The Dove Flies Freely.

I landed late the next morning, getting out of the airport and everything was a pain in my ass. There were so many delays. I hate flying, I hate airports.

Rented a car once I entered the town, drove to the location. I checked where they were tracked from and sound a shirt left behind. They were getting sloppy, no doubt exhausted from this game of cat and mouse. I snatched the cloth and threw it into the car before I called Joshua, he pin pointed Lullaby's cellphone. I parked the car on a side road near some woods; there was a small lot for cars to park. I'm assuming for hunting, New Jersey has plenty of alike ones. It briefly concerned me that hunters could be in the woods with the two girls; whom I confirmed were in there by the tracks left in the dirt.

I'm not that good a tracker. I know some outdoor basics, given how panicked the girls were it no doubt helped that they broke plenty of branches trying to hide. Left a nice path for me to follow, I eventually came to hearing their voices up ahead. The two of them must have just decided to settle there.

"It's not that easy, we need to rest. We can't move far like this." Lullaby said, a faint smirk on her face. They looked like shit, exhausted and no doubt have gone without food for a bit. Probably water too, which made them dehydrated. Lullaby fell against a tree in the small clearing.

I watched silently as Con scanned her body. "I'm going to look for water." She said, giving Lullaby's head a pat as she walked by. "I'll be right back."

"Don't leave me." The child called, reaching out towards her new guardian before slumping exhausted against the tree.

I watched Con leave before looking back at Lullaby, waiting a few seconds, rubbing my eyes from lack of sleep. Once I was sure Con was gone I exited and approached the child, "Lullaby. I finally found you." I said, somewhat relieved despite the rest of my feelings. "We need to talk and you need to come home."

"I'm NOT going there ever again." Lullaby said, unmoving as she looked upwards towards the sky. "...I'll talk, possibly not the words you wish to hear. But I will not return with you, woman, not now, not ever." She said, rolling off the tree onto her stomach before pushing herself off the forest floor. It served to get her covered in more dirt, her tangled and matted locks of hair framing her face as she got up just barely. Her pale face was only colored by the dark circles under her eyes, the same ones that showed a lack of caring or understanding. It was as if once Con left she switched her emotions off. Interesting development, I noted. A smirk formed on her dry lips, large enough to show her canine teeth. "So Auntie, what do you wish to speak about?"

"How about for starters how stupid you're being." I said bluntly in response. "This isn't a game, Lullaby. You're related to Thuggee, you believe that doesn't make you a prime target? That His agents aren't trying to hunt you down and kill you? At least at the mansion you were protected. This is reckless and idiotic." I waved at Lullaby's person. "Look at you, you look like shit, dove. Your health isn't all that great either. I can see it clearly, you can barely stand. You really think you'll escape the moment they start showing up?" I rubbed the bridge of my nose, a sigh following. "Look... You killed your mother -my friend-, abandoned your father, and I don't mean Thuggee. For whatever reason, you still haven't said. You can go ahead and fight me all you like. You can hate me, and keep hating me, keep hating all of us and the world." I dropped my hand back to my side, looking at her flatly. "But there are people who love you, dove. And despite these horrible things you have done, they want you to remain alive and healthy." I scowled, "And these people are going through hell just to keep you alive, even at a distance." I tapped the dark circles around my own eyes, indicating to her our old friend, Executor, wasn't stopping from raiding my brain. That I haven't slept since finding out about her location in order to keep him from getting the information. At least awake I could fight him off more. "You are being a stupid, stubborn child. The fact of the matter is you aren't getting the rest you need, or anything else. You're a target and you can't even defend yourself from the rest of the world. And sweetie, there are monsters worse than what you think you are."

Her reaction was violent, "SHUT UP!" Lullaby screamed, clutching her head of messy hair. "Shut up, woman! Shut up!" Her voice deepened as she stood, staring at me through her messy black hair. "What's life without a fucking risk? Even if I stayed there I'd be safe, fuck safe, safe is when you're chained to a doll's body, safe was in the arms of DeMii. I wanted her safe! I've been reborn, for years, only to be placed in a body to be chained to someone else! Well, Auntie, guess what? Not anymore. I'm me. I'm free. No more going where everyone else wants to go, I can do what I like." Her voice wavered as she held her shaking hands in front of her. Tears formed in her eyes, she looked sick. Lullaby fell to her knees, burying her face into her hands as she cried. "I never wanted anyone to... It's up to them to want to protect me. Did I say, 'Shady, protect me!'?" Lullaby shook her head violently before looking upwards again. She laughed, small at first but it grew with madness before abruptly stopping, once more her focus returned to me. "Go to hell." She growled. "Go to hell and may the angels and god have mercy on your forsaken soul."

I stepped forward and leaned forward, "Been to Hell, all you do there is stare at yourself and scream at your own demons." I said, somewhat amused by her final words. Lullaby's eyes narrowed a fraction as I straightened back up, calmly. "Being safe is being smart; it doesn't mean you have to be chained. If you wanted to leave you could have spoken as much. You insult the family you have and had, spit on their names, like we don't fucking see or understand what you are. We do, Lullaby, and we choose to protect you still. Some communication was all you needed to do, not kill DeMii." I clenched my fists, the scowl growing. "You think you're free? You dragged this other girl into the mess we are a part of! You cling to her now; despite saying it's her choice to protect you. What happens when you start feeling suffocated again, Lullaby?" I questioned her, sneering as I looked down on her "What will you do? Kill her too? Your mother was raising you in a safe environment so that you may walk freely and smartly amongst the world. So that you could escape this bullshit. For someone who has done this routine again and again you don't seem all that bright." I walked over to her until only a few feet separated us and lowered down, taking a need. A soft sigh left me, calming down the anger. "I protect you because I love you, and I loved your mother. Because I know this kills Proctor, that you're still his daughter even after Thuggee's crap. We are selfish to want you safe and protected, sure, but is that so bad, dove?"

Lullaby chuckled again. "You didn't see it like I saw it, what I did to DeMii is nothing compared to what was going to happen. It wouldn't have even been death for her; it wouldn't have been death..." She fell silent, staring at nothing. The silence continued for a moment before she came to life again, "Con was bound to meet me either way, it's not our mess. Con knows her place; Con knows my sins as well as she knows hers. Con cares about me... She hasn't let me know, she's up for me, and she held me, despite my ignorance towards her. She's warmed me when I was going to freeze to death, she gave me her coat. Con has been there for me..." Lullaby gathered dirt in her hand and flung it at me, it didn't come close to reaching and she knew it wouldn't. "I couldn't kill Con, even if I tried, even if I held a knife to her throat and she said 'do it'. I would start crying. She taught me control... The one thing my mother never taught me. I'm not sure how she did it... But she made me feel." Lullaby looked at me, the same defying smirk on her face returning. "Yes, it is." She said, referring to what I had asked her finally. I watched carefully as she backed away and reached for a tree branch. "I won't let you take me from Con."

I sighed, heavily. "I'm not trying to take you from Con. She could come too, if you both wanted. That's the difference, Lullaby, I try and make the people I care about happy." I felt the anger rising as I glared, "You don't--" I stopped myself, biting my tongue, cracking my neck, unwinding. "You're so blind and hypocritical. As if your family hadn't done the same for you, or wouldn't. You spit on us." I flicked the bangs aside and looked away, growing tired of all this talk. Of repeating myself. I looked back at her, a smile forming. "I like Con. I like that she helps you, is there for you. I'm glad you found someone you care about. I'm sad you're so jaded and blinded towards us... That you hate me, and I don't even know why." I could feel the smile falter, but it stuck the landing and stayed. "But that's ok, dove. Con makes you happy, in turn that does bring me some peace to know such. I wouldn't separate you from that, but I can't let you wander around with a giant target on your back. I have to protect both of you now, not just you." I looked to her as she continued reaching for a firm branch, no doubt to attack me with. I kept the smile and held out my arms, encouraging her to attack me. "I see you reaching, Lullaby. If you want to kill me you can try, I don't care. I don't intend you unnecessarily harm you."

"No..." Lullaby said quietly. She stopped reaching for the branch as a mixture of emotions sprang across her face. Quickly she got up to run, panicking. "CON!" She screamed and stumbled forward.

 That was when a third person came into our private meeting. An unknown girl, who I could have mistaken as Lullaby. The appearance was similar, but the differences could be seen as well. This female walked from behind a tree, her pale skin whiter than Lullaby's, her eyes nearly dead of all emotion. A smirk quirked as she waved, her other hand laying limp against the red fabric of her dress. "Goodbye Lullaby, may He treat you well." The child said, I snatched Lullaby's wrist preventing her from running anywhere at those words. The newcomer looked up at me, the smirk only growing as she held out both hands. "Oh, you're not Con at all!" She said, her child like tone, even her voice held something I did not approve of. This one was dangerous. "I don't like you, Con and Lullaby are my targets. I'd suggest you leave them alone." Her eyes narrowed a moment before she shut them, smiling. "Got it, bitch?"

I tugged Lullaby to me protectively, keeping my other arm wrapped around the child. I could feel her shaking lightly and I gave a small, reassuring squeeze. A smile of my own formed, I nearly laughed at her words. "You obviously don't understand what it is like to have responsibility." I sighed, feigning being disappointed. "Don't know who you are, quite frankly I don't care. Not interested." I threw her the 'no fucks giving' smile, mocking her from a distance. "I'd suggest you leave, I really don't like the idea of my hands getting stains with a child's blood."

Lullaby stopped breathing for a moment, I could hear her whispering. "What can I do...? It's useless; it's a never ending battle." She said as tears began running down her cheeks. I held her close, trying however to ease her.

"Lullaby!" A familiar voice shouted, I looked over to see Con coming into the small clearing. Her hands clenched, making fists, as she stormed over to me. Her blue eyes did not budge as we stared at one another, she threw her fist and I bent forward, leaning over Lullaby to dodge it.

The child in my arms began shaking violently, choking on a sob. I straightened, looking down at her to what she was staring at behind us.

"More important things to be worrying about, lady!" Agony called ahead of us. My eyes widened as I looked over my shoulder, a lean shadow pulling out of the tree line.

"Shit, fuck!" Con growled, I looked to the girl before down at Lullaby.

My eyes narrowed as I looked between both of their conditions before at Agony. "Great... This is what I was hoping to avoid." I drawled, sighing. Giving Lullaby another squeeze I looked to the other woman, "Con." Her attention was back on me, panic and anger written across her face. I pushed Lullaby into Con, "Take her and go. Protect each other and don't stop running." I ordered, glancing at Lullaby. So close and there she was going again, leaving. "Please, just protect her." I paused, snatching the gun from my hip. "And get the fuck out of here!"

Con looked at Lullaby, who continued shaking in her arms. I flipped the safety off, scowling as Con had to leave. "According to my duty, I will try..." She said, much softer than how she was a moment ago. Her hand landed on mine a moment before she took off running with Lullaby.

I fired a bullet into the direction of the Tall Fuck, all I cared about was distracting them long enough to get away.

"What an error, all I wanted was Con to come home. Looks like you really fucked up now, Shady." I took aim at her a moment later, smiling as I fired, wiping the smirk right off her face as she dodged it.

The child seemed to pull a seven inch hunting knife from nowhere, or her dress, I wasn't focusing on where it came from. Her laughter echoed through the woods as she charged me head on, not caring I had a long distance weapon while she was just the opposite. But proxies, man, they can be fast as fuck. An a child, yea, I wasn't going to underestimate a kid. She swung, nicking my sleeve and just cutting my skin barely. Yea, fast, dually noted. Agony followed up with a jab, I countered and directed her attack away. Grabbing her arm I used the bluntness of the gun to punch her directly. Keeping her held I reached back, taking aim at the lean figure that seemed to be watching. I noted He had moved closer, yet also into the direction the two girls ran off in. I didn't trust it. I wanted their attention, even if it meant pissing them off. I fired again at the Tall Fuck. Agony wrenched herself free, the knife skimming near my ribs and cutting skin. There was a glint that came too close for comfort at my face, I shifted on instinct away which spared me enough. Cut open my cheek and ear some, nothing deep. I knocked her arm away, grabbed it once more and pulled her forehead, head-butting Agony.

The kid backed off and we both shook our heads a moment before she launched at me. She was trying to grab me this time, to keep from dodging no doubt. I kicked her in the arm, she grabbed my leg and jerked me off balance. I landed on my back on the forest floor; she took advantage trying to stab me. I rolled away until her weight fell on top, making quick work to grasp her arm and stopping another thrust. I rocked us carefully from side to side, inching to get a better hold of her arm before I flipped us over. I clumsily took aim at the Tall Fuck whose attention turned into the direction of Lullaby's, my other hand struggling to keep the knife back. I fired a bullet into the tree between Him and the direction of them. I fired twice more, they hit somewhere, I wasn't paying attention as much as Agony started writhing beneath me, screaming. She was pissing me off at this point; I turned the gun down onto her. Agony got her knife free and ended up stabbing me in the leg before I could get a shot off. I backhanded her across the face with the gun; it stunned her momentarily before she began flailing wildly with the knife.

I backed off, taking aim at Agony and fired, shooting her in the shoulder. She cried out something fierce, snarling and seething like an animal as she began to pull herself back up. I scowled at the fact she just wouldn't cease, shooting a kid was bad enough. I kicked her back down, firing again which missed just barely. The kid rolled back up, my gun trained in His direction again, the bang stopping Agony a moment. I looked back her way, firing again as she charged me. It missed. I dodged Agony's knife, finding myself once more in between them. I knew the clip was empty at this point and cursed under my breath. Something snaked around my ankle and I hit the ground, just as I looked up a branch in Agony's hand, replacing the knife, came down. I hit the ground again with a groan, my forehead bleeding as a sharp piece of the branch cut it open.

I opened one eye to see Him gone, and Agony waving as she walked backwards before running off after the two girls. My hand was bloody; I used my forehead to smear any further blood before it could reach my eye. Pulling myself off the ground I stumbled forward, not caring to wait till things cleared up. I moved forward, regaining my footing, speeding up into a sprint as I ran towards the large clearing ahead. A field, where all the noise was coming from. The moment I got there I found Con and Agony going at it, tearing each other apart. Lullaby was fumbling around, exhausted and barely able to focus from the looks of it. And He stood some distance away, watching her, completely motionless. Except those limbs that were protruding from His back, hovering in wait to attack.

My hand grasped the knife and I bolted past Con, straight to Lullaby. She needed the assistance the most here. I didn't even see the attack coming, it didn't register. I had reached Lullaby, grabbing hold of her as something dug into the back of my shoulder. It felt worse than a knife, like a spike was being driven in and wiggling around. I grunted, taking a knee a moment in front of her before letting go and spinning around, stabbing the knife into the limb still impaled in my back. "Don't fucking touch me!" I snarled, it tore away from me, taking the knife along with it. I pulled myself up, grasping Lullaby protectively in both arms and took off running towards the woods. The same snaking took hold of my ankle again; I lost balance and released Lullaby as not to crush her when I hit the ground. My fingers dug into the Earth, using every ounce of strength to keep from being dragged back.

"You let her go you monster!" I hear Lullaby scream, leaping past me as she clawed at the limb, prying my leg free. There was innocence in her screaming, it only proved my point on having a reason to protect the kid. I got up as a crack came from off to our side; Con hit the ground by a branch, crying out in pain. "Con!" Lullaby hollered, her damp face looking up to me. "A-Auntie, we have to help Con! We have to get out of here!"

I grabbed her wrist and pulled her aside as He appeared closer to us suddenly. My hand rested at the back of her head, holding her close as I kept myself between them. I lifted my leg and swiped the knife from another holster. Quickly wiping away the blood, which was bothering my one eye as of now, I look around us. "One thing at a time. It's here for you, I have to protect you. Con is strong, still has fight in her." I said calmly, trying to keep things short while easing her as much as possible. "She'll continue fighting for you as long as her body can move. We'll use that to our advantage." I turned us both as I saw blackness launching from the corner of my eye, protecting Lullaby as a limb hit into my back. It wasn't a jab like before, it felt like Agony had swung another branch, knocking the wind out of me a moment. Lullaby helped me stand in place a moment; I winced getting the air back into my lungs. "I need you to get out of here. The street is straight through the woods, no turns. I can help Con and keep the fucks busy." I hugged her close after a second hit. My forehead rested against hers, "I love you. I will protect Con for you. Please just run, little dove."

Lullaby's eyes met mine, her body shaking in my embrace. I could see her thoughts so clearly, written boldly across her face. She refused to accept it, but her mind understood the order and accepted it. Even with all the internal conflict about leaving, not being able to fight. She wasn't so naive, they were after her life and she needed to flee, to hide, while we held them off. Otherwise it would only get worse. I loosened my hold as she backed off, glancing to Con who was on her feet and fighting again. There was a single nod, finally of understanding what the hell all our efforts here were for. "I-I understand, Auntie. I-I love you too."

I smiled at her, pressing a kiss to her forehead before letting her go completely. The knife flipped offensively in my hand, "Run, love, ru-" I didn't even get to finish my stupid sentence. A limb wrapped around my throat, silencing me and cutting off my airway completely. I was dragged backwards, clawing at the limb with one hand, stabbing with the other. It yanked me up with a sudden jerk, which nearly made me think my neck was going to snap.

Lullaby looked horrified a moment, but her face fell serious. I knew what was going through her head. I stopped clawing with one hand and waved it frantically, trying to stop the thought process that had already begun. It didn't matter, she was saying something but I couldn't hear anything. I was feeling light headed without any air, the rest of my body growing too tired to fight back without any oxygen. The knife fell from my hand; my arm fell limp as she ran at Him. Stupid, stupid, stupid little dove... The monster impaled her through the stomach, twisting further in before lifting her off the ground, digging further into her small torso. Her face contorted in pain as her small hands tried to pry herself off it, they kept slipping as she bled out. Her mouth formed one small word, "No, no..."

I was pulled down, my vision filled by the blank sphere of a face. It felt like someone was driving a spike into my skull a second later, an internal conflict forming in my head. A mindfuckery monster, every ounce of willpower raised a defense before I found myself hitting the ground abruptly. I rolled over, coughing and sucking in air as I tried to push off the ground. I squinted, looking at Con holding Lullaby. A bright light seemed to engulf them, my grip on the ground slipped and I collapsed again. I don't know what I was seeing, probably the after effects of whatever the Tall Fuck was trying to drill into my skull. Blinking a few times I dragged myself up once more, moving as fast as I could towards the two girls, hoping there was still something more left to do.

Con was staring down at the small girl in her arms. "I..." Her voice strained from her body, unable to finish the sentence. She bent over the body and cried, cursing everything all at one. "Fuck..." She whispered, sniffling as she pulled herself up to her feet clumsily, still cradling the body. Her blue eyes looked colder; I knew the look all too well. Blame. "We couldn't save her... I couldn't protect her... I'm sorry."

I swallowed my anger, my sadness; I just looked at the both of them, biting my lip hard. Con needed assistance and that came first. I moved closer, placing a hand on her shoulder with a small squeeze. "You tried, hon. We both did. This is not your fault, you did everything you could." I insisted, looking down at Lullaby's motionless form. I slipped my arms under her, taking her into my arms and cradled her close. Con didn't need to be carrying her friend, she didn't need to feel the weight in her arms, nor feel the warmth slowly fade on our way back to the vehicle. "Come on, I have a nice blanket in the car." I said, adjusting Lullaby in one arm as the other extended and took Con's hand. She looked a mess, it was understandable. I was shoving every ounce of emotion into a box to handle the situation. "Just let it out." I told her, leading her back towards the car. "There is no shame in crying."

I used the rental car to drive back home, after we wrapped Lullaby's body and put it in the back. It was almost a ten hour drive, a quiet drive. She slept most of it, despite waking up and offering to drive now and then. I declined her off, pulling over for about an hour to rest myself before driving again. Proctor... He was not happy. Con introduced herself, she spoke Lullaby's final words us all together. He stayed long enough for us to burn her body and spread the ashes over DeMii's grave, as per request to be with her mother.

Mr. Sunshine helped me stand until everything was over. Proctor left the mansion, saying he needed time. I can't blame him. He wanted her back here, alive and unharmed; I brought his daughter back home just the opposite. Words probably seem so worthless right now, but I'm so sorry, Proctor.

I tried to sleep last night. Executor drove me up the wall, mocking in his usual hollow voice. Claiming it as a victory. I found myself being woken up by Joshua, a look of worry on his face. He said I was crying hysterically, heh. I haven't slept since then. Doubt I'll be sleeping for a while.

Con decided she is staying with us. I am not against it and welcome her into this broken home.

Stay safe,

-Shady

I mean every word I said in that comment before.

Fuck.

I'm such a failure.

So This Happened.

I went back to the mansion on Tuesday to drop off Mr. Sunshine, ended up staying and going over things with Proctor. Ended up passing out there, too. Guess I needed it, heh. Well, I went back to the house, alone as usual, and did some work. Grabbed a glass of water, proceeded to lose muscle control after taking a sip. The glasses shattered on the tile, I collapsed and passed out.

I woke up groggily before the adrenaline punched me in the face. I was strapped to a dining room chair at an oval dinner table. The room I was in was dark, candle lit, and filled with odd... Dare I say, romantic things. I didn't need to guess who the hell this was, "So you decided kidnapping me would be the best course of action?" I sneered, fully irritated by this. I began tugging at the leather straps that kept me secured to the chair. "Don't you know what stay the hell away means?"

The faint smell in the room became stronger, the Advocate appeared from behind. He emerged into the candlelight and set down a plate of spaghetti and French bread. I bit my tongue to keep from snapping. "Don't act like you don't enjoy the attention. Heh, you don't seem to know me well at all if you think I'm one to take threats seriously." I bit harder, watching at he set another plate down and took a seat across from me. "Panties always in a bunch. Tsk, tsk, just try and enjoy yourself." He said, drawing my hunting knife (which was previously on my person) from out of thin air.

I looked at my knife he was using as a utensil before glaring back at his masked face. "You want me to enjoy being kidnapped? Kidnapped by someone working for that monstrous pig!" I scoffed, giving another tug to the straps. "You can't just kidnap people whenever you don't get your way, Advocate. This is absolute bullshit!" I seethed, trying to pull loose. His face was the last I wanted to see and his voice was the last thing I wanted to hear.

"Monstrous pig? Hehe, you give him too much credit." The Advocate poured himself a glass of wine from a bottle that sat on the table. He tilted his mask and took a sip, "Would you like something to drink? No? Hehe, I bet the last thing you drank made you feel a little too loose, eh? Hehe... Fun..." I was about to snap, but the way he said fun was off. It wasn't the usual... Well, Advocate voice. He seemed distracted, maybe even bored by the flat tone. That was the first unsettling feeling I got. Something was off. "I could have done worse, ya know. Hehe, I could have set up a date with one of your friends." He blew out the candle closest to him. I watched at the shadows engulfed his masked face. Unable to be seen he removed the mask and began eating, his chin being the only real visible thing in the dim lighting.


I twitched lightly. "If you haven't noticed my friends are mostly dead." I growled. It was the truth at this point and time. Dia was hiding and unavailable for the most part. I wasn't about to unnecessarily contact her, safer to barely hear from her. Mystery was traveling the world, training, fighting the Executor, hunting down E-Bear. Contacting her is rarer than it is Dia. Proctor just got back and has a lot to handle. Mr. Sunshine is mostly gone. And Joshua? He's just... Joshua. Only here because I'm not willing to risk letting Advocate get him, and he absolutely hates me. "Congrats, you didn't have to do a damn thing, except scare one of them out of their wits." If I could clap I would have. After what he said about removing my connections, etc. looks like he really didn't have to lift much of a finger. I took a deep breath, using every ounce of willpower to calm down. It didn't work much but at least I wasn't on the verge of wanting to verbally snap his neck. "What is the point of this?" I asked, feigning being calm by the way he continued acting.


The Advocate's head bent a moment, I caught his lips curling into a smile but he remained silent. That wasn't a good sign in my experience, and the Advocate being unpredictable made things less pleasant. He continued eating while I watched, remaining quiet and saying nothing.


I frowned further, my subconscious going nope, nope!, I leaned back in the chair to put more distance between us. "You can't treat me like some possession of yours, Advocate. Let me go." I evenly said, removing the anger to try and work another angle.


"Can't do this, can't do that." He fiddled with my knife as he said it, tracing circles on the table. "Ha."

I sighed, still trying to wriggle my hands loose. "Let me rephrase, you obviously can, but it doesn't make it ok." IT'S FAR FROM O-FUCKING-K! my mind screamed. This was pointless. Waste of time. I had Lullaby and Lenore to find, not sit here kidnapped by someone working for a third enemy. I swallowed my anger again, because Advocate's behavior was something different and I wasn't about to test it while I was secured to a chair. "What do you want, what are you trying to achieve here?" I asked with a bow of my head.


"Hehe, it's called a date, Shady. Never been on one before, eh?" He chuckled and then stabbed my hunting knife into the table abruptly. I flinched at the motion but it was the silence that followed after that made my insides uneasy. I caught the smile for a second time before he put his mask back on, once more concealing his identity. I didn't answer him, the back of my head hit the chair as an annoyed sigh followed. I frowned as I watched him, as he watched me for what felt like forever. A silent predator lurking behind a mask in dim lighting, staring at you being strapped to a chair, it's not a good feeling. He didn't make a sound or move a muscle for a few minutes. Then suddenly, he stood up and checked his watch. "I hope you enjoy the meal." I rolled my eyes as he reached under the table in front of where he was sitting. The sound of duct tape ripping could be heard, when he removed his hand my pistol was in it. The safety clicked off the gun he no doubt confiscated from my unconscious body before. Chuckling, he sighed. "Packing heat, eh?" He clicked the safety on and slid the gun into his satchel. I didn't protest, especially when he approached the chair and bent over, pressing a kiss to my cheek. During which he managed to pull out a syringe and had stuck it into my arm, drawing blood for whatever reason yet again. Pulling away he patted me on the head, I jerked away from his hand and listened as his footsteps grew quieter as he entered the darkness. The only other sound being a door clicking shut as he left.

I glanced at my arm, the injection mark bleeding slightly. A minor annoyance compared to the bigger picture: I was strapped in the dark, in an unknown location, now left alone (for he was no doubt not returning, that much I knew). Long story short: Dislocating your thumb really does help when you're trying to free yourself from bound wrists. Hurts like hell, though, especially since I had to twist my hand and try it a few times. And those few times hurt too. But what's a little pain, am I right? Ughs...

I wasn't about to start calling for help. I couldn't see at the time I was in an apartment room, it was too dark for that. I didn't know who was in listening range and what kind of people they were. Hell, it could have been someone worse than the Advocate. So I was just trying to quietly and slowly get out. Almost tipped the chair a few times, and one free hand with a dislocated thumb (that you can't fix without another hand) is a pain in the ass when secured to a chair. I used whatever was in reach to cut loose my other hand when prying it proved impossible. And I wasn't dislocating both thumbs. That... Took forever, using a plain old dinner knife to saw through leather. You guys, you wouldn't believe the various levels of rage there are until you do this. My patience was gone the first hour, it took many more to cut loose. Many. Hours.

Writing it alone pisses me off and I just--

Ok. So I ragequit writing and took a break. -_-
I'm good now.

I managed to get my cellphone out and called Joshua.

"Where have you been?"

"Track the call cause I sure as fuck have no idea."

And that sums up our conversation. Apparently I've been gone a little over two days. Cool, awesome, yea. Super dee duper. I'm going to break-

I stopped writing again.
I'm seriously good now.

So Joshua came up the back of the apartment complex and managed to find me, via calling my name until I heard him and called back. Effective enough. He broke into the room and helped me out the rest of the way, checked my thumb out, snapped it back into place. Glorious. I snatched my knife and we left the place, walked down the front (main staircase) of the apartment complex and that's when the real fun happened, guys. Hit the last stair, don't know how, or why, but there was an explosion from the room I was just in. Joshua grabbed me and ran until a piece of plaster hit him in the back. The explosion wasn't just linked to the room Advocate put me in, it went further. It continued through the building, apartment after apartment, just gone. Every room torched and crushed, every person caught in it just... Damn. I protectively covered Joshua's head, likewise he did the same to me where we were in the parking lot. The building collapsed in on itself, the screaming of the poor folks that didn't die quickly could be heard.


"We have to go." I said, grabbing his arm and helping him off the ground.


"We have to call 911." Joshua shouted, "And get in there to-"


I squeezed his arm and yanked him forward, "We. Have. To. Go." The panic on his face was pure, he looked back at the building and I tugged on his arm. I needed his focus. "We can't be tied into this. We. Don't. Exist."


"W-what are you talking about? You're insane, all those people-we have to help whoever is in there!" He shouted back at me, I could feel him shaking under my grip. He was scared as fuck, that would be a suicide mission and help no one in his condition.


It made me sick. "Joshua, we'll make an anonymous call on the road. But we have to go. Give me the keys!"


His hand moved to his pocket a moment before hesitating. "No, you're a monster! I won't drive away when there are people being crushed and burnt to death in there!"


I pulled close and dug my hand into his pocket swiftly, snatching the keys out. "Yea, yea, yea, I'm a fucking monster. Get in the car before I show you what that means, Joshua." I unlocked the vehicle and heard where it was, with a squeeze I nudged him into the direction. Sirens already in the distance. "People are coming, professionals."


"I am about to become a paramedic, @#%$%&, and you just want me to leave people dying in there?!"


"Yes." I shoved him hard towards the car. "You want to get a job someday again? Get your ass in the car, we've spent enough time arguing."


He fought me the entire way to the car, I opened the door and forced him in. "You're not human." Joshua snarled just before I shut the door.


"Maybe." Was my only retort before I got in and drove away.


It sucks, but if he wants any chance of rejoining society someday and getting a job being a paramedic he can't be linked. I won't let his future be ruined.


We got back to the mansion and he went to his room, furious. After a silent car ride, ha. More silence. As if he couldn't hate me more, right? Ha. Whatever.
Joshua watched intently for updates and news on what happened, I didn't want any part of it. I didn't want to hear the number of survivors, if there were any, etc. Nope. Not right now.


His behavior told me enough, it wasn't good. He bit my head off a few hours later, Josie tried to calm him down. Brood wasn't happy about it, but being Brood was more focused on us not being caught. We don't exist to society right now, we're invisible. LeCroix calls us criminals, heh. We are just... Stuck in this odd limbo of existing but not being apart of world. In the underworld of it all, dealing with all the monsters.


Joshua blames me for it. He blames the Advocate just as much, but he can't scream, shake, and glare at him so it's just me. I've been taking his rage and fear-filled comments since we got home. Talking to Proctor about what happened helped as he checked my hand over, making sure it was a-ok. Despite my negative changes he's still good to me. I thanked him for being patient. I'm still thanking him.



.
.
.
After a few more hours Joshua opened the hatch door to where I was in the basement, a stern look was on his face as he said, "I found Lullaby."

I dashed up the ladder, practically shoving Joshua out of the way. Proctor is back, he needed to know this. He is her father more than Thuggee will ever be. He became irritated by the whole situation the moment I mentioned it. I had to pursue him for a minute or so until he stopped just outside his room. Abruptly he turned to me, locking our eyes, "Don't hurt her, bring her back." Proctor said in a tone that left little room to argue. I nodded and he entered his room, closing himself off to the world.


I grabbed my backpack, grabbed some things and slung it over my back. "Get me the earliest flight. I'm out of here."

"What are you going to do?" Brood asked as I approached him.

"Bring her home."

I'll be replying via cellphone from here on out. Be back in a few days.

Stay safe,
-Shady

Auntie is coming, little dove.

Another Visitor.

There was a knock on my door; it woke me up from where I fell asleep at the table. Getting up I walked to the back door and glared out the window where a female stood. A familiar female, might I add. It was the officer from Dia's old town. The young woman with bright amber eyes, an inch or two above average height, built for agility, flexibility, and combat by the looks of it. She was trained to enforce damage, that much was clear. A hand was propped on the curve of her hip, gripping it with some impatience and I could see the definition of her muscles clearly. What sort of challenge was I being presented with today?

I unlocked the door and opened it a bit. "Yes?"

Her expression remained stern, the auburn hair framing both sides of her face. The majority of it was pulled back into a ponytail, no doubt if it was down it would reach near her waist. "You're The Shady Lady and you were at the scene where Gallows and Graves murdered my uncle, as well as torched an entire town."

I leaned against the door frame and looked at her dully, "How sure are you that I am who you say I am?"

"Bitch, please." She held up a hand, speaking in light tone as she did so. It wasn't in that sarcastic tone that usually came with the phrase. It was said... Smartly? I guess is the best way to say it. As if some sheltered genius was trying out such lines for the first time. I find it amusing now how true of an example that is, fits her completely. "Don't insult my IQ. I remember your face and every visible birthmark. You also dyed your hair more since the last time." She looked me over. "Your shoes have a few more holes since then too. You only had the four before, there's seven total now. Been having some trouble?"

I scowled at her. "Oh, you're one of those." She looked insulted a moment, I smirked. "What do you want?"

"To come inside would be a nice start."

"I don't let strangers into my house." I went on, taunting her lightly.

She looked frustrated after that. "You know who I am through Blogger."

"Stranger danger! Stranger danger!" I continued, determined to have fun with this one.

"My name is LeCroix." She shot out her hand in greeting.

I opened the door and walked away from her gesture. "Ok." I went back to the dining room and grabbed all the papers and files, throwing them onto my bed briefly. I came back to find frustration still plastered on her face. "You shut the door?"

"Yes." LeCroix answered tersely. I sat down and motioned her to sit across from me. She did so and stared for a few minutes before lifting a finger and to tap her cheek. "You have ink imprinted on your skin."

"I was reading before."

"With your face?" She raised an eyebrow but her expression remained innocently curious.

"No, dumbass. I fell asleep before you so rudely interrupted." I rolled my eyes and licked my thumb, rubbing it against my skin to get off the smudges.

LeCroix folded her hands neatly on the table, sitting straight as a smile came across her face. "Maybe you shouldn't fall asleep on your work." I felt my hand twitch. "You do that when you feel the need to stab something, Shady."

My eyes slid to lock with her own, "Oh?"

"The twitch. I saw the muscles in your upper arm move similar to how someone’s hand twitches. If you want to stab me you can go ahead and try." LeCroix leaned forward an inch, a feral grin replacing the smile. "I already know I'm stronger than you." I leaned back in the chair and just looked at her. "Smarter too. You're losing your edge even if your skills have sharpened, but skills and mental stability are two different knives, Shady. I should kill you before you become a problem." I encouraged her to continue. "I'm really hoping you pull through it. I'd gain a lot of unnecessary enemies if I did it, which is why I'm holding off. You have a lot of information that would die with you, too."

I smirked somewhat amused by her words. "Like where Gallows and Graves are?"

"Yes."

"I have no fucking clue. You wasted time coming here, really." I chuckled. Her face immediately contorted into irritation, hand slamming against the table. "You think I'm lying? I'm not. The deal I struck with Graves ended when they both attacked your hometown. I have barely corresponded with either of them since then, and what has been exchanged is useless to you."

"That Mister Creevey sent you a message, your blog said as much."

I sighed at her, "Because of Josie. They are all tied together for whatever reason. And no, you can't talk to the girl."

"Why?"

I grinned, "Cause you'll break her and she's very fragile." LeCroix was not amused by any means. "Seriously, I have no idea where they are. East Coast, somewhere. How did you lose them?"

LeCroix lifted her hair to show the bruised side of her head. "Graves managed to get me." I winced. "It wasn't pleasant and I was unconscious for hours. " She brushed her hair back down neatly. "There is no chance of getting you to let me talk to her, is there?"


"I would have heard about it if she was being messaged by them. She would have gone crying to Joshua if not me, and he would have informed me."


"You sure your friend tells you everything?"


"Are you playing dirty with me, LeCroix? Trying to get me to doubt Joshua so you can ask your questions?" I asked, tapping my finger patiently against the table.


Her smile returned. "I'm trying but you're not making it easy."


"Gallows and Graves haven't passed this way. I'm guessing for a very obvious reason." I said the last part slowly, throwing her a knowing look. "They aren't idiots; you should really stop treating them as such." LeCroix returned to looking stern. "Believe me on that one, you won't catch them so easily. You're going to need to find a useful source of information to keep up. They don't have a route, completely lost in this world. Find a tracker or source of information that knows about the duo."


LeCroix leaned back, her fingers curling around her chin thoughtfully. "What about Thy Executor? You have some history with him. Would he be willing?"


I clicked my tongue, "That... Is very dangerous. He no doubt has information and can track them; no doubt he's one of your best bets on tracking them. But the consequences that come with that are many and severe. He's a businessman, strike a deal if you can, and if you do be careful not to leave loopholes. He will exploit everyone."


"Do you know where he is? I haven't seen him post anything lately."


I remained still, my insides shifted uncomfortably for various reasons. "He's everywhere." She tried to ask further but I wouldn't give her an answer. "Email him, he'll answer. He only uses those sites when he needs to. Stir up some fear, create some whispers, get people thinking on something he wants them to think about. If everyone links up to the same thought he can navigate what answers he wants faster." LeCroix looked skeptical a moment, but the surprise by that was evidently stronger. "You don't understand what he is. What he can do."


"You almost sound after of him, Shady." LeCroix said, the surprise on her face turned into curiosity. "I read about the things he has done to you but you've always fought through them."


I felt my hand twitch again, by the quick glance it was obvious she noticed. "He's done more. He has done worse than anything I've written about. It would be smart to try and avoid his gaze while you can. He willingly struck a deal with Gallows and Graves to keep them in line in the city, knowing they couldn't leave on their own. Not like others can. It was to prevent them from finding a way out, too. They are technically his employees still and he's the one throwing proxies their way, trying to eliminate them now that they have left the city." I leaned on the table with a sigh. "He doesn't do things without reason. Every move, every word, it's precise and calculated. To throw you off, to reel you in, every little thing is him influencing you to act. It's a little nudge; he's both the angel and devil on our shoulders. He talks when he has something to say, when we have a part to play. I'm going to tell you very, very bluntly yet again: You would be better off with him not noticing you for as long as possible."


We were both leaning forward on the table, looking directly at one another. I could see her eyes working, absorbing every movement I made while her hidden ears absorbed every detail. "How do you know all of this? You haven't mentioned much about Thy Executor in a while on your blog."


"I don't sleep much for a reason, and when I do it's never for long. My body can't relax itself to return to a full sleep state from the frequent visits. I don't post about it to keep from clogging up things. I have them all written down in a document, though. Maybe sometime I'll upload it, we'll see." I paused. "I know plenty. I can see Executor and he doesn't like it. He leeches off of me, or tries to, and I do it right back. I don't know how. It's not something someone can just up and do to him. He puts nearly everything into trying to break into the vault. We see each other during those times." I rubbed the bridge of my nose, the drowsiness from the short nap still present. "I've survived eight encounters with The Executor, in person. It's usually the periods of time where I don't post or answer much that he's caught me off guard."


"How do you get away from him?"


I shifted, sitting on my knees on the chair and leaned forward under the light more. My arms held out so she could see some faint scars on my upper arms mostly. "I wake myself up. It doesn't always work. Sometimes I have to do it a few times. He comments about how I'm going to bleed out when it doesn't work the first few times. I won't give him what he wants, he can't access my vault so easily, and he knows I'd die before handing over what I know. Sometimes I have to bring it to my breaking point... To the point where he has to release me so I don't off myself." I pulled my arms back and resumed leaning against the table. "I've woken up from our dreams together to find him standing before me in the woods. I run to get back to the mansion and he invades my head again, I can feel my body collapse once more when he recaptures my mind. It's a constant fight to get my body to move, drag itself, to stab itself. Controlling your body while constantly evading or assaulting an enemy in your head isn't easy. Mystery, when she was around, would have to drag me into the bathroom and help with the wounds."


"The damage you must have done to your body is no doubt extensive. All of that muscle and tissue tearing, the ligaments too." LeCroix said as her eyes traveled across my folded arms.


"It has taken its toll, yes. It's mainly the reason I have such trouble in combat at times. Technique is one thing but the damage has been done. It's like people with arthritis that have trouble grasping things. It's all in my arms, parts of my legs, hindering my combat. That's why I'm usually putting myself on defense and take the hit or block it, aim for placing my opponents in submission, or kill them quickly when I have to. My attacks aren't at one-hundred percent anymore because of my body's condition." I lifted a finger and tapped the side of my head. "It's why I rely on tactics to save my life over blind actions. I've got the endurance and the pain tolerance on my side."


LeCroix chuckled at the last part. "I've noticed that. Do you like pain or does it just not bother you?"


"Little things don't bother me. Hit my funny bone, cut myself open, depending on stab locations too. Bullet wounds, not as bad as expected, course the type of bullet matters more. Haven't been shot enough to say much there. Being impaled on a pipe sucked, that was the worst thing. That was worse than Thuggee breaking all those bones." I chuckled.


Her faced hardened a moment, "Should I ask the Advocate you think?"


"And owe him something? He'd make you work a lot to get any information, even the smallest detail. If not at first then later." I tapped my finger against the table, she looked down watching. Probably noticing the irritation. "There are better sources out there, trust me on that one. It's not worth the hell you'll be dragged through for a scrap of information you could probably just read about on the blog site."


LeCroix pulled out a small notepad and jotted down some things, "Alright. What about the young woman named Dia? She's close to you and Gallows, from what I hear they had an affair." I stared at her evenly. "I need to know where she is as she seems closest to Gallows and Graves than any other."


I sat back with a firm frown, "I'm sorry but I can't release any information about her current whereabouts."


An eyebrow rose, "This is very important. I'm hunting down two mass murderers."


"And I understand that, I really do. But some things take priority, and this is one of those things. I'm sorry, LeCroix."


Her brows furrowed in frustration as she let out a sigh, "I really don't want this to turn into an interrogation, Shady." She said, her amber eyes boring into mine. Her hand reached into her leather air force jacket and pulled out a gun, one she laid out on the table beside her. Casually she returned her hands to being neatly folded, only slightly tenser. "I'm trying not to stray far from the law unless it's necessary, but this information is vital. I need it one way or another, please tell me what you know."


"Again, I understand that, but some things take priority." Her jaw clenched by a fraction. "If you want to try and turn this into an interrogation, go ahead and try. You won't win." I tapped my foot loudly three times; a chair from the dining room table shoved out and Mr. Sunshine emerged. His face was contorted into a sneer as he growled loudly. He took up standing beside my chair, ready for my say so. I leaned forward a briefly to say, "I know he's stronger than you, faster, and a hell of a lot more clever too."


LeCroix stared hard a moment before she relaxed, she grabbed the gun and placed it back into her jacket before lifting her hands in defeat. "You got me, alright. I'll play fair, but she will slip up, Shady, and when she does I'll track her down." I placed my hand in Mr. Sunshine's, easing him slightly with a small squeeze. "What can you tell me about Dia?"


I smirked at her question, "Define Dia? I might be unstable but I'm not insane, deary. Defining Dia would take hours. She's quite the complex woman."


"Like yourself. You two get along based on your similarities."


"And our differences." I said with a raised finger, tsking her slightly when I pointed it at her. "She's a smart woman, and clever too. Knows what buttons to press most of the time, that, and sometimes her curiosity, can get her into trouble though. She means well with all the things she does. Helping people has always been her priority. It's what Mystery and I saw first in her. The attitude was a bonus." I grinned; amused by the thoughts that were coming forth on how Dia and I first met. "She values honesty, and to her it's expressed through actions more than words. Does what she can to comprehend everything. I think that's what Gallows enjoys, besides her attitude. She accepts him as is, even if he is a dick. Sure, Dia is a bit fearful when he starts swinging away with his blades, but that's still him being openly honest about who he is. She doesn't shy away from it." I paused, resting my head back against the chair. "She's not... Prey. She just is, to him at least."

LeCroix stared at me like I was crazy; I gave her a lazy shrug. "Ok. What is Graves to him?"

"His everything, probably." I scoffed. "She's his guardian, his gravedigger, his tool. A doll. They are more in sync than he is with his scythe. I think you've seen by now, she's a tank. A fast tank. The moment you threaten Gallows it's over, LeCroix. Graves can crush your skull beneath her shovel, boot, or between her hands. She's a fearless, emotionless proxy. Intelligent, acknowledges emotions but does not have any equipped to her persona. Have you seen her stare?"

"If looks could kill, stare?"

I nodded. "That's just how it is. All. The. Time. Silent, staring, you don't hear her breathing. She holds up deals when she finds it necessary to compromise. Saved my life from Ferus with one I made with her." I pretended to wipe sweat from my forehead with a chuckle. "Graves labels Dia a distraction, rather keep Gallows away or else he will get too caught up to look out for danger. And they've got plenty of it. But his attention is on her, they've had their private time together. So she does make a good candidate to talk to. I suggest leaving her a message." I said, glaring sternly at the last part.


"You can't read people through emails as you can in person, Shady." She frowned. "Dia is my top priority to speak to. What about Ferus, he has had some contact."


I opened my mouth then promptly shut it a moment later. "Well... That can go good or bad. Good luck!" I gave her a double thumbs up.


LeCroix frowned further, "What about Mister Creevey?"


"Don't." I leaned on the table again. "Seriously, don't. If Graves backs off from danger you don't want to go tangoing with it. Even I know that guy is bad shit and I haven't met him... Yet. Not looking forward to it if I do."


"What is he?"


"Complicated."


Her brows furrowed again. "The people you're giving the ok to approach aren't present, while all the rest you suggest to stay away from. You call that complicated?"


"It's an understatement." I grinned. "It's your choice what to do, I'm just telling you it's going to be a pain in your tight ass. Just keep reading the damn blogs, they'll tell you plenty." Her face scrunched up at my comment and I laughed. "LeCroix, you've entered a world unlike any other. I'm sorry about your uncle but your path for revenge is going to lead you through hell and test your limits."


The corners of her lips quirked up into a slight smile, "You're trying to kill a woman named Lenore for setting a stage that got your brethren, Billy, killed. We both want revenge for something, looking at you I know what to expect and how to avoid becoming insane because of it."


"Lovely." I replied, "I can't wait to see how that works out for you." LeCroix frowned again before getting up, she tossed a piece of paper on the table. I snatched it and read what it contained, a phone number. "You always carry pieces of paper with your number on them?"


"I knew I was coming here today. In case you kicked me out I wanted it ready." She commented offhandedly.

I walked her to the door, we exchanged goodbyes.






LeCroix is not someone I hope to see again soon. No offense, deary. I remember when Mystery spoke to me about E-Bear and Executor. LeCroix, and the level of intensity she gives off as a hunter is double that. She's sheltered, I can tell as much, despite being an officer previously. That brief form of innocence still shows. But it's rare. I gave her tips, warnings, gave her the option to contact me in return. I’m not going to turn away people who want help, but I’m cutting it off at certain things.


On the upside, Josie nearly cried with joy that I defended her from that "Scary lady". Seems to be a bit less... Timid around me again. Wonder how long that will last till she's back to sobbing every time I look at her. Sigh.


I've got some things to do, that's what happened yesterday.
And Mr. Sunshine says hi... I think? Or maybe he's just hungry. Ughs.

Stay safe,
-Shady

Forty-Fifth Post.

Doctor Proctor is back. Hijacked the body of the empty proxy that attempted to assault me. It can be read there, and what else is to come from the information he has gathered. It's a lot to take in, but reading his notes and listening to him speak assists greatly. He insists he rambles, it's quite amusing, I consider it the opposite. It's details, that's exactly what I need from him. It's all information and the more the merrier. More on this will be written when I have studied everything and memorized it wholly.

The bag of dicks known as Thuggee is probably going to be PMSing about this, toss him a tampon people. And the Advocate, I had suspicions, idle thoughts on the possibility. But the confirmation is enough to make me punch the nearest wall, which I did the moment Proctor went to bed. Fuck you, Advocate. If you ever come back here... On second thought, don't. Don't ever come here if you know what's good for you.

Lullaby hasn't contacted me again. MASC agents said they left pretty quickly, which confirms the end of Lullaby's post. What's wrong, dove? I thought you weren't all that concerned? Then again, your feelings towards me hunting you down and dragging you back means nothing to me. Little girl, you don't know a thing about responsibility and just what it does to people. You may age rapidly but it hasn't made an impact on your intellect and common sense. But in any case, Auntie loves you all the same, child. Be seeing you.


Joshua and I are fighting again, which relates to the previous post. Brood has intervened on our conflicts. My eye is a bit bruised after I said something inappropriate but factual. Joshua was displeased by it, he gave me a black eye and I gave him a bloody lip. The moment things get better between us they get worse a moment later.

Commentary that led to this outcome:

"What are you going to do? Just hunt her down and murder her like she did Billy? What about all those morals you insisted on before?"

"When I had no memory?"

"It was better when you had nothing! You weren't so bloodthirsty."

"I'm doing something about what has happened to our friend, our brother. And you sit on your ass, bitterly, or are off fucking Josie behind closed doors. The only useful thing you have done is with our technology. Otherwise you've done nothing to contribute to avenging him."

"This isn't about avenging him to you, #@%$^%&, it's revenge. You'll turn into a monster, you're already one as it is. Imagine what will happen if you continue."

"At least I'm fucking honest with myself, you condescending prick. You just lie to yourself about what is right in front of you. You sure it's just Road Runner suffocating on her own illusions? Or are you just mad you didn't do something before, and sulk now because of it? Maybe if you contributed... Maybe it would have done something. But no, I'm still here and he's dead. Stand the fuck back up, you bitch, and do something if you really want to."

And that was when he punched me, and I returned it in full. Brood intervened, naturally grabbing Joshua and pulling him away to another room while soldiers held me. Once they were out of sight I was released, looked directly at Josie who immediately looked away. Upon glancing back at me I motioned for her to follow with my finger.

I left into the woods, she followed as planned. The moment we were out of the wards, behind some trees, I rounded on her. Her shirt was in my hands, her back against a tree, and our noses inches apart. My anger at all the behind the scenes bullshit I have yet to list, as has she, finally at its limit.

"I don't know what you are doing, or want from my brother, but if you do a single thing to add to his suffering I will smite you worse than Thuggee could ever do. I'll gladly burn everything you love, crush every dream, and break every bone in your frail little body if you cross him. Fuck me over all you like, but if you endanger him I'll bring your world to ruins."

She was terrified, the labored breathing, her tight grip on my hands, the pupils. Her survival mode activated, beyond that there was nothing. I know her, I see right through the kindness and innocence. No one believes me, with good reason perhaps, but I see it plain as day. I waited for an answer as she stared at me, by a fraction she calmed down. Her hues looking into mine as her face calmed a bit, "But you already make him suffer so much. I can't help it if pain comes between me and him, that stuff just happens if stuff doesn't work out. You can help it but you don't."

I could feel myself twitch. "This isn't about Joshua and I. This is about you and him and what I will do to you if you cross him. Get it straight, Josie. I don't give a flying fuck about whatever is going on between you two, or the petty feelings that tie into it. If it works it works, if it doesn't that's just as dandy." I pressed her harder into the tree. "But that's not what I'm referring to and you know that. Mister Creevey sent me a message, you know. And I'm just positive you're about ready to flee, given the circumstances. I can only imagine the amount of emails you have from that creature. And I damn well know how it will affect Joshua if you up and disappeared, abandoned this place without a single word."

"What... What did he say to you?"

"Your suffering will know no bounds for this transgression." I let that sink in a moment before continuing, "He means to punish me because I didn't kick you to the curb from his announcement. Because I'm giving you a home, teaching you to fight back, and keeping you here mostly for protection."

Josie returned to being terrified. "He's really coming here. You have to help me! I'll run, just let me go. He's coming here-"

My hand  covered her mouth as she began to grow frantic. "Good. We'll kill him when he does." Her eyes leaked tears when she realized she was bait. "And I will help you, Josie. Stop being a coward and start showing something of worth. We're going to kill your greatest fear."

"What if we don't kill him?" She asked when I removed my hand.

I stepped back from her, "Then we'll wound him. We'll track him down as we are Lullaby and Road Runner. A wounded animal doesn't get to far, and honey, we're going to hit him with a semi-truck."


"You can't... You haven't seen what he can do!" She wailed.


I shrugged and let her go completely. "I'm sure I'm going to find out."


"He's going to kill us."


"Some of us, probably." I began heading back towards the mansion, she directly at my side, shaking like a leaf.


"He's going to kill you." Josie insisted.


I flashed her a grin, "He's going to try."


----

I'm just making best friends everywhere, aren't I? Ha. Oh if only that mattered at this point. Joshua will be storming my room the moment he reads this. Be it today, tomorrow, whenever. But all the fucks I give. This blog is a recording on what happens in my life, so here it is. A recording on what is happening.


As our enemies are being tracked so am I doing the tracking of another kind. The next location to visit. Mystery left some interesting suggestions, I'm not saying where I'm looking to go next but a place is in mind. And, after-all, there is still the bigger job to do aside from dealing with petty murderous proxies. Oh yes, that's right, petty. Can you hear it? The sound of your own brain ticking at the rising anger from the truth of your own worth? Oh, I can and it's fucking beautiful.

Stay safe,
-Sir Gives A Fuck, Shady