decorations and how excited they were to see a really good haunted house, while eating. 

Loki tried to make talk with Mobius but the other adult was unnaturally quiet, which created an uncomfortable and slightly suspicious environment. Mobius wasn’t a silent man. He was hardly a quiet one, but now he seemed almost stoic in his presentation. 

During the drive, Sylvie kept talking about the halloween puppets and costumes in the parade, but as the rain continued and no signs of any particularly festive traffic appeared, it became apparent to Loki that there was not going to be a parade tonight. 

Mobius remained silent, but began to frown and took slightly deeper breaths when Sylvie started to question where the parade was. 

He rolled down the window to talk to a man on the side of the road who had been directing people. 

“We had to cancel, the rain’s too heavy,” the man confirmed. He almost needed to yell over sounds of city-typical traffic and rain splashes.

“That’s too bad,” he told the man before rolling the window back up and looking back at the littles. “You guys hear that? No parade tonight.” 

“No!” Sylvie whined, kicking Mobius’ seat in a way that made Thor practically look like a mature adult, even though the other little was quietly brooding about it, himself. 

“Hey! Stop it with the tantrum, already, we’re still gonna do something.” 

“Trick or treat?” Thor asked, with only the tiniest dash of hope in his voice. 

“Well… no,” Mobius admitted. 

He began to drive back to his own home with both little ones making a fuss in the back of the car and judging by the frown, obviously didn’t feel too great about it-- this hadn’t exactly been his first choice either. 

He pulled into the small parking spot underneath his building, and tried to get the little girl out of the car, despite her yelling and protests. Thor was, luckily, a little bit easier to work with than that. 

Loki, slightly surprised by the realization, found himself to be rather disappointed too to be back at the apartment instead of enjoying the childish festivities of Halloween. 

Mobius turned on the TV once they got in the door and opened up a large bag of mixed candies, not unlike the ones that Loki and Thor had bought. He dumped the treats into a bowl just as a crack of thunder rattled the building. 

Sylvie hopped up and down before running to the living room window to watch but Thor had a rather different approach, diving under a blanket on the couch instead.   

Loki stopped searching through TV channels for an appropriate Halloween movie to stare at Thor.

"Brother, are you alright?" He asked.

Thor shook his head, remaining underneath the covers of a chunky crocheted blanket which had been draped over the arms. 

Mobius had also been alerted to Thor's upset. "Don't worry bud, I'm gonna make us some popcorn. That'll make you feel better."

Another crack of thunder pierced through the sky. 

Once again, the little girl tapped her feet excitedly, but Thor instead jumped into Loki’s arms.

"You? A scaredy cat?!" Sylvie asked incredulously, letting a smile show through. 

Loki held him the best he could, folding the foam taco part of the costume down so he could look over the tot's shoulder. He couldn't help being a little bit surprised when Thor turned around and tried to bury his face in Loki's shirt and nuzzle him.

"it's just thunder!" Sylvie almost yelled. 

"Different people are scared of different things, pumpkin," Mobius explained to the little girl, yelling over the noise of the popcorn maker. 

"Papa, what are you scared of?" She asked. 

"A lot of things,” he called back.

Loki sighed and set down the remote after realizing neither of the littles were particularly interested in a movie.

"Loki, what're you scared of?" Sylvie asked curiously. 

Loki paused to think about it, then had an idea. "Do you really want to know?" He countered. 

That only enticed her further. "Yeah!"

"It's probably too scary for you. Maybe I should just tell your papa instead."

"He's a scaredy pants like Thor! I'm not scared of anything!" 

"Mobius?" He called the other caregiver over, beckoning him with a wave of his hand as the adult entered the living area with a large bowl of popcorn. 

Mobius leaned down to let Loki whisper gibberish into his ear. 

"Absolutely not. That'll give her nightmares for weeks," he said gravely before setting the candy and popcorn on the coffee table in between everyone. 

Thor looked up with starry glassy eyes at his brother but didn't utter a word at first.

"Yes?" Loki asked. 

"I wanna hear, too," he said softly, twisting his hands into Loki’s shirt. 

“You can hear it when you go sit with Sylvie on the couch like a big kid.”

Despite this encouragement, Thor still whimpered and attempted to cuddle whoever was closest to him. Which ended up having to be Mobius, as he actually knew how to take care of a frightened little, as much as Sylvie didn’t want to admit he did.. 

“Once upon a time--” Loki began.

“No! You can’t start it like that!” Sylvie whined.

“Fine. Fine. Let me restart-- it was a dark and s--”

“No! Just start it!”

“Are you the one telling the story?” Mobius whispered to her. 

Sylvie shook her head. 

“A few years back a friend of mine bought her first house--” Loki finally began. 

“Who was your friend?” Sylvie asked.

“An old college roommate.”

“Was she a murderer?” 

“Sylvie, let him tell the story,” Mobius chided with a smile. 

“She had saved up for so long, and I pitched in some money to help her buy a small cottage like home in New Jersey--”

“Ooh, did you like like her?”

Loki frowned at her briefly. “Anyway, I helped her move in and for the first week or two life was great. But a few months in, she had a business trip, and I came in to feed her cats each day. One day, I got off work early, so I took an earlier train, but it seemed like someone was already there. All her clothes and kitchen utensils, cat toys, --all of it was ripped out and spread across the floor. I figured that perhaps she had been robbed, so I called her and asked if I should call the police. But… they didn’t do anything when they came by because nothing seemed to be missing. Everything she asked them to check was still there. Jewelry, televisions, an old computer, silverware. So, they told me to leave, and I did.”

“That’s dumb!” Sylvie said. 

Mobius hugged her close and told her once again that she could tell her own story after. 

“... and when I came back the next day, she was there and the mess had been cleaned… Or, at least, I thought she was there, but when I called her, she let me know that she was still in Europe.”

That gave Sylvie cause to give him a wide eyed stare, even though she didn’t seem to realize how interested she looked. 

“That understandably made me feel a little bit weird, so I tried to steady my nerves with a cup of tea and a rest, hoping maybe I could calm her pets down and kept talking to her on the phone, asking if maybe I should take the cats with me or--”

“Skip to the good stuff!” 

“Okay, okay. Well, the next evening, we were chatting about the conference while I drove her home, as she had taken an early flight home from, slightly on edge about the whole ordeal, but when we came back later in the day as it began to get dark and flicked on the lights, there was a moment of roughly five pairs of eyes on us. Human eyes.-- or something like it. There were people living in her home, taking her things, hiding in her attic and in the walls of the old house.”

“So what’d you do?” 

“That’s the thing… We just stood there for a minute before I started dialing the police and she ran in and saved the cats, fighting these people closing in on her in the process, and they never did anything about that. She had to come back and live with me until she found a new house. So…” Loki pondered, “I guess my biggest fear is having to live with other people!” he laughed, thinking the misdirect to be incredibly funny before straightening up as he realized neither of the littles had laughed, but instead looked slightly horrified. 

“That wasn’t scary!” Sylvie complained, her expression hardening. 

“I don’t think you could tell a better one,” Loki responded. 

“Yeah I can! Um, there was a furby an’ it was black an’ my friend’s mum boughtted it for her but it was really really evil-- With big white eyes-- but she was mad that it wasn’t the blue one so she was mad and it said bad words first an then it didded the thing where it had no eyes.”

“--Sorry to interrupt, what does that mean? ‘Did the thing where it had no eyes’?” Loki asked. 

“Like its eyes were gone… an it was just black so she put her hand in an it had meat on the other side with a empty eye socket! The meat stuff grew around her hands when she holded it? An’ it sucked her in and eatted her through its empty eye!”

“Ew!” Thor grinned while wrapping himself in the blanket further.

“An’ then, so they didn’t find her bones, it burned the house down and killed her family! Her brother lived though and he wore gloves and threw the Furby in the ocean where it got all crusty and gross, but didn’t kill anybody anymore… But then it ate the whole world and EVERYONE died! The end!”

There was a pause in the room. 

“...That was a very creative story,” Loki hesitated. 

“Sylvie, where did you hear that?” Mobius asked. 

She paused suddenly and fidgetted. “Um… I don’t know… I just kind of heard about it…” 

“Well maybe we should tighten some of the controls on that tablet of yours.”

“Pardon me for intruding, but um, isn’t it possible she picked something like that up at school? --Or made it up?”

“No it’s a real story,” she insisted. 

“You’re not helping me here,” Loki bit back.  

“Um, I looked it up because Yelena said her birthday one was haunted, too.” 

Mobius frowned. “And how big were you?” 

“Nine!” 

He considered for a moment, and wasn’t totally sure how to treat the situation. When he looked to Loki, all that was offered was a shrug. 

“Gosh you and your curiosity. Some things like that really aren’t good for you, y’know?”

Sylvie did not know but acted like she did all the same. 

“Why don’t we switch gears to something a little more age appropriate for a while? Maybe a movie? I think they made a new Hocus Pocus movie. That could be fun.”

Sylvie didn’t say much of anything on that subject. 

But Thor made it known that a movie sounded good.  

A couple hours passed lazily, with both caregivers and their littles feeling an equal amount lethargic and dissatisfied with their Halloween evenings as they realized it was much too late to do anything about it now. 

When he noticed that Thor had been sufficiently wrapped in one of the apartment’s couch blankets and held close enough to Loki that he felt he no longer minded the Thunder cracks or lightning flashes, watching the old fashioned TV screen with a glazed stare, Loki made the decision that perhaps it was time to go and get the little one off to bed. 

“Yeah, I think Sylvie’s headed that way, too,” Mobius commented, looking down at the little who was sitting on the floor, staring at the television sleepily with her head in her hands. “Do you need a ride home?”

“That would be nice,” Loki smiled before trying to convince Thor to get up off his lap. 

Upon getting home, Loki took off Thor’s makeup, as well as his own, and got the little one dressed in pajamas. He was quiet the whole time, hardly letting his voice come above a whisper as he used every tactic in the book for successfully putting a child down for bed. 

“And they all lived happily ever after. The end,” Loki said as he closed a picture book. 

“Um, Loki?” 

“Hm?” 

“Were the stories true?” 

“This one?” Loki turned the cover over in his hand. He scrutinized it. “I don’t believe so… I can’t imagine they’d actually let a chimpanzee into a costume party--” 

“No, the ones you and Sylvie said.” 

“They were made up. I promise. I’ve been living here a long time, and I can assure you that the only other people in this building are our neighbors. They’re all very strong. Miss H, a floor below? The little old lady? She’s a black belt. She’ll fight off any meanies.” 

The little smiled at the thought while Loki tucked him in. 

“And I haven’t heard of any world-ending apocalypse on the news lately. Not one caused by a Furby anyway…” 

“Um… I don’t have one… right?” 

“You’re safe, I promise. Neither of us own a Furby,” Loki tried not to laugh at this very serious concern. “Now go to sleep. I know you’re brave. No one’s coming to get you.”

Although he wiggled down quite a bit, and brought the blankets up to his nose. 

"That's the spirit," Loki yawned.

A few hours later, a booming crack of thunder nearly shook the apartment, waking Loki up from his peaceful sleep. He rolled over away from the window and wrapped his arms around a rather warm and cushy pillow. “Thor?” he asked. 

The pillow made a quiet hum back. 

“Child, are you alright?” 

“Mhm. Jus’ making sure you’re safe.” 

#caregiver!mobius #little!sylvie #daddy!mobius #marvel agere #fandom agere #loki agere #sfw little blog #agere blog #agere little #new chapter monday :) #all the lessons i never learned #sfw agere #marvel fanfiction #little!thor #caregiver!loki #age regression #fan fic #fic update #fanfiction #fanfics #my fic #ao3 #ao3 writer #ao3feed #archive of our own #fanfic #ao3 link #ao3 fanfic #loki fanfic #fluff

[draganasimpsforjeff]

Hunting Dogs (proxies x reader) Chapter One

This is based on the story of mine on Quotev but due to it being labeled and now taking off index no one can see it unless searching my username so I figured I’d also post it on here cuz why not? Plus I like tumblr better anyways*shrug*

"Did you check the perimeter?" A dark haired man with a feminine mask questioned to his younger colleague who nodded in response. "A-all clear." That was what he expected out of the younger man. A simple straight answer. No one had time to have an explanation during a high stress leveled mission. A man's hair was clenched in the dark haired man's hand. A rag was shoved into his mouth, only letting him breathe through his nose while his eyes budged out in fear.

"Masky, you know what needs to be done. " A voice changer broke Masky out of his stare at the old man and back to his original partner, Hoodie. "I just want to take my time, after all..Boss never mentioned a deadline." He chuckles darkly, bending to the height of the old man.

"We don't need to bring attention to ourselves. This city is highly populated and we can't risk being caught. Get on with it." Hoodie forces his tone down, but trying to remain his point clear about how this was not a   game. They were not in the Slender forest or their usual hunting grounds.

This was an unfamiliar city with not that many hiding places. The dark alleys being their own source of protection.

"Syringe. " Masky held out his palm, waiting for the messy haired man to hand him what he requested. Toby reached into his pocket, careful not to accidentally drop it or prick himself with it. He hands it over and Masky grinned behind his mask. Hoodie looked around, scanning the area high and low with his eyes squinting every now and then to make sure no one was hiding in the dark before crossing his arms tightly and watched Masky.

"Okay, pops. I'm going to ask you some questions, but I'll need to take the cloth out of your mouth. No screaming, got it? If you did, I will not hesitate to use this." He held up the syringe, the dim light post, providing enough of it's source to give the liquid a shine. His grin grew wider, flicking it and turns his attention back to the man at his feet.

He nodded and Masky considered him for a moment, reaching down and takes it out. "Now. Tell me, Paul Densie. Why did you think it was smart to go looking for our kind?" he asks as his eyes never left the man's face. He swallowed, breathing shakily before choosing his words carefully. "It was not my choice. They were strict orders. I wasn't suppose to be taking up that case, you have the wrong man."

"We never have the wrong man." Masky snickered and grabbed the man's face. "And why was it so important for you assholes to go searching? Huh!? What was the fucking point?!"

"Masky be quiet you're go-"

"Shut the fuck up Hoodie, before I plunge this syringe into you instead of him. " Masky spat with venom, turning his attention back to the old man, taking a quick breath, looking back up at the man. "Now...answer the question. " He was glad that it was dark out so the hostage couldn't see the insanity that was brewing behind his eyes. He wanted nothing man then to wrap his large hands onto the bastards neck and squeeze till his head popped off.

"A f-few of our men have been filed as missing. We had some of our coworkers do some tracking and along with the timeline, it led us to the ones we suspect now. And once we find those bastards, you pricks will be done for!" A hard slap echoed from his face and Masky grabbed the guy's collar, bringing him close to his face. "You must be the dumbest person I ever met if you think your team can even come close to us. You will never find us. And we will make sure of that. We do whatever we need to to protect ourselves even if that means killing every. single. fucker. that. gets. in. the . way. We have our own strict orders to follow and we go through them. After all, we are just a bunch of hunting dogs." He grinned, stabbing the man in the chest with the syringe.

The man froze with his eyes bulging out, looking up at the dim light before falling down to the concrete beside Masky's leg.

A loud gasp caught their attention and they snapped their heads in the direction to see a girl with a work uniform on, most likely one of the local restaurants on the strip. One command made her break into a run, following her trace and leaving the alley.

"Here you go, Mr. Saka. Your usual." Y/N smiles at the middle aged man who came in here at least three times a week.  He was the regular's that you have gotten to known pretty well. You were still a newbie when it came to this job, but you made it one of your concerns to get to know people pretty well. You had a fresh start and you didn't want it to be like how your life was before moving. You saved enough money from your last job when you lived in a smaller town with your mom, but things were getting too bad at home that you went to school full time and a job. You were in senior year of high school and now you just worked full time at one of the well known restaurants in town.

It was actually the first place you applied to. The hourly pay wasn't great, but it was enough and plus you made tips. One of the upsides to getting to know people in a city like this, especially with regulars was that they paid you decently. And it was mostly always busy during the day with people rushing in for their break at work or tourists, but at night it was mostly drunks or regulars or some Yelp reviewer...you had a lot of those, they never got off the company's back that you worked for.

But you hadn't messed up once so you didn't worry about it.

"Thank you, sweetheart. My, I gotta say it's like you practically live here. Do you work full time?" Mr. Saka asks, cutting into his pancakes. He was one of those people that liked breakfast food at night and you thought it was funny when everyone else was having dinner and he was the only one ordering a breakfast platter.

"Yes, well, I'm trying to have enough money to where I don't have to worry so much about bills or if I want to get enough food for the month. It's hard, yes, but that's the adult life I guess." You sighed, running the damp rag across the counter, cleaning up from the last customer.

"Just try to take care of yourself. I would hate to see you get burnt out from all the hard work, besides, you're my favorite. " he sends a playful wink before drowning his pancakes in syrup. You chuckled, breaking into a small smile. "You're my favorite too, Mr. Saka. "

"Y/N, you may clock out if you like. We have a newbie coming in tomorrow and we might need you to come in early for an extra pair of hands." Your boss says, looking over the time sheet. You nodded, sighing a little as you hated coming in early especially when you thought you were going to have a short shift tomorrow. "Alright, I will. Goodnight everyone!" You said, sliding your time card in and clocking out. "Have a goodnight, Mr. Saka. Stay out of trouble." You give him a small pat on the shorter, sending him into a fit of laughter.

"As if!"

You chuckled once more at his comment, opening the door and walking out. The air was a bit chilly and you were glad to have brought your hoodie. It wasn't the thickest, but it covered you up. So, it did it's job.

As cliche and dumb as it was, you usually took shortcuts home. The city was too alive at times like this, making it nearly impossible to not be trampled by other people or take nearly an hour to get home. With a short cut, you cut the time in half. It was still exhausting after a long shift at work, but it was something.

You heard shouting and stopped dead in your tracks. You heard an old man speaking and furrowed your eyebrows. Should I see what is happening? Call the cops? Turn around and leave? What?

But before you could register what your body was doing, you moved away from the shadows and gasped at the sight of an man, sending a needle into the old man's chest and watching him fall to the ground.

Three heads snapped at you and you cursed silently, before turning your heel in the opposite direction, waiting for the signal to break into a run.

"GET HER!"

So here's the first chapter. I hoped you liked it and there might be chapters with cliffhangers, so expect that. This is going to be a dark creepypasta x reader, so if don't like that then don't read any further as topics will get triggering, just a warning also gonna use tags so maybe you guys can find it easier cuz i don’t know how to do masterlist

#creepypasta x reader #proxies x reader #myoriginalwork #HuntingDogs

[hit-me-with-a-ladle]

Ch. 4 of creepypastas x fem!reader

a/n im sorry fot not consistently posting these past few months ill try to do better. have a great day and I hope u like the story

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The morning arrived quickly, and the sun came glaring its obnoxious rai’s into the girl's semi-resting face right as Jack barged into the room, slamming open the door waking the girl, holding dark blue coveralls. "Wake up," He tossed the clothes in her face. "And get ready it’s time for your training." He mused wandered out of the room, somehow slamming the door even harder than before. With a loud annoyed grunt, she stood up from her bed and changed into the new uniforms, as she was changing, she realized just how dirty and raggedy her old clothes were.

After finishing up, she went downstairs and saw Jack leaning on the wall with his arms crossed while looking down, "Hey, so when do we start." She asked, approaching him. "Well, when you eat breakfast. I'll be waiting outside." He stopped leaning and neared the door, right as he was about to leave he said: " Oh, and you don't need to worry about coming on time, I don't mind someone being late for a few minutes, just don't over-due it." Without another word, he went outside. She could see him walking away from the cabin through the window right next to the front door. Sighing, she stepped into the kitchen to get something from the refrigerator (Which seemed to be working somehow in the middle of the forest), ' Strange' She commented while starting to make herself breakfast. When she finished she got ready to leave.

As she was turning the knob, she stooped, ' Wait, should I do this? I mean from what I heard it's not going to be easy, so should I use this chance to escape?' Stood there, contemplating, she didn't know what to do. But after a few minutes, she finally made up her mind. 'I don't even know where this forest leads. And if what they're saying is true, then the only way to leave is by some portal. I should be careful and get on their good side first. I'm just going to play it safe for now. For all I know, they could kill me at any second if I do something stupid.' With that ultimate thought, she reluctantly twisted the knob and stepped outside. With one foot out the door, she released a breath she didn't know she was holding. But couldn't find him outside ' Oh yeah, he went somewhere.'

Glancing around, she realized there was a narrow pathway in front of the cabin. "I guess I should follow it, shouldn't I?" Begrudgingly, she started walking through it, and after ten or so minutes, she finally arrived, well she assumed she did. Noticing Jack was slouching on one of the tree stumps in a big clearing. "So you eventually decided to arrive, huh?" He spoke up sarcastically.‘what's this guy's problem, he said I could be a little late!’ she remarked. "But we mustn't postpone this any longer, let’s just start already."

Standing up from the stump, he rolled up the sleeves of his jumper as the girl approached him. When she got closer, she noticed his skin was ash grey. It was safe to say she didn’t expect it. Jack always wore black gloves on his hands so she never noticed his ash skin. A shiver went up to her spine though she didn’t want him to know. I doubt once laced her mind of this man’s nature it was all surely gone now. He truly wasn’t human like the girl suspected. Shaking her head to avoid stressing about it she slowly approached him once more.

"Now you need to know how to use your whole body in a fight. Building up muscle strength and being flexible is the most important thing to work on at this moment." He looked around while explaining. “So I want you to get warmed up, stretch, and then after your done I want to know how you fight and at what level you're at the moment. Do I make myself clear?" He sternly explained. The girl looked at him and replied with a simple "Sure" and started to warm up. After a bit, she finished and informed him. "Excellent, now let's begin." He nodded as he neared the middle of the clearing, the girl soon following, she stood across from where he was standing.

"Now I want you to attack me, and don't hold back, give it all you've got." He looked at her and got into position so he can defend himself when she would strike. She at first didn't know what to do. Standing there in front of him for a few seconds, contemplating how to attack. After some time, she chose to start with a simple kick then improvise afterward. Getting into a fighting stance and as hard, and fast as she could, she tried to kick him. But Jack's reflexes were inhumanly fast, as soon as her leg tried to make contact with his torso he grabbed it and tripped her. "You're as slow as a snail," He looked at her and chuckled, "Well you didn't have to throw me that hard," Complained in annoyance she started to get up from the ground.

"Don't complain and try again." When he said it she jumped to her feet. Without any warning, she tried to punch him in the jaw. He ducked and hit her in the stomach, hard. She bent, feeling a sharp pain, ' Goddammit, when did he have the chance to hit me?' She questioned in shock and looked at him, still holding her stomach in pain. ' I'm not going to let him think he got the best of me that easily,' Noticing that Jack was very close, she took that as an opportunity to catch him off gourd and tackled him to the ground and get on top of him.

She tried to punch his face, but he turned his head to the side and evaded her swing. Shoving her off, they both stood up quickly. She attempted to kick him again, though this time much faster than before, he dodged. She tried to strike him multiple times, but he always seemed to avoid her blows, it almost appeared like he was playing defensive just to aggravate her. He started to snicker when he noticed the irritated and tired look on her face, " Are you going to give up?" He asked, toying with her." Never.” She said and tried to trip him. He jumped right as her leg got close to his. Again she attempted to hit him, but no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't get close enough to get a good blow in, so finally decided to play dirty. Waiting for him to get close, faking that she was going to hit him, and quickly got to his side and used her whole body weight to wrestle him to the ground.

There was a lot of struggle to keep him there, so she chose to use the same trick she used on the masked man that fist attacked her. Right as the moment came, she shoved her leg in between his. He seemed to be in a great deal of pain and didn't seem too happy either. Roughly, pushing her off him and getting on top of her. Putting his hands around her neck and started to choke her. She didn't want to die, so she started hitting him as hard as she could in the face and eventually got a good punch in and made him loosen his grip and she forced him off of her. "What...The HELL..is wrong...with...you." She yelled in between violent fits of coughing. "I Told you that this wouldn't be easy, and stop coughing we have five more hours to train before lunchtime." He said bitterly while dusting himself off.

A soft, "Oh, no." Was the only thing she could say, shakily getting up she got ready to fight again.

#creepypasta #creepypasta x reader #creepypasta x you #eyeless jack x reader #eyeless jack x you #reader #slenderman #reader x character #fictional characters #character x reader #character x y/n #ben drowned #ben drowned x reader #masky #marble hornets #ticci toby #tim masky #masky and hoody #ticci toby x reader #fanfiction #fan fic

[olivedoesmagic]

Glitchcraft notes!

Click read more! for full notes~ this lecture covers, tech magick, pop culture magick, reality shifting, working with fictional characters, misconceptions, deities, spells, and general stuff!

Source: Steller.Chaos’s discord lecture

It’s an umbrella term, for a bunch of things that fit a bunch of categories, mainly it’s more modern uses of things, such as pop culture magick, shifting, working with fictional magick, tech magick, elemental magick, electricity magick, that’s what it is. We’re gona go over things it contains and the basics of how to do a lot of it. Because it’s alot of it. It’s alot “easier” then alot of forms of other magick.

Tech magick is doing magick with tech, electronics, devices. #shufflemancyerasure. Kind of like using your devices. Like you can do spells with using you phone and only your phone. You know how some people write sigils in their phone, draw them in their phone- you know how some people do youtube playlist to their deities~ that can be tech magick. Using tarot apps, as divination.

Side note: you can manifest stuff on minecraft and “loe”-steller does this all the time. You can also do minecraft divination. Cue- Loe’s tangent on minecraft and his gods, it really was riveting but kinda hard to take notes on. ^^;

You can make a playlist of intent, as a spell. Another form of pop culture magick that you can do that is harder to do is, plain work (which is beyond the physical) egregores, those are spirits that are manifested from collected ideas, and you can go to certain places on the astral that are very similar to fictional worlds YOU DON'T HAVE TO SHIFT FOR THIS their very easy to find, if it is popular you can find it, in the Astral.

Egregores are just like their fictional counterparts. Your not going to be “fuking special” if you find “Bakugo” in the astral, he’s “probably going to be an angry dickhead” these spirits exist, but your not going to be special,be careful what you see is what you get. You can work with these things, yes you can work with the marvel version of loki and thor, yes you can work with the percy jackson -sigh- versions of greek gods. Yes they have -sigh- probably had versions of greek gods. Loe doesn’t know how that went down. Just a word of warning: do not try to work with the fictional and the actual at the same time! Not a good idea! Loe advises against working with two Lokis at the same time! He doesn’t think someone can handle that!

Don’t let this scare you away from it or anything. Just know that it can go wrong, like anything else.

It’s excellent and very fulfilling! Just keep in mind when working with fictional characters, you’re getting Egergores and theirs lots of different versions of them! Be very VERY careful working with questionable fictional characters like creepypastas or sangwoo. Just don’t. Not gona help you if you do. If you have to work with your “comfort character” Loe recommends the “reality shifting thing” which we will get to in a moment.

If you want a deity that will help with pop culture related magicks, CHAOS is recommended.

Reality shifting isn’t technically pop culture magick. But it’s often used as such. So many people use it to get to “fictional” realities. Like hogwarts, or boku no hero academia. That’s why it’s under the branches of pop culture magick. Of course people aren’t going to believe you about reality shifting. It’s an “insane” concept. You are literally telling somebody, you can separate yourself from your body to explore the multiverse, of course people aren’t going to believe that! You can’t really be mad about that sort of thing.

Quantum psychics is literally magick. It literally is everything “we’re doing” it literally says witchcraft is real. The law of attraction- witchcraft, it measures vibrational frequencies, it’s how witches are able to obtain energy, and put it back out there in the world, because of science, because of all of that. Quantum physics literally came out with the multiverse theory, theirs multiple versions of it! But it’s how reality shifting is real and it itself, is very very magickal.

You can literally do a spell to shift. 

Love spells are inherently immoral. Spells to manipulate other people’s emotions are inherently immoral. Spells to make people fall in love with you are “still bad”. Theirs no such thing as “a consensual love spell” and even if they were “that’s still bad!”.

You can make spells with anything. You can use harry potter spell books. Don’t use “gavada cadavrah” “I swear to god!” -Loe. Also by the way, you can evoke energies from fictional characters, in your magick. Basically in your magick it’s like evoking intent. Basically you can even evoke the energy of video games! It’s really hard to explain what exactly evocation is! You're really trying to feel what whiteness is. Their not exactly feeling through you. 

People who say that they’ve committed mass murder in the multiverse are liars! You literally CANT do that. You will go to jail. The multiverse has rules and regulations. You can’t go to the multiverse and go bossing around people, you can become a professional shifter, what you guys are doing is not a professional standpoint and we’re not talking about it here, Loe personally uses Standford Pines for reality shfitings (SPOILERS FOR GRAVITY FALLS) he literally is perfect for gravity falls, because he kept storing his time in the fuking multiverse, he had a journal that he let Loe read, because they became friends, and Loe still does alot of work with him sometimes, but they haven’t done alot of work together lately. There is a certain point where you can get to, where shit will happen.

The amount of time someone should stay in a reality realistically is about 6 months. That’s after you’ve been doing this for YEARS. After you’ve been doing this for years, after you’ve been doing this for a long time. That’s the longest you should go. You can have pop culture mentals, and it’s almost different then work with a deity, it’s different. He doesn’t know how to explain the difference but its *different*.

Clones don’t make sense with the concept that they are supposed to be. The new term, Loe aka Steller found. It’s a new term that explains being in two places at once. It’s called “bi-location”. Basically what people describe when they are reality shifting. It’s bi-location, not clones. People would say you can customize your clone, like a fuking sim, but it’s not a clone, it’s your alternate self, this is just you.

Also we’re gona wrap up the lesson here!

#pop culture magick #reality shifting #tech magick #fitction #glichcraft #lecture #notes

[project-rosewood-476]

Every Rose Has Its Thorns Chapter 1

So I’ve finally decided to post the first chapter of my creepypasta fanfic Every Rose Has It’s Thorns. This is based on an RP that I’m doing with @creepypasta-shtick so this takes place in their universe that they created so a lot of this were their ideas too just as much as mine. You should go check them out!. Maplehood creek, Rosewood Prep, and Tabby Anderson belongs to me.

Every Rose Has Its Thorn

Chapter 1

Tabby Anderson laid awake staring blankly up at the ceiling. She was replaying the last months worth of events that happened in her life over and over again in her head. Like a broken record. Over the course of a month she watched the ones she held close all jump to their deaths one by one while everyone’s cheering drowned out her own screams of terror. She could still hear the breaking of the glass window as Horatio, the guy who made all of her friends jump to their deaths, forcefully shoved her fist through the window. It was an unforgettable sound as it would be one that would haunt the rest of her life. She let out a silent gasp as she clenched her bandaged left hand from the phantom pain. She no longer had any use of her left hand as that was gone forever now. Living as a constant reminder of what she failed to do.

She winced from the fresh bruises and scars that never healed as she turned over to her side as she looked at the alarm clock. It read 2am in big red numbers. She let out an audible sigh and she squeezed her eyes shut as she banged her head over and over again on her pillow. Insomnias a bitch as it was but it was even more of a bitch to deal with when your stomach is empty and your mind is full. She realized that she had school in a couple of hours with the strict regimen that her stepdad had her on.

“On top of no sleep for tonight I also have to deal with another day of hell at Rosewood Prep and another day of hell at home too. All by myself”, She said in thought.

She looked around at her surroundings in her room. It was pretty minimalist for the most part. She looked at her dresser with the lopsided mirror that made the shadows in the room dance. She had her Rosewood Prep uniform laid out for the next day. She had her stack of unfinished homework that she didn’t finish on top of the school textbooks. She would scramble at breakfast tomorrow before she went to class to finish the homework. Laid on the side of her school books and homework was her black bag that she’s had since forever. She then looked at her closet door that was slightly ajar. There was nothing in it except for a few nice shirts and a lacey pale blue flower dress that hung up in there.

Tabby flopped back onto her pillow as her eyes made their way back up to the ceiling. She wasn’t sure just how long she could make it at Rosewood and at home since it was just her now. I mean her only motivation for living was taken from her and Rosewood wasn’t a place you could survive on your own. She didn’t know if she could make it to graduation. She then came up with the dawning realization. One that made her bolt up straight in her bed with her unnaturally wide eyes growing wider. If she stayed any longer she would be killed for sure, whether it was by Horatio, her step dad or herself. Either way one of those three would get her it was only a matter of time. Tabby couldn’t die not yet at least. Not until she fulfilled her promises of avenging her friends and killing Horatio once and for all. She got up and winced at her bruises that were still tender. She got dressed in a white tee shirt and black jeans with faded dirty pink converse. She got her black bag and began to pack. She packed a couple of photos, one of her mom, stepdad, herself, her older and younger brothers, one class photo in the 8th grade that was just her and her now deceased friends, a picture of her little brother, and a couple of sketches of her that her best friend Autumn made. She then packed some clothes, hair brush and toothbrush. She was about to sneak out when she realized she forgot the most important thing. Tabby ran back to her dresser and took out the money she’s been saving for the last two years from her job at the This or That restaurant and her red plaid jacket that shes had since the 6th grade. It was enough money to buy a bus ticket and have a little leftover to live until she found a job and got a stable income. After she pocketed the money safely away and tied her jacket around her waist, she snuck out through her window.

Tabby landed with a soft thud on to the ground she laid there for a bit and groaned. She got back up and brushed herself off and picked up her bag and slung it over her shoulders. Tabby took a few moments to appreciate the peacefulness of the night. For it being in the middle of November it was surprisingly warm. Must be one of those freak mother nature weeks or something. She could hear the few cars going by occasionally and there was no sound of people. She could hear the wind rustling through the trees that were the woods surrounding her town. Tabby knew that there were shortcuts in her section of the woods that led to the next town of HolyAnn. That was where the bus stop was and where she could buy a bus ticket and get out of Maplehood Creek for good. Tabby kept her back to her apartment complex and ran straight into the woods and never looked back. Ever.

Meanwhile deep in the heart of the woods, the whimpering of the woman before them was not stirring Hoodie’s sympathies. She could shake and cry all she wanted, about how she needed to get home to her children and husband. Hoodie didn’t particularly care all that much. Masky turned to look at Hoodie.

“Hm, do you think we should let her go?”, he asked in a taunting voice clearly mocking the poor woman’s pleads.

Hoodie and Masky loved to toy with their victims. In Toby’s opinion, it made them take too long to get the job done. However, the creativity and cruelty the two of them displayed were why they were some of the Slenderman’s favorites. Toby noted that they were only violent with victims around each other. Solo missions and missions with only one or the other resulted in the two being much less brutal. Though, Toby noted, Jeff was much more crazed and violent than these two. Toby’s head snapped up when he heard the woman scream in pain. He did not turn to see what one of the men had done to her. Someone in the woman’s family was trying to get information about the Slenderman. Killing her would be sending a message. Toby continued to stare off into the woods, knowing the direction he was staring into was where several houses were.

Tabby continued to curse herself as she got deeper and deeper into the woods. She was clearly lost but she refused to admit it to herself. She then heard a woman’s scream. Tabby’s fight or flight instinct kicked in and she was on high alert as always. She thought she was running away from the danger only to stumble upon a masked man, a man with a frowning mask, and a man with orange goggles and the corpse of the dead woman. She locked eyes with the orange goggled man. She unfortunately has the freeze response so she couldn’t run or fight even if she wanted to at this minute. Tabby was a pitiful sight to see. All covered in various bruises and scars of different colors and sizes, unnaturally wide, haunted hazel eyes that were colored underneath from lack of sleep and were slightly sunken back due to malnourishment. Her cheeks were slightly hollow also due to malnourishment and she stood in a potential fighting stance that exposed her bandaged left hand. She quickly realized that running would ensure her getting killed. If she was going to die she was going to die with what little dignity she had left and face death face on, She wasn’t going down without a fight.

“Oh fuck…”, she let out quietly.

Like with everything else in her life she had the misfortune of being at the wrong place at the wrong time. She was having a flashback to when she was 12 with a similar situation with her step dad happened. Death was not new to her; she was the least fazed by that. She was more worried about her own survival at the moment. She shook her head to get rid of the flashbacks and to focus more on the situation at hand. Should she go with the situation or fight?

It did not matter how quiet the girl was. Hoodie and Masky have been doing this line of work for a long time. They were also blessed by the Slenderman with practically supernatural senses. Hoodie stared coldly at the girl. Masky chuckled.

“Well, well, well what do we have here?”, he said looking at the frail stranger in front of them.

Toby continued to make eye contact with the girl. He recognized the signs of abuse and neglect and had a flashback of his own. He had been hiding in a closet with his older sister. He couldn’t have been more than eight or so at the time. He remembered his father yelling and screeching at his mother. The sounds of a fight and his mother screaming. He remembered footsteps stomping up the stairs and his father calling for his sister and him to come out. He remembered his sister covering him in towels and blankets to hide him just before his father opened the closet. His sister had saved him from a beating that night.

He snapped back to the present when he heard Hoodie speak, in his raspy quiet voice.

“Let’s just kill her there’s no point in leaving her alive”

Masky seemed to be considering that.

“Alright, Hoodie, you-”

“No”, stated Toby abruptly.

“I’m sorry what?”, asked Tabby surprised.

The two men stopped and stared at the newer proxy.

“Don’t be ridiculous”, Tim began to lecture Toby.

Toby, however, stood his ground.

“No let’s just let her go”, he stated

“Are you fucking stupid”, Masky stated coldly, “That is a major breech of conduct”

Toby shook his head, ”There’s really no point in killing her”.

Hoodie just listened as the two men began to debate. He personally figured that killing the girl was unnecessary as they were not ordered to do so. However, he realized that they just couldn’t let her go either.

Tabby rolled her eyes and crossed her arms in defense. Although she looked like a mixture of ready to either bolt or fight.

“Oh please killing me would be a sweet blessing compared to the 17 years that I had and specifically with this month in general”. She stated.

She didn’t dare look at Toby for too long as she quickly learned growing up that if she looked at someone directly in the eyes for too long, it meant a challenge and resulted in a sure beating.

“If I do get let go I’m going back to where I live, clearly I picked a bad night for this and didn’t think this through enough. I’m going to find that bottle of whiskey in the cabinets that I know damn well my parents have hidden somewhere and I’m going to drink myself to oblivion and forget this encounter ever happened”, Tabby added out loud talking more to herself than to the others. She hasn’t been killed yet so staying and going with the situation was her best option.

Hoodie spoke up.

“Are you sure you’d go back home?”, he asked bluntly.

Masky glanced at him. It was like he could sense that Hoodie was analyzing the kid.

“I mean you’ve just gotten away from em, hm?”, Hoodie prodded as he gestured to her black backpack.

Hoodie was known for being scarily perceptive. Even Masky was staring at him.

Tabby huffed and pushed her hair back.

“I…have nowhere else to go but if I stayed I would be dead in the very near future. So I was running away. But obviously this is a bad night to do so, clearly I didn’t think this through enough and I have one other to protect…”, she said defensively.

Masky hummed.

“I think that if living is such a hassle to you then-”, he was cleaning the bloody blade off his jacket.

“No! Lets not kill her-!”, Toby intervened again.

“Why?”, asked Tabby quietly.

Toby looked at the girl and then looked down.

“Because I understand what you’re going through”, Toby whispered.

Hoodie pretended that he hadn’t heard what he said while Masky scoffed and was about to argue again when Hoodie spoke up.

“Let’s take her to our boss. Let him decide”

“Hoodie! He has to ask to see a human. Just simply bringing one to him-”, Toby protested.

“It’s better than letting her go”, said Hoodie with a shrug.

Everyone looked back at Tabby for her decision. It was either this or death. Her options were limited.

“Alrighty lets see here….I can’t run….That would ensure my death and I’d be hunted down for sure…I can’t fight all three of you at once….I really have nothing to lose anymore….so going with you guys seems like the best course of options to ensure my survival for now…I really don’t have much of a choice now do I?”, she took a deep breath, stood up straight and looked at them with an emotionless expression, “Lead the way I guess. The sooner I know me fate the sooner I can carry on with my life dead or alive”

Hoodie nodded, ”You’re right. Even if you ran or even if we let you go our boss would have us hunt you down”

Masky nodded and perked up.

“I’m impressed with your ability to make a rational decision in a life or death situation”, he mused, “Toby. You walk with her and make sure that she doesn’t try anything”

They were going to break the rules just this once. Maybe the boss would take pity on the girl. After all, he’d done the same with Toby. Toby went to stand next to the girl as Masky and Hoodie led the way deeper into the woods.

Tabby moved a couple of steps from Toby to give him space. She just looked at the ground praying that he wouldn’t beat her or kill her. Not yet. She walked with Toby not daring to speak. Being used to sneaking around she was quite stealthy. She made very little noise to where you would almost forget that she was walking with you. She was fidgeting with the hem of her white shirt like she was wringing someone’s neck. Even though she showed no emotion. She was anxious. Her anxiety was skyrocketing. She had to fight the urge to run every time she heard a noise. Her eye twitches occasionally. That was due to her being taken off meds that she didn’t need because doctors refused to do diagnosis correctly.

Toby had no intention of harming her. He could tell that she wasn’t doing too well, and he couldn’t really blame her. They passed the corpse of the dead woman as he followed the two older proxies. Hoodie and Masky were having their own conversation ahead of them. Toby decided to try to chat.

“Er..I’m Toby”, he stated, “What’s your name?”

He really didn’t expect a positive response from her. Why should he? He knew that she was probably freaking out. He did too when he was put in this situation.

“My name is Tabby”, she replied looking at Toby for a quick moment.

She looked wary and cautious but decided to show no fear. Hoodie and Masky paused in front of a haggard old tree with the boss’ symbol carved into it. Masky pulled off his glove and pressed the symbol with his bare hand. It began to glow faintly. It seemed like the woods grew darker, as if shadows were melting and joining together in some kind of macabre dance. Toby remembered being absolutely terrified of the opening of a portal when he was new. Especially a portal that led right into the heart of the Slenderman’s domain.

Tabby kinda looked up and around her in a mixture of awe and mortification. She stopped fidgeting slightly occasionally wringing her shirt before catching herself and smoothening out. She was desperately trying to show no signs of weakness despite how she looked.

Toby understood. Hoodie went through the shadows first and just seemed to vanish. Masky nodded to Toby and Tabby.

“You two are next Toby will lead the way”, he said.

Toby smiled at Tabby reassuringly.

"It-It’s just cold”, He assured her. His face twitched a bit. Damn it he had been doing so well so far, "It won’t hurt or anything.”

Tabby gave him a hint of a small smile although she was still suspicious and didn’t trust him or any of them for that matter one bit. Her eye twitched again. But she didn’t raise herself to be a little bitch so she jumped through the portal after Toby. She hid her left arm behind her back to avoid any questions about her hand.

It was cold and dark. Toby felt his feet hit something soft and cold. The ground always felt off. He heard the sound of a lighter clicking, and turned and saw Masky behind them with a lit lighter. The small flame wasn’t nearly enough to fully illuminate the entrance, but it was enough. Hoodie was waiting for them near what looked like a thick wall of foliage. Hoodie had his arms crossed and looked a little impatient. They had to take a walk through the Pocket to even get to the boss’ place, which would be dangerous for the human, as she was, well, a human that wasn’t a pet in a haven of killers.

“We don’t have all day.” Hoodie said firmly.

“I’m here” she said rather defensively.

“Good”, Hoodie stated.

Now he took off his glove. Masky protested a bit.

“I can do it, my glove is already off-”

Hoodie ignored him and sliced his palm slightly. He waved his hand in a way that would splatter the blood on the plants. Just like that, they slithered back, creating a doorway that seemed to lead into a huge town. Hoodie walked resolutely forward. Masky sighed and put his glove back on.

"You two go after him.” He said.

Tabby nodded not looking at him. She quickly walked a little ahead of Toby but she wasn’t more than an arms length away from him. She looked around at her surroundings. It was very different from her hometown where the only sinister thing was Rosewood Prep where she goes to school. She was used to the feeling of darkness making observations to herself.

Toby offered her a small smile.

“Make sure you stay close…” he warned her quietly.

Tabby nodded slowly, slowing down her pace to be evenly matched with Toby. She was careful to avoid eye contact with everyone.

The town was bustling. Toby saw some people he knew outside. Clockwork’s bar was bustling with activity. He could see EJ perched on a bench, eating…something. Judging from the blood splatters on his hands and clothes, Toby figured he knew what it was. The sky was clear and very dark. There were a bunch of plants and trees that Toby knew no human would have ever seen before. It was a very colorful place surprisingly, save for the pitch black sky and dark ground. But it was always cold. And it always felt a little off. Lights floated against the sky, giving the illusion of some sort of stars. The town was also illuminated by lamps and the lights from the buildings.

"It’s…different….definitely not like Rosewood Prep" she said quietly more to herself.

Toby nodded.

“Yeah. That’s the school in the town right?” He asked.

He was homeschooled so he wasn’t too sure. Masky walked behind them and Hoodie walked in front. A woman in a tight black dress and a wig stopped Masky temporarily and handed him a file. He seemed to thank her and continued to follow them.

Tabby nodded politely as she walked by the woman.

“it’s one of them unfortunately. There’s also Maplehood Creek elementary school. I went there for the first 4 years then I got transferred over Rosewood” she gave him a bitter smile and a bitter laugh “In Rosewood you’d either have to be very rich, mentally disturbed or very intelligent to get in. And I’m two out of the three” her eyes showed a dark, pained haunted expression.

Toby nodded. He understood.

“Yeah, I’ve heard that about that school.”

He looked around, then whispered.

"That woman that gave Masky the file used to go there too. You probably didn’t know her or anything but she did go there.“ He stated earnestly.

It was true. Jane had gone there. Toby knew several others who had gone there too.

"I never went to school so…well I did for elementary but that didn’t go too well for me.” Toby said.

Masky was glancing through the files.

She showed an expression of understanding and relief, “so they’ve probably have horror stories of their own about that place”.

She looked at Toby “don’t worry it didn’t go too well for me either that’s why I got transferred”

She remembered her first day at that sinister place. Meeting her first real friend and making her first sworn enemy and accidentally witnessed Horacio physically torture some poor kid. All at the ripe old age of 9 years old.

Toby nodded.

“Yeah. That school is absolutely ripe for producing people like, well…” He gestured around at the people in the town, “It’s why where you live is such a hotspot for, well, paranormal activity as well as people like me.” He explained.

He didn’t want to go into detail about his hellish elementary school days. He knew proxies who would watch that school day in and day out because of all the people that would just snap there.

She looked at him. “I now see why you guys didn’t decide to kill me… Makes sense I’ve always been able to see paranormal shit all my life from the time I could remember…I guess that I’ve always had some sort of potential”

she gave a bitter laugh.

“Who knew that my step dad would be proven wrong about me. The shit I saw and went through made me the survivor that I am today and I don’t mean to undermine your hellish experience but to me that sounds like heaven compared to Rosewood. I wish I had your elementary experience”

She hesitated for a minute before her expression turned dark, fearful and pained.

“Are you aware of anyone named Horatio Galloway?” She asked quietly

She held her bandaged left hand close to her.

“Ha, well I mean if you define "heaven” as being relentlessly tormented by all your peers, having a hate club made about you, and being put in the hospital twice by kids older then you then I suppose so.“ Toby smiled.

"Also, usually we kill people who are sensitive to the paranormal. Well, the people who work for my boss do.”

Toby was silent after being asked about the stranger.

“I’m not, I’m sorry. Though someone else here might be aware of who he is.”

“I had all of that and more. I’ve been put in the hospital more times then I care to remember”, she physically flinched as she felt the phantom pain of her hand and the beatings of her step dad.

"At least you didn’t watch the only people who were the closest thing you had to a real family jump to their deaths one by one at the hands of Horatio. And there was nothing I could do about it”, she went quiet.

“I-I said too much. It’s not really anyone else’s business”, she tilted her head to the side thoughtfully, “hm…if I die I at least will be with my friends again…hopefully” she sighed “that’s fine…I’ll get my revenge eventually…if I live long enough…”

Toby nodded. He understood. He spoke.

“My father liked to say that my sister died in a car crash. She was in one, that was true, but the reason it killed her was because of a head wound my father had given her. The car cr-a-ash-”, he stopped and cleared his throat, “was simply just an excuse.”

“Dads aren’t shit”, she said as she playfully punched his arm gently with her right hand with a small smile.

Toby understood what it was like to lose people. So did a lot of the folks here. They soon were heading up a steep hill towards a monolith of a mansion. It was beautiful, with sprawling gardens and marble columns. All three of the men quickened their steps towards the metal gate, which swung open to let the group in. It seemed that whoever or whatever was inside was expecting him. Toby figured Masky had let the boss know. All proxies could communicate telepathically with their boss. But only their boss.

She almost forgot about her anxiety as she was talking to Toby. Her anxiety spiked up as she was about to receive her fate. She went back to wringing her shirt.

“Its so strange…I might die at any minute now and I’m strangely okay with this. You know death was very real to be growing up. I knew I’ll die any day now whether I’ll do it myself or someone else would”, she shook her head, “I just never expected my death to be like this. This turned out to be a longer night then expected”

Toby patted her shoulder.

She dodged his touch and then offered him an apologetic smile.

“Sorry instincts”

“I’ll vouch for you.” He said simply.

“What if that’s not enough? What if I have to die anyways regardless?”, stated Tabby.

Hoodie led them up the stairs to a huge door, that also creaked open invitingly. The inside of the mansion was beautiful, with golden curtails, matching rugs, and wooden floors. Two people in matching masks and uniforms closed the door when Masky had stepped through. Without a word, they both gestured, at the same time, for the group to follow them.

Tabby whistled and was impressed at her surroundings.

“This is so much better than my apartment…”

Toby glanced at Tabby.

“Disgraced proxies.” He explained, then mentioned he would explain everything later to her after the conversation with his boss.

“Oh…”, she nodded an okay as he said that he’ll explain later. She sincerely hoped that she would be alive for the explanation.

She made the sign of the cross and put her hands together in a silent prayer and followed them. She stood up straight with her hands to her sides and kept a neutral emotionless expression for first impressions.

Toby understood. There wasn’t much he could do for her except put in a good word for her. Masky looked like he had a bit of a headache. The two people in the pearly colored masks eventually led them to a heavy door. One of them pushed it open. This room was darker than the rest of the mansion. It was cold. Painting of landscapes hung on the walls. It seemed to be some sort of sitting room. In the corner, on a plush armchair, rested a tall imposing figure. As soon as Hoodie, Masky, and Toby entered the room, they approached the chair and kneeled. The proxies in the pearly masks kneeled right next to the door, allowing Tabby to go in. Tabby entered the room cautiously and looked around. Tabby didn’t know what to do. She saw everyone else kneeling so she did the same too. Wincing at her bruises as she did. She looked down, not daring to speak or look up until she was spoken too.

The room seemed to rumble as the figure in the chair spoke.

“Masky…why have you brought this human here?”, It was a smooth, but chilling voice.

Masky remained kneeling, and addressed his creator.

“Conflict in the group as to what to do with her, sir.”, Masky said.

The being chuckled coldly.

“How silly. Why did you not just do away with her?” The being asked.

Masky sighed, and responded.

“Some in the group believe there is no purpose in killing her.” He stated firmly.

Toby was muttering something under his breath, over and over. “Cruel but fair, cruel but fair, cruel but fair-”

There was only one thought in her mind, "is this really going to be the end of me?”

That was when Toby stepped in.

“Sir! Don’t punish my teammates for what I did. They both wanted to kill her but I suggested bringing her to you! I figured she…that she could be useful, maybe. Even if you just let her go, sir.”

That’s when Tabby stepped in.

“Now wait a minute! If anyone should be killed it’s me!”

She quickly turned to the being.

“Sir with all due respect, I should be killed. I was the one who made the stupid decision to run away from home. I was stupid enough to stumble upon them doing their job. I never should have ran away in the first place. I was stupid enough to not run away from what I stumbled upon when I had the chance”

she said more quietly, “sir please don’t punish them for my own stupidity. It should be me and me alone. I’ll take the full blow if I must and even if it includes death”, she looked down.

Toby looked at her in shock, hoodie sucked in a breath, and Masky sighed, facepalmed and shook his head.

She realized her mistake but it was too late to take it back. The damage was done. She was sure for certain now that she’ll definitely be killed now. She waited for the consequence.

“Silence.”, The figure said, waving his tentacles threateningly.

"I hold these men to a higher standard than mere humans. However…“, The being cocked his head. "I’ll admit that usually the humans brought before me simply beg for their life. You did not, which…amuses me.”

“Oh…yeah I forgot about my own life for a minute there…uh….spare me? Please?”, she said awkwardly not really putting much effort into it.

Toby perked up. She might just be spared.

“You simply were at the wrong place at the wrong time. Normally, I would have you slaughtered anyways.”, the being paused.

The proxies remained kneeling. The Slenderman seemed to settle.

“Since you have amused me, I’ll put your fate in your own hands. You can choose to die, in which case I shall send you out with either Knot or Paene.”, he gestured to the two proxies in the pearly masks, “Or, you could stay here, and see what we can make of you.”

“You mean if I choose to stay I can live and eventually get my revenge and a new life?”, she asked in disbelief.

She thought about it, “but if I stay I’ll never see my mother or little brother again…” she then remembered that her mother and little brother were treated better than her. He would never beat them, only her.

"They don’t really need me…and I have nothing else to lose… and I have been asking for a second chance at life since I was 12…“

She looked at the being making her final decision. As she said something that she didn’t believe, "I want to stay”. Meaning that she wants to live.

"Very well.“, the powerful being said, and offered her his hand to shake. He could sense something in her that was…darker.

Tabby gave him a firm handshake with her right hand to seal the deal.

"You may stay with either Masky, Hoodie, or Toby.”, the being said.

"I’ll stay with Toby", she quickly looked down. Her chances of surviving would greatly increase if she stuck to him for now. Besides he was nice to her and spared her life so she kinda owes him.

Once she proved herself useful, she could have her own home. Until then, she needed a mentor and someone who could explain the new life she was given. The being nodded to Knot and Paene to show the group out. He actually had some business to attend to with Masky and Masky only, and it involved the files he had brought to him. The Slenderman nodded, and sent her, Hoodie, and Toby out while he spoke with Masky privately. Toby was happy to at least be able to help her adjust. He hoped she’d be able to make the cut. Even though he was new, he was still a decent proxy meaning the apartment he had had two rooms and enough space for them to live comfortably. Jane was their neighbor along with a few others Toby had never met. Tabby followed Toby closely; she was careful not to stare as she was Generally polite for the most part. She saw a doctor with stitches going across her. She made damn sure to avoid her since she didn’t like doctors. She saw an eccentric child playing with LJ, the Doll maker and Jason the toy maker. She saw two boys arguing with each other that reminded her of an old married couple.

Toby was thinking.

“We can get Jane to make you a mask.”, he said, “I think you might like her."

Tabby looked offended, "what’s wrong with my face? Is it because of my eyes?”.

She did have unnaturally wide eyes. She often got picked on for them. People called her wide-eyed, bugsy, googly eyes ect…

“No, no it’s nothing to do with your face!”, Toby assured her, “It’s just that people like us wear masks. It’s kind of like our new identity. But any face covering works, really.”

They passed a haggard, tall, skeletal thing with long tangled black hair. The creature’s limbs were covered with dirt, mud, blood, and other…things. It watched Toby and Tabby continue on, mouth ripped open and hanging near its collar bone. It stared with its yellow blank stare. They passed a tall man with broad shoulders, very attractive and charming-looking. He was holding a cat in his arms. He looked relatively normal. They finally made it to Toby’s apartment building.

She looked at the apartment complex, “it’s a lot nicer than my old apartment…”

She didn’t look at the other people as she didn’t want others to kill her. He led her into the lobby. The lobby was empty, save for a lady at the front desk. She looked normal, save for the fact she had no eyes and her mouth was stitched shut. She was doing paperwork. Toby didn’t seem to mind.

“Come on!”, He said, a little excited to show her where she’d be staying.

Tabby gave him a small smile and let him lead the way. Toby let her into his apartment. It was oddly clean despite being lived in by an 18 year old boy. The blinds were open. There were a few dishes on the sink but nothing too unclean. The walls were a light green with dark brown trim. It was a decent place. A little cat slept peacefully on the couch. It was quiet besides the humming.

“Your room will be the door right next to the hall closet.”, he stated, “My room is locked, so don’t worry about getting into the wrong room.”

She nodded in understanding as she took in her surroundings. She dropped her backpack in a corner and slowly walked up to the cat cooing at it. Not daring to touch it until she gained its trust but it’s evident that she has a soft spot for cats.

“Your apartment is nice and it’s relatively clean…I always had to play Cinderella at my old apartment”, said Tabby.

Toby smiled.

“I just like being in clean spaces.”, he said, not wanting to get into the reasons for that.

He introduced the cat to her. The cat’s name was Nugget.

“She was a stray. I found her beating the crap out of some raccoon so I took her in. She’s a real big baby.”

Nugget remained asleep, obviously unbothered by Tabby’s presence.

She nodded, “so do I. I have Bad OCD”, she left it at that not wanting to get into the reasons for that.

"Nugget is really cute. I love cats"

“Well, lucky for you, Nugget loves sleeping in your room so you may wake up and find her next to you.”, Toby said with a smile, “I’ll give you some time to settle in.”.

“Okay” she picked her back pack up and went to her room.

It looked the same as the rest of the place with the same colors just smaller. There was already another bed with a small bedside table and a small dresser with a mirror on it. She unpacked. She only had a week’s worth of clothes for summer and winter and like 3 pairs of pjs. She put socks and underwear in one drawer, shirts in the next, pants in the next and then pjs in the next. She hung up the plain pale blue long sleeved dress that she had in the closet. She put her hygiene products and feminine products in her closet. Lastly she took out the two pictures that she had and put them on the nightstand. And she took out a couple of sketches that her best friend Autumn made for her. They were both of Tabby in different poses. She laid them on the bed. The bed was bare as there was no bedding on it. She’ll buy frames for her pictures and bedding for her bed once she got money. She’ll ask later if she could hang stuff up on the wall.

Toby busied himself while she got settled into her new room. He had done the dishes from what he had managed to eat that day and checked on the food he had. He was running low, but thankfully he’d soon be paid for the mission with a bonus, as he was now training someone. Proxies got paid per mission, though it was always possible to get money on the side. The longer and more complex the mission, the more pay you’d get for it. Toby had finished cleaning up his mess in the kitchen and was looking over his mission schedule for that week. He had given Jane a call to let her know her services would soon be needed. He figured that a friendly female presence would help Tabby adjust to this place, and he knew the moment she had her mask was the moment she could go around The Pocket safely. Jane would make it to her liking. Toby knew that while he’d be the primary mentor, there were things he could not teach her and would need help with. He also knew that he needed to explain the rules.

She sat on the bed and looked into the mirror and took a good long look at her reflection and took the time to process tonight’s events. How fucking quickly her life changed from running away to becoming a proxy.

“Wtf actually happened? How did I survive this?”, she said out loud to herself.

Toby knew his schedule was clear the next day. That would be good. He figured that they soon would need to get something to eat but Toby didn’t feel it was a good idea for Tabby to go out too far without a mask. Not wearing a mask made you a target for the malus population, or even sometimes higher ranked monsters or other proxies. It was deemed unacceptable to not wear one unless on a stealth mission. Thankfully Tabby has bad social anxiety so it’s unlikely that she’ll ever venture out by herself. If anything she’ll venture out if she had too only with another person with her. Toby knew that she would have to make friends to survive for long here. It was always best to have someone in your corner unless things went to crap. Thankfully Toby knew some decent people who could definitely help her out of her shell a tad and also would be loyal. She decided to leave Toby alone for now since she didn’t want to get in his way and bother him. He knew where to get her if he needed her. She just flopped on the bed staring up at the ceiling. It’s insomnia week so she’s not going to sleep for a couple of days. Her anxiety died down and the adrenaline wore off.

She talked quietly out loud to herself, “Alrighty ground rules. Don’t speak unless spoken too. Only make eye contact for a little bit when someone is talking to you. Always be polite and respectful, fight if you have too, just keep your head low, stay out of the way and if someone asks you to do something quickly, quietly and efficiently”.

She nodded as she agreed with the rules that she made for herself. She gave herself a little pep talk.

“I survived Rosewood for the last 8 years. I can survive here. This is no different from Rosewood only the steaks are higher. I can live with that. I’m sure there’s a weapon store somewhere here. I can buy some weapons to defend myself with when I absolutely have to go alone”. She took a deep breath “I’m finally going to do it Autumn…I’m going to avenge you and the others….just hold on”

Toby knocked on her door, and let her know he was going out for groceries. He told her Jane would be over in about fifteen minutes to start working on a mask with her and asked her if she needed anything. He was planning on just making some simple food for dinner. Jane was a very talented mask maker, and Toby knew that she would do a good job with Tabby’s. Toby had a bit of a flashback. When he was new, still slightly burned and bruised from the fire, he was sitting down on some stone steps outside a building and he was crying. He remembered feeling a tap on his shoulder and seeing Jane sitting next to him. She was ranked lower than he was, she had explained, so he could feel assured she wouldn’t hurt him. He remembered her taking him back to her apartment and making him some food before showing him where he was supposed to go. Jane was an incredibly sweet person and was able to make people just open up to her. She did a lot of espionage missions and did a lot of work with stealth.

Tabby opened up the door and nodded.

“Do you think you can buy my two frames? About an 8 x 9? And at least two knives for me to defend myself when I absolutely have to go alone? And some bedding too?”, she added quickly, “if you don’t want too that’s fine! I can wait until I get my own money! I don’t need anything fancy! Just something sturdy and simple. And something warm. I don’t want to be a burden on you. I can take care of myself! I don’t want you to think I’m trying to take advantage of you! I’m actually really grateful!”, she babbled on as she fidgeted with the bottom of her shirt and looked down prepared for the harsh comeback.

“It’s okay! I can get that for you. Any specific colors you want for the bedding and the frames or should I just get stuff that matches the room?”, Toby asked.

He had no problem providing her with stuff. She was a guest in his home and he would be a bad host if he didn’t help her out. Plus she was in a new world with new rules that probably seemed a bit hellish. If he could help in any way he would be happy to.

“Oh, and I’m grilling some chicken and making some salad for dinner. Is that okay or do you want me to bring you back something?”, he asked.

“Teal…I like the color teal…it’s my favorite… as for the frames just simple black ones will do. No need to be fancy.”, she added quietly.

She listened to him when he said what he was making for dinner, “That’s fine I’m not a picky eater. but I have to watch you make it because I don’t trust anyone to make my food unless I’m watching or if I’m making it myself. It could be poisoned. No offense to you".

It was common knowledge at Rosewood that you don’t eat the school food as everyone’s caught Horatio poisoning the food more times than not. So everyone brought their own lunch and the kitchen shut down.

“Okay, that’s fine with me.”, Toby assured her, “You can even help me cook it if you want.”.

He understood. When he first got to the Pocket he was given to an older proxy to be trained to who called himself Demitrius. Toby had been training with a girl named Farrah. Demitrius despised them. He was so awful to them, which they both had to take as they were new. Then they had both started getting sicker and sicker. Farrah had found out that they were slowly being poisoned so they were both moved to different mentors. He didn’t feel like explaining that however.

“I’ll make sure I’ll get you what you need, okay?”, said Toby.

She nodded as she sounded relieved, "Okay. I’m pretty good in the kitchen myself”.

As she’s always had to cook dinner for the 5 of them, the people she lived with. On top of her working at the This or That restaurant.

“Okay thank you”, she ventured out to the living room as she sat down on the edge of the couch since he mentioned that a girl named Jane was coming over soon.

“Okay, I’ll see you.”, Toby said with a smile. He turned and left the apartment with a list.

Soon enough, the door slid open. The woman from earlier came into the apartment. She was tall, and wearing a very pretty painted mask and a wig. She had changed from the dress from earlier into a long sleeved t shirt and jeans.

“Hey hon! I’m Jane.”, the woman said with a kind voice.

She quickly looked up at her, “hello my name is Tabby”, she quickly looked back down again as she was fidgeting with her shirt again. She was covered in bruises and scars old and new. And her bandaged left hand was obvious.

She stood up trying to be a good hostess, “would you like anything to drink? I’m sure we only have water here for now”.

Jane smiled and shook her head.

“No thank you, I’m good.”, she said.

Jane noted her bruises, scars, and her hand. She gave her a smile.

“I was asked to come here to discuss the type of mask you would like.”, she said tentatively.

“Hmm…I don’t want anything too fancy as I don’t want to drag attention to myself more than I already will since I’m fresh meat…and something of a teal color”, she was thinking as she made room for Jane to sit if she wanted to.

Jane sat next to her with a smile, “Hm, teal, that would look nice. You won’t be fresh meat for long, but I understand wanting a plain mask. Maybe a golden design over the teal? That could look very pretty.”

Tabby nodded excitedly, “yeah! Like golden spirals in different directions”

Jane nodded, “That could be pretty.”, she sketched out a tentative design and showed it to her.

“Yeah…”, she just stared for a couple of minutes as she was having a flashback to when Autumn was alive. She was the artistic one in the group. And was also her best friend/big sister. She was always showing Tabby her sketches.

She shook her head to clear away the memories.

“Like that”, she confirmed.

“Okay! Anything else? Would you like me to paint the lips, add any engravings, stuff like that?”, Jane asked.

She remembered one older proxy, about 40, who had lost his entire group in one mission. He had come to her and had her engrave their names on one side of his mask.

She hesitated for a minute, “could you engrave 14 names in the inside of the mask? And paint the lips black please?”.

“Okay, lips black. Can you write out the names please?”, Jane asked, handing her the sketchbook and a pencil. She would be more than happy to.

Tabby took her sketch book and wrote down the names ‘autumn, ora, Emma, heath, Gavin, Donny, Rebecca, Mitchell, Morgan, jewel, Julie, Caleb, Riley, Emmy, and Daniel’. She handed back the sketch book.

“Okay. I’ll carve them on the inside of the mask.”, She said.

She figured those names carried sentimental value to Tabby.

Tabby looked up, “thank you”, and she looked down.

Jane nodded, “I’ll have it done by either tomorrow or the next day, okay?”.

Tabby nodded, “yes that’s fine. Take all the time you need. I don’t plan on going out anytime soon”.

“Of course. I’ll get it ready.”.

“Okay then”, Tabby wasn’t really good at holding up conversations as she never really got too much socializing. Especially if it’s a stranger.

Jane smiled.

“Would you like me to leave, or would you feel more comfortable with someone else in the apartment?”, Jane asked with a smile.

“Oh you can stay if you want if you’re not busy”, she won’t admit it but she didn’t want to be alone in this strange new world just yet.

"I’m not all that busy. If I could bring some of my mask making stuff over here that would be great.“, Jane said. She understood

"Yeah that’s fine. I’m sure Toby won’t mind as long as there’s no mess afterwards”.

"Oh I won’t make a mess.“, Jane said peacefully. She said she would be very fast.

”Unbelievable“, she said in thought, ”I’m talking to a killer…I’m having an ally ship with two of them so far“, she shook her head, "my life really did take a drastic change”

Jane went to her apartment and soon came back with all her supplies. She could get three of her orders done if she worked fast. Jane began to chat with Tabby as she set up.

“So Tabby, you’re very new, hm?”.

“Yeah my life turned into this in one night. I was honestly not expecting this to happen. Originally I was running away”, admitted Tabby.

Jane nodded. She understood. She began making the mold for one of the masks.

“I understand. But this will be a pleasant change, you’ll see.”, Jane promised, “Revenge and whatnot is quite exhilarating”.

She shook her head slowly, "I hope so. I’m just doing it because I know I can’t die and go with my friends without avenging them while he is still out on the streets and in school. Someone else will suffer at his hands and I’ll be damned if someone else has to suffer by the hands of him like I did”, she said quietly.

“I think I know who you’re talking about.”, Jane said, “And…if it’s any consolation at all, ghosts do exist and several of them have contact with other dead folks. There may be a way to talk to your friends, albeit temporarily.”, She set the mask cast to dry and made another one.

“There’s only one I would like to talk to one last time. I owe her everything after all she did for me”, she said quietly. She then changed the subject.

“Toby said that you also went to Rosewood Prep”.

“He’s right. I used to. I still have human contacts in there.”, Jane said. She set a fan on the first mask as she finished the second one.

“So how long ago was that? What was it like? Was it still the same students who were just as corrupt as the teachers? Was it like the hunger games where you had to be on guard and fight every day to survive only with more rules and regulations? What horror stories do you have of that place?”, she asked excitedly. She never met anyone who lived long enough to get out of Rosewood. Normally the people who do got the fuck out the first chance they got and were never really heard from ever again.

“I was there two years ago, actually. I’m still pretty new here myself. I…I have a lot of stories.”, Jane said.

She shifted anxiously, “I once got caught stealing food from the kitchen, and they locked me in the sports shed for almost a week. They poured water on the ground for me every day and I had to lick it up from the ground. Teachers would have favorite kids and that would keep them out of trouble. Rich kids were treated much better. Anyone who made lower than a C on anything was punished. Sometimes they would lock kids who were hallucinating in the upstairs bathroom and just leave them there. I have so many.”

“Horatio Galloway” Tabby’s face paled and her eyes were wide in fear, “most of my horror stories had to do with him” “rarely did I ever get into trouble with the teachers. I was always a straight A student. It’s only when I got into trouble for skipping classes because of Horatio”.

“I think I remember him.”, Jane said, “I didn’t get in as much trouble with him ever. I did okay in my schooling but I was rebellious.”. Jane set the second mask to the side, and started on another.

“It was probably a good thing that you’ve gotten punished for stealing the food. It was probably poisoned by him. I’d rather be locked in the sports shed than have a slow death”, pointed out Tabby.

“It was before the food was prepared. I wasn’t stupid. I took fruits and veggies and unopened pre packaged things. They were denying a friend of mine food. I got caught after she got to eat.”, Jane spoke with some pride.

“Good for you”, Tabby said proudly.

Tabby then looked down and her voice quivered, “then you must be aware of the Rosewood massacre that happened a month back”, She rubbed her left hand.

Jane’s eyes darkened, “I heard rumors about the massacre but don’t know the details. Several of my friends are still there…”.

“I can tell you the real full story. The massacre as they called it really did happen. I saw it with my own eyes but being the person that Horatio is he made damn sure that I couldn’t do a damn thing about it”, she gave a bitter laugh, ”always had it out for me since day 1".

Jane looked sadly at her.

“I’m so sorry you had to be there.”, Jane said softly she began to paint the first mask, a pretty lavender mask, “Talk about it only if you would like to.”

She sighed and thought about it for a while. She’s never talked to anyone about this.

“It…was homecoming…you know at Rosewood how each homecoming is a different theme every year. This year was carnival themed. Which I don’t like as it is because I have a severe distrust of clowns. Too many horror movies growing up you know? Anyways my mom decided to let me go to the event and she and my grandmother came with me. That was the catch. Horacio was standing at the entrance dressed as the ringleader handing out pink candies that were laced with LSD to everyone. You should know at Rosewood it is common knowledge that you do not take anything that Horacio gives you. Whatever it may be. I didn’t take the candy because I knew better. I tried warning my mom and grandmother about it but they wouldn’t listen. I was too smart for his bullshit but not smart enough. I couldn’t find my friend group anywhere. But I knew that they were here so I didn’t worry about it too much and I’ll find them later. So I got to the seats and watched the show which was quite boring since I wasn’t hallucinating from the candy. But the last act though. It was outside. I saw all my friends lined up on the rooftop of the school and it’s a fucking tall building. while everyone was thinking that they were doing some acrobatic tricks i watched them jump to their deaths one by one….i was screaming and crying begging someone to help but all ignored me and i couldn’t shout because they were too far up hear me and I couldn’t break into the school either. i couldn’t do anything. later on the LSD wore off and they were mortified to find the 14 dead bodies. all confused on how it happened. So they deemed it the Rosewood Massacre. After the show was over I confronted Horacio about what he did. I attacked him to strangle him. My goal was to kill him. but the problem was that we’re too evenly matched with each other. in strength and intelligence so it turned out to be a fist fight. we did a good amount of damage to each other. until he caught one of my punches and shoved my fist through a closed window shattering the window and every bone in my hand. i had to get the glass surgically removed as it was deep in the tissue so i can’t feel a thing in my hand anymore and they had to set my hand for the broken bones to heal. But since doctors refused to do their jobs correctly they set it wrong so it healed wrong and now my hand is paralyzed. he took everything away from me! My family! My home! My motivation to live then! and my hand!”, she was more hurt than angry.

Tabby quickly looked away to recompose herself, “I’m sorry for the sudden outburst. I never talked about that day since to anyone before”.

“I understand.” ,Jane said softly. She had been letting the lavender mask dry so she could paint flowers on it and had been working on the second one, listening to the subject.

“I’m so sorry.”, Jane said softly, “I understand what it’s like to lose everyone. A lot of the teachers at that school were just plain cruel, and I still don’t know how and why the human government hasn’t shut down that institution or why parents won’t stop sending their children there. No one deserves to lose people the way you did."

"That’s because the shit they do there is unbelievable. No one would believe them if others heard their stories. I don’t know about your parents but mine didn’t believe me either and neither did my therapists”, explained Tabby.

The second mask was a half white and half black one.

“We can get you an appointment with the Puppeteer perhaps. He can just drain your sadness away.” The Puppeteer was highly sought after for his empath abilities. It comes back after a while unless he numbs your memory, but it’s nice to feel peace just for a little while.“

She shook her no.

"No thank you. I don’t like my mind being tampered with. I’ve been through 7 psychologists. I don’t need anyone else. My sadness, anger and grief is my motivation to put Horacio Down once and for all. I can have peace of mind after that”, said Tabby.

“I understand. He doesn’t tamper with your mind though. He feeds in negative emotions so you can at least get a bit of sleep and have a moment where everything feels okay. And you’re right. My parents didn’t believe me either. All my letters were monitored as I lived in the boarding section.”, Jane said, “My parents didn’t believe in therapy, so.”

She finished up the first mask. It looked lovely and glossy.

“As much as that sounds nice. I can’t sleep even if I wanted too. I have insomnia and narcolepsy. So it’s a hit or miss”, explained Tabby. “I’ve heard horror stories about the boarding section. I guess I was considered lucky enough to be able to go back to the place where I lived”.

“Oh, he can deal with that too.”, Jane said, “He’s honestly a blessing. And yeah. The boarding rooms were awful.”, She didn’t want to go into too much detail.

"Maybe I’ll think about it" , she nodded in understanding. She learned in order to keep a friend you don’t push boundaries and you don’t ask too many questions.

“So Tabby. What do you do for fun?”, asked Jane, changing the subject.

“Fun?” she asked, confused. She had to sneak around after school or at night in order to have some fun as her step dad was a cruel and strict man.

“I normally like to read and write, have time to myself to philosophize. I liked to hang out with my friends whenever I could. Listen to music”, Tabby finally said.

"Ah, I see.” Jane said. “Those are fun hobbies. What do you like to write?” She asked. She had stenciled out a white design for the black side of the mask and mirrored that design in black for the white side. The third mask was hardening.

“I like to write fiction. Darkly realistic fiction. Sometimes free verse poetry”, Tabby said.

“Oh, that seems fun.” Jane said, continuing her work on the masks. She checked the little black clock up on the wall. “Toby will be home soon.”

“Yeah. Although I left all my written works back at Rosewood. I didn’t think to bring them back to the place where I lived. I didn’t exactly plan on running away. It was a spur of the moment type thing you know?”, she nodded, “I’m not too worried about him. He seems like he’s the type that can handle himself”

“Ah, I understand. Maybe you could get Toby to get you some notebooks or something to write in.” Jane said. “And you’re right, he most definitely can. He’s pretty strong.”

“Maybe and that’s good I guess”

Jane finished up the second mask and began working on the third. She looked like she was thinking.

“Has Toby told you the rules yet?”, Jane asked.

She shook her head no, “I know that there are rules and guidelines. I figured I would ask him later when he got back”

"Ah. Well, if you’d like, I could start filling you in.” Jane offered.

“That would help out a lot. The more I know the less of a chance I have of being killed”, said Tabby.

“Okay. I’ll tell you a few of the official rules then.” Jane said, adjusting her position and making sure her mask was secure. “First of all, there is a hierarchy here that is absolutely set in stone. Since you’re a proxy, you’re lower in the hierarchy, but you are not the lowest of the low.”

“Sounds like my position in any life in general but okay what else?” She asked.

“It’s best to try to consort with your rank and above. So for you, that would be other proxies and monsters. The higher beings are not likely to befriend you so I wouldn’t bother.” Jane explained.

“So like you and Toby for example?”, asked Tabby.

"Not me, actually. Toby flaunts a few of the rules because he’s popular. I am actually one of the lowest in the hierarchy.” Jane said with an awkward nod. “It’s not like you’d be punished for speaking with me or anything like that. People would just look down their noses a bit at you.”

“That’s nothing new to me. I can live with that. Who would be my best chance to make an ally with, the higher proxies I mean?”

“Hm. If you want high-ranking proxies that are pretty friendly, then believe it or not, Masky would be your go to guy. If he’s not trying to kill you, he’s very pleasant. Clockwork is another proxy I would chat with if I were you. She runs that little bar a couple minutes from here. Kate’s not high ranking, but she can pull you a lot of favors because she knows people. There are a few monsters who don’t care too much about the hierarchy either.”

"He was trying to earlier. If it wasn’t for Toby I would mostly likely be dead in the woods. I’m avoiding him for a while. I could give Clockwork and Kate a chance once my social anxiety dies down and when I get the courage to go out on my own willingly. Anything else that I need to know?”

Jane nodded. “Yes. Relationships with humans that aren’t mission-related or cleared by your boss as allies is VERY against the rules. It will get you put down to my level.”

Tabby nodded slowly “well I’m too fucked up for a relationship. I’m sure no one would want me anyways…The man I loved is dead now. No one will replace him. So I can have allies but it has to be cleared by the boss first?”

“Yes. By allies I mean humans who are aware of our world and have chosen to side with us.” She was painting what looked like a galaxy on the third mask. And I would be careful. You may find someone and it may shock you. I didn’t expect-“ Jane stopped then continued painting in silence.

"You don’t have to say anything if you don’t want to. I’m not the one to push boundaries. And that makes sense. What else do I need to know?”, asked Tabby.

"Treat all gifts with suspicion. Even if they’re from people you know. There are a lot of backstabbers here.”

“I’m highly intuitive and I have serious trust issues. I don’t trust anybody or anything. Unless I see them making it or doing something with my own eyes. I’ve already came up with the conclusion that this is no different from Rosewood. Except the stakes are higher and I have more freedom for the most part. If we survived Rosewood for that long we can survive here”. What else?“

"You’ll find that this may be a bit tougher than Rosewood, mainly due to the missions. This is a very high stakes job. Many proxies die young. But it is also so rewarding too, really. Cause once you root yourself here, you’ve got some people that have your back.”

"Well then I guess I’ll have to do my best not to die. I’ll try to keep myself alive for as long as possible. Is there anyone I I shook steer clear away from? Like a red flag warning?”

“Jeff.” Jane said firmly. “Ignore him. Don’t do favors for him and don’t let him do favors for you. Ever.” Her hands remained steady even if she was freaking out.

“Is Jeff to you like Horacio was for me?” She asked quietly. “I’m good at ignoring people. I ignore people like they are the plague. I’m antisocial af”

“Well, he set me on fire and murdered my family in front of me, so yeah, I’d say so.” Jane said. She said it in a way to make it seem like it didn’t hurt her but it was easy to tell that it did.

“Horatio can’t get me here…can he?” Her voice quivered and her eyes were wide with fear.

“Horatio is just a measly little human.” Jane said. “After you’re trained and fully transformed, he won’t really be able to harm you on his own. You could absolutely humiliate him.

"But he’s always been 10 steps ahead of me…I couldn’t even get close enough to kill him and believe me I’ve tried countless times…what if he’s still 10 steps ahead of me after I transformed? All my efforts would be in vain”

“He won’t be. Like I said. He’s just a stupid human. You will be able to get rid of him with no sweat.”

She sighed the problem with Horatio was that she and him were too evenly matched. In intelligence and strength. She just uses her intelligence differently than he did.

“I’m sorry for what you went through…including the stuff with Rosewood. I really am. What else do I need to know?”, asked Tabby, changing the subject.

“It’s fine. I’m coping okay. You should probably know that the ghost community is a great community to be friends with.“ Jane admitted. "They’re everywhere and they can get into places for you.”

She nodded “I’ll try talking to them at some point”

"I can easily introduce you to almost anyone you’ll need to know. When you finish training, you’ll be put into a group.”

“What do you mean?”

“Proxies work in groups. Usually. You’ll be given missions to do either solo, with some members of your group, or your whole group. They will be the people you can trust most.”

She nodded in understanding “Toby said something earlier about disgraced proxies. What are those?”

"People like me. Other people call us honorary humans, or just disgraces. They are proxies or monsters who have broken some of the cardinal rules and were caught and punished for them.”

She nodded in understanding, taking in the information “is there anything else I should know?”

. “Not really much that I can think of right now.”

“Okay thank you for taking the time and effort to explain things to me. I’ll take your advice. I’ll ask Toby if there’s anything else I should know when he gets here and see what advice he has. I’d like to hear what he has to say”

"You should. I’m just telling you things I know from experience.“ Jane said. She heard footsteps outside the room.

Tabby froze as her ears picked up on the noise. She got defensive ready to attack or bolt. Toby, carrying everything he had bought at the grocery store in his arms and a basket. Jane got up to help him unload it all. Tabby sighed in relief and she got up to help too. Her mom made her carry 4-5 heavy bags in each hand every time they went grocery shopping. She may be small but she definitely has some lean muscle to her. She’s still useful despite her left hand. Toby thanked both of them. He set down the bags of food on the counter and handed the things that Tabby had specifically requested to her. Jane had gone to start packing up her stuff after putting some things away. She knew that she probably needed to go now. Tabby went to her room to put down the bags. She’ll take them out later once everything settles down. She went back out to help.

Jane pack up.

Jane pretty much had everything packed up and ready to go.

"I’ll swing by tomorrow with your mask.” She assured Tabby

“Okay. It was nice meeting you and having you here. It’s nice to know I’m not alone with Rosewood”

“You’re definitely not alone. If you need someone to talk with who’s not, well, a man-” Jane smiled a bit. “Then just give me a call or drop by. I literally live next door.”

She laughed. She gave herself a weird look. It was a sound that she hadn’t heard in a long time. She only reserved it for Adam or her friends. “Well that’s convenient then!”

Jane nodded and smiled. It was nice to hear her laugh. Toby’s voice came from the kitchen.

“Thanks for coming, Jane!” Jane smiled at Tabby and waved goodbye

Tabby gave a small wave goodbye. Jane left the apartment. Toby poked his head in and let Tabby know he was going to start cooking now if she felt she needed to make sure her food was safe. Tabby nodded and she went in to help cook the food while keeping a close eye on Toby to make sure he didn’t try anything with the food. Despite her hand she was actually very handy with a knife (cooking wise and also fighting wise). She was very fast and efficient in the kitchen. She was using her wrist to hold some of the vegetables in place as she cut them. On top of always cooking dinner at home for 5 people she also worked in a kitchen at a small restaurant afterschool. It got her out of the house for a while since she never wanted to go home. She only quit last month due to her hand. Honestly she would have become a chef if she never made the choice to come here. Toby made sure she saw and knew what was going on with the chicken he was cooking. If he added a spice, he told her what it was. He admired how skilled she was with a knife even though one of her hands was essentially crippled. He could tell she had experience. That was good to know. Most of the killers couldn’t cook. Jane always ended up burning everything so he always offered her food. The neighbors next door, however, were excellent cooks but since they were literally a family unit, Toby never really spoke to them. He knew that monsters and proxies would sometimes settle down and start families but he never really met them. Most families got moved to another part of town. But she was the type of person to go through with her choice when she made one whether it was good or bad. She would see it through to the bitter end crash and burn. That was the most dangerous thing about Tabby.

She liked how Toby respected her wishes and went out of his way to tell her what the spices were. She never really had a lot of respect in her life so it was a nice change. She liked how the moved well together in the kitchen. It almost reminded her of those types of families she saw on tv that the husband and wife would help each other in the kitchen. The thought made her look down and blush a little.

Moving on. She was thinking about the irony of her situation. She hated all adults she didn’t know in general specifically males in particular. And here she was living with an adult serial killer and a Male nevertheless. The situation made her burst out laughing out of nowhere.

"Jesus…unbelievable…“, she said, wheezing for breath.

Toby glanced over at her.

"Hey, you okay?” He asked.

He had ticked a bit in the middle of the “okay” but it hadn’t really affected his speech. He figured she might have gotten herself with the knife a bit. But then why would she be laughing? Hm. The chicken was almost done. After dinner he would go out to check his mail to make absolutely sure he had no bills to pay or no missions he had neglected to see. He could hear faintly next door a baby crying. He heard footsteps, a small creaking sound, and some shushing. Soon the baby quieted. Toby smiled to himself. The people next door never let their baby cry for too long. They were very considerate neighbors.

She calmed down a little bit, wiping her tears away from laughing as she was still giggling.

“I’m fine. I’m not hurt. Even if I did get myself with the knife I wouldn’t feel it because I used to work in a kitchen so my hands are pretty calloused”.

She showed him her left arm that had a crescent shaped burn mark on her bicep.

“That’s from work. I didn’t realize it until two hours later when my arm was feeling irritated. So I looked down and saw a burn mark about 2 inches and a half in diameter. It eventually died down and became this. I was laughing because I realized the irony of my situation. You see I never really trusted adults in general. They don’t do their jobs protecting their own kids. But if you’re male you have a higher chance of me not trusting you. And here I am living with a technical adult male serial killer! I don’t think you understand. I went against everything I knew and believed in one night. I took a leap of faith and I don’t do that for just anyone so you better feel special”, Tabby explained.

She smiled and shook her head, "my life really did take a drastic turn of events”.

Toby nodded. He understood. He offered her a small smile.

“Well, I’m glad you did decide to take a leap of faith.” He said earnestly.

He plated up the chicken, then asked if she needed help with finishing up the salads. He heard faint music from Jane’s apartment. The baby next door didn’t start crying again. It was, for once, pretty peaceful. It was impossible to hear outside while the windows were closed, but if they were open it would be highly probable they would hear screaming.

She shook her head no, “the salad will be done in a few minutes. I just needed to put the vegetables in and toss it” she did that and tossed it using a chef’s flip without utensils mixing it good. The salad is done”.

She plated the salad on both of their plates. She sat down and waited for him to sit to begin eating. Toby sat across from her with his plate. He was starving. He had gotten himself a knife and fork, and had gotten some for Tabby as well. He asked her if she wanted anything to drink. He had water, soda, and juice. No milk. He was lactose intolerant.

“I would like some water please”

Her expression changed to a more serious one as she was going to get down to serious business.

“So Jane told me the basics of the rules. Like how there is a hierarchy. We’re proxies so we’re low but not the lowest of the low. How ally ships between us and humans and humans not from here are strictly prohibited. It’s best to have a few higher up proxies as allies. And that I should stay away from Jeff” “but I want to hear what you have to say. Like anything else I should really know? Anyone I should stay clear away from?”

Toby went up to get them both some water.

“She’s right. She covered almost everything. Especially about Jeff, though if you get on his good side he can teach you some pretty cool stuff. I think it’s important to know higher being politics as well. Proxies have a specific boss. Monsters can serve whoever they want and do jobs for whoever. But it’s important to know which higher being hates who, because sometimes they will act out against the proxies that serve that higher being.”

She nodded slowly in understanding “I’m fairly observant so I’m sure I’ll pick up a few things on higher being politics here”.

“Is there anyone who you think I should stay away from personally?” She said in between bites. She was scarfing down her food like she wouldn’t see food again. She didn’t eat much in general for the last 8 years due to Rosewood. You had to bring your own lunch and her family was too poor to buy extra food. So she ate dinner at home and that was the only meal she would eat. They barely had enough food for the month while struggling for rent. Although when she was very young she could eat like a champ. For the last 3 months when her step dad came up with the cruel and unusual punishment for her to eat nothing but rice. But she got sick of it and she either stole a little bit of food from the stores when her mom used to send her out or Autumn was very generous and brought her some food for her own house.

"I’m also not too fond of Jeff. But I also wouldn’t trust LJ either. But he’s friends with BEN and The Puppeteer so you can’t really avoid him.“ The ghost community was super tight.

"Is there enough for seconds?”, she asked.

"Yeah. There’s enough for seconds if you’d like.“

"I don’t trust clowns either. I watched too many horror movies as a child you know? But I’ll be wary and cautious like I usually am with everyone and everything else” she got up for seconds and scarfed down her second and third plate. It wasn’t until her fourth plate when she stopped.

By then the entire thing of food Toby had cooked was gone. He didn’t mind one bit however. He got up to do the dishes.

“Yeah, don’t trust clowns. They aren’t…they aren’t all that great. Especially here.”

“They’re never in general”. She went to help with the dishes while drying them.

“Thank you” she said quietly after a period of silence.

“No problem.” Toby said with a smile. He helped put the dishes away after they were finished. He heard a meow and saw Nugget plodding towards them.

Tabby’s face lit up as she started cooing at the cat and kneeled down to pet Nugget. She sucked in a breath at the pain of her bruises. She started petting the cat affectionately.

Nugget purred and pressed her body up against Tabby, her tail indicating that she was pleased with this. Toby smiled.

“I think there’s a scrap of chicken on the table. Hold on.”

“I mean if you give it food you have a higher chance of befriending the animal. It works with me”

Toby laughed and picked up some scraps of chicken from the counter. He offered them to Tabby so she could feed the cat. Tabby took some. She ate a piece herself and feed the rest of the scraps to Nugget one by one. Nugget seemed to enjoy the chicken. Her purring was very loud as she ate it. Toby watched from afar with a smile.

"Is there a library around here?”

“Yeah, there is. I could take you there.” Toby offered.

“Good. If you’re not busy tomorrow that is. I would much rather have someone to come with me to show me around and I’m not taking the chance of dying on my first day out since I’m fresh meat as it is so curious about the new girl that it is inevitable to say the least. Two is better than one. "I would also like to get books on this place and plants and stuff so I can have a lesser chance of dying and not being afraid. A wise man once told me that you can’t be afraid of something that you understand. Like being afraid of the dark for example” she babbled.

“Sure thing.” Toby said, “I don’t have any missions tomorrow and your training schedule hasn’t been sent yet. Books will be good and all but talking to other people about stuff here will make it much easier to learn. Like, you can read all you’d like about the poison daisy, but field experience with someone who knows much more about it will be helpful. Also, we still have to teach you how to fight properly and other things that will make you more successful. It will come much easier to you once you fully transform though.”

"Okay. And I know that there’s only something you can learn from experience. I just want to learn all I can from books first. The rest I’ll ask around and experience for myself and what do you mean “properly”? Are you saying I can’t fight. I may be crippled but that doesn’t mean I can’t kick some ass one handedly! I’ll have you know I’ve gotten into a lot of fights and I’ve won the majority of them. Well despite getting my ass kicked many times before…“

"I understand.” Toby said to her first comment. He wanted her to learn as much as she could from books first too, it would keep her from being gullible and from getting hurt badly.

“I’m not saying you can’t fight, I’m saying that you’re living with people who fight and hurt for a living. You’ve won fights, sure, but that’s against humans.” Toby finished cleaning up the rest of the kitchen. “It isn’t a smart idea to overestimate your own abilities here. Really. The people here are stronger than humans, are faster than humans, can take more damage than humans, some have literal magic powers, or extra limbs, or whatever. ”

She sighed in defeat.

“That’s true. This isn’t Rosewood. I’m not up against people my own age who are equal in intelligence and strength and skills. This isn’t my territory. But I’ll adapt and overcome like everything else in my life so far. I’m a quick learner. Just one day at a time that’s all”, said Tabby tiredly.

“I know. That will help you live.” Toby said. He sighed, then smiled.

"Don’t worry. We can train you. We can also get the WPA to train you so you’re specialized if you want.“ Toby said.

"What’s WPA?” She asked, tilting her head to the side.

"The Women’s Proxy Association.“ Toby said. "They’re a group of specialized fighters that ensure the training of female proxies. They’re bad asses. They’re kind of like Amazons, if you want the human equivalent.”

"Oh…that sounds like something I’d be interested in…” she was still tilting her head but smiled up at him.

“Oh and another thing. If we’re going to be living together for a while we need to establish ground rules. I only have two. One, please don’t lie to me. I give you the common courtesy to give honest information. I would also like to be hurt with the truth instead of living a lie. If we’re going to be working together in some way we’re going to need some form of honest communication. Two, please don’t fight my battles for me. I don’t like other people suffering from my own stupidity and I know in this society that’s just the way shit goes around here but I’ll do my best to minimize that when someone’s with me. I can and will take care of myself. If someone has a problem with me it’s with me alone and nobody else okay? Does that sound reasonable to you?”.

Toby nodded. “Yeah. That sounds good. I don’t really have any ground rules for myself at the moment, but I’ll let you know.

He was pretty honest for a proxy, and while he wasn’t the type to let people he cared for get beat up, he understood how she would want to stand up for herself. It was good she had that drive to stick up for herself. Proxies who didn’t have that usually ended up dead.

"So what do you want to do now?”, Tabby asked.

"Well, seeing is it’s kinda late, we should probably get some sleep.“ Toby said. "Well, you should. I have another small mission tonight but it shouldn’t take too long.”

"Ah well you see I have insomnia…and narcolepsy so I don’t ever get enough sleep. This is a week and a half of no sleep. But I’ll be here when you get back. Try not to die okay?“ She gave him a small smile. Which was code for 'be careful I care somewhat’.

"I won’t, it’s a fairly riskless mission.” Toby assured her. It really wasn’t too bad of a mission. “It’s just a delivery.” Toby got up to leave. “There’s sleeping pills in the hall closet if you’d like. They’ve got the power of like, horse tranquilizers.”

“Alright I’ll think about it and I’ll see you later”

“Alright, I’ll see you.” Toby soon left.

Tabby went to her room to unpack the bags that Toby had bought her. She took out the frames and gently slid both pictures into their frames and set them on her night stand. She took out the two knives and positioned them like she was about to get into a fight. They were good for defense. Tabby took out the bedding; it was a soft patchwork blanket with a teal color scheme and pillows to match. She positioned them just how she liked them. She decided to not hang up Autumn’s artwork so she put them in her nightstand and deemed that it would be private and personal.

Toby slipped through the shadows, the package in hand. He realized the quickest route would be through monster’s only territory, but as long as he wasn’t caught he would be fine. He darted through the trees, paying close attention to any noise he would hear. He eventually managed to pass through it unharmed, which made the bulk of his journey a lot easier.

She stepped back until she was near the door to take a look at her room. It was simple and basic but you could tell that it was her room. Then she came across the dawning realization “like it or not this is home now”. Home. That was a place she hasn’t had in a long time. Sure she lived with her mother and two brothers and her step dad. But it wasn’t considered home or a family. Tabby knew that a home is where you feel safe and you belong and a family accepts you for you broken or not. Tabby shook her head.

“This isn’t home. I mean I’m living in this world now so I guess this world is my home now but this place isn’t. It’s not my territory and I barely even know him” she talked out loud to herself.

Toby walked down streets that were covered in multicolor slick, which was essentially the water in this dimension. He carried the package in his gloved hands. Even through his mask, he could smell something cooking. He knocked on a heavy dark door. It swung open almost immediately. He gritted his teeth as cigarette smoke permeated the air. It reeked. The man standing before him was tall, and horrendously burned. The tales told about him said that his skin had been bleached, and that was partially the case. However most of his skin was mottled and scarred with varying shades of red. His face was barely distinguishable as a face. The eyes were sunken and shriveled. The nose was covered in scars. His mouth was clumsily cut into a wide, oozing grin. The man seemed to sniff the air. He clicked his tongue.

“Ah. Twinkle Toes. Nice to…hehe… see you."

"Hey Jeff.” Toby said uncomfortably. “Is Barb here? She told me to bring her this.” He held up the small package. Jeff clicked his tongue again. He felt the package with his marred hand while seeming to stare directly at Toby.

“Yeah, Barb’s here. You can come in.”

Her eyes widened in paranoia as that was kicking in now ”how much did I tell him really? He isn’t stupid so I’m sure he picked up on more than what I told him…wait let’s see…I told him about my insomnia, narcolepsy, anxiety and OCD, I told him about Rosewood, I told him about Horacio, he already figured out I came from an abusive home…“, she counted on her fingers. Several things. Not bad. Nothing too personal, just observations and bare basic surface. She sighed in relief. But her paranoia was still there ”why did he spare my life? Me out of everyone else that could have stumbled across tonight? On top of that, why is he so nice? I mean I appreciate it but No one is this nice for free. Accept for Autumn but we were kids then and we didn’t really know anything. What if he’s trying to gain my trust just to catch me off guard to kill me later? Especially in my sleep…what if he has other motives? I can’t trust him nor am I going too. I’ll work well with him and I’ll be nice and kind back because it’s right. But trust seems to be a long shot…“, she rubbed the bridge of her nose like she had a headache. She hated when her paranoia showed up. "Goddamn Rosewood” she muttered to herself. She got out of her room to pace around the apartment to think out loud.

“However he did save my life…if it wasn’t for him I would have probably gotten my death wish early…and he did take me in for now…so like with Autumn I kinda owe him everything"

She shook her head "I am thankful for all he’s done for me so far…but I can not and will not care too much. It’s like Jane said a proxies life isn’t that long on average….I don’t want to hurt him and have his efforts of keeping me alive to be in vain…that’s not fair to him. I’ll have allies but no friends. All my friends are dead and they can not and will not be replaced. Moving on means forgetting and I promised myself that I wouldn’t forget them” but she knew that deep down inside that wasn’t the real reason.

“I can’t have what happened at Rosewood happen to anyone else that I’ve become allies with…I don’t want to get attached and go through that heartache again…while I’m still going through it…” she admitted quietly to herself.

Toby didn’t have much of a choice as Jeff pulled him into the building. The cigarette smoke only got stronger. But thankfully, he heard Barb’s laugh from the upstairs, so he made his way up the creaky staircase. That’s where he found her. Barb was around eight feet tall, and had four muscular arms. She had a sharp jaw and broad shoulders as well as long dark blue hair. She had fur the same shade as her hair coating her arms and legs. She had a tattoo gun, and was tattooing another monster. It was a pretty large and complex tattoo, but Barb had a lot of the skill to make it look nice. She turned when she heard Toby.

“Hey Tobes!” She said in her loud, booming voice. She extended a hand that wasn’t being used. “You brought the pills?”

“Yeah, EJ gave them to me earlier.” Toby said, passing them to her. Barb smiled, showing sharp teeth.

“Thank you!” She boomed jovially. The monster getting tattooed, a tiny wisp of a woman with eyes all over her face and arms had all her eyes trained on Toby. It made him very uncomfortable.

“Well, I should probably go-” Toby said.

She looked around and it was too quiet to her liking.

“On second thought those sleeping pills sound nice right about now” she mused to herself.

She went to the closet and grabbed the bottle and read it carefully to make sure they were sleeping pills. She opened up the bottle and only took one since Toby said that they have the power of a horse tranquilizer and she’s…well…small. She popped the pill dry and took some clean bandages that she found and a hand towel. She would clean her crippled hand and dress it in new bandages so it doesn’t get infected since the surgical incisions were still fairly new. She went to the bathroom to wash her hands with soap and water and patted her crippled hand dry and wrapped it in new bandages.

After she was done she could feel the pill kicking in. So she went back to her room. She locked her door and was debating on whether or not to move her dresser to barricade the door just in case he or someone else were to break in and attempt to kill her in her sleep. Since when she actually goes to sleep she’s a deep sleeper. But she decided against it since she was too lazy and it would be a hassle to move it out of the way if she needed to escape immediately. She took her two knives and curled up laying down on her bed with her back facing the corner. She normally didn’t sleep with covers on as they were a hassle to get off is someone were to attack her. She had her knees pulled up to her stomach for protection and her arms crossed to protect her chest and neck. She had both knives in each hand that laid against the back of her neck too for protection. No one was going to attack her easily. It was the only way she could feel safe while sleeping. And pretty soon she was out like a light.

Toby eventually got back to the apartment. Jeff had wanted to show him something, which he knew wouldn’t have ended well. He made sure to lock the apartment door behind him. It was quiet. Nugget was probably in Tabby’s room. Toby peeked in her room to check on her and saw that she was asleep. Nugget was on her bed. After making sure she was okay, he closed the door and went to go take a shower and get ready for bed. He was pretty tired. He had run into Masky on his way back who managed to get him to share a drink and talk for a bit, which Toby found nice. Masky was in a much better mood today than other days. His shower and clothes change was quick. He put his dirty clothes into the hamper. He took it down to wash his clothes twice a week. The apartment had a shared laundromat.

Tabby stirred awake as Toby closed the door

“son of a bitch” she thought to herself.

She wasn’t protected enough. But even in her sleepy state she could recognize that it’s Toby so she had nothing to worry about that much but for once in her life she was just too damn tired to do or say anything about it.

“I’ll deal with it in the morning” she grumbled to herself and went back to being dead asleep in her protective position.

Toby was in his pjs. He went to the kitchen and got a glass of ice water before heading back into his room. He closed his door behind him. He sat on his own bed and turned on a fan. He liked it cold in his room. He had a small little radio next to his bed that he used to play soothing music or sometimes just audiobooks or things like that. Soon he managed to sink off into a deep sleep.

#every rose has its thorn #erhit au #creepypasta #creepypasta fandom #original character #tabbyanderson #tabby #masky marble hornets #tim wright #hoody marble hornets #brian thomas #ticci toby #toby rogers #slenderman #jeffery woods #jeff the killer #jane arkensaw #jane the killer #rosewood prep

[the-ship-maker-2]

Every Rose Has its Thorn

So I’ve finally decided to post the first chapter of my creepypasta fanfic Every Rose Has It’s Thorns. This is based on an RP that I’m doing with @creepypasta-shtick so this takes place in their universe that they created so a lot of this were their ideas too just as much as mine. You should go check them out!. Maplehood creek, Rosewood Prep, and Tabby Anderson belongs to me.

Every Rose Has Its Thorn

Chapter 1

    Tabby Anderson laid awake staring blankly up at the ceiling. She was replaying the last months worth of events that happened in her life over and over again in her head. Like a broken record. Over the course of a month she watched the ones she held close all jump to their deaths one by one while everyone’s cheering drowned out her own screams of terror. She could still hear the breaking of the glass window as Horatio, the guy who made all of her friends jump to their deaths, forcefully shoved her fist through the window. It was an unforgettable sound as it would be one that would haunt the rest of her life. She let out a silent gasp as she clenched her bandaged left hand from the phantom pain. She no longer had any use of her left hand as that was gone forever now. Living as a constant reminder of what she failed to do.

    She winced from the fresh bruises and scars that never healed as she turned over to her side as she looked at the alarm clock. It read 2am in big red numbers. She let out an audible sigh and she squeezed her eyes shut as she banged her head over and over again on her pillow. Insomnias a bitch as it was but it was even more of a bitch to deal with when your stomach is empty and your mind is full. She realized that she had school in a couple of hours with the strict regimen that her stepdad had her on.

   “On top of no sleep for tonight I also have to deal with another day of hell at Rosewood Prep and another day of hell at home too. All by myself”, She said in thought. 

     She looked around at her surroundings in her room. It was pretty minimalist for the most part. She looked at her dresser with the lopsided mirror that made the shadows in the room dance. She had her Rosewood Prep uniform laid out for the next day. She had her stack of unfinished homework that she didn’t finish on top of the school textbooks. She would scramble at breakfast tomorrow before she went to class to finish the homework. Laid on the side of her school books and homework was her black bag that she’s had since forever. She then looked at her closet door that was slightly ajar. There was nothing in it except for a few nice shirts and a lacey pale blue flower dress that hung up in there. Tabby flopped back onto her pillow as her eyes made their way back up to the ceiling. She wasn’t sure just how long she could make it at Rosewood and at home since it was just her now. I mean her only motivation for living was taken from her and Rosewood wasn’t a place you could survive on your own. She didn’t know if she could make it to graduation. She then came up with the dawning realization. One that made her bolt up straight in her bed with her unnaturally wide eyes growing wider. If she stayed any longer she would be killed for sure, whether it was by Horatio, her step dad or herself. Either way one of those three would get her it was only a matter of time. Tabby couldn’t die not yet at least. Not until she fulfilled her promises of avenging her friends and killing Horatio once and for all. She got up and winced at her bruises that were still tender. She got dressed in a white tee shirt and black jeans with faded dirty pink converse. She got her black bag and began to pack. She packed a couple of photos, one of her mom, stepdad, herself, her older and younger brothers, one class photo in the 8th grade that was just her and her now deceased friends, a picture of her little brother, and a couple of sketches of her that her best friend Autumn made. She then packed some clothes, hair brush and toothbrush. She was about to sneak out when she realized she forgot the most important thing. Tabby ran back to her dresser and took out the money she’s been saving for the last two years from her job at the This or That restaurant and her red plaid jacket that shes had since the 6th grade. It was enough money to buy a bus ticket and have a little leftover to live until she found a job and got a stable income. After she pocketed the money safely away and tied her jacket around her waist,  she snuck out through her window. 

      Tabby landed with a soft thud on to the ground she laid there for a bit and groaned. She got back up and brushed herself off and picked up her bag and slung it over her shoulders. Tabby took a few moments to appreciate the peacefulness of the night. For it being in the middle of November it was surprisingly warm. Must be one of those freak mother nature weeks or something. She could hear the few cars going by occasionally and there was no sound of people. She could hear the wind rustling through the trees that were the woods surrounding her town. Tabby knew that there were shortcuts in her section of the woods that led to the next town of HolyAnn. That was where the bus stop was and where she could buy a bus ticket and get out of Maplehood Creek for good. Tabby kept her back to her apartment complex and ran straight into the woods and never looked back. Ever.

      Meanwhile deep in the heart of the woods, the whimpering of the woman before them was not stirring Hoodie’s sympathies. She could shake and cry all she wanted, about how she needed to get home to her children and husband. Hoodie didn’t particularly care all that much. Masky turned to look at Hoodie.

    “Hm, do you think we should let her go?”, he asked in a taunting voice clearly mocking the poor woman’s pleads.

     Hoodie and Masky loved to toy with their victims. In Toby’s opinion, it made them take too long to get the job done. However, the creativity and cruelty the two of them displayed were why they were some of the Slenderman’s favorites. Toby noted that they were only violent with victims around each other. Solo missions and missions with only one or the other resulted in the two being much less brutal. Though, Toby noted, Jeff was much more crazed and violent than these two. Toby’s head snapped up when he heard the woman scream in pain. He did not turn to see what one of the men had done to her. Someone in the woman’s family was trying to get information about the Slenderman. Killing her would be sending a message. Toby continued to stare off into the woods, knowing the direction he was staring into was where several houses were.

    Tabby continued to curse herself as she got deeper and deeper into the woods. She was clearly lost but she refused to admit it to herself. She then heard a woman’s scream. Tabby’s fight or flight instinct kicked in and she was on high alert as always. She thought she was running away from the danger only to stumble upon a masked man, a man with a frowning mask, and a man with orange goggles and the corpse of the dead woman. She locked eyes with the orange goggled man. She unfortunately has the freeze response so she couldn’t run or fight even if she wanted to at this minute. Tabby was a pitiful sight to see. All covered in various bruises and scars of different colors and sizes, unnaturally wide, haunted hazel eyes that were colored underneath from lack of sleep and were slightly sunken back due to malnourishment. Her cheeks were slightly hollow also due to malnourishment and she stood in a potential fighting stance that exposed her bandaged left hand. She quickly realized that running would ensure her getting killed. If she was going to die she was going to die with what little dignity she had left and face death face on, She wasn’t going down without a fight. 

     “Oh fuck…”, she let out quietly.

    Like with everything else in her life she had the misfortune of being at the wrong place at the wrong time. She was having a flashback to when she was 12 with a similar situation with her step dad happened. Death was not new to her; she was the least fazed by that. She was more worried about her own survival at the moment. She shook her head to get rid of the flashbacks and to focus more on the situation at hand. Should she go with the situation or fight?

   It did not matter how quiet the girl was. Hoodie and Masky have been doing this line of work for a long time. They were also blessed by the Slenderman with practically supernatural senses. Hoodie stared coldly at the girl. Masky chuckled.

   “Well, well, well what do we have here?”, he said looking at the frail stranger in front of them.

   Toby continued to make eye contact with the girl. He recognized the signs of abuse and neglect and had a flashback of his own. He had been hiding in a closet with his older sister. He couldn't have been more than eight or so at the time. He remembered his father yelling and screeching at his mother. The sounds of a fight and his mother screaming. He remembered footsteps stomping up the stairs and his father calling for his sister and him to come out. He remembered his sister covering him in towels and blankets to hide him just before his father opened the closet. His sister had saved him from a beating that night. 

   He snapped back to the present when he heard Hoodie speak, in his raspy quiet voice.

   “Let’s just kill her there’s no point in leaving her alive”

   Masky seemed to be considering that.

  “Alright, Hoodie, you-”

   “No”, stated Toby abruptly.

   “I’m sorry what?”, asked Tabby surprised.

   The two men stopped and stared at the newer proxy.

   “Don’t be ridiculous”, Tim began to lecture Toby.

   Toby, however, stood his ground.

  “No let’s just let her go”, he stated

  “Are you fucking stupid”, Masky stated coldly, “That is a major breech of conduct”

  Toby shook his head, ”There’s really no point in killing her”.

  Hoodie just listened as the two men began to debate. He personally figured that killing the girl was unnecessary as they were not ordered to do so. However, he realized that they just couldn’t let her go either.

  Tabby rolled her eyes and crossed her arms in defense. Although she looked like a mixture of ready to either bolt or fight.  

  “Oh please killing me would be a sweet blessing compared to the 17 years that I had and specifically with this month in general”. She stated.

   She didn’t dare look at Toby for too long as she quickly learned growing up that if she looked at someone directly in the eyes for too long, it  meant a challenge and resulted in a sure beating.

   “If I do get let go I’m going back to where I live, clearly I picked a bad night for this and didn’t think this through enough. I’m going to find that bottle of whiskey in the cabinets that I know damn well my parents have hidden somewhere and I’m going to drink myself to oblivion and forget this encounter ever happened”, Tabby added out loud talking more to herself than to the others. She hasn’t been killed yet so staying and going with the situation was her best option.

   Hoodie spoke up.

  “Are you sure you’d go back home?”, he asked bluntly.

  Masky glanced at him. It was like he could sense that Hoodie was analyzing the kid.

  “I mean you’ve just gotten away from em, hm?”, Hoodie prodded as he gestured to her black backpack. 

   Hoodie was known for being scarily perceptive. Even Masky was staring at him.

   Tabby huffed and pushed her hair back.

   “I...have nowhere else to go but if I stayed I would be dead in the very near future. So I was running away. But obviously this is a bad night to do so, clearly I didn’t think this through enough and I have one other to protect…”, she said defensively. 

   Masky hummed.

  “I think that if living is such a hassle to you then-”, he was cleaning the bloody blade off his jacket. 

  “No! Lets not kill her-!”, Toby intervened again.

  “Why?”, asked Tabby quietly.

  Toby looked at the girl and then looked down.

  “Because I understand what you’re going through”, Toby whispered.

  Hoodie pretended that he hadn’t heard what he said while Masky scoffed and was about to argue again when Hoodie spoke up.

  “Let’s take her to our boss. Let him decide”

  “Hoodie! He has to ask to see a human. Just simply bringing one to him-”, Toby protested.

  “It’s better than letting her go”, said Hoodie with a shrug.

  Everyone looked back at Tabby for her decision. It was either this or death. Her options were limited.

   “Alrighty lets see here….I can’t run….That would ensure my death and I’d be hunted down for sure...I can’t fight all three of you at once….I really have nothing to lose anymore….so going with you guys seems like the best course of options to ensure my survival for now…I really don’t have much of a choice now do I?”, she took a deep breath, stood up straight and looked at them with an emotionless expression, “Lead the way I guess. The sooner I know me fate the sooner I can carry on with my life dead or alive”

   Hoodie nodded, ”You’re right. Even if you ran or even if we let you go our boss would have us hunt you down”

  Masky nodded and perked up.

  “I’m impressed with your ability to make a rational decision in a life or death situation”, he mused, "Toby. You walk with her and make sure that she doesn’t try anything”

  They were going to break the rules just this once. Maybe the boss would take pity on the girl. After all, he’d done the same with Toby. Toby went to stand next to the girl as Masky and Hoodie led the way deeper into the woods.

   Tabby moved a couple of steps from Toby to give him space. She just looked at the ground praying that he wouldn't beat her or kill her. Not yet. She walked with Toby not daring to speak. Being used to sneaking around she was quite stealthy. She made very little noise to where you would almost forget that she was walking with you. She was fidgeting with the hem of her white shirt like she was wringing someone's neck. Even though she showed no emotion. She was anxious. Her anxiety was skyrocketing. She had to fight the urge to run every time she heard a noise. Her eye twitches occasionally. That was due to her being taken off meds that she didn't need because doctors refused to do diagnosis correctly.

   Toby had no intention of harming her. He could tell that she wasn't doing too well, and he couldn't really blame her. They passed the corpse of the dead woman as he followed the two older proxies. Hoodie and Masky were having their own conversation ahead of them. Toby decided to try to chat.

   “Er..I’m Toby”, he stated, “What’s your name?”

   He really didn’t expect a positive response from her. Why should he? He knew that she was probably freaking out. He did too when he was put in this situation.

  “My name is Tabby”, she replied looking at Toby for a quick moment.

  She looked wary and cautious but decided to show no fear. Hoodie and Masky paused in front of a haggard old tree with the boss' symbol carved into it. Masky pulled off his glove and pressed the symbol with his bare hand. It began to glow faintly. It seemed like the woods grew darker, as if shadows were melting and joining together in some kind of macabre dance. Toby remembered being absolutely terrified of the opening of a portal when he was new. Especially a portal that led right into the heart of the Slenderman's domain. 

   Tabby kinda looked up and around her in a mixture of awe and mortification. She stopped fidgeting slightly occasionally wringing her shirt before catching herself and smoothening out. She was desperately trying to show no signs of weakness despite how she looked.

  Toby understood. Hoodie went through the shadows first and just seemed to vanish. Masky nodded to Toby and Tabby.

  “You two are next Toby will lead the way”, he said.

  Toby smiled at Tabby reassuringly.

  "It-It's just cold”, He assured her. His face twitched a bit. Damn it he had been doing so well so far, "It won't hurt or anything."

  Tabby gave him a hint of a small smile although she was still suspicious and didn't trust him or any of them for that matter one bit. Her eye twitched again. But she didn't raise herself to be a little bitch so she jumped through the portal after Toby. She hid her left arm behind her back to avoid any questions about her hand.

   It was cold and dark. Toby felt his feet hit something soft and cold. The ground always felt off. He heard the sound of a lighter clicking, and turned and saw Masky behind them with a lit lighter. The small flame wasn't nearly enough to fully illuminate the entrance, but it was enough. Hoodie was waiting for them near what looked like a thick wall of foliage. Hoodie had his arms crossed and looked a little impatient. They had to take a walk through the Pocket to even get to the boss' place, which would be dangerous for the human, as she was, well, a human that wasn't a pet in a haven of killers.  

  "We don't have all day." Hoodie said firmly.

  "I'm here" she said rather defensively.

  “Good”, Hoodie stated.

   Now he took off his glove. Masky protested a bit.

  "I can do it, my glove is already off-”

  Hoodie ignored him and sliced his palm slightly. He waved his hand in a way that would splatter the blood on the plants. Just like that, they slithered back, creating a doorway that seemed to lead into a huge town. Hoodie walked resolutely forward. Masky sighed and put his glove back on.

  "You two go after him." He said.

  Tabby nodded not looking at him. She quickly walked a little ahead of Toby but she wasn't more than an arms length away from him. She looked around at her surroundings. It was very different from her hometown where the only sinister thing was Rosewood Prep where she goes to school. She was used to the feeling of darkness making observations to herself.

   Toby offered her a small smile.

  "Make sure you stay close..." he warned her quietly.

  Tabby nodded slowly, slowing down her pace to be evenly matched with Toby. She was careful to avoid eye contact with everyone.

  The town was bustling. Toby saw some people he knew outside. Clockwork's bar was bustling with activity. He could see EJ perched on a bench, eating...something. Judging from the blood splatters on his hands and clothes, Toby figured he knew what it was. The sky was clear and very dark. There were a bunch of plants and trees that Toby knew no human would have ever seen before. It was a very colorful place surprisingly, save for the pitch black sky and dark ground. But it was always cold. And it always felt a little off. Lights floated against the sky, giving the illusion of some sort of stars. The town was also illuminated by lamps and the lights from the buildings.

   "It's...different....definitely not like Rosewood Prep" she said quietly more to herself.

  Toby nodded.

  "Yeah. That's the school in the town right?" He asked.

  He was homeschooled so he wasn't too sure. Masky walked behind them and Hoodie walked in front. A woman in a tight black dress and a wig stopped Masky temporarily and handed him a file. He seemed to thank her and continued to follow them.

  Tabby nodded politely as she walked by the woman.

  "it's one of them unfortunately. There's also Maplehood Creek elementary school. I went there for the first 4 years then I got transferred over Rosewood" she gave him a bitter smile and a bitter laugh "In Rosewood you'd either have to be very rich, mentally disturbed or very intelligent to get in. And I'm two out of the three" her eyes showed a dark, pained haunted expression.

   Toby nodded. He understood.

  "Yeah, I've heard that about that school."

  He looked around, then whispered.

 "That woman that gave Masky the file used to go there too. You probably didn't know her or anything but she did go there." He stated earnestly.

 It was true. Jane had gone there. Toby knew several others who had gone there too.

 "I never went to school so...well I did for elementary but that didn't go too well for me." Toby said.

  Masky was glancing through the files.

  She showed an expression of understanding and relief, "so they've probably have horror stories of their own about that place".

  She looked at Toby "don't worry it didn't go too well for me either that's why I got transferred"

  She remembered her first day at that sinister place. Meeting her first real friend and making her first sworn enemy and accidentally witnessed Horacio physically torture some poor kid. All at the ripe old age of 9 years old.

  Toby nodded. 

  "Yeah. That school is absolutely ripe for producing people like, well..." He gestured around at the people in the town, "It's why where you live is such a hotspot for, well, paranormal activity as well as people like me." He explained. He didn't want to go into detail about his hellish elementary school days. He knew proxies who would watch that school day in and day out because of all the people that would just snap there.

  She looked at him. "I now see why you guys didn't decide to kill me... Makes sense I've always been able to see paranormal shit all my life from the time I could remember...I guess that I've always had some sort of potential" she gave a bitter laugh.

  "Who knew that my step dad would be proven wrong about me. The shit I saw and went through made me the survivor that I am today and I don't mean to undermine your hellish experience but to me that sounds like heaven compared to Rosewood. I wish I had your elementary experience"

  She hesitated for a minute before her expression turned dark, fearful and pained.

  "Are you aware of anyone named Horatio Galloway?" She asked quietly She held her bandaged left hand close to her.

  "Ha, well I mean if you define "heaven" as being relentlessly tormented by all your peers, having a hate club made about you, and being put in the hospital twice by kids older then you then I suppose so." Toby smiled.

  "Also, usually we kill people who are sensitive to the paranormal. Well, the people who work for my boss do."

  Toby was silent after being asked about the stranger. 

  "I'm not, I'm sorry. Though someone else here might be aware of who he is."

  "I had all of that and more. I've been put in the hospital more times then I care to remember”, she physically flinched as she felt the phantom pain of her hand and the beatings of her step dad.

  "At least you didn't watch the only people who were the closest thing you had to a real family jump to their deaths one by one at the hands of Horatio. And there was nothing I could do about it", she went quiet.

  "I-I said too much. It's not really anyone else's business", she tilted her head to the side thoughtfully, "hm...if I die I at least will be with my friends again...hopefully" she sighed "that's fine...I'll get my revenge eventually...if I live long enough..."

  Toby nodded. He understood. He spoke. 

  "My father liked to say that my sister died in a car crash. She was in one, that was true, but the reason it killed her was because of a head wound my father had given her. The car cr-a-ash-", he stopped and cleared his throat, "was simply just an excuse."

   “Dads aren’t shit”, she said as she playfully punched his arm gently with her right hand with a small smile.

   Toby understood what it was like to lose people. So did a lot of the folks here. They soon were heading up a steep hill towards a monolith of a mansion. It was beautiful, with sprawling gardens and marble columns. All three of the men quickened their steps towards the metal gate, which swung open to let the group in. It seemed that whoever or whatever was inside was expecting him. Toby figured Masky had let the boss know. All proxies could communicate telepathically with their boss. But only their boss.

  She almost forgot about her anxiety as she was talking to Toby. Her anxiety spiked up as she was about to receive her fate. She went back to wringing her shirt.

  "Its so strange...I might die at any minute now and I'm strangely okay with this. You know death was very real to be growing up. I knew I'll die any day now whether I'll do it myself or someone else would", she shook her head, "I just never expected my death to be like this. This turned out to be a longer night then expected"

  Toby patted her shoulder.

  She dodged his touch and then offered him an apologetic smile.

  “Sorry instincts”

  "I'll vouch for you." He said simply.

  “What if that’s not enough? What if I have to die anyways regardless?”, stated Tabby.

   Hoodie led them up the stairs to a huge door, that also creaked open invitingly. The inside of the mansion was beautiful, with golden curtails, matching rugs, and wooden floors. Two people in matching masks and uniforms closed the door when Masky had stepped through. Without a word, they both gestured, at the same time, for the group to follow them. 

  Tabby whistled and was impressed at her surroundings.

  "This is so much better than my apartment..."

   Toby glanced at Tabby.

  "Disgraced proxies." He explained, then mentioned he would explain everything later to her after the conversation with his boss.

  "Oh...", she nodded an okay as he said that he'll explain later. She sincerely hoped that she would be alive for the explanation.

  She made the sign of the cross and put her hands together in a silent prayer and followed them. She stood up straight with her hands to her sides and kept a neutral emotionless expression for first impressions.

  Toby understood. There wasn't much he could do for her except put in a good word for her. Masky looked like he had a bit of a headache. The two people in the pearly colored masks eventually led them to a heavy door. One of them pushed it open. This room was darker than the rest of the mansion. It was cold. Painting of landscapes hung on the walls. It seemed to be some sort of sitting room. In the corner, on a plush armchair, rested a tall imposing figure. As soon as Hoodie, Masky, and Toby entered the room, they approached the chair and kneeled. The proxies in the pearly masks kneeled right next to the door, allowing Tabby to go in. Tabby entered the room cautiously and looked around. Tabby didn't know what to do. She saw everyone else kneeling so she did the same too. Wincing at her bruises as she did. She looked down, not daring to speak or look up until she was spoken too.

  The room seemed to rumble as the figure in the chair spoke.

  "Masky...why have you brought this human here?", It was a smooth, but chilling voice.

  Masky remained kneeling, and addressed his creator.

  "Conflict in the group as to what to do with her, sir.", Masky said. The being chuckled coldly.

  "How silly. Why did you not just do away with her?" The being asked. Masky sighed, and responded.

  "Some in the group believe there is no purpose in killing her." He stated firmly.

  Toby was muttering something under his breath, over and over. "Cruel but fair, cruel but fair, cruel but fair-”

  There was only one thought in her mind, "is this really going to be the end of me?"

  That was when Toby stepped in.

  "Sir! Don't punish my teammates for what I did. They both wanted to kill her but I suggested bringing her to you! I figured she...that she could be useful, maybe. Even if you just let her go, sir."

  That’s when Tabby stepped in.

  "Now wait a minute! If anyone should be killed it's me!"

  She quickly turned to the being.

  "Sir with all due respect, I should be killed. I was the one who made the stupid decision to run away from home. I was stupid enough to stumble upon them doing their job. I never should have ran away in the first place. I was stupid enough to not run away from what I stumbled upon when I had the chance" she said more quietly, "sir please don't punish them for my own stupidity. It should be me and me alone. I'll take the full blow if I must and even if it includes death", she looked down.

  Toby looked at her in shock, hoodie sucked in a breath, and Masky sighed, facepalmed and shook his head.

  She realized her mistake but it was too late to take it back. The damage was done. She was sure for certain now that she'll definitely be killed now. She waited for the consequence.

  "Silence.", The figure said, waving his tentacles threateningly.

 "I hold these men to a higher standard than mere humans. However...", The being cocked his head. "I'll admit that usually the humans brought before me simply beg for their life. You did not, which...amuses me."

  “Oh...yeah I forgot about my own life for a minute there...uh….spare me? Please?”, she said awkwardly not really putting much effort into it.

  Toby perked up. She might just be spared.

  "You simply were at the wrong place at the wrong time. Normally, I would have you slaughtered anyways.", the being paused.

  The proxies remained kneeling. The Slenderman seemed to settle.

  "Since you have amused me, I'll put your fate in your own hands. You can choose to die, in which case I shall send you out with either Knot or Paene.", he gestured to the two proxies in the pearly masks, "Or, you could stay here, and see what we can make of you."

  "You mean if I choose to stay I can live and eventually get my revenge and a new life?", she asked in disbelief.

   She thought about it, "but if I stay I'll never see my mother or little brother again..." she then remembered that her mother and little brother were treated better than her. He would never beat them, only her.

 "They don't really need me...and I have nothing else to lose… and I have been asking for a second chance at life since I was 12..." 

  She looked at the being making her final decision. As she said something that she didn’t believe, "I want to stay". Meaning that she wants to live.  

 "Very well.", the powerful being said, and offered her his hand to shake. He could sense something in her that was...darker.

 Tabby gave him a firm handshake with her right hand to seal the deal.

 "You may stay with either Masky, Hoodie, or Toby.", the being said.

 "I'll stay with Toby", she quickly looked down. Her chances of surviving would greatly increase if she stuck to him for now. Besides he was nice to her and spared her life so she kinda owes him.

 Once she proved herself useful, she could have her own home. Until then, she needed a mentor and someone who could explain the new life she was given. The being nodded to Knot and Paene to show the group out. He actually had some business to attend to with Masky and Masky only, and it involved the files he had brought to him. The Slenderman nodded, and sent her, Hoodie, and Toby out while he spoke with Masky privately. Toby was happy to at least be able to help her adjust. He hoped she'd be able to make the cut. Even though he was new, he was still a decent proxy meaning the apartment he had had two rooms and enough space for them to live comfortably. Jane was their neighbor along with a few others Toby had never met. Tabby followed Toby closely; she was careful not to stare as she was Generally polite for the most part. She saw a doctor with stitches going across her. She made damn sure to avoid her since she didn't like doctors. She saw an eccentric child playing with LJ, the Doll maker and Jason the toy maker. She saw two boys arguing with each other that reminded her of an old married couple.

  Toby was thinking. 

  "We can get Jane to make you a mask.", he said, "I think you might like her."  

  Tabby looked offended, "what's wrong with my face? Is it because of my eyes?".

  She did have unnaturally wide eyes. She often got picked on for them. People called her wide-eyed, bugsy, googly eyes ect...

  "No, no it's nothing to do with your face!", Toby assured her, "It's just that people like us wear masks. It's kind of like our new identity. But any face covering works, really."

  They passed a haggard, tall, skeletal thing with long tangled black hair. The creature's limbs were covered with dirt, mud, blood, and other...things. It watched Toby and Tabby continue on, mouth ripped open and hanging near its collar bone. It stared with its yellow blank stare. They passed a tall man with broad shoulders, very attractive and charming-looking. He was holding a cat in his arms. He looked relatively normal. They finally made it to Toby's apartment building.

  She looked at the apartment complex, "it's a lot nicer than my old apartment..." She didn't look at the other people as she didn't want others to kill her. He led her into the lobby. The lobby was empty, save for a lady at the front desk. She looked normal, save for the fact she had no eyes and her mouth was stitched shut. She was doing paperwork. Toby didn't seem to mind.

  "Come on!", He said, a little excited to show her where she'd be staying.

  Tabby gave him a small smile and let him lead the way. Toby let her into his apartment. It was oddly clean despite being lived in by an 18 year old boy. The blinds were open. There were a few dishes on the sink but nothing too unclean. The walls were a light green with dark brown trim. It was a decent place. A little cat slept peacefully on the couch. It was quiet besides the humming.

  "Your room will be the door right next to the hall closet.", he stated, "My room is locked, so don't worry about getting into the wrong room."

  She nodded in understanding as she took in her surroundings. She dropped her backpack in a corner and slowly walked up to the cat cooing at it. Not daring to touch it until she gained its trust but it's evident that she has a soft spot for cats.

  "Your apartment is nice and it's relatively clean...I always had to play Cinderella at my old apartment", said Tabby.

  Toby smiled. 

  "I just like being in clean spaces.", he said, not wanting to get into the reasons for that.

  He introduced the cat to her. The cat's name was Nugget.

  "She was a stray. I found her beating the crap out of some raccoon so I took her in. She's a real big baby."

  Nugget remained asleep, obviously unbothered by Tabby's presence.

  She nodded, "so do I. I have Bad OCD", she left it at that not wanting to get into the reasons for that. 

 "Nugget is really cute. I love cats"

  "Well, lucky for you, Nugget loves sleeping in your room so you may wake up and find her next to you.", Toby said with a smile, "I'll give you some time to settle in.".

  "Okay" she picked her back pack up and went to her room.  

  It looked the same as the rest of the place with the same colors just smaller. There was already another bed with a small bedside table and a small dresser with a mirror on it. She unpacked. She only had a week's worth of clothes for summer and winter and like 3 pairs of pjs. She put socks and underwear in one drawer, shirts in the next, pants in the next and then pjs in the next. She hung up the plain pale blue long sleeved dress that she had in the closet. She put her hygiene products and feminine products in her closet. Lastly she took out the two pictures that she had and put them on the nightstand. And she took out a couple of sketches that her best friend Autumn made for her. They were both of Tabby in different poses. She laid them on the bed. The bed was bare as there was no bedding on it. She'll buy frames for her pictures and bedding for her bed once she got money. She'll ask later if she could hang stuff up on the wall.

  Toby busied himself while she got settled into her new room. He had done the dishes from what he had managed to eat that day and checked on the food he had. He was running low, but thankfully he'd soon be paid for the mission with a bonus, as he was now training someone. Proxies got paid per mission, though it was always possible to get money on the side. The longer and more complex the mission, the more pay you'd get for it. Toby had finished cleaning up his mess in the kitchen and was looking over his mission schedule for that week. He had given Jane a call to let her know her services would soon be needed. He figured that a friendly female presence would help Tabby adjust to this place, and he knew the moment she had her mask was the moment she could go around The Pocket safely. Jane would make it to her liking. Toby knew that while he'd be the primary mentor, there were things he could not teach her and would need help with. He also knew that he needed to explain the rules.

  She sat on the bed and looked into the mirror and took a good long look at her reflection and took the time to process tonight's events. How fucking quickly her life changed from running away to becoming a proxy.

  "Wtf actually happened? How did I survive this?", she said out loud to herself.

  Toby knew his schedule was clear the next day. That would be good. He figured that they soon would need to get something to eat but Toby didn't feel it was a good idea for Tabby to go out too far without a mask. Not wearing a mask made you a target for the malus population, or even sometimes higher ranked monsters or other proxies. It was deemed unacceptable to not wear one unless on a stealth mission. Thankfully Tabby has bad social anxiety so it's unlikely that she'll ever venture out by herself. If anything she'll venture out if she had too only with another person with her. Toby knew that she would have to make friends to survive for long here. It was always best to have someone in your corner unless things went to crap. Thankfully Toby knew some decent people who could definitely help her out of her shell a tad and also would be loyal. She decided to leave Toby alone for now since she didn't want to get in his way and bother him. He knew where to get her if he needed her. She just flopped on the bed staring up at the ceiling. It's insomnia week so she's not going to sleep for a couple of days. Her anxiety died down and the adrenaline wore off.

  She talked quietly out loud to herself, "Alrighty ground rules. Don't speak unless spoken too. Only make eye contact for a little bit when someone is talking to you. Always be polite and respectful, fight if you have too, just keep your head low, stay out of the way and if someone asks you to do something quickly, quietly and efficiently".

  She nodded as she agreed with the rules that she made for herself. She gave herself a little pep talk.

  "I survived Rosewood for the last 8 years. I can survive here. This is no different from Rosewood only the steaks are higher. I can live with that. I'm sure there's a weapon store somewhere here. I can buy some weapons to defend myself with when I absolutely have to go alone". She took a deep breath "I'm finally going to do it Autumn...I'm going to avenge you and the others....just hold on"

  Toby knocked on her door, and let her know he was going out for groceries. He told her Jane would be over in about fifteen minutes to start working on a mask with her and asked her if she needed anything. He was planning on just making some simple food for dinner. Jane was a very talented mask maker, and Toby knew that she would do a good job with Tabby's. Toby had a bit of a flashback. When he was new, still slightly burned and bruised from the fire, he was sitting down on some stone steps outside a building and he was crying. He remembered feeling a tap on his shoulder and seeing Jane sitting next to him. She was ranked lower than he was, she had explained, so he could feel assured she wouldn't hurt him. He remembered her taking him back to her apartment and making him some food before showing him where he was supposed to go. Jane was an incredibly sweet person and was able to make people just open up to her. She did a lot of espionage missions and did a lot of work with stealth.

  Tabby opened up the door and nodded.

  "Do you think you can buy my two frames? About an 8 x 9? And at least two knives for me to defend myself when I absolutely have to go alone? And some bedding too?", she added quickly, "if you don't want too that's fine! I can wait until I get my own money! I don't need anything fancy! Just something sturdy and simple. And something warm. I don't want to be a burden on you. I can take care of myself! I don't want you to think I'm trying to take advantage of you! I'm actually really grateful!", she babbled on as she fidgeted with the bottom of her shirt and looked down prepared for the harsh comeback.

  "It's okay! I can get that for you. Any specific colors you want for the bedding and the frames or should I just get stuff that matches the room?", Toby asked. He had no problem providing her with stuff. She was a guest in his home and he would be a bad host if he didn't help her out. Plus she was in a new world with new rules that probably seemed a bit hellish. If he could help in any way he would be happy to. 

  "Oh, and I'm grilling some chicken and making some salad for dinner. Is that okay or do you want me to bring you back something?", he asked.

  "Teal...I like the color teal...it's my favorite... as for the frames just simple black ones will do. No need to be fancy.", she added quietly.

  She listened to him when he said what he was making for dinner, “That's fine I'm not a picky eater. but I have to watch you make it because I don't trust anyone to make my food unless I'm watching or if I'm making it myself. It could be poisoned. No offense to you".

   It was common knowledge at Rosewood that you don't eat the school food as everyone's caught Horatio poisoning the food more times than not. So everyone brought their own lunch and the kitchen shut down.

  "Okay, that's fine with me.", Toby assured her, "You can even help me cook it if you want.".

  He understood. When he first got to the Pocket he was given to an older proxy to be trained to who called himself Demitrius. Toby had been training with a girl named Farrah. Demitrius despised them. He was so awful to them, which they both had to take as they were new. Then they had both started getting sicker and sicker. Farrah had found out that they were slowly being poisoned so they were both moved to different mentors. He didn't feel like explaining that however.

  "I'll make sure I'll get you what you need, okay?”, said Toby.

  She nodded as she sounded relieved, "Okay. I'm pretty good in the kitchen myself".

  As she's always had to cook dinner for the 5 of them, the people she lived with. On top of her working at the This or That restaurant. 

  "Okay thank you", she ventured out to the living room as she sat down on the edge of the couch since he mentioned that a girl named Jane was coming over soon.

  "Okay, I'll see you.", Toby said with a smile. He turned and left the apartment with a list.

  Soon enough, the door slid open. The woman from earlier came into the apartment. She was tall, and wearing a very pretty painted mask and a wig. She had changed from the dress from earlier into a long sleeved t shirt and jeans.

  "Hey hon! I'm Jane.", the woman said with a kind voice.

  She quickly looked up at her, "hello my name is Tabby", she quickly looked back down again as she was fidgeting with her shirt again. She was covered in bruises and scars old and new. And her bandaged left hand was obvious.

  She stood up trying to be a good hostess, "would you like anything to drink? I'm sure we only have water here for now".

  Jane smiled and shook her head.

  "No thank you, I'm good.", she said.

  Jane noted her bruises, scars, and her hand. She gave her a smile.

  "I was asked to come here to discuss the type of mask you would like.", she said tentatively.

  "Hmm...I don't want anything too fancy as I don't want to drag attention to myself more than I already will since I'm fresh meat...and something of a teal color", she was thinking as she made room for Jane to sit if she wanted to. Jane sat next to her with a smile, "Hm, teal, that would look nice. You won't be fresh meat for long, but I understand wanting a plain mask. Maybe a golden design over the teal? That could look very pretty."

  Tabby nodded excitedly, "yeah! Like golden spirals in different directions"

 Jane nodded, "That could be pretty.", she sketched out a tentative design and showed it to her.

  "Yeah...", she just stared for a couple of minutes as she was having a flashback to when Autumn was alive. She was the artistic one in the group. And was also her best friend/big sister. She was always showing Tabby her sketches.  

  She shook her head to clear away the memories.

  "Like that", she confirmed.

  "Okay! Anything else? Would you like me to paint the lips, add any engravings, stuff like that?", Jane asked.

  She remembered one older proxy, about 40, who had lost his entire group in one mission. He had come to her and had her engrave their names on one side of his mask.

  She hesitated for a minute, "could you engrave 14 names in the inside of the mask? And paint the lips black please?".

  "Okay, lips black. Can you write out the names please?", Jane asked, handing her the sketchbook and a pencil. She would be more than happy to.

  Tabby took her sketch book and wrote down the names 'autumn, ora, Emma, heath, Gavin, Donny, Rebecca, Mitchell, Morgan, jewel, Julie, Caleb, Riley, Emmy, and Daniel'. She handed back the sketch book.

  "Okay. I'll carve them on the inside of the mask.", She said.

  She figured those names carried sentimental value to Tabby.

  Tabby looked up, "thank you", and she looked down.

  Jane nodded, "I'll have it done by either tomorrow or the next day, okay?".

  Tabby nodded, "yes that's fine. Take all the time you need. I don't plan on going out anytime soon".

  "Of course. I'll get it ready.".

  "Okay then", Tabby wasn't really good at holding up conversations as she never really got too much socializing. Especially if it's a stranger.

  Jane smiled.

  "Would you like me to leave, or would you feel more comfortable with someone else in the apartment?", Jane asked with a smile.

  "Oh you can stay if you want if you're not busy", she won't admit it but she didn't want to be alone in this strange new world just yet.

 "I'm not all that busy. If I could bring some of my mask making stuff over here that would be great.", Jane said. She understood

 "Yeah that's fine. I'm sure Toby won't mind as long as there's no mess afterwards".

 "Oh I won't make a mess.", Jane said peacefully. She said she would be very fast.

  "Unbelievable", she said in thought, "I'm talking to a killer...I'm having an ally ship with two of them so far", she shook her head, "my life really did take a drastic change"

  Jane went to her apartment and soon came back with all her supplies. She could get three of her orders done if she worked fast. Jane began to chat with Tabby as she set up. 

  "So Tabby, you're very new, hm?".

  "Yeah my life turned into this in one night. I was honestly not expecting this to happen. Originally I was running away", admitted Tabby.

  Jane nodded. She understood. She began making the mold for one of the masks.

  "I understand. But this will be a pleasant change, you'll see.", Jane promised, "Revenge and whatnot is quite exhilarating”.

  She shook her head slowly, "I hope so. I'm just doing it because I know I can't die and go with my friends without avenging them while he is still out on the streets and in school. Someone else will suffer at his hands and I'll be damned if someone else has to suffer by the hands of him like I did", she said quietly.

  "I think I know who you're talking about.", Jane said, "And...if it's any consolation at all, ghosts do exist and several of them have contact with other dead folks. There may be a way to talk to your friends, albeit temporarily.", She set the mask cast to dry and made another one.

  "There's only one I would like to talk to one last time. I owe her everything after all she did for me", she said quietly. She then changed the subject.

  "Toby said that you also went to Rosewood Prep".

  "He's right. I used to. I still have human contacts in there.", Jane said. She set a fan on the first mask as she finished the second one.

  "So how long ago was that? What was it like? Was it still the same students who were just as corrupt as the teachers? Was it like the hunger games where you had to be on guard and fight every day to survive only with more rules and regulations? What horror stories do you have of that place?", she asked excitedly. She never met anyone who lived long enough to get out of Rosewood. Normally the people who do got the fuck out the first chance they got and were never really heard from ever again.

  "I was there two years ago, actually. I'm still pretty new here myself. I...I have a lot of stories.", Jane said.

   She shifted anxiously, "I once got caught stealing food from the kitchen, and they locked me in the sports shed for almost a week. They poured water on the ground for me every day and I had to lick it up from the ground. Teachers would have favorite kids and that would keep them out of trouble. Rich kids were treated much better. Anyone who made lower than a C on anything was punished. Sometimes they would lock kids who were hallucinating in the upstairs bathroom and just leave them there. I have so many."

  "Horatio Galloway" Tabby’s face paled and her eyes were wide in fear, "most of my horror stories had to do with him" "rarely did I ever get into trouble with the teachers. I was always a straight A student. It's only when I got into trouble for skipping classes because of Horatio".

  "I think I remember him.", Jane said, "I didn't get in as much trouble with him ever. I did okay in my schooling but I was rebellious.". Jane set the second mask to the side, and started on another.

  "It was probably a good thing that you've gotten punished for stealing the food. It was probably poisoned by him. I'd rather be locked in the sports shed than have a slow death", pointed out Tabby.

  "It was before the food was prepared. I wasn't stupid. I took fruits and veggies and unopened pre packaged things. They were denying a friend of mine food. I got caught after she got to eat.", Jane spoke with some pride.

  "Good for you", Tabby said proudly.

  Tabby then looked down and her voice quivered, "then you must be aware of the Rosewood massacre that happened a month back", She rubbed her left hand.

  Jane's eyes darkened, "I heard rumors about the massacre but don't know the details. Several of my friends are still there...".

  "I can tell you the real full story. The massacre as they called it really did happen. I saw it with my own eyes but being the person that Horatio is he made damn sure that I couldn't do a damn thing about it", she gave a bitter laugh, ”always had it out for me since day 1".

  Jane looked sadly at her.

  "I'm so sorry you had to be there.", Jane said softly she began to paint the first mask, a pretty lavender mask, "Talk about it only if you would like to." She sighed and thought about it for a while. She's never talked to anyone about this.

  "It...was homecoming...you know at Rosewood how each homecoming is a different theme every year. This year was carnival themed. Which I don't like as it is because I have a severe distrust of clowns. Too many horror movies growing up you know? Anyways my mom decided to let me go to the event and she and my grandmother came with me. That was the catch. Horacio was standing at the entrance dressed as the ringleader handing out pink candies that were laced with LSD to everyone. You should know at Rosewood it is common knowledge that you do not take anything that Horacio gives you. Whatever it may be. I didn't take the candy because I knew better. I tried warning my mom and grandmother about it but they wouldn't listen. I was too smart for his bullshit but not smart enough. I couldn't find my friend group anywhere. But I knew that they were here so I didn't worry about it too much and I'll find them later. So I got to the seats and watched the show which was quite boring since I wasn't hallucinating from the candy. But the last act though. It was outside. I saw all my friends lined up on the rooftop of the school and it's a fucking tall building. while everyone was thinking that they were doing some acrobatic tricks i watched them jump to their deaths one by one....i was screaming and crying begging someone to help but all ignored me and i couldn't shout because they were too far up hear me and I couldn't break into the school either. i couldn't do anything. later on the LSD wore off and they were mortified to find the 14 dead bodies. all confused on how it happened. So they deemed it the Rosewood Massacre. After the show was over I confronted Horacio about what he did. I attacked him to strangle him. My goal was to kill him. but the problem was that we're too evenly matched with each other. in strength and intelligence so it turned out to be a fist fight. we did a good amount of damage to each other. until he caught one of my punches and shoved my fist through a closed window shattering the window and every bone in my hand. i had to get the glass surgically removed as it was deep in the tissue so i can't feel a thing in my hand anymore and they had to set my hand for the broken bones to heal. But since doctors refused to do their jobs correctly they set it wrong so it healed wrong and now my hand is paralyzed. he took everything away from me! My family! My home! My motivation to live then! and my hand!", she was more hurt than angry.

   Tabby quickly looked away to recompose herself, "I'm sorry for the sudden outburst. I never talked about that day since to anyone before".

  "I understand." ,Jane said softly. She had been letting the lavender mask dry so she could paint flowers on it and had been working on the second one, listening to the subject.

  "I'm so sorry.", Jane said softly, "I understand what it's like to lose everyone. A lot of the teachers at that school were just plain cruel, and I still don't know how and why the human government hasn't shut down that institution or why parents won't stop sending their children there. No one deserves to lose people the way you did." 

  "That's because the shit they do there is unbelievable. No one would believe them if others heard their stories. I don't know about your parents but mine didn't believe me either and neither did my therapists", explained Tabby.

  The second mask was a half white and half black one. 

  "We can get you an appointment with the Puppeteer perhaps. He can just drain your sadness away." The Puppeteer was highly sought after for his empath abilities. It comes back after a while unless he numbs your memory, but it's nice to feel peace just for a little while."

  She shook her no.

  "No thank you. I don't like my mind being tampered with. I've been through 7 psychologists. I don't need anyone else. My sadness, anger and grief is my motivation to put Horacio Down once and for all. I can have peace of mind after that", said Tabby.

  "I understand. He doesn't tamper with your mind though. He feeds in negative emotions so you can at least get a bit of sleep and have a moment where everything feels okay. And you're right. My parents didn't believe me either. All my letters were monitored as I lived in the boarding section.", Jane said, "My parents didn't believe in therapy, so."

  She finished up the first mask. It looked lovely and glossy.

  "As much as that sounds nice. I can't sleep even if I wanted too. I have insomnia and narcolepsy. So it's a hit or miss", explained Tabby. "I've heard horror stories about the boarding section. I guess I was considered lucky enough to be able to go back to the place where I lived".

  "Oh, he can deal with that too.", Jane said, "He's honestly a blessing. And yeah. The boarding rooms were awful.", She didn't want to go into too much detail.

   "Maybe I'll think about it" , she nodded in understanding. She learned in order to keep a friend you don't push boundaries and you don't ask too many questions.

  "So Tabby. What do you do for fun?", asked Jane, changing the subject.

  "Fun?" she asked, confused. She had to sneak around after school or at night in order to have some fun as her step dad was a cruel and strict man.

  "I normally like to read and write, have time to myself to philosophize. I liked to hang out with my friends whenever I could. Listen to music”, Tabby finally said.

  "Ah, I see." Jane said. "Those are fun hobbies. What do you like to write?" She asked. She had stenciled out a white design for the black side of the mask and mirrored that design in black for the white side. The third mask was hardening.

  "I like to write fiction. Darkly realistic fiction. Sometimes free verse poetry", Tabby said.

  "Oh, that seems fun." Jane said, continuing her work on the masks. She checked the little black clock up on the wall. "Toby will be home soon."

  "Yeah. Although I left all my written works back at Rosewood. I didn't think to bring them back to the place where I lived. I didn't exactly plan on running away. It was a spur of the moment type thing you know?", she nodded, "I'm not too worried about him. He seems like he's the type that can handle himself"

  "Ah, I understand. Maybe you could get Toby to get you some notebooks or something to write in." Jane said. "And you're right, he most definitely can. He's pretty strong."

  "Maybe and that's good I guess"

  Jane finished up the second mask and began working on the third. She looked like she was thinking. 

  "Has Toby told you the rules yet?", Jane asked.

  She shook her head no, "I know that there are rules and guidelines. I figured I would ask him later when he got back”

  "Ah. Well, if you'd like, I could start filling you in." Jane offered.

  "That would help out a lot. The more I know the less of a chance I have of being killed", said Tabby.

  "Okay. I'll tell you a few of the official rules then." Jane said, adjusting her position and making sure her mask was secure. "First of all, there is a hierarchy here that is absolutely set in stone. Since you're a proxy, you're lower in the hierarchy, but you are not the lowest of the low."

  "Sounds like my position in any life in general but okay what else?" She asked.

  "It's best to try to consort with your rank and above. So for you, that would be other proxies and monsters. The higher beings are not likely to befriend you so I wouldn't bother." Jane explained.

  "So like you and Toby for example?”, asked Tabby.

  "Not me, actually. Toby flaunts a few of the rules because he's popular. I am actually one of the lowest in the hierarchy." Jane said with an awkward nod. "It's not like you'd be punished for speaking with me or anything like that. People would just look down their noses a bit at you."

  "That's nothing new to me. I can live with that. Who would be my best chance to make an ally with, the higher proxies I mean?"

  "Hm. If you want high-ranking proxies that are pretty friendly, then believe it or not, Masky would be your go to guy. If he's not trying to kill you, he's very pleasant. Clockwork is another proxy I would chat with if I were you. She runs that little bar a couple minutes from here. Kate's not high ranking, but she can pull you a lot of favors because she knows people. There are a few monsters who don't care too much about the hierarchy either.”

  "He was trying to earlier. If it wasn't for Toby I would mostly likely be dead in the woods. I'm avoiding him for a while. I could give Clockwork and Kate a chance once my social anxiety dies down and when I get the courage to go out on my own willingly. Anything else that I need to know?"

  Jane nodded. "Yes. Relationships with humans that aren't mission-related or cleared by your boss as allies is VERY against the rules. It will get you put down to my level."

  Tabby nodded slowly "well I'm too fucked up for a relationship. I'm sure no one would want me anyways...The man I loved is dead now. No one will replace him. So I can have allies but it has to be cleared by the boss first?"

  "Yes. By allies I mean humans who are aware of our world and have chosen to side with us." She was painting what looked like a galaxy on the third mask. And I would be careful. You may find someone and it may shock you. I didn't expect-" Jane stopped then continued painting in silence.

  "You don't have to say anything if you don't want to. I'm not the one to push boundaries. And that makes sense. What else do I need to know?”, asked Tabby.

  "Treat all gifts with suspicion. Even if they're from people you know. There are a lot of backstabbers here."

  "I'm highly intuitive and I have serious trust issues. I don't trust anybody or anything. Unless I see them making it or doing something with my own eyes. I've already came up with the conclusion that this is no different from Rosewood. Except the stakes are higher and I have more freedom for the most part. If we survived Rosewood for that long we can survive here". What else?"

  "You'll find that this may be a bit tougher than Rosewood, mainly due to the missions. This is a very high stakes job. Many proxies die young. But it is also so rewarding too, really. Cause once you root yourself here, you've got some people that have your back."

   "Well then I guess I'll have to do my best not to die. I'll try to keep myself alive for as long as possible. Is there anyone I I shook steer clear away from? Like a red flag warning?”

  "Jeff." Jane said firmly. "Ignore him. Don't do favors for him and don't let him do favors for you. Ever." Her hands remained steady even if she was freaking out.

  "Is Jeff to you like Horacio was for me?" She asked quietly. "I'm good at ignoring people. I ignore people like they are the plague. I'm antisocial af"

  "Well, he set me on fire and murdered my family in front of me, so yeah, I'd say so." Jane said. She said it in a way to make it seem like it didn't hurt her but it was easy to tell that it did.

  "Horatio can't get me here...can he?" Her voice quivered and her eyes were wide with fear.

  "Horatio is just a measly little human." Jane said. "After you're trained and fully transformed, he won't really be able to harm you on his own. You could absolutely humiliate him.

  "But he's always been 10 steps ahead of me...I couldn't even get close enough to kill him and believe me I've tried countless times...what if he's still 10 steps ahead of me after I transformed? All my efforts would be in vain"

  "He won't be. Like I said. He's just a stupid human. You will be able to get rid of him with no sweat."

  She sighed the problem with Horatio was that she and him were too evenly matched. In intelligence and strength. She just uses her intelligence differently than he did.

  "I'm sorry for what you went through...including the stuff with Rosewood. I really am. What else do I need to know?", asked Tabby, changing the subject.

  “It's fine. I'm coping okay. You should probably know that the ghost community is a great community to be friends with." Jane admitted. "They're everywhere and they can get into places for you."

  She nodded "I'll try talking to them at some point”

  "I can easily introduce you to almost anyone you'll need to know. When you finish training, you'll be put into a group."

  "What do you mean?"

  "Proxies work in groups. Usually. You'll be given missions to do either solo, with some members of your group, or your whole group. They will be the people you can trust most."

  She nodded in understanding "Toby said something earlier about disgraced proxies. What are those?”

  "People like me. Other people call us honorary humans, or just disgraces. They are proxies or monsters who have broken some of the cardinal rules and were caught and punished for them."

  She nodded in understanding, taking in the information "is there anything else I should know?"

.  "Not really much that I can think of right now."

  "Okay thank you for taking the time and effort to explain things to me. I'll take your advice. I'll ask Toby if there's anything else I should know when he gets here and see what advice he has. I'd like to hear what he has to say"

   "You should. I'm just telling you things I know from experience." Jane said. She heard footsteps outside the room.

   Tabby froze as her ears picked up on the noise. She got defensive ready to attack or bolt. Toby, carrying everything he had bought at the grocery store in his arms and a basket. Jane got up to help him unload it all. Tabby sighed in relief and she got up to help too. Her mom made her carry 4-5 heavy bags in each hand every time they went grocery shopping. She may be small but she definitely has some lean muscle to her. She's still useful despite her left hand. Toby thanked both of them. He set down the bags of food on the counter and handed the things that Tabby had specifically requested to her. Jane had gone to start packing up her stuff after putting some things away. She knew that she probably needed to go now. Tabby went to her room to put down the bags. She'll take them out later once everything settles down. She went back out to help.

    Jane pack up.

   Jane pretty much had everything packed up and ready to go.

   "I'll swing by tomorrow with your mask." She assured Tabby

  "Okay. It was nice meeting you and having you here. It's nice to know I'm not alone with Rosewood"

  "You're definitely not alone. If you need someone to talk with who's not, well, a man-" Jane smiled a bit. "Then just give me a call or drop by. I literally live next door."

  She laughed. She gave herself a weird look. It was a sound that she hadn't heard in a long time. She only reserved it for Adam or her friends. "Well that's convenient then!"

  Jane nodded and smiled. It was nice to hear her laugh. Toby's voice came from the kitchen.    

  "Thanks for coming, Jane!" Jane smiled at Tabby and waved goodbye Tabby gave a small wave goodbye. Jane left the apartment. Toby poked his head in and let Tabby know he was going to start cooking now if she felt she needed to make sure her food was safe. Tabby nodded and she went in to help cook the food while keeping a close eye on Toby to make sure he didn't try anything with the food. Despite her hand she was actually very handy with a knife (cooking wise and also fighting wise). She was very fast and efficient in the kitchen. She was using her wrist to hold some of the vegetables in place as she cut them. On top of always cooking dinner at home for 5 people she also worked in a kitchen at a small restaurant afterschool. It got her out of the house for a while since she never wanted to go home. She only quit last month due to her hand. Honestly she would have become a chef if she never made the choice to come here. Toby made sure she saw and knew what was going on with the chicken he was cooking. If he added a spice, he told her what it was. He admired how skilled she was with a knife even though one of her hands was essentially crippled. He could tell she had experience. That was good to know. Most of the killers couldn't cook. Jane always ended up burning everything so he always offered her food. The neighbors next door, however, were excellent cooks but since they were literally a family unit, Toby never really spoke to them. He knew that monsters and proxies would sometimes settle down and start families but he never really met them. Most families got moved to another part of town. But she was the type of person to go through with her choice when she made one whether it was good or bad. She would see it through to the bitter end crash and burn. That was the most dangerous thing about Tabby.

   She liked how Toby respected her wishes and went out of his way to tell her what the spices were. She never really had a lot of respect in her life so it was a nice change. She liked how the moved well together in the kitchen. It almost reminded her of those types of families she saw on tv that the husband and wife would help each other in the kitchen. The thought made her look down and blush a little.

   Moving on. She was thinking about the irony of her situation. She hated all adults she didn't know in general specifically males in particular. And here she was living with an adult serial killer and a Male nevertheless. The situation made her burst out laughing out of nowhere.

   "Jesus...unbelievable...", she said, wheezing for breath.

   Toby glanced over at her.

  "Hey, you okay?" He asked.

  He had ticked a bit in the middle of the "okay" but it hadn't really affected his speech. He figured she might have gotten herself with the knife a bit. But then why would she be laughing? Hm. The chicken was almost done. After dinner he would go out to check his mail to make absolutely sure he had no bills to pay or no missions he had neglected to see. He could hear faintly next door a baby crying. He heard footsteps, a small creaking sound, and some shushing. Soon the baby quieted. Toby smiled to himself. The people next door never let their baby cry for too long. They were very considerate neighbors. 

   She calmed down a little bit, wiping her tears away from laughing as she was still giggling.

  "I'm fine. I'm not hurt. Even if I did get myself with the knife I wouldn't feel it because I used to work in a kitchen so my hands are pretty calloused".

  She showed him her left arm that had a crescent shaped burn mark on her bicep.

  "That's from work. I didn't realize it until two hours later when my arm was feeling irritated. So I looked down and saw a burn mark about 2 inches and a half in diameter. It eventually died down and became this. I was laughing because I realized the irony of my situation. You see I never really trusted adults in general. They don't do their jobs protecting their own kids. But if you're male you have a higher chance of me not trusting you. And here I am living with a technical adult male serial killer! I don't think you understand. I went against everything I knew and believed in one night. I took a leap of faith and I don't do that for just anyone so you better feel special”, Tabby explained.

   She smiled and shook her head, "my life really did take a drastic turn of events".

  Toby nodded. He understood. He offered her a small smile.

  "Well, I'm glad you did decide to take a leap of faith." He said earnestly. He plated up the chicken, then asked if she needed help with finishing up the salads. He heard faint music from Jane's apartment. The baby next door didn't start crying again. It was, for once, pretty peaceful. It was impossible to hear outside while the windows were closed, but if they were open it would be highly probable they would hear screaming.

   She shook her head no, "the salad will be done in a few minutes. I just needed to put the vegetables in and toss it" she did that and tossed it using a chef's flip without utensils mixing it good. The salad is done”.

  She plated the salad on both of their plates. She sat down and waited for him to sit to begin eating. Toby sat across from her with his plate. He was starving. He had gotten himself a knife and fork, and had gotten some for Tabby as well. He asked her if she wanted anything to drink. He had water, soda, and juice. No milk. He was lactose intolerant.

  "I would like some water please"

  Her expression changed to a more serious one as she was going to get down to serious business.

  "So Jane told me the basics of the rules. Like how there is a hierarchy. We're proxies so we're low but not the lowest of the low. How ally ships between us and humans and humans not from here are strictly prohibited. It's best to have a few higher up proxies as allies. And that I should stay away from Jeff" "but I want to hear what you have to say. Like anything else I should really know? Anyone I should stay clear away from?"

  Toby went up to get them both some water.

  "She's right. She covered almost everything. Especially about Jeff, though if you get on his good side he can teach you some pretty cool stuff. I think it's important to know higher being politics as well. Proxies have a specific boss. Monsters can serve whoever they want and do jobs for whoever. But it's important to know which higher being hates who, because sometimes they will act out against the proxies that serve that higher being."

  She nodded slowly in understanding "I'm fairly observant so I'm sure I'll pick up a few things on higher being politics here".

  "Is there anyone who you think I should stay away from personally?" She said in between bites. She was scarfing down her food like she wouldn't see food again. She didn't eat much in general for the last 8 years due to Rosewood. You had to bring your own lunch and her family was too poor to buy extra food. So she ate dinner at home and that was the only meal she would eat. They barely had enough food for the month while struggling for rent. Although when she was very young she could eat like a champ. For the last 3 months when her step dad came up with the cruel and unusual punishment for her to eat nothing but rice. But she got sick of it and she either stole a little bit of food from the stores when her mom used to send her out or Autumn was very generous and brought her some food for her own house.

   "I'm also not too fond of Jeff. But I also wouldn't trust LJ either. But he's friends with BEN and The Puppeteer so you can't really avoid him." The ghost community was super tight.

   "Is there enough for seconds?", she asked.

   "Yeah. There's enough for seconds if you'd like."

   "I don't trust clowns either. I watched too many horror movies as a child you know? But I'll be wary and cautious like I usually am with everyone and everything else" she got up for seconds and scarfed down her second and third plate. It wasn't until her fourth plate when she stopped.

  By then the entire thing of food Toby had cooked was gone. He didn't mind one bit however. He got up to do the dishes.

  "Yeah, don't trust clowns. They aren't...they aren't all that great. Especially here."

  "They're never in general". She went to help with the dishes while drying them. 

  "Thank you" she said quietly after a period of silence.

  "No problem." Toby said with a smile. He helped put the dishes away after they were finished. He heard a meow and saw Nugget plodding towards them. Tabby's face lit up as she started cooing at the cat and kneeled down to pet Nugget. She sucked in a breath at the pain of her bruises. She started petting the cat affectionately.

   Nugget purred and pressed her body up against Tabby, her tail indicating that she was pleased with this. Toby smiled.

  "I think there's a scrap of chicken on the table. Hold on."

  "I mean if you give it food you have a higher chance of befriending the animal. It works with me”

  Toby laughed and picked up some scraps of chicken from the counter. He offered them to Tabby so she could feed the cat. Tabby took some. She ate a piece herself and feed the rest of the scraps to Nugget one by one. Nugget seemed to enjoy the chicken. Her purring was very loud as she ate it. Toby watched from afar with a smile.

  "Is there a library around here?"

  "Yeah, there is. I could take you there." Toby offered.

  "Good. If you're not busy tomorrow that is. I would much rather have someone to come with me to show me around and I'm not taking the chance of dying on my first day out since I'm fresh meat as it is so curious about the new girl that it is inevitable to say the least. Two is better than one. "I would also like to get books on this place and plants and stuff so I can have a lesser chance of dying and not being afraid. A wise man once told me that you can't be afraid of something that you understand. Like being afraid of the dark for example" she babbled.

  "Sure thing." Toby said, "I don't have any missions tomorrow and your training schedule hasn't been sent yet. Books will be good and all but talking to other people about stuff here will make it much easier to learn. Like, you can read all you'd like about the poison daisy, but field experience with someone who knows much more about it will be helpful. Also, we still have to teach you how to fight properly and other things that will make you more successful. It will come much easier to you once you fully transform though."

   "Okay. And I know that there's only something you can learn from experience. I just want to learn all I can from books first. The rest I'll ask around and experience for myself and what do you mean "properly"? Are you saying I can't fight. I may be crippled but that doesn't mean I can't kick some ass one handedly! I'll have you know I've gotten into a lot of fights and I've won the majority of them. Well despite getting my ass kicked many times before..."

  "I understand." Toby said to her first comment. He wanted her to learn as much as she could from books first too, it would keep her from being gullible and from getting hurt badly.

  "I'm not saying you can't fight, I'm saying that you're living with people who fight and hurt for a living. You've won fights, sure, but that's against humans." Toby finished cleaning up the rest of the kitchen. "It isn't a smart idea to overestimate your own abilities here. Really. The people here are stronger than humans, are faster than humans, can take more damage than humans, some have literal magic powers, or extra limbs, or whatever. "

  She sighed in defeat.

  "That's true. This isn't Rosewood. I'm not up against people my own age who are equal in intelligence and strength and skills. This isn't my territory. But I'll adapt and overcome like everything else in my life so far. I'm a quick learner. Just one day at a time that's all", said Tabby tiredly.

  "I know. That will help you live." Toby said. He sighed, then smiled.

 "Don't worry. We can train you. We can also get the WPA to train you so you're specialized if you want." Toby said.

  "What's WPA?" She asked, tilting her head to the side.

 "The Women's Proxy Association." Toby said. "They're a group of specialized fighters that ensure the training of female proxies. They're bad asses. They're kind of like Amazons, if you want the human equivalent.”

  "Oh...that sounds like something I'd be interested in..." she was still tilting her head but smiled up at him.

  "Oh and another thing. If we're going to be living together for a while we need to establish ground rules. I only have two. One, please don't lie to me. I give you the common courtesy to give honest information. I would also like to be hurt with the truth instead of living a lie. If we're going to be working together in some way we're going to need some form of honest communication. Two, please don't fight my battles for me. I don't like other people suffering from my own stupidity and I know in this society that's just the way shit goes around here but I'll do my best to minimize that when someone's with me. I can and will take care of myself. If someone has a problem with me it's with me alone and nobody else okay? Does that sound reasonable to you?".

  Toby nodded. "Yeah. That sounds good. I don't really have any ground rules for myself at the moment, but I'll let you know.

  He was pretty honest for a proxy, and while he wasn't the type to let people he cared for get beat up, he understood how she would want to stand up for herself. It was good she had that drive to stick up for herself. Proxies who didn't have that usually ended up dead.

  "So what do you want to do now?", Tabby asked.

   "Well, seeing is it's kinda late, we should probably get some sleep." Toby said. "Well, you should. I have another small mission tonight but it shouldn't take too long."

   "Ah well you see I have insomnia...and narcolepsy so I don't ever get enough sleep. This is a week and a half of no sleep. But I'll be here when you get back. Try not to die okay?" She gave him a small smile. Which was code for 'be careful I care somewhat’.

  "I won't, it's a fairly riskless mission." Toby assured her. It really wasn't too bad of a mission. "It's just a delivery." Toby got up to leave. "There's sleeping pills in the hall closet if you'd like. They've got the power of like, horse tranquilizers."

  "Alright I'll think about it and I'll see you later"

  "Alright, I'll see you." Toby soon left.

  Tabby went to her room to unpack the bags that Toby had bought her. She took out the frames and gently slid both pictures into their frames and set them on her night stand. She took out the two knives and positioned them like she was about to get into a fight. They were good for defense. Tabby took out the bedding; it was a soft patchwork blanket with a teal color scheme and pillows to match. She positioned them just how she liked them. She decided to not hang up Autumn's artwork so she put them in her nightstand and deemed that it would be private and personal.

   Toby slipped through the shadows, the package in hand. He realized the quickest route would be through monster's only territory, but as long as he wasn't caught he would be fine. He darted through the trees, paying close attention to any noise he would hear. He eventually managed to pass through it unharmed, which made the bulk of his journey a lot easier.

   She stepped back until she was near the door to take a look at her room. It was simple and basic but you could tell that it was her room. Then she came across the dawning realization "like it or not this is home now". Home. That was a place she hasn't had in a long time. Sure she lived with her mother and two brothers and her step dad. But it wasn't considered home or a family. Tabby knew that a home is where you feel safe and you belong and a family accepts you for you broken or not. Tabby shook her head.

  "This isn't home. I mean I'm living in this world now so I guess this world is my home now but this place isn't. It's not my territory and I barely even know him" she talked out loud to herself.

   Toby walked down streets that were covered in multicolor slick, which was essentially the water in this dimension. He carried the package in his gloved hands. Even through his mask, he could smell something cooking. He knocked on a heavy dark door. It swung open almost immediately. He gritted his teeth as cigarette smoke permeated the air. It reeked. The man standing before him was tall, and horrendously burned. The tales told about him said that his skin had been bleached, and that was partially the case. However most of his skin was mottled and scarred with varying shades of red. His face was barely distinguishable as a face. The eyes were sunken and shriveled. The nose was covered in scars. His mouth was clumsily cut into a wide, oozing grin. The man seemed to sniff the air. He clicked his tongue.

  "Ah. Twinkle Toes. Nice to...hehe... see you." 

  "Hey Jeff." Toby said uncomfortably. "Is Barb here? She told me to bring her this." He held up the small package. Jeff clicked his tongue again. He felt the package with his marred hand while seeming to stare directly at Toby. 

  "Yeah, Barb's here. You can come in.”

   Her eyes widened in paranoia as that was kicking in now "how much did I tell him really? He isn't stupid so I'm sure he picked up on more than what I told him...wait let's see...I told him about my insomnia, narcolepsy, anxiety and OCD, I told him about Rosewood, I told him about Horacio, he already figured out I came from an abusive home...", she counted on her fingers. Several things. Not bad. Nothing too personal, just observations and bare basic surface. She sighed in relief. But her paranoia was still there "why did he spare my life? Me out of everyone else that could have stumbled across tonight? On top of that, why is he so nice? I mean I appreciate it but No one is this nice for free. Accept for Autumn but we were kids then and we didn't really know anything. What if he's trying to gain my trust just to catch me off guard to kill me later? Especially in my sleep...what if he has other motives? I can't trust him nor am I going too. I'll work well with him and I'll be nice and kind back because it's right. But trust seems to be a long shot...", she rubbed the bridge of her nose like she had a headache. She hated when her paranoia showed up. "Goddamn Rosewood" she muttered to herself. She got out of her room to pace around the apartment to think out loud.

  "However he did save my life...if it wasn't for him I would have probably gotten my death wish early...and he did take me in for now...so like with Autumn I kinda owe him everything" 

   She shook her head "I am thankful for all he's done for me so far...but I can not and will not care too much. It's like Jane said a proxies life isn't that long on average....I don't want to hurt him and have his efforts of keeping me alive to be in vain...that's not fair to him. I'll have allies but no friends. All my friends are dead and they can not and will not be replaced. Moving on means forgetting and I promised myself that I wouldn't forget them" but she knew that deep down inside that wasn't the real reason.

  "I can't have what happened at Rosewood happen to anyone else that I've become allies with...I don't want to get attached and go through that heartache again...while I'm still going through it..." she admitted quietly to herself.

  Toby didn't have much of a choice as Jeff pulled him into the building. The cigarette smoke only got stronger. But thankfully, he heard Barb's laugh from the upstairs, so he made his way up the creaky staircase. That's where he found her. Barb was around eight feet tall, and had four muscular arms. She had a sharp jaw and broad shoulders as well as long dark blue hair. She had fur the same shade as her hair coating her arms and legs. She had a tattoo gun, and was tattooing another monster. It was a pretty large and complex tattoo, but Barb had a lot of the skill to make it look nice. She turned when she heard Toby.

  "Hey Tobes!" She said in her loud, booming voice. She extended a hand that wasn't being used. "You brought the pills?"

  "Yeah, EJ gave them to me earlier." Toby said, passing them to her. Barb smiled, showing sharp teeth.

  "Thank you!" She boomed jovially. The monster getting tattooed, a tiny wisp of a woman with eyes all over her face and arms had all her eyes trained on Toby. It made him very uncomfortable.

  "Well, I should probably go-" Toby said.

   She looked around and it was too quiet to her liking.

  "On second thought those sleeping pills sound nice right about now" she mused to herself. 

  She went to the closet and grabbed the bottle and read it carefully to make sure they were sleeping pills. She opened up the bottle and only took one since Toby said that they have the power of a horse tranquilizer and she's...well...small. She popped the pill dry and took some clean bandages that she found and a hand towel. She would clean her crippled hand and dress it in new bandages so it doesn't get infected since the surgical incisions were still fairly new. She went to the bathroom to wash her hands with soap and water and patted her crippled hand dry and wrapped it in new bandages. After she was done she could feel the pill kicking in. So she went back to her room. She locked her door and was debating on whether or not to move her dresser to barricade the door just in case he or someone else were to break in and attempt to kill her in her sleep. Since when she actually goes to sleep she's a deep sleeper. But she decided against it since she was too lazy and it would be a hassle to move it out of the way if she needed to escape immediately. She took her two knives and curled up laying down on her bed with her back facing the corner. She normally didn't sleep with covers on as they were a hassle to get off is someone were to attack her. She had her knees pulled up to her stomach for protection and her arms crossed to protect her chest and neck. She had both knives in each hand that laid against the back of her neck too for protection. No one was going to attack her easily. It was the only way she could feel safe while sleeping. And pretty soon she was out like a light.

  Toby eventually got back to the apartment. Jeff had wanted to show him something, which he knew wouldn't have ended well. He made sure to lock the apartment door behind him. It was quiet. Nugget was probably in Tabby's room. Toby peeked in her room to check on her and saw that she was asleep. Nugget was on her bed. After making sure she was okay, he closed the door and went to go take a shower and get ready for bed. He was pretty tired. He had run into Masky on his way back who managed to get him to share a drink and talk for a bit, which Toby found nice. Masky was in a much better mood today than other days. His shower and clothes change was quick. He put his dirty clothes into the hamper. He took it down to wash his clothes twice a week. The apartment had a shared laundromat.

  Tabby stirred awake as Toby closed the door  

  "son of a bitch" she thought to herself. 

  She wasn't protected enough. But even in her sleepy state she could recognize that it's Toby so she had nothing to worry about that much but for once in her life she was just too damn tired to do or say anything about it. 

  "I'll deal with it in the morning" she grumbled to herself and went back to being dead asleep in her protective position.

  Toby was in his pjs. He went to the kitchen and got a glass of ice water before heading back into his room. He closed his door behind him. He sat on his own bed and turned on a fan. He liked it cold in his room. He had a small little radio next to his bed that he used to play soothing music or sometimes just audiobooks or things like that. Soon he managed to sink off into a deep sleep.

#creepypasta #fanfic #original character #tabbyanderson #ticci toby #Toby Rogers #Masky #Tim Wright #hoody marble hornets #Brian Thomas #jane the killer #jane arkensaw #jeff the killer #jeffery woods #original characters #every rose has its thorn #rosewood prep #maplehood creek

[soveryanon]

Reviewing time for MAG182!

- I concur with Martin: the return to the Fearscape was pretty brutal with this episode, although Martin hilariously/bittersweetly provided us listeners with the warm-up he was himself missing:

(MAG182) MARTIN: … Seriously? ARCHIVIST: Yup! MARTIN: Not an hour from an oasis, and we’re already at “sinister hospitals”? ARCHIVIST: It’s the next stop on our journey. MARTIN: Of course it is, and, of course, there’s no chance for a warm-up? [SILENCE] ARCHIVIST: [INCREDULOUS] A… “warm-up”? MARTIN: Yeah, you know. Something a bit more… manageable, a, a chance to get our bearings a bit first. ARCHIVIST: What exactly did you have in mind? MARTIN: I dunno…! You know like a, like a creepy… bus stop, or something?

The little bits of Martin humour helped, in their own ways? I like how Martin was unable to find good convincing examples of not-too-creepy fears (he’s worked at the Institute for at least nine years, and we know that most statements they receive are fake claims, he probably had to deal with a lot of creepypastas!); I dislike how Martin suggested a “creepy bus stop” because the only thing I can think of is “Totoro gone wrong”. Plus, considering Martin “and you know what? If we were all happy that wouldn’t actually be the end of the world!” Blackwood’s knack for dooming things… we might get a creepy bus stop before the end of the series in the worst possible way, or Martin’s last scene taking place at a bus stop.

Martin was right with his trope-savviness, creepy hospital felt overused as a concept… on the paper. And then, surprise-surprise, this episode was still incredibly brutal, viscerally concrete and violent, and had elements which could come for Jon’s and Martin’s throats specifically: I so wonder why Martin (whose mom had health issues, who had to live the six months of s3-s4 timeskip with Jon in a coma) might dislike hospitals! Meanwhile: Jon got to tell the fate of a victim who was born in BOURNEMOUTH (where he grew up), and pseudo-gave birth to something and was then feeling abandoned by the creature-doctors… given how his own mother died from “complications during routine surgery” (MAG081), aouch? These slight echoes were enough for me to feel super uncomfortable for them, personally…

- Nothing new about the fact that Jon is better in the domains rather than inside of the no-Fears oasis, but the reminder still hurts ;;

(MAG181) MARTIN: You’re sure we can’t stay longer? ARCHIVIST: Yes, I–I–I’ve been, hum… Uh, these last few days I–I’ve been… getting weaker. Dizzy spells, vagueness, you’ve seen it. Being cut off from the Eye, i–it’s not good for me. MARTIN: Yeah, but if… [INHALE] If you’re that connected, that… dependent, what happens if we actually, y’know, do manage to– ARCHIVIST: We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it. For now, I just need us to be moving on. […] MARTIN: Feeling better? ARCHIVIST: Uh… Yeah. I’m afraid I am…! MARTIN: All right.

(MAG182) ARCHIVIST: [INHALE] Truth be told, I’m actually feeling… pretty great! [PAUSE] Which… isn’t necessarily a good thing, I suppose. MARTIN: Yeah, I know. [SIGH] We stayed in Salesa’s as long as you could. ARCHIVIST: … A bit longer, actually, I was, uh… not really holding it together by the end. MARTIN: Why didn’t you say something? ARCHIVIST: It’s fine, I’m fine. MARTIN: Yeah, now. ARCHIVIST: I just thought… what with Daisy and Basira, and… You needed a break. Some time to process.

I’m glad and proud that Jon admitted that he had actually made them stay longer than he should have, and only precipitated their departure when he couldn’t hold on anymore. Ideally, of course, it would have been better to explain to Martin what was happening as soon as Jon connected the dots; but it’s also absolutely understandable that Jon… wanted to give that fragment of peace to Martin (since Jon was better amongst the Fears, while Martin hated it), and knew perfectly well that Martin wouldn’t have been able to enjoy it and/or would have pushed for them to leave quickly if he had learned that it was taxing on Jon. I’m a bit more anxious, however, over the fact that it still feels like Jon understands a few things about this world and his own condition which he hasn’t shared with Martin yet…

And likewise, it’s good that Martin isn’t bitter about having had to leave, and has his priorities straight (HA.) about himself – that he deserves to feel good, but not at the extent of sacrificing Jon or letting the whole world rot:

(MAG181) ARCHIVIST: I’m sorry, I… It would have been nice to stay. MARTIN: [WISTFULLY] Yeah… I’d almost forgotten what it was like, you know? A bit of peace, eh! ARCHIVIST: I mean, you could have… MARTIN: No, don’t say it, Jon. You know I never would. I–I can’t just “forget” about all the people out here!

(MAG182) ARCHIVIST: Was I wrong? To hold off? [SILENCE] MARTIN: … No. No you weren’t. [SCOFF] Just getting the chance to sleep again was…! [PAUSE] Ah well. Good while it lasted! Come on then. [BAG JOSTLING] “Nightmare hospital” it is…!

Extra-glad for Martin having been able to appreciate the ability to sleep since… he technically could sleep back in the cabin (but it was something bad, to torment him further), while Jon was unable to:

(MAG161) MARTIN: You should get some sleep. [CREAKING SOUND] ARCHIVIST: I… [SIGH] can’t. I–I–I can’t, I–I don’t think I do anymore… “Sleep”. [EXHALE] How long’s it been, now? MARTIN: I don’t know. It’s not like there are days to count anymore. All the clocks have stopped, and… [DISTANT HOWL] ARCHIVIST: Well, I haven’t yet. I get… tired, but it doesn’t feel the same. [WOODEN CREAKING SOUND] Probably for the best. Sleep doesn’t look… pleasant. MARTIN: Nnno, it’s… it’s not. ARCHIVIST: I couldn’t wake you.

(MAG162) ARCHIVIST: “The screams may linger on the distant breeze, and your eye may wander beyond the curtains from time to time, but you and the one you love are, it seems… safe. [WOODEN CREAKING SOUND] If you had need to eat, no doubt there would be food; if you had need to sleep, no doubt the beds would be welcoming. [WOODEN CREAKING SOUND] But you have need of neither; and so you sit in your meagre comfort and belief of security with nothing to do, nothing to distract your mind from the agonies that lie just beyond your window.”

(MAG180) SALESA: The one and only! I must say I have been, uh… [THE ARCHIVIST AND MARTIN COLLAPSE WITH A SMALL SNORE, FAST ASLEEP] [PIANO CEASES] SALESA: [SAD SIGH] [SILENCE BUT FOR CLOCK TICKING IN THE BACKGROUND] ANNABELLE: I did say this might happen. SALESA: You did, you diiid. Well… so much for my big reveal… Shame. Ah, well. We can talk after they’ve slept, I suppose. Urgh! And had a bath. And some food.

(MAG181) SALESA: Come in! Did you sleep well? Have you had something to eat? Annabelle said she’d shown you the pantry? [SALESA CEASES THE MUSIC] ARCHIVIST: [UNCOMFORTABLE] I, er… We… slept. I, I don’t know… H–how long’s it been? SALESA: About seventy-one hours by my clock. How’re you feeling?

It’s even truer for Jon: he was able to sleep back then, and it was the first time… since the beginning of the apocalypse (MAG160). Did he even dream in Upton House? If he was absolutely cut from The Eye, it’s possible that he didn’t witness the Eye nightmare zoo… which would mean this was the first peaceful sleep he had got since season 1 and the first live-statements he had taken.

(I’m still curious about Jon’s victims, though I feel like we’re likely to hear about them once they reach the Panopticon, so I wonder if they noticed a difference?)

- … Jon has been raising a few alarms since Daisy died:

(MAG179) ARCHIVIST: Is it… Is it awful that I wish she’d recognised me? MARTIN: Daisy? ARCHIVIST: Yeah. I mean, she was… We were friends there, sort of, near the end. We went through so much and it just… I wish I could have actually said goodbye. MARTIN: Would it have made you feel any better about any of it? ARCHIVIST: I don’t know. Maybe? It’s hard to know how I feel about… anything these days. [SILENCE] MARTIN: We said our goodbyes to Daisy after the institute. This was just… This was just dealing with all the stuff she left behind. ARCHIVIST: … I suppose.

(MAG180) ARCHIVIST: How are you doing? About… MARTIN: Yeah, yeah. Yeah. I’m… I don’t know. I’m–I’m not sure how to feel; just… pressing on, you know? ARCHIVIST: I do. [SILENCE] MARTIN: Do you think she’ll be okay without us? ARCHIVIST: Oh, she’s made it this far. MARTIN: … Yeah. I just worry. ARCHIVIST: Yeah, me too. But I’m… uh, “keeping an eye on her”, so…

(MAG181) MARTIN: You’re sure we can’t stay longer? ARCHIVIST: Yes, I–I–I’ve been, hum… Uh, these last few days I–I’ve been… getting weaker. Dizzy spells, vagueness, you’ve seen it. Being cut off from the Eye, i–it’s not good for me. MARTIN: Yeah, but if… [INHALE] If you’re that connected, that… dependent, what happens if we actually, y’know, do manage to– ARCHIVIST: We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it. For now, I just need us to be moving on.

(MAG182) ARCHIVIST: I just thought… what with Daisy and Basira, and… You needed a break. Some time to process. [BAG JOSTLING] MARTIN: We both did. But apparently I’m the only one who got to. ARCHIVIST: It’s okay. I deal with things differently these days. I just wanted to make sure that you were doing okay.

Reaaaaaaally Jon? Really? He’s been mostly focusing on Martin’s feelings, while not really processing his own, not allowing himself to sort them out. Is he really dealing with them? Jon had been Daisy’s friend (unlike Martin, who had one (1) nice exchange with her during season 4), and had collaborated with Basira during season 2 and more or less cohabited with her (although on patchy terms) during season 4, when Martin was making himself scarce. Amongst them, it’s mostly Jon who would have reason to want to stop and breathe, to think about what he has lost and what he could further lose… and on the contrary, he sounds like someone who keeps going while aware that he’s on limited time, thinking that it’s not even worth it to try to process things because there is nothing long-term for him anymore – unlike Martin, who might have a future…? I wonder if they will talk about the implications they can make out of their stay at Upton House: Jon had it bad, cut from The Eye, while he’s prospering in the apocalypse – would there be a way to cut him definitely from The Eye without killing him? What would happen to him, if they do manage to turn the world back? Is Martin ready to save the world if it means seeing Jon fade and die?

(- I’m a bit *squint* at the fact that the oasis happened right after Martin had it particularly bad, since he wanted Basira to stay with them:

(MAG180) ARCHIVIST: No, obviously. This place is a manifestation of– MARTIN: No. Nope. ARCHIVIST: … I understand. Of course. MARTIN: Sorry, I’ve just… [INHALE] I’ve been hearing altogether too many of your statements lately, and– ARCHIVIST: Yeah, no, no, I– MARTIN: –yeah. ARCHIVIST: I, I get it. MARTIN: Just… a little break. ARCHIVIST: That’s fair enough.

(MAG182) ARCHIVIST: I just thought… what with Daisy and Basira, and… You needed a break. Some time to process. [BAG JOSTLING] MARTIN: We both did. But apparently I’m the only one who got to.

Was there some dream-logic at work, the oasis and the rest happening because Martin needed it? Annabelle had also implied that she was expecting Martin to get into better dispositions (MAG181: “Don’t worry, Martin. We’ll meet again. Hopefully when you’re feeling a little bit more… open-minded…!”), so is part of Jon&Martin’s journey currently conditioned by Martin’s state of mind, rather than Jon’s?)

- Aaaah, they’re back to using (some) spatiotemporal markers:

(MAG182) MARTIN: Not an hour from an oasis, and we’re already at “sinister hospitals”? ARCHIVIST: It’s the next stop on our journey. […] Would it help if I told you we were actually… starting to get a bit closer to London? Well. What was “London”. MARTIN: … Actually yes! That does help a bit. How many more? ARCHIVIST: Depends on, uh… A few, at least.

Well, no way for Martin to know for sure that it had been “an hour”, but I’m surprised that Jon acknowledged that they were getting close-ish to London! And delighted that Martin understands how things work a bit better, and didn’t ask about physical rational distances, but about the amount of domains they would have to go through! He’s learned!

… A bit curious about Jon’s answer: what is it depending on? Is it about the (metaphorical, emotional, dream-logical) nature of their journey? Or is something/someone coming and Jon knows about it? … Or was Jon considering a potential detour through Oxford and Hill Top Road…?

(“A few” means that the Panopticon might be the thing closing Act II, since we have seven episodes left… Whether they reach it during MAG189 or ends up leaving it at this point.)

- What happened to London, exactly? We got a few mentions that things seemed a bit stranger than the succession of wasteland and domains that we’ve witnessed during Jon and Martin’s journey:

(MAG164) ARCHIVIST: At least with Georgie and Melanie, I have a vague sense they’re still alive, i–in London, and, or– Well, what was London.

(MAG165) MARTIN: Fine – by – me, eh! Never really liked merry-go-rounds anyway. ARCHIVIST: No? You… gone on any recently? MARTIN: What? Uh… No, I don’t think so, not since I was a kid. ARCHIVIST: Hm! I actually, uh… There’s one at London Zoo – uh, was one at London Zoo. Big old thing.

(MAG177) BASIRA: I was still in the Institute when everything went to hell outside, so I guess that protected me from the first wave. … Once I saw what’d happened… that we’d… lost… [INHALE] Didn’t feel like there was anything left worth doing, except keeping my promise to Daisy – so I went looking. […] MARTIN: Hm… Kind of? Scotland’s not really a thing anymore. BASIRA: Huh. London’s still there. Sort of. MARTIN: Yeah, that’s where we’re heading. Eventually. He’s been destroying other avatars on the way.

(MAG182) ARCHIVIST: Would it help if I told you we were actually… starting to get a bit closer to London? Well. What was “London”.

Seems like London is a bit recognisable as something which-used-to-be-London, though gone very wrong? Is it because this is the centre of the new world due to the Panopticon? Jon sounds like he knows a bit about it already, I’m reaaally curious to discover the place alongside Martin (and how it will be conveyed through sounds)!

- Ooooh Martin… Stop dooming everything:

(MAG182) MARTIN: Right. [FORTIFYING DEEP BREATH] Right! Let’s get on with it then. [BAG JOSTLING] [FOOTSTEPS AND THE BACKGROUND NOISES GET SLIGHTLY LOUDER] MARTIN: … Okay… could be worse… [THE SOUND OF BLADES, LIKE KNIVES BEING SHARPENED OR UNOILED SCISSORS WORKING] DR DOE: Good! MARTIN: [SHRIEKS] HAHHH! … HMMM, worse! It got worse! Worse, worse! ARCHIVIST: Martin– MARTIN: Ah, much worse…! ARCHIVIST: –be polite. MARTIN: Hah, hah…!

I mean, Martin, you kinda tempted fate here.

I’m snickering so hard about Jon telling him to be polite, since it echoed Martin’s snide remark from last episode:

(MAG181) MARTIN: Uh, I… already had some, thank you, uh! Some of us know how to be polite guests. ARCHIVIST: [SHARPLY] I don’t intend to accept anything offered by Annabelle Cane. MARTIN: [SIGH]

Martin could master the social cues in the no-Fear territory; meanwhile, Jon holds them in the Fearscape.

- So, if we’re still using Smirke’s categories, that was clearly a Stranger domain but I guessed thanks to the familiar elements rather than the statements themselves!

(MAG182) ARCHIVIST: Hello! [THE BLADE SOUNDS ACCOMPANY DR DOE’S MOVEMENTS] DR DOE: A pleasure, yes, hello! I am Doctor Doe, Jane. Welcome into my hospital, Inspector! ARCHIVIST: In… “inspector”? DR DOE: You have come here to over-observe, yes? To inspector? ARCHIVIST: I… hum… I–I suppose so, y–yes. DR DOE: Then follow! Let us tour our wellbeing centre; keep your screams inside, if you want to be polite. ARCHIVIST: R… right.

Dr Doe’s way of speaking reminded me of Nikola; her name was evoking the Anatomy Students (there was a John Doe in the batch described by Dr Elliott, though I think Jon would have commented if Jane was meant to be specially from that one, like with Mustermann); Breekon was there… But by itself, the hospital felt like it also had bits of Spiral, Flesh, Corruption and Web to me? With, as often, the Beholding touch of feeling watched/examined/stared at.

- Jon being identified as an “inspector” surprisingly makes a lot of sense! He’s identified on sight as an agent of The Eye, and he’s having an overview of the domains, how they operate; it makes sense that he would be perceived as someone who is ensuring that other avatars perform adequately for Beholding? We now know that the domains don’t require a ruler to work fine, since eliminating the avatars in charge didn’t change much (MAG174: “The tenement fire is still burning; the mortal garden is growing wild; the carousel i–”), but the avatars/monsters in place didn’t have that knowledge. The fact that Dr Doe was concerned about performing well reminded me of what Arthur and Simon had said of their connection to their patron:

(MAG145) ARTHUR: You’ve never really had to bother with it, have you? You got him upstairs to point the way as often as not, and the rest of the time you’re just figuring out people – or things that used to be people. You never try to talk with that Eye of yours. You never had to second-guess a god. ‘Cause that’s what it comes down to, isn’t it? We feel Its joy and Its… anger; It warps us, and changes us, and feeds on us, though not in the ways we expect. The one thing It never does is just… tell us what to do. It seeds us with this… aching, impossible desire to change the world, to bring It to us. Then, It leaves us to guess and bicker and fight over how the hell you can actually do it. … If it’s possible. Sometimes, I think They understand us as… little as we understand Them. We don’t think like They do.

(MAG151) MARTIN: You make it sound like the… the Entities don’t even know that they’re doing. SIMON: I have no idea if they’re doing anything at all – if they’re even capable of “doing” things. I know that most of their servants are simply doing their best to interpret and serve something that is almost definitively inconceivable. […] MARTIN: So– [EXHALE] So if no one’s ever actually communicated with their patron, how do you know they even want rituals? H–h–how does anyone know if they could ever even work?! SIMON: We don’t. MARTIN: [INCREDULOUS SCOFF] SIMON: And honestly, the idea that this is all some… “grand cosmic joke”, thousands of us running around spreading horror and sabotaging each other pointlessly while these impossible, unknowable things just lurk out there, feeding off the misery we cause… [INHALE] I find that interpretation quite appealing…! MARTIN: … “But”? SIMON: I still hear the music in my dreams.

(MAG182) DR DOE: It is a thing to look at, isn’t it? How much do they suffer, Inspector? ARCHIVIST: I… What? DR DOE: I help to cure them of their wellbeing but… I cannot know if my work is appreciated. I can only guess at fear, you know. Does it work? Do they… [GIGGLE] hurt? ARCHIVIST: Yes. Yes, they hurt. DR DOE: [NOISE OF CONTENTMENT] This pleases me.

And yikes ;; Jon was sincere here (and he was sad about it); Dr Doe’s contented reaction was to be expected but it was still chilling.

- Oh Martin…

(MAG182) MARTIN: [CLEARS THROAT] [NERVOUSLY] It’s a… It’s a beautiful building…! DR DOE: Do not insult me. MARTIN: I, uh… Okay. [LOUDER SCREAM IN THE BACKGROUND] W–what’s it called? DR DOE: Called? MARTIN: The hospital. DR DOE: Ah! St Bleedings Centre for Wellbeing. MARTIN: Riiight… ARCHIVIST: [HUSHED] Martin, keep your eyes forward. On the doctor. MARTIN: [HUSHED] Seriously? She’s all– ARCHIVIST: Better– MARTIN: –kinds of horrible… ARCHIVIST: –than what’s in the rooms. Trust me. MARTIN: Ah. Right. [THE BLADE SOUNDS STOP] [A DOOR IS OPENED] [HIGH-PITCHED METALLIC SOUND, AND WHIMPERS] DR DOE: You must look in here to see one of our four hundred operating theatres, where we ensure any wellbeing is swiftly and awfully dispatched. MARTIN: [HURRIEDLY] Right, right…! DR DOE: Sometimes is an anatomical wellness. Sometimes, the wellbeing they possess is mental. In both cases we have grinding machines and anti-trained doctors on nails to deal with it. Nobody who comes into the hospital leaves right. Or at all! [DOOR IS CLOSED] MARTIN: Oh. Heh! Gooooood… ARCHIVIST: Good lord… […] MARTIN: Any, uh… wards? Beds, maybe? DR DOE: Sometimes rooms. Sometimes we throw them in a pit. MARTIN: A pit, right, yeah… DR DOE: We have a canteen! ARCHIVIST: [HUSHED] Don’t ask about the canteen MARTIN: [HUSHED] I wasn’t going to ask about the canteen!

(Same as the Web theatre, some of those domains really are big ;;)

I’m so grateful for Martin’s constant “FML” reactions in the midst of the horror, he was clearly alleviating the atmosphere a bit – SOB about the idea that they’re organised to clinically prevent any “wellness” and that “being well” has no place in this world. It was also pretty interesting to see the contrast between Martin’s exchanges with Salesa (where he managed to get the answers they wanted, where Salesa was interested in him and paying attention to him) and this situation, where he was lacking the codes (unlike Jon), threatened and pretty much unaccounted for.

(… And I’m glad we didn’t hear about the canteen, but I can’t help but be pretty curious about the canteen now, woops.)

- Aww that Jon tried to put a stop to the visit ;w;

(MAG182) ARCHIVIST: Hum, Dr Doe, thank you so much for the tour. DR DOE: There is more! ARCHIVIST: Uh… Oh… “Good”. MARTIN: … J–Jon. Jon, over there, is–is that, hum…? DR DOE: He is a janitor. You are allowed to ignore him. MARTIN: Right…! ARCHIVIST: [DISCOMFITED SOUNDS] MARTIN: Jon…? J–Jon, do you… Right. Uh, uh, Doctor! Is there an empty room he can use, please? [THE BLADE SOUNDS STOP] DR DOE: What is he doing? MARTIN: He needs to… talk about all the horrible things this place does…! DR DOE: Oh, wonderful! This way.

* First Breekon cameo sneaking in! (And Jon got hit by the statement-saturation, so didn’t answer Martin’s call about it.)

* Martin immediately putting himself in charge of the situation when he noticed Jon wasn’t well! And recognising what is happening! … And he reacted fast and urgently, and that came shortly after Jon had admitted that he had pushed past his limits to make them stay at Upton House: it feels like Martin had understood that Jon actually showing discomfort over something could mean that he had felt it for a while but was trying to hide it to buy time? Since MAG163 and Martin refusing to hear about Jon’s statement, Jon had mentioned multiple times that he was trying to hold off and bottle it up, until he couldn’t anymore; so there, it was good to see Martin actually taking care that Jon got his privacy and could give the “statements” a bit more on his terms…

* Crying a bit that Martin was absolutely honest, too, about Jon giving the statements (“talk[ing] about all the horrible things this place does”), and that once again, Dr Doe’s reaction was predictable, and still yikes.

- Thaaat was quite a gruesome series of statements. What got me the most was the scale (amount of operations, just like with Francis’s acts, the fact they were counted and so… big… and never-ending…) and the mix of personal distress and “labels” of their medical forms?

(MAG182) ARCHIVIST: [INHALE] “Patient: Jeremy W. […] Date and place of last contentment: 8th July 2013, sunrise, on Arthur’s Seat hilltop, Edinburgh. Complaint: Generalised pain and creeping ennui. Surgical procedures thus far: 802. Prognosis: Delightful. […] Patient: Renee T. […] Date and place of last contentment: 27th November 2015, birthday party prior to father’s stroke. Complaint: Facial paralysis. Surgical procedures thus far: 560. Prognosis: Exciting. […] Patient: Kelly M. Date and place of birth: 1st April 1982, Bournemouth Hospital. Date and place of last contentment: Not recalled. Complaint: Headaches. Surgical procedures thus far: 220. Prognosis: Unwise.”

“Date and place of last contentment” as an identifiable piece of data (and the fact that they were waaay anterior to the beginning of the apocalypse, which happened in October 2018), and the different “Prognoses”… Also! The fact that the cities mentioned went from “Edinburgh” to “Bournemouth”: a bit reminiscent of Jon&Martin’s journey from Scotland (or Jonah’s roots: he was initially located in Edinburgh) to the South of England, Jon’s own roots?

From Jeremy’s, I mostly got spooked by the mumbling sounds exchanged between the creatures, the overall feeling of being trapped and objectified, the otherness of the doctors, the awareness that he would almost always make the wrong choice… but not “always”, so preserving the hope of sometimes playing the game right (while the answer provided… never has anything to do with Jeremy’s actual state, is just what could potentially make it hurt less):

(MAG182) ARCHIVIST: “This was it, the moment of truth, the point at which all Jeremy’s anxiety came to a head. They all leaned in, hidden faces focused on him, as though drinking in his desperation. He had to make an answer, a simple yes or no. He’d learned the hard way that nuanced answers or stoic silence only made it worse. So he picked one. A roll of the dice. In many ways it didn’t matter which he chose, as there was no way to determine if the doctor of the day considered his wellness an aim to be achieved, or a condition, that required curing. “Yes,” he might say. “I am well.” And if he had chosen right, the mask would widen as though the face behind it extended in a smile. [HISSES-LIKE SOUNDS] “Wonderful!” would come the response, “keep it up!” And the crowd would file out and lock the door behind them, leaving Jeremy to wait for his next assessment. But he rarely seemed to choose right. The rest of the time a shudder of anticipation would pass through the medical things around him. [HISSES-LIKE SOUNDS] “Well! Let’s see what we can do about treating that,” the doctor would say. [THE BLEEP OF THE MONITOR ACCELERATES] And they would descend upon him, and drag him away for treatment.”

The hisses, like snakes, heard when the words were spoken, were absolutely awful, THANKS. (And the rising anxiety through the bleep accelerating…)

From Renee, the worst for me was the creatures takings bits and pieces of her, the fact that it was not about the pain (“It dulled the pain, but the pain was never the problem. Regardless, they always strapped the anaesthetic mask tight to her face before they began to cut.”), but about being manipulated and used by creatures who didn’t know what they were doing, the otherness and strangeness of what was put into her, the skinning, the biggest fear still being that she has a problem (“[The pills] might have done nothing, been naught but dust and sugar, but she could never be sure. The sickness, the seizures, the spasms, the sadness… If it wasn’t the medicine, then it was inside her. And it had always been inside her. And she just… didn’t know.”), and:

(MAG182) ARCHIVIST: “An organ diagnosis was simple: open her up, dig around inside her until they could remove something that could conceivably be a liver or a pancreas or a gallbladder…?, then put something back in its place.��

THAT HESITATION WITH “GALLBLADDER”…

Kelly put Jon’s mother to my mind, since she was born in Bournemouth, her misadventures evoked a child delivery, and Jon’s mother had died from complications during a surgery. So. Aouch. There might have been a bit of Lonely creeping in that one?

(MAG182) ARCHIVIST: “How long has it been? There is no way to tell, not here, but they will come back. They must come back, they always do, they must swap out this cold and hollow emptiness for some fresh pain an–and torture. She longs to feel the pain, as it is at least a feeling. But the fear has grown inside her now. What if the doctors are finished? What if she is treated, and this is all there is now? What if she is well? Kelly looks to the door, and waits.”

The fact that Kelly ultimately was waiting for her torturers because having to remain like this would be worse than experiencing another operation? Was awful D:

- The post-statement cut very fast for once; we only heard the static rising, indicating the end of the statement… and the tape recorder turned off even before we heard the static fade, or Jon landing back to earth.

The succession of recordings was curious! Because there were two tape recorders involved (Jon’s, and Martin’s): was Martin’s encounter with Breekon happening right after Jon’s statement (implying that Jon took a small break by himself before finding Martin back)? Or did Martin’s recording begin while Jon was still giving the statements, implying that what we’re listening to is definitely a compilation put together after the events?

Jon had reminded us that Martin had a tape recorder with him:

(MAG181) MARTIN: They sort of just … follow us round? SALESA: Hmmmm. Interesting. Did you carry it in? Things shouldn’t be able to manifest in here like that. ARCHIVIST: … You had one in your… bag, I–I think, Martin, did, did you drop it here? MARTIN: Uh… I, I don’t think so…!

And there were many options as to when Martin picked it up: MAG163, when he spotted one in the water(…ish river)? MAG166, when he had taken Annabelle’s call? MAG170, when he was alone in the Lonely house? It’s interesting that the tape recorder chose to turn on when he was alone, near Breekon, as if sensing that there would be an interaction soon (while, except for MAG166, Martin is usually left in his corner while Jon gives his statements…).

- Breeeeeeekoooon!!

(MAG182) [CLICK–] [BACK TO THE GENERAL SOUNDS OF THE HOSPITAL, THIS TIME WITH ACCOMPANIED SCREAMS] [FOOTSTEPS AND MOPPING SOUNDS APPROACH] BREEKON: ‘scuse me, Doctor. Just cleanin’ up. MARTIN: … Oh, I’m, uh, not a doctor, eh! BREEKON: Whatever. I got work to do. [MOPPING SOUNDS]

* Same VA as Dr Elliott, so… he kinda was there in spirit in an episode with what potentially used to be an Anatomy Student (through not necessarily from his batch; it seemed to be a repeat performance).

* So Breekon hadn’t died in/after MAG128! It wasn’t clear, since we had heard Jon hurt him badly, and Jon had mentioned that Breekon wasn’t… going well afterwards:

(MAG128) ARCHIVIST: Stop. [HIGH-PITCHED BUZZING SOUND OVER STATIC] BREEKON: What’re you doing? BASIRA: … Jon…? What are you doing? BREEKON: What’re you– Stop it… Stop it! ARCHIVIST: [ECHOING] No. BREEKON: [STRUGGLING, BUZZING INCREASES] Enough! Stop… looking at me! [SCREAMS] [DOOR SLAMMED OPEN, FLEEING FOOTSTEPS WHILE BREEKON IS STILL SCREAMING, DOOR SLAMMING SHUT] ARCHIVIST: [PANTS] […] “I am without him, now. I. am. I can feel myself fading. Weak. No reason to move. Nothing to deliver.” […] ARCHIVIST: I, I saw that… thing’s mind, i–it’s lost on its own. No partner, no… purpose, I… I honestly think it just wanted to do another delivery.

Jon hadn’t killed him back then, but I had wondered if the experience of being known to the core had been traumatising enough to make him slowly disappear (since Gertrude had also mentioned how avatars tended to wither away after a failed ritual, two episodes afterwards). Impressed that Breekon kept going all this time!

* Oh, Martin… honest in the wrong places… He really didn’t need to point out that he wasn’t a doctor…

- OF COURSE, MARTIN WOULD REMEMBER HOPE’S NAME FIRST…

(MAG182) MARTIN: Hang on… Hang on, are you– Wait, which one are you? H–Hope, or, hum… BREEKON: Breekon. Hope’s dead. Do I know you? MARTIN: Hm! “Hope’s dead”. Bit on the nose, isn’t it? BREEKON: Glad losing half my existence has given you a funny little metaphor. MARTIN: Oh. Well, I mean, eh, that’s not actually a metaphor per se, so…! BREEKON: [WEARY] Piss off. MARTIN: Oh, I’m… sorry, am I, am I supposed to be sympathising? After everything you two did to people? BREEKON: … Guess not

Aouch Martin.

… I feel personally called out because, when MAG128 aired, I immediately revelled in the “Breekon is Hope-less” jokes (AND STILL DO.), listen, if you two steal the name of a man’s company, be ready for the consequences.

… It hurts how technically, both sides were a bit right: Breekon couldn’t expect sympathy from Martin (they did awful things! To so many people! They brought the Not!Them via the table inside of the Institute, and it killed Sasha! They kidnapped Jon! Breekon trapped Daisy into the Coffin!), but it’s true that Martin was absolutely heartless and lacking empathy (twisting the knife in the wound).

- zesidojker about Martin confidentTM that his boyfriend could kick Breekon’s arse:

(MAG182) BREEKON: Who you waiting for? Maybe I can rip them away from you, see how you like it. MARTIN: You’re welcome to try…! BREEKON: Wait… No, I do know you. We gave you a delivery, didn’t we? Years back. You’re one of Magnus’s lot, right? MARTIN: … I was, yes. BREEKON: Wait… So does that mean, in there… The Archivist? MARTIN: That’s right.

* Sob about Martin saying he’s not from Magnus anymore. He really wants to have nothing to do with Jonah anymore, uh. (At first, I feared it was a nod towards his allegiance to The Lonely…)

* A REMINDER!! ABOUT THE DELIVERY!! Back in season 1, Martin had received the Web lighter on Jon’s behalf!

(MAG035) BREEKON: Won’t take up your time. HOPE: Just got a delivery. MARTIN: Look, you really can’t actually– BREEKON: Package for Jonathan Sims. HOPE: Says right here. MARTIN: Well, I don’t really know where he– HOPE: We’ll just leave it with you. BREEKON: Be sure he gets it. MARTIN: Okay, I will, but you really have to actually– BREEKON: ‘course. Much obliged. HOPE: Stay safe. MARTIN: … I’ll… try?

(MAG036) TIM: Oh, ah, nothing urgent, um, it’s just Elias was asking a couple questions about the delivery. ARCHIVIST: Delivery? What delivery? TIM: Ah well, that’s actually what he was asking, huh! Um, apparently Martin, uh, took delivery of a couple of items last week addressed to you. Did he not mention it? ARCHIVIST: No, he… Oh, yes, actually. I completely forgot. He said he put it in my desk draw, hold on. [SOUND OF PACKAGE BEING RETRIEVED AND OPENED] TIM: Er, what is it? ARCHIVIST: A lighter. An old Zippo. TIM: You smoke? ARCHIVIST: No. And I don’t allow ignition sources in my archive! TIM: Okay. Is there anything unusual about it? ARCHIVIST: Not really. Just a sort of spider web design on the front.

(MAG037) MARTIN: Okay, fine. There were two delivery men. They were big, and they spoke with cockney accents that might have been fake, and they delivered a package for you. I don’t remember anything else about what they looked like. ARCHIVIST: Nothing at all? MARTIN: [EXASPERATED] They looked normal. Like you’d expect. They looked like two, huge, cockney delivery men. I don’t know what else you want? ARCHIVIST: What about the table? MARTIN: I didn’t see the table. I guess Rosie must have signed for it. I mean, it’s her office on the way to Artefact Storage, that makes sense.

Well. Presumably received. Martin signed for something, and Jon remembered later that Martin had left the package for him, and Martin confirmed that the item he had received for Jon wasn’t the table (since Rosie took care of that one). A bit “damn!” that we didn’t get any new information about who had sent the lighter, since Breekon would have been the last person to know about it aside from the sender, but… well, we haven’t heard everything about the lighter anyway, so the sender might explain why they had done it at some point. (Annabelle being the ideal culprit, but mmm… I don’t want to exclude that it can’t be something/someone else?)

- Elevator music:

(MAG182) BREEKON: … I’ll wait with you. MARTIN: I… thought you had work to do…! BREEKON: Just spreading the smell around. Doesn’t matter. None of it matters. MARTIN: … Right… [SILENCE BUT FOR HOSPITAL SOUNDS] [DOOR OPENS] ARCHIVIST: Hello again, Breekon. [DOOR CLOSES] BREEKON: Yeah… ARCHIVIST: He hasn’t been bothering you, has he Martin? MARTIN: Well… BREEKON: Nah. Just been chattin’.

* So Jon had probably recognised Breekon already when Dr Doe commented about the “janitor” in the first part of the episode (or Jon already knew Breekon was somewhere in the domain before entering it), given his absence of surprise. And he implied right after that he already knew what was on Breekon’s mind, what he wanted from him…

* … I love that Martin was ready to snitch. You petty thing, Martin, you.

- Breekon joining the long list of avatars/monsters who could just feel or know that Jon was closely tied to this apocalypse:

(MAG164) HELEN: What would I have to gloat about? Much as I am delighted by this brave new world in which we find ourselves, I can take no credit for it. This was all… you!

(MAG165) ARCHIVIST: She’s just like everything else here, rules by The Eye. [CHUCKLING] And she hates it…! NOT!SASHA: Well, of course you want to wallow in my shame like your voyeur master!

(MAG168) ARCHIVIST: “Report to prevent future deaths. This report is being sent to: [STATIC FADES] The Great Eye, that watches all who linger in terror, and gorges itself on the sufferings of those under its unrelenting, stuporous gaze! And its Archive, which draws knowledge of this suffering unto itself.”

(MAG169) JUDE: Fancy seeing you both here. To what, exactly, do I owe the pleasure, the honour, of being graced by the great and powerful Archivist, harbinger of this new world, and his, uh… valet…?

(MAG171) JARED: Mm. … So, is there any way this doesn’t end in me dead? I’m guessing that’s on the docket if you’re here. Unless you’re just here to smell the flowers.

(MAG173) ARCHIVIST: … Do you know who I am? CALLUM: … You’re the Eye guy, right? ARCHIVIST: That’s right. CALLUM: So you’re like… real important.

(MAG174) SIMON: Good to see you again, Martin! And you must be the famous Archivist, Herald of the Ceaseless Watcher, Harbinger of the New Age, etcetera. Lovely to meet you at last. […] I imagine you know pretty much everything by this point. How is it? How does it feel? [SHUFFLING] ARCHIVIST: … Strange. SIMON: Yes! I can imagine. These gifts can feel very disconcerting at times. I’m sure you’ll get used to it eventually.

(MAG182) ARCHIVIST: So you’ve come to me? BREEKON: Didn’t mean to. ARCHIVIST: No, but you have. Because there’s something you want, isn’t there? BREEKON: … Yeah. ARCHIVIST: Say it. BREEKON: … Kill me. MARTIN: Wait, what? BREEKON: The way I figure, you’re the one who made all this. So if anyone can end it, you can. Can you do it?

* Which makes it even more significant that Salesa didn’t know about it “naturally” (Annabelle had told him about Jon’s patron), and that Basira didn’t have that knowledge either. In the same way, Melanie&Georgie might not know about it, unless they’ve been working with someone in the meantime…

* Big “YIKES” about the implications of “you’re the one who made all this. So if anyone can end it, you can.”: Breekon was spot-on on that specific situation involving him, since Jon could end him personally, but on a larger scale… can Jon put an end to all this, personally, since he was used as the lynchpin for this apocalypse?

- Why am I crying again about Breekon, I thought MAG128 had been enough…

(MAG128) BREEKON: Dunno. ‘t’s not right… on my own… not right… No point in doing it on my own. Don’t know what happens now… Thought I might kill you. Missed my chance. Thought I might just… deliver something. So here’s a coffin. [RATTLING SOUND] In case you want… to join your friend. […] ARCHIVIST: “I have never known hate before. I have never known loss. But now, they are with me always, and I desire nothing but to share them with you.”

(MAG182) BREEKON: Glad losing half my existence has given you a funny little metaphor. […] We arrive somewhere, deliver terror and death, then leave, never to be seen again. Not much call for that now everyone’s in their little “kingdoms”. Maybe if we were complete, we could’ve done something, but as is… No. Can’t say I want this to be my forever.

The fact that through Hope’s death, he learned loss… that he felt quite clearly depressed (“Doesn’t matter. None of it matters.”)… His obsession with fracturing pairs:

(MAG128) BREEKON: In here. [KNOCKS ON SOMETHING] Realised that I’m not tied… to it anymore. Not on my own. Thought you could have it. Pay your respects, lik– BASIRA: [BROKEN VOICE] Daisy’s in there? BREEKON: … That’s ‘s name? Then sure. ‘t’s in there. Whatever’s left. Find out if you like. […] ARCHIVIST: “When that Hunter killed him, when she took her violence of mindless instinct and unleashed it on us… it was there. It was waiting. I fed her to it. She took him from me. Made us a me, and she doesn’t get to die for that. She gets to live, trapped, and helpless, and entombed forever. No prey, no hunt, no movement. We failed, but I have at least that comfort. I am without him, now. I. am. I can feel myself fading. Weak. No reason to move. Nothing to deliver. But I am no longer tied to the casket; so you can have it. You can stare at it, knowing how your feral friend suffers, knowing how powerless you are to help. And when you can’t bear it any longer, knowing that you can climb in and join her…”

(MAG182) BREEKON: Who you waiting for? Maybe I can rip them away from you, see how you like it.

His old habit of saying “we” instead of “I” resurfacing again and again:

(MAG128) BREEKON: [HUFF] Yeah. Just like when we… when I… fed the copper to the pit. […] ARCHIVIST: “She took him from me. Made us a me, and she doesn’t get to die for that.”

(MAG182) BREEKON: You think I dream of mopping floors? No. We’re… I’m a delivery man. […] It isn’t great for an anonymous thing like us… [SNIFF] Like me.

The fact that unlike avatars, he had apparently just popped up like this, hadn’t had any choice or options in his “career”, was bound to that nature as a monster… (and that he was unable to reinvent himself after Hope’s death)….

- Elias had pointed out that The Stranger was “antithetical” to Beholding (MAG092), we had seen Jon hurt Breekon when he extracted his statement (MAG128), and it sure looks like Stranger creatures have a harder time than others in the fearscape:

(MAG165) NOT!SASHA: Do you know how it feels? To be… anonymous, and yet known? To have all the sweetest dread I can create tainted by the relentless gaze of that damned Eye! I’ve suffered enough!

(MAG182) BREEKON: Besides, it hurts all the time. The Eye won’t ever stop watching, and… [SIGH] It isn’t great for an anonymous thing like us… [SNIFF] Like me.

Meanwhile: The Dark was given the task of the grooming babysitter, and Jon mentioned that going through the Distortion’s corridor would destroy Helen. There is still some Beholding-favouritism in that new order.

- CRIES about Jon honestly laying the cards on the table:

(MAG182) ARCHIVIST: … Very well. I warn you, though: it will hurt. BREEKON: Only until it doesn’t though, right? [STATIC RISES] ARCHIVIST: Right. MARTIN: Good luck…! BREEKON: Whatever.

… since yeah. It will “hurt”, but unlike everything else in this world, the pain will also stop pretty fast, and depending on people’s opinion and on the hope (or absence thereof) of finding a way of fixing things, it might represent a better option for a lot of people…

(SCREAMING about Martin’s “Good luck!”. Martin, please.)

- Jon’s invocation was a bit more developed and specific this time around:

(MAG165) [STATIC INCREASES] ARCHIVIST: Feel it now. Understand it. You have drawn out so much despair, and now finally, it’s your turn [STATIC INCREASES] [DIGITAL GLITCHING SOUNDS] Ceaseless Watcher, turn your gaze upon this wretched thing! [STATIC INCREASES, WITH MORE PRESSURE] NOT!SASHA: No! No… Please, no…! [DIGITAL BURSTING, RIPPING SOUNDS] NOT!SASHA: [FADING] No…! [STATIC DECREASES AND FADES]

(MAG169) [STATIC RISES] ARCHIVIST: I’d have thought that was a mindset you would appreciate. [STATIC INCREASES] Now, feel it! All the terror and pain you’ve inflicted. JUDE: Oh, piss off– [PAINED GASP] … [STRAINED] Look, look. Wait, right? I’m sorry, okay? I… shouldn’t have burned your hand. […] [STATIC RISES: LOW AND SPIRALLING, PRESSURING] JUDE: Uh! Listen… Listen… [BREATHLESS CHUCKLING] You’re enjoying this, right? ‘Course you are! You want to use those powers of yours to hurt people, you want to murder everybody who can’t fight back at you now? I can help you…! [DIGITAL GLITCHING SOUNDS] MARTIN: Just DIE already!! JUDE: You’re… not… better… than… me! [SCREAMS] [DIGITAL BURSTING, RIPPING SOUNDS] [STATIC DECREASES AND FADES]

(MAG171) [STATIC INCREASES: LOW AND SPIRALLING, PRESSURING] ARCHIVIST: Feel it. JARED: [MEATY HISS] ARCHIVIST: Feel all the terror and despair as your garden grows. Let it flow through you, and blossom! [MEATY SOUNDS] JARED: [GROANS] ARCHIVIST: Just people, using each other up! [DIGITAL GLITCHING SOUNDS] Ceaseless Watcher, turn your gaze upon this thing and drink – your – fill! JARED: [GROANS] [MEATY SOUNDS] [DIGITAL BURSTING, RIPPING SOUNDS] [STATIC DECREASES AND FADES]

(MAG182) [STATIC INCREASES] ARCHIVIST: [INTONING] Ceaseless Watcher, gaze upon this thing. BREEKON: [GRUNTS] [STATIC INCREASES: LOW AND SPIRALLING, PRESSURING] ARCHIVIST: This lost and broken splinter of fear. BREEKON: [PAINED SOUND] [DIGITAL GLITCHING SOUNDS] ARCHIVIST: Take what is left of it as your own, and leave no trace of it behind! BREEKON: [PAINED GRUNTS] ARCHIVIST: It. Is. Yours! [DIGITAL BURSTING, RIPPING SOUNDS] BREEKON: [GRUNTS IN PAIN AND THEN DISCORPORATES IN AGONY] [STATIC DECREASES AND FADES]

With Breekon, it really felt like an offering to Beholding ;;

- Oh, the end of the episode felt so… tired and empty. Jon had done everything he had to (doing a favour to someone “very bad”), and it was basically an assisted suicide; plus, Breekon had been around since the beginning of season 1, he had been recurring (through statements and in person) during the whole Stranger arc and beyond. It felt like a bit of a book ends, although… done in misery and exhaustion. Even Martin was feeling a bit awkward about the whole situation:

(MAG182) [SHUFFLING] MARTIN: … Right. ARCHIVIST: I suppose we should find Doctor Doe. Finish our tour. MARTIN: Do we have to? ARCHIVIST: [HUFF] Probably not. MARTIN: … I don’t really know how to feel about that. ARCHIVIST: About Breekon? MARTIN: Yeah. ARCHIVIST: … Me neither.

;; And Jon is definitely not processing at all.

(MAG182) ARCHIVIST: I didn’t enjoy it, but… I don’t know, almost felt like doing a favour for an old friend…! MARTIN: [HUFF] An old friend who hated us. ARCHIVIST: I guess. Maybe we don’t have to feel any way at all. MARTIN: [NONCOMMITTAL SOUND] [BAG JOSTLING] [FOOSTEPS] ARCHIVIST: Come on, this place is starting to get to me.

There is the added sadness that Jon technically did something good (granting a wish!), but to someone really bad, and it was to kill him. Jon had mentioned that he felt like smiting avatars was making him worse:

(MAG174) ARCHIVIST: I–I just–! … This whole… “avenging angel” thing, I–I’m not… It doesn’t feel right. MARTIN: … It seemed to feel right when we were avenging all the wrongs done against you! ARCHIVIST: I know. I–I–I know, all right? But, well, th–… [SIGH] That’s kind of the problem, I have all this… power and, and I, I want to use it to try and help, but I… I don’t know, I mean, I do. Uh… I’ve done so much damage, an–and anything that might help to balance that is–! [SOFT SIGH] … But killing other avatars, it, it’s not… I, I don’t think it makes anything better. I think it just makes me worse. MARTIN: … You’re removing evil from the world! ARCHIVIST: I, I’m not, though, am I? [STATIC RISES] The tenement fire is still burning; the mortal garden is growing wild; the carousel i– HELEN: Urgh!

And he clearly did not do it out of revenge or anger, here… but it was still something he wanted to avoid because he felt that it was negatively impacting him. (Extra-sob over how like with Salesa, death was presented as a relief, because there is nothing good or better to hope for in this new world… Right now, the overall situation feels so depressing, like nothing good can be created ever again and the most anyone can hope for is just for things to end?)

I wonder if part of the final awkwardness had to do with the fact that Breekon was unable to go on after losing Breekon, which obviously puts Jon&Martin’s own relationship to mind: would Martin manage, if he were to be the only one left?

Alrighty, so they’re coming close-ish to London. I’m surprised that Helen didn’t pop by to pester Jon&Martin as soon as they came out of Salesa’s domain (since they might have been off the radar from her too, and she had kept tabs on them until now, even when she wasn’t revealing herself?), but that might be coming up: she had visited them right after Jon had smote Not!Sasha (his first kill Ceaseless Watching someone), and she had been quite cross when Jon had finally officialised that he didn’t want to do it anymore with Simon… so she could come back to comment on Breekon’s death. (And mmmmmmmmm… Helen, do you actually have a death wish just like Breekon, except it would be against your nature to be straightforward about it…?)

Them getting closer to London could mean Georgie&Melanie soon, too (since Jon had conjectured that they could be in London)? Hill Top Road might still happen on the way if they go a bit more South, too (especially with the reminder of Breekon’s delivery: lighter with a spiderweb is a thematic reminder of a certain Desolation&Web(&Co) house), and Annabelle had pointed out that they would see her again soon-ish… So, mm! Are they meant to be reaching the Panopticon in MAG188/MAG189, to close Act II? Or will they do something else before?

MAG183’s title makes me think of Smirke a lot, potentially Jonah, but the connection seems a bit unlikely given the overall, uh, state of the world. Vast or Buried? Lonely domain?

#mag182 #tma season 5 #tma liveblog #tma spoilers/ #long post/ #the magnus archives

[1-800-hellraiser]

Playdate (Jeff the Killer x Male!Reader)

Requested by: no one

Pages: 3.1

Words: 1,084

Genre: Some angst, but pretty fluffy

Associated song: Playdate - Melanie Martinez

!Tw! Swearing and arguing

(A/n: I was wondering if you guys would want a Creepypasta hc's book once this one is finished. Not to worry, This one won't be done for a while, I just wanna get your guys' opinions <3 The poll is on my Quotev right here)

***************************************************

"You know I give a fuck about you everyday, I guess it's time that I tell you the truth. If you share your toys will you let me stay? I don't wanna leave this playdate with you."

        You keep trying to get this punk ass bitch off of your mind, it's becoming annoying how much you think about him on a day-to-day basis. You've tried everything to get this rat bastard off of your mind, drawing, movie marathons, musicals, writing, everything! Who is this mysterious bastard you ask? Well, it's Jeff the killer. Yup, him. He breaks into your house every week, and you're falling for him. He usually breaks into your house and crashes there, he's a terrible person, and yet you keep thinking about him. You know he's supposed to come over tomorrow, because he gave you a heads up in the form of a note on your window.

        At least he gave you a heads up this time, the last time he broke in, you almost shot him. Anyways, you want to talk to him about maybe, I don't know, breaking into someone else's house for a change. Even though you want him, you decide it's better to get him out of your life so you're not tempted by him anymore. You hate to do it, but you have some morals, and those morals are screaming at you to make him leave. You have to emotionally prepare for tomorrow, because this won't be easy.

~

       Jeff may or may not have just murdered a couple and stole their flowers to give to you tomorrow. Tomorrow is a big day for him. Why? Because he's going to confess his feelings for you. This is a little out of character for Jeff, but he hasn't felt this kind of love for another person for a long time. Let alone someone who is the same gender, the last time that happened was in middle school. Anyway, Jeff returns to the mansion, he puts the flowers in a vase next to a window in his room. Jeff steps out of his room and fails to notice the floating elf glitch right next to his door.

        "Hey Jeff, what's with the flowers?" "FUCKING CHRIST," Jeff jumps in surprise to hear BEN next to him. BEN snorts and Jeff shoots him a glare, Jeff then smile and simply says "nonnya". BEN tilts his head in confusion, Jeff finishes with "Nonnya business." BEN huffs and continues to pester him. "Nah dude, seriously though, what's with the flowers? They go against your entire," BEN looks Jeff up and down then motions to him with his hand, "demeanor." Jeff sighs, knowing he's going to have to tell BEN or else he will be annoyed by him for the rest of the week or even month. 

        "Well, they're for a hot guy who I befriended after trying to kill him." Jeff explains begrudgingly, a shit-eating grin forms on BEN's face. "Ooooooh~ Jeffy likes someone!" BEN practically yells as Jeff slaps a hand over BENs mouth. Jeff feels a wet sensation across the palm of his hand. He immediately takes his hand off of BENs mouth, "Ew dude, how the fuck do you have saliva?" Jeff questions, wiping his hand vigorously on his black jeans. BEN only smiles and shrugs, Jeff sighs and starts to walk to the kitchen, BEN follows. "What do you want?" "I was gonna ask if you wanted to have a video game playing session." Jeff thinks for a moment then nods. It'll do him good, and will probably force you out of his head finally.

~

        You toss and turn in bed, trying to at least get some sleep tonight, you finally get up. What's the point of staying in bed when there is so much to be done? You trudge over to the kitchen and start making some coffee, as you sit and wait for the coffee to brew, you worry about telling Jeff to leave. You sigh and lean your arm on the counter, what if he tries to kill you? What if he hurts you? What if you hurt him? As these intrusive thoughts run through your head, you hear a knock on your window. You whip your head around to see Jeff perched outside your window, waving at you. You open the window and Jeff climbs through, he seems to have something hidden behind his back. Brushing it off, you prepare to tell Jeff.

        "So, Y/n, I came early because I need to tell you something important. I haven't been able to get you off of my mind lately, and I wanted to ask," Jeff pulls out a gorgeous bouquet of f/c and red roses, "would you be my boyfriend?" Jeff finishes, looking at you with hope in his eyes. Your heart drops, you feel terrible. "Jeff, I'm so sorry, I can't take those, I can't have you coming here anymore. I hope you understand." Jeff's hopeful look drops into a sorrowful one, he smiles sadly and nods. He goes to hop back out the window, your jaw drops, realizing what you've done.

        "Jeff, wait." Jeff turns around and gazes at you longingly, you meet his eyes and motion for him to come to you. Jeff carefully pads over to you, you gently side your hand onto his face to cup his cheek. He leans into your touch, and you lean your lips onto his. Both of your lips move in perfect synch. You both pull away for air, before you could keep going, you have to say something. "I'm sorry Jeff, I really want to be with you. I thought I could sweep my feelings under the rug, because you're a murderer, but now I realize," you lean in about in inch away from his chapped lips, "I don't give a fuck what you do, I'll love you anyway." You place another sweet kiss on his lips.

#creepypasta jtk #creepypasta #creepypasta jeff the killer #jtk x reader #jtk #writer #writers on tumblr #writing #oneshot #ilysm <333 #ily <3333 #ilyyy #requests are open

[shari-berri]

The Time Has Come

BRVR x reader

Your POV

THIS IS NEVER GOING TO WORK!!!

-earlier-

"Hello Mom, what are you calling for?"

"Hello honey, I was talking to May and she said that you have a boyfriend! How could you not tell us?!"

"I never thought that you would care so I didn't say anything."

"Your father and I would like to meet this boy and see if he's right for our little cupcake!"

Uh oh

"Uhhh hehe see about that mom, we uhhh have uhhhh a vet appointment!"

"Honey, you don't have a pet..."

"Yes! But ummm chimchar is sick so we have to stay with him."

"We can just come over to your house then, I always loved your chimchar and would love to take care of him."

Crap, there's no getting out of this now!

"That's great mom, when are you guys coming?"

"We are coming in an hour and that's final!"

"Ok see you there Mom I can't wait!"

Oh god!

-present-

After screaming into my pillow, I decided to do the responsible thing, tell said boyfriend.

"BRVR get down here!"

And like magic, my psychotic boyfriend appeared.

"Babe, my parents are coming to meet you and I don't know what to do!"

He looked at me like I was crazy

"Uhhh just let them meet me..."

My jaw locked and my eyes hardened

"You are a Pikachu who murders people! How am I going to explain that to them?!"

"Oh..."

Sighing, I grab his hand and drag him into our bedroom.

Sorting through this closet, I find that all of his clothes are bloody.

"Hold on one sec, lemme make a phone call since all of your clothes are bloody and you haven't washed them!"

Pulling out my phone, I scroll through numbers before selecting someone who I pray to Zalgo will come through.

"Hello? Yeah. I need some clothes for BRVR. Any color will work. Drop it off at our house or have him give it through the phone. Thanks."

Setting the phone on the floor, I waited until my home was entered by a green tight clad hylian.

My phone started shaking and then a figure emerged holding a pair of clothes in his dripping hands.

"Thanks BEN, I'm guessing Jeff was too lazy to come over?"

"YeaH, YoU wOUld bE CoRRecT." BEN replied.

"iT wAS nICE SeEinG yoU bUT I muST gO, JEFf cHALlenGeD mE tO MaRiO KaRT." BEN stated, his dripping form going back into my phone, as well as any water.

Hearing the familiar sound of our doorbell, I shoved BRVR into the bathroom to change and rushed downstairs to greet my parents.

"Hello! Come on in, it's so good to see you again!" I say after hugging them, leading them to the living room sofa.

"Please sit down while I go get the man of the hour."

Racing up the stairs hoping that BRVR was done changing, I slam the door open and drag him down to where hell awaits him.

Sitting on the couch across my parents while they judge my secret killer boyfriend is terrifying!

"So, "BRVR" how long have you and my daughter been dating?" My dad said, breaking the silence.

"We've been dating for 5 months." BRVR said with a straight face, no emotion visible.

"I see. What do you do for a living?" My mom asks, looking directly into his eyes.

"I'm a Pokémon trainer like y/n." BRVR replies, looking confident.

"Show us your pokemon." My dad says, reaching for his belt with pokeballs.

"I kind of share with y/n, sir."

Appalled, my parents look at each other.

"What if she is kidnapped or in danger, what will you protect her with?!" My dad screeches.

"I am more than capable of protecting your daughter sir." BRVR smirks.

"Prove it." My dad challenges, not backing down.

Putting my hand on BRVR's shoulder, I nod and he nods back.

Where my boyfriend once stood was a Pikachu looking directly at my dad, sparks flying from his cheeks.

My parents looked bewildered at the fact that my boyfriend was a pokehuman. Imagine what they would look like if they found out he was a serial killer.

Sighing in defeat, my dad sank down into the couch.

Little BRVR smirked and turned back into a human.

My parents asked some more basic questions a parent would ask a child's boyfriend and all was going well until I got a text.

'Set your phone on the floor and back up'

Fearing for the worst, I followed the instructions, gaining looks from my parents and my boyfriend.

The phone shook and the whole family came out.

Out popped Sally, LJ, EJ, and Toby. BEN, Silver, Red and Jason. Puppeteer, Dark Link, Bloody Painter, and Liu. Soon my house was filled with male Creepypastas.

"What are you guys doing here?!" I yelled, intrigued and worried what my parents would think about terrifying monsters in my living room and me conversing with them.

"Slender kicked us out and we don't have anywhere else to go so we came here." EJ said, speaking for all of them.

Taking a glance at my parents, they had drawn their pokemon out for protection and were waiting for me to get attacked before commanding all of their pokemon to save me.

"Guys! BRVR is meeting my parents! Normally I would help you, but get out! Come back when they are gone!" I shout, pushing all of them back into my phone before spinning on my heel.

"Put your pokemon away, we're fine." I speak slowly, as if talking to a wild animal.

In a daze, my parents return their pokemon before falling onto the couch and demanding an explanation.

Pushing BRVR in front of me, I tell him to explain.

"That was my family who you just saw. They are very sweet once you get to know them, they just look different. Please let me be with y/n, they love her and would never hurt her, instead they would protect her. Please don't rip me apart from my happiness!" My boyfriend pleads, holding my hand.

"Son, your family is horrifying. I will allow you to be with my daughter as long as you never hurt her and keep your family away from me." Dad speaks, staring into BRVR's soul before grabbing my mother's hand, helping her off the couch, and out the door into their car before getting as far away from us as possible.

"That went well!" BRVR smiled.

"Yeah..." I mutter.

"I'm going to bed."

And I do, but not before throwing BRVR's stuff onto the couch first, telling him he sleeps on the couch.

#pokemonxreader #pokemon #imagine #oneshot #readerinsert #xreader #creepypasta

[fallinforaguyfelldownfromthesky]

Ficlet prompt: Black Hat and Aurelio roasting the living SHIT outta e/o

Ask and ye shall receive.

Took a few months, srry ‘bout that, but hey. Life, ya know?

This takes place somewhere in the Spring semester of college, after Flug and BH have gone and murdered some folks together more than once, and I call it, “Of Course.” It’s also a bit long for a ficlet but what, did you think I would sacrifice quality content for my sanity? HAH!

Honestly, I might insert this into a full on chapter at some point. It’s just such a fun interaction.

Aurelio walked into Cafe Triste. Because of course he did. And he just so happened to sit a table away from Black Hat. Because of course he would. Black Hat tried to just ignore him and continue reading from his newspaper, but it didn’t seem like that would be possible with the way the man insisted on making conversation.

“So, what are you reading?” Don’t react, you didn’t hear him. “Is it the local paper or…?” You didn’t even notice him come in. “I know you heard me. You know I’m talking to you.” You are Jon Snow, you know nothing. “Hey! Black Abe Lincoln!” Do not respond to that, do not respond to that, do not respond to that, do not respond to that, do not- “How’s Rocinante?”

Oh fuck. Of course he had to take it there. “He’s fine.” Black Hat sighed deeply and set down his newspaper neatly. Because he clearly wasn’t going to be able to read it in peace anymore. “Wonderful man. Much more resilient than he looks.”

“So I’ve noticed.” Well stop it. “He’s not much to look at, unless you know what to look for.”

“Look all you want, but no touching.” Black Hat grinned fiendishly. “He’s my boyfriend.”

“Whoa, no need to get all defensive hermano,” Aurelio said mockingly. “I’m just saying. I meant nothing by it.”

“Sure, sure,” Black Hat sipped his coffee.

“Oh believe me, I have no interest in Flug beyond his brain. That’s the only thing that made him stand out from all the other little dolls.” Goddamn that is so twisted, why did you have to be such an asshole? “And I was here first.”

“What did you just say?”

“Hmmm? Whatever do you mean? I had assumed it was obvious.” Black Hat really didn’t like the look Aurelio was shooting him. He looked so damn condescending! “His face got as red as a tomato every time he saw me. He would duck his head down and try so hard not to look at me. He would sweat like crazy and he could barely speak. Even more so, I mean.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Are you really going to try and play dumb? Or are you that blind to it?”

“I actually am blind, yes.” Black Hat removed his monocle and flashed Aurelio his eye. Ok, at least the bastard had the decency to look apologetic.

“I didn’t know that. I’m sorry.”

“Whatever,” He mumbled. Black Hat put the lens back in its place and glanced back at his paper. He picked it back up and opened it back to where he’d left off. He hoped it was clear, he was done talking. He just wanted to read his paper, and wait for Flug to return. Wow, how long had he been in the bathroom? Is he ok in there? If he wasn’t back in the next five minutes Black Hat was going to go check on him, and let him know that they’d need to get their coffee to go. Flug certainly wouldn’t want to stick around with Aurelio here.

“So, why a monocle, exactly?” Ah no, here we go. He just couldn’t leave well enough alone, could he? “Is it to go with the top hat? Or is it the other way around?”

“It’s none of your business is what it is.” He snapped.

“Touchy are we? I’m just asking about your year-round Halloween costume. A bit past your bedtime, isn’t it Dracula?”

Oh no the fuck he did not. Black Hat laughed one loud, barking laugh. He looked Aurelio up and down. “And what the fuck are you supposed to be? The poor man’s Enrique Iglesias?”

“Big talk from a creepypasta rip off.”

“Oh god, if I write you a check will you promise to buy some better insults? And not waste it on more botched lip injections?”

“You should be saving your money, in a few years they might be able to fix your face.”

“And just think, there might be hope for you! If science ever finds a way to pull your head out of your own ass.”

“I’ve never heard of that position, do you and Flug do that often?”

“Is this how you usually spend your afternoons? Asking people about their sex lives? Have you ever thought of getting one of your own?”

“This, coming from a guy who wouldn’t commit until he thought he had competition? Ballsy move.”

“Ok first off, ‘competition’?” Black Hat asked while doing sassy air quotes. “I wouldn’t refer to a one-sided altercation as a ‘competition’. And what the hell would you know about commitment? I’ve never seen you with the same chick more than twice.”

“Watching me are you? Do you like what you see?” Aurelio grinned cockily.

“If only. You’re like the Starbucks of human beings, I don’t really care for you but I see you everywhere I go.”

“Speaking of seeing everywhere I go, where is Rocinante? I was starting to think you two were conjoined.”

“I guess his jackass-radar started going off and he left me behind to distract you.” Black Hat said, holding his newspaper to the side. Because now he couldn’t leave it alone either. “Why are you here, anyway? Aren’t you running late for the Puppetmaster 12 auditions?”

Aurelio shrugged. “I like a cup of coffee every once in a while, and this place is just down the street. It’s convenient. I assume that’s why you’re always here, in between takes for the Tales from the Crypt reboot.”

“Oh, is that where you find your clothes? That actually explains a lot.” Oh ho ho ho ho ho it looked like Black Hat hit a nerve there.

“Do you find it difficult, deciding between the exact same outfit every morning?”

“Better to have one look that works than several that don’t.”

“Is the idea to look so dated that you’ll eventually be ahead of the times?”

“The idea is to set trends, not follow them.”

“As the only one of us with two functioning eyes, I don’t see anything here catching on.”

“Oh yes, the guy missed out on a man with a gun directly in front of him. Nothing gets past you.”

“I don’t like to live in the past.” Aurelio said, looking like he was just dying to run over and slam Black Hat’s face into the table. “It keeps me from living in the present.”

“I would’ve never guessed that, given what you put your hair through.”

Aurelio scoffed. “Excuse you, I keep my hair perfectly moisturized. It’s all natural oils that keep it healthy and give it such gloss.”

“With that much oil in it I’m surprised the United States hasn’t invaded.”

“At least I don’t have permanent hat-hair.”

“Um, excuse you,” Black Hat lifted the top hat up to expose his hair. “This hat does nothing to ruin my hair.”

“Are you sure about that?”

“As sure as I am that the Greaser look went out of style years ago.”

“You should talk, Charlie Chaplin.”

“Class is always fashionable.” Black Hat adjusted his monocle.

“Now if only you had some.”

This motherfucker is really testing me today.

“The 50’s called, they want their attitude back.” Black Hat snarled.

“At least I get a phone call. The 1800’s has to send you a telegram!”

“It’ll probably get here around the same time you build some actual muscle mass. Tell me, have you ever actually thrown a punch yourself?”

“I have, would you rather take my word for it or find out firsthand how hard I can hit?” Aurelio fixed him with a smug grin, leaning towards him in such a way that drew attention to his completely aesthetic muscles. Black Hat would admit, that muscle shirt did show off his arms rather nicely, but it was entirely obvious that they were for just that and nothing else; show.

Also, grey was so not his color. What on earth was he thinking?

Black Hat just rolled his eye at this pathetic display. “Is that really all you have to threaten me with? Physical violence? I was hoping for something a bit more sophisticated, but I guess that was a bit much to ask from you.”

“You know, it’s actually amazing,” Aurelio glared at him. “You still somehow manage to look down your nose at others, even though you don’t have one.”

“I’m getting real sick and tired of this fucking bullshit.” Black Hat muttered, rubbing his forehead to try and ward off his headache. Not that it would help much, the source of his irritation was sitting right there. He faced the pompous puppeteer again. “I think this is the…hold on, let me see…oh yes, that’s got to be at least the fiftieth time I’ve heard something like that. Are you sure you don’t want that check? You could put it towards at least an original insult.”

“To be fair, you aren’t giving me much to work with here. You want some original insults try coming up with an original outfit.”

“That’s rich, coming from someone dressed like five other people I’ve seen just from today.” Black Hat took another sip of his coffee and muttered, “Almost as rich as I am.”

“What was that?”

“Oh nothing. Just wondering if we’ll have time to finish this little battle of wits before your curfew. When’s your mother expecting you home?”

Aurelio’s face got rather serious. “You should mind your own business, hermano.”

“If you recall, I was. I was just innocently sitting here, reading my paper and waiting for my boyfriend, until you showed up and decided to start talking shit. Perhaps you should practice what you preach.”

“I was just trying to have a normal conversation with you, you’re the one who got all pissy.”

“Oh I’m sorry, I didn’t realize your kind said hello with snide remarks and petty insults.”

“What did you just say?”

“You heard me.”

“If we’re bringing ‘your kind’ into this, you could at least tell me what the hell you are.”

“Human, you ignorant fuck.”

“Are you though? Because I’ve never seen a human like you.”

“And I see you’ve set aside this special time to humiliate yourself in public today. I’m honored to be present.”

“Well, it would be cruel to let you suffer alone.”

“Oh yes, it must be hard to watch others go through what you do everyday. How do you find it in yourself to go on?”

“I never let the words of others dictate my actions.”

“Ok now if you’re just going to make shit up at least try and come up with something somewhat believable.”

“When have I ever-”

“Do you remember that time Flug told you he wouldn’t help you test out the limits of your abilities?” Black Hat asked testily. “Because I do. I was there, in fact.”

“You were?”

“Yes, I was right there when you told him I didn’t need to know about what you two would be doing.” Check and mate, rat-bastard. “Just what did you have in mind for my boyfriend, anyway? Was it anything similar to what you would’ve done at your party?”

Aurelio looked away. Aha! Victory was near! “No one’s ever going to let me live that down, are they?” He didn’t even seem to be really talking to Black Hat anymore, maybe he was just thinking out loud. This could be his only chance at walking away, but…

“I suppose I can’t really hold it against you.” Black Hat said. “I can only assume that if it wasn’t for date rape, you’d never get laid.”

“Did…Did you just quote Sublime at me?”

“No. What is that?”

“Those are totally Sublime lyrics!”

“Never heard of them.”

“Oh no, you are not getting away with quoting song lyrics right now!”

“And you aren’t getting away with that ridiculous shirt!”

“What the hell is wrong with my shirt?!”

“It’s the absolute worst color for you.” Black Hat said in the most judgemental tone he could make. “Did you look at yourself so much as once before stepping outside?”

“You’re in no position to criticize my clothes when you’re over here rocking the Dark Roasted Mr. Peanut look!”

“Is that a chain on your wallet? What decade are you living in!?”

“One without the plague!”

“But not with any common sense, obviously.”

“You look like Voldemort was burned to a crisp and decided to become Jack the Ripper.”

“And you look like a washed up Disney child actor. I’m just waiting for your horrible Christmas album.”

“I’ll have you know I have the singing voice of an angel!”

“Angels are terrifying! Read the bible!”

“I’m not taking a religious lesson from a gay guy!”

“Jokes on you bitch I’m pansexual!”

“Wait…so…you fuck pan?”

“Ok you assoholic fuck-nugget I’m trying real hard not to murder you right here and now but you-” Black Hat stood up in his rage. “-ARE NOT MAKING IT EASY! Oh but don’t worry, I’ll be sure not to go easy on you.”

“That sounds like you’re trying to start something, hermano.” Aurelio said coolly. “You better not be all talk.”

As they exchanged more violent words, getting progressively louder and undoubtedly attracting the attention of the entire cafe, two certain people watched quietly from a relatively safe distance. Close enough to have been able to hear every word exchanged between the two men, but hidden enough away so as not to be noticed no matter how they reacted.

“How long have they been at this?” Flug asked, his face hidden behind his hands. He’d been coming back from the bathroom to find these two morons roasting each other, and had since relocated so as not to get involved. At all.

“Going on half an hour, uninterrupted.” Demetra whistled. “It’s actually kind of impressive.”

“They’re like fucking internet commentors.” He sighed.

“You are so right. Who do you think is gonna crack?”

“What?”

“Which of them is gonna run out of shit to talk and admit defeat?”

“…Oh Jesus we’re going to be here all day.” Flug moaned and tipped back his coffee mug. Neither of these men were ever going to admit to losing.

“So, you’re calling a stalemate?” She said, twirling a marker around. “A’ight. Should I put you down for 10 or 20?”

Oh, not this again. He hung his head. “20.”

“Got it. Just so you know, I have 50 against Aurelio.”

“If you’re going to be this irresponsible with your money, quit bitching that you can’t afford to move out of your dad’s house.”

“Ah c’mon, your boyfriend is way too petty to lose today.”

Well, she wasn’t wrong. Black Hat was far too petty to lose this. Petty and stubborn. But Aurelio wouldn’t ever back down either. Flug was afraid that they’d only stop if someone got between them. And that person would probably have to be him.

Which was why he sat his ass far away.

But, now that looked like they were both poised to get up and actually start fighting…he just couldn’t let that happen. Aurelio was going to be Flug’s kill, and not even Black Hat was going to stand in the way of it. He stood up and walked briskly over to keep his boss from starting things they couldn’t afford to finish at present.

“C’mon, it’s time to go,”

“Flug? Where have you been?! I’ve been waiting-”

“-And putting on a delightful show for the Cafe, yes, I noticed,” Flug said snarkily, grabbing Black Hat’s arm. “Now c’mon, we have to go,”

“Wait a minute, just let me-”

“This bastard is mine, let it go,” He whispered harshly.

“What? Oh Flug, you know I’d never even dream of-”

“You’re so cute together,” Aurelio remarked with a sneer. “Should we start picking out the bouquet?”

“Oh don’t you worry, you egotistical prick,” Flug called over his shoulder, dragging Black Hat along. “We wouldn’t bring anything but the best to your funeral.”

“Oh shit,” Black Hat chuckled. “C’mon, let’s double-team him.”

“Please never say that again.”

“Rocinante, keep your boyfriend on a leash until you’ve finished training him,” Aurelio called. “I realize he’s difficult, but I’m sure you can manage.”

“Motherfucker…” Flug said under his breath. “No. No, we are going.”

“And let this babaca have the last word?” Black Hat protested.

“We have things to do. We…have to feed Lil’ Jack.”

“No we don’t.”

“Yes we do.”

“No we don’t.”

“Yes we do.” He hissed. “Now…tell me what you feed her.”

“Pet food,” Black Hat replied with a small, thin smile that looked almost like someone had taken a marker and drawn it right on his face.

Flug dragged him out of the Cafe, trying not to think about what that might mean when speaking about a venomous snake over 2 meters long. She’d gotten bigger, and as far as Flug understood would need larger prey. “Isn’t it about time you thought about getting a bigger cage for her?”

“Will you help to set it up again?” Black Hat asked in the sweetest fake-voice Flug had ever heard.

“Of course,” he said with a heavy sigh. He was going to break his fucking arms trying to accomodate this mad man.

“That’s my darling Pet,” Black Hat gave him a quick peck on the cheek to accentuate the sentiment.

“Sh-shut up.” Flug stammered, feeling his cheeks bloom like roses. Black Hat knew how he felt about public displays of affection! Which was entirely manufactured, anyway! Just part of the plan! Which was the only reason why Flug didn’t pull away when Black Hat started holding his hand. He was only playing along! He swore!

#fallinforaguyfelldownfromthesky #black hat org. (trademark pending) #villainous #paperhat #ficlet #fanfiction #asks

[musical-broken-heart]

Fools

Peter's Prov

May was in the hospital and only a few more days to live. I was happy though. She lived and she was happy. Before anyone starts thinking that my life will become a fairy tale and becomes better it will but not the way you think. Tony won't adopt me and I be a Stark so get it out of your head!

Once May goes I'm moving in with my mother's younger brother. He lives in London and got married but lost his wife, who was seven months, to a car accident. He called to ask if my mother was alright. That was a week after she died. I only met him once which was at the graveyard.

"Parker!" I heard Flash yell from behind me. Sighing I turned around to face him. "Have you ever realized how much you sound Draco Malfoy?" I asked not thinking. He scowled and grabbed my shirt ready to punch me. His face instantly fell when he looked into my eyes. Letting go he looked almost sad for me. I hated it and pushed passed him.

"Peter I'm sorry about May!" he said. I stopped and just looked at him. "Don't fucking give me that shit right now Eugene!" He looked shocked at the sudden outburst from the kid who was meant to be shy and easy prey.

Reaching out to try and calm the younger person I slapped his hand away. "I hate sympathy Eugene and I don't need more, especially from you!" I said through my teeth.

He backed away and I thought I went too far until a hand grabbed my shoulder and turned me around. A wicked smile fell down upon me and the face to whom it belonged had unforgiving eyes of torture and hate.

"U-uncle John. I didn't think you would be here this early." I said cussing myself for stuttering. His smile turned to a scowl and I knew what was coming. He wouldn't! Not in front of all these people.

Grabbing my arms I winced at the pain trying to get out of his grasp but nothing I did worked. Taking me into an empty room he threw me against the desks. Walking over to me I tried to crawl away but he grabbed my wrist twisting it. Screaming out in pain I curled up as he repeatedly kicking me in the stomach causing me to cough up blood.

No ones Prov

"Get the hell up and put on a smile! We're leaving. Then we can play a little game. Remember our game, Pete?!"  John said grabbing his nephew by the hair. "Y-yes Uncle J-John," Peter said. John growled and slammed the boys face into the desk. "Dumb shit! What did I say about stuttering?!" He screamed in the boys face.

Tears streamed down his face as he was dragged out of the room children gathering after hearing the screams. "Peter!" Ned yelled running up to his friend. "He's fine. Just upset about leaving." John said patting the boys back as though he cared.

~time Skip~

"Please don't. I don't wanna play!" ( who knows the creepypasta this is based on?) Nothing Peter said stopped the man who pushed the boy onto the bed touching him and licking his neck going down to his stomach then further down. "S-stop! I-I don't wanna p-play anymore!" Peter moaned struggling to get out of the man's grasp.

"Now now Pete what have I said about stuttering?" he asked evil running in his voice. "It makes me seem weak and not like a man." Peter chocked out through tears. A crooked smile fell on Johns' face. "Good boy. Very good. I'll let you rest for the night. Tomorrow you go back to school and if anyone hears about this you will regret it." Peters uncle growled before leaving the room.

Peter's Prov

I don't know what to do. This wasn't the first time he has done this. He did it when I was 6 years old. Just like now I was terrified to tell anyone about it.

Maybe I should tell Mr Stark? But he could go too far as well! I don't hate my uncle. Maybe it's my fault that all this happens to me. "Peter, you have an incoming call from Tony would you like new to answer?" Karen asked. I sighed and agreed.

"Kid I heard about school. So you're leaving for London when?" He asked. I winced at the thought of living the rest of my life with him. Thinking Mr Stark didn't notice I smiled. "Hey, Pete you alright? You seem down. Wanna stop but the tower!" He asked.

The truth was I did but I knew I had to get back. Who knew what would happen if I got back late. "Alright kid. See you soon." He said then hung up. I went home terrified of what the future had in store for Monte with muy Parker Luck and all.

Tony's Prov

He didn't seem like himself. Something was off. "Friday! Get Karen to record everything that's happening around Peter for the next twenty-four hours!"

"Of course sir! I have contacted Karen and told her without mister Parkers knowledge." My AI said. I nodded and went to eat.

The next morning people crowded around me telling me there was something I had to see. School was halfway over for Peter yet Natasha said that someone called him out to talk and he hasn't been seen since.

"FRIDAY! Show me the footage from last night to right now fast!" I said. She didn't answer but a video appeared of Peter cowering in a corner begging his uncle not to play just to go to school. He walked to school jumpy and on the edge and I started to worry about what was going on.

At school, he seemed off. Just walking around terrified of the adults. Not talking seems to be thinking of something else. A few minutes of this as I look for Peter in the school kids and teachers looking at me I have to ignore the comments and stares and need to focus.

A man in the video grabs Peter. Takes him outside the school. He sees the robot. The screen is black. "Mr Stark that man is Peters Uncle. Uncle John. Peter seems generally scared of him. He wasn't really smiling today and I asked what was wrong. He started crying saying he couldn't tell but he was reliving what happened when he was 6. I thought about what he told me and when we were six he said someone made him play a game and touched him." Ned said from behind me.

I clenched my teeth hearing this and asked what happened. "I-I don't know. I was in class with MJ." Ned said. I could hear the guilt in his voice and patted his shoulder. People started the crowd and someone yelled. "That man! John! He came into class saying he needed to talk to Peter outside." The boy named Flash said.

I didn't care to scold him for all the times he brought hell to my kid's life. Walking out of the building I saw John walking away from the school. I tackled him to the floor. "Where is Peter?!" I yelled. I shook his head and I yelled it again. "O-over there! He told! I heard he told his friend! I punished him!" He screamed. I threw him into the arms of two adults telling them not to let him out of their sight.

Walking around the building with MJ, Ned, and Flash following me we a horror. Peter was lying on the floor wounds on his head in which blood dripped down his face which pained me for it looked as though it was going into his eyes.

Picking him up I bandaged up his wounds and let him rest for the next few days. When he woke up he smiled when he saw me. "When your ready tell me what happened."

He nodded and sat up. "Right now?" I asked. "Yea," he said looking down.

"Uncle John found out I told Ned what he did to me. He came to school saying he needed me out back. Leaving the classroom he grabbed me and dragged me outside of the school. He said that I didn't play the game correctly. That I needed to be punished. I tried to get away but he was too strong and he threw me against the wall and picked up a stone-throwing it at my head knocking me out." Peter cried.

My jaw tightened as he told the story. "T-tony. Don't hurt him. I wanna talk to him first." Peter said. I hesitated but agreed.

Peters Prov Next day at school (is a thunderstorm outside and my little cousin is scared. I told her not to worry Jess just her uncle Thor making sure she's alright )

I'm glad Tony agreed to let me handle this. A smile on my face as I waited for my uncle inn the empty classroom. Muy spider senses were telling me two things; h-he was close and many people were watching from the hallway and windows. But I could see that anyway.

The door opened and in walked that man. "P-peter listen I lost a lot-" he began but I cut him off. "You lost a lot? I lost more than you and because of YOU!" I yelled. He stepped back and nodded. I sighed. "Don't you remember, uncle John? I played your game. You hurt me!" I growled. " P-peter you're meant to be dead!" He managed to say. "I know. You made sure of that. But Mr Stark saved me." I said now sitting on the desk ready to walk over to the man.

"Hey hey now! I just wanted to be sure you played the game right I never meant to to hurt yeh!" He said quickly. I got up and walked over to him smiling knowing everyone in my class was watching plus Tony. They could hear as well.

"Well I wanna play my game now. Do you wanna play with me?" I asked. His back its against the wall. "That boy told me you never stand up for yourself. This is all in my head!"

"That boy it's watching right now. And if it's all in your head than you won't feel this!" I said grabbing his arm and twisting it and breaking it. He fell to the ground in pain holding his now broken arm.

"You little shit! How the hell did you do that?!" He screamed. E want the only to scream. Outside I heard a few firms scream and MJ shout go Peter! I chuckled. "Funny you mention hell. You'll be going there soon." I hummed.

"What are you?" He asked. I knealed down and lifted his head. "I was Spiderman but then you happened. Now I am a monster of shadows. I am what you made me!" I yelled picking him up off the floor. Throwing him against a few desks I looked at his pocket knife.

"You know. I've always hated what you kept around you uncle John. Sup many sharp objects." I chuckled throwing it at him. Tony ran through the door trying to stop my madness but that man was going to pay! He ran out of three room slamming against the lockers and hitting the ground.

I don't care how many people are watching I webbed him to the locker only by the door so he couldn't got away. He was crying. "P-peter. Star dust! Please. I'm sorry." He cried. I o inn his eyes to see no truth behind what he was saying.

"Not yet you aren't!" I searched twisting his other arm. Screaming out in pain his bleeding body fell limp to the floor as he only shook with a sobbing noise. "But your about to be!" I said calmly as I raised the knife uncle Loki once gave me.

Great and pain were now in the man's eyes as I stabbed the dagger through his heart. "P-peter?" He cocked out one last time before closing his eyes. I laughed. "You lost uncle John. You weren't playing the game right. Now! You know how it felt when I lost your game.

My clothes now dripped with blood along with the sound on my face that he caused! Feeling my heart I no longer felt the pump. Was... Was I dead? I looked around and there was no proof of me only John and his peculiar death. I guess we were both fool's.

#irondad #spideyson #sally williams #peter parker #mcu peter parker

[yandereshit]

Izaya x Reader: salad. [Durarara]

So! A story I wrote in 2k15 and translated to english... well, today. The translation may be a bit weird since I’m not used to doing these, but... well, yes. Here we go lololol have fun with this weird ass shit.

Evening ritual always looked the same. The very moment the night fell upon the city – which happened quite late during summer – you showered and, wearing your cute pink pajamas, you took out the cucumber-meat salad from the fridge and pouring its small amount into a special, porcelain bowl and putting a spoon inside as well, using the lack of interest from your parents’ side, you quietly left the flat, wearing your plushy flip-flops to stay warm and quiet at once.

Luckily, no neighbor has seen you in this weird state. This time your hair was still wet, which made you even more willing to stay unnoticed. You went up the six-floor building and opened the roof’s door. According to the ritual, you’ll sit at the edge of the roof and, staring at the bright, night city, eat the heavenly gift as known as your mommy’s salad.

The door creaked when you stepped outside. The wind started to move chaotically, unwittingly drying your hair. You shook your head, trying to move the strands aside to clear your sight, because the wind hit you from behind, covering your face with the mess of hair. And when you finally managed to do so… well.

“Huh? You’re not Magenta-san.”

Eeeeh...?

You looked up and stared at the silhouette standing a few meters away and staring back at you with concern on his face.

Magenta, Magenta, Magenta... Um…

“It’s shade of pink…?” you guessed, reminding yourself of the hours spent in Ikea on choosing the right color for the curtains.

The silhouette blinked, a bit disoriented. He scanned over your body and put his hands in the pockets of his jacket, tilting his head to the side with a smile and apparently waiting for what YOU were about to do.

“I… u-um...” you stuttered, because the man was standing in your way to your favorite spot on the roof. “I wanted to eat only...” you muttered and, with your face red from embarrassment (wind, why are you not covering my face NOW?!) you circled around the person and sat with crossed legs at the edge of the roof, about to start your meal.

There was a silence. You took a bit of the salad on the spoon, stared at it and sighed deeply, trying to suppress the will to look around at the stranger. You probably should ask him what he’s doing here. But right now, you definitely preferred to take care of the salad and assume… that you’ll keep ignoring him till he goes away. The taste of your favorite meal was so tempting that you really wanted to believe it’ll just work.

One way or another, you lived here since forever. Officially, no one was allowed to enter the roof. And this stranger definitely wasn’t a neighbor since you’ve never seen him before.

You pressed your lips together, putting the spoon in the bowl and carefully taking the phone out from your pocket. You raised it to your eyes’ level to use the reflection to see the other person behind you.

But as it seemed, the person disappeared from your sight. You shrugged, putting your phone aside and finally deciding to take care of the salad.

“You have a cute dog” you heard suddenly right behind yourself and jumped (quite comically, considering you were sitting), letting go of the spoon and miraculously not losing the bowl as well. The spoon screamed drastically and a few seconds later, landed as a bloody stain on the pavement dozens of meters lower. Or maybe you just imagined that. Either way, you lost it.

“Oh dang it” you muttered, standing up and turning around, only to notice that SOMEONE barely a meter further stared at the screen of a phone. You glanced at the spot next to yourself. And yes, it was YOUR phone. You had the photo of your dog on your lock screen.

Automatically, you reached in the thief’s direction, he though, not even looking up, spun around, whirling away from your grasp. It forced you to use more strength and as a result, you lost your balance. And before you managed to stop, both you and the salad’s bowl flied in the floor’s direction.

However, unlike you, the bowl never met the ground. But a few moments later you realized in terror that the stranger has two hostages now. And – by the way – that the roof is quite dirty and you’ll have to take a shower again.

“Give back my salad!” you yelled in annoyance. Well, priorities differ. The stranger snorted and moved away a bit more, extending the hand with the phone in your direction. You hesitantly took it and put in the pocket, but it was obviously not enough. You wanted your salad!

In the meanwhile, the man moved aside and started eating the salad with his fingers.

You screamed in despair, feeling the anger boil inside of you. No one. Is. Allowed. To. Touch. Your. Salad.

You raised your fist in attempt to hit the man’s face. At that moment, the food lost its value. The revenge was what you craved for. It was a fight for honor.

Unfortunately, the man dodged. You tried to hit him a few more times, then kick, you generally tried everything you could. And he – barely amused – without hurry dodged all your attacks, making sure that nothing would happen to the salad and (if that was not enough) he even found time to keep eating it. At least he was aware what kind of treasure he’s holding!

Eventually, you let out a weird, frustrated growl and grasped his jacket with both hands, putting all your strength in not letting go. But he didn’t even try to break free.

“And what now?” he asked with a childish smile on his face, watching every single feature of your silhouette. Ah well. Your hands were busy. The first thing you thought of was kicking him, but he quickly made you unable to do so, standing on your toes. Your flip flops had no chance in comparison to normal shoes so an attempt to break free turned futile.

You pressed your lips together, thinking of literally ANY possibility to rub that annoying smile off his face. And finally, when the man probably thought you’re about to give up… you pulled him to yourself and with all the strength left, bit into his neck

He screamed, letting go of the bowl which shattered on the ground.

"O-oi, it hurts! ヘ（。□°）ヘ", he whimpered, trying to push you off himself. But it made him only hurt more, because you bit into him like some tick. He closed his eyes tightly, focusing on bearing the pain.

Suddenly, you felt a weird, metallic taste. Not fitting to the bitter taste of his cologne you were feeling for the few seconds till now. You pulled your teeth out of his neck, staring in disbelief at the slightly bleeding wound on your victim’s neck.

“Finally...” the “victim” muttered, flopping onto the ground.

“Um...” you whimpered, covering your mouth with your hand. You licked over your lips, and then… “Oh my God! I will catch something!” you yelled, spatting out as much of your saliva as you could. You started to cough in despair.

The man glared at you, carefully touching the wound. The skin in that place was weirdly jelly in touch. He stared at you for some time, clearly not willing to interrupt.

You in the meanwhile, hardly got yourself together and finally stared at him angrily.

“Youuu...”

“You’re not done yet?!” he asked in panic, covering his neck with hands.

“Look at what you’ve done!” you yelled, pointing the shattered bowl and your dead salad around it. “You killed it!”

“You bit me!” he noticed, standing up and brushing the dust off his trausers.

“I-it was in self-defense!” you announced. “And because you stole it from me! You’re the guilty one!

He sighed, rolling his eyes, which for some reason pissed you off even more. You gathered the rest of your despair and you were about to throw yourself at him once again… when something glistened in front of your eyes and stopped by your neck,  informing you that any attempt to move will end tragically. Your heart stopped for a short second and you held your breath, as if fearing that any uncontrolled movement can cause something you pretty much didn’t want to happen. You felt a slight pressure and backed away in panic, tripping and landing back on the ground.

“Maybe I should return the favor, vamp?” he suggested enthusiastically (which seemed, in your opinion, pretty creepy), tilting his head so that you could see the wound on his neck. And it looked pretty ugly. The scar would probably stay there for a few weeks or even months...

He stared at you for a few moments, analyzing the emotions appearing on your face. Shock, then confusion, still lasting anger mixed with fear for your life. The man you just really painfully bit stood in front of you with a blade pointing at your throat, ready to end your life with a short movement. Every blow of the wind made you feel as if he’s already done so.

Not a comfortable situation.

You stared at him as well. He looked like some creepypasta sociopath. Actually, he looked like one from the very beginning. His dark eyes moved slowly along your silhouette, analyzing every single piece of your body. He seemed to seep through you with his stare, yet his face stayed firm. His arrogant smirk distracted you.

Suddenly, he put the knife in the pocket of his jacket and stepped back, not looking away from your face.

He chuckled.

“There, you don’t have to be scared… that much. I’m glad I could see that many of your emotions in such a short amount of time. They were really entertaining.” He laughed and turned around, moving away as if he couldn’t care less about what you were about to do. “And now excuse me, there’s one more person I need to play with today.”

You let out an annoyed grumble and got up, eventually ignoring him and going to the building’s door. Then finally it got to you, how late, cold and windy it became in the meanwhile.

“Ah, one more thing” the man added suddenly, just before you closed the door behind yourself. “Next time, I’d like to also see you laugh.”

As if on call, you laughed.

Hysterically.

You shut the door behind yourself and went back to your flat. You entered the kitchen, took out the whole pot of the salad and, reaching for a new spoon, decided to take all the accumulated anger out on your digestive system.

#durarara #izaya #izaya orihara #durarara izaya #izaya x reader #izaya orihara x reader #xreader #fanfiction #reader #mc #x reader #durarara x reader #drrr #durarara fanfiction #durarara ff #drrr ff