Mia breathed in deeply. She knew she shouldn't have slapped Anti. Remembering what he could do, it instilled a little fear in her. Had she been too bold?

Then again, he DID speak rudely to her AND Dark and NOBODY talks like that to her OR her friends.

'Stupid asshole' she chastised Anti in her head, 'What the hell was he thinking anyway? He knows Dark could wipe the floor with him.'

The soft rain outside helped to relax her. It lulled her into a comfortable state of mind where she could almost fall back asleep.

Until there was a knock at her door.

"Go away! I don't feel like talking to anyone!"

"Not even me?" it was Evelien's voice.

Mia sighed, "I guess you can come in . . . the door's unlocked"

Evelien peered inside and gave her a soft smile, "Well that was something, right? What happened? They were all saying you hit Anti or something"

"I did"

She nodded and came to sit next to her at her bed, crossing her legs, "I'd love a little gossip"

Mia smiled and rolled her eyes, telling her everything.

"I see . . . I guess Anti's still getting used to . . . mingling, huh?"

"Not even that. His rivalry with Dark seems to put him on edge being here. He wants to believe Dark's hiding something to make us all enemies or something, I'm thinking" she shrugged, "I guess Dark IS an odd one but I know he's good."

Evelien nodded, "I'm sure . . . .as long as you think so. You're a good judge of character"

"Yeah right. . . . so how was your flight?"

A couple of days later . . . .

They had started to film the the other day after it had stopped raining but Sean left Mia be that day, knowing the full situation after Evelien and him had spoken. He didn't want Mia to be upset but now after a few days, he really needed her to work together with him and the others and make this all look good.

Anti hadn't apologized but Mia assumed it was because he was too embarrassed. There was never a good time to just go up to her, especially when she was surrounded by so many others. It's not like he didn't feel bad. He did, even though he fucking hated it.

And now Dark was once again her best friend, clinging to her like glue. And Anti despised it . . for more than one reason.

Jackie slid over to Anti on the bench he was sitting on, unbothered by his growing anger, "You apologize yet?"

Anti glanced at him but ignored the question, choosing to glare more at Dark who off and on met his gaze with arrogant contempt.

"He's so happy with himself. I think he planned this"

Jackie blinked, "Dude . . . I know Dark's weird but you're going a little too far with accusing him of shit. I just want to protect Mia and keep her away from him. And now look what you did. They're inseparable!" he crossed his arms, "This is your fault. You should fix it"

"Fuck off. Why don't you go over there and butt in between them?" Anti turned to smirk at him, "Or at ya scared?"

Jackie snorted, " . . . . No . . ."

"You have no power unless Mia gives it to ya. You should be scared . . . . .hero"

"Whatever. Let me know what sitting over here sulking does for you. I'm gonna go work my scene"

"I'm not sulking!"

But Jackie didn't reply, leaving him alone again.

Mia glanced every once in a while over at Anti. Seeing Jackie near him got her worried but then she noticed Dark watching them, too.

"Hey, what's up? You're not still pissed off at Anti, are you? You know he's just all talk right now, right?"

"He shouldn't have spoken to you like that. It was completely uncalled for" Dark growled, making Mia shiver. His angry voice always did scare her a little but she knew he didn't mean it against her.

"It's fine. It's not the first time he's gotten angry with me. And besides, the real one he's angry at is you"

He fixed his suit's sleeves, "Well he can be as angry as he wants . . . he's still a fool if he thinks he has anything against me. . . Jackie! Are you ready or not?"

The hero was on his way over and cringed at Dark's bark but tried not to let it get to him, "Uh, yeah . . . what's our first scene?"

Mark slid on over, "Okay! So here's how it's gonna go! Since it's a Cloak ad, it's gonna be all about the clothes, so Jackie, Sean and I came up with a new awesome design for both a hero and villain to wear! You'll wear this one" he flung out a red and blue Cloak hoodie.

"Oh cool! I love it!"

"Good" Sean smiled just as wide, "And Dark, we also made one especially for you, too! Here, have a look!"

He took out a black crewneck with red writing on the front and blue on the back that said 'Cloak'. It was just Dark's colors except . . . . not his style and his face showed his mild disgust.

Mia jumped in to save the day, "It looks great! You should try it on, Dark! I think it'll look good on you!"

Dark's expression changed and he nodded, walking off to remove his suit vest and shirt.

Sean nudged her, "And Mia, if ya could?"

Jackie looked at her expectantly and she sighed.

"Uh . . yeah. Sure"

She touched Jackie's shoulder and the hero grinned as his body got visibly larger and stronger.

"Alright! Thanks, Mia! Now what's the scene?" he went on to ask Sean.

Mia rolled her eyes and wandered off seeing as they were all starting to set up. She just had to stay in range and keep Jackie's power up so he didn't get hurt by Dark accidentally.

She then found herself wandering over by Chase and Bing who looked . . . a little off. They were quickly hiding something in bags and her mischievous mind just HAD to know what they were up to. She bounced on over, "Chase! Whatcha guys doing?"

Chase shushed her, "Sh! Sh! Sh! Quiet" he whispered but took out a disco ball from the bag, "We were gonna set this up on the ceiling up there when everyone was on lunch and play it on the big fight scene."

"Yeah" Bing nodded, "I took a look at the script and it says they monologue with each other for a while about Cloak so they'll make sure they got all the words in first before they do any of the fight stuff"

"Well you guys have certainly done your research" Mia complimented, "Can I help?"

Chase grinned, "Of course, kid! We're also thinking about getting back at Anti for ya. You wanna help with it?"

She halted and actually thought about it, "Uh . . nah. It's fine. Don't worry about it. Remember the last time Anti got involved in our pranks?"

Chase nodded, "You got a point there. Bing, you wanna do the thing on Google, then?"

"Totally, bro. He'll never see it coming!"

They fist bumped and even had Mia bump fists, too.

Of course they were right. The majority of the morning was all the talking. It was so boring and not even Dark's deep voice was captivating enough to any of them anymore after so long of repetition.

Finally it was almost lunch, though.

Mia noticed that Anti was still sitting on that same bench just glaring daggers at Dark. Watching him.

'I wonder why he's so adamant about hating and distrusting him?' she was too curious.

Even if he hadn't apologized yet, she had to know. She just had to talk to him, she couldn't stand it anymore.

She'd blame it on her growing tiredness on keeping up Jackie's abilities.

"Hey" she poked his shoulder, making him flinch hard and glitch. Thus . .. making everything in the room glitch and flicker.

Everyone on set including Jackie and Dark gave Anti a look but what made it worse was Dark's eyes on Mia as if he was disappointed in her. Oh well.

Anti scoffed and crossed his arms, "What do you want?" he was blushing, obviously upset he had caused everyone's scowl, too.

She gingerly sat next to him, "So . . . . you really think Dark's hiding something? Why do you think that? He's always slept walked. A lot of people do it. And his OCD-"

"You didn't come over here just to ask that and defend him"

"I know there's something more to it. Something in your eyes that says so. Talk to me?"

"Why should I? Aren't you and mister mysterious over there all buddy buddy? You probably came over to try and prove me wrong again"

"Anti" she gave him a hard look and he met her eyes, looking slightly ashamed.

" . . . . . sorry"

"What?"

"Don't make me repeat myself. . . . . ." he bit his lip, "I think he might have sent those creatures after me."

Mia felt her breathe hitch, "Wh . . . what? why do you think that?"

Anti still didn't take his eyes off of Dark, "His powers for one. The darkness. The creatures . . . they had the same feel. Born in darkness . . . It makes sense, too, why they'd only be after me. Dark wants to kill me"

Mia tried to process it. It DID make sense but also . ., "Dark wouldn't . . . He's not the type to just kill anyone"

"No . . not himself. He just has his creatures do the work for him"

Mia didn't want to even think about it. But also. . .

"We haven't even seen these creatures, though, Anti. I'm sorry but I don't know if you're right. Dark's my best friend. I have to believe that he wouldn't . . kill anyone. He never has . . like the others."

Anti glanced at her, "Just because you haven't seen it doesn't mean it didn't happen" he turned the words back on her, "And just because you haven't seen the creatures I've seen . . . doesn't mean they don't exist"

She nodded, "Okay . . . . I hear you but . ."

"You don't have to believe me. And you don't have to take pity on me, either, by sitting with me. I deserved your slap before."

Mia snorted, "Yeah, you did" she giggled, making Anti break a little and sigh, looking away from Dark finally.

"How long can you keep up the power trip thing? You look tired keeping it up for hero"

She shrugged, "It depends, I guess. We'll have to take a break here eventually, though. I'll be fine"

"Sure . . .. you want to hang out later?" he didn't know why he asked. There was just something about her he liked. He might just be one of the only people he could stand to be around without wanting to kill them. . . unless he was in his freak-out state, that is.

Mia blinked at him and gave a small smile, " . . ..sure"

On the other end of the set, Marvin was watching next to Henrik and Jameson, "Ooooo . . . . they're making up" he said so excitedly.

Henrik rolled his eyes, "As long as Anti stops being so rude"

Jameson signed, 'You're one to talk'

"Yeah, you need to apologize to her, too, Hen" Marvin called him out, "You always breathe down her neck about her weight and health. Just let her be her. You worry about you. You really embarrassed her the other day, you know?"

Henrik pouted, "Scheisse. . . . yes, yes . . .I suppose you're right"

Marvin pat his back, "Acceptance is the first step"

Henrik swat his hand off of him.

It was time.

Mia was back over with Chase and Bing during lunch. While everyone was gone off doing their own thing, Mia was back up and energized taking away Jackie's abilities and ready to ruin their fight scene.

Dark had asked her if she wanted to go get a sandwich with him but she declined. This prank was more important.

Anyway, they got the Disco ball set up and ready. Chase got up on a ladder to place it and Bing set up the remote for it and gave it to Mia, "Alright so when they're in the middle of 'fighting', it's up to you when the ball drops, alright? Lights and music will start playing and it'll be great for everyone except them"

"Sounds like a plan" Mia was ready, "Where'd you guys get this, anyway?"

"Not important" Chase waved it off, "You ready? Lunch is almost over"

She started bouncing up and down, "Hell yeah!"

Bing started to redden in his cheek, "Hey yo, dudette, maybe don't bounce around like that, huh? A lot men around here aren't used to that sort of thing!"

Mia swat him upside the head and he complained, "Owie! Why?!"

Chase shook his head at him, "Bruh"

The girl huffed, "Maybe you shouldn't be a pervert, then"

"Hey now, I'm just looking out for ya!" he snorted, "Let's just do this"

A few minutes later, everyone came back and started to set things back up again. Mia had to 'do her thing' again and once more Jackie and Dark were ready to go at it this time with a fight scene!

Everyone watched intently as Jackie lunged towards Dark but the Iplier dodged with a smirk. Some missed punches and kicks later, Dark finally attacked back and Mia looked over to see Anti tense up. He looked so sure of himself.

Mia looked back at Dark, seeing the shadows he used. They DID look eerily similar to the darkness she saw in Anti's memories. But what was the creature, exactly? She felt that maybe perhaps Anti really was on to something.

Jackie and Dark were suddenly in a hand lock pushing back on each other with equally pissed off looks. Whether the anger was real, however, was up to the audience.

That's when Mia remembered the prank!

Quickly, she pushed the button on the remote and suddenly the disco ball dropped and lit up the dark room and started to play sexy saxophone music.

Everyone was silent and blushing in the new light and Dark and Jackie quickly shot apart.

"Aw what the hell!?" Mark shouted, "That fight scene was nearly perfect! Who did that!?"

Sean huffed, too, "Yeah come on, guys! That wasn't funny"

Wilford laughed, "I was wondering where that went!"

Mia felt a rush of guilt and tried to hide the remote behind her but that was just when the set up lights came back on and everyone seemed to catch her.

She froze, not knowing what to do or say and it seemed Chase and Bing were equally as froze.

Dark's eyes twitched and his aura pulsed a red glow, "Mia . . . . . was that. . . . you?"

Mia gulped, "Uh . . .. maybe?"

It was rare that Dark got angry with Mia but it seemed that this was one of those times and he marched over to her with a stomp, "WHY would you go and do something like that!? Why would you mess with our work!? Do you have any idea about all the shit we have to go back and fix up now?! What were you thinking?!"

"I . . .I uh ." she was really stuck, not knowing what to do or say and everyone else seemed just as surprised at Dark's anger.

"Dark, it's fine" Sean spoke up for Mia, "It's not going to be hard to go back and do the fight scene again. We can-"

"Stop defending her!" Dark snapped, his self breaking apart, "This is why she's still so immature, because of you and the other Septic egos! Always letting her get away with this crap! It's outrageous! Mia, I thought you stopped those stupid pranks. I thought you were better than that!"

She felt awful, 'I shouldn't have been a part of it . . . Dark, I'm sorry. I'm s-sorry! Please don't be mad'

She couldn't say it, though. His aura was way too intimidating. She felt that if she uttered a word, he'd get angrier.

"Dark, knock it off, man" Bing rushed to her rescue, "It was my idea. Chase and I set everything up. We just had Mia press the button"

Dark snarled, "She should have had the maturity to say no." he huffed, "And just when I thought you were better company than those . . children. I'm disappointed in you"

Mia's heart broke. She didn't want Dark to hate her. Why was he being like this?! Usually he didn't CARE about the acting or the scenes or how many times he had to do them! Why was he being this way?

She started to tear up, unable to stop herself. All the eyes on them. On her. Judging her. Disappointed. She felt herself shrink up like she'd fall apart at any moment.

Suddenly a hand touched her shoulder and she saw Anti walk in front of her between her and Dark. She could see his body sparking and the lights were flickering. Anyone else behind Dark could see Anti's eyes were black and his pupils were bright green. His neck was dripping blood out of his scar freely.

He was pissed.

And this time, Mia actually felt calmer. Why was that?

Anti growled low, "Fuck off . . . . Or I'll fucking electrocute you into ashes you pompous dick"

Dark's fists shook and he snapped his neck, calming down a little, "No need to get all riled up . . . . Why don't you go back on your little bench and stick to your daydreams?"

"You need to leave her alone before I put a million fucking knives in your gut"

Dark smiled just a little at Anti's little 'threat', "Is that what you were daydreaming about doing? Killing me?"

The tension rose even higher and there very well might have been a fight if Sean and Mark didn't pull the two apart.

Sean whispered in Anti's ear, "Easy there. Just walk away. Mia, come here"

Mark tugged Dark back as well, "Get over here. Now"

Now that the two were separated, Mia blinked and noticed Jackie bringing her close and back over to the Septic egos as if to protect her. Sean was trying to calm Anti down and help clean him up but Anti's eyes still bored into Darks from afar.

'What was that?' she didn't understand. Was all of that her fault?

Jackie looked all around with eyes narrowed, keen on Dark, 'Maybe Anti's right to suspect Dark of hiding something. That definitely wasn't normal of him . . . . Maybe Dark's just stressed out from all the work today . . . I'll give him the benefit of the doubt but if he yells at Mia like that again, he'll have Anti AND me to deal with'

In a flash, Dark blinked, a migraine hitting him like a truck, 'Again?' but this time it seemed like time had passed, too. The last thing he remembered was just getting back from lunch.

The memory of what he did flooded back into his head and he still ignored Mark scolding him. His eyes wandered over to Mia and his heart ached.

'I'm sorry . . . . that wasn't supposed to happen, Mia'