#noooo freaking idea how i made this i blacked out for four days

[rapidhighway]

i made my first ever full character model in blender and i had no idea what i was doing but i made this hiiiii based on this drawing of mine :)

[idont-know-what-im-doing]

The Protector

Warnings

Sympathetic Deceit, swords, threats of violence, panic attacks (it's probably really inaccurate), some cursing

______________________________________________________________

👑

Creativity was just minding his own business, lying on his bed and creating epic fantasies about the party  Thomas had just been invited to. 

Thomas was going to be the bell of the ball, and he'll meet a dashing prince who will sweep him off his feet, no, Thomas would sweep the prince off his feet. He would impress him so much that they would slow dance together, and sing a beautiful duet that they made up on the spot, and the party in the background would fade away and they would be in a beautiful forest and animals would sing the background vocals and- 

Suddenly he felt the attention being torn away from him. His beautiful fantasies were being twisted and corrupted, turned into the worst possible outcomes. 

Anxiety. This must be his doing. Ruining his perfect creations with his edgy, and honestly unrealistic, scenarios. 

He absolutely would not stand for this. He was Creativity, after all, he was the prince of the imagination, nay, the entire mindscape. He's non-stop And it's his sacred responsibly to stop this vile villain from hurting his friends and his host.

He jumped up and grabbed his sword, (he would never dream of hurting another side, he wasn't a dark side, after all, but it might be useful if Anxiety needs any convincing.), and sank straight into Anxiety's room. 

(Well, not straight.)

When he got there he couldn't help but be taken aback at the state the room was in; for one thing, it was freezing cold, and nearly pitch black. And once his eyes adjusted to the darkness, he saw the clothes, books, and other items carelessly tossed everywhere, and the spider webs in every corner! How could Anxiety live like this?  There is no way any of this stuff sparks any joy. Did he really care so little? 

Creativity felt a shiver down his spine as the fear began to set in. Right, he had forgotten this room had that effect. No matter, he thought, a dark and scary room was no match for a prince. he just had to talk to Anxiety and then he could leave. He could do this, he had to.

He looked around and saw a dark figure sitting on the bed.

"ANXIETY!" 

He had to stifle a laugh as the figure jumped and let out a yelp, clearly not expecting the sudden noise. He walked over to Anxiety and noticed that he was shaking. Good. He should be scared. 

"Wh- what do you want Princey?" 

He said in Tempest Tongue™, Ha! As if that pathetic parlor trick could intimidate a brave prince such as himself. And the darkling was stuttering, Creativity smiled to himself, this is going to be easy.

"I want you to stop ruining all my hard work!

" what do you-"

"DON'T PLAY DUMB WITH ME!"

He yelled, pulling out his sword and pointing it at the villainous side.

"This party is going to be perfect. And you are going to stay out of it. Understand?"

"I- uh- y-" 

He was trembling like a leaf, pathetic. Just quit stuttering and answer! Then this would be over. It's so easy. But noooo, he had to draw this out as long as possible and make Creativity stay in this disgusting place even longer.

"UNDERSTAND?!" 

He yelled, gesturing with his sword for emphasis.

"Creativity."

Said a voice, from behind him. he turned to face this stranger and saw nothing but a long black cloak. (God, dramatic much? That's supposed to be his thing!) Nonetheless, he knew exactly which snake-faced side was lurking in the darkness beneath the hood.

Deceit.

"Well, well, well, if it isn't-"

He began before he was so rudely interrupted by the dark side before him

"I'm not in the mood for your games Princey, get out."

"How dare you?!" 

He gasped, he was preparing to go on a totally reasonably sized rant about respecting royalty and how he could have his head for this when he was rudely cut off again! With a wave of Deceits' hand, Creativity's own hand slapped over his gorgeous lips, silencing him and causing him to drop his sword. Deceit picked it up and pointed it at the regal side.

"I said Get. Out. UNDERSTAND!?" 

He yelled, gesturing with the sword for emphasis, it nearly cut him

Creativity nodded and Deceit lowered the sword and Creativity's hand.

"And take your stupid sword!" He said tossing it at Creativity. It could have cut him! Again!

 What a freak.

                                                         ***

Logic was furiously attempting to fit in as much studying as possible before the frivolous social gathering that Creativity suggested they attend. And naturally, Morality was all for it. After that, it would be futile to try to convince their host to stay home and study. Even if he was not out-numbered 2-1 no one would have listened to him anyway, they never do.

His thoughts were interrupted when he noticed that he was not alone in his room. Deceit was standing near the doorway. 

He did the logical thing and tried to call for help. But before he could even get a word out Deceit flicked his wrist and silenced him.

"I don't have a lot of time, so listen to me very carefully. You are going to give me the information I need as quickly as you possibly can and you are not going to ask any questions. Are we understood?" 

Logic nodded and Deceit lowered his hand.

"Good, I need all the information you have on panic attacks."

He requested.

What could he possibly want to do with that information? Deceit probably wants to find a way to give Thomas a panic attack, so Logic should make sure not to give him any information that he could use for that. But what if that is not his plan? What if Logic ends up giving him the exact information he needs to hurt Thomas?  There is only one way to be sure. Ask him.

"Why do you need-"

Deceit silenced him again. 

Oh, never mind that was not a smart plan.

"Ya know…" 

Deceit said coyly 

"This trick is really handy. You can't say a thing, can you?"

Logic shook his head, but Deceit didn't seem to notice and just kept monologuing.

"No need to try to answer, I know you can't. It even silenced Creativity, so of course, it’ll work with you."

Logic believes that would qualify as a "burn"

"in fact… I bet no one could even hear you if you tried to scream."

Logic's eyes widened with fear.

"But I don't think you want to test that theory right now, do you?" He grinned, his fangs and scales glinting despite no light being shined on them. Illogical, but dramatic and threatening nonetheless.

Logic shook his head desperately. Whatever Deceit had planned for him, it would probably be a better idea to just give him the information he needs.

Deceit dropped Logics hand and for a split second it looked like his smug look morphed into something else, Logic wasn't good with feelings, but he could have sworn it looked like… guilt?

But naturally, that's impossible. Dark sides don't feel remorse. They're evil. Or at least that's what Creativity said, and, as Creativity, he would know the most about this illogical, make-believe world they live in.

                                                            ***

Deceit lightly knocked on Anxiety's door before entering. 

"Who's there?!" 

Anxiety asked in Tempest Tongue™. God, Creativity must have really scared him.

"It's Deceit, can I come in?"

He didn't hear a response, technically Anxiety didn't say no…?

He really should have asked Logic more questions.

He decided to just walk in anyway.

Anxiety was curled up in a ball on his bed, shaking, with tears falling down his face. He looked so weak.

Deceit was going to f*cking kill Creativity! Did he have no compassion? No sympathy for others? Of course, he didn't; he was the "prince" and therefore he mattered more than the rest of them. And naturally the "dark sides" didn't matter at all. 

This hellish society is ruled by a tyrant child who thinks his actions don't have consequences. And yet he dares call them the vill-

That's not what this is about. He had to comfort Anxiety. He could focus on dismantling an unjust society later.

"Anx?" 

He asked softly, sitting down next to him.

"Can you hear me?" 

Anxiety nodded

"Good. Everything will be okay. I just need you to breathe with me, okay? Breathe in for four seconds; 1, 2, 3, 4. Good. Now hold for seven seconds. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. You're doing great. Now breathe out for eight seconds; 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. You got it! In. Hold. Out. In. Hold. Out." 

It took awhile for Anxiety to match his breathing, and once he did they kept breathing together for a few minutes.

"Do you feel better?" 

Deceit asked, making sure to keep his voice soft.

Anxiety nodded

"Can I hug you?"

"Y- yes" 

His voice was already starting to return to normal.

Deceit wrapped the smaller side up in his arms.

Anxiety clung to Deceit, gripping the back of his cloak, and burying his face in his shoulder.

"Tell anyone about this and I will murder you"

He whispered in his ear

"Of course, "

Deceit replied sarcastically

"Wouldn't want to ruin your reputation of being a fearless badass, now would we?"

"Shut up"

He complained, his voice muffled by Deceit's cloak.

They sat there in silence, wishing they could stay like this forever.

Deceit soon felt his shoulder grow damp. Anxiety was crying.

Deceit pulled leaned away and looked in his eyes.

"Hey, look at me. I know things suck right now, they really suck. But I will fix this." 

He said with finality

"One of these days, everything will be different."

[neuropathicgypsy]

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A post shared by Alex Laughlin (@alexlaughlin40) on Feb 3, 2019 at 5:13pm PST

I was complaining about his pictures.. I didn't like them... Not that he's not beautiful.. I just didnt like h pictures...

People say alot about "me not being there"

But his pictures... He's not there..

I've told him before...

This I watched a thousand times when he first posted it... I didn't know why or why i heard him say id taught him that on date night on accident or that it had hit me in the head..

It felt like only two of us had been there... But with the sound it made it feel like a bunch... Which made me think may Be it was a busy night or maybe we went with a group

By the time he had posted it, i had known he was in my life... But only for a short time...

So I didn't know what he meant. I thought I should message and ask him...

But I didn't. I wanted to tell myself to try.

But i didn't. I just wanted to keep watching.

At first, my reaction was the same as tonight, what a dork. Like REALLY. What a complete dork. No one think he's any thing but annoying and total dork 2 year old too hyper annoying child.

Then i watch it again. And again. And again.

And i see him. When he walks off camera. That's where he is.

It would have made sense to write him since he only appeared off camera.

But i had only seen him once.

What if he was damaged like me? I already knew i was too damaged for myself...

And so I would mess him up.... Because I always do.. I can't hold a relationship. Like never.

I get too impatient. Too angry. Too Me.

I decided to just be glad i saw him. Maybe it didn't make any difference to him and probably I'd forget in all reality. So then in the end it wouldn't make a difference if I saw him...

Now would it?

And so if I wrote him and I was too damaged then i would ruin it all. I always did. Always too much pressure on someone. Me or them.

I wasn't ready.

And I tell you. It's true. The one day I decided to try. He blocked me.

He really did. I just use another account cause fuck that shit, you're not gonna stand in my way Alex Laughlin with that giant phone in your pocket. Unblock me when you're ready. I'll just stalk you not so silently on social media.

Now we'll see about that date night we had...

Michael Jackson asked us to check on the people we sent home. He said he wanted to join the CIA and they checked and watched but he wanted to see if it were all true. Since we knew who we sent home, we should go. So we all four went.

Saint Luches and Jesse Tony went dressed like homeless beggars to see if they'd catch up with a kidnapper or protector.

And we went on a date night to a local putt-putt mini golf.

Alex was freaking out because it was an hour and a half and we hadn't seen them walk by yet. So he had us in the corner nearest where they were supposed to walk up at. He sat on a bench "not even a page" he checked his beeper.

We both knew they were in danger and they were gonna get jacked up. We knew. The plan was they were to get kidnapped. Find the kidnappers hide outs and make sure our girl's were at home, had beem delivered by the CIA. Alex didn't want to be kidnapped. He couldn't handle that. So he went with me. We never went out on date night.

"Give me your ball. You're not ruining date night"

"What? Excuse me? Our friends could be dead and you're worried about you, yourself?"

"Neither one are dead. I would know" i stacked two balls and he threw his hands up in the air. God he could be so annoying in public. I never knew. He is sitting there looking so sexy and doesn't even know. Maybe i should tell him! Strike One. Right. Then I'll get in trouble. Besides didn't I already show him with a blow job in the car? But no all he had to do was worry. That was all. Did he compliant my dress? Strike Two. Yes he did. Of course he did. He Always did. But could he tell the difference between one dress and another?

"Can you tell three difference between me and a suit? The different ones I wear?"

I looked up at him. Yeah. Of course I could. This one was blue with jeans in case he had to run. Tomorrow was black which I preferred with black jeans, again. I looked down at the ground but i was still watching him and the street from the corner of my eye. No one was coming. Not good.

He threw his hands up "not again! Not--!" He stood and pulled at his leg "these ones are blue!"

"I know that honey! I just meant--"

"Why are you whiney?"

"Just stuff."

I felt him lean backwards on me, back to back, slide down and end face up between my legs.

"Get on. Hurry before someone sees" I looked down between my legs at him. His bright blue jeans were undone

"But you're not out yet and you don't like me being on top!"

"Look again"

"Oh you're out already?! But some one could see!"

"You better hide it" i looked down the street. "They're not coming you're right they've been kidnapped. Saint Luches was already. Jesse is still waiting. Mark told me and he told me I better take care of you. Come on! Its getting cold! You're gonna freeze my thing off of me!"

"But Mark shouldn't I lay down?"

"Lets do the proper thing and lay your coat down under her. These guys in this van behind her have been watching her and you." Said Mark

"Lead the way babe! This New Orleans thing aint bad at all when you're with someone who knows how to have fun!"

"I can't ... I can't get it up ... I can't do it when some kidnappers are sitting here watching me! Now they know my face!!"

"Well they can get to know my pussy." He was looking up and i could hear a car "what? Its Jesse isn't it? What was he pointing down at?"

"Time? What? Idk!!"

"He said meet me here. He knows what to do this time and he is gonna attack the kidnappers and take the van. Quick baby get up. Someone is coming. Baby! Look at me"

"Im watching Jesse"

"I can't see. Babe. I feel the ground vibrations. You gotta get up. Babe. Honey please. Babe he's coming to you" he had no idea a kidnapper from the van was coming and the on side he had me pinned down in. I could see his shadow. I didn't know if he was using chloroform and how fast he was. He thought i was talking about Jesse in the van. No. I was talking about the people at our feet!! Not our heads.

"Why don't you trust me i can see just fine!" He looked down at me and kissed my lips and saw the shadow i saw. He looked up. There was 7 kidnappers surrounding us. He still hadn't entered me and had his Dick in his hand. But he was over me so they couldn't see. He looked me in the eyes. Slide your knee up. So I did. Carefully and zip. Then he was up in a milisecond, climbing off me, grabbing the club and swinging. What do i do? "Tuck and Roll!!"

I did away from them, the same direction he had went "Go!! Don't run!!"

He meant hide. He was fighting for the club it seemed.. One was watching and 2 were down and 2 were fighting him and one was nearby to jump in.

"You can't catch me!!!!" I ran toward him. Zig

"NO! I GOT IT! JUST NOOOO!"

Zag! "Hey!! You wanna piece of me?!?! I got a pretty pussy!!" I smiled and pulled at the hem of my skirt and twisted my hips back and forth.

"Noooo!!!"

The guy fighting him for the club.. He was sickest. I saw it in his eyes. He didn't know what a human was anymore. It was so long since he had been one. Surrounded by evil so long that's all he knew and has become.

Dam if he hadn't distracted me just enough... First i felt a light touch on my ankle, "me" "no, that's enough she can only have me dammit" my arm was grabbed roughly. I felt i was in a horror film and i was the one to die. The man sized thing had a death grip on me and blacked out teeth and a look on his eyes that passed psycho. I was scared. I checked Laughlin. He was just watching keeping cool twirling the golf club like a baton. I could hear Luches saying I said help me and Laughlin saying I said run.

"Let GO!" I yanked my arm. I spun around, bent my knees. There was 4. Shit, all eyes on me! Its time! Go! I ran toward the one i expected to grab me But didn't. Past him fast, jog past Laughlin in heels. I know he liked it. I was in heels. Extra special sauce. Slow jog so he could enjoy. Larger outer rim and super fast towards the kick. I slammed myself into the chain link fence. Ducked down a bit and tight squeeze -- heels to the side. Stand in the middle. I completed a full circle. Dodged behind the storage shed. I only had 6 inches. My ass bent the fence so i could sit a bit, taking pressure off my knees because I put my feet in toe facing toe. I was too desperate to think that step. Man I was scared

"Stay in the middle. He will come and get you. Man look at my baby I'm so proud" I heard my real mom. The one that gave birth to me.

"Mom! I'm scared! There's too many! Is he gonna be alright?"

"Mark will help he will be fine."

"Okay I'll just wait then" I looked down at my nails and picked at the cuticles.

"Don't look up"

I did anyway. It was grotesque. I flinched.

"Don't you want me?" He asked leaning his head in as far as he could between the fence and shed.

"Don't look up"

I did anyway. At least he looked somewhat human. He was probably the Boss. He was the one i expected to grab me. Instead he just stands around while everyone else does the work.

"They're too high to know what they're doing. They'll be alright"

"Mom my heart!"

"Every thing is alright you just need to caaalllm through it" I felt relief

I just need to look at the normal one. That will be okay..

"Are you kidnapped?"

I heard the chain link behind me I looked and he was trying to move in behind the shed. I whimpered.

"Yeah. You are young, too, I expect. I think i know your boyfriend. He work in New York City?"

I gasped "you are kidnapped! What are you doing?!!"

"They made me do it. Said if i didn't they would kill my whole family. So i pretend to be the lookout hoping someone will catch me, them, they pay me good too. Your other friend is in the van"

Alex appeared

"No!!!" I gasped and put my hand in my face as he knocked out the innocent kid "just go get the other--"

"What am I doing?"

"Kill that thing over there"

"What baby? Let's get you out of there" he leaned over to assist

"Oh my God! Watch out!" I saw the shadow loom near him

"Huh? I already hit this one! Just go the other way babe! It'll be alright"

"Oh my God. I hope so!"

"It will just do what you need to" i heard my mom's voice. "He's over here"

"I know" I was so scared to look around the corner and see the eyes of herion on the face of a psycho but I had to, I know Alex was just holding him off. Pretending to fight. I could tell.

"Now run!" My mom said

"Okay!" I was whining "to the van! I know! Right in front of me!" I felt confident. I got past the fence into the lot "oh no! There's two!"

"Just get in! That is what i was trying to tell you!" Mom said

"Okay... I... I... Okay come on door open for me!" It did it smelled like oily car parts "saint Lcuha?"

"No"

Okay get in. What? Did he say no? I could smell his cologne. I was in such a panic. My heart was failing me so bad

"Why are you putting your seat belt on for? He wants thou to drive and Don't duck"

Who? Saint Luches? I looked up and saw Alex.

"I'm hoping that other one is empty. I took the keys. Idk why. Now let's find Jesse"

It took 3 weeks to clean up New Orleans. The CIA there went bad. They said they would let people return home but if any one was on the street they were free game. The mini golf was abandoned. Gate ripped off. Cars in the parking lot but no one was there. We got the club and balls our self.

I had to go to the emergency room 4 times because of chronic heart failure.

One time All i could do was bend over and put pressure on my heart but it was too bad. Alex held my hand as he drove. He drove to the hospital, covered in kidnapper blood. Saint Luches had to carry me in. I was already gone.

They said it was heart attacks. Nurses said it was miracles. 3 heart attacks within 10 days. Massive heart failure. Dead for 9 hours one time. About t pronounce me dead but had to wait on a lawyer from NYC. A miracle they said. But I felt like shit.

Only 6 of us against 294 kidnappers, 2/3 were CIA/FBI

No one went to school or work. Only fully loaded adult vans went to stores and not many shelves had food.

The Evil was great in that town. Just East of New Orleans.

Only 294 took down thousands.

Only 6 if us it took to save them all.

We did the same thing every time. 2 homeless/hungry street walkers, sometimes prostituting.

Or 3 if I couldn't go because I was too sick, around my kryptonite heroin and kidnappers.

2 Michael Jackson and T at movie theaters, gas stations, wherever normal went. Sometimes I went with them. Sat in the back seat. Lincoln Continental. Tinted windows. Back seat window slant for privacy. They would lock the doors. I would unlock T's he would use the key or she would open. Sometimes I did both. That's when we knew I was feeling better. I had to unlock 2 doors all day at least 4 days without missing a stop without a reason. Or I had to stay in the car. I got paid. Really sick days I laid down and slept. She would go in through his side door or stay in and sit with me.

9 times I unlocked the door for a kidnapper. I was usually reading a novella. Id see a shadow, think it was her or sometimes Michael. Just unlock it auto matic ally.

The first time I ran screaming from the car when a zombie got in. And collapsed 20 feet away. I felt dumb. I tried to keep my eyes open. To see whose feet i could hear but i was dead.

T telling Michael "2 days after her 3rd massive heart attack and what's she out doing? Exercising. What the doctor say to do? Not that! You not dead yet? We're taking you to the hospital anyway. This will be no fun. Im not taking the fall for that. What was she doing anyway? Unlocking the door for that that thing. I don't blame her I would taken off running screaming too if that thing came near me. What she call them? zombie? Dam things are scary looking. And she opened the door for the scariest. Bet he could smell her sweet pussy like that other one did that scared her so bad. Said he reminded her of her dad that day when she called the police on him but worse. She said she only told me that cause she said I'm a girl and pretty and her mom was giving her a pretty hard time About it and she wondered she should be scared or not, it was pretty dam bad Michael. She had this look in her eyes that i never seen before. She's asleep now. Wuss. Wuss. But it was bad Michael im telling you. That look in her eyes. Shes never had it, it was terror. Complete terror. Wuss. Wake up wuss. She told me to call her that. Might make her angry i don't care about her feelings. Make her wanna fight me. Im her cousin. I could do that. Wuss. Wuss. She's too weak. She can't. She wants to though. She's awake, i told your secret you wanna fight me? She said no. Don't tell them other two boys tho. I already told Jess. She said i could because he's independent like her but the other two seem to rely on her and she don't want them to know. She said Jesse would know what to do and protect them for her. But if they knew how scared she was They would go berserk. But she said they would start fighting how to take care of her. She said it was good you were here tho. You could take leadership over her and they would let you. They want her safe and out of the way the most part thats what she said. Wuss. Get back in your body. I ain't putting up with that shit, she said at the hospital. Theres something happening up a head. She can't see laying down. Van! Kidnappers! She said that is the one the boys are in. She said to follow. Who is in? Oh Jesse and Alex. Saint Luches always goes alone. But Alex won't. Oh he will now? She said he knew something was wrong so he jumped in too. They're trying to figure out what. Or what to do, what is. Oh they don't know what is wrong with her. Get back in Yoir body and sit up. She said no. She's too weak just tell the boys to shove her against the window. You know they won't. They will have a dam heart attack. Sit up! You see this. She's waving her arm at and it goes up 6 inches then thump. She can't do shit. Wuss. She's just a wuss. I'm just unlocking the door for them So they can get in faster. She had a heart attack. She said collapsed she's trying but she has no rhythm. Just rub her hands and legs and feet that's what the doctor said to do. No she's been shaking her head although slightly and nodding. Nodding is clearer but she's only moving near millimeters. Aren't ya? Look! She smiled! She's lethargic. No don't try to move! Just lay there let them help your blood flow to your heart and brain"

Jesse had got in at my head. Alex at my feet. They just slid under my body. When we got Saint Luches, Jesse slid to the middle and bent me up in his lap then laid me down gently into Saint Luches lap.

Of all the people in the car, Saint Luches put his seat belt on.

Boy been thrown in the back of vans with no seats much less belts for weeks!!. Dam boy. I laughed and it killed me..at least I died laughing, i thought. Instead of of terror.

I had to stay over night. Total 9 days in the hospital. For 3 massive coronary and medium to severe heart attack, that wasnt too bad.

Im glad they diagnosed me. My mother said it was a panic attack. I told her I was sure glad she wasn't a nurse! She laughed.

She didn't die laughing, though, she was already dead.

She was right though... She wanted to become a nurse because of my heart condition. It's actually backwards when I was born. Its turned 3/4 of the way backwards now...

Apparently there's extra long tubes so it could turn all the way.

Love is the only cure. My work here isn't done.

Balls to the walls, kids.

So after that... Well the night i got out of the hospital.. My blood pressure dropped from stress, from remembering the last time i had been in the car, so T had to climb over the seat and help the blood flow to my limbs

So after that Alex decided I couldn't ride alone.

So then when i saw a shadow go to the window 2 days after my 4th trip to the hospital after 4 insane heart attacks, and everyone left me in the car alone because there was 7 vans I just unlocked the door

I wasn't really reading. I was trying but really i wss just looking at the book, listening. So when the kidnapper got in, I leaned all the way back in the seat so my head was far as possible. It exposed my chest so if he wanted to perv on my boobs there was nothing I can do. But it was better than being attacked in my spine or head. So i tried to hold the hardcover book to protect me.

I opened my car door to signal a problem.

"Don't move. Stay in the car"

I shut the door. "What is this? I think the seat belt went out" open the door. Slam. "No shit. I really did it this time" open door Slam. "Now the buckle.." Open door Slam. I saw Alex perk on the 3rd. "Now just one more..." Open door. Slam. I heard him. "I'm coming Baby" "got it. Finally" "uhhh sir? I didn't see you in here before. Did you get in the wrong car? Because I don't know yo--"

I realized if he didn't turn around then may be it was better. If I didn't see his face, I had a feeling I wanted to But I didn't know if it was curiosity or instinct. He had a hood up so when he turned his head it wasn't enough.

"Hey... Uhm.. Did you want to get something to eat? One of my friends has lots of money. Did you see her? You're in her seat. You might want to scoot over towards the middle" Alex had came and he had cracked his door open to hear. I knew we needed to find out our situation. And Alex was there. I wouldn't get So scared. If I saw a shadow behind I would just scream and point. This guy wasn't turning around for nothing. He wouldn't see me point out his friends. Of course the shadows were going the wrong direction. But if i could see i could scream, that would make my point clear. I opened up my book to steady my heart. It wzs begining to race and I had to steady it in the beginning. Just think about Alex getting in the car being safe i said to myself.

"Yeah buddy. You may just want to scoot over. Hey did you want to drive or anything? You can the car is already on." Alex climbed in the car. Shut and locked the door and began to mess with his seatbelt

"Where is the girl with the money?"

"Oh they're not coming" Alex looked at me like why did you say that for?

Idk sounded good to me. They were criminals. All criminals wanted money. I was pretty sure he wasn't going anywhere.

"But i took the money. See? I got a hunny" he pulled out a dollar bill from my purse in the floor.

"This is a one!! I need to make me some money!!" He slid over to the driver side

He doesn't even sound human i worried. Alex said he didn't look like he had any eyes.

He put the car in drive

"Alex! No!"

Alex dust busted him anyway, jumped over the seat and put it in park

"He left his clothes?!"

"Yeah. Sit up here with me"

"No I don't want too. Too much strength. Action. Movement. I can't even read. Did you know? Too much strength"

"I had a feeling. But you're smart enough to slam the door to alert me. Put your seat belt on. There you go that's nice. Thank you bunny"

He was driving around the vans looking for our friends. He turned the corner and so many shadows. He parked. They seemed to get bigger.

"Oh no! Alex! Alex!" Then I just literally screamed and covered my head, he reached back and locked my door. Moving slow and still.

"They're just buildings now. You can look"

"Oh no Alex. One just got in the car! He's sitting behind you! Alex! No! Please don't touch me! Alex! Shoot it!"

He tried to climb up the back window. Like the one the day before had when I was just with Michael and T. He laid there mimicking me. And dangling his arm off the back of the back dash. I didn't tell anyone. I didn't know if it was because i had been dead and it was Mark and my brain wasn't working proper cause the blood so i couldn't recognize. T turned around to check on me a lot and Mike checked the review mirror a lot. I knew he was driving but surely he could see if something was dangerous... But his eyes didn't acknowledge. Neither did hers.

"Your mom said i could!" He sounded hurt. In 2020 that attitude pisses me off and i kill things dead immediately, "we were in the morgue! And we were listening!! They said. They said you were scared! And we knew we couldn't kill the Queen! So i didnt turn around! And i was shot! Shot twice!"

Alex looked at me questioningly. "I don't know? If my mom said it's for a reason. I saw him yesterday and didn't tell no one"

"Thats not what i meant and i think i know that. You do, too. You're hiding something from me. Why are you sacred? Why did you let him in the car?" He said as he climbed over the seat. The last question was angry.

"Idk. You're beautiful do you know that? I love you"

"You make me want to fuck you! But I need to know what you're hiding from me, i know you do it sometimes and you haven't said one word about not working and sitting in a car being a door unlocker and you can kill, too"

"I know i can. Its just temporary until i feel better. Your eyes are so beautiful. Lets cuddle"

"Don't make me do this to you. I can't cuddle and you're sick and i know the truth"

"Oh that's okay just put your arm on the back of rhe seat and ill snuggle with you"

"No. I'm being patient with you. Don't look like i just slapped you."

"You did. Not my face but my heart"

"Fine. Lean against me"

"Take your shirt off"

"No I'm not doing that right now, honey"

"Your pants?"

"I would like to say yes but in your condition that's exerting too much pressure on your tonsils"

"What's wrong with T? She hasn't moved since you brought me over here"

"We don't know. Michael is trying to find the answer"

"You just need to shoot her. Here" i reached for the gun on his thigh near his knee

"No!!!!" He snatched it away.

"She won't die! She's not evil"

No way he was like no way

"Babe trust. Look see me. See her? She needs help. She's not like me. She can't move. Whatever hurt her is not her heart. She would have fallen over."

"Let me ask Mike"

"No let me just shoot her"

"You let one alien in the car and you want to kill our friend?!"

"I've let two."

"Oh well! And!" He was losing it.

"She's my cousin!. Trust. I know her. Something that has her is evil. Remember the clothes in the front seat? You shoved them out the door. So her. It must be alien. It must also be evil alien to do that to her. What if there's like a truck to come run her over so they can take her body. Im going to go stand next to her so i can see"

"No baby I'll just ... Ill just try it. But you owe me the truth why you're scared of aliens."

"Did they kill Mike? They killed Mark"

"No he's in a vacant house using the phone takinf9to the alien agency. Are you ready?"

"Yes. Please hurry. Just fire the dam thing already! Ill do it myself!! Ow that's hot"

"I told you I would do it and I did it. Now you owe me the truth"

"i can't im busy"

"You're not doing anything!"

"Im waiting for... She's awake!! Run!! Please hurry!! Hurry!! Let her in!!"

"What's going on!!!!!"

She ran and jumped in. Moments later a big blue worker uhaul type truck plowed into the car.

"The glass didn't shatter this is good. Now we have to kill them. Hurry! No don't get out! Through the window!"

"No one's driving. What if no one is driving? I didn't see anyone-- why is the truck doors opening!!?? No one was anywhere ne--"

I saw them climbing across the hood of the car. To get in. They could just get in. Especially through glass. I started screaming like a toddler. Then yelling "just shoot it!"

"What? Get down!".

Covering my own ears screaming like a toddler, my heart exploding, i sat in the floor board facing the seat. My back against T's seat. Screaming. "Just shoot them! They're every where!! Theres since many!! They're all gonna die!!" I scream like a toddler again.

T is saying over and over to stop screaming.

Alex is losing his mind and fluctuating between adoring and wanting to kill me.

"Just fucking stop it for Jesus sakes!!" He grabs my arm to pull my hand off my ear.

"Are they done? All dead i mean?" I Sat in the seat

"Jesus Christ my babe! Look you screamed so loud you woke the dead, here he comes"

I cover my ears and start screaming again.

"Jesus Christ who woke the kid?".

Alex gets in my face "That's not what i meant!! Okay?!?! Look!! Babe!! Please!! Just look!! Out the window!!"

I grab his hand and cover my eyes and turn to the window

"Jesus Christ. Do you see what she just did!?"

I lift his little finger. Drop it, Thwn his ring but I still can't see so I lift his middle finger and i can see Michael walking towards us

"Really baby?"

"Im not a baby. Im a babe."

"Well you scream like one!" T is excited to see her man "I'm over here!!!!!" She waves to him.

"No don't open the door. Just don't, you don't want her to scream do you?"

"Well how is he supposed to get in?"

"He can get in. He's family. When i scream it feels good"

"Michael is looking at the clothes. She shot me! I'm over here. Her mom told me she would. She said I'm not evil. I'm good and it won't hurt me But protect me."

"Yeah and my mom told me to scream. She said i used to do it when I was little"

"Not to wake the dead"

"Not like we lived next to the cemetery. Besides maybe they think my singing is beautiful and they want to listen more so they come closer and my singing brings them to life because im magical."

T forgot she could move and Michael was sure she was dead. Couldn't figure out how there was skid marks where she was if they had wanted to use her body. Didn't realize she had already moved. Finally she opened her car door and stood. Me yelling did nothing. His jaw dropped. His eyes widened. His head swiveled. He dropped all these papers.a briefcase and ran to the car "oh my honey! I thought you were dead! I was sure of it! I didn't want to go home. Just wait where you died until you returned." He said into her hair all muffled.

"I told you. Love" i say

"Goddamit Youre sexy" she said

"See? All about Love!"

"But how did you get to move? Get to life or whatever did happen?"

"They shot me"

His face went crazy rage "YOU SHOT MY DAM WIFE!?!"

"See?!? I told you! Love!"

"Im gonna fucking kill you!!" He literally threw ber into the door and tried to get to Alex and strangle him

"Or may be not!"

Long story short. She spanked him. He got woke. I went to get the papers he dropped and he abandoned me in the parking lot.

"Yeah what the fuck!" I gathered them up "yeah you're a real stupid ass. Im glad it got hit. I felt pretty bad for you for a minute even though you tried to kill Alex. Now i don't know how i feel. Yeah!! Mad!!!! Leave the abandoned orpahan alone in the parking lot with alien ghosts with a heart condition! 3 massive heart attacks and a really fucking bad one!!! I can have a stroke any minu-- oh my God. I need to calm down im going to die. Im gonna die. Mom i don't know how to breathe I'm gonna choke to death. Mom! Help!! Somebody?!?!" I fell. It was all dramatic and beautiful.

Alex got out of the car that screeched down the street and picked me up "is this what heaven is like?"

"You wish. You've really got some explaining to do"

"This is so romantic! This is so sweet!!" Everything was pink and blue and not the colors they were supposed to be "is the street a river? Is this good?"

Alex walked around to the other side of the car after dropping me off.

"Oh my God!!! Sabrina!! Oh my God! No stop the car! Are you bleeding?! No! You're turning pink! Armageddon wants you back. No don't go we need you to much. Sit baxk. We will pretend we are ina limo"

"STOP THE CAR. YOU'RE DRIVING IT INTO A LAKE! WERE ALL GONNA DIE!! YOU NEED TO GET YOUR PAPERS!! wow the world is changing before my very eyes. GET THE PAPERS! YOU NEED TO CHANGE THE PROPHECY! Get the dang pap--"

"Hes not even in the car"

"Then who wss driving? He was in the seat. The world keeps changing too many colors, the people. I need to eat by the way"

"Sabrina what happened to you by the way? Why did you fall? You were all covered in blood out your nose, eyes. Ears, wrists. Then you turned pink like you lived on Armageddon. And the colors you explain are Armageddon but nothing we saw changed but not on you. Not in the air. Nothing."

"They want me back. They want me back. We will have a meeting tonight. I stayed here?"

"Yes"

"Then all will be fine. Lift up your shirt. No him."

"Why do you Keep telling me to do that?"

"To keep rhythm with your heart. My mom told me that's how she kept me alive. That and with screaming. My dad couldn't do it. That's why they always took me to the bar. That's what she said. She said you could do it for me since Mark isn't here. And just about any Earthling or human as long as it's not Jupiter"

I fell asleep. I woke at the hotel restaurant parking lot

"I'm back!!! I went to Armageddon and they said they're a bunch of douche bag bastards and want to take over the Earth and asked what I thought. I said no. They said they believed it was temporary!!"

Michael turned around. He was an alien. Alex was. Everyone was. I laid back in the seat and started screaming and kicking while they tried to eatmy soul.

[yrpspiritsintheshadows]

Escape to Neverland

Escape to Neverland

“Mom and Dad were murdered.”

That… was what they had been afraid of. 

An accident with a boat, a car wreck that lead them into the water, any of that, would’ve been preferable to what just left the teenager’s mouth.

“They were killed by freaks who wanted to study us.” Hideki spat, rage filling his eyes. “They wanted us to get away, to protect us… But…” 

The boat was unnaturally white. It reminded him of when he had looked into the maw of a larger shark when it had a rather fierce fishing hook lodged in its maw.

He could trust the shark to not consume him or his loved ones though. The water was churning, bubbles forming all around them as they rushed all sides of the nets.

The net was clever, he would give the humans credit. It lodged in all the right places, preventing much movement from the four trapped within.

“W-What’s gonna happen to us, Mom?”

The mermaid beside him had a pained look in her eyes. Aika was scared but her fear for her children, outweighed the fear for her life.

“We’re going to be fine, Hideki… I promise.” 

“Mom…”

The water disappeared, as the family of four were suspended over a hold tank, holding desperately to one another.

“It appears there is one adult male, one adult female and two juveniles, ma’am.”

“Excellent. Plenty of specimens for study then.”

“We were trying so hard to get away. Nothing was cutting it. Mom even was trying to bite it. The head scientist… she’s a psychopath.” Hideki sniffled, shaking like a leaf. “She… She wanted four. Just four…”

“Hideki…”

“... She wanted two to autopsy… and two to track their growth. When they went to drop us into the tank… Mom paid the price.” Hideki gripped at his arms, his nails carving crescents into the sleeves of his shirt.

The tank was rapidly approaching them as they fell. Aika acted on pure instinct, grabbing Hideki.

The tank was close enough to the side. Before the young man knew what had happened, she threw him over the side as her body hit the floor of the boat.

“RUN! JUST RUN!!!!”

He hit the water just as she was pulled out of sight.

“I know they died that night. They appeared before me. I don’t know what she did to them but it messed them up…” Hideki sighed heavily. “All I know is, that they’re gone… and now my brother is some lab rat for them. I don’t know what they’re gonna do to Hikaru now… or to others of my kind…”

“She’s going to jail for murder, that’s what she is.” Skyler narrowed her eyes. “I promise you that.”

“And we’re going to get Hikaru back. I promise.” Eiji gave him a gentle look. “You are so brave kiddo. So brave.”

“No I’m not… If I had just fought harder… or didn’t let Mom throw me over the edge…” 

“Hey, hey, no…” He tilted the boy’s chin up. “Take it from another parent. She made that choice because she had to choose. She chose her children over her own life because she loved you both so much. I’m sure if they hadn’t caught her, your brother would’ve been next over the side.” 

“You think so…?”

“I know so. Because if it was between Ken or my own life, I’d choose him every time.” Eiji stroked his arm. “And I’d choose you too if you were my kid. You’ve been through literal Hell and look at you…”

“A scared, shaking mess.”

“A survivor.”

Hideki’s eyes stung with tears as he threw his arms around Eiji.

“I didn’t wanna be…”

“I know…” He hugged him tightly, stroking his back. “I know, Kiddo…”

We’re gonna get you help.

Hideki curled up in his chair, trying to keep close.

“Shh… I got you…”

“You promise?”

“I promise.”

oooooo

It didn’t take long for Eiji to get ahold of the rest of the team. It was just a matter of planning now. For this was far different than a paranormal investigation.

They arrived with a rough idea of the situation, until Skyler filled the other two in on it. Now, they were in the garage, using an old card table to draw out a map of the area.

“The kid doesn’t remember the name of the ship and quite frankly I don’t blame him. He saw his life get torn apart in front of him.” Skyler narrowed her eyes. “So, we’ll have to go by the one thing we can guarantee… The parents’ ghosts.”

Chase looked up from his laptop screen.

“Still figuring out who these nuts are. Once I get a name, we can keep going.”

Eiji nodded to him.

“Thank you. Seriously, thank all of you for this.”

Lucian smirked a little.

“We go where you tell us to go. That’s how this works, Eiji. How’s the kid doing right now?” 

Eiji frowned, sighing.

“Badly. Carmen managed to convince him to go to bed since he’s already done enough with giving us the statement. She managed to get him to sleep.”

“The Carmen Sonata?”

“Basically. The kid was out like a light after a few songs.” 

He nodded.

“So, let me be the one to ask this… What are we gonna do IF we stumble across the corpses? It’s not like if they’re still changed that can be easily reported.”

“I know some people in Geistville PD.” Skyler spoke up. “They work with my branch of social services.” 

“There we go… And if the kid is with us?”

“Keep him from seeing it if we can.” Eiji looked at the map of the city, circling the pier.  “But, they’re not stupid. I doubt they’d be doing autopsies and holding the kid captive for further tests on the boat still. That’d just be stupid on their part. And Hideki didn’t say it was a huge boat either.”

Chase cleared his throat, gaining their attention.

“I think… I have an idea.” He turned his screen so the others could see. “These guys, are a supposed research team to prove the existence of mermaids and the like. They call themselves PROTEOME.” 

“Proteome…”  

He nodded.

“They’ve been running for at least twenty five years, going through their staff but their head scientist has apparently been out for mermaid blood for years. Apparently got accused of kidnapping a young woman back in the 80’s who was just out in her costume for an aquarium performance.”

Great. They’re all nuts.

“Got a campus or something?”

“Yeah, they don’t even try to hide it.” He zoomed in on the site, showing a large concrete building. 

“... Isn’t that…?”

“The old Geistville Aquarium before they moved to the new building? Yep. Still out in the sticks.”

“... Great.” Eiji clapped his hands. “We got us an invasion to do then.”

“I’ll contact my friends at the department.” 

“I’ll get us the next few days off.” Chase volunteered. “Who do you wanna potentially jinx this time with “chronic illness, have to take personal days”?”

“Hm…. I guess Oba-san.” He mused.

Lucian rolled his eyes.

“Your grandma is like what, 85? Isn’t that a little harsh?”

Eiji grinned.

“Hey, Oba-san is awesome. She gets me. Besides… Who do you think is gonna help curse these guys?”

“... Eiji, sometimes you scare me. But I’m not gonna disagree.”

They all looked at the image on the screen.

“We’re gonna get that kid back… and we’re sending those scientists to jail, no matter what.” Eiji narrowed his eyes. “With the Divine as my witness…”

We WILL win.

oooooo

“I should go with you.”

Eiji looked up from trying to decide his “disguise”, giving Hideki a firm look.

“No.”

The boy was leaning on the door to the master bedroom, a look of determination in his eyes.

“They killed my parents. My brother might be next. I should be there for him. C’mon…”

Eiji shook his head.

“It’s gonna be dangerous. We won’t do the crossing of your parents before we get Hikaru back to you. You both deserve the chance to say goodbye.”

“It’s not…” His voice cracked. “... Okay. Maybe it is about that. We’re gonna get shipped off to a foster home when this is over right?”

“Nope.”

“... Huh?” 

Eiji moved to him, laying a hand on his shoulder, warmth coming to his eyes. 

“We wanted to tell you boys when we got Hikaru back but… my wife and I talked last night. We always did want more kids… and Ken would love two big brothers…”

Hideki covered his mouth, stunned.

“You… guys want us?”

“Why not? We have plenty of room… More than enough rooms honestly and this is a bit more personal. If something happened to us… we’d want someone to find our son and help him. So, if it’s okay with you…” 

“It… It is…” Hideki wiped at his eyes. “I don’t have to leave?”

“Never. And you two can go at whatever pace you want, okay? We just want to give you guys a home.” 

Hideki hugged him again, his shoulders relaxing.

“Thank you…”

Eiji hugged him, stroking his hair.

“Anything for you… Now, Carmen has her own job for ya today if you’re okay with that.”

“Hm?”

Eiji gave him a playful look.

“You know your twin best. He’s gonna need a room to call his own.”

Hideki’s eyes lit up. 

“I can handle that!” He grinned. 

“Atta boy. Now, go ask her about that. I gotta go “Science Intern E. Fumio.””

“That is such a lame name!”

“Yeah, yeah, go!”

Before long, Eiji was meeting the others outside. Instead of one car, however, they had two. 

Eiji’s van… and a black humvee.

“... Lucian, the heck?” 

Lucian looked up from where he was leaning on it.

“I called in a favor from my uncle alright? It’s for insurance.”

“You’re… not gonna run anyone down, right?”

“Me? Noooo.” He grinned. “Never.”

“... I’m not even gonna ask.” He cleared his throat, adjusting his glasses. “Alright, let’s roll!”

They were off after that, in their own ragtag caravan, with two members per car.

We have as much supplies as we can get… Skyler has the cops ready to go at any moment…

Are we really gonna do this?

He took a deep breath.

Heck yes.

oooooo

They knew they weren’t alone when the paranormal gear in the back started going off.

“Murderers.” The automated voice of the ghost box rang out. “Murdered us. Murdered.”

“We know. We know. But you guys can’t set this off.”  

The equipment settled down but it suddenly felt very crowded in the car.

The stark white building of the old aquarium soon came into view. While it was in the “sticks”, as Chase put it, it still had a runoff to the sea.

The team parked about 20 feet from the building, their cars nestled in the brush. Due to how long it had been since the building had actually been the aquarium of old, the forest had begun to engulf it somewhat.

However, unlike the forest that Eiji’s home was built in, that seemed to welcome and cradle the small family and shelter them from harm…

This forest, was hollow… the trees twisting in gnarled forms, as if ready to come down and strike.

“Alright, the plan is, we go in where the flow to the sea is coming out.” Eiji whispered, pulling out a schematic of the building. It was old, an image from ages ago but the skeleton of the building on the inside should still be the same. He pointed to an area he circled. “Looking up old pictures, this area had a ledge to walk on because some employees would leave that way or do maintenance.”

“Then…” Skyler used her fingertip to circle another area. “If we're lucky, Hikaru should be around where the sharks initially were kept. If he’s being kept in his changed form then he’d get sick in a tiny space. They can’t keep him in shallows. He HAS to move or he’ll die.”

“And they wanted him alive.” Lucian hefted his bag of supplies over his shoulder. “Which means, the kid should at least still be somewhat stable psychically.”

“Right.” Chase narrowed his eyes. “Lucian, you should go with Eiji. Skyler and I can take out security cameras.”

“With what?”

Chase pulled out of the back, a rather intimidating looking weapon. At Eiji’s glare of disapproval, he scoffed.

“It’s a BB gun. I checked, it’s legal. Albeit this is definitely NOT a legal version.” 

“And Sky-”

Skyler pulled out from her car a large aluminum baseball bat. She gave an experimental swing as it whistled through the air.

“Like I said, I got this. It’ll be risky if we all go in at once. Chase and I will follow after you guys.” She held up her cellphone. “But, we should all turn on tracking so we can keep tabs on each other.”

They all nodded, setting down their devices, before turning to the building.

“Let’s go.”

They ran towards the building, keeping low when they noted the cameras. They quickly got out of the range, moving between them.

“One… two…”

POP!

One camera was taken out. Chase aimed his BB gun at another, firing again as it was broken.

Skyler climbed up onto a ledge, swinging her bat as hard as she could, crumpling them in place, knocking them loose.

While they were dispatching the cameras, Eiji and Lucian slipped into the tunnel that the runoff came out of. As suspected, there was a ledge to walk along, albeit very small. 

With backs pressed to the wall, they pressed onward, sliding along carefully.

Eiji had muted the ghost box’s voice but still kept it on to see the text that would pop up.

“Dark tank, room of death.”

Room of death, huh?

“Eiji.” Lucian hissed, pointing above them.

A camera was slowly swiveling towards them. The men jumped across the stream of water, pressing against the opposite wall.

There was a spark as the camera was torn right out of the wall and dropped into the water. An orb flew by their heads at that moment as another camera further down was thrown against the wall.

“Thank you.” Eiji whispered.

They kept moving onward, huddled against the wall. Every now and then there was an orb that would move near them, almost beckoning them.

Chase and Skyler should be heading down this way any minute. 

Eiji and Lucian soon made it to the end of the runoff, finding an “EMPLOYEES ONLY” door.

“So, how bad you think it’s gonna be in there?” He asked, raising an eyebrow. “I mean, it’s not gonna be THAT easy right?”

“Let’s not even speculate that.”

Eiji went to open the door, only for it to be wrenched open for him.

“I guess it’s that easy.” Lucian remarked, not even phased.

A gust of wind rushed them, a faint hiss in the air. The hallway before them was illuminated as a shadowy image formed on the floor…

The image of a woman with long hair that flowed in the wind created by her spirit.

Aika….

Eiji swallowed hard as the shadow began to move down the hall, a tendril like arm beckoning them.

“No… wait-”

“We’re here.”

Lucian and Eiji had to clamp their hands over their mouths to keep from crying out. Lucian whirled around, lightly smacking Chase on the shoulder.

“Idiot!” He hissed. “Don’t scare us like that!”

Chase grimaced.

“Well, sorry! We didn’t wanna get left behind!” He hissed back.

Eiji held up a hand, signaling for silence. The shadow was still moving, beckoning them.

Another gust of wind behind the team sealed the door shut. Sealing them in for now.

This is where it gets real.

Just please, be alive.

The hallway was dimly lit by flickering bulbs above them as they moved. Twisting and turning until the shadow lead them to another door.

Eiji took a deep breath before pushing it open. The team braced themselves to be mobbed by guards or what have you…

Instead, they found themselves in another hallway.

Bracing themselves, they made their way down. Old posters from the past hung on the walls, faded from age, almost like ghosts themselves.

Eiji nodded towards an entrance where light was coming from as they kept close to the wall.

He peered around the corner, taking note that they must have been near what used to be the infirmary for the animals that used to live here…

Instead, it resembled a morgue now, complete with lockers.

Room of death huh?

Two shadows appeared this time, on either side of the room, twitching and shifting in shape. Their forms taking on a more fish like appearance, long tails curling along the walls.

… This is where it happened.

“This is where they were killed. It has to be.” He whispered. 

Lucian snapped a picture with his phone, knowing they’d have to give this to the police later.

“Let’s make sure we keep up recording what we can eh?”

“Right.”

Click, clack.

The four jumped, looking down the hall. They could hear footsteps, slowly coming their way.

“...Frick.”

There was no choice was there? Even if they didn’t want to, they had to scramble. Skyler and Eiji ducked into a supply closet in the morgue, while Chase and Lucian darted back to behind a wall near the entrance they had come in.

It was foolish but they didn’t want to set off any alarms yet.

The footsteps were growing closer to the morgue, the shadows disappearing as they did.

Please, don’t need anything from here. Please.

My circle of protection, only that which is in the light can enter. You cannot see us, you cannot see us.

Skyler lifted up her cellphone, turning on the camera, setting it to record once the footsteps reached the room. They could hear whoever it was moving around.

“Let’s see… Ah, the samples from the female. Perfect. Ah, pity we couldn’t observe her more, but the autopsy was very telling.”

Skyler and Eiji exchanged a disgusted look. He opened the door, just a crack to see who they were dealing with.

They were a woman, in their 40’s if he had to guess, wearing a smock to cover them as they jotted down notes on a clipboard. Their dark, hair was tied back in a bun, red nails catching the overhead light. 

She moved across the room to the morgue locker.

“Let’s see… Today, we’re doing the male. Comparing his cells, to the juvenile.”

Skyler held up her bat, Eiji shook his head. 

Let me smash. She mouthed.

Eiji turned his attention back to her as Skyler held her up her phone to capture what was happening.

They both had to turn away as the morgue locker was opened. Skyler may have been recording, but neither wanted to see Daisuke’s corpse.

She’s sick… This is sick…. We gotta get outta here.

It was closed after a few minutes. Skyler and Eiji pulled back before they could be spotted as Skyler turned off the camera.

She narrowed her eyes, holding up the bat one more time.

“Wait.” He whispered so faintly that only she could hear. “We can’t.”

Even if he really wanted to. Oh, he was very tempted to let her go ham on this person.

But, we can’t go to jail either for assault. 

He watched, noting her back was to them. He slowly slid the door open as they made their way out, back to the hall.

“Eiji.” Chase hissed as they spotted their teammates standing near another doorway.

“How much did you get?” Lucian whispered as they huddled against the wall.

“... Stuff we shouldn’t have on camera but it’s enough damning evidence.” Skyler whispered.

Lucian shook his head.

We’re all either gonna need therapy or booze after this. Probably both.

“Let’s keep moving.”

There were no more concrete hallways with one off rooms from here. They entered what used to be the largest room in the aquarium.

They all remembered the signs and advertisements from back then. 

I remember way back when it was Geistville’s hidden secret that they had a Great White on display here with no issues.

No one questioned when coven members worked here. Especially Predator Born like the twins…

The tank itself stretched across a 50 foot radius, taking up the majority of the room. Once upon a time, it held one of the most majestic predators of the sea. 

It didn’t appear to be in use… At least, at this time. They noted it was set up more inside like an enrichment area for something to learn from… or someone.

Hikaru. 

Taking note of it, Eiji took another look, pressing his forehead against the glass.

“Are you here? Aika? Daisuke?” He whispered.

No movement…. at least, of shadows. He could see a faint movement far against the wall. He could barely see. It wasn’t an issue when the Great White was the only thing in the tank. Everyone saw it clear as day, swimming about…

That’s him. 

“We gotta get access to that tank.”  Eiji pointed to where he was looking, the others following suit. 

There was no mistaking it. The small form huddled against the wall… was a predator born merfolk. 

For a brief moment he was alone… then they saw them.

The shadowy forms of his parents, huddling around him in a protective ball.

“Hikaru…” He frowned, his heart breaking. “Please hang in there… Da-....I’m coming.” 

Lucian squeezed his shoulder.

“C’mon, let’s find the stairwell. They have to have a means to get in there.”

“Right. Skyler?”

“Already calling my buds at the department and filming.”

He grinned. So far, they had avoided detection, even found who they were looking for. 

But it can’t be that easy, can it?

He moved away from the tank, ready to find more… only to nearly ram into a person.

“Oof!”

“Hey! Watch it you dumb intern!” 

Eiji growled a bit as the man before him got up in his face. He was made very aware that they were not alone here.

“How about you watch your step, huh?” 

The scientist narrowed his eyes, looking him over. Eiji froze up a little, adjusting his glasses.

“... Which department do you work under?”

Eiji swallowed hard.

“My colleagues and I are…”

Lucian clapped him on the shoulder.

“Oi, Tadashi, you dummy, remember?” He laughed. “We’re with pathology!”

Tadashi? I thought I was… Oh, Lucian you are clever.

“Oh yeah? What are you doing here then?”

Lucian shoved Eiji aside a little.

“Don’t mind Tadashi, we’re all here for the same glorious purpose aren’t we? To prove to the world that we’ve finally made the discovery?”

The scientist studied him for a second before grinning.

“Very true.”

“Yes.” Lucian cleared his throat. “One of your associates sent me to get samples from the juvenile to compare to the deceased male.”

The scientist smirked.

“Being thorough. Of course Susan would send a full team to get a bit of flesh from the dorsal.”

Skyler hurried forward.

“That’s right! Do you know where we can get the sling to keep him still?”

… You all can’t be this smooth. They’re not gonna just let us get near him right?

“Hm… I’d have to get it from medical… Are you sure four of you can handle him? He’s a biter.”

“How hard would it be? He’s 14.” 

“You should’ve been on the boat.” He laughed. “We lost one but we had the three.”

Skyler had her bat behind her back, sliding it into her jacket, keeping behind Chase. The man had his back to them.

“I see… Shall we walk and talk? You three wait here.” Lucian gave Eiji a look as if asking permission.

He nodded.

“Yes… We’ll go over the goals for the biopsy.”

“Good, good.”

Once they were out of sight, they kept close to each other.

“Seriously, something is wrong with these people.” Chase whispered. 

Eiji looked around. There were only a few scientists milling about, heading to their respective departments.

“We’re not seeing the full picture. And I doubt we want to. We need to just play along.”

“And then I smash?” 

“Then you do whatever the heck you want.”

[blushingallthewayh0me]

Meeting Taylor Swift!!

So, as I’m sure we all know by now that AT&T Now turned all of our worlds upside down last night in Chicago... so here’s my story!

We got emails to RSVP to this top secret event that we weren’t supposed to post about. Was I a bit “onto them” in regards to a Taylor Swift appearance? Absolutely. But did I foresee any of the other happenings? No. I had no idea what was going down.

So they emailed us a meeting place. They confiscated all of our stuff. And then they bussed 200 of us off to the top secret location. They brought us in an alley way and then brought camera men on the bus. They filmed us getting off the bus and walking into the event. There was Reputation stuff EVERYWHERE.. cool light up signs (that I wish I could’ve had my phone to document!), Reputation arcade games, a light up dance floor, an open bar with Reputation themed bar... I had a glass of wine to calm my nerves and my friend had the End Game which she said was super good..

Any ways, we took pictures at all these different photo opp spots, upon doing so the AT&T reps give you tickets. So we collected 50 and went to this room where you redeem a prize in exchange for the tickets you’ve collected : shirts, hoodies, water bottle, fanny pack, coaster set, polaroid camera (sold out so quickly), signed vinyl, lithograph... we both got the black zipper hoodies for 50 tickets. Then went back into the main event. We began walking through the door that leads back to the bar, when we heard screaming coming from that room and a bunch of “oh my god!!!”’s. Then a man said “WALK — DONT RUN!” As we made our way through the door frame, swarmed with people, to discover that doors in the bar area had lifted up to expose a stage that was glittered with a piano and three guitars. We all rushed this room. We began freaking out, chanting Taylor’s name, crying, the usual..

Then... she comes out. In a green jumpsuit, like a jumper pilot. She was so great. She was so genuinely happy and responsive to us. She played acoustic versions of Delicate, Gorgeous, and Shake it Off, then played ALL TOO WELL and New Years Day on the piano! Like, whaaaat?! I’d tell you everything she said, but there will be a video and you can watch for yourself without it being completely spoiled!!

So right before shake it off,she told us that she could either play more music or meet us all. We went insane. She then said that honesty is the best policy and she wants to be straight forward with us. She said that she’s on tour and really doesn’t want to ever cancel a show, so she tries to prevent getting sick.. she said she was told to rest her voice so she was trying not to talk much and we would get one photo in groups of four. Which was so unbelievably generous. Like, she’s trying to rest yet is going to hang out with 200 of us?! What a queen.

So then they grouped us by colors of bracelets they gave us at the beginning of the event in order to meet her. My friend, Stef, and I made friends with a couple behind us to be in our group of four.. they were so nice. So we were standing in line and I’m hyperventilating and crying because we just got a super intimate concert from one of the most popular artists and like...what in the WORLD?! Anyways. We got closer. And closer. AND CLOSER. and would see people coming out in their groups of four after having had met her, crying, huge smiles on their face, or with looks of pure disbelief.. Then we got to the room she’s in. It was curtained off. They lead you closer by group of four. So the group of four in front of us was the next to meet her. And then right before their group walked in, ANDREA (her mom) CAME INTO THE ROOM... what the heck!? So then we got brought up to the spot right outside her curtained area. The man in front of it said to me that Taylor left and I told him that wasn’t funny. Then he asked if I wanted to peek in the room. I said noooo, but did it anyways. I peeked and then almost passed out. She was so close. Then, Andrea came to talk to our group. I hugged her and told her I loved her. She told us she was watching the screens of us as the concert was going on and that we all did such a great job. Then one of the boys in our group said, “Andrea.. YOU did such a great job!!” And motioned to the room Taylor was in. Andrea smiled so big and said, “well she made it so easy on me. She’s my best friend and always has been. We get together and just laugh so much.” Omg :’). So we talked with Andrea a bit more. And then it was our turn to enter the room.. we walked up to sweetest Taylor. She hugged me, I told her I loved her.. obviously she said it back. Then after hugging us all she was standing in front of us four and scanned our faces and got to the end and came back to mine, eyes wide, and said “you... I remember you..? Long ago???” And i said “yes! In 2009 you and your mom brought me backstage at a festival to hang out after I sent you a gift!!” And she smiled “omg I rememberyou!! Thank you so much! It’s so great to see you again!!!” And I died. Then said “and you liked and commented my stuff on Instagram after i dressed up as you for Halloween. NBD!” And she said “yes yes!!! It’s so great to see you!” Then talked to the boys a bit and complimented one on his makeup. Then asked us to take a picture. So we did. And after the picture I hugged her again and asked if I could tell her something before we go. She said of course. So I thanked her for being such a great role model and for being so confident and admirable and how that’s helped me in my teaching.. and she said “you’re a teacher?! Thank you SO much for doing that. Seriously. Thank you so much.” And I fumbled my words like an idiot and just said “oh yeah.. it’s a hard one..” lmao like what does that mean..? So then she was hugging us goodbye and I said “ok Taylor.. one more thing. Who is ‘superstar’ about?” And she smiled and said “hmmm that’s a good one. I feel. I feel like it’s about a lot of people haha. I had so many unreasonable crushes when I was younger that I feel like it’s about a bunch of people.” And she smiled and I said “ohhh okay ‘I’ll never tell’ is holding true!” And laughed and she thanked us for coming and then we exited the room.

Then we got asked to do an exclusive interview.. so we all did. And I got asked about Delicate, and gave a good response that I hope gets featured somewhere hahaha.

But oh my god. I still cannot believe this happened. I can’t believe she was on vocal rest and still met and talked with all 200 of us. I can’t believe we got a private concert. I can’t believe how great and sweet she is. I can’t believe she remembered me from nine years ago. And most of all, I can’t believe it’s real.

Still waiting on the pictures to get released! But wow. What. A. Night. Thank you so, so much @taylorswift for being such a genuine soul. I’ll never not be on your side. I love you.