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copyrightcreep · 5 days ago

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Clyde moved quickly. While it was still early, it had a lot of places to be.

It found a gas station nearby. Not the greatest nutrition it had to admit.

it briefly hesitated on executing it's plan.

While it could just absorb the human and move on. Clyde wondered how Alex and Xeriva would react. It had never stopped and thought about others' reactions before.

But spending time with Alex let them know there was more to humans then it had believed. So instead Clyde raised its hoodie over its head. And lowered the hoodie’s sleeves to cover their claws.

It then walked into the shop, the bell above the door dinged. But Clyde paid it no mind and walked past the counter to the food section. The human called out a greeting but Clyde ignored him. It knew it had to move fast before it was recognized as the Smiling Snatcher.

It opened the bag it brought and started shoving food in it. Instant meals, chips and cookies. Stuff that didn’t need a refrigerator to be kept, then closed the bag. “Hey man, are you going to pay for that?” The man called out as Clyde walked past with the bag.

It swiveled its head and saw the man’s face pale. “n- nevermind m-man. do w-whatever.” He stammered out, Scrambling as far back as he could. Clyde quickly left the store, not wanting to terrify the man further. It wasn't the intention to scare him, but it worked in its favor for now. Though Clyde felt a small pang of.. something. It shook itself out of its stupor. It still needed drawing supplies.

Clyde climbed up a nearby tree and hung the bag in the area with the most leaves to hide it. Then went down and on its way to a general goods store. Obviously closed so the same tactic as the gas station wouldn't work here. It grumbled in displeasure before eyeing the ventilation shaft. It could work, Clyde didn’t feel like causing the same scene as it did at Grimmso´s, no need for more attention.

It used its claws to scale itself up the side of the building and its tail to unscrew and remove the grate covering the vent, then crawled in. Clyde grumbled again, it had to squeeze itself to fit in the vent opening.

The vent was smaller than expected and Clyde had to half crawl half shimmy its way through the vent, before seeing an opening to drop down. Clyde hopped down and the grate fell with a loud clunk, unable to hold Clyde’s weight. Oops, that wasn’t meant to happen. Clyde shook itself off from the small fall and quickly went to the right aisle and grabbed some pencils and paper. Before scurrying back into the vent and popping out onto the roof. Mission success!

Clyde placed the items in the hoodies pocket and hurried down the back of the building. Taking care to not lose the supplies, it headed back to the tree through the woods. Clyde couldn't help but wonder how its kids were doing.

Even if Alex had not yet realized they were becoming Veldigun, they would be soon. Clyde thought about if it was better to break the news to them than them finding out themselves. But it wouldn’t even know how to open a conversation like that. Its body moving on autopilot and its sharp reflexes was the only reason Clyde didn’t run headfirst into any trees.

But it was snapped out of its thoughts by seeing the familiar tree. It quickly ran up, snatched the bag with its tail and jumped back on the ground. It moved the drawing supplies to the grocery bag before looking back at the tree.

The thing looked worse for wear. Huge claw marks left behind in the bark. Oops, that was going to be suspicious. Clyde shrugged, hopefully the humans would think it was just a big cat or something.

Clyde lifted the bag with its arms and made its way through the forest on two feet carefully. It was a 1 mile walk to the barn. So it had a lot of time to think. Too much time to think led Clyde to thinking about Winfrey.

It wanted its partner back even if it knew it would see Winfrey again, hopefully soon. It still couldn't help but miss Winfrey for the entire walk back to the barn, since they were walking normally. It was going to be a long walk, and thus a long thinking session. Simultaneously pondering how the others in the barn were passing the time, and how Winfrey was faring.

Xeriva stared as Clyde left and huffed. They didn’t know these people, and now they were going to be stuck here for the foreseeable future. “Well then, it seems we’re going to be here for a bit.” they said. Alex nodded, but seemed unsure to say anything else. Until Simon spoke up, their raspy voice was unmistakable.

��hhhhooowwww ddooo yyoouu kknnooowww Cllyyyddeee?” his voice landed somewhere between curious and accusing. But Xeriva took no offense. instead launching into their story. Being drawn into their memories as they did so.

Xeriva groaned and stretched their arms, starting their day as normal. Pulling their long hair into a ponytail, and pulling a beanie over it. So that only their bangs peeked out. Getting dressed in jeans, a sports bra, a shirt and an oversized hoodie. They glanced briefly into the mirror, ‘good enough’ they thought to themselves.

They went down the stairs and entered the kitchen. Their mom had her back turned to them. “hey mom” they said, hoping she was in a good mood. “ah, hello -Redacted-. lunch is on the counter. had a good sleep?” Xeriva barely hid their flinch. But swallowed their retort, not wanting to start another fight.. her voice sounded cheerful enough, and Xeriva wanted to keep it that way.

“Yeah, good enough. thanks mom.” They responded, grabbing their sandwich. Their mom wouldn’t meet their eyes, which was strange. But Xeriva brushed it off. “See you after school!” they called to her, as they grabbed a banana and mixed it into their yogurt. Closing the lid and putting it, along with their lunch. Into their bag and went to the door. “bye dear, have a good day at school.” Their mom called after them.

Xeriva grabbed their beat down shoes and put them on. Rolling down their hoodie sleeves, they went out the door. And arrived at the pick up point just on time, as the school bus was rolling up. Xeriva mumbled a ‘good morning’ and went to sit in the back by a window. They weren’t liked very much, so they hoped to get through today without much issues. And much of that involved making themselves as invisible as possible.

After two more stops, the bus was getting more filled. Leaving only a few seats available. And they had one more point to go. When they arrived at the point, Xeriva moved their bag to between their knees and waited. Students started piling in, a lot of them avoiding the seat next to Xeriva. Before a boy, one they hadn’t seen before sat next to them. “name’s Ralph.” he said. His voice nervous but excited? “uhm, L-. Xeriva. My name is Xeriva.” They mumbled to the boy- Ralph.

Xeriva could feel their heart pounding, this was the first time they revealed their chosen name. A big defiance of their parent’s wishes. But when Ralph said “Cool name, nice to meet you Xeriva.” They couldn’t be happier, it felt right. Like nothing else in their life had up to this point. ”Thanks, same to you Ralph!” They responded with a smile.

The moment of silence and serenity got broken when the bus stopped suddenly. Kids started rushing out, Xeriva waited patiently and exited as one of the last. Unknowingly to them, Ralph follows suit. “Do you mind if I stay with you today? it’s my first day." Ralph's voice piped up behind them. Xeriva forced themselves not to flinch, but nodded. “Come along Ralph.” they said. going into the school.

After the bell rang and saying goodbye to Ralph at his stop. Then waiting until the bus stopped at Xeriva’s stop. They went out last, then went to their house. And saw that curiously, their dad’s car was in the driveway. ‘Huh, he isn’t supposed to be home for another hour’ Xeriva thought. But brushed it off, maybe his dad wasn't as busy and could leave earlier.

In any case, Xeriva entered the house and called out “ma, dad. I'm home!” and their dad’s voice rang out immediately. “Oh good, come here and keep your shoes on.” His voice left no questions, even if it was weird. Xeriva went to the living room where they saw their mom, dad and-. “why is my stuff downstairs? or in bags?” they questioned quietly. Not liking where this was going.

“we’re concerned about you -Redacted-. So me and your mother have decided it’s best for you to leave for a while. We found the perfect place. Where they can help with your delusions.” His voice came out with a sneer at the last part. Eyeing their hoodie and beanie like it had personally offended him. And Xeriva started shaking. “W-what are you saying?” their voice nervous and uncertain, their legs vibrating with the need to move and run.

Their mother still refused to look at them, and their dad was glaring. “It’s clear you’ve become deluded. And There is a place that can help. So you’re going to come here and eat. And then we’re placing your things in the car and dropping you off. Understood” his voice was demanding respect and Xeriva’s need to run increased.

But they knew that would end badly. So instead they nodded quietly, letting their bag drop next to them as they sat.

“good girl.” Their dad said, and they fought back a flinch. Dinner was tense and uncomfortable. Food tasting like ash in their mouth. After dinner Xeriva and their dad loaded their belongings into the car. Their mother fled to the kitchen to avoid facing them. Xeriva forced back a sigh and went to the passenger seat. Their dad was already waiting in the car.

“Listen here, we’ve tolerated your behavior for a long time. We don’t want to do this, but you’ve left us no choice. You do well, and me and your mother will be happy to have you back okay?” their dad said. The speech sounded rehearsed, probably something their mother told him to say. But Xeriva just nodded and spent the rest of the car ride looking out of the window.

Until the asylum came into view, and Xeriva shuddered. They had heard students gossiping about this place. It did not seem like they were in for a good time. Their dad was waved in as they approached the building. And after being greeted by the secretary. Who glanced up. “name, age, reason for admitting?” before Xeriva could respond, their dad's voice sounded. “-Redacted-, 15, delusions of gender” he said matter of factly. The secretary nodded and started typing, then printed out a form and handed it to Xeriva’s dad. “sign here and take your daughter’s belongings out of the car. our caretakers will pick it up later” she explained to them both. Tone neutral and her face unreadable. Xeriva’s dad nodded and signed, then handed the form back. Xeriva thought they saw the woman’s face twitch but they weren’t sure.

They weren’t sure of anything. It hadn’t sunk in yet, the fact that their dad was going to drop them to an asylum of all places. They didn’t register their dad saying bye at all. Nor the asylum staff changing their clothes and dragging them into a room. They didn’t register the sharp prick of a needle. They just sat on their cot and stared at the wall. This was their life now.

They didn’t know how long it had been, a doctor had been in and out a couple of times to ask a bunch of questions. Seemingly to see how bad Xeriva was mentally doing. They didn’t care, nothing mattered anymore. There were these masked men with red goggles that came and brought them food and water. But Xeriva hadn’t seen anyone else. No other patients, they weren’t even allowed outside of the room.

Then finally, one time instead of the usual song and dance of questions. This doctor, who seemed to be in charge and wasn’t Their usual one. Looked at them and said. “I wonder what would happen.” And before Xeriva could say anything. The doctor snapped their fingers and the masked man came and dragged them from their cot.

Xeriva started thrashing and screaming but. Nobody came. No one would save them. No one would even be looking for them probably. So Xeriva gave up. Let their body relax and be deadweight. Whatever happens, Xeriva hoped they could have a better life next time.

The doctor marched to the end of the hallway. Big double doors with the number 66 opened and they were tossed in. And what they saw should have terrified them.

Bigger than anything should be, with eyes that could be described as demon-like. Striped limbs and standing in a pool of blood with bones and gore absolutely everywhere. Xeriva should have been scared out their mind. But instead they saw the chains wrapped around the being. And they swore they could see regret in those big eyes. So instead of screaming or crying. They tried to muster all their remaining energy and give the creature a smile.

The people carrying Xeriva tossed them against the creature, and Xeriva’s world exploded. Their body was burning. It being most intense on their back and their limbs. Pain pain pain pain pain. It was all they knew and in a flash it was over. They were lying on a massive paw.

Excited viiolins were droning in their ears. But Xeriva didn’t focus on it right now. Xeriva’s mind was racing, they felt unfamiliar limbs. Everything was different. and then a voice rang out. “Run little one, find Clyde. go” and the happy violins sped up, changing into a more solemn tone. The sounds were accompanied by a vague sense of direction. And Xeriva fled, they didn’t know where. Their vision was fuzzy and blurry. Nothing they saw made any sense.

They thought they saw wings once or twice. Felth heavy weights on their back. But it couldn't be, so they ignored it and kept running.

Their body was still burning slightly, liquid fire in their veins. They saw a window up ahead and didn't think twice. Jumping through, the glass was sharp but not as much as the impact that followed. Shaking it off, Xeriva kept going. That tugging in their chest guided them to the forest up a hill to a rockface. A small cave opening and finally Xeriva stopped running. Standing there panting, they looked towards the opening and came face to face with The Eastridge Demon.

Alex was left gobsmacked after Xeriva told their story. From an ordinary day at school to a mental asylum. All because of who they were? And the fact that they used to be human at all blew their mind. How was that even possible? So many thoughts and questions ran through Alex’s head. But there were more important matters for now.

Xeriva was shaking, if what they said was true then it had been barely a few days since the whole ordeal. So Alex went up and hugged Xeriva. They may barely know each other but Alex felt responsible for Xeriva. They leaned into Alex’s touch. Neither noticing how close they were to skin contact. Not caring about that for once.

After a moment, Xeriva stepped back. giving a smile as thanks to Alex. “iiiifff iii dddiiiddnnn’t seee yyooouuu myyseeellff. i wwoouuldd saaayy yoouurre llyyiinggg” Simon said. His purple eye analyzing Xeriva. They shrugged their shoulders in response. “I don't know what to tell you man. I was fine and then I wasn't. I didn't think to sit still and question what I became or how.” They said.

“Do you think it might happen more, to people who come into frequent non violent contact with veldiguns” Alex asked. They were afraid of the answer but had to know. After all, Clyde had been visiting them for a while. And certain oddities were already happening

Simon just fell silently and looked at Alex for a bit, purple eye scanning them up and down. Before locking onto their eyes. “maaayybeeee, bbuuutt i ccannoot ssaayyyy ffoooorrr certttaaaiiinnn.” They finally said.

Xeriva looked both concerned and intrigued at the question. “Have you noticed anything?” They asked. Alex shook their head in negative. “Not enough to be concerned just yet” They clarified. Xeriva nodded, as did Simon.

After that whole thing. The topic became a lot lighter. Alex and Xeriva telling Simon and The Flock about what the human world was like during the day. Stories about school and living in a small town were shared. As well as laughs. Simon shared what life was like on their farm.

Clyde mumbled and grumbled as it arrived back on the farm. Hoping it didn’t leave too many obvious signs of its presence. It opened the barn door to find Alex, Xeriva and Simon talking and sharing stories. As well as The Flock being in Xeriva’s lap and examining their wings. At least they had time to bond, it thought to itself. “I'm baackkk” it said in a sing song voice.

Álex and Xeriva both gave a wave, while Simon and The Flock both just nodded. Clyde moved into the center of the room and started laying out their drawing supplies on the floor. While handing the bag with food and snacks to Alex who thanked it. They took out a bag of chips and bottled water while moving to the floor next to Clyde.

Alex took the pencil and started sketching the layout in grey pencil first. Coloring the cells in blue, the main office in black and room 66 in red. Numbering them as best as they could remember.

The five of them worked for hours. Mapping the rooms and how to move. As well as planning how to get most of the staff out. Discussions about what to do were had.

Tomorrow was the day they were going to get Winfrey back.

#searching souls #dreams of an insomniac #doai sitcom au #alex williams doai #clyde doai #simon doai #the flock #searching souls Xeriva #xeriva #winfrey doai

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