#me when the eastridge demon

[illegallyexisting]

posted this on twitter dot com too, but still slaps soooooo

[sorrel-leaf-vespers]

I return with more Sitcom AU writing. I've been studying up, so I'm much more familiar with the AU now! That being said, looks like Alex is a wanted criminal now-

Alex was tired. They’d been staying up late at night lately to monitor and study Clyde when it was most active. Exhausting work, sure, but fascinating and incredibly fruitful. They’d learned so much about it. What they had learned basically boiled down to Clyde being a larger, spikier, more dangerous cat that could talk. Alex wondered if they could teach it to meow like one.

At the moment, Clyde was sleeping on the foot of Alex’s bed. It was nice and dark in Alex’s room with the new blackout curtains they had installed, which made it an ideal sleeping environment for the Veldigun. It was late in the afternoon, so it was bound to wake soon. Alex was in the kitchen making it a sandwich. They’d been trying to sleep for most of the day, too, but keeping Clyde away from the townsfolk of Eastridge County meant sacrificing catching up on sleep to keep it well-fed.

The thing was, Alex was starting to trust Clyde to a degree. Even on days where Alex was away from home for over 12 hours, Clyde would always stay in the house. Ever since that first incident, that first encounter, no one had died. The Smiling Snatcher was, as far as anyone knew, no longer snatching. That wasn’t to say Alex expected it to be perfectly tame. Clyde was still the equivalent of a wild beast. It still had its own thoughts and compulsions. It was still a killer. Heck, it could very well kill Alex at any moment if it wanted to. Alex fully understood that. Still, they couldn’t help but feel like they were starting to bond with the creature. There was still just one rule. Never touch it. That was how you got sick.

Alex heard something hit the floor in their bedroom. A few moments later, Clyde stalked into the room. “Good evening,” said Alex.

Clyde just rubbed its eye. It was still waking up.

“Friendly reminder that the repairman is coming to look at the lock on my back door in a few days. I’ll be home, but you’ll need to hide and keep quiet if you want to hang around.”

“Mhm…”

“Made you a sandwich, if you want one.”

That got its attention. Alex slid the plate across the counter, and only a few moments later, the sandwich was completely gone. “How’d you sleep?” Alex asked.

“Good enough,” said Clyde. “Do you HAVE to work tomorrow?”

“Yeah. It’s the only way I’ll be able to get to the bottom of whatever is going on. Besides, the better I know the asylum, the better we’ll be able to plan getting Winfrey out.”

Clyde nodded, stretching its long limbs. “Alright…”

There was a sudden knock at the door. Alex and Clyde both jumped. What in the world would someone be doing at the house on a Wednesday afternoon? “Get in the closet,” they whispered to Clyde, who quickly complied. They took a step toward the door, but before they could get any closer, they heard whoever it was speak.

“Mx. Alex Williams? This is the Eastridge County Police. We’ve gotten a tip-off that you may have information on the Eastridge Demon. We’d like to ask you a few questions.”

Alex froze in their tracks. How did they know that they were harboring Clyde?

“The man who tipped us said that you would recognize his name. Does ‘Herbert Lankmann’ sound familiar at all? Said he’s your boss.”

A second officer began talking. “That must mean you work at the asylum. If anyone’s got information on the Eastridge Demon, it’s you.”

Alex felt their heart begin to race.

“Mx. Williams, Mr. Lankmann informed us that we are under full authority to arrest you for treason if you refuse to comply.”

Oh no.

Alex sprinted to their room and began packing a backpack. Clyde poked its head out of the closet, watching concernedly. “What are you doing?” it whispered.

“Getting out of here. They know you’re here. Help me out.”

The packing frenzy began. Extra clothes, hairbrush, hat.

“Mx. Williams, if you don’t answer the door, we will use force.”

Research notebook, spare notebook, pencils.

“Mx. Williams, this is your last warning.”

Some extra food, first aid kit, as much money as they could grab.

Something slammed into the door, shaking the whole house. Alex quickly zipped up the backpack. “Let’s go.”

They ran for the back door and tried the lock. The lock jammed. Something slammed into the door again. Alex heard cracking wood. Oh, that stupid back door. Stupid broken back door! “We’re stuck,” they said in a shaky voice.

A growl welled up in Clyde’s throat. “Not on my watch.”

Alex yelped in surprise as they felt Clyde grab their wrist and pull them into what could only be described as the most violent hug they’d ever experienced. It smashed through the back window, covering Alex’s head to shelter them from the shattering glass, cleared the fence with one leap, and took off running to the tree line. If Alex wasn’t in panic mode, they definitely would have tried to calculate how fast Clyde was moving. It was nothing short of inhuman.

Within seconds, Clyde was carrying Alex up a tree. Alex looked back at the house. They could see officers in the backyard, investigating the broken window and forcing the back door open. Multiple police cars were out front. It looked like some officers were inside, too. Their heart pounded. Their home…

“We need to go farther away,” said Alex. They didn’t want to look at the scene anymore.

“In case they decide to search the forest? Good plan.”

Clyde began hopping from tree to tree, holding Alex in one arm. Alex held back tears. They were terrified. They were a wanted traitor now. Lankmann would stop at nothing to recover them and Clyde.

Clyde finally hopped down to the ground. “We should be far enough away now,” it said. “Want me to let you go?”

That was when it fully clicked for Alex. Clyde had grabbed them. Clyde was… TOUCHING them. Alex began to panic again as they registered a pain in their hand. “Clyde… please say you’re just touching my clothes and not my skin.”

Clyde sucked in a gasp. “Oh…”

Alex looked down at the back of their hand. One of Clyde’s spikes was digging into it.

The shock and terror set in immediately as Alex wrestled free of Clyde’s grip. They’d touched Clyde. They had TOUCHED it. They knew the symptoms of Veldigun sickness well by now. The thought of having to go through that…

“I’m… sorry…” said Clyde, backing up slowly. “I just wanted to help…”

Alex stared at it for a few seconds before sitting down on the ground. “I know. I can’t be mad at you for trying to help me.”

They sat there for another while with their face in their hands. Their whole life had just been turned upside down. No home, hardly any belongings, an enemy of the state, and doomed to catch Veldigun sickness. There was no hope. Or, at least, there wouldn’t have been, if Clyde hadn’t draped an arm over Alex’s shoulder and said, “I have an idea.”

[secret-spirit]

For a bit more context this was a moment taken from "16 minutes of The Devil from Da bible" cuz in the discord someone mentioned that the dynamic between Da Devil and Shadow is like Alex and Clyde in the sitcom au, curious i watched it and not even 6 minutes into the video i got this idea.

And also sometimes my mind just takes me back to the "take the Old lore as non-existent when discussing the new lore" and makes me think. And i mean think alot. Since Clyde was always referred to as "The Eastridge Demon" or "The Smiling Snatcher" but never Clyde was mentioned in Doai, Clyde was always it's name on a general standpoint if you know Pastra or you stuck around before doai. Idk i just occasionally think of how maybe Clyde isn't it's name in doai and all that overthinking.

[doodle-girl]

The Monsters of Eastridge: DOAI Playlist

Description: At this point, might as well make a playlist for everything. Welcome to my own personal demon-filled hell, this is mostly based on lyrics, vibes, or both 🎃 (Edit: Due to recent fixations, this now also includes some Sitcom AU stuff.)

(Yeah this is made mostly for @spookmuth but also just anyone else who’s interested in my music taste/how my thoughts work. Will update the post whenever the playlist updates, have fun! Also footnotes will be in brackets because I like footnotes)

Edit: Now on spotify! Courtesy of @witheredallium <3

“Happy Face” by Jagwar Twin [I have had an animatic for this jangling around my brain for actual several months oh my god]

“Turn the Lights Off” by Tally Hall

“A1 - It’s just a burning memory” by The Caretaker [Yeah idk how well this actually fits since it’s based on a song from like. The 30s. But I think it’s obligatory for any analog horror ever lol]

"I Can't Decide" by The Scissor Sisters [This one I got inspo from havoc-bloom's playlist/clip of Pastra finding it. A few of these are, actually, lol] [Edit: I have now realized just how well this fits Clyde in the sitcom au and I am once again plagued by art ideas 👀]

"I'M Sane" by Axie [Me when I torture the innocent with horrid monsters and become one myself. but I'm a little silly about it teehee~ 😜]

"The Circus" by Toby Fox [This popped up on shuffle when I was drawing Clyde once and my brain refused to let go of the vibes™ ever since]

"Animal Cannibal (Possibly in Michigan)" by Buckshot Princess [I would've put the one by Karen Skladany but it's not on apple music 😔 sad. This cover's really nice tho]

"The Dismemberment Song" by Blue Kid [Same reasoning as "I'M Sane," nyehehe. Also this song really feels like it's ripped out of a musical number. If you told me it was I'd believe you.]

"The Mind Electric" by Miracle Musical

"Horror Show" by K-Modo [You ever just. Think about why Lankmann does the things he did? Like what's his game here?]

"Dance of Corpse (feat. Hatsune Miku)" by Kikuo [this might also spiral into an animatic lol. Anyway do me a solid and go look up the music video, turn on the official english subtitles and come back to me.]

"The Nowhere King" by The Centaurworld Cast

"Nothing Changes" by Jewelle Blackman, Yvette Gonzalez-Nacer, and Kay Trinidad [this musical makes me feel. so many things. And I just think the vibes/lyrics of "why try when you'll only end in misery" might fall into the category of vibes here idk idk]

"Murders" by Miracle Musical

"Kitchen Fork" by Jack Conte [I don't remember exactly why I put this here rn but I just know this is an Alex song. It's so beautifully haunting and passionate stg] [Edit: yeah definitely an Alex song]

"Meet Me in the Woods" by Lord Huron ['kay I know the vibes are probably off but look at the lyrics and tell me it shouldn't go here]

"A Crow's Trial" by Vane Lily [Look man I can’t explain this one exactly but just trust me on it]

"You're F****d" by Ylvis [Yeah I put this one here as a joke song. Every single character in here is SO doomed by the narrative, I'm sorry Alex but it's true. teehee~]

"UNCANNY / ft. KAFU" by kian [I actually couldn't find this one on apple music but galactinqq was right about this being an Alex song and I'm putting it on the post]

"Raising the Dead!" by Jessica Law [Styx, you madlad, this is SUCH a Lankmann song oh my god]

“Hymn for a Scarecrow” by Tally Hall [“Simon isn’t even in the series yet, though” My guy it’s called Hymn for a Scarecrow and it’s Tally Hall what else do you want me to do. I love Simon so much I miss him already <3]

“Break My Mind” by DAGames

“In the Mood” by Glenn Miller [this one was in Vol 1! So I found it and I’m putting it here <3]

“Pictures” by Kyle Allen Music [I mean technically the series is videos but whatever. This song fits sue me]

“Ruler of Everything” by Tally Hall [I saw the words “mechanical hands” on a DOAI fanart once and it jumpstarted an idea that refuses to leave me. Turns out it fits VERY well holy crap]

"I'll Be There for You (Theme from Friends)" by The Rembrandts [shoutout to froggydrawz's own sitcom AU playlist for more material for me eheheheh ✌️ I'll be putting a few of those here]

"I'm Still Standing" by Taron Egerton [sitcom exclusive because canon Alex is fucking dead /lh]

"Digital Silence" by Peter McPoland

"How Far We've Come" by Matchbox Twenty [another sitcom one nyehehehe. This AU has me by a chokehold unlike any other AU I've been into istg]

"Who is She (Reprise)" by Kimiko Glenn [I apologize for those who came here for a normie-ass DOAI playlist, I promise it started out that way but y'know that's fixations for ya. Anyways I added this one on a whim because it gave off veldigun!Alex AU vibes. Might fit with other stuff idk do with that what you will ¯\_(ツ)_/¯]

"Soft Bitch" by Rio Romeo [pretty sure it was spookmuth that made a sitcom AU art inspired by this song and I love it]

"Runaway" by AURORA [secret-spirit if you see this at all just know this was your doing (/pos). This is like, my favorite AURORA song and seeing you do an Alex art in the whiteboard to this song sparked a primal "holy shit" moment in me]

"Lose Control" by Teddy Swims [I was doodling in the DOAI whiteboard when my mamá started playing this in the other room and my brain immediately went "oh my god what if Clyde and Winfrey"]

"Soft Apocalypse" by Charming Disaster [Once again, everybody give it up for Styx's music taste, this is making my brainworms go mad with art ideas 👏👏👏 sitcom AU song, btw]

Side note, might hit a word limit here? So Imma have to continue this list in a reblog, just look through those for more if ya want✌️

[silver-tooth-the-panther]

(Jeezus. Y’all really do like the idea of the Twin! Au, don’t ya? Well worry not! For I have cooked up a little fic for y’all! Enjoy!)

An Unexpected Friend

(A DOAI AU Fic!)

Word count: 894

Warnings: Nothing!

Frosty wind beat against Alex’s skin as they walked down the long road to their home. Although, it no longer felt like a home due to their occupation at the asylum. Today was especially rough since they had to mind their own while another innocent patient was dragged off. They dreaded every second of their life. Not knowing what moment could be their last.

“Calm down, Alex.” They said to themselves. “You can make another recording when you get home. That might soothe your nerves.* They shook their head as their shoes scraped against the gravel. Then, they heard a very strange noise.

The sound of something thick being cut. It didn’t sound like flesh thank goodness, but it was still unnerving. “Hello?” Alex said in a slightly frightened tone. The cutting stopped as if the being was caught off guard. Alex swirled around, hoping just to see another human, but there it was.

“Don’t approach anyone you see wearing this costume.” That phrase rang in Alex’s head as they stared at the familiar orange and yellow costume. The pitch black face and asymmetrical yellow eyes watched them curiously. Alex shrieked and stumbled backwards. “The Eastridge Demon.” They mumbled under their breath. They took a few steps back before thinking of something. “If I’m going to die, I would rather die by anyone else’s hands rather than that shady corporation.” So, they stood there and closed their eyes, waiting for a, hopefully, quick death.

But death never came. The Veldigun only broke the distance between them and raised what they had been cutting. “Pumpkeen?” It’s voice was soft, yet full of joy, and it oddly sounded like Alex’s own voice. Alex then opened their eyes to see the Veldigun holding up a beautifully carved pumpkin. It looked like a traditional smiling jack o lantern, but it also had swirls for cheeks and little eyebrows.

“You…” Alex whispered. “You were carving a pumpkin?” The Veldigun nodded excitedly, it’s familiar toothy grin appearing on it’s face. “Do you like it? I’ve been working on it for a few hours now.” Alex wearily nodded. “Yeah. It’s cute.” The Veldigun’s tail flicked happily as it patted it’s feet on the ground. Then, it looked like it suddenly remembered something. “Oh! I’m sorry. I should’ve told you my name. I’m Spec, short for Spector.”

“Alex” They said as they took a step back to avoid a possible handshake. “So, you’re the Eastridge Demon.” Spec tilted their head. “No? I’m actually new around here. Although, my brother has been here for some time now! I figured I should see what the fuss was about.”

Alex’s eyes widened at the sudden realization. “Wait, so the Eastridge Demon…is your brother?” Spec nodded excitedly. “Twin brother to be exact! Although…” Their tone shifted to a sorrowful one. “We’ve been distant for a while.”

“Why’s that? If you don’t mind me asking.” Alex’s voice softened, turning more compassionate. “Well, for many reasons.” Spec fiddled with their claws. “They say that I’m a disgrace to the Veldigun kind and that I came out wrong…” Spec sighed as their tail flopped onto the ground.

Alex furrowed their brow before shaking their head. “Don’t listen to them. From what I’ve experienced, you seem to be the most friendly Veldigun I know.” They huffed irritably and muttered one last sentence under their breath. “The child snatcher has no right to say that.”

“Thanks.” Spec whispered softly. Still, the poor Veldigun looked away, a droopy frown plastered on their face. Alex knew they had to do something to help this friendly creature. Yet they didn’t have much to offer them, so they decided to give them safety from the foundation.

“Hey, bud. You…can crash at my place while you look for your brother. You do seem to be pretty tired.” Alex smiled at the Veldigun. Spec looked up at them and intertwined their claws. “Really?” Alex nodded with a warm smile. An energetic grin filled Spec’s face before wrapping their long, noodle-like arms around Alex. “Oh thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I promise you won’t regret this!”

Alex flinched at the touch, frightened that they were going to get infected. Yet, nothing happened. Spec took notice of their fright and let them go. “Sorry. I should’ve told you that I don’t spread the infection. It’s an abnormality amongst Veldiguns.” Alex chuckled as they were given a piece of their story. “Don’t worry about it, buddy. I’m guessing that’s one of the reasons?”

Spec nodded timidly. “There’s a few more, but I don’t feel like going into it.” Alex nodded, understanding their situation. “Don’t worry. You can tell me when you’re ready.” They then offered the Veldigun their hand, which they took with a wide grin. “Thanks, Alex.” Spec said with a warm smile. “Of course.” The two then made their way down the street. Alex now had some company while Spec finally found someone who was truly kind to them.

Off in the distance, Clyde, the real Eastridge Demon, growled in anger, yet also concern. “What are they doing here? Don’t they know that the foundation is here? It’s too dangerous for them to be here!” Clyde clawed at a tree as they watched the two. “They need to go back home.” The Eastridge Demon then slunk back into the darkness, planning on making their move on another day.

[silver-tooth-the-panther]

Don’t worry. This is a hurt/comfort one

The Truth Is The

Monster

(A DOAI Fanfic!)

Warnings: Hurt/comfort…A lot of it.

Word Count: 1983

Going back to work felt like going to a chamber of death. Alex felt nothing but anxiety and dread as they headed to the cage. Knowing what the future might bring caused them to have a mini heart attack whenever they were called by another staff member.

What made it especially worse was not only the fact that they had to place the USB back, but they also had to meet with The Eastridge Demon. Lately, all they’ve felt was stress and anxiety. It seems like the last time they felt stress free was before that frightful Halloween.

However, they knew that this mission was much bigger than a simple scam. This would dictate the fate of an entire species and they knew they needed to free the people in the lab. All of this severely hurt their head and clogged their vision.

But they weren’t alone in this. Not only did The Hijacker have their back, but Alex also had Spec, a friend for life. Reminding themselves of their buddy, Alex was able to continue work as normal.

In the morning, Alex quickly took the USB back to the lab. Luckily, they had no interruptions this time. They wished they could’ve talked to Mortimer though. They wanted to assure them that they were going to get rescued, but Alex couldn’t risk getting caught. So, they decided to leave something for them.

A small, folded up piece of paper slipped underneath the bars of their cage. Mortimer shook when they heard the rustling, believing it was another caretaker. When they saw the paper though, Mortimer quickly snatched it and unfolded it. Then, they quickly read it.

“Mortimer, I’m so sorry that they turned you into this. I never would’ve thought this would happen to you and I should’ve never gotten you involved in this. I understand if you’re not able to forgive me, but please know that we’re going to rescue you. Please be patient and stay hopeful. - Alex.”

Mortimer hugged the letter close to their chest, tears slowly falling down their face. “Thank you…Thank you, Alex.” They tucked the left into their pocket and crawled into their cot.

After they got off of work, Alex knew where they needed to go next. They didn’t go far in their car since they knew that Clyde wouldn’t be too far away from the foundation. So, Alex decided to park where they did when they first met Clyde.

Plants and sticks brushed up against Alex’s skin as they walked into the woods. “Clyde?” They called out in a hushed voice. “Clyde?” Alex sighed and took out a plastic baggie. “I hope Spec was right about this.” They then unzipped the bag and pulled out a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

A few seconds passed with no sign of The Smiling Snatcher. Then, Alex started to hear strange rustling all around them. “Audio hallucinations.” Alex said to themselves. “I know you’re there, Clyde!” Before they could do anything else, Clyde snatched the sandwich, without touching Alex, with their jaws. Alex yelped and stumbled backwards from the Veldigun, making it chuckle.

“What? Ain’t used to monsters like me?” Clyde said through a mouth of food. “No, you just surprised me. Like you did last time.” Alex huffed while crossing their arms. Clyde rolled their eyes, chomping down on the sandwich. “So, why did you come to find me?” They said as they finished their food.

“Well, The Hijacker wants you to join us when we raid the foundation. We want your help.” Alex spoke sternly. Clyde tiled their head as they stepped closer. “They are finally ready…guess they really needed an insider’s help.” Clyde slowly laughed, making an eerie sound. “But I know that you don’t like me…”

“That’s because of how you treat Spec.” Alex remarked, huffing with repressed anger. “This is not your business, human.” Clyde snapped their jaws. “You don’t understand…” Alex furrowed their eyebrows. “Understand what? They’ve told me quite a lot, so I definitely understand.”

Clyde growled, tail flicking rapidly. “They don’t understand either. They don’t know anything!” Alex bared their teeth. “That’s because you kept them in the dark! You made them feel worthless! You made them feel like they don’t belong!” Clyde jumped to Alex, landing right in front of them. “You have no idea what I’ve done for them! You have no idea what I’ve had to sacrifice for them! I’ve lost myself for them! I’ve…I’ve lost…them.” Clyde’s voice turned soft and sorrowful in their last sentence. Then, the duo heard something.

“Clyde?” A soft voice called out from the bushes. Spec’s yellow eyes glowed in the dark as they stepped closer. “Clyde? Alex?” The small Veldigun tilted their head, their eyes filled with confusion…and hurt. “Spec? What are you doing here?” Alex asked, terrified that they might now know the truth.

“You weren’t back from work yet, so I thought I should go look for you in case you needed help.” Spec winced, looking between the two of them. “But I see that you have found my brother.” They shook, seemingly trying to understand what’s going on. “Why…Why didn’t you tell me?”

Before Alex could answer, Clyde stepped in front of them and growled. “Because you are a weak Veldigun. You are useless and not a worthy member of the species!” These words dug into Spec as they curled their tail around their body. “Clyde…I’m sorry…I-I just wanted to find you…”

“You should’ve stayed away…” Clyde hissed, slamming their claws against a tree. “You don’t understand. You will never understand because you’re nothing like us. You spend your time making ridiculous stories and playing games…instead of-“

“Instead of hurting others?” Alex growled, trying to cease Clyde’s mental attack. Spec’s eyes widened when they heard this. “You…you hurt others?” Clyde backed away, raising their clawed hands. “It’s…It’s not what you think…I-I…could not fight this war without them.” Realizing what they just said, Clyde covered their mouth, but it was too late.

Tears filled Spec’s eyes as they slowly backed away. “How…how could you? Why…Why…I don’t understand.” Clyde tried to reach out a hand towards them, but Spec smacked their hand away. “Stay away from me, you monster!” Spec cried out before turning around and running away, sobbing all the way.

“Spec! Please!” Clyde roared, stomping their feet. Alex could feel their heart ache as they saw their partner being crushed. “Why do you have to be such an asshole to them?! Why did you kill those children that Halloween night?!” Clyde sighed, exhausted. “You don’t understand.” They said weakly.

“You’re right! I don’t! I don’t understand why someone would be so cruel!” Alex roared with pure rage. “BECAUSE I NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT THEY’RE SAFE!” Clyde whirled around, hot tears streaming down their face. “They need to hate me…so they would stay away from this place. If they don’t, they will follow me until they die.”

Clyde laid their back flat against the tree, sliding down to the ground. “Do you think I want to be cruel to them? Do you think I wanted to hurt those children?” Alex’s expression softened as they walked over to Clyde and crouched down in front of them. “Why did you hurt them then?”

“Same reason why you and The Hijacker are determined to break into the asylum.” They sighed. “This war has stripped everything from me. I’ve lost so many friends and family…my best friend is being tortured on a daily basis…I can’t lose Spec too. I want them to have a future, even if I’m not apart of it.”

Alex tilted their head. “What about the children?” Clyde covered half of their face with their hand. “I never wanted to steal their souls. Winfrey will be disappointed when they hear about it. I…I needed the power…I can’t fight all those caretakers with no power.”

Alex sighed. “So, in your mind, you did the wrong thing for the right reasons?” Clyde nods, wiping a tear from their eyes. “I hate myself everyday because of what I’ve done.” Alex then sat down next to them. “It doesn’t have to be like that, Clyde. You just need to talk to them.”

“Alex, you don’t get it. They’re stubborn and they’ll constantly insist that they can help. They have no power and can’t suckle souls, so they’ll get killed.” Alex shook their head slowly. “They may not be as strong as you, but they are more intelligent than you give them credit for. I know that you don’t want them killed, but you’re still hurting them.”

Alex then stood up and dusted themselves off. “Just talk to them, alright? I’m sure they’ll understand.” They took a few steps before Clyde lifted their head from their hands. “I-I’ll join you…I’ll come by tomorrow night.” Alex nodded at the Veldigun before turning and leaving to go to their car.

Alex drove home as quickly as possible. Now, they were extremely anxious and they worried if Spec had been caught. Every light felt like a slap in the face and time wasted. After some time though, they finally arrived home.

The screen door was shut, but the wooden one was not. Alex quickly ran up the stone stairs, praying to themselves that Spec was there. “Spec!” They looked through the bedroom and kitchen frantically. “Spec! Where are you?!” Then, they heard some sniffing in the living room.

‘Trick r Treat’ was playing on the TV and what looked like a bundle of blankets was laying on the couch, but it was actually the small Veldigun. Alex’s heart broke as they walked closer, listening to their cries and sobs. They sat down on the other side of the couch.

Spec was completely covered by the grey blanket they took shelter in. “Spec?” Alex spoke in a soft, gentle voice. The Veldigun peeked out from under the blanket, pain and tears streaming down their face. Alex’s expression softened and patted their lap, calling for the Veldigun.

In a few seconds, Spec shuffled closer to Alex and laid their head on their friend’s lap. Alex sighed as they gently started to pet the Veldigun. They waited a few moments before speaking.

“I know it doesn’t feel like it, but they do love you.” Spec looked up at them as Alex spoke. “They…they just don’t know how to communicate. They just want you to stay safe.” The Veldigun nodded as they rested their head once more. “I know it’s because I’m weak.”

Alex shook their head. “No, you’re not weak.” Spec sniffed softly. “Then why did you go along with their lie? Both Clyde and Lankmann…” Alex sighed, knowing that this was coming. “Because I wanted you to stay safe just as much as everyone else. You’re too sweet and kind to lose.” Spec sat up rather quickly. “So are you! You’re also a human! You shouldn’t have been forced into this.”

“You’re right, Spec, but it’s too late for me. My fate was sealed on Halloween night.” Alex sighed and continued to pet the Veldigun, who laid their head back down on their friend’s lap. “I’m sorry, Spec. I didn’t think it was alright to keep this from you, but I guess I let my heart cloud my better judgment.”

Spec turned their body to look at Alex. “It’s…It’s alright. I understand why you did it. I probably would’ve done the same. Just please…let me help. I want to help you guys. I can tell that this war has been weighing on my brother and Lankmann. So, please…let me help.” Alex softly smiled. “If I can help them, then you can too.”

Spec turned back over to face the TV. Then, they started to purr softly. “That feels nice…” Spec murmured as Alex continued to pet them. Alex chuckled lightly as they did so. “I’m glad. Just try to relax, okay?” Spec nodded, purring loudly, before they quickly fell asleep.