Interesting Iscribble RP

Altodd: !! *he blacks out, falling against the wall, and sliding down it*

Todd: Holy shoot... how the hell did the first Altodd DO that to him??

Key: I really have no idea... *puts the sword down on the ground, and kicks it away from them, just in case Altodd decided to wake up and attack them again* ...Maybe he attacked him in his sleep... in his head, like he did when I was over there...

Todd: But... but he TOOK HIM OVER...? How is that even POSSIBLE? *thinks* ... Between World. No logic. Right...

Altodd: *...*

Key: ...what do we do with him? We can't leave him here. if he wakes up still... possessed... he'll just try to kill us again...

Todd: ... I don't know. I just don't know. We can't leave him in his room - he'll get out again. We might have to get Jacob to strap him down in the medical wing...

Altodd: *...*

Key: ...guess that's all we CAN do... come on, help me out. *runs to open the door, then runs back and grabs Altodd's legs*

Todd: *grabs Altodd, hoisting him up by his armpits with Key's help. Together, they traveled down the dark, soundless halls of the stronghold to the medical room. Todd wasn't surprised to find Jacob sleeping there, at his desk. The man... cartoon... animal worked hard, after all*

Altodd: *doesn't wake up*

Todd: Jacob!

Jacob: *still asleep*

Todd: JACOB!!

Jacob: *is startled awake* AAHH!! AAHHGOD, WHAT THE frack TIME IS IT?? JEEBUS frackING - WHY ARE YOU THREE HERE?? WHY IS ONE OF THE THREE OF YOU UNCONSCIOUS??

Key: Umm, he was possessed by his evil older self and tried to kill us. we had to knock him out. D:

Jacob: That's... that's not SCIENTIFIC! D8<

Todd: Between World, man. D:

Jacob: MMMNNNNFFFFGH DDD8<

Todd: Help. D:>

Jacob: Fine... >8C put him on a bed with straps.

Todd: *with Key's help, he does*


Jacob: *straps him down*

Key: ... *sighs* definitely an interesting day... *fiddles around with the end of the ribbon in her hair* ...I hope he'll be okay.

Todd: ... he talks to himself... and just now he was trying to kill us, then himself.

Jacob: Then his mind is an unstable junk-heap... hmm.

Todd: "hmm" what?

Jacob: Mikenno could help him.

Todd: The guy who murdered Harry?? D8<

Jacob: Could you NOT try and remember him like THAT? <_<

Altodd: *...*

Key: *quietly* ...you gave Altodd a chance, Todd... from what I can tell, Mikenno's more than willing to try to make up for it...

Todd: *snorts* Okay... okay.

Jacob: Excellent. You both go to his room and wake him up.

Altodd: *...*

Key: But... how can Mikenno help? Is he an evil-personality-slayer or something? D:

Jacob: He has... very special abilities. Just go and wake him up - you want Altodd back, right?

Todd: ... yeah...

Altodd: *he's waking up - Altodd lets out a groan*

Jacob: <_< ...

Key: Whoops. Okay, let's go. *hurries out of the room, trying to remember what room the dragon stayed in*

*they eventually make it to Mikenno's room*

Todd: *pounds loudly on the door with his fist*

*there is sound from inside, followed by footsteps*

Mikenno: *answers the door, in his hedgehog form* ...what?

Key: *had been expecting the dragon, so she's caught a bit off-guard* Oh. Umm, we need your help.

Mikenno: ...with what, exactly?

Todd: ... our friend got... kinda... possessed by his evil personality.

Mikenno: Oh. *groans* This AGAIN...?

Key: ...?

Mikenno: *shakes his head* Never mind... Yeah, I'll help you. Is he in the med wing?

Key: Yeah, how did you--

Mikenno: You'll find out. *leaves his room, closing the door behind him*

Key: *looks at Todd and shrugs, then follows Mikenno back down the hall*

up

Todd: Sorry if I'm offending you by not trusting you, Key, but... you specifically cheated on me with HIM. You - you're not doing that AGAIN right? RIGHT?

Key: ... *flatly* I would never make that mistake again, Todd. You can trust me on that.

Todd: *with a sigh, he covers his eyes with a hand, falling down onto the bed. He says nothing, not KNOWING what to say*

Key: <:( ... *she doesn't like seeing people doubt, especially when it comes to her, and she hates herself for giving him a reason to mistrust her. she steps forward, but she hears a crackling noise under her foot. when she looks down, she's surprised to see another post-it note. quietly, the picks it up and reads it* ...

Todd: ... and what's that one say?

Key: ... "You're almost there." *reads it a bit more closely, as it seemed that something was written in small print* ... "You know where the line is, don't cross it..." *snorts, and crumples up the note, tossing it aside* Just great. Not even the creators trust me.

Todd: ... based on what they said, I'm guessing you DIDN'T do anything... not yet... sorry.

Key: ...It's okay. You've got every reason to doubt... *sits on the edge of the bed with a sigh* ...I-I apologized for all that, right...?

Todd: *quietly* ... yeah... I just get... scared. I dunno. Like I'm not good enough for you, or anything... it scares me, because I love you, and if you... DID do anything like that... I don't think I'd be able to go on... you've kept me SANE, Key... throughout ALL of this, you've been my staple - my patch of duct tape. As weird as that sounds.

Key: *mumbling under her breath* worst quality duct tape ever... *is falling into a pit of self-loathing* ....

Todd: ... *he hugs Key tightly, very suddenly - tightly, protectively*

Key: *wasn't expecting the hug, but... she appreciates the gesture. it showed she was needed. she rests her head on his shoulder, taking a deep breath. she loves him. she loves him so much, it'd break her to see him hurting and doubting again... the same way it'd break him if she left him again. they may not have a psychic bond like Harry and Claire, but they loved each other, and that was more than enough*

Todd: ... maybe we should go sleep...

Key: ...I think that's a good idea...

Todd: Okay...

*and so they go sleep*

Meanwhile, middle of the night

Altodd: *he has another nightmare, but this time it's not him remembering anything... he was in a purely black area... what is this place, he wondered, why was he here? Was this another memory, or...? Suddenly an umbra came at him - instead of tackling him down, trying to suck his happiness out, the thing grabbed his arm*

Altodd: Wha - ??

Another Umbra: *from behind, it takes Altodd's other arm, holding Altodd still*

Altodd: Hey - what's going on?? D8

*and then, he came - the other Altodd. His first personality... but much was wrong with his appearance. He looked like Altod, sure, on the upper half of his face, but the lower half seemed to have gone to hell. His cheeks were rotted out, leaving two torn holes, showing some of his skull. If one were to look inside one of the holes, they could see that his mouth is a dry, dead white. Another white thing is the other Altodd - the SHADOW'S - eyes. Like marbles, they are, and yet, they are still easily seen as staring - staring at Altodd, himself. He wore his old outfit, but it is torn, tattered, and is too big for him - The Shadow is far more skeletal than Altodd is. Like the Umbra, The Shadow's hands were sharp and black, and they gave off that same black smoke*

The Shadow: *walks over to Altodd as he struggles against the Umbra* ... this is why I wanted you to either kill YOURSELF, or Todd and Key... because they will only HURT YOU - can't you SEE that??

Altodd: We're only friends! What - who are you?? D8>

The Shadow: *gives him a nasty grin* I am you...

Altodd: *then realizes that this mutilated THING was... the voice in his head* Wait - wait this is -

The Shadow: ... since you won't help yourself, Todd Huntings, I'll have to do it myself...

Altodd: Y-you can't! You're not even real - you can't do ANYTHING to them, OR me! D:<

The Shadow: *his grin shrinks to a smug grin* We'll see. *he then steps forward, slowly, slowly... and grabs Altodd's face with both his hands, squeazing it painfully, holding it in place*

Altodd: !! AHH!! D8> *he struggles even more, but this doesn't stop The Shadow from - not sucking out his happiness, but... MERGING with him - he was walking INTO him... and soon Altodd fell - he went BLIND and felt himself fall, fall, falling... falling forever, into nothing*

---

Altodd: *when he wakes up, he it no longer himself. The Shadow is the one in control this time. It is still far into the night. The only indication that he wasn't himself was Altodd's new blank white eyes. He gets out of bed sluggishly and takes his sword. Then he heads out of his room, and travels to Todd and Key's room. Altodd opened the door slowly, to ensure that no noise was made. Then he walks in, dragging his sword along the ground. Getting close enough to Todd and Key, who were still sleeping peacefully in their bed. Then... he raises his sword, ready to strike it into their flesh, spill their blood*

Todd: *at this point, Todd had actually sensed a sort of presence in the room with them, as the hairs on the back of his neck stood on end, and he woke up drowsily. The first thing he sees is Altodd, about to swing his sword down onto them. He cries out loudly in alarm and confusion* THE frack?? *then he quickly dives on Altodd, dives in the darkness, before he can do anything, knocking his counterpart to the floor*

Altodd: *struggles against him angrily, trying to use his sword to cut him, though Todd was holding the sword back with an equal amount of strength* Nrrhgh...!!

Key: *is startled awake by the noise, and immediately reaches for her gun, stumbling out of bed and facing the two men on the ground* What's going on?! D8>

Todd: *angrily, still struggling against Altodd's sword* THIS frackER JUST DECIDED TO COME IN HERE AND TRY TO KILL US!! D8<

Altodd: Need to get rid of you...!! Don't want to relive it...!!

Key: "Relive"--? But I--he was just fine when I left--!! w-we've got to knock him out of something...!! *moves closer to them, trying to find an opening*

Todd: Good ide - AHH!! *Altodd had managed to push his sword forward, the blade sliding painfully past Todd's shoulder, blood soon dripping out of the cut, rolling down his arm like syrup*

Altodd: *uses the opportunity to shove Todd off of him and back himself away from both him, and Key, his face twisted with rage, and his sword reflecting the tiniest glimmers of light in the room, the edge now slightly stained with Todd's blood*

Todd: *gripping his arm, wincing in pain* Key, look at his eyes! Look, they're all white! D:

Key: *as soon as she sees this, something clicks in her mind--and she becomes very afraid* ...It's not him. I mean, it's him but n-not how he is now, the OLD him...!!

Todd: How does THAT work?? What, his old self turned into a split personality, or something? D8

Altodd: *growling at them both* ... he doesn't listen to me... now I need to get the job done... need to be rid of you... need to kill you, then myself...

Key: *shudders at Altodd's words, his voice sending a shiver down her spine* h-h-he told me the old him had been talking to him, trying to convince him to avoid us... I gues he took matters into his own hands now...! *is terrified at this point--she knew Altodd could kill them without a problem, but they couldn't...* w-we can't kill him...

Todd: ... I know...

Altodd: *suddenly lunges forward at Key, swinging his sword at her*

Todd: !!! KEY! *barrels into him, smashing him against the wall*

Key: !! Careful--!! *tries to help him by dropping her gun and grabbing Altodd's sword arm, twisting it back as far as she could while he was still disoriented in an attempt to disarm him*

Altodd: *screams angrily at her, forced to drop his sword*

Todd: Jesus - !! Knock him out!! D8

Key: Okay--! *grabs the sword, and hits him on the side of the head with the hilt with a good amount of force*

up

Altodd: ... Well, for one thing, he wants me to stay away from you and Todd... mostly you... b-but... but I don't WANT to stay away from you guys... I feel like... like we're actually FRIENDS, now...

Key: *cracks a smile* We kind of are, aren't we? As for him... I really don't know... I say we sleep on it. :/

Altodd: ... okay... *he shudders involuntarily at the thought of remembering anything else from his previous life* ... sleep is... not something I look forward to...

Key: ...I guess i can take part of the blame for that... come on. *stands, then offers a hand to help him up*

Altodd: ... *he takes her hand, using it to help him up* don't blame yourself for something you can't control.

Key: I had control over what happened before. I could have stopped it before... *sighs* before it went that far. It's my fault you're seeing what you're seeing.

Altodd: *he lowers his head, speaking quietly to her* ... I don't blame you...

Key: That makes one of us... *smiles a bit* Hey... *puts her fingers under his chin, turning his head to look back at her* I really appreciate that... and, I really am sorry for earlier. *pulls her hand away*

Altodd: *is about to argue with her once more about how it wasn't her fault, but stops himself* ... It's okay... I forgive you... *he looks over to the door* ... I guess I should go...

Key: *laughs a little* I'm the one in your room, I should be the one going. XP I'll see you tomorrow, okay? *goes towards the door, and opens it* ...Oh, and um, thanks for the hair-thing. :)

Altodd: *he stops himself from leaving - he got so caught up in the moment, he forgot even where he was* ... oh, yeah, s-sure. No problem.

Key: *frowns a bit* ... g'night. <:( *leaves the room, shutting the door behind her. she pauses before going down the hallway, back to her and Todd's room, hoping he wouldn't ask any questions* ...

Altodd: *he quietly shuts the door behind her* ...

meanwhile

Todd: *waits for Key, nervous* <_<; ...

Key: *arrives at the room, going inside and shutting the door* Hey, Todd... Sorry that look so long. D:

Todd: *immediately stands up* Where were you?? Did another umbra get in again?? D8>

Key: N-No, nothing happened, I'm fine! Calm down! D: We were just having trouble finding something to fix the hair problem... but prblem's solved now, so, ^^;

Todd: *Key and Altodd. Taking so long to find something for her hair. Too long. A distrust shows in his eyes and his brow furrows. He assumes the worst in the back of his mind - he had already done it ONCE, he could do it AGAIN!* ... Really. Just trouble finding a hair tie.

Key: *notices his expression change, and her face goes blank* ...you don't believe me. You don't trust me, do you? *she figures he has good reason to (she DID cheat on him), but it still hurt to see that mistrust in his eyes*

up

Altodd: Um... Alright... <:/ *he rubs his arm, but then notices the tail of the scarf swinging from his arm* ... hey, I think I figured out what I could give you for your hair.

Key: Hmm? *looks at him, then looks at what he was looking at* ...that works.

Altodd: Alright then. *he steps forward, getting close to Key. He rips away a part of the scarf on his arm, and then carefully starts tying it in Key's hair* ...

Key: *stays very still, standing stiffly while Altodd tied her hair back. she was a bit nervous, having him standing so close; so much so, that her breath was shaky* ...

Altodd: *he finishes tying her hair, but has not yet backed away* What's wrong?

Key: *quietly, looking away from him* Last time we stood this close... we... *looks up at him and trails off. she really can't help but see the similarity now, standing so close to him, all that rage he used to have, gone... she unconsciously leans up towards him*

Altodd: *he notices what she's doing, and as much as he screamed "no! NO!" inside him, he couldn't help but lean as well, closer, closer, slowly. A small flame that had burned, brighter before he died, was lit again*

Key: *completely ignores any advice her conscience gives her. she brings her hands up to his chest and closes her eyes, leaning up almost all the way...*

Altodd: *and then he closes his eyes as well, leaning in. He kisses Key (WHAT ARE YOU DOING) and for a single second (STOP NOW) he enjoys it (NO, NO, NO!) until suddenly, suddenly something terrible happens, and suddenly Altodd finds himself reeling back, screaming in pain, his hands over his ears as he could HEAR the umbra's shrieking INSIDE HIS SKULL - it must've been a HUNDRED of them, all screaming - ALL AT ONE - ALL AS LOUD AS A SIREN* AAAAAAAAAAUUUUHHHHH!!

Key: !! *knew something was wrong when he pulled away, and started to panic as soon as he started screaming* Oh god-- Altodd?? *grabs him by the shoulders, lightly shaking him, trying to get his attention, to snap him out of it* Altodd, what's wrong!?! D8> *as she tries to help, she comes to realize that this happened because... because she kissed Altodd--why would she kiss him, just--WHY? Now he's on the ground screaming and she's broken Todd's trust. AGAIN* nhhhhrr!! Come on, Altodd...!!

Altodd: *he holds his head in pain, on his knees, shivering, wide eyed, still screaming from the pain* THEY WON'T STOP - THEY WON'T STOP!! GOD, GOD JUST MAKE THEM STOP, PLEASE...!! PLEASE!!

Key: *kneels down in front of him, her hands on either side of his face, looking right into his eyes* I-It's in your head, Altodd, you have to calm down. D8>

Altodd: *he seems to be calming down a bit, but he was still shaking, and completely terrified of what had happened - the screaming had finally stopped, but it had left Altodd an emotional mess - he was CRYING now, it had been that painful for him. He couldn't speak. He only stares at Key*

Key: *stares back, his pitiful expression only making her guilt worse--she moves her hands down to his shoulders, and begins to apologize profusely* Oh god, Altodd, I'm so, so sorry for doing this, I don't know why I didn't.. I shouldn't have...

Altodd: *he then finally speaks, albeit in a near-whisper, still shivering* n-not... n-n-not your fault... y-you didn't know that h-h-he wouldn't... wouldn't like that... I didn't m-mean to k-k-kiss you either...

Key: he... *suddenly realizes what he's talking abut--and this only makes her feel all the worse* Oh my god, Altodd... i-i didn't know, i'm so, so sorry....

Altodd: *he shakes his head, still shivering* ... i-i-it's okay... once a-again, y-y-you d-d-didn't know... n-n-no one kn-knows...

Key: *very quietly, to herself* No one ever knew... *a bit more loudly, comfortingly* Het, it's gonna be fine now, okay? He's... he's not hurting you anymore.

Altodd: ... but he's still there... WATCHING me...

Key: ...well... I don't know if there's any way to get rid of him, but we can at least try not to... make him mad again...

up

Todd: *is completely surrounded - he can't get to her* KEY!! D8>

Altodd: *can't get to her either* D8 !!

Key: *struggles against the Heartless, which was almost as big as she was--and much stronger* G-Guys...!! D8>

Neoshadow: *hissing, it forces its clawed hand forward, and into her chest*

Key: !! *suddenly feels extremely cold as the dark being reaches inside her. she can almost FEEL it clawing at her insides, hunting for the one thing it wanted--a sense of panic grips her when the demon closes its claws around something--something that must've been extremely important--she can FEEL herself dying as the creature pulls--but she wasn't going to die, not today. she raises her other pistol to the creature's head, and pulls the trigger*

Neoshadow: *explodes into black dust, releasing its grip on her heart*

Todd: *his panic washes away when he sees this - dear LORD did Key nearly give him a heart attack! The fright over, he slashes his way through the heartless, still trying to get to Key*

Altodd: *now also no longer panicking, he focuses on destroying the heartless*

Key: *shakily gets back on her feet, still feeling like her insides had turned to ice, and picks up her dropped weapon. she tries her best to keep fighting, but her aim is very shaky due to her shivering--WHY is it so COLD?*

Todd: *finally gets to Key* Jesus, you were attacked TWICE now, today! But you're still okay, right?? D:

Altodd: *stabs the last heartless into oblivion* ...

Key: *still shivering, she runs a hand through her hair in an effort to keep it back, but it just flops right back into her face* Y-Y-Y-Yeah, I-I'm fffine... d-did you know those things are FFFREEZING...?

Todd: I, uh, no. No, I didn't know that. Listen, your hair is getting in your face - maybe that's why it managed to get you. D:

Altodd: *walks over to them* Hey, is - ?

Todd: She's okay.

Key: I think I noticed that, Todd... I lost my hairtie a while ago, though... *is still shivering* ...kinda know how Claire felt now...

Todd: But it didn't actually get you - it almost did, but it's gone now, and you're safe, and that's all that matters. D:

Altodd: Wait, what? :/

Key: Long story, w-we'll tell you later--

Zylif: *slithers past them rather quickly, carrying someone in his arms, loudly calling for a retreat*

Key: ?? th-that's convenient... *goes silent as he sees the witch from a few fights earlier lying limp in his arms, her eyes completely blank... her shivering intensifies as she realizes that could've been her*

Todd: Oh god... they got someone...

Altodd: The umbra? D:

Todd: ... yeah...

*they all walk back to the teleporters*

*IN THE STRONGHOLD*

Key: *is very quiet, but her shivering's calmed down a bit. she rubs her arms in an effort to get warm, but it doesn't help much--the cold was coming from the inside* ...

Todd: *goes to his and Key's room*

Altodd: *he looks over at Key and wonders if he might be able to help her out with her hair problem* Hey, Key? Maybe we can figure out how to keep your hair out of your face in my room - hell, I bet I might have something that'll fix your bangs getting in your face. :/

Key: *looks over at him, and opens her mouth to accept his offer, but hesitates. the last one she was in his room... she shakes it off, and nods* Alright. We can talk more, then...

Altodd: Um, alright. *he walks with Key to his room. There, he looks around the place, under his bed, in a few drawers, in the closet, and other such places. Ten minutes in and Altodd was starting to lose some hope* hmm... *he looks over at Key* You wanted to talk? :/

Key: ...yeah, I... I wanted to ask you if you saw something else... in your dream, I mean. *rubs the back of her neck* ...did I... did I yell at you?

Altodd: *he stares at her* ... ... yeah. Yeah, you did, actually. You said I was... "the one that everyone hates"...

Key: Oh... *looks down* I'm sorry about that... th-things were different then... a LOT different... *looks up, giving him an apologetic look* You're not the same person anymore, though. Todd doesn't hate you, and... n-neither do I, to be honest...

Altodd: *he gives her a small smile* It's okay, Key - I kinda figured that out already, on my own... you telling me this, though, I really appreciate. Thanks. :) *he then pats her on the back lightly, accidentally brushing his hand against one of her wings*

Key: *was about to reply with a "you're welcome" when his hand brushes her wing--she manages to put a hand out to the side before she loses her balance, and catches herself on the wall before the falls down completely* mmrrhh, crap... *leans sideways against the wall, resting her head against it with a thump--the effect was already wearing off due to how brief the contact was, but it still threw her off* >_____________<

Altodd: Woah - wait - what happened?? What did I do?? D:>

Key: *has recovered enough to stand back up straight, though she keeps her hand on the wall* I-It's fine, not your fault... wings are just sensitive for some reason...

up

Malvagita: *fireballs a charging Origini* Yes. None shall get as lucky as that one did...

Todd: *fighting*

Altodd: ... and then I tried to... y'know... and you wouldn't, and... the whole thing just felt really, REALLY wrong...

Arthemis: *nods* I will not allow it. *proceeds to shove her claws into an Origini's chest*

Key: ...it WAS wrong... i-i still don't know why I... *shoots a heartless that had leaped at them* ...

Malvagita: *slashes his claws downwards, slicing a zombie in half* mm, no. Your loyalty is appreciated.

Todd: *fights*

Altodd: ... Well, I have no idea.

Arthemis: *continues to fight fiercely*

Key: ...i don't expect you to know.

Todd: *fights*

Altodd: ... no... I guess I wouldn't...

Key: ...nrhh... *shakes her head* could we talk about this later? I don't want us getting killed...

Altodd: Okay... *he then thrusts his sword into a charging umbra*

Umbra: EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!! *dies*

Todd: *fights*

Key: *shoots at a few heartless, leaving the Umbra to Todd and Altodd if she could help it*

Altodd: *he works together with Todd, defending him while Todd defended Altodd. Their ability to destroy enemies, as well as protect their teammate were equal - as it should be, since they were the same person. This worked well, and not one of them were yet hurt by an Umbra*

Umbra: *trying to get at Altodd, for getting him out of the way first is their focus - they worked as a single mass, like hornets buzzing through a hive, sharing one mind*

One Umbra: *runs at Key, screeching*

Key: Oh, come on--!! *having no other options, she shoots at it and braces herself for a flash--to her surprise, she doesn't get the same racy images as before. all she saw was a brief instance of what looked like an argument--and then she was back in the blank space. shaking it off, she turns her attention back to the Umbra*

Umbra: *dives onto Key*

Todd: D: !!

Altodd: D: !!

Key: *still a bit disoriented, she's caught completely off-guard by the Umbra, and is easily knocked down. blinded by the images that flashed through her mind again--stronger now due to the fact that the Umbra was holding her down, she's completely unable to fight, and is instead forced to watch as she tells Altodd off, expressing her hate for him*

Umbra: *sucks out her happiness* Eeeee...!

Todd: KEY!! D8> *is about to run to her when -*

Altodd: Hold on, I got this! Watch my back, alright?? D: *runs over to Key and the Umbra*

Todd: D: ... *just nods slightly, and stays close to Altodd, making sure nothing gets him from where he couldn't see*

Altodd: *sprinting at it now, he takes his sword with two hands and swings it as hard as he can at the thing*

Umbra: *is cut in half, through its middle. It falls apart, smoke escaping in every direction*

Altodd: *coughs roughly from accidentally inhaling the smoke*

Key: *is snapped back to reality right as she watches herself move in to kiss him again--she scrambles to her feet, away from the fading remains of the Umbra that attacked her. she shoots Altodd a grateful look* Thanks...

Altodd: *still coughing* no - no problem... *fans away some of the smoke with his hand*

Todd: Are you okay, Key? Did it hurt you at all?? D:

Key: It's okay, I'm fine--Look out!! *shoots past Todd at a Neoshadow that had just leaped at him*

Neoshadows: *about a half-dozen more of them leap out of the ground, right at them*

Todd: Christ! D8 *immediately starts slashing at them*

Altodd: *helps* D8

Key: *manages to shoot and kill three of them before one of them comes out of the ground next to her and pounces her, knocking her sideways into the ground with a surprised yelp--a pistol is knocked out of her hand when she falls, and she struggles to hold the thing back as it forces its claws towards her chest--towards her heart* AAHH!! D8

up

Todd: G'night... *he closes his eyes, soon falling asleep*

Key: *does the same, quickly dozing off*

In the middle of the night, meanwhile

Altodd: *he has a dream where Key visits him, and once she does... ... ... they were kissing. They were making out. They were... oh... and then, Altodd figured, that was what led to the sex before, perhaps another night. But no. They almost did that night, they almost did - but then there is a pause. A new name is uttered - no, not new - he said it before, right before he died, and he remembered her face - Sam - and then it stops, and Key utters "th-this isn't a gane, Altodd..." - and no, he doesn't think it's a game - he was making her CHEAT on TODD - wh-why? Why?? And she tells him that she was Altodd - that he was the one everyone hated, and outside the dream (and inside), Altodd's heart breaks when those words are spoken. Everyone id hate him before. But... but Key said that he wasn't that person anymore... (yes you are) ...liar. And in the dream, they part their seperate ways, but not before Key kisses him a final time - I hate you too. - and leaves. And then Altodd wakes up, and it is morning. Morning - morning already? It appeared so...*

Key: *wakes up the next morning, rather well rested. she snuggles into Todd, softly nuzzling him as he slept*

Altodd: ... *he silently gets ready (to die. Die today, Todd Huntings. Die. It's the only way)* ... shut up.

meanwhile

Todd: *wakes up from this* mm... Good morning, Key...

Key: *continues to nuzzle him* morning~ <3

Todd: So then. I guess we should get ready for the fight? *without her answering, he had already gotten up, putting on his hoodie and doing other such things*

Key: D: mmh... *gets up, not even bothering to answer him, and gets ready herself (not that there was much to be done...) she huffs, trying to blow a stray strand of hair out of her face--she seriously needed a way to keep her hair back*

*they get ready*

Todd: Okay, so now we need to wait for the -

Alarm: BWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE! BWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

Todd: AWESOME. OKAY, LET'S GO. *he opens the door for Key*

Key: THANKS... *goes out the door, and after waiting for Todd, she runs out to the teleporters with him*

*they go to the teleporter with everyone else*

Voice: TELEPORTER ACTIVATED, PLEASE STEP FORWARD.

Everyone: *does*

Altodd: *to Key and Todd* Hi...

Todd: Hiya, Altodd. Good luck today, huh? :)

Altodd: Yeah... thanks, you too.

Everyone: *fights*

Key: *fights, keeping an eye out for any Umbra that might try to sneak up on them. yeah, she was still afraid of them, but she'd rather have to deal with their effects than watch someone die because of them*

An Umbra: *manages to pounce on Malvagita and starts sucking the happiness out of him*

Malvagita: *falls over* !!!!

Todd: *fights*

Altodd: *fights*

Arthemis: !!! *lunges at the Umbra, clamping her jaws down on it and ripping it off of Malvagita, and proceeding to tear it to pieces*

Mavagita: *gets up and watches Arthemis tear the umbra to shreds, black smoke coming out in plumes* ...

Altodd: *he speaks specifically to Key, making sure that Todd didn't hear* ... I had another dream...

Todd: *fighting*

Arthemis: *drops the thing when she's sure it's dead, then spits on the ground, trying to get rid of the smoke that got in her mouth* disgusting little monsters...

Key: *continues to fight, so Todd doesn't ask questions* ...what did you see this time?

Malvagita: *sneers* They are weak. Only weak. It only threw my off guard.

Todd: *fights*

Altodd: ... we were kissing...

Arthemis: Of course, sir...

Key: *reddens a bit from this--it was embarassing to her, and she didn't like thinking about it* ...yeah.

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Todd: "Keep it up"? Keep WHAT up? What does THAT mean? D:

Key: I don't even know... but whatever it is, I must've done something right... *snorts* The creators are being mysterious again. sometimes I wish they'd stop being so cryptic. D:

Todd: Y'know, I like the cryptic-ness better than them just saying "we're killing all of you and driving you insane for our own amusement". :/

Key: ...You make a good point there. :/ *turns and sticks the note to the wall next to the bed* Hopefully I figure that out soon...

Todd: Well, Key, let's figure it out. :) What did you do today that can be viewed as positive? For one thing, you managed to kill an umbra, despite what it does to you.

Key: *shivers* Don't remind me... do think that's it? it can't possibly be that simple. D:

Todd: No, because otherwise they would have said something to me or Altodd, or anyone else who's killed them...

Key: So... what else have I done recently that I don't usually... do...?

Todd: *thinking* Uhh... ... I don't know. :I

Key: ...let's... let's sleep on it, okay? <:/ I'm tired...

Todd: Alright - so am I... ... *pets Key's wings again* |:3

Key: *laughs a bit, then just sighs, lazily cuddling into him* y'really like that...

Todd: Once again - I really like making you happy, and this is the quickest way. Also, your wings are very soft. XP

Key: Mmm. Guess it's a win-win situation, then... feels nice for both of us...

Todd: Yep... now sleep. XP

Key: you too... g'night...

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Altodd: ... I guess I'll go to my room, now...

Todd: You go do that, Altodd. You need the rest.

Altodd Alright then... *to Key* Thanks again. *walks away*

Todd: *to Key* Good job.

Key: *watching Altodd walk away* ....thanks.... *looks at Todd* I guess we should... go to bed too?

Todd: I guess, yeah.

meanwhile

Altodd: *he goes to his room and takes off his armor and things, putting them away. He still wears a small smile on his face (why are you smiling?)* ... I think we might be friends now... *(she'll only hurt you in the end. They will both hurt you.)* ... she said you were lying to me... *(why would I lie? What would the point be?)* ... I don't know... to kill me? *(death is the only way)*

Key: *walks with Todd to their room* ...you know... you were right to give him a chance.

Todd: Thanks. I didn't think he'd go back to that... dark place... again, though... going down there takes a LOT of trauma - and so far, Altodd's been okay. Did you have any doubts, Key?

Key: A few... okay, I had a lot of doubts. I wasn't... seeing past the outside. I saw his face again, and that was it.

Todd: ... well... now he's a better person. Who'dathunk amnesia would make him turn out that way?

Key: I certainly wouldn't have... I guess we'll just have to see how this goes, huh?

Todd: Yup, yup. And now... *he sudden hugs her* I get to do this to you. *he pets her wings*

Key: *was caught off-guard by the sudden hug, but didn't have much time to think about it before her mind blanked out, enjoying his touch* mmh... you really like doin' that, don't you...?

Todd: *smiles* I like making you happy. This seems to be the quickest way to do so.

Key: Heheh... I guess it works... *nuzzles him affectionately*

Todd: *continues petting the wings* I guess we should move over to the bed or something. :P

Key: *laughs a bit* If you don't get your hands off me, I won't be able to move...

Todd: Better idea. *picks Key up bridal-style, and puts her on the bed himself*

Key: *grins, and snickers* That works too... *waits for Todd to get in next to her*

Todd: *gets into the bed, beside Key. He continues petting her wings* :3

Key: X) *scoots in closer to Todd, when she feels something poke her arm. confused, she reaches for it and grabs it, her attention redirected to the annoying prodding--when she looks, it's a post-it note* ...that's weird...

Todd: A sticky note? What's it say? DOES it say anything? D:

Key: ... "Keep it up." That's... *turns it over to see if there's anything else on the back, but it's blank* ...

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*it was then that the umbra started appearing*

Harry: *renewed from the night before, as a beast, he barrels through five of them, killing two, roaring triumphantly*

Other Umbra: *go after Todd, Altodd, and Key*

Todd and Altodd: *get ready*

Claire: *shoots at the ones Harry didn't kill, keeping watch for any that may be trying to jump on him*

Key: *is very afraid at the moment, but she readies herself as well. she hopes she doesn't have to shoot at any of them, though chances of that were rather slim*

Harry: *suddenly, an umbra rockets itself forward at Harry, diving into him like a man-sized bullet. Harry nearly fell over, then tried to get the umbra off of him - though every time he tried, it would move to another spot on his body, easily crawling all over him like a spider* SSNRRAARGGH!!

Another Umbra: *leaps onto him as well. While Harry wwas distracted, it took hold of the beast's face, forcing Harry to look at the umbra so that it could suck out his happiness, which came out of Harry in large amounts*

Harry: Hh... hhnngh...!

Altodd: *slashes at the charging umbra*

Umbra: *dives out of the way* Eeeeee!!

Todd: *tackles it to the ground and starts ripping it apart before ANOTHER umbra seems to fade in from nowhere and tackle Todd off of the other umbra, immediately sucking out his happiness*

Claire: !! *aims for the Umbra on Harry's head, and shoots it, hitting it in the ribs, and quickly reloading to fire again*

Key: AAH! *shoves her fear aside as much as she can, and shoots the thing--back in the room, though this time it was different. a flash of when she willingly--no, no, this isn't real. it's fake, it's those stupid--she shoots the thing again, trying to fight against the images in her head--none of them were real!*

Umbra: *when shot at by Claire, it screeches, but otherwise doesn't let go, continuing it's devouring of Harry's - and Claire's - happiness*

Harry: *falls to his knees*

Other Umbra: *is riddled with holes, which leak out black smoke* ssss...

Altodd: *chops off its "head" with his sword*

Other Umbra: *smoke fully leaks out, and it dies* hhhh...

Other Other Umbra: *the one Todd had attacked before, suddenly took Altodd from behind, spinning him around and sucking out his happiness*

Todd: *quickly gets up* !!

Altodd: !! *the voice soon clouds his mind - and his judgement (let it kill you, let it, let it) - but it wasn't just the voice (you don't deserve your life) that was whispering in his head (just die, just die). The umbra itself seemed to be whispering to him as well, begging him for more and more of his happiness - his LIFE FORCE - hungering, always hungering for more - yes, yes, he wanted to help it, and he wanted to die... (yes, yes, yes) two birds, one stone, he figured... two... birds... (we hurt her... I hurt her...) ... (the umbra are hungry. They are your friends) ... (they are you)*

Key: D:!! *isn't about to let Altodd die at the hands of an Umbra--not when she owed him her life. she shoots at the Umbra--again trying to push the images out of her head, but they seemed to be fighting back. refusing to be blinded by them, she screams at the Umbra as she shoots it* JUST STOP IT ALREADY!!!

Claire: *feels herself weaken and finds that she can barely stay on her feet--she takes another shot, hitting it near where the first bolt was embedded*

Umbra: *it is shot at enough to allow it to die - not a whole lot of bullets were required, since Todd had already done a whole deal of damage to it*

Altodd: *when it dies, Altodd just lays on the ground, wanting it to just suck up him*

Todd: *to himself* shoot, those things really damage him - Are you okay, Key?? D:

Umbra: *dies, falling off of Harry*

Other Umbra: *on Harry's back, it looks over at Claire, screeching at her* EEEEEEEEEEEE!!

Harry: *trying to regain his breath*

Key: *voice breaking a bit* I-I'm fine... I'm okay... Just... nngh...

Claire: *regaining her strength, the steadies herself and reloads, shooting the other Umbra in the chest* >:(

Umbra: *hit, angered, it leaps off of Harry, and goes after Claire* REEEEEEEEEEEE!!

Harry: *shaking himself off, he looks back at the umbra charging towards Claire* D8> !!

Todd: *hugs her a little with arm* ... come on - Altodd might be all suicidal again, we need to help him out.

Altodd: *lays there (next time they try to stop an umbra, you kill them) no... (they will always stop it, and you will never die) no...*

Claire: !! *knew she wasn't going to have time to reload, so she pulls out a bolt and stabs at the Umbra with it as it leaped at her* D:<

Key: Right... *steps towards Altodd, and kneels down on the ground next to him, looking him over* Come on, talk to me... D:

Umbra: !! *it lands slightly off of Claire, backing away on two feet, writhing in pain as smoke leaked out of it*

Altodd: *quietly, MISERABLY* ... just let me die... PLEASE...

Todd: Come on, it's dead, Altodd... get up - don't let that thing screw you up like this.

Claire: ...tch... *loads the crossbow as its reeling back, and shoots it in the chest, just to be sure*

Key: Altodd... come on, watching you die once was enough...

Umbra: *completely dies*

Harry: *romps over to Claire* hurroohh... D:

Altodd: *shaking, he gets back up, nearly falling over again* ... I don't... deserve to live...

Todd: Don't make me smack you again.

Claire: I'm okay. Are you okay, Harry? D:

Key: *stands up with Altodd, frowning, now wondering exactly how much he remembers about his... previous actions. she WAS worried about him, that much she knew, and it slightly bothered her. how could she show concern for someone who hurt her so much?* ...because he's not the same anymore...

Harry: *nods* D:

Todd: This isn't actually how YOU feel, Altodd - this is the aftereffects off having nearly all your happiness ripped out of you...

Altodd: ... but he's right... he showed me what I was before - what HE was... and he told me that I shouldn't be around - and he's RIGHT... he's RIGHT...!

Claire: Okay, good... we really need to watch out for those things... D:

Key: *more loudly now* You're not the same! D:<

Altodd: ... what do you mean I'm not the same...? We... he and I... we've always been the same person... he told me...

Todd: ...

Key: ...He's... *takes a deep breath* he's lying to you. *glances at Todd, then looks right at Altodd, staring right into his eyes* I don't know how much of your old life you remember, but... I need you to hear me out. *pauses for a moment to collect her thoughts, then continues* A very, very good friend of mine convinced me that people are shaped by their actions. You, Altodd, you have never done ANY of those things--you started with a clean slate when you were brought back. If you were the same as him... you would've taken the opportunity to do something horrible last night, while you had me at your mercy.

Altodd: ... *he looks away, thinking, rubbing his shoulder* ... Alright then... I... *he looks down now, at his shoes, though under the helmet, he smiles slightly* ... I believe you, Key... thank you.

Todd: * he smiles a little, himself*

Someone: RETREAT!!

Everyone: *does*

*in the stronghold*

Key: *is rather surprised at herself, sticking up for him like that. a small part of her fears that she may be falling for him again, but... somehow, she doesn't think that's the case* ...

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