The lot of us all camped out in the hallway, eating the food me and Ninja Boy had brought up.
Scully had went back into her room to try and coax the anonymous girl to come out.
The rest of us were busy stuffing our faces, but not enough for me to not notice the two poke their heads out. The girl looked at everyone, me in particular, with worry and suspicion, heavily reluctant to trust us. But I wasn't about to let her get away with snootiness.
I cleared my throat, wiggling my finger for her to come closer. She listened.
Slowly she approached, looking at the others with caution, while Scully laid a hand on her back and eased her to gently sit down. "It's okay, Eleven, we're all friends here.."
"Eleven?" I repeated, giving Scully a glare. "Her name is Eleven?"
Her and Mulder nodded.
"That's the name she gave us.." Mulder answered.
I stared down at the girl in shock. I noticed her grabbing the nearest samples of food and cramming her mouth in an equally unattractive manner as me.
But I didn't judge. I was just as hungry. I have the hunger of five teenage boys.
Talking would have to wait until everybody was left with full stomachs.
The party was clearly starving.
We all kicked back and focused on food and chill for several minutes, barely uttering a word to one another...and when we did, it was praising how good and satisfying the food was.
After prob 20 minutes, we were all finished. There was finger-licking, lip-smacking and sighs of satisfaction. "Boy, that sure was delicious, Scoob!" Shaggy mused, laying back against the wall with a content expression. "I could eat a whole nother course of dinner on top of that."
"I'm sure you could." Velma sassed.
Scoob licked his lips, "Ready ror reconds!"
"Oh, that's enough, you two!" Daphne scolded.
"You've eaten more than what will satisfy you for the night."
"So, we're not gonna talk about the talking dog, are we?" I brought up, scratching Scoob's chin, which he took great delight in. I glared at each of the newcomers, waiting for a response.
"No?" My eyes scanned them. "Anyone?"
They stared at me and Scoob; Eleven naturally said nothing, Scully and Mulder merely exchanged glances at one another, while Dipper and Mabel gave so-so reactions, shrugging carelessly.
"I've seen weirder." Dipper admitted. "Same here." Mulder agreed.
I nodded, understandably, returning my gaze on Scoob.
"These are my kinda people."
"You seem pretty comfortable with it yourself." Scully noted.
"Well I'm weirder than any talking dog or all the spookables combined, so nothing really fazes me at this point."
Mulder leaned in, curiously. "Are you human, Miss Demens?"
"Unfortunately." I shamefully admitted, making a face.
Gavin almost choked on his drink as he suddenly started hyperventilating with laughter at my clearly unexpected comment. Fred pat his back like a true bro as Gavin coughed and beat on his own chest with his fist to reacquire oxygen.
I gave him a furrowed brow. It wasn't that funny, please don't die.
I leaned back, my left shoulder now touching Gavin's right and I could sense his eyes gravitating to me, which made me uncomfortable. I don't appreciate being watched. ;_;
"I make the best of it, though. Serve as an activist for all the weirdos."
"Including monsters?" Mabel wondered. "Including monsters." I agreed.
"They can be pretty cool and are rather misunderstood." I shrugged.
"Most of the time, monsters are labeled as such cuz they're different or scary looking..cuz most normal people are wusses..so yeah, I support monsters, too."
"That's not an average stance for people." Mulder observed, rubbing his chin.
"I respect that...we need more believers like you."
I smiled at the fact that I made Fox Mulder proud.
"Yeah, but what about the ones who are dangerous and hurt people? You think they're like..able to be good and change or something?? Do you still support them?"
Mabel's question took me by surprise.
For the first time, I had to think about an surprise as it once was something I was so sure about..
that evil had made its choice and couldn't be trusted. As soon as it did wrong, it was too late.
Especially the most heinous crimes committed. No turning back, no second chances, there was no hope for change. That's, of course, the view of millions..probably because of how sure it makes everyone feel..justified even..like, it makes us feel superior. That we're somehow..better.
That's when my eyes caught sight of the boys from afar, who were hastily walking towards us.
Something in me defied itself and knew the answer to give.
"..I'm beginning to open my eyes about them, too."
The party perked at this and turned their gaze to what I was watching.
Just in time for the boys to arrive.
"All done." Master reported, cutting his eyes at everyone sitting on the floor.
"Lovely." I replied, grinning cheesily.
"That was fast work, I'm impressed." Gavin praised, to which Master only gave him a death glare.
"Is it all clear?" Fred inquired. "No monsters?"
"Besides the ones standing before you." Master answered quickly and dryly, which almost made me feel guilty..was he being..spiteful towards us? Trying to get out a point?
Maybe..I dunno...jealous? That we were all hanging out together..and he and the others weren't?
There was something definitely going on inside that evil little head..
He pulled out a small device from his pocket and handed it to me.
It was a tiny monitor, displaying the cameras from each hallway.
And a tiny set of buttons underneath that Master pointed at.
"Those buttons control the cameras, which are able to rotate and show you the entire hallway, up and down, side to side. You have a camera at each level. We cleared every room, every corner..and placed the traps visible and loud enough to detect if something did trigger them. You can keep watch from this and we'll keep watch from the T.A.R.D.I.S.. Bane has proposed standing watch at the entrance to insure the front isn't breached and the barrier isn't destroyed."
"Y'all gotta take turns, you'll be too exhausted to run your positions alone. I don't want one of them getting you if you happen to doze off or are too weak to fight."
I looked back up at him. "And be sure to eat when you get downstairs. You need your strength."
Master sniffed, looking away a moment.
"Thank you for your concern."
I know he was being sarcastic, so I set the device beside me, nodding at him to grasp his attention. "Thank you, seriously..I appreciate your help."
Something in Master's expression indicated...surprise. And almost seemed..touched.
Jim peeked from behind him. "It was all my idea."
That I naturally didn't believe.
I rolled my eyes to him, giving him an unimpressed expression.
That's when J abruptly pushed him forward, stepping over us in a sloppy manner.
"Yeah, right, cool, neat, let's go, I'm starved."
"Well good night to you, too!" I sassed, to which he immaturely stuck his tongue at me.
Bane bowed his head as he started to pass. "Good night, Miss Demens.."
I smiled, "G'night, buddy."
"NO GOOD NIGHT KISS?!" I heard Jim yell as he was being shoved toward the elevator by Joker.
"The only thing you're going to get, you tiny Irish freak, is another punch in the mouth."
Master shook his head, departing.
"Night, Masta."
He didn't look back, just kept walking, uttering a lifeless "Yeah".
Which was the best I was gonna get, I guess.
I turned my head back around, my eyes sagging to the floor, as I felt a sudden sadness.
One I simply couldn't shake. And I sighed, not knowing what to exactly do anymore..
"Are you sure you're not related?" Velma questioned with a smirk, pulling me out of my glum thoughts. I shook my head with a forced smile.
"Lord help the universe if we were. We do enough damage UNrelated."
"You call it damage, I call it progress."
My head turned to Gavin, as he turned his to me. He set his cup down.
"I've seen firsthand what you've done for those worlds..for the people. You're changing things for the better. You might see it as silly adventures, and yes, it did start out that way. But you, Master, James, Bane, Joker...as much as you five refuse to accept it..you're saving a broken universe. One world at a time."
I sagged, turning my head away. "I'm only getting Cataclysm mad at me...and more worlds are at risk because of it." Gavin peeked at me, forcing our eyes to meet.
"Because you're a threat to them now, to their cause..and they know it. They see what you can do..and that's made them desperate. They're scared of you now."
He shook his head, while still keeping his gaze fixed on me.
"Their plan was going to be so easy..taking over specific worlds, destroying all the rest, tearing the universe apart in their villainous, vengeful crusade..they weren't counting on someone showing up..who loves and protects everyone."
At that, he slowly laid a hand on my shoulder, to which I swallowed to.
"You didn't just go with the others to visit everyone and you know it..you went to save them."
My eyes drifted away. Was it true?
Did I really venture off on my own crusade?
All this time, I thought I was just seizing the chance to see them and be done with it..but..what if I really DID do this to change the past? Why it was so easy for me to justify altering events, saving lives marked for death, righting wrongs and bringing peace out of all the chaos.
Where I went, I couldn't accept death..couldn't accept failure...couldn't accept suffering.
All my life of feeling like my existence was pointless..hoping that I was meant for so much more..was this it all along?
"You sound like you..really have a shot at solving this."
My eyes drifted to Scully, before I realized that the party members all were now staring at me..not someone else. Me..for help..for answers..for hope.
They..were depending on me.
And that's something I never thought I'd feel.
And it actually felt good.
I nodded my head, "With all your help, yeah. I'll stop at nothing to protect this world. And bring back those kids."
Daphne smiled. "And we will..how can we help?"
I leaned forward, lacing my fingers together. "Tonight, we get our rest. At 9 tomorrow, the barrier will come down. At that time, we'll venture out into town and separate into groups..where we'll cover the town, questioning the people and find any and all clues to find by nightfall. Meanwhile, I and a few select fighters will go hunting for the base of operations of the kidnappers. We'll have of plenty of time to cover ground, but try not to lag too long in one spot. We'll radio eachother and keep in contact, but still be on alert. They have eyes and ears everywhere. They can strike at any time."
The party agreed.
"Good plan, Sarah." Fred complimented. "We'll do our best to help!"
"I know you will. I am, after all, working with some of the best detectives in history."
I sat upright, laying my hands on my legs.
"Now..recap..you lot said you were investigating this and that..Dipper and Mabel were checking out a weird light..Scully and Mulder were driving on a road and you, little miss, weerrreee..."
Eleven lifted her chin as she noticed my acknowledgment.
"Demogorgon."
I perked like a meerkat. "Say what?"
She swallowed, looking quite grave. "Demogorgon. Monster. The one that attacked."
"The one with the face??" Mulder motioned at his own face.
Eleven slowly nodded at him.
"Ahh, the plant-looking chap." I understood. "So..you were following after him, were you?"
She nodded again. "With Mike."
I was intrigued. "Mike?"
The others grew even more interested. "Who is Mike, Eleven?" Scully questioned.
The girl's eyes fell to the floor. "Friend."
I leaned back. "..Friend....you think...the Demogorgon..might have TAKEN Mike?"
The party shot me a glance, as the pieces came together.
Her eyes grew wide with fear. "...Yes."
My brows flexed. "How old is Mike, Eleven?"
She didn't respond, even though her mouth opened as if she were about to.
I pressed, "Is he your age?"
Slowly, she nodded.
Realization came upon me. "He's got your friend..and he took you, too, obviously..but for some reason, you're not in the same place as Mike...maybe..maybe you fought back and blacked out and he left you behind, taking Mike to the others..."
I straightened my back, putting a finger to my lips as I thought hard on this.
My eyes gravitated to Gavin.
"The fact that they're taking kids from different realms as well as the ones in town has made it evident now..their plan is focused on the kids. Maybe they attempted to take Dipper, Mabel and Eleven, but couldn't..Mulder, Scully, were you two working on a case?"
"As a matter of fact, we were." "What was it??"
Scully's face sagged. "A missing....child...."
There it was.
I shook my head in bewilderment. "Why take kids? Why go through the trouble to take kids from different worlds? It's so bizarre...are they just random selections or what? Like..."
My eyes scanned each of them, narrowing in thought as I tried to figure things out.
"There's a connection tying everyone here together..I know it."
Before everyone could voice their further thoughts on the matter, I noticed the time and pursed my lips in surprise, "WELL, y'all, as fun as it's been, we really gotta hit the hay."
As soon as they saw the time themselves, they quickly agreed.
We started to part from one another's company, each of them bidding goodnight and retiring to their rooms. Scooby and Shaggy were yawning and stretching on the way out and Scooby even gave me a quick lick of affection which made me giggle like a child.
Gavin cleaned up the floor, putting everything into a garbage bag which he rested against the wall for later. He then bowed his head at me as he passed, retreating into his room.
The rest of the group was now behind closed doors, except for Eleven, who seemed to linger in front of her, Dipper, Scully and Mulder's door. As I turned to face her, I saw that she was staring right at me, into my very soul and I jolted, being taken by surprise.
I lowered my chin, "Something wrong?"
She was surprised herself that I spoke, but nevertheless shook her head.
I started to assume that maybe her mind was on her friend. "It's Mike, isn't it? You're worried about him.." Her gaze falling to the floor in a solemn manner spoke loud volumes.
I didn't miss a beat, "We'll find 'im, kid. I promise."
Her eyes lifted back to me, but this time, they were darkened and enigmatic.
"I know.....it's not Mike."
I gently jerked my head back. "..Well..what is it then?"
Her eyes narrowed a bit. "You."
...Me????
I swallowed, feeling attacked. "..Um..whatta ya mean?"
She didn't respond..a few awkward seconds passed of us just staring at one another..until she finally turned her head and walked into the safety of her room, disappearing from sight.
I had shivers running down my spine. What did Eleven mean..me????
Like...confusion.
In any case, my uncomfortable loneliness didn't last too much longer before Scully and Mulder stepped back out. Mulder sat down in the chair next to the door, but Scully nudged her head.
"Go on and get some sleep, Mulder. I've got this watch."
Mulder was too much of a gentleman, however, to allow this.
"Nope, you rest up, Scully. I'm fully prepared to take this all-nighter and nothing's going to stop me."
"Mulder, you're exhausted. Please. You have bags on top of your bags. You're no good to us half-alive." "Better not argue with her, Mulder, she's just as armed as you."
Scully smirked at me. Mulder was losing the battle.
He rubbed his eyes, giving in a bit. "Okay." He arose. "One hour. Then I take the rest of the shift."
The two didn't bother arguing, as the decision was made.
Mulder gathered his effects and slunk into the room.
Scully sat in his place, setting her coffee cup down next to the chair leg.
I rose a brow, grinning. "Least he kept it warm for you."
She shook her head with an eyeroll. "Lovely.."
Her eyes lifted to me. "So you're staying in one of the rooms tonight?"
"Aye..so just holler if you need me."
She nodded in compliance. "Of course. Goodnight."
"Night." I placed my hands in my pockets and walked ahead.
....
All the doors were unlocked courtesy of Bud, so I could choose any one I wanted.
Therefore, I chose to crash in the room across from Gavin's.
Seeing as how I trusted him and needed him close by in case something happened.
I walked infront of my room and sighed, tiredly, slipping a hand out of one of my pockets to open the knob..when I paused and hovered my gloved hand over the small round object.
I cut my eyes behind me at Gavin's room, curling my lips back.
I was tired, but not too tired..and I didn't necessarily want to be left alone just yet.
It felt a little awkward, but I turned around and approached his door.
I shrugged my shoulders, as my head was enveloped by my hood, fists tightening nervously, and I cleared my throat. I worked up the courage to knock.
I was taken by great surprise and nearly jumped to the ceiling when Gavin immediately answered, swinging the door open all the way.
"Hey!" I squeaked. He lifted his brows and grinned.
I cleared my throat again and sunk, "Hey.."
My voice noticeably deeper, his grin widened and he chuckled.
"Hi..." His head rested against the side of the door, as he held onto the knob.
"Are you alright?"
"Um..yeah...I guess..."
I scratched my head nervously, as I stared at our two inch height difference, feeling the most uncomfortable I've ever been. "So......."
I glanced in different directions as I started to feel his gaze burn into me just as with Eleven, me frowning lopsidedly, as he merely curled his lips back, waiting for me to use my words.
H o w d o i n t r o v e r t e d t o m b o y s h a n d l e s i t u a t i o n s l i k e t h i s ? ? ? ?
"Yeah..."
YEAH?! That's the best you can come up with?! YEAH?!!!
A writer who never shuts up and says a million words in one sentence that gets me into trouble, and all I could creatively conclude my thoughts with is, YEAH?!?!?!??!?!
FRIGGIN' IMBECILE, THIS IS WHY YOU'RE STILL SINGLE.
His bright eyes zoned in on me and regardless of my stupidity and being as awkward as a baby giraffe learning to stand, he let out an arm and gestured at the inside.
"Would you like to.."
I lifted my brows and gestured with an arm as well, not actually knowing what I was doing.
My throat tightened as I felt the excruciating impulse to assassinate myself.
He blinked at me, obviously a bit lost as to what I was doing and what I thought he meant and smiled, in what almost looked like concern. "...to..come in?"
"Oh." I gasped. WHAT, HOW, WORDS.
"UM, YES, PLEASE, THANK YOU."
I scurried inside as if running from a storm.
that was too painful to live through again.
hopefully this is the adventure where I make a heroic sacrifice in order to avoid further awkward social interaction.
I shook my head in shame, as I closed my eyes and held my skull, my shoulders tensing, my teeth gritting. Until I looked up at the room that was no more special than the others, but still...it made me feel funny being here. With him. Alone. urk.
Literally all I did was stand there and only had the purest intentions, but my paranoia felt like I was breaking at least 80 different sacred laws of the Lord. Yes, I had taken care of Master alone, a man I was attracted to, with the purest intentions as well, but, this felt..different. I can't even explain why.
Maybe because Gavin is..genuine. And kind. And good.
Not some object of affection for a fangirl.
He was..real.
I sighed deeply and turned around, my muscles tensing. "I'm sorry if I woke you.."
He smiled awkwardly. "..You're fine. It's..only been a few minutes."
My brows lowered. "..Right."
get out.
now.
He had his jacket off, revealing a long sleeve black shirt that made him look very slick indeed.
He cleared his throat as he closed the door, making me glance at him, where he motioned.
"May I take your jacket?"
I couldn't help but smirk. "Naw thanks, I'm good."
His brows lifted, sighing uneasily. "How are you holding up? You know..after.."
"After the sewer goblin? I'm perfectly fine."
"I mean, the Vashta...Nerada..?"
"Oh..........." I looked down at my arms. It should be noted I was in my hoodie and no one had a chance to see my skin. I rolled my sleeves up and revealed that all the little marks they had left behind were gone. Gavin looked quite shocked. "That's amazing..they've completely disappeared!"
I was a little surprised myself. "Yeah..no kidding.."
But I shrugged it off, covering them back up. "It's no big deal, though, I've always healed fast."
He nodded, beginning to maneuver around me, where he approached his bed and sat down.
"So you're really staying in a room tonight and not the T.A.R.D.I.S.?"
"Yeah..I thought I could keep better tabs on everyone from up here."
He understood this. "I mean, if you want, you can stay in here. I can sleep on the floor."
"NO."
He winced. I tensed. "No, that's fine, thanks. I'll be okay."
His eyes fell, looking a little timid. "Oh.." He suddenly straightened up.
"Gosh, I hope..I hope you don't think I meant--!"
"Relax, I know you didn't...that's why I'm here, right now, I'm just..not ready to go to bed yet..and I need to settle my mind a bit after...ya know..all the crap from before."
I rolled my shoulders, taking a seat in the chair across from him.
"...Besides, I don't NEED a bed to sleep on, anyway. I've spent enough time sleeping on floors..or whatever I can find."
He slightly tilted his head. Again, looking concerned. I flexed my brows.
"I was homeless for quite a bit of my life, so..you kinda adapt to what you got."
His shoulders sagged, hearing this, his bright green eyes looking sorrowful.
I leaned back. "..I guess it's what makes this life a little easy to acclimate to. Just moving on to the next thing." His eyes drifted to the floor, sadly. ". . . I'm so sorry."
I turned my head to him. "Don't be. Made me better, stronger. There's a lot of stuff that's happened to me that have, well, surprised quite a few people. Things they don't really expect."
I shrugged, "Maybe one of the reasons I'm not such a prissy little doll. Gotta learn to survive, take care of yourself. Like, for instance, one thing I learned is to keep all your important stuff with ya. My bag was always by my side..everything most precious to me inside it."
"I can see that..you always seem prepared."
I smirked. "Yep..for almost every situation."
We sat in silence for a few minutes, our eyes wandering everywhere.
Until I shifted and sat a little closer to the edge of the chair.
"So..we were gonna..ya know..talk more. When we got the chance..."
Gavin was intrigued. "Right..but I thought we were 'hitting the hay'??"
"Boy, I go to sleep at like, 6 AM. Keep me talking."
He rolled his eyes to the ceiling with a sigh of a laugh. "Very well..I suppose I'll go first."
He shifted, focusing his gaze on me.
"Excellent. Starting point. Your parents. Who has what that you get from what?"
He flexed his brows, slightly perplexed by the way I phrased that.
"Well, uh..both are actually Asian..from Japan."
Important note: Japan is my favorite. ♥
"My mom is actually mixed herself. Born to a Scottish missionary and Japanese restaurant owner. My paternal grandparents, a combat instructor and a farmer. My family and I are Christian. Not perfect, but..we do our best. I'm the oldest. Two brothers and a sister. Long, Kage and Nakita--Nikki. My parents are Kira and Madoka. They moved to America for a fresh start with my grandfather, from my father's side, and a couple of their friends..a married couple, seeking a new life. My parents were young, so it was easy to adapt and meld into the American lifestyle and language, as I think I already mentioned..."
He stopped suddenly, making me lean in. "..And?"
He looked back at me. "And?" "Is there more?"
"...Well..what would you like to know?"
"Tell me more about...you."
He shifted. "..Like what?"
I huffed impatiently. "Like besides your bestfriend, do you have any other friends? Do you go to school? Have you...dated..??"
He curled his lips back and darted his eyes to the floor in quick avoidance.
"I've uh..not had the luxury of having a lot of friends..there's my best friend, Spencer..and yeah..school...which I fully hated the experience of..and girls..well, I.."
Dear god, he was b l u s h i n g!
I gripped onto the chair arms. "Spit it out, man!"
He cleared his throat nervously, licking his lips. "I've never..really....had..a relationship..."
He couldn't even make eye contact, the little walnut.
"..I've had crushes, yeah...liked girls and they've liked me, but..nothing really..romantic has happened to me..I guess my grandfather is right. I'm too busy working and focusing on my family than I am on everything else....he says I'm too serious." I chuckled. I could see it.
He swallowed, "That and..I've seen too many breakups and divorces...and I've not really connected to anyone in that way..I have the intention of marriage. I suppose a lot of girls my age don't appreciate that.."
His face was so red, I was willing to die of laughter.
But mine was also, so I'm one to talk.
I cleared my throat. "Yeah, well...I'm sure you've gotten a slew of girls lined up for ya, hon..men are kind've intimidated by my existence."
He crinkled his brows. "I refuse to believe that's true."
"Well it is. I love guys, but they don't love me. Least in that manner. It saddens my soul.."
"Any man who doesn't feel at least a fraction of that way towards you is a fool. You're strong and loyal and beautiful."
My heart briefly lumped into my throat as we both realized what he just said and we quickly looked away in embarrassment.
I rose up, clapping my hands, trying to escape the once again awkward atmosphere.
"Well, I've got worse problems to stress on, anyway...like myself. I'm a mess. Can't keep a relationship together if ya can't keep yourself together, ya know?"
He rose and got a little closer to me. "I know..that's why I chose to wait."
"Wait?" I turned to him. He shrugged.
"For the right one..call me a romantic or old fashioned..but I believe in fairytale relationships. Happy endings.."
My eyes fell to the floor in a rather melancholy manner as I smiled softly.
"..I get that...I have every intention on remaining loyal to my future guy..despite..my mistakes....and if we don't end up together for the rest of our dorky lives..then I'll just..stay alone."
His eyes lowered, glumly. "....I hope you find him..no one deserves to be alone..especially you."
I smirked, cutting my eyes up at him, which in turn made him smile.
"..Thanks, I guess...."
That's when my mind started reeling....
"Ya know what? This is really...REALLY freaking me out."
He lowered his brows softly, confused. "What is??"
I swung the other way, throwing my hands up, "The sewer goblin!"
Gavin seemed almost disappointed and slowly turned, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Oh..."
"That stupid little parasite has gotten me baffled! I've been trying to piece together who he is all this time..the clues, the pattern..and just..ugh!"
"Okay..well.." Gavin slowly sat back down on his bed. "What do we know about him so far?"
"Well...one, kids are going missing..he's able to change..he has an unsettling, supernatural presence in the town and is very good at luring others towards him..he seems to play on our fears..and he kinda looks like.." I froze. My mind was rushing with panic and shock as realization slowly came to me..my breathing quickened. "No.."
He sat up, "What's wrong?"
My eyes drifted to him, wide as saucers.
"..Kids are going missing..he's not from this world..he's more like a creepy animal..and he looked like a clown.. I know who he is! DEAR GOD, I KNOW WHO HE IS!"
He shot up and grabbed my shoulders. "WHO?!"
"HIM!" I exclaimed. "IT! The CLOWN!"
That's when he started to tense and his body stood straight, coming to the same conclusion as me.
"Oh no.."
"He's come here for the kids!" I suddenly made for the door, "They're in danger, Gavin, we have to save them!" I was rushing in a panic, reaching for the knob. "We have to go NOW!"
"Hey, hey, hey!" Gavin had grabbed me by the hand and twirled me around to face him.
I was in shock.
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! WHILE WE'RE SITTING HERE TALKING, THOSE KIDS ARE OUT THERE, ALONE! WHAT IF THEY---"
He held me by the shoulders once more.
"LISTEN! He is NOT going to hurt them! You know why? Because he's not the one calling the shots here. Cataclysm wouldn't just bring him here to serve as a wild card. No. You said it yourself, the children are the main focus here. They need them, for whatever it is they're planning. And they're most likely using him to lure them in. To instill fear. They're keeping them alive. And we'll find them tomorrow. When we go looking..we'll take them by surprise. The kids are safe. They're important. Nothing's going to happen to them..as long as we stop them."
As much as it killed me to let it slide, I forced myself to take a deep breath and get a hold of myself.
"Right..right..okay..you're right...." I held onto his arms and used him for support in getting my body back up from it's arched, panicked state.
My hands then rubbed my tired, aching face.
"Thank you for being..smart."
"Well." He sighed deeply, trying to calm me down while smiling warmly.
"It's going to be okay, Sarah...we'll solve this. We'll stop them."
I nodded hurriedly, hands on my hips.
He watched me with worry in his eyes. "..Listen..maybe it is best you're not alone tonight. Maybe you should.." "No, no, it's fine..in fact, you, if you don't wanna stay in here, there's plenty of rooms in the T.A.R.D.I.S., if you'd like.." "I'm alright." He said with a chuckle.
He swallowed and took a deep breath. "..Just..come to me if you're in need of anything. Even if it's just to talk. I'm here."
I nodded, still a bit jittery.
He laid a hand on my arm. "You get your sleep, alright? You really need it.."
"Yep.."
He rose his brows, forcing me to look him in the eye. "Are you SURE you're alright?"
I faked a laugh and a smile, giving him a gesture that indicated I was completely unfazed, as I nodded my head with staged certainty, him looking all the more unconvinced.
"Pfffttt, I'm FINE, just fine..don't worry 'bout me. I'mma sleep just fine."
- - - - -
P A C K O F L I E S
I did not sleep at all well that night..in fact, the entire plan was stupid..in fact, I was stupid for even suggesting it to myself! Why I volunteered for me to do such a thing was mind-blowing.
But there I was, doing the thing.
Absolute imbecile.
I was on my back, laying on my uncomfortable hotel bed, staring up at the ceiling in a completely silent room. The door and windows were locked, the bottom of the bed checked, even the curtains of my shower drawn out of sheer paranoia. All the lights were on..which is something I never do anymore..but due to the circumstance at hand, I was taking precautions.
I had been lying there for probably an hour with full intention on getting a peaceful sleep.
But as usual, life had other plans.
I tossed and turned, huffing stressfully, my eyes wide open the whole time.
The case, the town, the world, Cataclysm, the boys, the missing kids, Gavin, the monsters, my not-car sitting there all alone in the Pizza Hut parking lot, EVERYTHING plagued my mind.
I didn't know how to deal with anything anymore.
I knew Gavin had made a point that the kids were too important, but just the idea of me laying there trying to sleep, while the rest of them were terrified, unable to sleep, tied up somewhere, just sitting there with that freakish clown, made me absolutely sick to my stomach.
I felt utterly helpless and I loathe that feeling.
I ground my teeth, sighing and huffing in frustration.
When the voices that began whispering in a million tones finally got too much, I squeezed my eyes shut, hoping the evident exhaustion in me would clear a path to unconsciousness.
However..the voices only got worse.
They got louder.
Until one familiar voice rose up out of the crowd.
"I see you, Sarah."
I squeezed my eyes harder, turning on my side in an attempt to push the voice out've my thoughts.
"Sleep can't help you.."
I shrugged my shoulders, tightening my fists, tensing my muscles uneasily.
"That won't help, either.."
"Shut UP!" I growled out-loud.
Everything grew silent once more.
I swallowed. Perhaps I would now actually be able to rest in peace.
Ahem..in a completely different meaning, of course.
I finally started to feel my body ease and relax into the terribly uncomfortable bed below me.
My mind was actually focusing on pleasant things..
And then,
creeeeeeeeaaakkkkkkkkk
I jolted my entire body, shooting up in bed like a rocket, facing next to me with wide open eyes, my mouth running open. My hand had instinctively grabbed my gun upon exploding upwards, and was now pointing at the empty space next to my bed, before my nightstand.
My eyes peeked down at the floor, where the creak came from, that I swore someone stepped on.
My heart raced too fast for me to catch up with. I was breathing too heavily.
I lowered my arm. "Screw this."
Welp, if I couldn't sleep, might as well walk around.
I climbed out of bed, sighing deeply as I rubbed my tired face.
Once I got the motivation to rise, I holstered my weapons and got up, rolling my sore shoulders and neck. I hurried to the door, stumbling a bit, then turned the knob. I froze.
I jiggled it. . . . it wasn't opening. I breathed.
I took it with both hands wiggled the door up and down, causing it to shake and rattle.
I swallowed.
First I peeked inside the peephole, but saw nothing.. then I turned, looking peeved and confused.
Nothing..just me and the eery silence. I breathed deeply, gulping.
"Okay..door's jammed...I'll get Gavin's help."
I went down to press my walkie's button when..I jerked..my walkie was gone.
I looked all around my sides. Then cast a glare at my bed.
My eyes got a little bigger as my mouth ran agape. "Frick..."
I noticed my breathing was quickening and my mind was starting to panic.
I let out a deep breath, briefly closing my eyes, and gestured a self-calming motion with my hands as I attempted to keep it together.
"Chill, Demens..this is fine..they can't get in..they can't get in.."
I let out relaxing exhales as I walked into the bathroom next to me and looked into the room.
I stood over the toilet, which was strangely open, as my curtains were also closed...
I furrowed my brows. "Nice try, sewer goblin."
I closed it and flushed it.
"Stay down there where you belong.."
I breathed and stepped over to the sink. There, I held onto it with both hands and glanced up at myself. My skin was ghostly white, my eyes big and bloodshot, my body drained of any signs of good health as I looked ready to collapse. I rubbed the back of my still sore neck.
"This is a mess.." I shook my head. "YOU'RE a mess.."
I turned on the faucet, looking down for just a second..
"You think you're different from us?"
My eyes instantly shot at the mirror. There was nothing there..regardless of the fact that the voice was coming from behind me.
"You think you're better than us?"
I looked at the emptiness all around me.
That's when the door suddenly slammed shut and I jumped, whipping my gaze at it.
"You think you can beat us? You think you can find us? You think you can win? We see you, Demens." I swung my head all around. "Where are you?!"
"We know who you are."
"WHERE ARE YOU?!"
"You're no hero."
"WHERE. ARE. YOU?!!"
"You're a liar."
I gripped onto both sides of my head as I spun in every direction.
"They'll never accept you. They'll never forgive you."
"SHUT UP!"
"You're just a monster like us."
I looked back, rightfully beginning to panic.
The high-pitched, insane voice in my head continued to sing.
"I see your future!"
I stepped back.
"You're just a monster like us!"
My widened eyes shot at the shower. The curtains I had purposely drawn were now drawn again.
Revealing to me five children who now resembled..monsters.
"Monster like us, monster like us." They sung with the voice.
They started to climb out of the tub after me, to which I backed away.
I faced the mirror, where my reflection was now replaced with the crazed clown, who was grinning and dancing before me. I gaped.
"NO!"
"Stop hiding who you really are, start being who you really are, cuz I see your future, AND YOU'RE JUST A MONSTER LIKE US!"
"STOP IT!!!" I screeched and quickly splashed my face with ice cold water.
The cold liquid dripped down my face from my chin and I breathed in slight relief, as the voices stopped. My closed eyes blocked me from sight, which I searched for a hand towel to fix.
As soon as I touched one, I wiped my face and lifted my eyes to the mirror.
That's when my heart stopped.
A tall, slender being appeared behind me, causing me to jump.
I yelled and swung around, when the being instantly grabbed me by the throat and slammed me against the door, lifting me into the air. I kicked my legs, choking fast, unable to shout or breathe.
"NO!!!" I rasped, staring into the faceless entity before me, who held me with impossible strength I could not escape from. I grabbed onto his wrist with both hands, trying everything to stop him.
But it was pointless.
My eyes rolled to the ceiling, preparing for the end.
That's when a dark, deep, chilling voice, which almost resembled a growl, came from the entity.
"You're a monster like us, Sarah Demens."
I screamed.
----------------------------------------------
wheeeennnnnn I launched up out of bed, shooting my eyes at every single thing before me as I pointed my guns ahead. I was spinning in circles, my mind half aware of what was real and what wasn't. When I realized....
My eyes adjusted to my environment and I took a deep breath, now aware of where I was and what just happened. I holstered my weapons, glancing at my walkie resting on my side.
It was just a dream...
After a few seconds, I held my face in my hands, growling at my foolish belief of that constructive lie of a nightmare, and let out a frustrated huff.
I peeked over inside the bathroom, the toilet seat closed, the curtains drawn.
And I opened the door.
"Not today, Satan."
"Y'all gotta take turns, you'll be too exhausted to run your positions alone. I don't want one of them getting you if you happen to doze off or are too weak to fight."
I looked back up at him. "And be sure to eat when you get downstairs. You need your strength."
Master sniffed, looking away a moment.
"Thank you for your concern."
I know he was being sarcastic, so I set the device beside me, nodding at him to grasp his attention. "Thank you, seriously..I appreciate your help."
Something in Master's expression indicated...surprise. And almost seemed..touched.
Jim peeked from behind him. "It was all my idea."
That I naturally didn't believe.
I rolled my eyes to him, giving him an unimpressed expression.
That's when J abruptly pushed him forward, stepping over us in a sloppy manner.
"Yeah, right, cool, neat, let's go, I'm starved."
"Well good night to you, too!" I sassed, to which he immaturely stuck his tongue at me.
Bane bowed his head as he started to pass. "Good night, Miss Demens.."
I smiled, "G'night, buddy."
"NO GOOD NIGHT KISS?!" I heard Jim yell as he was being shoved toward the elevator by Joker.
"The only thing you're going to get, you tiny Irish freak, is another punch in the mouth."
Master shook his head, departing.
"Night, Masta."
He didn't look back, just kept walking, uttering a lifeless "Yeah".
Which was the best I was gonna get, I guess.
I turned my head back around, my eyes sagging to the floor, as I felt a sudden sadness.
One I simply couldn't shake. And I sighed, not knowing what to exactly do anymore..
"Are you sure you're not related?" Velma questioned with a smirk, pulling me out of my glum thoughts. I shook my head with a forced smile.
"Lord help the universe if we were. We do enough damage UNrelated."
"You call it damage, I call it progress."
My head turned to Gavin, as he turned his to me. He set his cup down.
"I've seen firsthand what you've done for those worlds..for the people. You're changing things for the better. You might see it as silly adventures, and yes, it did start out that way. But you, Master, James, Bane, Joker...as much as you five refuse to accept it..you're saving a broken universe. One world at a time."
I sagged, turning my head away. "I'm only getting Cataclysm mad at me...and more worlds are at risk because of it." Gavin peeked at me, forcing our eyes to meet.
"Because you're a threat to them now, to their cause..and they know it. They see what you can do..and that's made them desperate. They're scared of you now."
He shook his head, while still keeping his gaze fixed on me.
"Their plan was going to be so easy..taking over specific worlds, destroying all the rest, tearing the universe apart in their villainous, vengeful crusade..they weren't counting on someone showing up..who loves and protects everyone."
At that, he slowly laid a hand on my shoulder, to which I swallowed to.
"You didn't just go with the others to visit everyone and you know it..you went to save them."
My eyes drifted away. Was it true?
Did I really venture off on my own crusade?
All this time, I thought I was just seizing the chance to see them and be done with it..but..what if I really DID do this to change the past? Why it was so easy for me to justify altering events, saving lives marked for death, righting wrongs and bringing peace out of all the chaos.
Where I went, I couldn't accept death..couldn't accept failure...couldn't accept suffering.
All my life of feeling like my existence was pointless..hoping that I was meant for so much more..was this it all along?
"You sound like you..really have a shot at solving this."
My eyes drifted to Scully, before I realized that the party members all were now staring at me..not someone else. Me..for help..for answers..for hope.
They..were depending on me.
And that's something I never thought I'd feel.
And it actually felt good.
I nodded my head, "With all your help, yeah. I'll stop at nothing to protect this world. And bring back those kids."
Daphne smiled. "And we will..how can we help?"
I leaned forward, lacing my fingers together. "Tonight, we get our rest. At 9 tomorrow, the barrier will come down. At that time, we'll venture out into town and separate into groups..where we'll cover the town, questioning the people and find any and all clues to find by nightfall. Meanwhile, I and a few select fighters will go hunting for the base of operations of the kidnappers. We'll have of plenty of time to cover ground, but try not to lag too long in one spot. We'll radio eachother and keep in contact, but still be on alert. They have eyes and ears everywhere. They can strike at any time."
The party agreed.
"Good plan, Sarah." Fred complimented. "We'll do our best to help!"
"I know you will. I am, after all, working with some of the best detectives in history."
I sat upright, laying my hands on my legs.
"Now..recap..you lot said you were investigating this and that..Dipper and Mabel were checking out a weird light..Scully and Mulder were driving on a road and you, little miss, weerrreee..."
Eleven lifted her chin as she noticed my acknowledgment.
"Demogorgon."
I perked like a meerkat. "Say what?"
She swallowed, looking quite grave. "Demogorgon. Monster. The one that attacked."
"The one with the face??" Mulder motioned at his own face.
Eleven slowly nodded at him.
"Ahh, the plant-looking chap." I understood. "So..you were following after him, were you?"
She nodded again. "With Mike."
I was intrigued. "Mike?"
The others grew even more interested. "Who is Mike, Eleven?" Scully questioned.
The girl's eyes fell to the floor. "Friend."
I leaned back. "..Friend....you think...the Demogorgon..might have TAKEN Mike?"
The party shot me a glance, as the pieces came together.
Her eyes grew wide with fear. "...Yes."
My brows flexed. "How old is Mike, Eleven?"
She didn't respond, even though her mouth opened as if she were about to.
I pressed, "Is he your age?"
Slowly, she nodded.
Realization came upon me. "He's got your friend..and he took you, too, obviously..but for some reason, you're not in the same place as Mike...maybe..maybe you fought back and blacked out and he left you behind, taking Mike to the others..."
I straightened my back, putting a finger to my lips as I thought hard on this.
My eyes gravitated to Gavin.
"The fact that they're taking kids from different realms as well as the ones in town has made it evident now..their plan is focused on the kids. Maybe they attempted to take Dipper, Mabel and Eleven, but couldn't..Mulder, Scully, were you two working on a case?"
"As a matter of fact, we were." "What was it??"
Scully's face sagged. "A missing....child...."
There it was.
I shook my head in bewilderment. "Why take kids? Why go through the trouble to take kids from different worlds? It's so bizarre...are they just random selections or what? Like..."
My eyes scanned each of them, narrowing in thought as I tried to figure things out.
"There's a connection tying everyone here together..I know it."
Before everyone could voice their further thoughts on the matter, I noticed the time and pursed my lips in surprise, "WELL, y'all, as fun as it's been, we really gotta hit the hay."
As soon as they saw the time themselves, they quickly agreed.
We started to part from one another's company, each of them bidding goodnight and retiring to their rooms. Scooby and Shaggy were yawning and stretching on the way out and Scooby even gave me a quick lick of affection which made me giggle like a child.
Gavin cleaned up the floor, putting everything into a garbage bag which he rested against the wall for later. He then bowed his head at me as he passed, retreating into his room.
The rest of the group was now behind closed doors, except for Eleven, who seemed to linger in front of her, Dipper, Scully and Mulder's door. As I turned to face her, I saw that she was staring right at me, into my very soul and I jolted, being taken by surprise.
I lowered my chin, "Something wrong?"
She was surprised herself that I spoke, but nevertheless shook her head.
I started to assume that maybe her mind was on her friend. "It's Mike, isn't it? You're worried about him.." Her gaze falling to the floor in a solemn manner spoke loud volumes.
I didn't miss a beat, "We'll find 'im, kid. I promise."
Her eyes lifted back to me, but this time, they were darkened and enigmatic.
"I know.....it's not Mike."
I gently jerked my head back. "..Well..what is it then?"
Her eyes narrowed a bit. "You."
...Me????
I swallowed, feeling attacked. "..Um..whatta ya mean?"
She didn't respond..a few awkward seconds passed of us just staring at one another..until she finally turned her head and walked into the safety of her room, disappearing from sight.
I had shivers running down my spine. What did Eleven mean..me????
Like...confusion.
In any case, my uncomfortable loneliness didn't last too much longer before Scully and Mulder stepped back out. Mulder sat down in the chair next to the door, but Scully nudged her head.
"Go on and get some sleep, Mulder. I've got this watch."
Mulder was too much of a gentleman, however, to allow this.
"Nope, you rest up, Scully. I'm fully prepared to take this all-nighter and nothing's going to stop me."
"Mulder, you're exhausted. Please. You have bags on top of your bags. You're no good to us half-alive." "Better not argue with her, Mulder, she's just as armed as you."
Scully smirked at me. Mulder was losing the battle.
He rubbed his eyes, giving in a bit. "Okay." He arose. "One hour. Then I take the rest of the shift."
The two didn't bother arguing, as the decision was made.
Mulder gathered his effects and slunk into the room.
Scully sat in his place, setting her coffee cup down next to the chair leg.
I rose a brow, grinning. "Least he kept it warm for you."
She shook her head with an eyeroll. "Lovely.."
Her eyes lifted to me. "So you're staying in one of the rooms tonight?"
"Aye..so just holler if you need me."
She nodded in compliance. "Of course. Goodnight."
"Night." I placed my hands in my pockets and walked ahead.
....
All the doors were unlocked courtesy of Bud, so I could choose any one I wanted.
Therefore, I chose to crash in the room across from Gavin's.
Seeing as how I trusted him and needed him close by in case something happened.
I walked infront of my room and sighed, tiredly, slipping a hand out of one of my pockets to open the knob..when I paused and hovered my gloved hand over the small round object.
I cut my eyes behind me at Gavin's room, curling my lips back.
I was tired, but not too tired..and I didn't necessarily want to be left alone just yet.
It felt a little awkward, but I turned around and approached his door.
I shrugged my shoulders, as my head was enveloped by my hood, fists tightening nervously, and I cleared my throat. I worked up the courage to knock.
I was taken by great surprise and nearly jumped to the ceiling when Gavin immediately answered, swinging the door open all the way.
"Hey!" I squeaked. He lifted his brows and grinned.
I cleared my throat again and sunk, "Hey.."
My voice noticeably deeper, his grin widened and he chuckled.
"Hi..." His head rested against the side of the door, as he held onto the knob.
"Are you alright?"
"Um..yeah...I guess..."
I scratched my head nervously, as I stared at our two inch height difference, feeling the most uncomfortable I've ever been. "So......."
I glanced in different directions as I started to feel his gaze burn into me just as with Eleven, me frowning lopsidedly, as he merely curled his lips back, waiting for me to use my words.
H o w d o i n t r o v e r t e d t o m b o y s h a n d l e s i t u a t i o n s l i k e t h i s ? ? ? ?
"Yeah..."
YEAH?! That's the best you can come up with?! YEAH?!!!
A writer who never shuts up and says a million words in one sentence that gets me into trouble, and all I could creatively conclude my thoughts with is, YEAH?!?!?!??!?!
FRIGGIN' IMBECILE, THIS IS WHY YOU'RE STILL SINGLE.
His bright eyes zoned in on me and regardless of my stupidity and being as awkward as a baby giraffe learning to stand, he let out an arm and gestured at the inside.
"Would you like to.."
I lifted my brows and gestured with an arm as well, not actually knowing what I was doing.
My throat tightened as I felt the excruciating impulse to assassinate myself.
He blinked at me, obviously a bit lost as to what I was doing and what I thought he meant and smiled, in what almost looked like concern. "...to..come in?"
"Oh." I gasped. WHAT, HOW, WORDS.
"UM, YES, PLEASE, THANK YOU."
I scurried inside as if running from a storm.
that was too painful to live through again.
hopefully this is the adventure where I make a heroic sacrifice in order to avoid further awkward social interaction.
I shook my head in shame, as I closed my eyes and held my skull, my shoulders tensing, my teeth gritting. Until I looked up at the room that was no more special than the others, but still...it made me feel funny being here. With him. Alone. urk.
Literally all I did was stand there and only had the purest intentions, but my paranoia felt like I was breaking at least 80 different sacred laws of the Lord. Yes, I had taken care of Master alone, a man I was attracted to, with the purest intentions as well, but, this felt..different. I can't even explain why.
Maybe because Gavin is..genuine. And kind. And good.
Not some object of affection for a fangirl.
He was..real.
I sighed deeply and turned around, my muscles tensing. "I'm sorry if I woke you.."
He smiled awkwardly. "..You're fine. It's..only been a few minutes."
My brows lowered. "..Right."
get out.
now.
He had his jacket off, revealing a long sleeve black shirt that made him look very slick indeed.
He cleared his throat as he closed the door, making me glance at him, where he motioned.
"May I take your jacket?"
I couldn't help but smirk. "Naw thanks, I'm good."
His brows lifted, sighing uneasily. "How are you holding up? You know..after.."
"After the sewer goblin? I'm perfectly fine."
"I mean, the Vashta...Nerada..?"
"Oh..........." I looked down at my arms. It should be noted I was in my hoodie and no one had a chance to see my skin. I rolled my sleeves up and revealed that all the little marks they had left behind were gone. Gavin looked quite shocked. "That's amazing..they've completely disappeared!"
I was a little surprised myself. "Yeah..no kidding.."
But I shrugged it off, covering them back up. "It's no big deal, though, I've always healed fast."
He nodded, beginning to maneuver around me, where he approached his bed and sat down.
"So you're really staying in a room tonight and not the T.A.R.D.I.S.?"
"Yeah..I thought I could keep better tabs on everyone from up here."
He understood this. "I mean, if you want, you can stay in here. I can sleep on the floor."
"NO."
He winced. I tensed. "No, that's fine, thanks. I'll be okay."
His eyes fell, looking a little timid. "Oh.." He suddenly straightened up.
"Gosh, I hope..I hope you don't think I meant--!"
"Relax, I know you didn't...that's why I'm here, right now, I'm just..not ready to go to bed yet..and I need to settle my mind a bit after...ya know..all the crap from before."
I rolled my shoulders, taking a seat in the chair across from him.
"...Besides, I don't NEED a bed to sleep on, anyway. I've spent enough time sleeping on floors..or whatever I can find."
He slightly tilted his head. Again, looking concerned. I flexed my brows.
"I was homeless for quite a bit of my life, so..you kinda adapt to what you got."
His shoulders sagged, hearing this, his bright green eyes looking sorrowful.
I leaned back. "..I guess it's what makes this life a little easy to acclimate to. Just moving on to the next thing." His eyes drifted to the floor, sadly. ". . . I'm so sorry."
I turned my head to him. "Don't be. Made me better, stronger. There's a lot of stuff that's happened to me that have, well, surprised quite a few people. Things they don't really expect."
I shrugged, "Maybe one of the reasons I'm not such a prissy little doll. Gotta learn to survive, take care of yourself. Like, for instance, one thing I learned is to keep all your important stuff with ya. My bag was always by my side..everything most precious to me inside it."
"I can see that..you always seem prepared."
I smirked. "Yep..for almost every situation."
We sat in silence for a few minutes, our eyes wandering everywhere.
Until I shifted and sat a little closer to the edge of the chair.
"So..we were gonna..ya know..talk more. When we got the chance..."
Gavin was intrigued. "Right..but I thought we were 'hitting the hay'??"
"Boy, I go to sleep at like, 6 AM. Keep me talking."
He rolled his eyes to the ceiling with a sigh of a laugh. "Very well..I suppose I'll go first."
He shifted, focusing his gaze on me.
"Excellent. Starting point. Your parents. Who has what that you get from what?"
He flexed his brows, slightly perplexed by the way I phrased that.
"Well, uh..both are actually Asian..from Japan."
Important note: Japan is my favorite. ♥
"My mom is actually mixed herself. Born to a Scottish missionary and Japanese restaurant owner. My paternal grandparents, a combat instructor and a farmer. My family and I are Christian. Not perfect, but..we do our best. I'm the oldest. Two brothers and a sister. Long, Kage and Nakita--Nikki. My parents are Kira and Madoka. They moved to America for a fresh start with my grandfather, from my father's side, and a couple of their friends..a married couple, seeking a new life. My parents were young, so it was easy to adapt and meld into the American lifestyle and language, as I think I already mentioned..."
He stopped suddenly, making me lean in. "..And?"
He looked back at me. "And?" "Is there more?"
"...Well..what would you like to know?"
"Tell me more about...you."
He shifted. "..Like what?"
I huffed impatiently. "Like besides your bestfriend, do you have any other friends? Do you go to school? Have you...dated..??"
He curled his lips back and darted his eyes to the floor in quick avoidance.
"I've uh..not had the luxury of having a lot of friends..there's my best friend, Spencer..and yeah..school...which I fully hated the experience of..and girls..well, I.."
Dear god, he was b l u s h i n g!
I gripped onto the chair arms. "Spit it out, man!"
He cleared his throat nervously, licking his lips. "I've never..really....had..a relationship..."
He couldn't even make eye contact, the little walnut.
"..I've had crushes, yeah...liked girls and they've liked me, but..nothing really..romantic has happened to me..I guess my grandfather is right. I'm too busy working and focusing on my family than I am on everything else....he says I'm too serious." I chuckled. I could see it.
He swallowed, "That and..I've seen too many breakups and divorces...and I've not really connected to anyone in that way..I have the intention of marriage. I suppose a lot of girls my age don't appreciate that.."
His face was so red, I was willing to die of laughter.
But mine was also, so I'm one to talk.
I cleared my throat. "Yeah, well...I'm sure you've gotten a slew of girls lined up for ya, hon..men are kind've intimidated by my existence."
He crinkled his brows. "I refuse to believe that's true."
"Well it is. I love guys, but they don't love me. Least in that manner. It saddens my soul.."
"Any man who doesn't feel at least a fraction of that way towards you is a fool. You're strong and loyal and beautiful."
My heart briefly lumped into my throat as we both realized what he just said and we quickly looked away in embarrassment.
I rose up, clapping my hands, trying to escape the once again awkward atmosphere.
"Well, I've got worse problems to stress on, anyway...like myself. I'm a mess. Can't keep a relationship together if ya can't keep yourself together, ya know?"
He rose and got a little closer to me. "I know..that's why I chose to wait."
"Wait?" I turned to him. He shrugged.
"For the right one..call me a romantic or old fashioned..but I believe in fairytale relationships. Happy endings.."
My eyes fell to the floor in a rather melancholy manner as I smiled softly.
"..I get that...I have every intention on remaining loyal to my future guy..despite..my mistakes....and if we don't end up together for the rest of our dorky lives..then I'll just..stay alone."
His eyes lowered, glumly. "....I hope you find him..no one deserves to be alone..especially you."
I smirked, cutting my eyes up at him, which in turn made him smile.
"..Thanks, I guess...."
That's when my mind started reeling....
"Ya know what? This is really...REALLY freaking me out."
He lowered his brows softly, confused. "What is??"
I swung the other way, throwing my hands up, "The sewer goblin!"
Gavin seemed almost disappointed and slowly turned, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Oh..."
"That stupid little parasite has gotten me baffled! I've been trying to piece together who he is all this time..the clues, the pattern..and just..ugh!"
"Okay..well.." Gavin slowly sat back down on his bed. "What do we know about him so far?"
"Well...one, kids are going missing..he's able to change..he has an unsettling, supernatural presence in the town and is very good at luring others towards him..he seems to play on our fears..and he kinda looks like.." I froze. My mind was rushing with panic and shock as realization slowly came to me..my breathing quickened. "No.."
He sat up, "What's wrong?"
My eyes drifted to him, wide as saucers.
"..Kids are going missing..he's not from this world..he's more like a creepy animal..and he looked like a clown.. I know who he is! DEAR GOD, I KNOW WHO HE IS!"
He shot up and grabbed my shoulders. "WHO?!"
"HIM!" I exclaimed. "IT! The CLOWN!"
That's when he started to tense and his body stood straight, coming to the same conclusion as me.
"Oh no.."
"He's come here for the kids!" I suddenly made for the door, "They're in danger, Gavin, we have to save them!" I was rushing in a panic, reaching for the knob. "We have to go NOW!"
"Hey, hey, hey!" Gavin had grabbed me by the hand and twirled me around to face him.
I was in shock.
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! WHILE WE'RE SITTING HERE TALKING, THOSE KIDS ARE OUT THERE, ALONE! WHAT IF THEY---"
He held me by the shoulders once more.
"LISTEN! He is NOT going to hurt them! You know why? Because he's not the one calling the shots here. Cataclysm wouldn't just bring him here to serve as a wild card. No. You said it yourself, the children are the main focus here. They need them, for whatever it is they're planning. And they're most likely using him to lure them in. To instill fear. They're keeping them alive. And we'll find them tomorrow. When we go looking..we'll take them by surprise. The kids are safe. They're important. Nothing's going to happen to them..as long as we stop them."
As much as it killed me to let it slide, I forced myself to take a deep breath and get a hold of myself.
"Right..right..okay..you're right...." I held onto his arms and used him for support in getting my body back up from it's arched, panicked state.
My hands then rubbed my tired, aching face.
"Thank you for being..smart."
"Well." He sighed deeply, trying to calm me down while smiling warmly.
"It's going to be okay, Sarah...we'll solve this. We'll stop them."
I nodded hurriedly, hands on my hips.
He watched me with worry in his eyes. "..Listen..maybe it is best you're not alone tonight. Maybe you should.." "No, no, it's fine..in fact, you, if you don't wanna stay in here, there's plenty of rooms in the T.A.R.D.I.S., if you'd like.." "I'm alright." He said with a chuckle.
He swallowed and took a deep breath. "..Just..come to me if you're in need of anything. Even if it's just to talk. I'm here."
I nodded, still a bit jittery.
He laid a hand on my arm. "You get your sleep, alright? You really need it.."
"Yep.."
He rose his brows, forcing me to look him in the eye. "Are you SURE you're alright?"
I faked a laugh and a smile, giving him a gesture that indicated I was completely unfazed, as I nodded my head with staged certainty, him looking all the more unconvinced.
"Pfffttt, I'm FINE, just fine..don't worry 'bout me. I'mma sleep just fine."
- - - - -
P A C K O F L I E S
I did not sleep at all well that night..in fact, the entire plan was stupid..in fact, I was stupid for even suggesting it to myself! Why I volunteered for me to do such a thing was mind-blowing.
But there I was, doing the thing.
Absolute imbecile.
I was on my back, laying on my uncomfortable hotel bed, staring up at the ceiling in a completely silent room. The door and windows were locked, the bottom of the bed checked, even the curtains of my shower drawn out of sheer paranoia. All the lights were on..which is something I never do anymore..but due to the circumstance at hand, I was taking precautions.
I had been lying there for probably an hour with full intention on getting a peaceful sleep.
But as usual, life had other plans.
I tossed and turned, huffing stressfully, my eyes wide open the whole time.
The case, the town, the world, Cataclysm, the boys, the missing kids, Gavin, the monsters, my not-car sitting there all alone in the Pizza Hut parking lot, EVERYTHING plagued my mind.
I didn't know how to deal with anything anymore.
I knew Gavin had made a point that the kids were too important, but just the idea of me laying there trying to sleep, while the rest of them were terrified, unable to sleep, tied up somewhere, just sitting there with that freakish clown, made me absolutely sick to my stomach.
I felt utterly helpless and I loathe that feeling.
I ground my teeth, sighing and huffing in frustration.
When the voices that began whispering in a million tones finally got too much, I squeezed my eyes shut, hoping the evident exhaustion in me would clear a path to unconsciousness.
However..the voices only got worse.
They got louder.
Until one familiar voice rose up out of the crowd.
"I see you, Sarah."
I squeezed my eyes harder, turning on my side in an attempt to push the voice out've my thoughts.
"Sleep can't help you.."
I shrugged my shoulders, tightening my fists, tensing my muscles uneasily.
"That won't help, either.."
"Shut UP!" I growled out-loud.
Everything grew silent once more.
I swallowed. Perhaps I would now actually be able to rest in peace.
Ahem..in a completely different meaning, of course.
I finally started to feel my body ease and relax into the terribly uncomfortable bed below me.
My mind was actually focusing on pleasant things..
And then,
creeeeeeeeaaakkkkkkkkk
I jolted my entire body, shooting up in bed like a rocket, facing next to me with wide open eyes, my mouth running open. My hand had instinctively grabbed my gun upon exploding upwards, and was now pointing at the empty space next to my bed, before my nightstand.
My eyes peeked down at the floor, where the creak came from, that I swore someone stepped on.
My heart raced too fast for me to catch up with. I was breathing too heavily.
I lowered my arm. "Screw this."
Welp, if I couldn't sleep, might as well walk around.
I climbed out of bed, sighing deeply as I rubbed my tired face.
Once I got the motivation to rise, I holstered my weapons and got up, rolling my sore shoulders and neck. I hurried to the door, stumbling a bit, then turned the knob. I froze.
I jiggled it. . . . it wasn't opening. I breathed.
I took it with both hands wiggled the door up and down, causing it to shake and rattle.
I swallowed.
First I peeked inside the peephole, but saw nothing.. then I turned, looking peeved and confused.
Nothing..just me and the eery silence. I breathed deeply, gulping.
"Okay..door's jammed...I'll get Gavin's help."
I went down to press my walkie's button when..I jerked..my walkie was gone.
I looked all around my sides. Then cast a glare at my bed.
My eyes got a little bigger as my mouth ran agape. "Frick..."
I noticed my breathing was quickening and my mind was starting to panic.
I let out a deep breath, briefly closing my eyes, and gestured a self-calming motion with my hands as I attempted to keep it together.
"Chill, Demens..this is fine..they can't get in..they can't get in.."
I let out relaxing exhales as I walked into the bathroom next to me and looked into the room.
I stood over the toilet, which was strangely open, as my curtains were also closed...
I furrowed my brows. "Nice try, sewer goblin."
I closed it and flushed it.
"Stay down there where you belong.."
I breathed and stepped over to the sink. There, I held onto it with both hands and glanced up at myself. My skin was ghostly white, my eyes big and bloodshot, my body drained of any signs of good health as I looked ready to collapse. I rubbed the back of my still sore neck.
"This is a mess.." I shook my head. "YOU'RE a mess.."
I turned on the faucet, looking down for just a second..
"You think you're different from us?"
My eyes instantly shot at the mirror. There was nothing there..regardless of the fact that the voice was coming from behind me.
"You think you're better than us?"
I looked at the emptiness all around me.
That's when the door suddenly slammed shut and I jumped, whipping my gaze at it.
"You think you can beat us? You think you can find us? You think you can win? We see you, Demens." I swung my head all around. "Where are you?!"
"We know who you are."
"WHERE ARE YOU?!"
"You're no hero."
"WHERE. ARE. YOU?!!"
"You're a liar."
I gripped onto both sides of my head as I spun in every direction.
"They'll never accept you. They'll never forgive you."
"SHUT UP!"
"You're just a monster like us."
I looked back, rightfully beginning to panic.
The high-pitched, insane voice in my head continued to sing.
"I see your future!"
I stepped back.
"You're just a monster like us!"
My widened eyes shot at the shower. The curtains I had purposely drawn were now drawn again.
Revealing to me five children who now resembled..monsters.
"Monster like us, monster like us." They sung with the voice.
They started to climb out of the tub after me, to which I backed away.
I faced the mirror, where my reflection was now replaced with the crazed clown, who was grinning and dancing before me. I gaped.
"NO!"
"Stop hiding who you really are, start being who you really are, cuz I see your future, AND YOU'RE JUST A MONSTER LIKE US!"
"STOP IT!!!" I screeched and quickly splashed my face with ice cold water.
The cold liquid dripped down my face from my chin and I breathed in slight relief, as the voices stopped. My closed eyes blocked me from sight, which I searched for a hand towel to fix.
As soon as I touched one, I wiped my face and lifted my eyes to the mirror.
That's when my heart stopped.
A tall, slender being appeared behind me, causing me to jump.
I yelled and swung around, when the being instantly grabbed me by the throat and slammed me against the door, lifting me into the air. I kicked my legs, choking fast, unable to shout or breathe.
"NO!!!" I rasped, staring into the faceless entity before me, who held me with impossible strength I could not escape from. I grabbed onto his wrist with both hands, trying everything to stop him.
But it was pointless.
My eyes rolled to the ceiling, preparing for the end.
That's when a dark, deep, chilling voice, which almost resembled a growl, came from the entity.
"You're a monster like us, Sarah Demens."
I screamed.
----------------------------------------------
wheeeennnnnn I launched up out of bed, shooting my eyes at every single thing before me as I pointed my guns ahead. I was spinning in circles, my mind half aware of what was real and what wasn't. When I realized....
My eyes adjusted to my environment and I took a deep breath, now aware of where I was and what just happened. I holstered my weapons, glancing at my walkie resting on my side.
It was just a dream...
After a few seconds, I held my face in my hands, growling at my foolish belief of that constructive lie of a nightmare, and let out a frustrated huff.
I peeked over inside the bathroom, the toilet seat closed, the curtains drawn.
And I opened the door.
"Not today, Satan."
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