Chapter 19

Since it's been a while, how about I post two chapters? ;) Good luck, dolls. <3

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*Lucy's POV*

It has been one long, painful week full of absolutely nothing but staring at a gray wall for countless hours on end. At this point, I actually may be more interested in watching paint dry. Speaking of, I wonder if it dries from the bottom going up, or the top going down? Maybe it starts in the middle? Oh, who cares, either way, it dries.

I let out a loud sigh that turned into a yawn as I pushed my hands through my hair, pulling it back into a tight ponytail. Devin was due in the room at any moment to remove the dead skin from my leg. The most painful part of this process was removing the bandages, trying not to disturb the blisters that formed.

I haven't even met any of the others who live here in the 'Hideaway'. I guess that's what this place called according to LJ, Jack, and Jeff.

LJ was sitting in the room with me, staring intently at my leg and not speaking a single word. He's made a habit of coming in here and just sitting.

"LJ, you know you can go. I'll be fine." I repeated for what had to have been the hundredth time today.

He shook his head, refusing my words.

"Fine. Do you want to talk about who locked you in the box in the first place? You've been avoiding that since the first time I've asked you." I laid back on the bed, adjusting myself to where I'm comfortable.

Yet again, he shook his head. "I've already told you. They snuck up behind me. I don't remember much else."

I let out a long, drawn-out sigh. Stubborn as he may be, I still felt sorry for him. He's been shut down ever since I released him. What I couldn't tell was if it was because of what happened to me or if it was just the fact that he was stuck in the box again.

"LJ, I'm seri-"

"Lucy." Devin sang out as he flung open the door. "It's time for-"

"Yes, yes. I know." I groaned.

Devin whistled as he begun to get the supplies ready. While he whistled away, he began wiping off his scalpel. What really agitated me was the tune he was whistling.

"Seriously? Is the necessary?" I grumbled, shooting him a cold stare.

"What? Don't you like Freddy Krueger's theme song? I felt it was..." he paused and moved his hand around as if he were trying to pick his next word out of mid-air, "fitting."

"I'm going to burn you alive. Then it will be fitting." I snarled.

That's the other thing. Being bedridden has certainly given me quite the short fuse as if my anger wasn't easily triggered fast enough already.

Devin tsked as he walked over to me. "You may want to bite that tongue of yours. Just remember who's removing these bandages." He warned, winking at me quickly.

I crossed my arms and huffed. Devin began to unravel the bandages, making me jump.

"Move quickly like that again and I'll just cut the leg off. It'll be easier to treat." Devin growled.

"That hurt! What do you expect me to do?" I hissed back.

"Sit still. I thought that was obvious." Devin stated bluntly, removing the last of the bandage from my leg.

I glared at Devin. He really couldn't expect me to sit still, could he?

"Why didn't Jack feel it when I was burning?" I cocked my eyebrow.

"He was on whatever drug he drank, Lucy. It wasn't his fault. Probably part muscle relaxer, nerve calmer and whatever else. He couldn't feel it." Devin replied. "Sit still!" He growled as I flinched again.

As I went to fight back, the door opened slowly.

"Is she awake, LJ?" I heard Jack whisper. His voice was beyond soothing at a moment like this.

"I'm up. Come over here." I whined, trying not to flinch as Devin began peeling the skin off my leg.

Jack closed the door and hurriedly made his way over to me. I latched onto his arm like a leech the second he got by me.

"Did you miss me?" Jack chuckled softly, pulling his arm out of my grip. He slid his hand into mine, giving it a quick squeeze. I squeezed his hand back, staring at Devin's hands at work. Every so often, Jack would bring his hand to the bottom of his right leg and start rubbing. That was enough for me to know he still felt the same pain I was feeling.

"This is healing really well, Luciana. I think the long-term effect is just going to be your leg being a tinted a soft pink. I know, it looks pretty nasty right now, but I wouldn't worry about it too much." Devin chuckled as he grabbed for the bandages. "In fact, I want you to actually walk around today. Go and meet everyone."

I glared at him, "I've been sitting in here because I don't want to meet everyone."

"No? That's unlike you." Devin stated as he began wrapping my leg up.

I rested my head on Jack. He leaned his head on mine and began to speak, "They're not so bad, Angel. Candy is probably the one that's going to take some getting used to. Just don't make Jeff's mistake and think he's a girl." Jack let out a low laugh.

"Huh?" I pulled my head off of Jack and glanced up at him.

"You'll understand when you see him," Jack replied.

******

Jack had me in his arms bridal style as we made our way down the stairs. I attempted to walk the stairs myself, but the skin on the back of my leg was getting pinched and it hurt.

As we made it to the bottom floor, Jack set me down. I probably looked like a hot mess with my hair in a sloppy, greasy bun and Jack's hoodie and sweatpants on, but whatever. I wasn't trying to impress anyone anyways.

"Hey! Crispy's finally out of her room!" A tall, gray-skinned man walked over to us.

"That Puppeteer," Jack whispered to me.

"Who are you calling Crispy?" I growled.

"Oh. Crispy's feisty today, I see." Puppeteer chuckled.

I spun around and looked at Jack. "I don't like him. I won't like the others, please take me back to the room." I pleaded.

Truth be told, I didn't want to get close to anyone here. I knew the mansion was no accident. Meeting new people would mean possible new suspects; and who locked LJ away anyways?

"I'm just teasing you, Lucy." Puppeteer groaned from behind me.

I turned back around, careful on how I moved my leg. "I don't find you funny."

"Angel, lighten up. They're actually really good friends, now." Jack said softly to me.

I turned my head and spoke over my shoulder to Jack, "You and I need to talk later." Turning my head back to the other gray man, I stuck my hand out, "Luciana. Call me Lucy. Not Crispy."

"You got it, Crispy." Puppeteer chuckled, shaking my hand.

"I will murder you in your sleep," I grumbled under my breath as I began to walk away to what looked like a living room.

Before I made it to the couch, I noticed vibrant, long blue hair peeking over the top of it. Making my way around the sofa, I stared at the blue and pink jester.

Jack walked up behind me and pinched my arm.

"Ow, you ass!" I grumbled.

"That's Candy." He said out loud, hinting at our previous conversation upstairs.

"Hello, Lucy. It's nice of you to finally come down." Candy stood up and walked over to me. "How's the leg?"

"Attached, thankfully." I dryly joked back.

Candy let out a soft laugh, "Good to know. If anyone gives you any problems, let me know and I'll handle them."

I pointed over to Puppeteer, "He might be first on that list."

"She doesn't know how to take a joke, Poppy." Puppeteer walked over to the back of the couch and leaned on it.

"She's also in pain and on medication and doesn't want to deal with idiots. Can you blame her?" Candy snarled, rolling his purple eyes.

"Thank you. Somebody understand at least." I mumbled.

My leg was becoming stiff and I looked down at the couch. I knew if I did sit down, Devin would yell at me to stand up and use it before he cuts it off. I best believe it when he says he will. I took a few steps back and leaned backward into Jack. He wrapped his arms around my torso and I gently lifted my leg. After it not being in use for a week, it was achy and stiff.

"Are you okay?" Jack whispered in my ear.

"Stiff. Sore. The usual." I giggled, resting my head on him.

"Take that to the bedroom. Jeez." Puppeteer groaned.

"Speaking of, where is our bedroom?" I asked Jack.

"Fourth floor." He responded hesitantly.

"The fourth floor!? How am I supposed to get up there?" I yelled. I could already feel the exhaustion from climbing all of those stairs.

"The same way you got down here." He chuckled.

It was nice having him back by my side. The longest days at the mansion were the days he wasn't there to lift me up when I fell, both mentally and now physically. Things were back right where I wanted them, and they can stay this way.

"Jack, Silver's behind you." Puppeteer pointed out, nodding his head behind us.

Jack took his hands off of me and we both spun around.

"Hey, Silver. This is Lucy." Jack introduced us.

"I know, I saw her last night." He muttered softly.

"You'll get used to the soft talking. I can't even hear him half of the time." Puppeteer laughed.

"Last night? You were in the hospital room?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

Silver shrugged his stumpy shoulders, "I was curious."

Though it was awkward, I felt like he was harmless. "Was I asleep?"

Silver shook his head. "You were talking to yourself."

My cheeks burned bright red. I could only imagine which part of the short conversation I had with myself he heard.

"It was none of us." Silver whispered softly before disappearing.

Immediately, I knew what he meant. None of them had anything to do with the mansion.

I nodded and cleared my throat. "So there's only three of you here?"

"There's four, well, five. But you won't be meeting the fifth one." Candy piped in from behind us.

"If you're talking about Skin Taker, he's already met her," Jack responded.

"Yeah, believe it or not, Poppy, Skin Taker helped Smiley with Crispy's leg." Puppeteer chuckled.

I turned and faced Puppeteer. "Call me Crispy one more time. Just one mo-"

"Crispy." Puppeteer grinned.

Ignoring the pain in my leg I hopped on the couch and jumped over, landing on top of Puppeteer.

"Get her off of me!" Puppeteer groaned, swatting my hands away from his throat.

I felt an arm wrap around me and pull me back.

"You should be careful, Luce. You won't heal properly." Candy said sternly. He looked down at Puppeteer, "As for you, leave the poor girl alone already."

Puppeteer stood up, rubbing his neck. "She's batshit crazy."

"I have plenty more where that came from." I hissed.

"That was interesting." An unfamiliar voice chuckled.

I looked towards the area, which looked like a kitchen. A boy with black hair stood there, drinking water out of a cup. He was leaning up against the counter, staring over at us. Even from across the room, I could see how blue his eyes were.

He turned around and set his glass in the sink. As he made his way over to us, he smiled at me before lowering his white mask.

"The name's Helen, or Bloody Painter. Whichever you prefer to call me." He held his hand out.

"I'm Lucy." I took his hand and shook it.

Helen looked over at Puppeteer, "Don't let him get to you. He's an idiot."

I laughed, "I've noticed."

The stairwell began echoing with the sound of quick footsteps. I saw a like green shirt come flying down and jump off the last stairs.

"Where is she?" A thick Australian accent asked.

"Hunter!" I squealed, pushing passed Helen and gimping my way quickly over to him.

Throwing myself into his arms, I squeezed him tightly. He returned the favor, squeezing a little bit too tightly and cracking my back.

"Sorry, love." He chuckled.

I let out a long groan. "Oh no, you have no idea how great that felt."

Hunter laughed, "I'm sure it felt wonderful. I'd be cracking too if I was stuck in that room for a week."

I stepped back and smiled, "I wasn't stuck in the room. Devin's been trying to get me out to socialize for a few days now."

"Ahh, he got sick of you being stubborn and kicked you out, didn't he?" Hunter playfully punched my arm.

"Hey! I'm not stubborn!" I whined.

"Right, and I'm not Australian." Hunter laughed loudly.

I rolled my eyes and went to turn around and walk back towards Jack. I took a step forward with my left leg, but when I went to go out any weight on my right, I toppled down to the ground. Talk about a mess of people trying to help me stand up. Nearly everyone bolted for me to try and help.

"Guys, one at a time." I groaned.

Hunter, Candy, and Helen stepped back, allowing Jack to help me up.

"I think you overdid it being Spiderman and hopping off of the back of the furniture." Helen chuckled.

"I've noticed. It wasn't one of my best ideas I've had." I tried to laugh, but couldn't.

"I think Smiley is nuts trying to get you to move around this much. I'm taking you to the bedroom to rest, whether he likes it or not." Jack growled, lifting me up.

"I won't argue with that one," I replied dryly and pained.

"Just let us know when dinner is, Hunter. I'll bring her down." Jack said as he began climbing the stairs.

"Lucy," Hunter called out.

"Hmm?"

"I'm going to see Carmen tomorrow. If you come, I'll carry you." Hunter chucked.

"Sounds like a plan." I giggled.

I rested my head on Jack's shoulder and listened to his breathing. I felt terrible that I was so useless to the point of him carrying me up the stairs, but he didn't see to mind. If I was being completely honest, I couldn't wait until my next mission or even training. Slender probably couldn't wait either.

Jeff has been gone for two days with Rouge and Doll Maker. More and more cities have been showing signs of corrupted, which wasn't good. Zalgo was going to show his ugly face a lot sooner than expected. Being the proxy, the last one at that, I needed to do something. But there was nothing I could do except sit around and wait until my leg was healed.

I let out a long sigh and buried my face in Jack's chest as I gripped tighter to his hoodie. The fate of the whole world resting on my shoulder was terrifying and I tried not to dwell on it too much. Just thinking about my parents and brother being taken over by a corrupted was enough to make me sick. Not even just them, Jack too. I couldn't imagine losing him to the corrupted mind frame. I wouldn't be able to handle myself if it happened, it would be my fault in some way or another.

"Were on the fourth floor. Want to walk?" Jack asked as he took the final few steps.

"Yeah. I can do it."

Jack set my legs down gently and I gained my balance. Walking around with gauze that was nearly an inch thick around your leg is not easy. I grabbed onto Jacks hand and he lead the way to the room.

"Last door on the left." He stated as he opened the door to the bedroom.

It was completely bare with only a dresser, closet, king sized bed and a nightstand.

Jack hurriedly walked over to a door on the other side of the room. "Guess what this is."

I shrugged as I closed the door. "What is it?"

Jack opened the other door. "A bathroom."

I giggled and made my way over to the bed. "Well, that's always nice."

Throwing myself back onto the bed, I let out a long sigh. It was about damn time I was in a normal bed and not one of those uncomfortable hospital beds. Jack walked over and sat next to me. I pulled myself up onto the bed carefully and into my spot; between Jack and the wall. Jack was taking off his shoes with I grabbed onto him and pulled him back forcefully to where he was laying on the bed.

"Hey!" Jack yelped.

I slid Jack's mask off and placed it on the bed behind me. "Shut up."

I leaned over him and our lips touched. At first, it started out innocent and slow, until Jack pulled away and sat up. He moved over to me and carefully pulled me onto his lap.

"Just let me know if your leg begins to hurt." He smiled at me.

My heart fluttered for a few split seconds before I nodded. Jack leaned in again, but instead of going for my mouth, he leaned down and began kissing my neck. I wrapped my arms around him and drew a shallow breath in. A sharp pain caused me to squirm a little, but I knew it was only his teeth; whether it was accidental or on purpose was the real question.

"Are you alright?" Jack chuckled as he pulled back.

"I'm fine, why?" I pulled my arms off from his shoulders.

"You almost sunk your nails into my neck when I bit you." Jack grinned, rubbing where my hands were.

I raised my eyebrows and scrunched them together and gave him a soft smile, "Sorry. I wasn't expecting that."

As I went to lean towards him, I moved my leg and flinched back.

"Looks like playtime's over." Jack chuckled. "Lay down. Dinner will be done soon."

I huffed and lifted up my right leg. Using my hands and left foot, I nearly crab walked to my spot on the bed. Jack was laughing at me the whole time. I stuck my tongue out at him and plopped down on the bed.

"What did you want to talk to me about?" Jack asked, laying on his right arm and facing me.

For a second there, I was thinking about making something up, but I feel like everybody needs to know.

"Well. I can start at the beginning or I can jump to the problem." I said bluntly, rubbing my eyes.

"The beginning, I guess," Jack replied, grabbing my hand and holding it.

"Well, when we got back to the mansion I saw LJ's box on the second floor in the window. I wanted the crap between me and you to stop, but I also could just stand by and watch LJ burn. So I-"

"Ran up to go and get it. You should've sent somebody else." Jack's voice became dark. "You could've died."

"But I didn't! Just listen." I hissed. "On my way up the stairs, there was a perfect line where the fire was. It was as if somebody poured something and set the place on fire."

Jack stared at me. "So you think somebody purposely lit the mansion on fire?"

I nodded. "What else could it be, Jack? If the fire was scattered and seemed like it was spreading by itself, I wouldn't have been suspicious. But this was a straight line."

Jack sighed, "I believe you. But what do we do about it?"

That was a question I didn't have an answer to.

"We can tell Slender. Most of us weren't there at the time. So that eliminates most of our suspects." Jack brought his hand up to my face and poked my cheek.

"I've thought about it. Slade was left back, but being risen from the dead by Slender, I doubt he has any problems with him. LJ was left behind, but obviously, he didn't have a choice. Doll Maker is... well he's Doll Maker. I doubt Slender, Devin, and Papagrande had anything to do with it."

Jack cut me off, "That leaves Rouge, Sally, the dogs, and Hobo."

"I don't think Sally had anything to do with it." I chuckled, "Rouge is innocent, too. The dogs wouldn't be able to do anything. Which leads us to-"

"Hobo. I wouldn't put it past him." Jack growled and sat up. He slid off of the bed and put his shoes on. He grabbed his mask and put it on.

"Where are you going?" I asked, keeping my eyes locked on him.

"If he did something in a place that took him in, who's to say he won't do anything to anybody else or even this place? We need to let somebody know."

"Jack! Stop. We can't just go and blame him. We don't know fo-"

"He stabbed you. He kissed you. He's been pulling shit since he's been here. One way or another, he leaves tonight." Jack snapped.

He stormed over to the door.

"Jack!"

"What!?"

"Be careful." I sighed, throwing the blanket over me.

He slammed the door. The sound of his footsteps faded away. I have no reason to doubt that Hobo did it. I just hope Jack is smart about this. I needed to get down there before things got out of hand...

******
*Jack's POV*

I was on the first floor, looking around for one of us that both Lucy and I trusted. There's only three of them, so any of them would come in handy right now. Ben was out of sight, probably setting up the game room still. He's been promising big things with this one and it's been getting all of us hyped up about it. Jeff was on a mission. Leaving Hunter.

I walked over to the living room. "Candy, where's Hunter?"

"He just stepped outside with Helen." Candy stood up. "They've become remarkably close."

"That's nice, I guess," I said as I opened the entry door and left.

I was in the short cave that lead to the outside. Being shoved back into a cave actually made me feel safe. It also made me feel more comfortable with leaving Lucy alone when I did have a mission that I had to go on.

Lately, only Jeff, Rouge and Doll Maker have been the ones on a mission; and even then it's only been one mission. Slender has been trying to get us all to bond and form together as a family with the ones who have been living in the Hideaway for years. I had no problems with any of them and so far, only Jeff and Lucy have been the two that did have issues. Jeff's issue was with Candy. Luciana's issue was with Puppeteer. I'd say we're doing pretty good given the circumstances.

Coming to the outside, the thick fog took over my vision. It wasn't too terribly hard to see, but it wasn't easy. But almost immediately, I spotted Hunter's green shirt.

"Hunter! We need to talk." I yelled.

His head snapped to the side and he waved at me. "Give me a moment."

Hunter held his hand down and helped somebody up. As the being turned around, I noticed it was Helen. They both began walking towards me.

"What's up?" Hunter asked as they neared me.

"First of all, how much do you trust him?" I nodded at Helen.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Helen growled, taking a step forwards.

Hunter stuck his arm out and pressed Helen back. "I have no problems with him knowing whatever you're going to tell me."

Helen glared at me as I began speaking. "When Lucy was saving LJ, she saw that the fire was in a straight line."

"Meaning somebody did it on purpose," Hunter sighed. "Well, shit. This is going to be fun. Does Slender know?"

I shook my head. "Lucy and I think it's Hobo."

Hunter chuckled. "He was taking the dogs for a walk while the whole thing was up in flames, mate. Some of us tried to blame him already but Slender flipped his lid."

"Taking the dogs for a walk while your home was on fire?" Helen raised an eyebrow. "That's a little suspicious."

"It's got to be him. There's nobody else who wasn't at the club that would've done that." I said firmly.

Hunter ran his hands through his messy blonde hair. "You're sure on this?"

"Positive. Where's Ben?"

"He was in the gaming area last I checked," Helen stated.

"And that is where?"

"Follow me," Helen said, pushing past me.

We all reentered the cave. Instead of heading straight, Helen pressed his hand against the cave wall. A section of the rocks separated and he turned and grinned at Hunter, who had a wide-eyed expression on his face.

Helen began walking forwards with both of us following. The hall was dark, except for a light at the end. I pressed my hand against the wall, only to feel it was smooth.

Helen spoke up. "Before any of us lived here, this was where Slender lived; long before the mansion ever existed. He and his very few proxies lived in this section. Hoodie and Ben completely gutted the place and took out the old mattresses, table, chairs and other things and set them up by the mansion. As long as you guys can keep a secret, I'll tell you that they set them up there to have a bonfire in memory of the mansion." Helen stopped and turned. "You guys must've really loved that place."

Hunter sighed softly and I nodded and began to speak. "It was where we were all accepted and found a new way of life. It's been rough waking up every morning staring at the ceiling here and not the ceiling in the mansion that I've been looking at for decades."

"Decades, huh? How old are you anyway?" Helen chuckled as he turned around.

"Old enough to be your father, maybe even grandfather." I chuckled.

"That's creepy. You aren't, are you?" Helen asked jokingly as he laughed.

"Mister Virgin over here couldn't be anybody's dad. He's never-"

"Shut up," I growled, punching Hunter's arm.

"You and Lucy neve-"

"Oh my god, you guys, I'm going to punch someone," I growled, mostly as a joke.

"I'm shocked. You guys seem close." Helen stated, opened up another door.

"She's all I have," I whispered to myself.

Ben ran over to us. "Couldn't wait a few more hours until we were done, could you, boys?" His expression looked worried.

"I actually came to talk to you. Is it just you?" I asked, looking around the room.

Ben shook his head, "Hoodie, too. What's up?"

"Where's Hoodie?" I asked, looking around.

The room was two stories high, and on the second story, there was a large balcony.

Ben began to stutter. "H-he's, uh, up there...?" Ben hesitated.

"Ben, where's Hoodie?" I growled.

"Doesn't matter." Ben chuckled nervously. "What's the problem?"

"Whatever. Hobo set the fire to the mansion. We need you and Hoodie to come with us." I said quickly.

Ben groaned. "Shit."

Loud clapping was heard from the balcony. I jumped back as I looked up. Hobo was standing there, grinning from ear to ear.

"It took a week. It's about time. Did that bitch finally say something?" Hobo laughed manically.

"Get down here you coward!" Hunter shouted, pulling out his pocket knife.

Hobo tsked as he shoved his hands in his pockets. "I wouldn't threaten me if I was you. I have someone you may want." Hobo grinned.

He walked backward and reached over an pulled Hoodie out from behind a pillar. Hoodie's hands were tied behind his back with a cloth wrapped around the bottom of his face. "Ya know, I heard you and Luciana's talking. I really liked her. Zalgo was right, she would've been a good mother to my kids. It's a shame I took that from her." Hobo began cackling.

I took a step forward, "You fucking-"

"Jack stop. He'll hurt Hoodie." Helen hissed.

"Zalgo sent you?" I yelled.

Hobo nodded. "He wanted me to convince her to come back with me so Zalgo could get his hands on the last proxy and her spawn. Yeah, she may be marked with Slender's symbol, but he can still use and abuse her. What kind of sucked was when I, unfortunately, stabbed the bitch. After that, she was completely useless. Seems how my mission with Zalgo ended, I just set the place on fire."

"How did you get into Slender's woods in the first place?" I growled.

"You, idiot. You helped me in. I'm not corrupted with Zalgo's bullshit. I know right from wrong, unlike Liu and the Smiling Man. Them two are long gone."

"Shit," Helen muttered.

"What?" Hunter asked.

"Nothing. I can't be the one to tell you guys. The truth will come out eventually, I promise." Helen said quickly.

"Let Hoodie go!" I yelled.

"I got it." Ben chuckled.

Ben teleported away and appeared behind them. He gave Hobo a kick and grabbed Hoodie. Cutting Hoodie loose, they both ducked away in time to dodge the swing of Hobo's machete.

"Let's go," I whispered to Helen and Hunter. We all bolted to the stairs and ran up them.

As we made it to the top of the stairs, I saw Ben go flying up against the wall and hit it forcefully. He crumpled to the floor as we ran over there.

Hoodie was dodging attacks and landing a few punches to Hobo's stomach. Hobo grabbed Hoodie around the neck and Hoodie backed up. I ran forwards and grabbed Hoodie's hands as Hobo toppled over the railing. Pulling Hoodie forwards I looked at the doorway, which Clock was standing in.

"Jack. I brought Lucy to you." Clock announced proudly. "She said she needs to talk to you."

"Get her out!" I growled.

I hopped over the railing as Hobo stood up and scrambled over to Lucy shoving Clock away, grabbing Lucy her by her hair.

"Say goodbye, Lucy." Hobo grinned.

"What the hell is going on!?" Clock shouted.

"Not enough time to explain. Bye now." Hobo chuckled as he reached into his pocket. He pulled out a red sphere.

"Jack!" Lucy screamed.

"Stop him!" I yelled, running at full speed.

Quickly, Hobo threw the sphere on the ground and red smoke engulfed the two of them. I dove at Lucy, only to land mask first on the ground.

"Where did they go?" Hunter yelled as he ran down the stairs.

"Zalgo's lair. We need to go now." I said, turning away from them. "We have no time to lose, come on."

"Jack! Wait!" Clock yelled.

I didn't stop. In fact, I picked up my speed. I made it to the cave and down the rocks to the fog covered ground. Whispering into my pendant, I summoned Slender.

"You called?" Slender asked, crossing his arms.

"Hobo burned the mansion down and works for Zalgo. Get Jeff, Rouge and Doll Maker back here now. He took Lucy." I growled.

"How did he take Lucy?" Slender asked.

"He had one of the teleporting gems from Zalgo. It didn't work at the mansion, but here it must and obviously did! Get Jeff back from the mission now!" I growled even louder.

"Fine." Slender disappeared.

I sat down on the rocks and stared at the barely visible tree line. My chest felt heavy as I felt the urge to scream build up. Hobo is going to pay. Zalgo is going to pay.

I began picking up loose rocks and heaving them down the hill. I watched as they one by one split apart as they hit the ground.

I began picking them up faster and fast, heaving one after another. Then, arms wrapped around me.

"Jack. Calm down," Jeff's voice whispered.

I fell to the rock pile I was on and began sobbing. Jeff just held on to me, not letting go. We've been together for years and have dealt with each other's pain and anger.

"We need to find her, Jeff." I cried out, not caring how 'manly' I looked at the moment.

Jeff cradled me as I kept crying. "We will, Jack. We will. I promise."

Slender cut in. "The portal has been reset to enter Zalgo's territory. Obviously, he knows that you all are going to show up, so I will send some the others. You have one chance to get Luciana back. Setting it to his land is going to drain me for a few days, so move as quickly as possible. The sooner you get back, the better off I'll be." Slender stated. "The new entrance is right between those trees. Your mission is to bring Luciana back. The side mission is to get Hobo's pendant off of him and back to me. We'll avoid a lot of future problems that way. You may begin now."

I mustered up the courage and stood up with Jeff's help. "Thank you, Slender."

"You're not the only one who needs her, Jack. I need her for obvious reasons, but not as bad as some others that do live here. We all need her." Slender said as he made his way back to the Hideaway.

"Let's go," Rouge said, jumping down off of the rocks.

Jeff helped me down. I was still a soppy mess, but I needed my Angel back. I can't let my emotions get in the way now. Who knows what they plan to do with her.

Rouge, Jeff, Doll Maker and I took off running to the new portal location. It was to the left of the entrance between two trees. Usually, it's invisible, but with it being set directly to Zalgo's territory, it was a swirling red and black chaotic mess.

Slender hates placing the portal in his territory. Not only can we go over there, they can come over here. Fortunately for us, Zalgo doesn't have the strength to open the portal to Slender's Woods whenever he wants. But, unfortunately for us, this drains Slenderman, and fast too.

"Helen, Hunter, Ben, Clockwork!" I heard Slender yell to the group that just emerged from the cave. "Go with them. The rest of us will hold down the Hideaway. There is no telling what is going to be happening on the other side of the portal in Zalgo's territory. Be careful and get Luciana back in one piece."

They all nodded and started running down after us. Hoodie stayed behind. All I saw was his nod at Slender before running back into the cave.

As soon as we were all by the portal, I took the first step in. A tingling sensation jolted through my body, almost making me feel nauseous. When my vision became clear, I didn't recognize the place.

The sky was a deep crimson red with dark, black gloomy clouds. What was supposed to be the sun was a bright red circle in the sky.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?"

I looked back down in front of me. Liu stood there, his arms crossed as he leaned up against a dead, rotted tree, staring up at the sky.

"Where is she?" I growled.

From behind me, I heard the rest of us enter. Jeff groaned as he laid eyes on his brother.

"She's that way." Liu nodded his head. "But to get to her, two of you must stay behind."

"The last time one of us was left with you, you nearly killed him," I growled, thinking about the exploding building with Jeff.

Liu shook his head and chuckled, "If you think about it, I wouldn't be in this situation if it wasn't for my loving brother."

"You are not my brother anymore!" Jeff snarled, pulling out his knife.

Liu sighed and adjusted his coat. He slid his scarf off and let it fall to the ground. "Looks to me like Jeff volunteered to stay behind. Anyone else?"

"What if we don't leave anyone behind? Then what?" Hunter shouted.

"You see that portal?" Liu pointed at it. "Zalgo is more than capable of shutting it down right now, leaving you all here to perish. I suggest you choose quickly."

I turned and looked at everyone else. Jeff was breathing heavily with anger. Just as Hunter went to say something, Jane stepped through the portal.

"What did I miss?" Jane asked, walking over to us.

"We have to leave two behind. Jeff is one. I don't wa-"

"Liu's a piece of cake." Jane grinned. "I hate Jeff, but I've got his back."

"The feeling is definitely mutual," Jeff mumbled back.

Jane went to walk by me and stand by Jeff, but I grabbed her arm. "Jane. This is serious. If he gets hurt I find out you could've helped him, I will kill you."

"Jeez, Jack. He hasn't been hurt yet under my watch, now has he?" Jane laughed.

"You're running out of time. I know who has Lucy, you may want to hurry it up, kiddos." Liu chuckled. "The outcome won't be too pretty if you don't."

"We've got him. Go," Jane hissed, pulling out a knife.

"Jeff and Jane. Now that was a surprise. I thought you two hated each other." Liu started laughing as he pulled out his knife. "Follow the signs, Jack. Oh, and be careful. A little birdy told me there's a few corrupted on the loose in the woods."

I bolted passed Liu. The footsteps of everyone else were close behind me. If there were corrupted in these woods, they weren't going to be there for much longer. With every quick step of mine, I could feel my nails grow. Thanks to Luciana, I've learned to control that anger, maybe this was a good time to lose my temper though.

"Jack! Duck!" Hunter yelled.

I looked to my right and then was tackled forwards. Hunter rolled off of me and we both came face to face with a corrupted, but this wasn't human, more of some type of animal. A low growl emitted from its throat as it lunged at us again.

"Oh no, you don't," Helen shouted, jumping into the corrupted's back.

Hunter slapped my arm. I went to go scold him but followed his gaze. Two more corrupted beasts were scurrying for us.

"Get out of here. Helen and I can handle this one." Hunter said as he quickly helped me to my feet.

I nodded at Hunter then turned my attention to Rouge, Doll Maker, Clock, and Ben. "Let's go."

Spinning around, I looked for the nearest sign.

Liu told me to follow the signs, meaning they've had this planned out for a while. Them sick bastards have what's coming to them.

A plank with a black arrow pointing forwards was posted to a tree. Taking off in that direction, I quickly looked behind to see the four of them following me. By now, I felt my jaw detach, meaning I was in full rage mode. That didn't bother me one bit.

Trees passed us as we moved quickly forwards. Just when I thought we were getting closer, two figures jumped down from the rotted trees above us. The five of us came to a quick halt.

"What do we have here, Lulu." The Skroll chuckled, scanning his eyes over us.

Lulu just giggled.

"Two of you stay," Skroll ordered.

"Go figure. How long have you guys had this planned out?" I snarled.

Skroll placed his index finger to his chin. "Well, how long ago did you guys take Hobo in?"

"You're going to regret this." Doll Maker yelled from behind me.

"He stays." Skroll chuckled.

"Rouge," Lulu said firmly. "I can hear you sneaking around above us. Come down here. We won't bite." Lulu giggled.

I looked up to see the messy haired brunette hop down, landing in front of me.

"Where is Luciana?" Rouge ordered.

Skroll stepped aside and pointed down the path. "Just beyond these trees is the entrance to Zalgo's Manor."

Rouge drew out her blade. "Jack. Just get going. Doll Maker and I can take them, no harm done."

I stared at Rouge, not wanting to break up the group any more than what it already was.

Rouge turned her head to me and hissed, "Now!"

I began running as Skroll took the first swing at Doll Maker. Behind me, Ben and Clock stayed close.

"We'll get her out of here, Jack. Don't worry." Ben tried to reassure me.

Though, I wasn't too confident at this point. It seems like we're playing their game; and being in an unknown territory playing the game of Life and Death freaked me out, especially with Lucy's life on the line.

Another sign was up ahead, placed in the middle of the path. The three of us slowed down to read it.

Ben read it out loud, "Congratulations, Slender followers. You have made it this far. Only one may enter the Manor, the rest have a different fate."

"He's sick." Clock snickered.

"Aren't we all?"

The three of us jumped back as Scarecrow walked towards us, her scythe in hand with Jason the Toy Maker following closely behind her.

"Where's the rest of your posse?" Jason asked, looking past us.

"This is all that we brought. We left the rest behind to keep you all out of Slender's Woods." Ben stated, pulling out his sword.

"Did anybody stay back with the corrupted?" Scarecrow asked, staring at us with her empty eyes.

"Two of them." Clock said, grabbing her knives, one for each hand.

"So let me get this straight. Each stop along the way, you guys left two behind, leaving one person to enter the Manor?" Jason cackled. "I guess the numbers fit perfectly together."

"Jack, get to the Manor and save Lucy. None of them are as strong as you." Clock said quickly. "She needs you."

I nodded and took off. To get to the entrance for the Manor, there were at least twenty, tan steps. I climbed them as quickly as I could. When I made it to the top, I was ten feet away from the entrance. Two doors, which were painted white and chipping, were guarded by what seemed to be servants.

As I walked closer, they opened the doors, exposing a large room. It seemed to be a grand dining hall. The floors were a worn orange and black checkered pattern, the walls a dark red. In the center of the room, hanging at least thirty feet above was a black chandelier with tree-branch-like designs.

"Do you like what you see, Jack?" A gruff voice asked.

I looked at the top of the black staircase that was quite a few yards away from me. Zalgo sat up at the top in a chair. On the right side of him was Nina and on the right of him stood Hobo.

"Where is she?" I yelled, taking a few steps forwards.

Zalgo tsked, "We can have fun with this, you know."

"I'm done playing your games. Give us Luciana back and we'll leave," I shouted, readying myself for a fight.

"Very well." Zalgo sighed. "Harvey, bring her forwards."

"Wait, what?" I choked out.

Zalgo chuckled. "Slender thought it was okay to make away with my proxy, so I took yours. Actually, Nina did."

From underneath the staircase, a smiling man walked forwards. The grin on his face seemed like it was forced and painful. In front of him, he held onto Lucy; one hand holding her hair and pulling her head back as the other hand held a knife against her throat. This must've been what Helen told us we had to find out on our own; that Harvey is not only alive but working for Zalgo.

"You can't kill her," I growled to Zalgo.

Zalgo fake pouted. "You're right. I can't right now. But Harvey, he can."

I stared at Lucy. She was dragging her right leg as Harvey kept pressing her forwards. Her face was soaked with tears.

I swallowed the lump in my throat. "I'm going to get you out of here, Angel."

"I'm going to get you out of here Angel." Zalgo mocked me then started laughing. "Keep it going. Tell her she's going to be okay."

I bit down on my lip, not muttering a single word.

"Tell her she's going to be okay!" Zalgo shouted, standing up from his chair.

"You're... you're going to be okay." I choked out.

"How precious. Now, Luciana, tell Jack not to fight back." Zalgo chuckled.

Lucy stared at me for a split. Harvey pulled back on her hair, making her wince. On the back of my head, I began to feel the same throbbing pain.

"Don't fight back, Jack." Luciana murmured quietly.

"Louder, Luciana!" Zalgo demanded, making Lucy jump.

"Don't fight back, Jack!" She yelled.

"I make no promises," I growled back, aiming it towards Zalgo.

"Then I make no promises that Luciana won't be unharmed." Zalgo shot back.

"Why are you doing this?" I hollered up to Zalgo.

Zalgo began walking down the staircase. "You have five months until I make my appearance. Stupid of me to tell you when right? But this whole game we're playing is to cut down your numbers. Though you're right, I can't kill Luciana and I don't want anybody else to, we can hurt you. We can hurt Jeff, Jane, Clock- everybody. Luciana on the other hand, that would go against the rules of the game. That, and I don't think He would be happy with it." Zalgo chuckled and stopped just a few feet in front of me. "Just like none of you can't hurt me and none of us can hurt Slender. But we can surely cut down your numbers."

I looked back at Luciana. Harvey had his fingers running over her arm. Lucy's eyes were squeezed shut tightly.

"Keep touching her like that and I will shove that knife up your ass." I snarled. "Still the sick perverted man that you were before, I see."

Harvey's permanent grinned face looked up at me. He leaned down and kissed Luciana's neck, not taking his sight off of me. When Harvey pulled away from her, he placed a hand over Lucy's mouth. I tensed up.

"Oooh. He looks pissed, my Smiling Man." Zalgo grinned.

Lucy started squirming, kicking at Harvey's leg. She landed a blow to Harvey's stomach with her elbow. As he bent over and let her go she screamed, "Jack, behind you!"

Turned around in time to see Nina and Hobo jump down from the second story balcony.

Lucy let out an ear piercing scream, but judging from the pain in the front of my thigh, I knew what Harvey just did. I shrugged off the pain, staring at Nina.

"Hello again, Jack. We have to stop meeting in such terrible circumstances." Nina giggled.

"I just want to get Lucy and leave," I stated.

"It doesn't work like that, Jack, and you know this." Zalgo chimed in.

I spun around. "You're the one making it like this."

Zalgo shrugged. "True." He spun around and began walking up the staircase. He waved a finger in the air. "Kill him."

Hobo's and Nina's footsteps quickly approached me. I turned around, swinging my claws out in front of me. Hobo ducked down, tackling me backward. His pendant dangled in front of my face.

Before I could reach for it, he sat up, trapping my arms underneath his legs and tucked it into his shirt. "I saw you eyeing that up. It's mine. Slender gave it to me."

"He gave it to you because he thought you were loyal!" I yelled.

"His mistake." Hobo pulled his fist back and threw it at my face.

There wasn't much for me to do. Nina was standing over me, watching as Hobo punched my face again and again.

Suddenly, I heard Lucy yell and in a flash, Nina was tackled to the ground. Hobo was taken by surprise, leaving me enough time to flip him off of me.

I stood up and quickly peered over at Harvey. He was in fetal position on the ground, cradling 'the family jewels'. Internally, I chuckled. Lucy never misses that aim.

Staring back at Hobo, he was standing up, hunched over and ready to charge, and stupidly, he did. All I did was hold my hands up. Hobo saw my nails pointed straight at him. He didn't have time to stop, though. All ten of my nails went straight through his torso.

I pulled him closer to me and whispered, "I bet you wish you were still on our side."

Looking back at his face, blood started to drip out of his mouth. I placed my foot on his pelvis and kicked him off of me, letting him all into a heap on the ground.

"Jack. Now you're getting blood all over the mansion's floor." Zalgo sighed.

I scoffed. "You're only throwing a fit because it's one of yours that is bleeding."

By now, Harvey was standing up, still holding that cheesy smile on his face.

"You know, I never really liked you." I snarled at him.

Harvey went to take a step forwards, but Zalgo yelled, "Harvey. Get up here. I need you for the final fight."

Harvey glared at me as he sighed and made his way up the stairs. I'll let him go... this time.

"Jack!" Lucy screamed.

I turned around in time to see Nina running at me. Of course, it's against the rules to kill Luciana in their game, and that's all Nina thrives on- death.

I grabbed onto Nina's arms and hurled her to the side. Her head hit one of the pillars and she slid down, landing on her side. I prepared for her to stand up.

"Jack, let's go," Lucy yelled.

I nodded but kept my eyes on Nina as I hurriedly made my way over to Lucy. Groaning as I retracted my nails, I grabbed Luciana's hand.

"Hey, Jack," Zalgo called.

I turned around.

"Tell everyone the game is over. My side will listen, I suggest Slender's  does too, otherwise, I will close the portal immediately." Zalgo warned me.

Lucy tugged on my hand and we began to run down the stairs.

Ben and Clock were still fighting with Scarecrow and Jason.

"Zalgo says the game is over!" I shouted.

Immediately Scarecrow and Jason looked at each other. They turned around and began run up the stairs.

"Hey! Come back here! I wasn't done!" Ben shouted.

"Speak for yourself." Clock huffed. "That Scarecrow bitch is tough."

"We need to stop the others from fighting now or Zalgo will close the portal," I said quickly.

From the tree line, Liu, Lulu, and Skroll came running.

"Hey! The fighting is done!" I shouted.

Liu cackled. "Oh, believe me, we know. You may want to hurry. Your foreign friend isn't looking too hot."

They all snickered as they ran past us.

"Foreign friend? We don't have no fo-"

"Hunter." Lucy choked out.

She let go of my hand and bolted for the woods. I took off after her, the rest following. For having a burned leg and a stabbed thigh, she was quite fast.

We passed the area where we left Rouge and Doll Maker; they were nowhere in sight.

Continuing on down the path, we ran through where we left Hunter and Helen; yet again, nobody.

"Keep going straight. The portal is right up ahead." Clock shouted.

As the portal came into view, so did Jane and Jeff. Jeff was leaning up against a tree, holding his stomach.

I ran over to him and bent down. Moving his hand, a red liquid poured out.

Quickly, I put his hand back and pressed. "Who else is injured?" I asked Jane as I slung Jeff's free arm around me.

Jeff groaned as I helped him up.

"Me, but I'll be fine, Rouge, and..." Jane bit down on her lip.

I began dragging Jeff forwards. "And? Who else, Jane!?"

"Hunter." Jane moved her hand off of the side of her neck. Her blood nearly squirted out of her wound.

Lucy took off her hoodie and pressed it to Jane's neck.

The smell of blood from not only Jeff but Jane and Lucy was driving me near crazy. It was taking everything I had to focus.

One by one, we stepped through the portal. The tingling sensation sent a shock through my body. When we got back to the Woods, Jeff's body went limp.

"Come on, Jeff," I growled, picking him up in my arms.

Lucy was now nearly dragging Jane up the rocks. Entering the cave, we saw Doll Maker running ahead of us with Rouge in his arms. Lucy and Jane picked up their speed and I quickened mine.

As we stepped through the doors, Smiley was rushing around like a madman.

"I need the gauze from the hospital room and all of the alcohol you can get your hands on!" Smiley ordered Hoodie and Masky. "Lay them on the table, I can't allow anybody in the hospital room unless it's for a supply run."

I rushed over to the table and laid Jeff down. Looking over at Lucy, I watched as she helped Jane onto the table.

The smell of all the blood was getting worse. Jeff, Jane, and Rouge were laying on the table. Lucy took a seat on one of the chairs.

I pushed passed Candy, who was attempting to help the ones on the table, and walked over Lucy and knelt down.

"Are you alright?" I asked, looking down at the hole in the pants on her thigh.

"It burns a little. I'm more worried about them, and Hunter." She said. Her head began bobbing and then she leaned forwards and stayed there.

"Lucy?" I grabbed her face and tipped it up. Giving her small taps on her cheeks, I said her name again, "Lucy."

Still no response. "Lucy, wake up!"

Placing my fingers on each side of the torn fabric, I ripped it open, exposing the stab wound from Harvey.

The blood that was pouring out of her wound meant one thing, he hit an artery.

"Smiley! She needs you now!" I shouted as I picked her up.

"They all do, Jack! I'm one person!" Smiley shouted.

"Harvey knife managed to stab her artery! She needs you now!" I growled, laying her down on the empty side of the table.

"Harvey!? What the hell do you mean Harvey!?" Smiley shrieked.

"We'll talk later," I replied.

Slender walked over and wrapped his tendril around the top of Lucy's leg.

"I've got her gripped as tightly as I can, Smiley. You need to do something now before we lose her." Slender ordered.

Smiley looked at the three others on the table, and then at me.

"You know what organs look like, obviously. Go to Rouge. She's got a cut in her side. Just dig around, gently, and see if anything was ruptured. If not, sew her up." Smiley said.

"I can't do-"

"You can, and you will. Lucy needs immediate attention. Jeff and Jane can wait for a few. When you are done with Rouge, I'll talk you through, Jeff." Smiley said, handing me a sewing kit.

I glanced down at Lucy before making my way over to Rouge. Pulling up Rouge's sweatshirt, I found the nearly seven-inch long gash.

My mind began racing with the thoughts of blood and the open stomach wound... just wide enough for me to grab her kidn-

"Jack! Snap out of it!" Slender barked. "Your thoughts are not pleasant right now. Do what you need to do, now!"

I grabbed a hand towel and began wiping up blood.

"Just start sewing, Jack. The blood won't stop." Smiley commented as he placed some surgical instruments into Lucy's stab wound.

I grabbed the needle and, with shaking hands, somehow managed to get the thread through the eye of the needle.

"Just because I know you won't understand any other stitching methods, just go through both layers of the skin, then go back to the side you started on and do it again. Make it tight, but not too tight. I'll fix the stitching later. Right now, we just need that shut." Smiley looked up at Slender. "Grab that bottle of super glue and give it to Jack."

"Super glue?" I asked.

"Everything burned in the mansion, dammit! I'm working with what I have!" Smiley yelled.

I nodded and accepted the bottle of glue from Slender's tendril.

"When you're done stitching, place that over the stitches." Smiley sighed. "We need another doctor. One that understands what to do, because me being the only one is driving me nuts."

"You're doing fine," Slender muttered.

Footsteps rushed down the stairs. "He's flatlining, Smiley! Do something!"

Smiley turned around with a feared look on his face and looked at Helen.

"Slender. What do I do?" Smiley asked, looking quickly at Lucy. "If I leave her, she'll bleed to death. Hunter's dying."

I looked up from Rouge's stomach and over at Slender. Slender seemed emotionless, as always, but I'm sure this time it was because of the decision.

"We don't have a choice," Slender said softly.

"Don't have a choice!?" Helen shrieked.

"Try CPR," Smiley shouted to Helen.

"I did! Chest compressions and mouth to mouth!" Helen yelled. "Somebody needs to do something!"

Smiley dropped his gaze back to Lucy. "There's nothing we can do, Painter. Go say your goodbyes. Unplug the heart monitor so the constant beep doesn't bother anybody who goes in there."

"You're just going to let him die!?" Helen yelled.

Smiley slammed his fists on the table. "Listen! You've been down here for a minute already! That is one minute that Hunter's heart hasn't been beating! The chances of it restarting is slim to none!" Smiley shouted and turned to Helen.

Helen went running at Smiley, but Puppeteer stopped him.

"Come on, man." Puppeteer said, turning Helen around.

"I hate you, Smiley! I will never forgive you for this!" Helen shouted as Puppeteer helped him climb the stairs.

Smiley looked over at me. "I didn't have a choice." His voice broke.

I looked back down at Rouge and continued my sloppy stitching work. Helen's shouts could be heard from the hospital room, which was incidentally the room above us.

I finished up with Rouge and put a thick layer of glue over the cut. Pulling her sweatshirt back down, I walked over to Jeff. His eyes started following me, telling me he was awake.

"Hey, Buddy," I said, trying to laugh, but only a short breath came out.

"Hey." Jeff chuckled. "I fucking hate Liu."

"I can only imagine." I moved his hand off of his stomach. "Smiley, tell me what to do."

"Grab the small light right there and peek in. Tell me if any organs are damaged." Smiley said, still working on Luciana.

"This is so unsterile." Jeff chuckled, but it only turned into coughs then grunts. "What's wrong with Lucy?"

"Harvey stabbed her," I muttered, pulling up Jeff's hoodie.

"Wait, Harvey? As in Harvey, Harvey?" Jeff asked.

I nodded. "The one and only."

"Yes, tell us about that, Jack. Get out mind off of..." Smiley's voice died down.

I began speaking immediately. "Well. When I killed Slade."

"You killed me?" Slade asked, walking into the room.

I looked up at Slender, then back to Slade.

"Uh, no. There's another Slade." Slender said quickly.

"Oh good. For a second there, I thought I was dead." Slade laughed.

Candy started laughing uncontrollably from the living room. I picked up a thick plastic cup from nearby and hurled it at the blue haired man.

"Anyways, after that, Nina killed Harvey, right? Turns out, for revenge on you stealing, Sl- somebody's body, Zalgo stole Harvey's and resurrected him." I said as I began to open Jeff's wound, earning a few groans from Jeff. "He is now known as the Smiling Man to Zalgo. For obvious reasons."

"Did he carve a smile in his face too? He's always been the type to copy." Jeff grunted.

"No. His face is literally a permanent, painful looking grin. It's actually creepy and he barely speaks." I pointed out.

"Damn. I wish that was the case when he was with us." Jeff chuckled.

"Nothing looks damaged, Smiley," I said, still peeking into Jeff's body.

"I'm surprised. Sew him up and move on to Jane." Smiley said.

"He stole Harvey's body? What could he want with him?" Doll Maker asked as he stepped away from the kitchen sink.

"Just another asshole to try and wipe us out," I said bluntly. "By the looks of it, it almost worked."

"Almost?" Smiley looked up at me. "I just lost a patient upstairs. Not just a patient. He was my friend, your friend, and Luciana's best friend. You may want to choose your words more wisely."

Unintentionally, I stabbed the needle quickly through Jeff, and he groaned. "You're taking your anger out on the wrong guy."

"Sorry," I muttered.

With complete silence, I quickly sewed Jeff's three-inch cut and topped it with glue.

"Am I done, doc?" Jeff chuckled.

I nodded and held out my hand. Jeff took it and sat up, leaping off the table.

"Now, by losing a patient, you don't mean Hunter, do you?" Jeff asked, looking at the stairs.

Smiley nodded.

And for once, Jeff said nothing. Instead, he just stared at the stairs in complete silence.

"Check on Jane's neck," Smiley said emotionlessly.

I made my way over to Jane and removed my hoodie from her neck.

"She's done bleeding," I said to Smiley.

"Then the cut wasn't as deep as I was expecting. She'll be fine, let her rest." Smiley replied.

I walked over to Lucy and put my hand on her head, pushing back her hair. "She's going to be okay, right?"

"Now, yes," Smiley replied.

The front doors opened quickly, revealing Papagrande.

"I came as fast as possible. Is everybody okay?" Papagrande asked, walking over to Rouge's side.

"Yes... well no," Smiley said as he grabbed a needle and thread.

"What happened?" Papagrande asked, looking at everyone in the room.

"Hunter's dead," I spoke up.

"You're kidding, right?" He asked, taking off his top hat.

"Afraid not," Slender replied.

I turned around, leaving them to talk as I climbed the stairs. Turning on the platform, I began climbing the next set of stairs, entering the second floor. In front of me, the hospital doors almost taunted me; telling me I'm not brave enough to enter.

Slowly making my way forwards, I turned the doorknob and stepped in quietly. Helen was sitting in the chair next to Hunter's body, holding his hand.

"You stupid idiot," Helen muttered through his tears. "I should be in your place. I should be the dead one."

I walked to Helen and placed my hand on his shoulder. "Don't talk like that."

Helen rested his head down, pressing Hunter's hand against his forehead.

"He's so cold." Helen whimpered.

I clenched my jaw and eyed Hunter up. The oxygen mask was on the bed next to his head and the blanket was pulled up to his neck. Where Hunter's torso was, was a pool of red that was dripping on the ground.

What used to be Hunter's tan skin was now a pale. His lips were nearly blue.

"Is this what people feel when they mourn the death of those we take from them?" Helen choked out.

For a brief second, I paused. I never really cared for other feelings like that, and I didn't plan on starting...that was until I was looking at what used to be a happy-go-lucky guy, my friend, lying lifelessly on the bed.

"I would imagine so, Helen." I finally said back.

"Then I'm done. Corrupted is what did this to him. I will find every last one of them and kill them all." Helen said firmly. "I only got one week with him. This isn't fair."

"Look away," I warned Helen.

I grabbed the blanket and lifted it up, looking at the damage. Helen quickly turned when he realized what I was doing. Probably a dick move on my part. Hunter's whole torso was gone, shredded into. There was no saving him. The smell of his blood was what finally got to me.

I placed the sheet back down and stepped back. "I'm heading outside. I think you need fresh air, too." I said to Helen.

"Not right now," Helen replied, staring at Hunter's face.

"Alright. If you need something, just let one of us know." I turned and started walking to the door.

"Thanks, Jack," Helen muttered.

I opened the door. "Take it easy, Helen," I said before closing the door gently.

Pressing my back up against the wall next to the door, I slid down. I placed my hands on my head and held back tears. If I would've moved faster when Hobo went to take Lucy, Hunter wouldn't be dead. If I would've just told Slender about Hobo, Hunter wouldn't be dead. This is my fault. Jumping to conclusions, every though it was right, lead to Hunter's death. How is Lucy going to handle this?

Footsteps started getting closer, climbing up the stairs.

"She's awake," Jeff said frantically.

"Good."

"One problem. Smiley's not done. We can't get her to sit still." Jeff said as he turned around.

"Goddammit," I whispered.

Flinging myself forwards, I nearly flew to the stairs. As I ran down, jumping over some, I heard Lucy's cries.

Jumping off the last stairs, I scrambled to Lucy's head.

She looked up at me right away. "He's hurting me." She whimpered.

Slender has tendrils on her ankles, wrists, and still one around the top of her leg.

Jeff pulled a chair over to me and I sat down and began brushing the hair off of her face. "Just talk to me."

"About what!?" She groaned, trying to break free.

One thing I remember Lucy to have a passion for popped into my head. "Music. What is your favorite song?"

"Music!?" She groaned again. "Right now?"

"Yes right now. Favorite song, tell me."

"There's a lot. How do I choose one?" She commented back, scrunching her face up in pain.

"Start listing them." I chuckled.

"I'm almost done," Smiley whispered.

"Mine and my dad's song, Forever Young. If I had to choose one, that would be it." She said softly. "Or the one that Hunter, Carmen and I used to dance to all the time when we were younger, Bon Jovi's Livin' on a Prayer." Lucy looked around. "Where is Hunter anyways?"

"Both of those songs were played the club, right?" I asked, avoiding her question.

"You requested the one, dork. The other one my father requests every night. It's a classic and- where is Hunter?" Lucy asked.

"I have an idea. What do you listen to your music off of?" I asked, lifting up my mask and leaning closer.

"My iPod- or at least I used to." Lucy sighed. "Ow! Devin I'm going to kill you." Lucy snarled.

"Easy now, Short Stack," LJ said from behind me. "I'll have Ben figure out where to get the eye-pod?"

"iPod, LJ. It's one word, not two like you said it. Lowercase 'i', pod. Not eye pod." Lucy corrected him.

"Same difference," LJ muttered, walking away.

"Well look at that. You're getting your music back." I chuckled.

Lucy raised an eyebrow. "Something's not right. What's going on?"

"N-nothing."

"I'm done. Lucy, don't move around too much. Everything should hold nicely though. Any problems with the burn?" Smiley asked, wiping his bloodied hands on a hand towel.

Slender let Lucy go and she shot up right away. "Take me to Hunter."

I sat back in the chair and looked around. Everybody was staring at me, and I was hoping somebody would say something, but nobody did, except Slender.

"Take her."

"You've got to be joking," I grumbled.

Lucy hopped down off the table.

"She got a shot of adrenaline. When that wears off, you will know. If she's awake by then, let me know." Smiley said as he walked over to Rouge.

I looked back at Lucy. Here blue and green eyes stared up at me.

"Take me to Hunter, now." She demanded.

I reached for her hand and grabbed it. Gently pulling her next to me, I took my time on the stairs. Do I tell her before we enter the room? Do I just bring her in? How the hell do you do this?

"Is he okay?" Luciana asked as we made our way up the second set of stairs.

Well, that made it easier than I wanted it to be. We made it to the top of the stairs.

I cleared my throat. "No."

Luciana froze in her tracks. "No? Is he going to make it?"

I turned and faced her. Taking a deep breath in and letting it out slowly, I replied. "Hunter passed away, Luciana."

Lucy's eyes shot wide open and she looked at the hospital room door. "No. H-he can't! We have plans! He was..." her voice began to crack, "he was going to carry me to go and see Carmen! We were going to see the babies!"

Lucy pushed passed me and flung the doors open. As soon as she looked the left side of the room, her soft cried turned into loud whales as she stumbled to the ground.

I grabbed onto her and held her up.

"Get her out of here," Helen growled as he stood up.

"You were fine with me visiting! What's the difference!?" I growled, holding onto Lucy.

"They chose her life over his. Get out!" Helen growled.

"What is he talking about!?" Lucy cried loudly.

"Helen, he was already dead. Lucy had a chance." I corrected him.

"They could've tried."

"Helen! He has no stomach! He was gone the second they took a bite of him!" I yelled.

Lucy shrieked and grabbed her ears. Her cries became louder and louder.

"Nice job. Why don't you just describe to Lucy what the corrupted were tasting, you should know." Helen yelled.

"Stop it! Stop it! Stop it!" Lucy repeated over and over.

I wrapped my arms around Lucy and pulled her out of the room, slamming the doors behind us.

Lucy began hyperventilating.

"Hey, breath." I grabbed her hands and pulled them off of her head.

She stared at me, trying to catch a breath.

"What's going on up here?" Slender growled as he made his way up the stairs.

"Helen's being moody. She won't breathe." I said quickly.

Slender walked over and slammed a tendril against Lucy's back. She coughed and fell forwards from the hit, but began breathing normally.

"Was that necessary?" I snapped at Slender, helping Lucy up off of the ground.

"She's breathing, isn't she?"

Ignoring his comment, I picked Lucy up and began carrying her up the stairs and up to our bedroom. The whole way there she cried, which was expected. Her best friend just died, and Helen's comments didn't really help; I suppose mine didn't either.

Finally, we made it up to our room and I closed the door behind me. I stood her up and helped her strip out of her bloodied clothes and put on her black nightgown.

Laying her down on the bed, she scurried over to her side and hid under the blanket, still crying.

I sat on the edge of the bed and slid my shoes off. My hands were still covered in blood, same with my clothes.

"Angel, I'm going to take a shower," I stated, standing up from the bed.

"I was just thinking about a nice warm bath." She tried to laugh through her tears.

"Well, I'll get it started for you," I said as I walked to the bathroom.

The tub was one of the older ones with four clawed feet. The shower curtain would go all the way around it.

After I washed off my hands, I started the bath, making sure it's not to hot for her. After plugging the drain, I poured in some bubbles- one of the few requests that she made when Ben made a quick run to the store after the mansion burned down.

As the water got higher, I stood up and turned to the bedroom. Lucy was standing in the doorway, with just her bra and underwear on.

"Going swimming?" I chuckled, trying to make her laugh.

"It's big enough for the both of us. Leave your boxers on though." She grinned half-heartedly as she walked to the tub.

"Should you even be taking a bath with new stitches?" I asked her as I took off my hoodie.

She shrugged. "There's like a billion layers of super glue on it. I'll be fine. I don't think I should have my right leg in the water though." She sat on the edge of the tub and put her hand in the water.

"Just keep it propped up on the tub then."

"Duh." She commented sarcastically.

I shook my head as I removed my pants, leaving my boxers on as she requested.

Climbing into the tub, Lucy followed. Keeping her right leg propped up on the tub, she laid on my chest. The water in the tub was already tinted a soft pink from the blood that was on us.

"I wish I never would've come downstairs with Clock while you were in the game room," Lucy said softly.

"I wish I would've run faster to grab you away from him," I responded, resting my cheek on her head.

"I wish I would've let you kill Hobo when you had the chance."

"I wish I was nicer to Hunter. After all of those years with him, I still feel like I failed him as a friend." I sighed, placing my hand on her arm.

"We could probably sit here all night talking like this." She responded. "I just wish I got to say goodbye."

We both stopped talking. I could feel a few of her tears hit my chest, but it was all for a good reason. We both lost a good friend.

Lucy cleared her throat and went to pull away, but laughed softly, "Your black shit is stuck in my hair."

I couldn't help but laugh with her. "Perks of dating a weirdo, hey?"

"I don't mind." She grinned.

I moved my hand up to her stuck strands of hair and pulled them off gently.

"Does that hurt?" She asked.

I raised an eyebrow, "Pulling your hair off of me?"

She slapped my chest, "No, you idiot."

"Oh." I pointed at my face. "This? No. Didn't we go through this already?"

She nodded. "Yeah. You told me what happened. I just feel like that would hurt."

I laughed softly, "At first it did. But I don't feel anything now."

I tipped my head back and closed my lids. Lucy rested her head on me and let out a long sigh.

"Do you think Hunter's dark side followed him to wherever he is now?" She asked softly.

"What? Shadow Lurker? I doubt it." I whispered back to her.

"Wherever he went, I hope he's happy. I love him so much. I miss him already." She said, her voice beginning to break again.

"Just relax, Angel," I replied, stroking her arm with my hand.

I wrapped my other arm around her, hugging her closely.

In my head, I spoke to Hunter, "Thank you for risking your life. If you can even hear me. Lucy is safe. I won't let your death be in vain. She's in safe hands."

As I began to doze off, my last thoughts were of Helen talking about the corrupted. I could find food through people who don't deserve to live. That was when it was decided. People weren't our targets anymore. The corrupted must go- every last one of them.



Updated: October 10th, 2017 & May 24, 2018

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