Flashback Three years ago

Dark was laying in bed staring up at the ceiling. He felt numb, almost dead. He almost wished he was dead.

What was the point in living if his existence was so painful? Everyone was afraid of him and avoided him like the plague because of something he couldn't control. He couldn't help how he was created. A buzzing sound caught his attention and slowly, he pulled his phone out of his pocket and looked at the ID.

With a small smile, Dark answered it on speaker, "Come on through."

Suddenly there was a glitching and it almost seemed as if his phone would fry until an electric spark shot through the screen. Suddenly Anti was in the room, breathing heavily from using so much energy coming through the phone.

He looked just as depressed as he was.

"Hey"

"Hey" they greeted each other.

Dark leaned up against his headboard, "What's up this time?"

Anti frowned and shrugged, "They left for the day. Didn't even ask if I wanted to come with them." he pouted, "Sorry I came through like that but. . . . it's lonely."

Dark nodded, "I understand" he sighed, "I'm lonely, too, I guess."

"They still not giving you the time of day?"

"Not even the night." he snorted, "This stupid aura. . . . I swear it's Actor mocking me. He wanted this, the bastard."

"Maybe" Anti nodded, "But being all angry and sad isn't going to change your problem, Dark"

"You're one to talk. You're the one who came here, remember?"

The glitch shrugged, "Can we play a game?"

Dark blinked at the change in subject but nodded anyways, "Sure. What do you want to play?"

"How about . . . checkers, today? I'll beat you this time"

"We'll see" Dark snickered before going to gather the game, his back turned to Anti.

'Stab him in the back' a voice cooed in Anti's head but he forced it away.

Dark returned with the game and they proceeded to play. Dark proceeded to win.

Anti lost his shit and flipped the table in anger, "Fuck!" Dark just rolled his eyes and picked the pieces back up calmly as Anti behaved childishly, grumbling to himself.

"I noticed the bruise on your arm." Dark said softly to distract Anti, "Jackie?"

Anti nodded, "It's alright, though. He just gripped me too hard by accident is all. He was yelling at me for something but he didn't mean to hurt me"

Dark hummed but didn't press the subject further. Anti changed the subject anyways, "Any luck on finding Actor yet?"

"None" Dark growled, his red aura lashing a tad, "Thinking on giving up on that, actually. Why bother? It's what he wants, anyways. I don't want to play his game"

"Yeah. You're not his puppet." Anti agreed with him.

Dark smirked, "Yeah. No strings on this asshole."

"You're not an asshole, Dark"

"You don't know me that well then"

"Oh whatever Mr. Emo. I'm your best friend. I know you TOO well"

Dark looked over at the time as did Anti, "I should probably get going back." the glitch sighed, "Not that they'll notice I left in the first place."

Dark took a breathe, "Alright. Be safe, Anti. Don't let Jackie bring you down. You're stronger than you think."

Anti smiled slightly, "Thanks, Dark. You too. Don't let your thoughts get TOO depressing. I'll beat ya next time!"

Dark chuckled, "I doubt it. Get going, brat"

Anti giggled before glitching back home through Dark's phone. Already Dark felt lost and alone again. How did Anti do it? Make him feel worth it? Was he really a good friend after all?

'I can't let Actor paint me as something I'm not. I'm not the bad guy. How can I be the 'perfect villain' if I don't even do . . . . anything? Maybe I should follow Anti's advice though. I can't just lay in bed all day everyday. I should start a hobby. Maybe some paperwork? Let's see. . .what requires a lot of attention that could keep me busy?'

Suddenly there was a bang downstairs and a crazed laughter, "Oh I'm so sorry, old chap! Didn't mean to miss you!" another gunshot sounded and panicked yelling ensued. Suddenly the power went out and Google's voice could be heard, "Try shooting something you can't see, psycho"

"Oh I'm gonna blast a hole in your can, you outdated piece of garbage software! You hacked my gameshow!" another gun shot.

Dark sighed, "Perfect. Wilford will do."

End Flashback

Back in the present, Dark thought of this memory while he beat Anti once more at checkers. The glitch spazzed a little and crossed his arms in a pout, "Why can't you just let me win ONE FREAKING GAME!?"

Dark smiled, "Then game is called checkers. Not 'let Anti win: the game. Just strategize more.  You make a move too fast before actually thinking about it"

"No I don't!"

Dark made King as Anti made the wrong move, "Point proven"

"Shut up" he grumbled.

"Remember that time we played this game and you-"

"Flipped the table?" Anti filled in, "Yeah. Yeah, I remember. You've never let me forget"

"That was also the day I decided to stop hunting Actor. And when Jackie started hitting you"

"We didn't know back then. Back then things were different."

"Back then that behavior was just as inexcusable. Don't defend him. Things may be different now but the memory of that bruise will still always be there"

Anti nodded, "I know. . . . . Hey Dark?"

"Yeah?" he started setting up the game again.

"Have you. . . .had any strange dreams lately?"

Dark stopped movement for a moment but carried on like nothing happened, "I always have strange dreams, Anti. Why?"

"I dreamed of Septic the other night. And a man. An Iplier. I think it may have been Actor, I'm not sure. The dream seemed so real."

"What happened in the dream?" Dark asked cautiously. 

"I came downstairs for a drink of water and saw a shadow man in the living room. It said that 'he wants revenge. He's upstairs by himself' and then he disappeared. I ran upstairs to warn you but then I saw myself sleeping. Then I heard Septic's laugh and turned and saw him before waking up"

"Weird"

"You didn't answer my question. What happened in YOUR dream?"

I always have weird dreams, Anti. This one is no different."

"What was it!?" he whined, "Tell me~"

Dark rolled his eyes and started his play, "I saw you. But then it turned into . . . . something else. I presume it was Septic. He threatened to kill you and then I woke up. Nothing much."

"Oh yeah" Anti glared at him, "Nothing 'much'. We BOTH dreamt of him. . . .  could it mean something?"

"No, Anti. It's just a coincidence. Nothing more. We've been through a lot concerning those two. It's normal to have nightmares about them."

Anti didn't seem convinced, "Maybe we should ask Marvin and Host"

"Why?"

"To make sure it's 'nothing', you doof."

Dark sighed but let Anti drag him to Host's room. When Dark knocked on the door, it was a few moments before Host answered, "Host answered the door to find Dark and Anti. Clearly Dark didn't want to be here and Anti forced him along."

Marvin peeked through, "Oh hey, Anti!" he came over, "Hey Dark. What's up?"

Anti bit his lip, "We may have a problem."

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"So you think Septic may have survived?" Marvin looked a bit freaked out.

Anti shrugged as he sipped on some tea Host gave them, "I don't know. i was hoping maybe you'd be able to tell. Actor might be around too. We're not sure"

Marvin hummed, "Weird. But remember the last time I tried to check for him? He was able to disguise himself. Who's to say he won't just do that? Same with Actor."

"Host, what about you?" Dark asked, "You were able to tell what was happening all along before. Do you know anything? You better fucking tell me now or else"

Host smiled nervously, "Host told Dark he actually had no idea. The only reason Host was able to communicate with Dark at all in the void was because he was near the mirrors. Otherwise Dark was completely invisible to Host's view. The void is another world entirely with mirrors as the portals."

Dark nodded, "Alright. Marvin? Any ideas?"

The magician shrugged, "I'd suggest Anti to start taking the pills again but since you're having the dreams too, Dark. . . . . It's a little harder to think of an explanation. I know it seems like something could be happening but maybe it really is nothing but coincidence."

"You're telling me to just let it go?" Anti scoffed, "Pft. Remember how well that worked out last time?"

"I know, Anti. But . . . . Let's just wait and see. If you two have ANY more dreams or suspect ANYTHING, just let me or Host know. If it happens more than once. . .it's no coincidence."

They nodded in affirmation and left the two mysterious egos to themselves. 

"Well that was a waste of time" Dark rolled his eyes.

"Not really" Anti shoved him lightly, "We got some information. Maybe we shouldn't tell any one else though?"

"Why not?"

Anti shrugged, "I don't know. I guess I just don't want Chase or the others to worry. I really don't want them involved. If Septic really did survive then he's after me. I don't want my brothers getting hurt again."

"If Septic DID survive" Dark started, "Or Actor, then we HAVE to tell everyone. They deserve to know and be warned, Anti."

He nodded, "Right. You're right. I hope they're not back."

"I second that. Want to play some UNO?" he changed the subject, "You'd like that game. No strategy really involved."

"Aw hell yeah." Anti smirked, "There's a game I could kick your ass in" he ignored Dark's eye roll.

"As long as you don't flip the table over when I win THIS game"

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Septic watched the two from the void. Marvin was right, he could still disguise himself. He was barely keeping himself together anyways, so there's was little chance of him being sensed anyways. Since Anti's power strike, he had been severely damaged, nearly eradicated. But with Anti's fear of whether or not Dark would accept him, he stayed.

Septic survived off of Anti's insecurities and fear. His anxiety. And then when Actor showed himself to him and told him of his plan, he grew even stronger with Actor giving him his own energy to keep him going.

That was how he was able to get to Dark that first night and snag a piece of Celine's energy from Dark. With that, Actor started to grow even stronger and gave Septic even more energy to give BOTH Dark and Anti a little nightmare. With Anti's fear of him returning, Septic could feel himself getting stronger once more.

But now that the seed was planted, all he had to do now was wait. He had to make them think it really was just a coincidence. Grow off of their anxiety.

Actor would now take over from here and Septic would take his place as the audience to watch Actor's show commence.

"Soon" Septic whispered to himself, "Soon I'll have my own body again and then you'll be sorry, Anti. I won't meander this time and I'll tear you to pieces. I had a taste of pure life and nothing will get in my way to feel it again. I will breathe my first breathe again as you breathe your last."

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Jackie was hanging around the kitchen with Chase, King and Bim when Dark walked in. Anti wouldn't stop gloating about having beat Dark for the third time at UNO and he wanted to get away from the brat for a few moments. But then he saw Jackie and snarled at him, remembering what he had done to Anti in the past.

"Hey Dark!" King smiled.

Dark smiled back at King, "Good afternoon, King. Having a good day?"

He nodded, "Yeah! I just getting some more peanut butter to show Chase and Jackie my squirrel friends!"

Bim shuddered, "I think I'll go to my room. Have fun, guys"

Chase snickered, "I heard Anti hooting and hollering up there. He finally beat you at checkers?"

"UNO." Dark answered, "Three times. Won't shut up about it" 

Jackie smirked, "That explains it. Anti was never good at strategy games. Always gets beat"

"Hm" Dark glared at him, "Like you beat him? Are we talking physically this time or at a game?"

Jackie's reaction was immediate and he got defensive, "Hey man, easy. That's been a long time ago now and I've made it up to him since"

"Have you, though?"

Chase cut in, "Dark. Relax. You don't know the situation. Things have gotten a lot better since we all found out."

"I don't know the situation." Dark chuckled, "That's funny. You know, I had been wanting to talk to you guys. Mostly Jackie. Even before the incident with Sean, Anti would often come over through my phone. He'd be near tears because of you guys neglecting him or treating him like shit. Do you remember that time? I remember seeing the bruises on him that you, Jackie, gave him. And Anti would defend you."

"What?" Chase was surprised as well, "Jackie, you've been hurting him for that long?"

Jackie sighed, "Look, I'm not proud of it. I really thought he was. . . .it's not an excuse and I know it. I did Anti wrong. I hurt him. I feel like shit for it. I was a bad person and I'm sorry. I've apologized to Anti so much for it, I don't even know how he can forgive me, really. He shouldn't. But I've changed, Dark. I'd protect Anti with my life if need be."

"Hmph" Dark huffed, "I don't know if I can believe that"

"You don't need to" Jackie snarled at him, "I'll protect him. I don't need your damn blessing for it"

Chase stood there with his arms crossed, not knowing what to think, "I thought you had just started bullying him after the incident with Sean. To think that you guys were so cruel before then, before we even knew. I'm even more at fault, I didn't even see it then. Before Stacey and I split. . . .everything should have been obvious"

Dark was silent and King just looked between everyone, clearly uncomfortable with the conversation, "I'm just gonna go. You guys probably don't want to even see the squirrels, really. . .See you guys later" he took off.

Dark felt a bit bad on the inside for bringing up such a sensitive topic unwarranted but he couldn't help himself. He cared about Anti so much, the fact that he had been abused by the so called 'hero' was disgusting. Dark wanted to out him for it. To make him suffer like he should have made him suffer a long time ago.

"Whatever" Dark opened his cupboard of cookies to take upstairs with him for him and Anti, "He seems happy now. The happiest he's ever been. Just help keep him that way. I don't want to ever see that pain in his eyes again, you hear me?"

"Fuck off, Dark" Jackie growled, "You're not the boss of me! Anti's my brother. Don't act so high and mighty over all of this! You hurt him the most!"

"Jackie" Chase warned him.

"No! Yes, we hurt him first. We abandoned him in his time of need and after the incident it was worse but not just because of us. You also abandoned him. Don't think we've forgotten that. You were his best friend and knew him way better than any of us and yet you forced him away just like we did."

Dark sighed, "At least I never hit him. And he never even fought back" he walked out of the room, ignoring how Jackie tried attacking him. Chase held him back though before he could do anything.

As Dark went back into his room, he set a plate of cookies down for him and Anti. The Glitch was currently shuffling the cards so they could play again but he seemed less enthused this time than before.

"What's wrong, Anti? Thought you liked this game. I brought cookies."

Anti just looked up at him, "I could hear you guys yelling, Dark. Look just . . . please don't fight with them again. Please?"

Dark munched on his cookie before taking the cards from Anti and dealing them, "Alright. Whatever."

Anti took a cookie and nibbled on it.

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Septic eyed the cookie from the void in Dark's mirror. He had seen the whole argument but was more so intrigued by the cookies. He remembered the short time he had possessed Anti's body and tasted the cookies and cream poptarts and then stole some oreos from the cupboards later that day. He licked his lips.

'The first thing I do when I get my own body' he thought, 'After I kill Anti and the others. . . .those cookies are mine'

Septic remembered Anti's speech from that day. Telling him that he could be an ego, too. A part of the family.

He HAD thought about it briefly, he really did.

Mostly for the food. He was gluttonous. But a part of him also knew that Anti only half-meant it. No one would truly accept him. He was a monster. When they thought Anti was the villain, they treated him like scum. Septic knew that that would be how he was treated if he tried to reform. Not that he could. 

'Silly puppet' 

But that thought still lingered deep within his mind. What if?

Septic huffed and imagined himself tearing out Anti's intestines or torturing any of the other egos. He thought of what he could do to them to make them all suffer as much as possible.

Those thoughts brought a genuine smile to his face.