Fries had searched throughly throughout the building for his group. They didn't seem to be anywhere they usually were - such as their rooms, the spare areas, the cafeteria, roof.. and that made him nervous. He had been jogging up and down the stairs, asking those who passed.. until he finally went to the entrance of the building.

The group has accumulated in a bundle around the front doors to the building. Two was there as well, causing him him swallow anxiously. "Oooh dear.." He muttered under his breath, exhaling and putting his shovel over his shoulder before making his way over slowly. He hoped to just creep by and blend in so they wouldn't notice, but that was way to much to ask for.

"Fries!" Two snapped suddenly, making him jump. Two turned over to him as he slowed down by the group. "Where in the world have you been!? I've just heard the news.. is this true?!" He boomed, glaring at him for a response.

Fries suddenly felt everyones eyes on him. What if they knew he was lying..? "I'm.. sorry sir. He-"

"Why didn't you stop him?!" Two roared, suddenly powering up his hand. He resisted the urge to step back in fear "Don't you understand the severity of the situation?! Stapy has ESCAPED! Right after we lost THREE OTHERS!!!" He yelled right at his face and stamped his foot down, causing the wooden boards to shake very slightly.

Fries took a moment to reply. For a split second he thought he was going to show a sign of fear, but didn't. He tried not to act suspicious "I was afraid that he was in a violent state, and would have killed me if I had taken it into my own hands"

"Could you not have attacked him with your shovel?" Yellowface added, clearly doubtful as he moved forward. Fries kept clinging onto his shovel with his hands, just for comfort. It always felt comforting.. "Marker is much stronger than I. Even you know that.. Yellow."

Yf squinted at him, not sure how to reply. He opened his mouth to speak and try to argue, but Two put his hand in front of him to stop him from saying anything.

"That's en-"

"Speak of the devilll..." Bell chimed, grinning and looking over to the doors as Marker pushed them open with his hand, peering inside hesitantlt. Bell let out a sigh, knowing things were about to go down. "Woo boy.."

Puffball rolled her eyes boredly "Jeez.. " she grumbled, surprised as she was suddenly pushed out of the way by Two, who glared at Marker with a deadly stare "How could you FREE STAPY?!!?" He powered up his hand again, unable to control his powers with his emotion.

Marker shook himself off from the rain, stepping inside and closing the door, completely unaware of the situation "Are you kidding me?! How could you guys LEAVE me out in the rain?! I was lost!" He hissed, clutching his fists in frustration.

Two stamped his way in front of him, fury overtaking him as he suddenly grabbed Marker within his hand, grasping at him violently. Marker was confused, gasping and squirming as he tried to hit at his hand. "Wh-What are you doing?!" He croaked

Fries watched, his breathing picking up without him even realizing. He felt shaken up, realising that if he had just made the wrong move..this would be him. He gulped at the thought of Two finding out about him stealing, him freeing Stapy..befriending and saving Firey..

His thoughts dispersed as Twos voice cut through them "Do you realise WHAT YOU'VE DONE?!" Two brought him up to his face, Marker staring helplessly.

Fries couldn't look away. Two had never been this directly violent towards someone before.. not from his own side, anyways.

Marker tried to croak out words, unable to breathe as he was being crushed by Twos hand "I-I don't unders-g-" he coughed out, trying to gasp.

"Clearly not. Did you think I'd let you get away with this?!" Two roared in his face, gripping onto him with a scary amount of strength. The shouting had attracted the attention of some others from around the building, standing in doorways and at the top of stairs, watching fearfully and in confusion. The rest of Free Food were just as surprised but.. didn't show it.

Marker gagged, beginning to be in pain. He cried out and spluttered as Two gripped harder, gritting his teeth in rage.

Fries averted his eyes from the situation. Yellowface watched.. disappointed. He just shook his head "..I trusted you, Marker." He glanced back at Fries, giving him a look of suspicion "I hope you're right about this." He remarked. It felt like more of a threat, though.

"I've had enough!" Two spat, gripping him tightly in his hand, hurting him. Marker whined and yelled out as he was in agony, choking out one more time before it was too much.

Two gripped him hard, so hard it caused him to explode into a purple mess. Violet ink splashed over the group, the ground, completely coverimg Twos hand and it even got on the ceiling. Two panted angrily, dropping Markers remains and wiping his hand off after a few moments

He snarled and shook his head "I needed that." He looked around, disappointed as he observed the mess and the scene "..Two less of us. What am I supposed to do now?!" He glared over to Free Food, as if they would give an answer.

Yellow was disgusted at the colour purple, trying to get it to wipe off. Fries flicked off some of the ink, looking over to Two "H-Hm?"

"I demand someone to always be guarding the door. Make it Gelatin- Cloudy, Barfbag.. Balloony I don't care! Just MAKE someone block it. Even at night." He demanded firmly, gritting his teeth and pointing to the direction to leave. "Go." He told Puffball and Bell.

Everyone had ran off after seeing what happened to Marker, so nobody was hanging around anymore. Bell huffed and tried to rock herself to shake off the ink. "Fine. Come on Puffball, let's go get someone." She grumbled, huffing. She was genuinely startled at what just happened. She did not expect him to react like that.

Puffball muttered to herself, annoyed that she now had purple ink stained into her. She rolled her eyes and led Bell and herself away.

Two twitched and gripped his hands together "We do not have enough of us to keep functioning.." he went quiet for a moment to think.

"15.. 15 of us LEFT!!" Two gritted his teeth and turned to punch the wall, leaving a harsh dent. Fries flinched, but didn't say anything. "Yellow.. go get Basketball to turn Tv back on." He demanded angrily.

"..Sir.. will that not cause problems? Tv is being controlled by-"

"I don't care." Two replied coldly, glaring at him harshly "..You need to get him working with you and the rest Free Food, as a replacement of Scissors, Marker, AND Stapy.." he scowled.

Fries perked up.. what? Tv?

Oh no.. Robot Flower was going to be horrified.. Roboty wouldn't take this well, either. Did Tv really have to join? He felt even more awful now.. he was disgusted at Markers death (it was his fault, but Stapy mattered more) but Tv had to suffer too now too?

He didn't want this to happen..

This wasn't what he wanted.. he didn't think this would happen.. he didn't want Tv to have to pay for this. He couldn't let him suffer.. not like the others had. It wasn't fair..

What had he done..? Could he even fix this now..?

"Tv?" Yf twitched "No offense, Sir, but Tv isn't exactly-"

"Just WORK with it, okay?!" Two commanded him forcefully "You do what I say, and I SAY you do this, okay??" He flicked Yfs bowtie "You can take simple orders now, can't you?" He almost mocked.

Yf stared, thinking violent thoughts but not making it clear. He turned around and went to leave without saying anything else to him.. they had lost 3 of their members ..and now they had to let TV join? What kind of order was that? That was fucking pathetic. How would he even be a help? He would have to force him to kill, Tv was hardly violent OR threatening.

Fries felt awful.. he had been feeling smug about this whole thing in a way, because his plan worked and Stapy was free, and Two didn't get what he wanted.,But.. now Tv was going to have to suffer instead.. Tv was the next victim.

He quickly turned to leave as well, letting Two clean the mess of Markers remains.. he decided to go to his room and reflect.. he didn't expect that.

He needed to figure out how he was going to fix it. Another problem that needed to be solved...

----

After Lollipops recovery, everyone had some celebratory snacks and hung out together, just kind of happy that things turned out the way they did.. better than what it could've been.

Lollipop was okay. She was still feeling fuzzy from the injury but other than that, she seemed to be doing great. Liy was still caged securely, and now monitored since after the whole celebration, Blackhole went back to watching her.

They didn't speak. She hadn't said anything to him. He was glad.

The rest of the group just stayed together and just sat around, chatting and bonding, just enjoying being around each other. Golfball had ventured back to her room (of course) so it was just the rest of them. After a while, the majority went to nap since there was nothing else to do, the rest continued to talk.

Blocky, Lightning, Bomby and Lollipop were the only ones who weren't asleep. Lightning was awkwardly floating and looking off to the side, feeling bad as he listened to Blocky and Lollipop talk quietly as to be careful to not wake the others.

Bomby was half asleep but not quite there, having Fj in his lap as he slept peacefully. Bomby wanted to know he was safe so wanted to stay awake to protect him, but was dozing off. Who could blame him? Hardly anyone had got any sleep last night..

Lollipop chuckled at a remark that Blocky had made. "Are you always like this?" She rolled her eyes, him smirking enthusiastically "Eh, I could say it's the confidence kicking in. Guess I'm comfortable with you, congrats."

"Oh, thank you. Will I be getting a reward for my achievement?"

"Not really. Unless you count ME as one." Blocky grinned, her frowning "Oh haha, sure. I mean, you are rather unique..unlike anyone else.. weird, questionable..-" Blocky shoved her, "Heyy!"

He huffed and crossed his arms playfully "You forgot creative." He pouted, before smirking once he watched her raise an eyebrow. He snorted, her chuckling "My oh my.. I need a drink... do you need one?" She went to stand up and and stretch, putting her hands above her head and arching her back, groaning slowly.

He shrugged "Eh...grab me a soda can? If you find one.. I think there's a few left over."

She nodded and yawned tiredly, before walking off out the area to find where the drinks were stored. Blocky waved until she was gone, sneering and leaning back.

"Jeez.." he rubbed his eyes and relaxed, looking around and taking in the silence of the room.. Pen was sleeping close to him, as was Woody. Pen was lightly snoring.

"I'm so glad you guys are still okay.." he muttered softly, moving a hand to gently stroke Pens head, frowning as he got ink on himself due to the smudges. He wiped it off and sighed sadly "I just.. hope this isn't.. temporary.. and that we can get Eraser back."

He did used to be friends with Clock, Coiny and Firey, too. But Coiny was on Twos side, and he had no idea if the other two were alive or not. From what Woody told him about Nickel when they collided with the group some nights ago, it looked like part of Clocks face had been melted into Nickel to repair him. He wasn't sure if Clock would still be alive if this was true.

That hurt, too.

Perhaps Fries would know something about them..any of them.

He exhaled and leaned back against the wall, noticing Bomby had ended up drifting off to sleep with Jr in his lap. He weakly grinned, enjoying the silence..it was nice - relaxing. It allowed him to reflect on everything.. just him with his thoughts.

He glanced to his left and realised that someone was still awake.. Lightning. He hadn't noticed before, despite it being rather obvious as he was still floating and he was rather visible. He wasn't sure what to say.. he looked off, gazing at his robotic hand as if he was thinking about something.

"Hey, er, Lightning?" He said quietly so that it wouldn't wake up the others. Lightning flinched at the sound of his name, looking over to him nervously, "M-Mhm?"

"You uhh.. doing okay buddy?" He gave him a comforting smile "I know the others have been a little er.. rough on you ..soo.."

Lightning held his arms and looked away from him, frowning softly. He wasn't sure what to say to that "..Mh."

Blocky felt awkward, biting his lip and tapping his foot as he tried it muster up a reply "I'm..sorry things have been tough. I don't really know what goes on inside that head of yours.."

Lightning didn't respond once again, looking away to the side and avoiding gazing at Blocky. He was clearly hurt, Blocky noticing and not knowing how to deal with the situation "It's..okay. You still have all of u-" "How do I know that?"

Lightning cut him off, so that surprised Blocky. His words were weak, turning to Blocky to finally look at him. He peered around worriedly to make sure nobody was awake, before holding his arms "I-If I wasn't connected to Fanny.. you know I would've been kicked out of this group already.." he revealed his real thoughts, his voice wobbling as he spoke.

Blocky hesitated, his gaze softening "Wh-What-? Lightning- No! No..No-, Of course not..not at all-" he went to stand up, making sure not to step on anything as he made his way over to him "That's not what any of us think-" he stumbled, moving in front of him.

"How do you know that, Blocky..?" He had slumped right down to the ground, gazing up at him sadly, going to wipe his eyes since tears hurt him. "I'm..unlucky. I'm a burden to everyone..I just make stupid decisions which causes everyone else to suffer.." He whispered.

"Lightning- You can't think like that! You made a mistake but.. we still want you around.."

Lightning shook his head, disgreeing "It was a big mistake! A stupid and unneeded one.. " he wiped his eyes again.."I-If I wasn't here, maybe you guys wouldn't have almost lost Lollipop today-" Blocky cut him off before he could say anymore.

"You're apart of our team! Our group! It wouldn't be the same without you-" but Blocky was interrupted soon after. "Exactly.. you'd be better off." He stayed slumped against the wall, looking down weakly "If I wasn't connected to Fanny.. I-I probably would've left on my own, to spare you.." he admitted quietly.

"You'd die! It's raining.. you wouldn't last-"

"Don't pretend like some of the others would stop me from leaving.. " he hid into his arms "If there was any way to get Fanny an alternate source of electricity, I'd be forgotten about and forced out the group.. " he weakly spoke, his words barely getting to Blocky.

He was on the verge of tears, unable to keep himself from telling Blocky all of this. He felt embarrassed too now, shaking his head "Everyone thinks I'm just stupid..I-I don't blame them.. what good have I even done.. Blocky..-?" He looked up at him, wiping his eyes for the third time

Blocky shook his head "L-Look-" Lightning cut him off, again. "Y-You know it's true.. Fanny hates me.. nobody trusts me! I messed everything up, and I almost killed Lollipop!" He wailed "What if something happens to someone else next.. what if it's worse-? What if-"

He hesitated as he watched Blocky kneel in front of him to get down to his height, since Lightning had slumped down against the ground. He looked to the side and avoided eyecontact with him, wishing he hadn't got so upset. Blocky had had enough of his self doubt, not wanting him to beat himself up anymore.

"Lightning.. you're not a burden. Everyone's just..going through a lot. Nobody wants to willingly get rid of you. They're..unreasonable sometimes.. but they don't hate you."

"Mm.." Lighyning held himself tightly, feeling Blockys close presence "..I don't..know. I-I want to believe you but I can't. I feel.. terrible all the time. I've been the cause of other problems in the past, too! I'm just.. " he closed his eyes softly. "Mg.. I'm sorrryy ..I shouldn't be telling you this.."

"Why?"

"Y-You're going through things too.. right? Its selfish of me."

Blocky went to put his hand on his shoulder .

"Just because I have my own problems, doesn't mean I can't hear about yours."

Lightning gripped himself tighter, looking up at him slowly as he spoke to him. He felt so much pressure all the time.. relieved to let out his feelings, but also felt bad for doing so. Blocky then pulled him into a close hug, "Heyy.. we got this. Don't beat yourself up, okay?"

Lightning exhaled shakily, making a small groan "I-Ill tryy.." he fidgeted "Thanks Blocky.. I-I feel a little better..ha.." he went to hold him back carefully.

"The others are kind of cruel sometimes. I'll try and back you up next time, okay?"

Lightning nodded gratefully, feeling reassured. Blocky went to let to and give him a playful grin, smirking. He looked to the doorway as Lollipop returned, with a can of soda in her hand as well as a bottle of water. "Hm? Oh? Hello Lightning..what a pleasant surprise to see you talking again..doing okay?" She hummed and handed Blocky the soft drink. She had noticed that Lightning didn't seem to be talking much to her.

Lightning fumbled with his hands, fidgeting "I-I'm.." he wanted to apologise for almost getting her killed, feeling awful. But Blocky gave him a reassuring look, so Lightning nervously changed his mind "I-I...uh...like the new colour change of the eye-piece thing.

She chuckled, putting a hand up to her mouth "Oh? Why thank you. I quite like it, if I do say so myself." She adjusted it "The other one was kind of ugly, anyways. I like the colour red better. "

"Me too." Blocky sneered. She rolled her eyes "Really now? I wonder why that is."

He snorted and pulled her to sit down, her rolling her eyes in a playful manner, Lightning weakly smiling and uneasily chuckling. The three continued to have a quiet conversation together, Lightning feeling a lot more comforted now that he wasn't avoiding the others.. it made him feel welcome..happier.

Less guilty, too.

Fanny still sat next to him, having her eyes closed. She had been woken up a little while ago, around the time that Blocky and Lightning had just started to talk. She hadn't made this obvious though, as she realised that she had woken up to a ...fairly awkward situation.

She listened to them talk and laugh quietly, joke around with each other. She frowned and just tried to sleep again, but couldn't stop thinking about everything she heard.

As stubborn as she was.. maybe she had been a little harsh to Lightning.

----