Trigger warning: There be some dark shit in this chapter. Watch out.

Darkness. 

Screams.

Gunshots.

Laughter.

Familiar faces all staring at him, disappointment in their eyes.

Anti woke up abruptly, startled out of another nightmare.

'Dammit. Thought that since I was freed from Brody, they'd stop' he ran a hand through his hair and stretched a little.

He felt the cold, crisp air hit his skin and remembered he was shirtless. Then a sudden pain in his head blared and he groaned, 'Fuck. Maybe it's just because it's my first time with areal body. Not a light-weight' he grumbled to himself.

Standing up with only stumbling slightly, he took in the morning as the sun rose. It was partly cloudy but then again it always was in this area.

Glitching around town, he managed to sneak in a general store and grab a shirt. He didn't know where Chase's went but he wasn't worried about it whatsoever. Before glitching out, he grabbed some more hair ties, too, to keep his hair out of his face.

'I've only ever seen the town through Brody's eyes. I wonder what else is around that I can mess with?' 

As he walked, he came up to the road he was near last night with a few cop cars surrounding the area. Smirking, he knew what they were investigating, 'Serves them right. Sick fucks deserved it, really. I did this town a damn favor as far as I'm concerned.'

He couldn't help but to think what Chase would think of him, though. He'd probably be disappointed, right? But really he was defending himself, wasn't he? They were going to kill him after they got what they wanted.

Snarling at himself, he shook the thoughts away and walked on. He was curious as to what the other egos were up to at the moment. 

'Maybe I should do some recon? Where does Jameson work again?'

The kids had been sad the next morning, knowing that their mother would be coming over to pick them up. 

Chase was making breakfast for them when Kallie gave him a sad pout, "When will we be able to see you again, daddy?"

"Will it be forever again?" 

Chase's heart broke as he plopped the pancakes down on their plates, "Nah, no. Don't worry about it, kids. Your mother and I made an agreement. It won't be as long again, I promise. Maybe next weekend? Who knows? I'll ask her."

Kallie gave a small smile but still seemed sad, picking at the pancake with her fork, letting the syrup drown it.

Sammy stared at his dad, "Hey dad, why did we get to see Uncle Marvin, Jackie, Schneep and JJ yesterday? They all were at work. Don't you work, dad?"

"Uh, yeah. Of course I do, Sammy"

"Then why aren't you going to work today? It's Monday."

Chase froze but was quick on his feet, "Well why aren't you two in school?"

Kallie giggled, "Because it's summer, daddy! No school in summer!"

"Well sometimes, adults have different work days just like kids have different school days"

Sammy was sort of suspicious but let it go, eating more of his pancake. Chase hoped Sam didn't tell his mother. He couldn't let her know he wasn't working today. She'd think he was skimping out on the job! He just needed to take one sick day so Marvin could give him back all his memories and he'd be better.

Then they'd have to figure out what to do next with Anti.

A knock on the door startled him a little but Chase sighed, knowing who it was. The kids whined but Chase went and answered it, smiling politely at his ex-wife.

"I thought you weren't coming to pick them up until lunchtime?"

"Did you not see the news?" Stacey honestly looked extremely worried, nearly out of breathe, as well.

"Uh, no. Why? What happened? Here, come on inside, Stace"

He let her in and she called for her kids, "Kallie! Sammy! Go get your stuff! We're going home!"

The kids whined again from the kitchen.

"We were just finishing up breakfast if you wanted anything real quick. Made my special pancakes" he gave a playful wink but she wasn't swayed.

"Chase, a group of men were brutally killed in an alley last night just downtown. It's all over the news"

Chase paled, "R-really!? Just downtown or-?"

She nodded, "Yeah. It worried me. I hope you understand. I just want them safe."

"Yeah, no, of course. Did the news say how it happened or do they know anything more?"

She shrugged, "I guess the murder weapon was a knife. The men killed were from  a gang on the East side of town but they're not saying that a rival gang was involved."

"Weird"

Stacey hummed in agreement and took the small silence as a chance to look around, "The place looks nice. You've been busy cleaning"

"I like to be clean, what can I say"

"Right. Sure. Because Mr. Chase Brody has always been known for his cleaning. Where are you working now, by the way? That media company, was it?"

"Nah" Chase shook his head. He couldn't lie to her but he could stretch the truth a tad, "The boss. . . uh. . . . laid me off. Business wasn't doing too good. So I am working at the nearby burger joint downtown."

"Downtown? Don't you work today then?"

He stretched the truth again, "Later in the days this week. They got enough people working breakfast hours"

"Huh. Good. Just watch out then, alright? Those men were killed not far from there"

Chase nodded but directed his attention to his kids bustling down the stairs with their things, "Mommy, mommy!" Kallie shouted, "Can we come back and see daddy again this weekend!? Pleeeeeeeease?!"

"Yeah!" Sammy agreed.

Stacey smiled and laughed, "We'll see, kids. Maybe the next weekend. We're shooting for every other weekend, remember?"

"Awwwwww!" they both groaned and Chase smiled. At least they wanted to spend time with him. They two kids hugged his legs tight and he ruffled their hair playfully before leaning down to their level.

"Now you two be good for your mother, alright? No funny business."

"Yes, dad!" they hugged him again, reluctant on letting him go. Chase nearly balled his eyes out clinging to them but stayed strong.

Standing up, he led them to the front door, opening it to reveal Marvin with his mask on.

"Oh. . ." Stacey put her hand over her heart, "Marvin! I didn't expect to see you"

"Uncle Marvin!" Sammy bolted to hug him with Kallie on his tail.

"Hey guys" he seemed a bit distant, though and directed his attention to Stacey, "I saw what happened on the news. I was gonna come see Chase later but I knew you'd come earlier than intended"

Stacey looked a little creeped out but nodded, used to his . . . . attention to detail.

"Oh. . . okay. Yeah, we were just about to leave."

"How about a magic trick for the kids before you take off, huh?" he leaned down, not taking no for an answer.

Chase and Stacey watched Marvin as he made some strange movements with his hands before pulling out two suckers out of nowhere, "Ta-da!" he gave them the candy as they cheered happily, unwrapping the candy before their parents could say no.

Stacey just closed her eyes unhappily but sighed, letting it go, "Get in the car, kids. Say bye to your father and Uncle Marvin"

The kids got in the car as told but Stacey gave him one last look, "Just be careful, alright? Watch the news."

Chase waved goodbye to her and the kids, watching sadly as they drove down the road out of sight.

Marvin gave a small sigh, "I know this probably isn't the best time. . . but you know why I'm really here, Chase"

Chase ushered him in the house and closed the door behind them, "It was Anti. Yeah, I know. I knew as soon as Stacey told me. I especially knew it was him when she said the murder weapon was a knife"

"Well here's the weird thing. . . ." Marvin hummed, "The men that were killed were indeed from a gang. But . . . . I honestly don't think we should be too worried."

"And why not?" Chase was curious of Marvin's answer, "Murder is pretty serious, isn't it? Or have your standards dropped even lower than the other day?"

"Well yeah but . . . these men were killers themselves."

"So you're saying they deserved it?"

"Maybe?"

" . . . .Okay"

Now it was Marvin's turn to look at him like he was crazy, "Pft. Telling me MY standards have changed. Man, YOU'VE changed. Thought you'd react differently"

"Well I guess living with a psychotic murderer in my house AND head has changed my outlook on a lot of things, Marv. Anyways. . .  we gonna do this or what?"

"Are you sure? You got to promise me you won't hurt yourself, Chase. Please"

"I'm sure. I need to know before he gets the chance to taunt me with it himself or use it against me."

"I'll stay over just in case"

Chase was starting to get cold feet but crossed his arms. He needed to know but. . . "Must be pretty fucking bad then, huh? What else did he do that I don't know of that makes you think I'll relapse like that?"

"You'll see. I warned, you, man. Tell me now if-"

"No. Just do it, Marv. I'm as ready as I'll ever be"

". . . .  alright. Come on, then. Let's take a seat into the living room"

Anti had glitched himself into a street camera nearby. Watching and waiting.

He remembered puppetting Jameson in a couple Halloween videos a few years ago and honestly, he was his favorite. He was so easy to possess and control. Every time, Jameson had just LET him, rendering himself defenseless. He had wondered a few times why but didn't let it get to him. He was only a pawn set in for the bigger picture. 

Sean.

Anti's nightmare glimpsed in the back of his head of when Sean was yelling at him. That moment sent shivers down his spine and he hated it. It wasn't like he was afraid of his creator. He had a lot of power over him, granted, but Anti had a lot of power himself.

He turned his attention back to Jameson and glitched out of the street camera onto the other end of the street across from Jameson's store. Anti cuffed his hood up (yes, he stole more clothing) to make himself look less conspicuous. 

Apparently, Jameson worked at an old vintage store as a clerk. It made sense. He loved old-timey things including pocket watches, monocles and silent movies. Anti remembered before when Jameson was so happy and got along with nearly everyone. Now. . . . Anti didn't hesitate to think that it was because of his newfound human emotions that he knew Jameson appeared to be a bit. . .sad. Years ago, all the Septic egos lived together under the same roof and they were all so happy and carefree.

Except for Anti. 

He was always ignored in the back of Sean's mind. His creator always refused to acknowledge his existence and it pissed him off to no end. He just wanted out. It wasn't fair.

Anti snarled as he watched Jameson sweep up the floors. He looked to be content but Anti knew better. He could see it a mile away. He missed those days all together with his family.

Anti remembered why he hated the other egos so much.

His hand itched to grab the knife in his pants. He wanted to march in there, tear the place apart and stab him right in the heart. He glitched slightly and found himself walking up to the store. 

He kept his head down and his hood up as he entered the building, keeping a safe distance away from Jameson who was now throwing the dust off the floor into the trash behind the cash register. Jameson seemed to have seen him but didn't know who he was. Anti acted as if he were looking at something to buy.

The trinkets were all cleaned and polished properly and shined just as they would have back in the day. Small pocket watches now worked and there was even a small section of homemade crafts. Jameson always loved using his hands.

Then Anti's eyes fell on something quite odd.

In the back of a table with other handmade pots, sculptures and trinkets . . . was a small pumpkin painted orange and black . . .made to look like a Jack-o-lantern. 

Anti reached for it and took it in his hands, running his fingers along the small detailed clay sculpture. 

Then a finger tapped his shoulder, "What?"

He knew it was Jameson but he couldn't risk letting him see his face. Jameson sensed the man's attitude and cleared his throat. He never really liked to speak but he had exceptions.

"Excuse me, good sir. Can I help you find anything?"

Anti bit his lip, "How much for the pumpkin?"

"Oh, Gerald? Well I'd say about $25. He was a right task to make" he laughed.

Anti, still not facing him, picked out some money he glitched out of an ATM and handed it to Jameson behind his shoulder, "Here. . . Why Gerald?"

"Oh no reason, really" Jameson chuckled, "I crafted him out of memories of an old friend. Thank you for coming, by the way. can I interest you in-"

"No" with that, Anti walked out of the store, putting the small pumpkin in his hoodie pouch.

Anti had a snarl on his face. He should have just gotten it over with and killed him but for some reason . . he just couldn't. What was happening to him?

'Maybe I could sneak up on Henrik instead? Stab him with his own needles?'

He'd give it a shot.

Chase laid on the couch as Marvin instructed with the magician standing over his head behind the arm rest. He carefully laid each of his fingers gently on Chase's head.

"You're sure about this? Maybe I should call Henrik preemptively just in case?"

"Why would you- you know what? Never mind. I'm sure, Marvin. I can handle it. I promise"

"Alright. Want me to get some herbs ready?"

"I don't want your weed, Marv"

"Helped you last time, didn't it?" he grumbled.

"Not really."

Marvin rolled his eyes and applied gentle shocks and vibrations from his finger tips, "You're going to feel odd and tired but I need you to try and fall asleep, alright? The memories will come easier that way. Take deep breathes."

"What if I can't fall asleep?"

The magician trailed his fingers up and down his temple lightly, "You will eventually. My hands are covered in lavender and a sleeping potion I like to cook up sometimes. Just relax, Chase. I'm here for you"

Chase realized what he meant a few seconds later, breathing in the potion and oils and his eyes started drooping. The last thing he knew was Marvin smiling comfortingly above him and saying something but he couldn't make out the words anymore. He finally drifted off into sleep.

Usually he wouldn't be so clear-headed in his dreams. He saw darkness around him and new he was dreaming though so perhaps he was lucid dreaming.

When he blinked, he was in his old house. Stacey's house now. 

It was dark out and most of the lights were off in the house but a few nightlights were on here and there in the halls.

Yelling could be heard from his and Stacey's room but he was used to that noise. As Chase wandered the halls, though, he could hear something else. 

Giggling. He found his kid's room and could hear soft laughter coming from it. Followed by a slightly angry growl. Chase knew then it was Anti. He was angry that the kids weren't afraid of him and laughed when he tried to be creepy or scary. In a way, he was impressed and proud of his kids for throwing him off so well.

But then there was something else said that scared Chase.

"Now you kids stay in here and go to sleep. You'll here louder screaming and crying but don't come out or they'll find you. Stay hidden, alright?"

'He's playing hide and seek with them? Why was he telling them to stay in their room, though?'

Suddenly there was silence but the arguing from across the hall grew louder and he could pick out the words much clearer.

"I can't believe you! You said you'd find a REAL job!"

"I did find a real job! And it's doing something I love! Can't you be happy for me!?"

"Chase, we have two kids right now! You need to think about your family! There's no money in what you want to do!"

"Why can't you just give it a chance!? Give ME a chance, Stace!?"

"I'm tired of giving you chances! We're done!"

Chase watched as the door opened and his breathe was taken away at the sight.

A pregnant Stacey marched out and tried slamming the doors behind her but past Chase stopped them and grabbed Stacey's arm.

"Stacey, please just tell me what I can do and I'll do it! Don't leave me!"

She fought out of his grasp, "No! I'm done! I'm tired of your fucking games! A real man would put his family above everything!"

A light above them flickered on and off suddenly until it just shattered, spreading glass across the floor. Past Chase's eyes lit up green and he gasped for air, holding onto the stair rail. 

"Oh my god! Are you okay!? Chase?! Did you swallow a piece of the glass or something!?"

Chase could see from across the hall, however, that he wasn't himself. Anti had possessed his body. He grinned devilishly and took Stacey's hand in his, gripping harshly.

"Thought you were done with me, Stace?"

Stacey's attitude shifted again, looking pissed, "You asshole! Let go of me!"

But Anti stood tall in Chase's body, hovering over Stacey over the stairs with an evil grin, "You want me to let you go?"

"No" Chase looked horrified, "No, no."

"I'll let you go, lass" he let her hand go with a shove.

"NO!"

Chase tried running to stop her from falling down the stairs but he was too late. She screamed and tumbled sickeningly but Anti just grinned like the monster he was.

"Oops. My bad."

Chase covered is mouth sobbing at what he had just witnessed. How the hell . . . how the fuck could Anti do such a thing?

Was it real? Did this really happen?

Anti apparently had left Chase's body and the ego dropped to his knees in horror at what he was just forced to do, "Oh god. Oh god! Stacey!!! Stacey!" he stumbled down the stairs crying.

The scene suddenly changed but it was night again.

Chase found himself in the living room crying with a bottle of whiskey in his hands, drinking it down like water.

"Stacey, please, I'm sorry" he sobbed, "Please don't leave me. It wasn't me, I swear it.  I would never-"

Chase watched his past self with just as many tears down his face finish the entire bottle.

"DAMN YOU, ANTI! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE!? WHY!?"

He slammed the whiskey bottle onto the floor, stumbling up, "WHERE ARE YOU!? DAMMIT, WHERE ARE YOU!? COME AT ME, YA FOOKING DEMON! COME ON!!"

Chase watched in horror as Anti appeared in front of his past self, "You want to know why, Brody?"

He was shell-shocked and silent but Anti didn't seem to mind or care. He slowly came closer and closer to him until he was able to whisper just lightly into his ear.

"Because why not? Why not have you lot suffer, too? Or. . . would you like to see others suffer with me, Brody?"

Past Chase shut his eyes tight and shook his head roughly, "Just leave me alone. Leave us alone"

"Let's have some fun, Brody" suddenly he materialized into him, taking over his body once more.

"What are you doing?" Chase asked but the memory version of the beast paid him no mind and the scene changed. He was in his car. Chase was in the passenger seat with Anti in the front driving. It was dark out again and raining but there were still a few people out and about.

Anti pulled up to a bar, "See? Your favorite place, too" he giggled in past Chase's body.

"Anti, please don't." Chase pleaded with him. Anti couldn't hear him of course but he didn't want to see this. He couldn't. He had an aching feeling he knew what was about to happen.

Anti opened the glovebox and pulled out the gun. 

Chase cried and clenched his eyes shut as he heard the gunfire and screams, Anti laying fire on them like cattle, giggling like a toddler. Only. . . . it wasn't Anti's laugh. Chase opened his eyes to see Anti in the back seat with an equally shocked look on his face seeing the past Chase having just shot the crowd all on his own. He didn't think he'd actually keep firing like that and laughing.

Anti hadn't done that. It was all HIS fault. Or was it? He had manipulated him, right?

Maybe if he had been stronger.

The scene changed again and Anti had left his body a while ago, leaving him back at home all alone.

Chase went to sit beside his past self, crying just as much, "Why weren't you strong enough?"

"I'm sorry" the past Chase whimpered, holding the gun in his hands, "I'm sorry. I'm sorry"

"What was his fucking motive?" he asked himself, "Why? What did I do to him?"

"I'm sorry" the past Chase kept chanting to himself.

"Chase! Open zhe door, now! Chase! Please!"

"I can't" the past Chase put the gun to his head and it was then that he could see the scars that lined his arms. 

Marvin's voice then shouted, "Get away from the door! I'll break it open! Chase, don't hurt yourself! Please just calm down! We can help you!"

'BANG'

Marvin bust down the door, "CHASE!"

Chase watched helplessly as Marvin chanted a spell to heal the gun wound. It was obvious black magic but he didn't care. He wasn't going to let Chase die on him.

Chase looked away, tears down his face, "You should have just let me die"

When he blinked open his eyes, he was looking up at Marvin back on the couch.

The tears followed him out of sleep and down his face, "Why didn't you just let me die?"