Interesting Iscribble RP

Todd: *he still sleeps, having had strange dreams the night before - he was running from an entire PACK of the umbra - then he realized that he wasn't running FROM then, but running WITH... he WAS an umbra...*

Key: ... *snuggles against him, burying her face in his neck, grateful for his warmth. she wished they would get another day off...*

Todd: *waking up, feeling somewhat uncomfortable - the dream itself didn't really end with a large scare, or him falling, or anything like that... it just faded into darkness* Mnnhgh...

Key: ...? *leans up and briefly kisses him* ...you okay?

Todd: *quietly* ... just a weird dream... *he sits up in bed, rubbing an eye with his palm* ... I guess we should get ready, then...

Key: ...right... *reluctantly gets out of bed, still feeling a bit cold* ...do you... wanna talk about it?

Todd: Uh... sure... I uh, I was kinda running around. I wasn't running around the blank space or anything... it was... black. And I was running from these umbra... there were, like, five or six of them... and I was running, but... then I realized that I was an umbra, and I wasn't running FROM them, but WITH them...

Key: ...that's... odd... *looks somewhat bothered by this--what could the creators be trying to SAY? she knew it wasn't just a random dream* ...

Todd: *rubs the back of his neck* it IS odd... real freaky. *he gets ready for the upcoming battle*

Key: ... *continuing to worry, she does the same*

Alarm: BWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE BWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

Todd: *now ready, he and Key walk out to the teleporter*

Malvagita: *one of the few people who are already there, his arms crossed. He sneers at Todd and Key as they approach*

Altodd: *also already there, helmet on* ...

Arthemis: *stands by Malvagita, looking at Todd an Key with disgust* ...

Key: ... *to Todd, trying to speak over the alarm* DO YOU THINK WE SHOULD TELL THEM WHAT WE FOUND OUT YESTERDAY?

Todd: MIGHT AS WELL - ALL OF THEM ARE PRETTY GOOD ON THE BLANK SPACE. WE MIGHT AS WELL.

More People: *coming*

Altodd: TELL US WHAT?

Todd: WE LEARNED MORE INFO ABOUT THE UMBRA!

Arthemis: WHAT IS AN UMBRA?

Key: THOSE FREAKY HOODED MONSTER THINGS... WHAT THEY DO IS SUCK THE HAPPINESS OUT OF YOU UNTIL YOU DIE.

Arthemis: *snorts at this*

Malvagita: YES, THOSE WERE RATHER ANNOYING. THEY CUT ME.

Todd: THEY'RE VERY DANGEROUS THOUGH - IF THEY MANAGE TO GET ON YOU, YOU WON'T BE ABLE TO GET THEM OFF.

Voice: PORTAL ACTIVATED, PLEASE STEP FORWARD.

*they all do*

Altodd: So... we just need to stay close? Stick together?

Todd: Yeah.

Key: ... *nods* you have to have at least one person with you... or you don't stand a chance...

Arthemis: *despite the fact that she absolutely despises humans, she takes their advice and stays close to Malvagita* ...

Altodd: *to Key and Todd* ... so I... guess we're all sticking together, huh?

Todd: *flatly* I guess so.

Malvagita: *snorts* Come, Arthemis. Let us wreak havoc. *he runs, throwing fireballs at the enemy groups*

Key: *doesn't argue--he's proven that he can take care of the Umbra. Tha, and she doesn't know what would happen if she tries to defend Todd if he is attacked--she doesn't know what she would see* ...

Arthemis: *slashes and bites, ripping her opponents apart*

up

Harry: *he softly nudges Sam* ruu...

Sam: *giggles a bit at the light touch, and grabs at Harry's snout, patting his nose*

Claire: *smiles, relieved* <:) ...

Harry: *smiles a bit at this, happy to see that Sam was no longer scared of his beast form*

Sam: *is somewhat amused by the giant fluffy monster, continuing to pat his snout and grab at his fur*

Claire: *laughs at bit at the, then looks up at Harry. her smile fades, and is replaced with a sad look, almost apologetic* ...

Harry: *wincing a bit when Sam grabs his fur, he looks over at Claire, a softness in his eyes - a forgiveness. He was happy that, in a way, the attack had fixed what was broken between them*

Claire: *her remorse turns to gratitude and relief, and her smile returns. she places a hand on his cheek and rests her forehead against his*

Sam: *now finding that Harry's head is out of reach, he pouts a bit, but remains quiet otherwise, wondering why his mother and this familiar fuzzy thing seemed to like each other*

Harry: *turns back into his human self. He kisses Claire*

Claire: *kisses him back, moving the hand on his cheek to the back of his head*

Sam: *was not expecting the transformation, and fails to make the connection between the monster and his father--all he knows is that there was a fuzzy thing and now there's his dad* o___________o

Harry: *breaks the kiss* ... does this mean we can be together again...?

Claire: *half-smiles, then nods* splitting up was a ridiculous idea anyway...

Sam: *still somewhat confused* .....

Harry: heheh... we should, like, cuddle or something.

Claire: *quietly* That sounds like a brilliant idea... *looks at Sam* ....can you sleep, honey?

Sam: *his eyes are starting to droop, and he rubs his eyes*

Claire: *grins* I'll take that as a yes... *puts him in his crib*

Harry: *smiles a little at the corners of his mouth from this* heh... *he gets into bed*

Claire: *picks her weapons up off the ground and puts them back on her nightstand before getting into bed herself*

Harry: *places his hand on top of hers, rubbing the back of it with his thumb. He snuggles into her*

Claire: *snuggles into him, burying her face in his neck, sighing quietly. this was how it should be* ...

Harry: *kisses her on the head* ... goodnight, Claire.

Claire: Goodnight, Harry... *falls asleep there, smiling contentedly*

*they sleep*

MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT, MEANWHILE

Altodd: *has a strange dream. He couldn't call it frightening like the others - in fact, it almost seemed like his mind had produced some sort of erotic film for him to watch while he slept - but it was him - him and KEY. Together. Fully. And they were both enjoying it. And Altodd admitted, it did seem rather... pleasing. As terrible as that sounded. But this was only a dream (no it's not), and he and Key, he figured, could never have fallen together like that (you loved her)*

*the next morning*

Key: *wakes up, shivering a bit. she moves closer to Todd, trying to get warm (now that she actually CAN--that was a plus) ...but was she cold, or just scared?* ...

up

Todd: ... We can face them together, Key... and... and Altodd can count on us to help him as well.

Key: *grunts an affirmative, staring at the wall in front of her* ....

Todd: ... let's go to bed, Key. And this time, I WON'T accidentally take the tranquilizers. <:P

Key: ...okay. *gets into bed, pulling the covers up to her chin--not because she was cold. she was just so scared at this point that she felt like a little kid* ....

Todd: *puts a protective arm over her* Goodnight, Key.

Key: *snuggles into him, burying her face in his neck* g'night....

*and so they sleep*

meanwhile

An Umbra: *sneaks around, searching for happiness to feed on - it senses Sam, the happiest one in the stronghold. Dashing over to Claire's room, it enters, the door creaking slightly, and approaches the crib*

Sam: *wakes up, as if sensing the dark presence, and starts to cry loudly as soon as it sees it*

Claire: *is woken up, and sits up reluctantly* mrrrff... Sam, what is-- *sees the Umbra, and is immediately awake, reaching for the crossbow on her nightstand as she gets out of bed, quickly loading a bolt* D8<

Umbra: *seems to stare at her* Eeeee...!

meanwhile

Harry: *is woken up seconds after Claire does. Somehow, he knew something was very wrong. Running out of his room, through the dark halls of the stronghold, he runs over to Claire's room, practically breaking the door down when he enters* !!!

Umbra: *twists its head over to Harry* ... eeeeeee...!!

Claire: *is startled by the door slamming open, but extremely relieved when it's Harry that comes through the door and not another one of those hooded freaks. Claire puts herself between the Umbra and the crib, pointing the crossbow at the Umbra, her main concern at the moment being keeping Sam safe*

Umbra: *in half a second, it's on Harry, sucking out his happiness*

Harry: AAAHHH!! AAHHAUUUHHH...!!

Claire: !! *shoots at the thing, hitting it in the shoulder, and quickly goes to reload again--she can feel herself growing weary already* D:<

Umbra: *is shot in the shoulder, screeching its horrible screech, but refuses to get off of Harry, still eating his happiness*

Harry: *is getting more and more depressed and tired, his eyes rolled into his head as he continued getting drained*

Claire: ...!! *continues to get weaker, but she isn't about to let this thing kill both of them without even letting them put up a fight. she shoots the thing again, getting it in the ribs, then pulls out a bolt and runs at it, intending to stab the creature with it*

Umbra: *suddenly jumps out of the way of Claire's charge, off of Harry*

Harry: *falls over, partly unconscious*

Claire: *feeling her mind start to go a bit fuzzy, she loads the bolt into the crossbow and shoots at the Umbra*

Harry: *shaking himself awake* Guhhmngh... *he slowly gets up, onto his feet*

Umbra: *shrieks when the bolts cuts through its other arm, then slashes at Claire*

Harry: !! *he then transforms into his beast form and grabs the Umbra* RAAUURRGH!!

Umbra: !! *struggles, hissing*

Harry: *rips the thing in half*

Umbra: *is ripped in half. Black smoke spreads everywhere and disappears*

Harry: *huffing from the adrenaline rush and simultaneous exhaustion the fight gave him*

Claire: !! *is suddenly awake from the shared rush, heart racing. that THING had come MUCH too close to killing all three of them* ....

Sam: *had been crying the entire time, at the sounds, and at the sight of the monsters--he had never seen Harry in his beast form either*

Claire: D:>... *takes Sam out of the crib, and rocks him back and forth, trying to calm him down* <:(

Harry: D:> *approaches Sam, giving him a small comforting lick*

Sam: ...?? *his curiosity now overpowering his fear, he sniffles and looks at Harry, not quite sure what that fuzzy giant black thing was*

Claire: *glances at Harry, then back at Sam* ...

up

THE RACCOON: EVEN THAT WHOLE BIT WITH THE VOICES IN ALTODD'S HEAD. THAT'S US TOO. BUT THESE UMBRA ARE ESPECIALLY US, DON'TCHA KNOW.

Todd: ... What are they?

THE RACCOON: MANIFESTATIONS OF THE WORST SIDE OF ALTODD - CREATED FROM HIM. THEY EAT A PERSON'S HAPPINESS UNTIL THE VICTIM LIES DEAD ON THE GROUND. THEY KNOW NO FEAR, AND AS YOU NOW KNOW, ARE VERY HARD TO KILL BECAUSE OF THEIR SPEED.

Todd: They came from Altodd?

THE FISH: KINDA SORTA. THEY'RE NOT A PART OF HIM, JUST REPRESENTATIONS OF HIS EVIL MONSTER SIDE. PRETTY SURE THE RACCOON JUST SAID THIS.

Key: *quietly* ...why do they affect me differently...?

THE RACCOON: BECAUSE YOU EXPERIENCED HIS VERY WORST, MOST EVIL ACTION AS A HUMAN BEING, AND THEREFORE, YOU AND HE ARE AFFECTED FAR WORSE THAN ANYONE ELSE BY THE UMBRA.

Umbra: *it appears, standing upright, it's hands twitching, and it's head looking around, as if sniffing for food*

Todd: !!! *stands up, ready to kill it*

Umbra: *doesn't attack*

THE RACCOON: THESE CREATURES ARE FAR MORE POWERFUL THAN ANY ZOMBIE, OR MOOK YOU'LL FACE. THEY REQUIRE TEAMWORK TO TAKE DOWN, BECAUSE ONE THEY'RE ON YOU, THERE'S NO WAY TO GET THEM OFF. AND IF THERE'S NO ONE THERE BESIDE YOU...

*suddenly Bob appears, but his eyes are white and blank. He immediately falls down, dead - the umbra had gotten to him already*

THE RACCOON: THERE GOES YOUR CHANCE FOR ESCAPE! HAH!

Key: !! *was scared enough at the sight of the monster, but seeing Bob just DEAD like that--that terrified her. she stares at it, wide-eyed in fear, clinging to Todd tightly* ...

THE FISH: SCARY, AIN'T IT? YA MIGHT WANNA PAIR UP FROM NOW ON, HEE HEE~

Todd: *stares at the stick man's body in horror - Bob had been HELPING THEM ESCAPE - he had POWER... and just like that, he was dead* Oh... oh my...

Umbra: *screeches its nails-on-chalkboard screech at Todd and Key* EEEEEEEEE...!!

Todd: D8>

THE RACCOON: DON'T WORRY. THIS ONE WON'T HURT YOU. I MADE SURE IT WOULDN'T. IT'S JUST HERE FOR YOU TO STUDY, I GUESS. GET TO KNOW YOUR ENEMY.

Key: *winces when the thing screeches, her only other reaction being hugging Todd more tightly. she refuses to go anywhere NEAR the thing*

THE FISH: AWW, COME ONNNN. DON'TCHU JUST WANNA PET IT OR SOMETHING? HE WON'T HURT YOU~

Todd: ... *he bravely steps away from Key, over to the Umbra*

Umbra: *doesn't move form its spot*

Todd: ... *he takes off the creature's hood*

Umbra: *under its hood, there is nothing. Just another exit for black smoke to leak out of. It doesn't move*

THE RACCOON: *POOFGONE*

THE FISH: *POOFGONE*

Key: *finds herself greatly disturbed by this--if the thing had had a face, a BODY at least, it would've been easier to believe they could be destroyed. this just made them seem even more invincible than they already were*

Todd: ... *he says nothing. He puts the hood back up (which was somehow able to support itself, like the face was invisible), then takes the thing by its hand, holding it up, studying the claws - the face didn't exist, but these black claws were solid* ...

Umbra: *does nothing*

Key: .... *cranes her head to try to see--she still refuses to come close to it, no matter how harmless it may be acting* ....

Todd: *lets go of the thing's hand* ... YOU'RE supposed to represent Altodd's evil?

Umbra: *responds by cocking its head*

Todd: *bitterly* ... pretty accurate... running like an animal... destroying the happiness of others...

Key: *nods slowly, pretty much agreeing with what Todd's saying* ...I guess all that evil had to go somewhere...

Todd: So you admit that Altodd's not evil anymore?

Umbra: ...ssss...

Key: ... *gives him a small nod* ....mhmm... he... he came looking for me, that's how he was there when the Umbra attacked me... He came to ask me if he had... y-you know... he's starting to remember, but... he.. feels bad for it...

Todd: ... he must think of who he was like WE do - maybe he hates himself for it.

Umbra: ... ssss...

Key: *quietly, almost mumbled* That's completely understandable... i know i would...

Umbra: *suddenly explodes*

Todd: !!! *backs away* Uh... I guess THE RACCOON or THE FISH didn't want it here for too long...

Key: *jumps a foot in the air when it explodes, thinking it had moved to attack* C-Couldn't they have just p-poofed it away or something?! D8>

Todd: Hah, no. It's the creators. Of COURSE they'd make it explode.

Key: mmmmmhhh.... *brings her legs up to her chest and hugs them--she's had more than enough scares today* ...

up

Altodd: *softly* Hey, it's dead now, alright...? You're okay - you're okay, now. *he hesitates, then puts a hand on her shoulder in a friendly, comforting manner*

Key: *flinches a bit, and looks down, her shoulders shake as she starts to cry. she slowly steps forward, and rests her forehead on Altodd's chest, continuing to cry--she didn't care it was him, it didn't matter right now--the memory was so vivid, so painful, that it almost felt like it had happened all over again*

Altodd: *he nearly freezes up when Key does this. He honestly didn't expect it, but he figured it only meant Key seriously needed to be comforted at the moment. He raps his arms around her, pulling her into a comforting hug (don't fall for it again, she broke your heart)*

Key: *eventually breaks down into sobs, burying her face in Altodd's chest, continuing to cry until she couldn't cry anymore. she just couldn't take having to go through that again, not when the first time had been horrifying enough...*

Altodd: *he speaks softly to her, still hugging her (let her go, don't you DARE start this again!)* It's okay, Key... it'll be alright... you just let all that out...

Key: *sniffles* ...th-thank you...I-- *freezes--ohhh no no no. NO. she wasn't doing this again, she wasn't going to fall for this AGAIN! putting her hands on his chest, she lightly pushes away from him, looking off to the side--she couldn't allow herself to fall for him, not again, not after all--STOP REMEMBERING IT!*

Altodd: *under his mask, he frowns a bit (let her go) he didn't love her, he just wanted to be friends (don't). He stops hugging her* ... d-do you feel any better, Key?

Key: *responds with a tiny nod as she steps back* ...I have to go... T-Todd's going to be worried...

Altodd: .. okay... *he backs away from her fully, not wanting any tension to rise (good, good, leave her alone) He speaks to the voice in his head* ... I wasn't going to do anything to her...

Key: *glances up at him, confused by his last statement, then quickly looks away from him* ...g-g'night. *turns, and continues down the hallway, slowly at first, then she quickens her pace, almost jogging by the time she gets back to her and Todd's room. she looks like a mess when she enters*

Altodd: *he watches her run away from him (good good). It hurt to see her scared of him like that... but, as much as he didn't feel it, it was all his fault (my fault). There was no way he'd ever be able to connect with any of them. Altodd would stay alone - forever* ... *he walks away to his room. If anything, at least he was able to comfort her - helping Key made him feel better - like he was wanted. Or was he? She still ran (yes she did). She ran from HIM - he saw it. He understood. It was his fault (our fault)* No, YOUR fault! You did that to her - not me! YOU raped her - I would NEVER do that to her - I would NEVER be a monster like you were! *He stood huffing, realizing - (but you were. You were me once - you existed too - before me) - what? (you were innocent - and you are now. You don't remember what you suffered)* ... *Altodd left, walking over - dragging his feet - to his room*

meanwhile

Todd: *had come back from Harry's room a while ago, and had been worried about Key* Key! What happened - where... *he assumes, and this hurts him* ... did he hurt you again...? Did he... rape you... again?

Key: N-No...! I mean.. not... nnhh.... no... *stops to breathe for a moment and get her thoughts in order* ...one of those freaky hoodie things... it got in somehow, and it attacked me... Altodd, he... he didn't do anything except save me from it...

Todd: *though not a rape, this is a lot of news to take in, nonetheless* ... one of those THINGS were here...? And he SAVED you... *shakes himself a bit* Are you okay? Did they hurt you at all?? D:>

Key: I-I'm fine now... *comes into the room and sits on the edge of the bed* ...That thing... i-it made me see everything... I-I had to go through ALL of it, all over again...! I was like i-it was happening all over again, it was t-terrifying...!

Todd: *hugs her tightly* ... I'm sorry... but... but it didn't actually hurt you Key... and that's good... but... but one of them got into the stronghold... and that's very, very bad...

Key: *leans against him, resting her head against his shoulder* yeah... i... don't even know how that's possible... i thought there was something in the teleporters that would kill anything that wasn't on our side...

Todd: ... well, somehow they can get passed those... do you think THE RACCOON or THE FISH is doing this on purpose, or... did those things get out of control...?

THE RACCOON: YOU MEAN THE UMBRA?

Todd: *flinches when she appears*

Key: *jumps a bit from surprise* ...so you ARE doing this...

THE FISH: *APPEARS ALSO* DUH. WE DO EVERYTHING.

up

Todd: Alright - I'll talk to Harry. He seemed really off on the field. Obviously, he's still suffering from his... er... breakup with Claire. *he walks off to Harry's room*

Altodd: ... *he decides that he'll talk to Key. He couldn't hide what was happening to him forever - especially not after his outburst on the field*

Malvagita: This is our stronghold. Unfortunately, we must share this place with OVERLANDERS.

Key: ...okay... *turns and heads down the hallway to her room*

Arthemis: *scrunches up her nose, disgusted* Ugh. I do hope they keep away, I can't stand them and their stench...

Malvagita: I cannot EITHER... a good thing that we can avoid them...

Altodd: *follows her*

Arthemis: Snrr... where do we go now?

meanwhile

Key: *continues down the hall to her room, but starts feeling like she's being followed... she glances over her shoulder and sees Altodd following her* !! *quickens her pace--oh god oh god why is he following me??*

Malvagita: A room. Do you wish to stay in my room? I'd rather not talk to the HEDGEBAT.

meanwhile

Altodd: ! *quickens his pace as well* Wait! Wait - please! I need to talk to you!

Arthemis: *scoffs* Anything but the hedgebat. I'd be honored to accompany you.

meanwhile

Key: *stops and turns around so suddenly she nearly makes him crash into her. she's loud, but it's more because she's afraid than anything else--this felt much too familiar to her* What?? What do you want?? D:>

Malvagita: Very well. Come. *he walks to his room*

meanwhile

Altodd: ! *is surprised by her sudden halt* I-I just... I need to tell you about... what's been going on with me. Because you know me... the most... I think...

Arthemis: *follows him, like the loyal servant she is*

meanwhile

Key: *is very hesitant, but decides to give him a chance--Todd said they should, anyway*...okay... talk, then...

Altodd: ... I... I've been having these nightmares, lately. These odd... out of place nightmares... and I'm starting to think that they really happened... like, BEFORE... Key... I need to know... I... did I do something really awful to you? Did I... did I... rape you... Key? D:>

Key: *her expression turns from fear to horror as he speaks--then she narrows her eyes and stares at hin in a silent fury. he remembers. somehow, he remembers, and he's coming to ask her about it!? she keeps her mouth shut, knowing what kind of words would come out--fortunately, her change in expression says enough*

Altodd: *he gets quiet, seemingly shrinking a bit* I-I'm sorry... I shouldn't have asked that... I-I'll... I'll leave you alone, now... I'm sorry... *he backs up a bit*

Key: *continues to resist the urge to say something to him--she takes a few steps back, then turns and runs (sprints!) back to her room. she just wanted to put at much distance between her and Atodd*

Altodd: *lets her run, now feeling awful* ...

Umbra: *lets out its distinct screeching noise before appearing in front of Key, like a ghost, fading into existence. It was immediately on her, sucking the happiness out of her*

Key: !!! *is thrown back into that room, that dark, horrid room, held down by the throat as he violently forces himself upon her--the pain of it hits her like a speeding truck, and she cries out, she screams, she pleads/i] for release, feeling just as powerless and terrified as when he took her the first time* PLEASE, GOD, STOP IT, STOP!!

Umbra: *continues sucking the happiness out of Key, feeding itself*

Altodd: *had heard the scream, and immediately runs to the source - when he finds the umbra there, he nearly cries out in horror - this is a safe haven! There aren't supposed to be things like THAT here! (it wants us to die) The voices. The voices started again - no (yes) get out (can't) Altodd speaks quietly, his voice shaking* ... get out of my head...

Umbra: *continues to eat*

Altodd: *(I cannot - I am you - I will always be you) knowing that the creature that stood before him, attacking Key, was causing the voice to get louder, and much worse he figures he has no choice but to kill it - not that he wouldn't anyway - he had to save Key - he readies his sword*

Key: *her screams die down into terrified whimpers, unable to do anything but plead pathetically for him to release her, still trapped in the nightmarish flashback* please, please, don't do this... i don't want.. oh god, please, just make it stop...!!

Altodd: *quickly, he plunges his sword right into the umbra, squeezing his eyes shut and gritting his teeth under his helmet as the voice screamed in his head - his OWN scream as if HE was the one in pain - he almost tried to pull the sword out, just to get the screaming to stop, but he didn't until all of the black smoke leaked out of the creature, leaving only a pile of ratty clothes behind. He looks over at Key*
... are you okay?

Key: *staggers back against the wall, wide eyes staring blankly at the ground as her mind returned to reality. she puts a hand over her mouth and her eyes begin to water--she was still reeling from the vivid flashback, the pain, the words, all etched firmly into her mind--she doesn't respond to him at all*

Altodd: *decides to repeat the question, assuming she didn't hear him* ... Key, are you okay?

Key: *hears him this time, and her head snaps over to look at him. the terror in her eyes is almost heartbreaking--having to relive that had taken a huge toll on her* n-n-n-n-no...

up

Todd: Right. :(

Altodd: ... okay... *if he told Key about his dream - about ANY of it, she'd hate him more than she did now. He couldn't risk that*

*suddenly the air seemed to grow still and dead. Out of nothing fades in three frighteningly thin figures - each wearing what seemed to be Todd's hoodie and pants, but the bandages were like Altodd's arrangement, back before he committed suicide. They moved VERY quickly, on all fours, but awkwardly, as they were shaped like humans. They immediately went after Altodd first, screeching like nails on a chalkboard, their black, thin claws dragging across the ground with each limping step in their sprint*

Altodd: *suddenly finds himself on the floor, screaming more than he thought he was as SOMETHING was being sucked out of him, and into the THING on top of him - and what (submit submit) what were (they are you) th... (they are you) ...ey...? (submit submit submit)*

Todd: !!! ALTODD!!

Key: AAH!! *immediately points her pistols at the being and shoots where she knew she wouldn't hit Altodd as well--then suddenly, she was violently thrown to the ground, a hand grabbing her throat, forcing her against the bed--then she was back in the blank space, eyes still wide in terror--what the hell was THAT?!*

Todd: Key?? Are you okay -? DON'T FREAK OUT ON ME, TOO, OKAY??

Umbra: *still sucking out something from Altodd*

Altodd: *his thoughts slow to a crawl as the monster worked (let it kill you. Let it. Let it.) c... (you shouldn't be here. You know you shouldn't)*

Todd: Oh frack, whatsit DOING to him?? D8

Key: I-I-I Dunno, but if it's anything like what I just-- *shakes her head. don't think about it, don't think about it...* W-We need to get that thing off him!! *tries to shoot the thing again--a hand covers her mouth when she screams, pleads for him to let her go, taking away her only chance of rescue--* nnhh--I-I can't-- I can't hurt these things! D8>

Altodd: *he has stopped struggling (good) - he wanted the creature to kill him, now (good) - he couldn't go on, he had to die (yes, yes) yes... (let it kill you) let it... (you have to die - we must die)*

Todd: *instead of asking her "why not", Todd lunges at the creature on Altodd, ripping it off without a problem, then stabbing the screeching thing with his clawed gauntlets until it finally died, the clothing flattening out as a cloud of black smoke seeped out from inside it*

Altodd: *shaking, he gets up, almost falling down again. He picks his sword back up*

Todd: Altodd, are you okay? D:>

Altodd: *... and points it at himself*

Todd: !!! *yanks the sword out of his hand* WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?? D8

Altodd: *quietly, his voice a dull drone* can't... can't live... can't go on...

Todd: D8 ...

Key: !!! no, no, not THIS again, please don't! D8>

Altodd: *in a quiet, begging voice* ... please give the sword back... I don't deserve to live... why couldn't you just let me die...?

Todd: *rips the helmet off of Altodd and gives him a good slap in the face*

Altodd: *his voice gains more emotion* AH!! Why'd you do that?? D8>

Todd: That thing DID SOMETHING to you... how did you feel when it was on you like that?

Altodd: ... I-I dunno... I just felt really REALLY depressed... I just... I wanted to die...

Todd: *to Key* ... maybe it ate happiness, or something.

Key: M-Maybe... *oh, how she wished it was only that--it'd be less terrifying, that's for sure. she still looks distressed, extremely distraught by the images and the sounds...*

Todd: *had noticed this* Key... that thing did something to you, too, didn't it?

Altodd: It did??

Key: *glances at Altodd fearfully, then at Todd, and nods* whenever I shot it, I'd... I-It'd feel like i was back in... *shakes her head. she doesn't WANT to remember, not again--and she didn't want to say it in front of Altodd*

Todd: ... you don't have to say it, Key.

Altodd: ... *he walks over and picks his helmet back up, placing it over his head. That thing - that creepy, shadowy FREAK did something besides just suck out his happiness - it made that voice in his head almost... stronger... and far more persuasive, it seems. But what WAS that monster - (it was you, you are a monster)* ... don't... don't say that...

Todd: Altodd?

Altodd: *(yes, you are a monster - you raped her, you monster - you can't come back - not fair)* I-I'm NOT a monster! Stop TALKING to me!!

Todd: *glances over at Key questioningly*

Key: *flinches when Altodd raises his voice, taking a step back. she meets Todd's gaze, equally confused and a little bit scared--he was definitely not talking to her*

Altodd: *he looks over at Todd and Key, who both looked confused - SCARED of him* Y-You can't hear it, can you? I-It really IS in my head... am I... am I crazy...?

Todd: *wants to say "yes you are" very much, but fears he may make things worse for Altodd* Hey, maybe that thing just messed you up a little - that's it. We'll just... avoid them.

Malvagita: *throws fireballs at one of the umbra, but they miss completely, as the thing was far to quick* Rrrrgh!

Umbra: *charges at him, slashing his chest with the quickness of a chainsaw*

Malvagita: !!! *takes the creature and sets it on fire* D8<

Umbra: *squirms when it begins to burn*

Key: Y-Yes, let's. D:> *mentally smacks herself for stammering--STOP IT*

Arthemis: *lunges at the third Umbra* D:<

Todd: *pats Key on the back* The other things are preoccupied with Malvagita and... some other dragon thing.

Altodd: *is clearly shaken* D8 ...

Umbra: *romps out of the way, then leaps onto Arthemis's back, raking its black claws across her back*

Key: *swallows nervously, and nods* ...W-Wonder what's with all the d-dragons... *STOP STAMMERING, you look like a weakling!*

Arthemis: !! *snarls and rolls on her back, trying to crush the being under her*

Todd: ... *he looks over at Altodd*

Altodd: *looks back at the two of them* ...

Umbra: *is crushed under Arthemis's weight, plumes of black smoke squeezing out from under the beast*

Key: *refuses to meet Altodd's gaze, and looks away*

Arthemis: *rolls back on her feet, and sneers at the Umbra* stinking hellspawn... what are they?

Malvagita: *growling* I do not know, but they most definitely do not come from MY hell...

Todd: ...

Altodd: ...

Eclipse: RETREAT!!

Everyone: *heads back to their strongholds*

*IN THE STRONGHOLD*

Arthemis: ...I have never seen this place before...

Key: ... *to Todd* I-I'm going to the room...

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Todd: ... mmkay... *he slowly gets up, out of bed, gets dressed, then walks into the wall beside the door and falls asleep standing up*

Key: !! *walks over to him, and waves a hand in front of his face* ...you've got to be kidding me... *grabs his shoulder and shakes him* Come on, Todd! At least TRY to stay awake...! I can't drag you to Jacob's by myself! D:>

Todd: *is shaken awake* guhhah, wha...??

Key: Mmmrff. Come on. <:( *puts an arm around him and leads him out of the room and down the hallway, headed to the med wing*

*in the medical wing*

Jacob: Todd, you look like death.

Todd: mm...

Jacob: What happened?? D:

Key: *keeps an arm around him to hold him steady* We, umm... forgot he didn't have to take the tranquilizers anymore. D: He blacked out, and it took forever to get him to wake up this morning. We were hoping you could help somehow...? D:>

Jacob: ... uh... wow... um... try... caffeine. Like, a LOT of caffeine. I think I've got just that in pill-form - I saw it before... *rummages through the cupboards* Ahah. *he hands Key a pill bottle* Get him to take like, two of these.

Todd: *has fallen asleep standing up again*

Key: *takes the bottle* Alright... *looks at Todd* Oh for the love of... *shakes him again* Do you wanna wake up or not? D:> *looks at Jacob* I might need some help. D:

Jacob: *kicks Todd in the "area"*

Todd: !!! AAUHOOOGOD FFFFFUUUUUUUCK!! *is bent over in pain* Why'd... why'd'you...??

Jacob: Now you won't fall asleep on us again while we give you your pills.

Todd: Motherfracking - WHAT pills...?? D8>

Key: !!??!?? That's NOT the kind of help I was looking for, Jacob...!! D8> *opens the bottle and pops a few pills out* Todd, you need to take these. Before you fall asleep again. D:>

Todd: *through his teeth, still bent over* ... Not that I would now, ANYWAYS...!! DB

Jacob: Then my mission's accomplished.

Todd: *takes the pills* gahh...

Key: Mmh... *looks at Jacob* That was unnecessary. >:/

Jacob: No, not really. Would you rather he fall asleep midway through taking the pills, and choke on them?

Todd: It still HURTS! You're the worst doctor EVER! D8<

Jacob: Heh.

Key: Well, you could've at least--

Alarm: BWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE BWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

Todd: WELL, I GUESS WE GOTTA GO NOW. LET'S GET OUT THERE AND KICK SOME TEETH IN! *runs out*

Jacob: THE PILL'S TAKING EFFECT PRETTY QUICKLY.

Key: BETTER THAN HAVING HIM FALLING ASLEEP. *runs out after him, to the teleporters and out onto the field*

Altodd: *he stays away from Key and Todd, but is quite woozy and tired form a lack of sleep. He had to ask Key. That was the only thing on his mind. He HAD to know - no matter what the consequences may be. Did he REALLY rape her?*

Todd: Lookit Altodd over there - he doesn't look very good. D:

Key: Do you think we should help him out...?

Todd: ... yeah... we... we need to try building a better relationship with him - especially as he is now. The last thing we want is him to only know us as mean, hateful people. D:

Altodd: *nearly falls asleep before shaking himself awake*

Malvagita: *burns things*

Key: ...which we are not. *nods* Okay. Let's go over there, then. *goes towards Altodd with Todd*

*a bluish-green something drops out of the sky, flailing about for a moment before righting itself and landing near the demon prince*

Arthemis: !! Malvagita! *hurries over, eyes narrowed from the sudden brightness of the blank space*

Malvagita: Arthemis? They sent YOU here too?

Altodd: *notices them out of the corner of his fogged eye, and his heart races for a few moments - why were they coming over here??*

Todd: Hey, you okay, Altodd? D:

Altodd: mmnn... no...

Arthemis: "They?" Whoever "they" are, they've seen fit to take me from my duties and bring me here.

Key: :/ ... Guess we'd better stick around and help you out, then... don't want you getting killed.

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Todd: ... I won't get mad...

meanwhile

Eclipse: Okay. 22 is open. Feel better, Claire.

Key: ...I can't do it because it makes me think too much of... *groans in frustration* you were right, okay?? I--It's impossible to tell you two apart just by looking at you. There, I said it.

meanwhile

Claire: Mhmm... *heads towards her new room. she enters it, finding a crib already in the corner (of course, they plan EVERYTHING...) she puts a half-asleep Sam in the crib, then gets into bed herself. she tries not to think of the empty spot in the bed next to her--tries and fails. the emptiness hurt too much to ignore*

Todd: ... so then... when we almost... and you felt kinda weird about it because it was almost like I was... Altodd. Right?

meanwhile

Harry: *he doesn't sleep. He lies on the bed, staring at nothing*

Key: ... *nods* It's stupid... I mean, I KNOW it's you it's just that... ugh, I don't even know...

meanwhile

Claire: *stares at the wall, trying to sleep, but finds herself unable to. she knows Harry can't sleep either--she can still feel his hurt* ...

Todd: No, it's okay, Key. He really hurt you before he died - I totally get how uncomfortable this must be for you. *trying to lift the mood, he jokes a bit* ... I'm not gonna put my shirt back on, though. <:P

meanwhile

Harry: *he tries to think of something else - ANYTHING to keep his mind off of Claire, and help him sleep. He watches an old-fashioned clock tick back and forth on a nearby wall. He hoped that by watching the swinging arm, he could perhaps hypnotize himself into falling asleep (as silly as the idea sounded)*

Key: Aaaand I'm not going to make you. XP *snuggles into him again, resting her head on his shoulder*

meanwhile

Claire: *tosses and turns, tries counting sheep, but nothing seems to help her fall asleep. nothing can take her mind off Harry* ...

Todd: I guess I'll take my pill now, though. I can be your passed-out teddy bear. XP *he leans over and takes his tranquilizer, then goes back to cuddling Key*

meanwhile

Harry: *though he can't fall asleep, Harry still found at least a little peace in knowing that Claire did still love him. Unless she was lying*

Key: *laughs a little at the idea--when he returns, she hugs him and squeezes him tightly, resting her head on his chest* goodnight, Todd...

meanwhile

Claire: *has this sinking feeling that Harry had doubts... how could she make him understand that she still loved him? she couldn't, not without getting close to him...*

Todd: *gives Key a tired smile* Goodnight, Key... *realizes something* Oh... shoot... didn't have to take the... pill... *he then falls unconscious, his mind shutting down from the drug*

meanwhile

Harry: *now doubtful, he finally falls into an uneasy sleep*

Key: ...Uh oh. That's not... That's not good. D:> *bites her lip nervously, wondering if he'd be okay--ohmygoshireallyhopehe'llbeokaywhydidntinoticethatearlierohmygoshweareseriouslystupidorsomething* D8>

meanwhile

Claire: *falls asleep a little while later, wondering over and over if Harry really WAS doubting her...*

Todd: *completely passed out*

meanwhile, later

Altodd: *it was the middle of the night when he bolted upright from yet another nightmare - a RAPE - he RAPED Key! He... he (loved her) BARELY KNOWS her - how the hell did he get the sick idea of RAPING her (no, not sick)?? The image was so deeply engraved in his head, now, that no matter what, he couldn't make it go away. It was wrong (she lied to you) - no wonder she hated him (you were right) - he was a MONSTER (Todd Huntings, you were right)... no, he was wrong in doing that (you were right)* NO, I WAS WRONG!! *he stays perfectly still, staring blankly after he yelled fiercely at absolutely no one - no, someone had to be there - he wasn't just HEARING things!* COME OUT! I KNOW YOU'RE HERE - IT'S NOT LIKE I'M ARGUING WITH MYSELF! D8<

*but no one comes*

Altodd: *suddenly, he feels very scared. Very scared, and very alone*

*the next morning*

Key: *wakes up, still snuggled up against Todd--then remembers how he had taken the tranquilizer that night before. she sits up, wide awake with concern* .... *lightly shakes him* ...Todd. Todd?

Todd: *with the drugs being far too powerful for him, he still stays fast asleep*

meanwhile

Altodd: *in the morning, having gotten no sleep, he stumbles out of bed and crashes into a fall, blankly staring at nothing with bleary eyes, his mind also blank - blank except for the memory of the rape. It couldn't be real, could it? It just COULDN'T be (only one way to find out)...* ...

Key: *has a brief moment of panic when she considers the fact that he might be dead--but this is quickly dispelled as she sees that his chest's still moving up and down (thank GOD). but Todd still needed to get up...* ...come ooooonnnn...! *shakes him again*

Todd: *groggily opens his eyes a crack, groaning - he was still completely exhausted from the drugs, which were still very much in his system*

meanwhile

Altodd: *he removes himself from the in order to stumble over to his helmet and put it on. He felt terrible, like he'd pass out at any given moment*

Key: FINALLY.. I was starting to think you were in a coma or something! D:> *gets out of bed, and walks around to the other side, grabbing the bottle of pills and tossing them out* there we go. that won't happen again. >_<;;

Todd: *is actually fighting to keep awake* ... I feel sick...

Key: I'm not surprised... D: Maybe we should get you to Jacob, see if there's some way he can help...

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Todd: No, silly - cuddle. :D

meanwhile

Jacob: ... you're linked to him, you know. Like a psychic link.

Key: *grins* That works too. :3

meanwhile

Claire: Wait--what do you mean? Why? How?

Todd: *climbs into bed* Of course, we can't have any sex, now, since I'm human. XC

meanwhile

Jacob: ... he held your soul in his hands...

Key: Pffft. Is that all you think about? *scoots over on the bed to leave him some room* XP

meanwhile

Claire: *remembers the incident with the red-eyed beast* ...he... how come I never knew about this...? I mean... this clears up a LOT of things, but...

Todd: *buries his face in her neck, kissing it* Maybe.

meanwhile

Jacob: You two didn't know because it seemed normal for you both, I suppose.

Key: mmm... *obviously enjoys this, though she can't help but be reminded of... no no no, she can't think about him right now, she's with Todd. She's fine, she's safe with him... she allows him to continue, putting her hands on his chest*

meanwhile

Claire: ...That's why it hurt so much...

Todd: *he gets a hand around her, and pets her wings, knowing she enjoyed it*

meanwhile

Jacob: ... your emotions leak into each other - you feel them. You can feel Harry's emotions right now.

Key: *relaxes at the touch, sighing dreamily. she was safe...*

meanwhile

Claire: *goes quiet as she realizes the hurt she was feeling wasn't only her own, but Harry's as well... and that also meant he was hurting just as much as she was, at LEAST--what if he was WORSE?* ...

Todd: Do you wanna...?

meanwhile

Jacob: Claire?

Key: *nods slightly, only half-awake at this point* mhmm...

meanwhile

Claire: ...I must've hurt him so badly...

Todd: *smiling, he then took off his pants and got on top of Key*

meanwhile

Jacob: ... and you feel that.

Key: --!! *immediately feels uncomfortable, especially looking up at him like this--she felt small, powerless, vulnerable--the similarities were too great for her to take at the moment. she puts her hands against his chest and meekly tries to push him off, averting her eyes to the ceiling above him* w-w-wait--I can't...

meanwhile

Claire: .... *nods*

Todd: ... wait, what do mean? D:

meanwhile

Jacob: ... you're going to have to deal with it, Claire. Will you stay away from him on the blank space, as well?

Key: *her panic rising, she pushes against him with a bit more strength, though it isn't enough to get him to move much* I-I just can't, okay? Please, just...

meanwhile

Claire: ...If it means keeping him safe... y-yes.

Todd: ... *getting the message, he gets off of her and lies down beside her* ... what happened there? <:/

meanwhile

Jacob: ... Alright, Claire. This is your decision. Now go sleep.

Key: *takes a deep breath to try to calm herself down--did she really want to tell Todd the truth? It would prove him right, after all* ...

meanwhile

Claire: ...right... I'll see you tomorrow, Jacob. *turns, and leaves the med room*

Todd: Key... D:>

meanwhile

Jacob: Right. Good luck, Claire.

Key: *takes another deep breath, this time letting it out as a long sigh. she didn't know how to answer him. she flips on her side and puts an arm over him, snuggling into him* sorry... I-I just don't think we should...

meanwhile

Claire: *continues on to her room trying to hold back tears, for Sam's sake, and for Harry's sake. The worse she felt, the worse HE felt, and it would just keep going on and on and on...*

Todd: ... it HAS to be more then THAT, Key... D:>

meanwhile

Harry: *he sits alone, broken-hearted on his bed, looking over at the empty spot next to him. It was over*

Key: *merely buries her face in his shoulder in response. she couldn't understand it--why could she be HERE, next to him, but anything more... it wasn't like she was doing it on purpose either, she had been fully willing when he asked...* ...

meanwhile

Claire: *slows to a stop as she reaches the residential area, realizing that she didn't have a room. she sighs to herself, wondering if things could get any MORE complicated*

Sam: *is falling asleep against her shoulder*

Todd: *he gently pushes her away, holding on to her shoulder* Key... if there's something wrong, please don't just hide it like this...

meanwhile

Eclipse: Claire? You need a room?

Key: *doesn't look at him* ...I dunno how to say it...

meanwhile

Claire: *nods, not trusting her voice anymore.> Harry's heartbreak was starting to leak into her* ...

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