___________________________
*Lucas's POV*

-One Week Ago-

"Jess, I just don't care," I groaned as I rolled over and faced the couch.

Once again, I tried to return home only to have literally everything crash and burn. Thank you for that mom. I was on the couch in my friend's bedroom, just trying to get some sleep as my friend, Jessica, whined and complained about her boyfriend. I tried to care, but she did it to herself. 

"You never really care about much, do ya?" Jess growled with her thick southern accent. 

Sighing and rolling over, I sat up and placed my hands on my knees. Rubbing the sleep out of my eyes, I grabbed my black tank top and slipped it on. I probably should care. I know Tarren will kick my ass if I don't.

"Maybe you shouldn't have other guys sleeping in your bedroom right now. It doesn't sound like a good idea. The last thing I need is to get into another fight. It's bad enough the cops around here know me by first name." I said to her as I stood up and walked over to the bedroom door.

"Where are you going?" Jess asked as she kept her eyes on me.

"I'll find another place to crash for the morning. I always do. Thanks anyways." I mumbled as I slipped into my black hiking boots.

I could feel Jess's glare on me. Looking up at her, I gave her a soft, sympathetic smile. Behind her double lip piercing, she barely smiled back. I know she meant no harm, but her boyfriend on the other hand does. Jess's soft pink hair was pulled back in a messy braid that she had hanging down one of her shoulders. Her fingers were fiddling with the ends of it.

"I'll check in in a few hours if my phone is miraculously still working. I doubt my mom has enough brain cell right now to even call the phone company and get it shut off again." I joked, grabbing my thin blue flannel and slipping it on.

"I'm sorry about Tarren. I didn't think that he'd freak out like this with you here." 

I turned the door handle and opened the door.

"It's all good, Jess. No harm done."

She cleared her throat and laid back on her bed. Before I could exit her room, she shot straight up.

"Dude, let me get a smoke. I just ran out." She quickly said.

"You just repierced your lip last night. If you get an infection, again, it's not my fault." I chuckled as I reached into my flannel jacket and pulled out a pack of Newport menthol.

I flicked her the cigarette and nodded to her as I closed the door. Her parents knew I was there, but I didn't really feel like engaging in conversation. I just wanted to get out of here and find a place to rest. I felt overly exhausted from the night before. 

Long story short, I had been out almost all night trying to get a hold of one of my friends to crash at their place. Jess had woke up around four a.m. and I arrived at her house no less than a half hour later. I had only been there for just a little over four hours before her prissy-ass boyfriend started throwing one of his usual tantrums. I mean, it doesn't help that she's cheated on him before. Whether or not it was with me, I will never tell. All I can say now is, sex was definitely the last thing on my mind. I just wanted to sleep.

Thankfully, I had made it out of her house with only a head nod from her father and a short conversation about the weather today from her mother. They could tell I was tired and wanted to get where I was going. Where that was though, I have no idea. 

I've slept in alleyways before. I've slept in people's backyards, guest houses, abandoned buildings around town, and even in somebody porch. Well, that was until they found me and called the cops. It doesn't bother me as much as it used to. I've kind of grown used to just sleeping wherever my head lies. 

It was nearly nine in the morning. Fortunately, it couldn't have been any warmer than fifty degrees. That does help my sleeping situation a bit; meaning outside areas aren't off limits from being too hot or too cold.

My boots were nearly dragging across the pavement as I made my way down towards the park. I know there's going to be a few joggers out at this time, but it's probably the quietest place to sleep.

The road next to me was nearly empty, except a few stray cars here and there. Thankfully, it was nobody that I knew. Well, at least I didn't know who it was that approached me slowly from behind in a vehicle.

"Lucas, out to cause trouble again?"

I stopped dead in my track and let out a soft, defeated whimper. I knew the voice.

"Heya, officer....?" I trailed off. There were too many officers in this town and I've met pretty much all of them. Remembering their names was almost as exciting as memorizing everyone who signed the Declaration of Independence.

"Officer Rassen." He cleared the air.

"Right," I said, making eye contact with him.

He was a younger officer, but his receding hairline said differently.

"I'm not out to cause any trouble. Just headed home." I lied through my teeth.

He nodded. "I know your home is back that way, son." 

"Look, it doesn't matter where it is. I'm not out to cause any problems. So just leave me alone." I snarled.

The officer nodded at me. "I don't want to hear any complaints about you today or for the rest of the week for that matter. We're sick of hearing about it. If anything goes wrong in the town, as in more break-ins or popped tires and we can't find the one who did it, I'm pointing my finger at you."

And with that, he got into his vehicle and left.

Though that may have sounded like a dick move on his part, he wasn't wrong. I was behind a lot of the shit that has gone down in the town. Just having fun, yanno?

I rolled my eyes and flipped him off on his way down the road. It's not like he could really do anything about it anyways.

******

I had finally made it to the park. It was a long, boring walk there, but I made it. I walked to the back of the park closest to the trees and found a bench that was the farthest away from the morning yoga class. Though staring at a bunch of asses in the air wasn't a bad idea, I was too tired to even think about it. I know, I know, perv. Natural instinct, what can I say?

I sat down in the middle of the bench and slid my arms out of my flannel. As I laid down, I draped the flannel over the top of my body. I was facing the back of the bench, staring through the cracks in the back of it as I felt my eyes start to grow heavy. The bench is definitely not the worst place I've slept.

******

I was jolted awake by the screams of women. Quickly, I sat up and pulled the flannel off of me. Those who were doing yoga were now laying in shreds on the ground. Lurking over their bodies were these horrifying creatures. They were black, dog-like things with what looked like tar seeping from them. I turned my head the other way only to see one sitting at the end of the bench where my feet were. 

A low growl emitted from its throat. I swallowed the lump that formed in my throat as I reached into a pocket by my knee where I kept my knife.

"That won't be necessary, kiddo," A scratchy woman's voice sounded from behind me.

I pulled the knife out and whirled around, only to have a long, curved blade at my throat.

"What the fuck is going on!?" I shouted.

"Put the blade away, Luke. He's not going to like what I do to you if you try and make a move." The woman snarled.

I swallowed another lump in my throat and pulled my knife back unwillingly. Turning my head, I saw the black hair, light gray-skinned girl. She seemed to be missing her eyes and her mouth hung wide open, exposing nothing but blackness.

"What the hell are you?" I asked, almost in a whimper.

"Ha!" She snorted. "Not so big and bad after all, are you? You can call me Scarecrow. We might as well go by first names seems how we're going to become best of friends."

"I highly fucking doubt that one." I snapped back.

"That mouth is definitely going to get you in trouble. I'd stop now if I was you," She sang out as she pulled her scythe back. "You're coming with me. Either willingly or by force."

"What the hell do you want from me?"

"It's more of what you want from us. Let's just say you don't remember you're whole past, but we're here to help you out with it. All you have to do is come with me." She said as she held her hand out.

Her fingers seemed thinner than a normal human's. What am I even thinking? She's not a human! Why would I compare her to one?

"Come on, Lukey. You've got a lot of catching up to do." She sang out again.

I glanced back at the thing sitting next to me on the bench. An uneasy feeling settled in my stomach. But stupidly, and for some dumb reason, I took her hand. It couldn't be any worse than the hell that mom is putting me through at home... right...?

******

Scarecrow had brought me to a strange place. The sky was red and everything around me seemed dead. I was still beyond exhausted, yawning every few minutes. But I highly doubt sleep was going to be in the near future. 

Scarecrow was walking ahead of me. Every few moments she would turn around and look at me. Maybe it was to see if I was following her and not passed out on the ground a few yards back. She lead me up a staircase without a single word said. That was pretty much when it all hit me.

I just saw a group of women laying in a bloody mess and took the hand of this... this thing!

"Wait, wait, wait." I stopped on the stairs.

Scarecrow turned around. "Yes?"

"I am sleeping, right? This is just a dream?" I asked, staring into her black eyes.

She shook her head. "No. Why do you ask?"

I stuck my hand out and put my pointer finger up, signaling her to hold on a moment. Reaching into my pocket, I pulled out my pack of cigarettes and quickly took one out. Placing the pack back, I began to search my pockets for my lighter. 

"I've got it." A deep voice boomed through the silence.

The next thing I knew, a small flame was in front of my face. My eyes shot open in horror when I realized the flame wasn't attached to anything. Quickly I took a drag in, lighting the cigarette.

Pulling it out of my mouth, I looked up at the top of the staircase.

"You shouldn't be using your powers on something useless like that." I heard Scarecrow scold the man next to her.

"It was a small flame. Nothing even remotely close to what I'm capable of." The man shot back.

Scarecrow crossed her arms and glared at the man. He just shook his head and looked down at me.

"Where are my manners?" He chuckled. "I'm Zalgo. Welcome to my realm."

I widened my eyes and nodded slowly. 

"I have no idea what's going on," I admitted. "Is this a joke? Did I die? This is hell, right?"

"Close, but not quite yet," Zalgo responded. "Thank you for bringing him, dear." Zalgo looked at Scarecrow. "If you could leave us be, Lucas has a lot to remember."

******
*The Day of the Attack at the Haven Residence*

Though Zalgo couldn't help me remember my own damn sister, I heard a lot about her. How she wants to stop my master's plans of ruling the human realm. I couldn't just let her get in the way of that. 

I awoke one morning and that was when I remembered everything. I remembered Luciana and Jack. I remember what happened at the Slender Hideaway. I remember Luciana leaving my parents and I. I remember everything.

I quickly threw the covers off of me. Zalgo had given me my own room. It was very spacious with a large bed. The walls were a deep red and the floor was wooden, dark in color. Throwing on the nearest clothes, I rushed out of the room. 

"In a hurry, Lukey?" Scarecrow asked as she left her room at the same time.

She and I have been teaming up with our band of corrupted creatures together. She's quite the character to work with. Very quick; not only on her feet but her wits were slick, too.

"I remember everything. I don't know how, but I do." I said as I rushed down the hall.

Her footsteps were following close behind me as we both turned the corner, running down the next hall.

"Slender must've lifted the curse," She said as we came into the main room.

We both came to a quick halt. In the front of us was Zalgo's thrown. She and I approached him quickly. He seemed to be lost in thought as we drew closer.

"Don't startle him." She whispered. "Limbs could be lost."

I wasn't sure if she was kidding or not, but I wasn't taking any chances. I only know half of what Zalgo is capable of. Everything else I know has only been told to me. I know he can't do much as of right now. He is preparing to fight his-- our-- enemy.

"Zalgo...?" I softly spoke, slowly coming into his view.

His head snapped and looked at me. "Can I help you?"

"He remembers her. He remembers everything." Scarecrow quickly responded.

Zalgo began whispering to himself. "Slender lifted the curse. She must be headed to her parent's house soon." He looked up at Scarecrow. "Get Liu to the parent's house. Tell him to keep watch and immediately report back if she comes."

Scarecrow nodded. Before turning around, she looked at me. I nodded and shot her a small smile. She knows I've been waiting for this. Payback is going to be quite the bitch.

"Get ready. The second I know that Lucy is there, you are to head there with my creatures," He said to me.

Before I could turn, I felt his hand grab my wrist and pull me back. He was now standing and we were face to face. 

"Luciana is not to get touched. My creatures will know that. If a single scratch appears on her, I will kill you. This is only to mess with her mind and set her back mentally. It is not to hurt her. Do you understand me, Lucas?" He announced.

I looked to the side, not pleased with what I had heard. She deserves more than just a little scratch. She deserves a whole world of hurt and pain and suffering. 

"Lucas!" Zalgo shouted.

"Fine." I snarled at him. 

He nodded his head and let my arm go. Before returning to his seat, he straightened his jacket out. "The second that I know, you will know too."

I nodded at Zalgo. He motioned for me to sit next to him. Taking the seat, I couldn't help but think of everything that was rushing back to me all at once. 

"I've been in that position before," Zalgo started to speak, "Being abandon by family. I know what it's like. It's a damn shame you have to go through it, too, boy. But now you see why Lucy is the enemy. You see what she did. She left your parents and you for Eyeless Jack and the rest of them at the mansion... not that that's still standing anymore." He muttered. 

My gaze landed on my hands. I felt betrayed. How could she do something like this?

"Did she have a choice?" I muttered to Zalgo.

He let out a shrill laugh. "Of course she did. She could've just avoided them to begin with."

Though I did feel betrayed by her, something in the back of my mind was telling me this wasn't my battle to fight. I was just his pawn.

I looked up at Zalgo to see his eyes narrowed on me. 

"You're second guessing this." He muttered.

"She is my sister. Isn't this your fight anyways? Can't I just go home?"

Zalgo shot out of his seat. "Home?! To what? Your abusive mother and dying father!? Just a few minutes ago you were all for getting your revenge. You can't just take something like that back, boy."

"I'm beginning to remember so many good things though. Maybe mom has changed now that she remembers Lucy. And-"

Before I could continue Zalgo's hand lunged at me, piercing its way through my chest. My breath ran short as my eyes shot open in horror. The pain was nearly unbearable. I could feel something coursing its way through my body. Dropping to my knees, I glanced up at Zalgo as I gritted my teeth.

Zalgo leaned down and whispered in my ear. "Looks to me like you don't have a choice now."

******

My body was being nudged by someone. Slowly opening my eyes, I looked at Scarecrow.

"I'm sorry he did this to you, Luke. I just wish you would've listened to him to begin with." She muttered.

I sat up and looked around.  A slow grin formed on my face and I looked back at her. 

"Are you kidding me? I feel great. How are things going? Has Liu gave the signal?" I asked, staring down at my now thick, black-veined skin. 

"Zalgo asked for me to bring you to him. He's just outside on the staircase." She said, holding out her hand for me to take. 

Standing up, I felt a rush course through my body. A rush I had never experienced before. I felt the need to do something... to kill.

"You'll get used to that and learn how to control it eventually," Scarecrow said as she grabbed my arm and started walking. 

She must've known the look on my face was all too familiar.

Walking down the grand staircase, I focused on my breathing. It felt as if adrenaline was raging through me and it was near impossible to control.

As we reached the end of the staircase, I looked off to my right and let out a shocked gasp. Slipping out of Crow's grasp, I quickly walked over to the mirror on the wall.

My face was full of the veins, too. Around my eyes it seemed to have darkened, making it look like I hadn't slept in days. My eye color had changed from blue to a bright red and the whites of my eyes were black.

"What did he do to me?" I asked Scarecrow as she approached me from behind.

"You're now corrupted, Luke. Officially one of us. There's no going back now." She announced softly.

"Good," I chuckled, "I didn't want to go back anyway. I feel great."

Scarecrow let out a short laugh and grabbed my arm again. Turning around, we both made our way out the door.

Zalgo was standing off to the side, staring off at the bright red bulbous 'sun' in the sky. We gradually made our way over to him. I took my last steps and stood at his side. Zalgo looked over at me and grinned.

"Not too shabby," He admired his work. "Though I shouldn't have done that quite yet. You do understand why I did though, right Luke?"

I nodded at him. "I'm glad you did. For a second there, I thought I was going to back out of doing this. Is there an update on what's going on with my sister?"

"Luciana is at the location. Are you ready?"

A sly smirk spread across my face. Am I ready? Of course. I've been waiting for this day. I knew she wouldn't stay gone. After today, she won't have a choice. Say goodbye, Lucy.

******
*Lucy's POV*

~After the Attack~

"What happened to him? Why is he like that?!" I cried out.

"There's only one thing I can think of. Since he's not on the ground dying from being attacked and they seemed to be listening to him, that means Zalgo got his hands on Luke." Masky said, possibly a little bit too arrogantly for my liking.

"We're going back to the Hideaway. Now." I said, burying my face deep in LJ's chest.

I could feel LJ breathe in deeply and let out a long sigh. He opened his mouth as if to say something but just closed it. The next thing I felt was my skin beginning to crawl. I pulled back a little bit to see that we were in a cloud of smoke. LJ must've ported straight to the Hideaway.

When my skin stopped crawling, I could feel LJ begin to walk. He leaned forward and laid me down on the bed.

"Is there anything I can do for ya, Shortstack?" He asked. It almost sounded like there was a feeling of guilt in his voice.

I shook my head. "No. Just keep me updated on Jack if you hear anything. I..." I froze up.

Jack... I needed him the most right now. I know Slender won't pull him out of this mission, so it wasn't even worth asking. My eyes began to water again and a large lump formed in my throat.

"You can cry, yanno." LJ said, taking a seat on the edge of the bed.

I nodded. So much was happening and it was all happening way too fast. I bit down on my bottom lip, trying to hold back my tears.

"I just wanted to have my family back," I spoke softly. "I wanted them to be apart of my life again. I now see that for as long as I'm here, I can't have what I want and be happy."

LJ raised an eyebrow. "For as long as you're here? Lucy, you don't plan on leaving, do you?"

I shook my head. "No. Far from that. Just trying to accept the fact that I'm not going to be happy at all."

LJ nodded at my stomach. "You've got something to be happy for, though."

I snorted, letting out a soft chuckle. "You really think that having a child here is a smart idea? I hate Zalgo for the curse he put on me. I hate Slender for nearly forcing this upon me. I get it, Jack and I really didn't have to go as far as we did. But it happened and obviously I get that because for the next few months I have to be careful and watch what I do."

My stomach rumbled.

"And watch what you eat, too." LJ chuckled. "Do you want to go downstairs with me or do you want me to bring something up to you?"

I shook my head. "I don't want people waiting on me hand and foot. I can come down. I kind of need to be around you guys anyways."

LJ stuck out his hand and I grabbed it. Before I could stand up from the bed, we vanished in I cloud of smoke. The same crawling feeling spread through my body. I took a breath in and as I let it out, I opened my eyes and we were in the kitchen.

"A little warning next time." I scolded LJ playfully.

"Sorry, Short Stack," He chuckled as he began to walk to the fridge.

I turned around to face the living room. Candy was seated on the couch, staring at me. I gave him a slight nod. That was when I realized not only was he staring at me, but everyone else in the living room was, too.

"What?" I said, looking around.

They all sat in silence; their eyes still glued to me. It was Puppeteer who finally cleared his throat and stood up from the ground and walked over to me.

"I'm sorry about your parents, Luce. And your brother, too." He said, awkwardly standing in front of me.

I choked back my emotions. I couldn't tell if it was the right time to cry or if my pregnancy hormones were raging.

"Thank you, Teer," I whispered.

A tear streaked down my cheek and I quickly wiped it away. Puppeteer's face looked sympathetic. He opened up his arms and I quickly dove forwards, letting out all of my emotions onto his shirt.

"I'm not used to this stuff, so I'm not sure what to do, honestly." He said, rubbing my back with his hands.

I felt more arms around me and heard someone shh-ing. Rouge had joined in the hug, trying to comfort me as much as she possibly could.

"You need to come and eat, Short Stack," LJ said from the kitchen. "I don't know what you want."

I pushed back on Puppeteer and wiped my tears away with my sleeve. I gave Rouge a quick hug before turning around and slumping my way to the fridge. LJ stood by the kitchen table, watching me as I opened the fridge. Immediately a scent filled my nose. I wasn't sure what it was, but it smelled delicious.

I began digging my way through the fridge, picking up random things to try and match the scent with what I thought smelled good at the moment. It wasn't the leftovers from last night's dinner and it definitely wasn't the cottage cheese in the back corner of the fridge. Just as I started to feel defeated, my eyes stumbled upon Jack's food drawer. It was highly unlikely, but maybe someone had something stored in there that they didn't want anyone to find.

I slid the drawer open and the scent immediately filled my nose. It smelled metallic and meaty. Slipping the bags around, I tried to find what the smell was, but couldn't.

"Why are you down there?" Rouge asked as she walked up behind me.

"Something smells good. I thought someone hid food in here." I said, closing the drawer.

She shook her head. "Do you really think we'd keep normal foods around that stash?" she laughed softly. "I can make something if you'd like. I don't mind."

Shrugging my shoulders, I opened up the freezer. "I don't know what I want. Everything I look at makes me feel sick. Just like....." I choked up, "Just like my mom's stew earlier."

Rouge sighed. "Well, you surely didn't seem like you were gagging when you were flinging kidneys and livers around in the drawer." She let out a soft laugh.

My eyes widened and I slammed the freezer shut. Looking over at LJ, I saw his eyes were opened wide too.

"No," I said firmly. "It was just my hunger taking over and not caring what I was touching. They were in bags anyways."

"It would make sense, Luce. There is a half cannibal in your body. Jack doesn't choose to be one, it's who he is. Maybe it passed on." LJ said.

Rouge let out a loud laugh. "Do you know the effects of humans eating other humans!? It makes them crazy and could potentially make her sick! We can't risk that."

"You heard her! She tried to eat at her parent's earlier and nearly threw up." LJ stated.

"How about we just leave this up to me, guys. It is my body. I'm choosing not to eat that shit anyways. I couldn't even if I wanted to." I cut them both off before the arguing escalated any farther. "Besides," I paused for a moment before continuing, "Chicken noodle soup sounds great."

I made my way over to the pantry and opened it up. Cans lined the shelves along with bread, peanut butter, and other non-perishable foods. I grabbed a can of Chunky Chicken Noodle Soup and closed the pantry door. 

Making my way over to the cupboards, I felt a sharp pain in my right thigh. I grabbed my leg and set the can down on the counter.

"Are you okay?" Rouge asked as she quickly approached me.

"My guess is Jack found them or something. Maybe he and Jeff are getting into it. I don't know. My leg just had a sharp stabbing pain." I said, taking a deep breath in.

Rouge turned and looked at LJ who shook his head. 

"What?" I asked, slowly putting weight back on my leg.

"Nothing." Rouge sighed. "Here, go sit down and I'll get this going for you."

I raised my eyebrow and slightly nodded at her. Something seemed like it was up, but I wasn't going to dig any deeper into it right now. Walking to the table, I listened as Rouge opened the can and poured it into a bowl. She popped the microwave open and set the bowl in there. Pressing a few buttons, she turned around and looked at me as the microwave started cooking my soup.

"So, other than what happened, was it nice to see your parents?" Rouge asked.

I swallowed a lump in my throat before speaking. "Yeah, I guess. I know I shouldn't have gone there..."

"Don't scold yourself, hun. You had no idea that was going to happen. Even then, if you ask me, it probably wasn't your fault. The corrupted were after your parents, not you. Even if you didn't show up, they probably would've." Rouge said. 

The microwave beeped behind her and she turned around to get my soup.

She was right. For some reason, I wasn't their target this time. They were after my parents, not me. 

Rouge walked over and set the bowl in front of me. As soon as the smell wafted into my face, I immediately felt sick and turned my head to the side.

"Get that away from me, please!" I gagged out.

Rouge picked the bowl up and cocked her head to the side.

"Are you alright?" She asked. 

I shook my head. I was so frustrated with myself. I was beyond hungry, but everything that I smelled made me sick to my stomach.

"Will you at least try my idea?" LJ said from behind us.

"No!" I shouted.

Standing up from the table, I took off for the front door and opened it. Hot tears were pouring down my face as I quickly made my way down the cave hall towards Slender's Study. The door was now on my left side and I place three loud knocks on it.

The door slowly opened and I stepped in.

"I can't handle this! It's one freaking thing after another and I can't do it! I'm starving and I can't eat and I want to just cry and cry until I can't feel a thing anymore, but I can't because I'm so full of emotions and... who's that?" 

"Hello to you too, Lucy," Slender said. "This is Trenderman. He's my cousin."

I nodded and looked at the well dressed, Slender look-a-like. 

"Nice to meet you, Luciana." He said, walking over to me and sticking out his hand.

I shook it and quickly pulled back. Looking back at Slenderman, I continued my rant.

"I know I might be interrupting something but I'm hungry and don't know what to do," I said, pouting.

"And I'm supposed to? I barely know what to do about your pregnancy situation anyways. I don't know what you need, or don't need or anything." Slender said, placing his fingers on his temples.

"I'll help her." 

Looking over to my left, Papagrande walked out from a separate room. Judging by the bags under his eyes, he looked tired. 

"Thank you," I said.

Papagrande lead the way out of the study and quietly closed the door behind us.

"Have you tried eating?" He asked me as we made our way back to the inside home.

"The smell alone makes me want to vomit. I tried, but I can't stand the smell long enough to get a bite in my mouth." 

Papagrande nodded. "I'll fix something up. I think I know what's going on. Just head up to your room and relax. It'll be done in a half hour or so."

******
*Jeff's POV*

I didn't know where we were. All I knew was that we had made it to the destination they wanted us at and I was ready to slit throats. I hated having this bag over my head. I hated not knowing where I was. I hated this whole idea.

"Take a step up." Someone in front of me said.

"And if I don't?" I growled back.

I felt a blunt object hit me on the top of my back, sending me stumbling forwards. I muttered a few uncalled for words and stepped up onto a platform. I listened as a cage door closed.

"Stick your hands out." 

Grunting, I stuck my hands out as far as I could. I could feel the rope around them getting cut off. Then, I felt the knife meet my wrist quickly.

I pulled my hand back and wrapped my other hand around my wrist. "Ow! You bitch!"

"Watch your mouth." I was warned by the same voice from before. "You may remove your hood."

Quickly, I pulled off the sack on my head and looked around. I was in a cage, getting pulled higher and higher into the air. The place was dark, only lit up by candles. I couldn't tell where Jack was.

"What are you going to do with us?" I snarled at the black cloaked figure pulling on the rope that was lifting me higher, and higher.

"That's for them to decide, not I. I'm just here to get you in place." She said.

"Where's Jack?" I asked, staring down at her.

"Jack's not in this room. He was placed in a different one. No more questions." She said as she began tying the rope off.

"Where is everyone else?" I asked.

"With Jack. No more questions." She said, taking a seat on a chair.

I sat down on the metal floor of the cage, wondering where Jack was. Being separated like this wasn't a good idea for us, but I guess they knew that. I looked up at the ceiling. The pulley that I was on was about twenty feet above me. 

Looking forward again, I went to take my knife out. It was one of my habits when I just sit and wait for something to happen. I'd hold the handle and either poke it into the ground slightly or spin the knife on its tip. My hand brushed up against my hoodie where my knife used to be. I forgot that they stripped us of all weapons.

Letting out a sigh, I stretched out and leaned onto my side.

"Do you mind if I take a nap then?" I asked her.

"I don't care what you do as long as you stay in that cage." She hissed from down below.

Sliding off my hoodie, I bunched it up in a pile and rested it underneath my head; using a sleeve as an eye mask to drown out any lights.

Though I did want to do so much right now; starting with ripping her to shreds- I couldn't. Usually, I've got Jack here to keep me calm and to tell me not to do anything stupid until the time is right. Now I just don't have the choice but to relax and breathe and figure out what the fuck I'm supposed to do.

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

My arms were bound and stretched out above my head to the sides. I had shackles around my ankles that were connected to a chain that was bound to the floor behind me. 

"How long do you really think you can keep me like this?" I chuckled.

The cloaked figures stood around me, not uttering a single word. One of them stepped towards me, holding a long knife in their hand. 

"We ask that you do not speak. If you do, there will be consequences." The cloaked figure spoke up. Judging from the deep voice, it was a man. 

"And if I d-"

Before I could continue speaking, my whole body felt like it was getting shocked. I let out a yelp and clenched my jaw as tight as I could.

"If you do, that will happen again," He replied, taking a few more steps towards me.

As he drew closer, I collected saliva in my mouth. When he was just a foot in front of me, I spat right in his face. 

He let out a deep sigh, "Again."

My whole body was being shocked once again, this time worse than before. As I started to shake, it stopped. Tingles were inching their way across my skin. The only thing that I could think of was I hope that Luciana isn't feeling any of this. It was a dreadful pain.

The cloaked man reached his hand up, removing the hood. It's not like that even helped at all- he was wearing a mask too. He wiped the spit off of the masks cheek. The mask was similar to mine, except it was pure black with random red lettering across the forehead.

"We're the Corruption Cult." He announced.

"How original," I muttered to myself.

Before I knew it, I had a knife sinking into my right thigh. If Lucy didn't feel what happened before, I know she did now for sure.

"If you keep talking like that, you're going to bleed out eventually. Until then, why don't we play a little game?" The man chuckled.

He sent a signal over to one of the other members. The member nodded at him and pressed on the wall. What I thought was just a concrete wall in front of me slid to the side; exposing Jeff in a cage.

"Jeff!" I hollered, only to get more shocks sent through my body.

The cage slightly swung side to side as Jeff scrambled up from his laying down position. He was now on his knees, holding onto the bars and pressing his face to the bars.

"What the hell is going on!?" He snarled.

I wanted to speak, but out of fear of getting shocked again, I just shook my head. 

"Jack wants to play a game." The man announced.

By now the cult had moved to the side, allowing me to see exactly what Jeff was dangling over. The floor below him was an open pit and, unfortunately, from my angle, I couldn't see what was in it.

"What?" Jeff asked, trying to see what I was looking at.

I opened up my mouth but immediately looked at the man. He shrugged.

"You could tell him and get shocked, or you can stay quiet." He took a few steps closer to me and leaned closer to my ear, "I'd stay quiet if I was you. You're going to need the strength to stay awake. Besides, look at that rope he's hanging from."

I glanced up to see the rope holding the cage up was frayed.

"Doesn't look like it could handle too much movement, does it?" The man chuckled as he took a few steps back. 

"Jack, what is going on?" Jeff asked, moving around to try and see below.

"Jeff, just sit still!" I quickly managed to get out.

More shocked surged through my body, taking my breath away. I didn't even know what to do as of this point. The pendants were in my stomach. I'm sure, if I wanted to, I could summon Slender. But the second he arrives they could drop Jeff into the pit and fry me before Slender could even make a move. It wasn't worth the risk. 

"The game we're going to play goes a little like this. I'm going to ask you questions and you can reply to them. If they're true answers, you will not get shocked. If you say anything derogatory, or if you try to lie, I'll know and you will get shocked," He said, pacing back and forth in front of me. "Any questions?"

"And if I don't answer at all?" I asked, gritting my teeth.

"Well," He said as he walked over to me.

Taking the knife from earlier, he began cutting away at my hoodie and shirt until both pieces of clothing were in pieces on the ground. He gently grabbed my mask and slid it off, exposing who I truly was.

"If you don't reply, my family gets to choose a weapon from over there and make their own mark on your already scarred body. Just a little reminder of us." He chuckled as he turned around. "Jeff, would you like to know what's below you?" 

Jeff was sitting in the middle of the cage, glaring down at us. He slightly nodded his head.

"Below you is a deep pit filled with water. We had it hand dug years ago. At the bottom of that pit lies spikes. If you look at the bottom of your cage, you will see the holes where the spikes will pierce through. If Jack fails, or if you move around too much and that rope snaps, we will throw the key in the water with you, but only after you've been fully submerged." The man said as he took a few steps towards Jeff.

I glanced up at Jeff. His eyes were locked on mine as he was slowly shaking his head.

"You may answer the questions, too, if you would like, Jeff. But I'd rather hear them from Jack." The man said as he turned around and began walking back over to me. 

"Jack, we can start off easy. Things that I already know the answers for. Like, what is Slender's new proxy's name?" He began pacing back and forth, his hands locked behind his back.

"Luciana," I muttered. 

"And she is your girlfriend, correct?" He asked.

"Yes," I responded, looking down at the ground. 

"Is there anything you'd like to ask me?" The man said as he took a step in front of me.

I looked up at him and nodded.

"You may." He said, crossing his arms over his chest.

"Who are you?" 

He let out a laugh and shook his head. "Silly me. Where are my manners?"

He took his mask off to reveal himself. 

"I am-"

"I know who you are. Didn't recognize you without your real mask on." I snickered.

Kagekao. He used to be just one of the killers we would cross every now and then. He never really picked a side between Slender and Zalgo-- well up until now that is. He was just one of the lonely wolfs that we didn't feel threatened by. 

"Kagekao!" Jeff hollered from the cage.

Kagekao turned around and looked up at Jeff.

"No speaking. I'm busy." He responded and turned back to me. "Now where were we? Oh! Next question. You are a follower of...?"

I couldn't say Slender's name. With the pendants inside of me, it would be risking summoning him.

Kagekao pressed his face closer to mine. "Say his name."

I pulled back and glanced up at Jeff. I wasn't ready to summon Slender and possibly take mine and Jeff's life.

Jeff kept his eyes locked on mine as his mouth parted and he said, "Slender."

Kagekao turned around and looked at Jeff. "See? That's what's wrong with his followers. You were so quick to throw poor Luciana under the bus but hesitated for a moment on saying his name. I'll let you get away with that one, Jeff. But be careful how many you answer. I want to hear Jack."

I broke mine and Jeff's eye contact. Looking around the room, I noticed that the rest of the cult was on one knee, their heads bowed. There wasn't a single face, nor mask, that I could see; just the cloak hoods. 

Kagekao took a deep breath in and let it out quickly. He placed his hand behind his neck and looked around. 

"So, what brings you here?"

I cocked my eyebrow up. The way he said it sounded as if he was trying to make casual conversation with me. 

"We want answers," I answered him.

Kagekao nodded his head and glanced around. When his gaze landed back on me he began to speak again. "Alright, ask away."

Before I could speak, another member entered the room. They motioned for Kagekao to come over to them.

Kagekao groaned. "Is it that important? Why can't you just tell everyone? I'd rather not leave my buddy here hanging alone."

At least he has a sense of humor. 

"Sir," The new member spoke out. "I just received word from Liu. Zalgo followed Lucas's request. Their parents are gone."

Blood rushed straight to my face. "Lucas who?" I demanded to know.

Kagekao turned his head to me and flashed a wicked grin. "Your lover's brother."

"Ohhhh..." Kagekao looked up at Jeff, who was beginning to look mortified. "Is Liu still around?"

"He's waiting outside in case you had any more questions." The cult member answered.

"Send him in," Kagekao demanded, not looking away from Jeff.

The cult member turned and left the room.

My whole body was heating up out of pure anger.

Kagekao turned back to me. "You said you had a question?"

"Fuck my previous questions! What parents!?" I shouted, trying to wriggle my wrists out of the chains.

"Lucy's and Luke's, duh," Kagekao said with no hesitation. "What other parents are there?"

Using all of the strength I had, I began pulling on the chains attached to my wrists. 

"When I get out of here I swear I'm going to kill you!" 

Kagekao took a step backward. His facial expression was still that of a grinning cat. 

"I thought you guys were joking when you said you actually had my brother hanging in a cage."

The all too familiar sound of Liu's voice echoed through the room. I quickly stopped trying to fight my way out of the chains and looked up at Jeff. He was still in the same spot in the cage, but his facial expression seemed to have darkened. 

"How's it going up there, little bro?" Liu called up, letting a slight cackle out at the end of his sentence.

"You are not my brother," I could barely hear Jeff whisper. 

"Last I knew, we had the same parents. Remember killing them?" Liu asked, crossing his arms.

"I killed you too. My brother is dead. You, you are a monster." Jeff responded through his teeth.

Liu nodded. "And you're not?"

"Enough. I need answers and you can't be riling up my soon to be victims like that. It makes it no fun." Kagekao said to Liu.

Liu turned around and looked at me. "Hiya, Jack. Long time, no see."

"Fuck you," I muttered, looking down at the ground.

I felt useless. Luciana was probably back at the Hideaway having a difficult time mourning her parent's loss. It's not like I could be of much help with her, but at least I could comfort her if she needed it. I hope one of them are. It doesn't look like I'll be getting out of this anytime soon. 

"Well, quick update. Slender returned the memories of Lucy to everyone. She went to visit her parents. Lucas brought quite a number of corrupted with him and took Lucy by surprise. Her parents were basically torn to pieces." Liu announced. 

I clenched my fists as tight as I could. I couldn't help but keep trying to rip my way out of the chains, even though I knew they weren't going to break away. 

"Also, the corrupted seemed to have sensed another proxy very nearby. Lucas didn't see anyone except Lucy, Laughing Jack, Hoody, Masky, and Rouge. It seemed unfamiliar to them." Liu said as he leaned up against the wall.

"Slender can't gain proxies unless..." Kagekao turned around and began walking over to me with a rather sly grin on his face. "Did... did you and Luciana do the dirty?" He laughed.

"Doesn't matter if we did or didn't," I shot back, "You're a piece of shit buddy, Hobo ruined her chance of having any kids!"

Kagekao nodded. "That's right! How could I forget that? Silly me." He turned back to Liu. "You can go now. I don't need you intimidating them anymore."

"Believe me, I wasn't intimidated one bit," I muttered to myself.

Liu stood up and walked over to me. Kagekao went to speak up, but Liu pushed his arm out, knocking Kagekao to the side.

"Listen here," he began speaking, pressing closer to me, "If I wanted to intimidate you, I would. I am here to report to Kage what happened. You're lucky I was specifically told not to mess around with what Kage has in store for you." Liu turned around, but quickly turned back, "And believe me, what he has in store for you is way worse than what I would've done. So if I were you, I'd shut up, keep your snarky comments to yourself and cooperate. Because from what I know, struggling and fighting back is only going to make your chances of getting home worse. And you best believe when I say, those chances are already slim to none."

Kagekao stepped forwards. "Time to go, Liu. You're getting in my way."

Liu nodded and turned around. He quickly left without even turning back. Kagekao ended up leaving shortly after with the rest of the cult behind him. 

"Jack, why can't you summon Slender?" Jeff hissed from above.

"I don't even know if it will work. And if they're around who's to say what will happen then? You're stuck in a cage above water and I'm surrounded by crazed cult members!" I shouted to him. 

"Say it! Just try! They're not around right now, so this is our chance! It may be our only." Jeff whined.

I shook my head. In all honesty, Slender would be disappointed in us calling for him like we always do. But it may be our only way out of this.

With defeat in my voice, I whispered to myself. "Slender..."

*******
Getting this one out to move onto the next chapter :) Told you I wasn't going to leave you guys waiting too long ;) Hopefully, you enjoyed it! 

Also quick shout out to @ProjectCPRC for the honest review on my story! I'm thrilled with your response and will most certainly keep it in mind with the following chapters! 

Update: June 10, 2018