Anti looked around but all he saw was darkness. An empty void and the sound of white noise filling the air around him. Normally the sound would comfort him but not this time.

He could hear someone's voice talking to someone else. They sounded happy. Content.

Laughing with others without a care.

Without him.

He felt an anger rise up in him but it didn't even feel like his own. He could feel resentment swallowing him whole. They sounded so happy without him.

He felt so trapped and useless. Thrown away like a worthless scrap of an idea. Nothing.

The white noise blared in his head and he felt as if he'd go insane from it. It practically vibrated in his brain.

Until a different voice rang out.

To him.

"It's not fair, is it? Poor thing, lost and forgotten . . . .  just like I used to be."

He saw glowing green and blue eyes in the darkness like neon lights. Green hair just as vibrant. Anti shuddered. He felt as if a predator was staring into his soul. The man smiled, his teeth glinting in the dark.

"Tell me, do you want out of your prison, little puppet?"

Anti jumped up in his bed, heart pounding. But he wasn't as frightened as he wouldn't have been before. He was either getting used to the nightmares or regaining his de-sensitivity along with the pieces of memories.

'The voice before . . .  it was Sean. I remember that. I was trapped in his mind before that man found me. Ripped me out'

Anti took a breathe. It was all he could remember though so far. That little piece. That and the sign language.

Jameson hadn't told anyone, though, thankfully and Anti thought he must have believed him when he said he was such a good teacher.

But Anti knew better, himself. He was regaining his memories just as the man had said he would.

He wasn't ready. He didn't want to remember! 

Already he could feel something in him spurring. Shaking his head, he tried to forget it but it wouldn't leave his head. Anti flopped back on the bed, hitting his head on the pillow with a sigh. He stared up at the ceiling to wait until his stomach would start growling.

Chase was humming a little tune to himself, preparing himself to go see his kids at Stacey's place. He knew it would probably bit a little awkward but he was prepared for that. He'd focus on his kids today and if that Brady bastard was there again he'd deal with him. He was tempted on asking Jackie to come with him at first but decided against it. He didn't want to look weak to Stacey. He could always call the police if it came down to it.

As he sipped on some tea and ate a honeybun for breakfast, Anti moped on in. Chase snickered at his tired face, "Someone didn't get much sleep last night"

Anti just shrugged and poured himself some cereal.

"Another nightmare? Want to talk about it?"

He glitched a little, stiffening at the mention of it and just shook his head.

"Okay, okay." Chase eased him, "I'm guessing it was a memory?"

Anti stilled again, looking nervous but Chase just smiled, "It's okay. I won't think any less of you. Like you said, you're not the same. The past doesn't define you"

Anti knew those were his own words but now he was starting to doubt them. 

But he trusted Chase to a degree.

"It was before everything I think. I was in Sean's head or something. It doesn't matter"

Chase hummed, "Sounds like it does if it's got you shaken so bad"

"I'm not shaken!" he argued but Chase just gave him a knowing look. Anti sighed and swallowed, "I remember it being lonely. Dark and cold. Empty. And then mast- I mean HE came and . . . . got me out"

Chase stared at him and Anti felt as if he just said something wrong, "Wait" Chase held his hand up, trying to piece Anti's words together himself.

"You're saying that . . .  you didn't force your way out of Sean? That thing did? And did you almost call him master?!"

Anti was silent but it told Chase all he needed to know, "Geez, kid. . . . If you remember anything else, let us know, alright? Sounds like we're missing a big part of the story here."

"What do you mean?"

"Well . . .  if you weren't willing in joining that guy, then it means we made tons of misconceptions before your amnesia incident. . . . anyways . . . . oh boy." 

"Or it was just a nightmare" Anti provided, although he knew most likely it wasn't. Not with the way the man had treated him before when he kidnapped him.

Chase snorted and got up to get another cup of tea, "Look . . . talk to Henrik or Jackie about it later, too, alright? I'll be back by dinner"

"Huh? Where you going?"

"I'm going to see my kids. It's my day to spend with them"

"Oh." Anti's shoulders sagged but then he asked, "If it's your day to have them, then why don't they come here?"

Chase nearly snorted his tea, "Oh uh . . . . . no reason, man. Stacey and I have been getting along pretty well lately so-"

"Is it because of me? Are you still scared I'd . . . . " Anti understood, seeing Chase's guilty expression, "Did I hurt them?"

Chase coughed, "I uh . . . I don't know. I wasn't there. . . and the kids have never talked about you before so . . . but it's not that I don't trust you, Anti! I just-"

"You're just looking out for them. I understand. I hope you guys have fun. I-"

Anti was about to excuse himself when suddenly the doorbell rang.

"I got it!" Henrik shouted from the living room. He had been watching some TV programming for the hell of it, waiting for the news to come on.

"I better get ready, I guess" Chase finished his other cup, "Remember. If you  . . .well . .  remember anything else . . .  don't hesitate to let us know, alright? We won't think any less of ya, dude" he pat Anti's shoulder but the glitch could feel his reluctance still.

"Oi!" Henrik's voice shouted gleefully, "Little mouses! How are you!?" 

Little shouts of joy could be heard and Chase froze. He recognized those voices, "The hell?"

Rushing out to the foyer, Chase sprinted in to see Stacey at the door in front of Henrik. Henrik was on his knees hugging his little niece and nephew with a hearty laugh.

"Uncle Henrik!" "Henny!" the kids cheered for the doctor.

Stacey chuckled at the sight and looked over to Chase who seemed fucking stunned, "Hey Toss boy!" she winked.

"Stace?" Chase shook his head and his eyes fell onto the kids who finally noticed him.

"Daddy! Daaaaad!" they bolted for him and Chase fell to his knees as well to catch them. He couldn't help but laugh at their ferocity.

"What are you guys doing here?" Chase was happy to see them but also . . . . this wasn't the plan. He looked up to Stacey, "Thought I was supposed to come to yours?"

Stacey shrugged, "I thought this would be better? The kids haven't seen their uncles for a while anyways. And besides-" she stopped and looked over by the kitchen.

Chase looked back to see Anti peeking out nervously. When he saw they were staring, though, he bolted back into the kitchen, red with embarrassment.

"Is that him?" Stacey asked but before Chase could answer, the kids ran for the kitchen with excited shouts.

"Wait! Kids, stop!" But Chase was too late and they could hear a fearful shout from the kitchen.

"AH!"

They all rushed to the kitchen only to see Kallie and Sammy hugging Anti's waist, making the poor glitch stiff with anxiety and glitching but it didn't seem to bother the kids.

"Uncle Anti! It's been forever!" Kallie bounced and Sammy giggled, "Thought we'd never see you again! You said you'd visit us again!" he whined.

Anti didn't know what to think or do. He didn't remember them but they were so familiar. So small and cute. He already just wanted to kidnap them for himself. He smiled a little and pat their heads nervously, "He-hey there"

Chase let out a breathe and gulped, "Hey kids, that's enough. Leave your uncle Anti alone. He needs some space right now, alright? Henrik? Will you-?"

Henrik nodded, catching his drift and caught the kid's attention, "Hey mouses! I have a secret stash of candy in my office with your names on it! Come, come!"

Without another moment to lose, they broke away from Anti and rushed for the doctor, leaving Anti alone with Stacey and Chase.

Anti crossed his arms to hug himself but couldn't bring himself to look either of them in the eye. He didn't remember Stacey either but he knew he did something for her to recognize him and he was anxious again.

"Hey, you're Anti, right?" she tried to pry him, coming closer.

Chase grunted, "It's okay, Anti. I've already told Stace about your situation. Although, I didn't exactly plan for this"

"Oh hush, Chase" Stacey lightly shoved him, "I just needed to see it for myself. Besides, if we were in any danger, Jackie's in the house, right? Calm your tits, boy"

Chase rolled his eyes but Anti snorted lightly. He liked her.

"So you really don't remember anything?" she asked him and Anti shook his head.

"No. Sorry"

"You're okay, sweety. Where's your wound at? Chase said you still had stitches. It hurting?"

Anti remembered the mystery Septic ego and gulped nervously, "The man removed them and healed me. Said it'd make me remember faster for. . . him"

"Man?" Stacey looked to Chase for answers but he just shrugged.

"We don't know. Jackie and Marvin were at his apartment the other day and said this masked guy appeared out of nowhere and kidnapped Anti. Anti said the man looked liked us and tried to imprison him. Luckily, of course, he found a way out"

"Masked man" Stacey hummed, "Does it have anything to do with the fire?"

"We think this man started it in trying to kill Anti" Jackie's voice sounded in the room and they all looked to see him leaning against the doorway, "Hey Stacey. It's been a while. You and Chase . . . .  together again or just doing each other?"

"Jackie!" Chase shouted at him but the hero just snickered.

Stacey rolled her eyes but ignored him and looked back over to Anti, "Poor guy . . .  sounds like you've been through a lot. You're lucky you got so many brothers to help put you back together, huh?"

Anti blinked, a little uncomfortable. He considered them family now but . . . .Jackie's words from that night still rang in his head.

'You're not our brother'

Although he didn't know if Jackie felt differently now . . . . perhaps? Maybe he'd be brave enough one day to ask.

"What are you doing here?" Jackie was more interested in Stacey's appearance more than anything, "Thought Chase was going to your guy's place because you didn't want the kids near Anti?"

"I never said that!" she defended herself, "Besides . . . . he looks pretty harmless to me. I don't see the harm in letting the kids hang out here today with their uncles and daddy"

"Please don't call Chase daddy"

"Shut up, Jackie"

Chase pinched the bridge of his nose, "Can we get back to the weirdness of why Kallie and Sammy seemed to love Anti so much?"

Anti shrugged, "I don't know. I guess I am pretty likable" he was feeling cheeky.

But that didn't fly with the father. Chase hummed, "Maybe it has something to do with what you told me earlier this morning . . ."

"Can I go to my room, now?" Anti was done with this conversation. Any mention of his memories this morning and he would fucking explode.

Chase seemed surprised by the outburst but sighed, "Alright. Come out for lunch, at least though, alright? Don't be afraid of the kids, brat"

"I'm not afraid" he grumbled but stomped off.

Jackie snorted, "The hell was that about?"

Anti lied about going to his room. Even if it was morning, though, he knew Marvin would be up. Probably reading. He knocked on the door, waiting for the magician to answer.

But he wasn't. Anti frowned. He wanted to go in but he also didn't want to disturb him in case he was sleeping. Anti was about to walk away when he heard little pitter pattering coming up the stairs. They must have gotten bored of Henrik after receiving their candy.

Freaking out, he barged into Marvin's room and locked the door behind him.

When he turned, he saw the magician looking over at him on his bed tiredly with books strewn all around him. He looked exhausted.

"I didn't say you could come in"

Anti swallowed, "S-sorry. I wasn't going to but . . .  Chase's kids are here and I think they're after me"

Marvin snorted, "Feel free to stay in here then. I understand your fear, man. They always try and get me to do tricks for them. Except I can't really. Still can't . . .. again"

"Magic not coming back again?"

Marvin shook his head, "I don't know what the circumstance is. It's like it's random or something."

"Maybe I could help? I mean, while I'm here at least?"

Marvin tilted his head, ushering for him to join him, "Get over here and grab a book, brat. Might as well be useful while you're hiding"

Anti swallowed as he crept through the house. He hated this so much. He didn't know what to do. He had never killed anyone before. He tried killing the other Septics but he just couldn't do it and he paid the price, letting his master punish him, slitting his throat over and over again.

But this time, he had made it clear. Either kill the kids starting with Chase's or he would have no more use for him and Anti knew what that meant. He didn't want to die. He had just started living. Was he really living, though?

He owed it to him to try though, right? He risked so much to free him. He was still risking so much. Anti took a breathe and calmly walked through the house. He just had to go cold and stay that way just like when master ordered him to hurt that man in the alley that one time. 

Don't look them in the eyes. That was his mistake with the others. He saw their fear. If he didn't look the kids in the eyes, then he could do it, right? 

His heart pounding, he reached their door and slowly opened it, knife in hand.

Anti jolted out of his thoughts, back to staring at a page in a book.

He sat cross-legged across from Marvin on his bed and sighed, rubbing his eyes. 

Another memory was cracking through and Anti knew then that no matter what, they would start to flood in and there would be nothing he could do to stop it. He just had to hope and believe that he wouldn't remember doing anything terrible. At least he didn't kill the kids. That was a silver lining. 

Anti could sort of piece things together of that night but it was still blurry as hell. Nothing he could completely comb through.

Marvin seemed to sense his detachment from the task at hand.

"If you're not gonna read, you can leave. Not like we've making any progress anyways. Plus the kids are probably crashed by now."

It was nearly lunchtime and Marvin was losing his patience quickly. It was obvious he never went to bed last night.

"I'm fine. We'll figure it out, Marv. Don't worr-"

"Don't tell me not to worry, Anti." Marvin growled, "This is a matter of life and death. You don't understand"

"Marv, it'll be fine. Ya gotta just trust that-"

"Trust what!?" Marvin slammed the book shut and snarled at him, "There's a fucking murderous psycho ego aiming for us and we're like sitting ducks! He's waiting for you to remember something and when you do, we're fucked!"

"I won't turn on you guys, you can trust me-"

"How?!" the magician shouted, "You don't know that!"

"I'm different than-"

"Yeah, yeah, you're different but what happens when you remember everything again? You'll most likely change AGAIN! The others just don't want to think about it and neither do you!"

"Marvin, please, let's just. . . there's gotta be something we missed. You're just tired and cranky"

"I'm not cranky!" Marvin suddenly grabbed Anti's shoulders and they both froze.

A feeling washed over the both of them in their strong emotions.

The books around them started to float and Marvin and Anti stared each other in the eyes. The lights started to flicker in the room and his wand started to rattle on his desk.

"Marvin . . . . " Anti took his wrists to remove his hands off of him. Marvin let go limply and looked around as they were still connected.

"Am I dreaming? Did I crack and fall asleep?" the magician whimpered, hardly able to believe it. Was it really random or anger induced? How was it happening?

Anti shook his head, "I think I understand now. . . . . . . . why he wants me to remember"

Marvin broke away from him and everything stopped and the books fell back onto the bed as the feeling slowly went away.

"I  . . . .  I think I have your magic in me, Marvin"