#another chapter down

Chapter 10

Hiding underneath your blankets in your bedroom of your parent’s house, you dread getting out of bed. It’s been three days since Dark pinned you down and somehow convinced you to entertain the idea of an open relationship with him and Anti, and now you’re scared to see either demons.

When Anti had come back home later that evening you’d become a complete and utter mess. Dark had explained the whole thing and Anti seemed to accept once it was clear you hadn’t immediately vetoed the idea, but it did nothing to ease your heart.

You ran into Anti’s arms and refused to leave them until you’d passed out and he put you to bed.

Sighing, a timid knock at your door brings you out of your comforter cocoon. “Yes?”

“Emily, I’ve made breakfast; are you hungry?” Your mother calls.

“Coming.” You respond. You hear her retreat to the stairs, and slowly emerge from your bedding. Changing into a pair of jogging sweats and fleece lined hoodie, you head down stairs to meet your mother.

The moment your mother lays eyes on you, her face brightens. You love your mother and she loves you dearly. Smiling back, you take a seat at the table and load up your plate with scrambled eggs with a light sprinkling of pepper, waffle squares, hash browns, and three slices of bacon.

“My, are you hungry this morning?” Your mother coos happily.

Smiling sheepishly in response, you shovel eggs into you mouth followed by some bacon.

“Emi, I wanted to talk to you about something…”

Pausing, you stare at your mother in question. It’s never been good when she starts a conversation like this. Last time it was to tell you about your grandmother’s hospitalization. She waits for you to set down your utensils.

“Emi, I… I know it’s not my place to question your relationships; but I’ve been wondering if you are,” Her voice drops as if someone could come into the kitchen any moment. “Are you cheating on your punk rock boyfriend?”

Laughter bubbles in your chest at her question. “Jack?” You ask softly. “No, no mom. I am not cheating on him. He goes by Anti.”

“Anti, that’s right! You kids go by such odd names these days.” SHe mutters.

“No, you’re seeing one of his friends. He’s kind of punkish too. He goes by Dark.” You tell her, partially lying. Dropping your gaze to the plate before you, you debate talking to your mother…

“You look troubled. Did this boy do anything to you?” Your mother asks in a serious tone.

Shaking your head, you tell her, “No. No, nothing like that. I just… What do you think about open relationships?”

“Open? What does that mean?”

Biting your lower lip for a second you tell her, “In a context you can grasp; I’m dating Anti, but I also want to date Dark. Instead of cheating or sneaking around, Anti and I have a deal that we can date one, or more people and be truthful about it.”

Your mother gasps at the explanation. “There are people that do that?” She asks, her age showing clearly.

Her expression makes it hard to keep from giggling softly.

“Does Anti want another girlfriend?” Your mother asks angrily.

Quickly you shake your head. “No, it wasn't Anti. I promise.” You assure her. “I just… I think I might be developing feelings for Dark, and I don’t know what to do.”

Your mother coos at your obvious discomfort. “Has this Dark, has he indicated he’d be okay with you cheating on Anti with him?”

“Yes… No… I can’t tell. I’ve only ever been interested in Anti. It’s hard to read other people, especially when it comes to romantic notions.” You explain as best as you can.

Your mother hums to herself, mulling over your words. “How do you feel about it? Even if Anti and Dark are okay with this kind of relationship; would you be happy? When it comes down to it, Emily, you have to be comfortable with the state of your relationship.Some times being in love with two people means you have to make a hard choice and hope it’s the right now.”

Nodding, you slowly pick at your food, eating bits and pieces here and there as your mother moves about the kitchen. When you finally finished breakfast, you thank your mother, wash your dishes, then take your car into town. You need to do some retail therapy to mull something more productive over in your head.

“Can I help you find anything?” A tall, leggy brunette asks walking up to you.

Shaking your head you respond, “No, I’m doing alright.” She nods.

“If you need anything, my name is Tiffany.” she adds before walking away with a painted smile.

Watching the woman move on to another person, you continue your browsing through summer clearance before deciding to move on to fall fashion.

“Did you see that hot guy out front? He looked like he was searching for someone.” A young woman, probaby twenty two squeals happily.

“You should totally go talk to him. I mean, he probably has a girlfriend, but you’re so much hotter.” Her equally aged friend responds.

Rolling your eyes, you try to ignore their squealing, but a part of you has an urge to see who’s standing outside the store. You wonder if it’s a poor soul shopping with his wife or girlfriend and she moved on without telling him.

“Look at him. Go talk to him; go.” The friend urges again.

Unable to hold back, you walk to the windows and peek outside beyond the mannequins. Jaw dropping you realize the two girls are talking about Anti. His head turns, finding you, smiles and heads into the store. The girls cheer upon seeing him enter the shop.

Smiling meekly, you wave to Anti. “Hey.” You greet as he passes the two young women,

“Your mother said you went shopping.”

You nod. “You could have called me.”

He shrugs. “But then it wouldn’t be a surprise.” His smile is all the reward you need.

“Are you hungry?”

“Always.” He teases looking you up and down.

“Food, Anti.” you correct laughing.

He smirks. “That’ll do for now.” He teases again, wrapping his arms around your, holding you tight against his chest.

“Come on, Romeo. Let’s get some food.” You chuckle happily.

“Whatever makes you happy, Emi.” He whispers softly. His lips press into your hair. “I just want you happy.”

His words hit your hard. “I am happy, Anti. I’m happy with you.” You assure him, resting your head against his chest. “We need to sit down and talk about Dark when we get home.” You add quietly.

Over the next few weeks when you're not doing your normal duties for your family and work  you find yourself pouring over the book. You read wild and crazy spells, ingredient lists, learn the purpose of each piece of a spell and why even the smallest variant is important to make a spell pack more of a punch or even just go right. At first it all seemed foreign and ridiculous, but the more you read and learned the more it made sense.

You learn a spell dose not have to rhyme in order to work or be powerful. Most witches use rhyming to remember their spells better and to help future generations learn them. You notice that the majority of spells midway and further in the book do not rhyme.

Either your ancestors were really talented or specifically dropped rhyming to keep other from memorizing their spells. You also note that as you look deeper into the book the less ingredients and supplies are listed. You wonder if it indicates the creator's skill level or if they didn't list for secrecy purposes.

While you don't have a want or real need to learn everything in the book, you do wonder if you could reach such a level of proficiency and skill to the point you wouldn't need ingredients or very many supplies.

Flipping through the book with little interest on any one particular page you pause when a spell name in elegant script catches your eyes. Flipping back three pages you look at the yellowed page with keen eyes.

To Banish A Demon

Scanning the text the spell seems pretty straight forward compared to others you've read through. It's basically an incantation using various religious entities and symbols respectively to banish just about any kind of demon known to mankind. Idly you wonder if it would work on Dark.

Thinking it over a few minutes you come to the conclusion it's not a priority at the moment. While, yes, you don't particularly enjoy being tethered to Dark against under such events, he's not the worse thing in your life and for the present time you have bigger concerns.

Mainly seeing into the past to view Trinity's last day. You pray seeing her last day will bring  you closure.

It takes another week before you have confidence in your first attempt to step back in time. To be safe you sent Ollie and Fern to a friend's house for the weekend and ensured your father would be busy with a camping trip you set up with your uncles for the weekend. Even as much as you need your closure you will no put your family at risk.

Shutting the power off for the whole house you carry a melon and cucumber scented candle with you as light to guide your way. Shutting the door to the basement you walk into the dinning room where everything is set up and ready to go.

Electricity won't affect positively or negatively with the spell you've chosen to attempt, it's purely for aesthetic. You've seen one too many movies or shows where the witch, whether modern or ancient prefer the void of modern comforts.

So, you sit at your dinning room table in the pitch black, with a few candles to light your way and your supplies spread before you including the spell on a slip of paper. You haven't memorized the spell to absolute knowledge so it's written down to help you along if you get lost.

Among your supplies is a locket your father gave to Trinity after your mom died. Inside are photos of your mom and Trinity and on the opposite side is a family photo. Trinity never took it off and you had to have it removed from her body.

Picking up the oval locket your thumb runs over the old gold. It's a family heirloom passed down through the generations. You never quite knew who brought it into the family but Trinity felt honored it came to be in her possession. Smiling bitterly you fight against the way of mental pain that washes through you.

It takes everything in you to set the locket down again and focus on your task. After a few minutes you finally feel a sense of calm and clarity needed to cast the spell. Taking a steady breath you open your eyes and push forward.

Reciting the spell--almost from memory, you pick up Trinity's necklace and holding it tightly in your hand. With a soft whisper, "Please, grant me closure." It's not part of the spell but you need to say it, to remind yourself this is for closure to move forward.

Silence surrounds you and for a long, heart pounding minute nothing happens. Peeking around you expected something to happen, a flash of light, or maybe the world would whiz past you throwing you back in time, but nothing happens.

Then, in the darkness of the room a deep voice echoes around you chilling you to the bone. "Heed this warning young witch; Be mindful of what you ask. If it closure you desire then it is the truth I shall show you."

Before you can formulate a response the world shifts from under your feet. The chair you're on disappears leaving you to free fall in the inky black. You cannot see anything except your own body. Your make no sound while you fall, despite air leaving your frightened and tense body.

Bracing for the inevitable impact of land your hands clutch Trinity's locket painfully, the unforgiving metal digging into your palm and fingers. You don't know how long you've been falling at this point and it scares you more than the actual fall.

Could you be trapped in this cycle of endless falling? What will your family think if you never appear again? Between thought you notice the locket, despite keeping your painful grip on it, seems to disappear from your hand.

Shocked and scared you open your palm and look at your now empty hand. Searching the darkness you try to find the locket. Nothing,  you see absolutely nothing.

There is no impact of feeling to landing to single the ride is over even as the pitch blackness slowly releases you. Beneath your feet you feel the texture of dew covered grass, there is a chill in the still night air, and a thin blanket of fog rising up from the river to your left.

Looking around you come to realize you know this plot of land. it's not as well manicured or as enclosed as you remember but you know the grounds. It's the Scarlet estate only years and years before your birth, probably even before your great-great-great grandmother's birth.

Gazing around your location, eyes sweeping the physical ground beneath your socked feet, you hesitantly take a step forward. You're still trying to make sense of where and when you are. Being thrown back to an unknown time period without reason is confusing and disorienting. All you wanted was to get answers to your questions.

You hear a door of the large menacing looking manor slam open with great force pulling your attention to a tall younger looking man briskly walking out followed by a shorter young woman puling at his coattails. Her voice shrieks and at first listen sounds genuinely mournful, "Henrik! Please, please, you know it was an accident. Please, stop!"

It takes a moment in the dim light of the fully moon, but the longer you focus on the woman the more you realize it's your long since dead Great-Great-Great-Great Grandmother Savannah Scarlet. She look identical to the portrait handing in the halls of the family mansion. You pause looking at the building before you and come to the conclusion you're on the estate.

Looking back to your dead grandmother you note she's shorter than you would have thought, probably around five foot even slim feminine build with flowing brown curls. She's dressed in fine robes, a long dress with face and pears from what you can make out.

From your spot across the grass you see picie like features, small perfectly painted lips, big doll eyes, and pale clear skin with hits of pink. She honestly reminds you of a beautifully painted doll. Everything about her seems to be utterly perfect except one thing.

Clutched in her arms is a blanket wrapped child. You can't see the gender or many features but it doesn't seem to be making any noise despite how loudly Savannah is wailing and quickly she's moving after the male. Panic for the child propels you across the rain covered grass.

"Savannah! Enough! I cannot continue like this. I could forgive you for the first child, but I cannot for two. My heart would not take the death of another child should we continue." The handsome, distinguished Irish gentleman, you assume to be Henrik says.  Tears shimmer in his broken blue eyes, looking sadly at the infant laying dead in his lover's arms.

"Please, Henrik, surely there is something you can do." Savannah pleas pulling at his coat.

On the surface Savannah looks and acts like the distraught mother, but you see through the mask she wears so well. Reading her body language and hearing her tone and choice of words it's obvious to you she's faking. You've been around your aunts long enough to know the difference between the genuine article and a phony.

Savannah cares nothing for the baby, only that Henrik does not leave her. Silently you encourage Henrik to pull away, to leave and never return. To your relief he does just that.

Closing his brilliant blue eyes Henrik turns from Savannah, pulls his coat from her grip, and walks away to the carriage waiting. He ignores the first real sound of sorrow you've heard since arriving emit from Savannah's throat. She collapses to her knees nearly dropping the child. Maids swarm her rushing to help their mistress and the child.

As soon as Henrik is out of sight Savannah practically chucks the child into a maid's arms scowling at the long gone carriage. Her face is completely dry and perfect as it was before. It's as if nothing has happened and she is simply a woman scorned by her former lover.

"Mistress, what should we do with the child?" The young woman holding the infant asks, you can hear in her tone she's numb to the question. Her tone makes you question just how often Savannah has children and then kills them. Even from Henrik this is not her first child to die.

"Dispose of it. I'm sick of looking at it." Savannah responds coldly, refusing to look at the blanket. Her voice sends shivers through your whole body. She's just so cold and dejected from the life she took.

"As you wish."

Before you can make sense of it the scenery changes. You stand inside the mansion now. Candles give light as Savannah stands in the center of a diagram or pentagram you've never seen before. Runes are either etched or drawn in dark chalk on the ground. You do have enough sense to see the scene for what it is; Savannah is preforming a ritual.

Taking a better look around you, you note there is another child before Savannah. She has it laying at her feet on the ground wrapped in pink. From what little light the candles give off there is color to this child's cheeks and it appears to be sleeping, but knowing your ancestor like you do now, you doubt the child is still alive.

Crudely you wonder how many more children died before this one. You wonder if she is attempting a resurrection spell, or if she's sacrificing the child for some end game. Whatever she is doing you feel sorrow for another life that is loss. These children are your family, you would died before causing the death to any of your siblings, let alone your own child. You despise Savannah for her lack of respect for life.

Continuing to watch Savannah with pure disgust in your heart for her actions you see her slice a long thin line into her palm. Blood pools in her hand before spilling over, dripping on to the design wrapped around her and the infant. For less time than you believe to have passed you only hear the sound of her blood hitting the concrete.

Then, in a burst of cold air and a flash of red, as if something from a cheesy TV show the candles are blown out and before Savannah is a demon bowing respectively. Out of instinct you fan the smoke and smells away from you, your head turned away from the flash of red. When it's cleared you look back over at the demon and Savannah.

For whatever reason you were not expecting this. Dark straightens his spine, towering over Savannah easily, his gaze cool as they stare at each other. His eyes flicker away from her for a moment towards you as if knowing you're there despite it being impossible before looking back at Savannah to finally address her.

"I believe you said it would a cold day in hell before you'd as for my help, Savannah. Yet, here I am." Dark says in a way that curls your toes a little. He's deep voice registers wonderfully with the room, echoing and pulsating through you to the point you have to remind yourself you're at odds with the man in your present.

Savannah crosses her arms over her chest, rolling her eyes at him like a spoiled teenager, and in part you believe her to be one. Her actions are not that of an adult, but of a child trying to get exactly what she wants. "I did not summon you for the pleasantries, Damien. I have a proposition for you. One I know you will not pass up." Savannah informs him. Her smile unsettles you.

More than her unsettling smile a detail, well, a name strikes you. Damien? Is that Dark's real name? In the near year you've known, well been forced to know him, Dark has never mentioned any other alias to you. Not that it's the focus of this little venture.

"You have my attention." Dark--Damien responds almost eagerly.

"Bring the child there to life again and take my memories of its death away. In return you may have the change to take a scarlet as your payment." Savannah says sounding almost irritated at the whole exchange despite being the one to summon Dark.

"I see. Lost you patience for another child. I presume another lover will leave if the child does not make it." Dark chuckles at the predicament. Within just a split second Dark's amused expression changes. "Is it simply the memories or the impulsion to kill the children you wish to rid yourself of?" Dark asks seriously.

Savannah glares at him. "What are you getting at Damien?"

"Simply that erasing your memory of the child's murder will not stop you from doing it again. Even as powerful as I am, there is limits to bringing a soul back from the grave." Dark responds.

Savannah pauses in thought. "What more do you wish for taking the impulses away?" She inquires.

"You know of what I want." Dark responds coldly. "Do not think I will accept this deal lightly should it be struck despite it's temptation. My kind has come to trust that a Scarlet is not to be trusted.

Rolling her eyes again Savannah groans, "Fine! You are unexpectedly cautious this time around, Damien. You've learned you lesson. This is my offer. Bring the child to life, take my memories of its death and this encounter and impulses to kill from me, and in return you may court one of my children, however many generations from me, to take as your payment. This child of mine must give themselves over willingly, whether you choose a man or woman. Do as you please with them." Savannah thinks for a moment. "Court as many as you wish. I care not, but know a child cannot be conceived unless it is desired by both." Savannah smiling wickedly at Dark knowing he will be bound to the words she's spoken.

Dark's expression never changes but you can see her words have gotten under his skin. It will be a difficult task to convince a Scarlet to bare or seed a child with a demon, but he has no other choice. This is one and only chance otherwise another demon will be summoned. He is counting on Savannah to spin the tale in her favor, to lie and say that he tricked her, forced her even into making the deal.

"Is that all?" He asks as if a little unimpressed at her conditions.

Glaring at Dark, Savannah add, "Ah yes, since you did ask. Once you have taken a Scarlet as your bride or husband, you can never take another into your keep. Whatever poor soul throws themselves into your arms will be bound to you for the extent of your lifespan."

Renaming silent a moment longer Dark bows slightly his hand out to Savannah to take. "A deal is struck." Dark responds smiling just as wickedly. It's a little unsettling to see him in such a state. The image doesn't last long, the scenery changing once again as you are whisked away. The last thing you hear is the cry of a child echoing in the darkness.

"Mistress as you requested." You see the maid from the first memory step out of the darkness of a bedroom this time. Looking closer you see it's a hidden passage hidden behind a bookshelf. The maid walks to a confused Savannah with a folded note in her hand.

Holding it out to Savannah she takes it, reading it a moment, then crumples it up. "Excellent. Where is the child?" She asks walking to a candle and lights the paper on fire, dropping it into the fireplace.

"Asleep and well in his crib." The maid reports seeming a little relieved but spooked at the living child she'd just fed. Savannah nods her head.

"We will proceed as planned. I assume the chamber is as it should be." Savannah asks sitting at her vanity.

"Of course my mistress. Would you like me to fill the bath and fetch your nightgown?" The maid asks. Savannah nods her head waving the maid away. You watch as Savannah stands the moment the maid leaves and pulls out her book of spells. It's almost identical to the one Dark gave you but in much better condition.

Looking over her shoulder Savannah scribbles down the banishing spell you'd found earlier in the book. It takes her the better part of an hour before stopping when another maid knocks at her door. Hurriedly she stashes the book away and orders her maid in.

Nodding at the news her bath is ready Savannah dismisses her maid. Standing up she looks at her palm then her reflection. "What once was dead is now a live. Let the clock reverse and turn back time. What once was broken now be mended. What once was old let now youth take hold." Savannah whispers.

“Hello! Mangled Dreams here once again. Stepping out of the nightmares to spend some time with all of you and our main man, Markiplier!” you greet with a big smile. Nothing like recording with Mark to take your mind off the tension between yourself and your two suitors.

Halloween had come and gone in a flash and Thanksgiving had been a stress induced horror show that somehow had a good ending. Your family managed to get you and Dark to pose for some awkward prom-like photos during Thanksgiving dinner. It'd been fun, but horribly embarrassing.

As for today, it's the second day of the convention and you're with Mark in his childhood home recording in the room that started it all. You're about three episodes into the basics of YouTube. Between your commissions, working for your mother, and splitting your time between making videos and Dark and Anti, you're just tired and ready for a little break.

You go thought the process of video making and adding simple special effects. You're actually learning quite a bit each time you do one of these videos.

It's nearly five hours later that you're finally able to breath a sigh of relief. Recording had been harder this time, mainly due to the face you kept getting off topic and bursting into laughter at random times. Mark had done his best to keep in teacher mode, but it didn't work well.

Being nearly ten at night after a long day at the convention you head to your hotel room for the evening. You bid Mark a goodnight before leaving. Dark had informed you that he would be busy with a few things he'd been putting off since you'd be consistently around his human counterpart.

“You're late.” Anti greets you as you enter the large suite. You sigh and put the extra lock on the door before turning to Anti.

“Mr. Septiceye, how lovely to see you this evening. I wasn't expecting company.” You say glancing at Anti as you set your bag down and remove your shoes. You smirk at his expression.

“Is that really any ways to greet a friend?” Anti responds relaxing in the arm chair again. You roll your eyes, a playful smile on your lips still.  

“Friend, huh?” you drop your jacket over Anti's head passing by to go into the bed . You laugh as he tosses your jacket off his head. You close the door slightly and start to disrobe. “What brings you by, Anti?”

“To enjoy the view.” Anti responds appearing on the bed. You quickly slip your night shirt over your bare chest and glare at him.

“When I shut the door it means to not come in.” You inform him crossing your arms over your chest. Anti laughs and lays back on the bed. Ever since your dream he's been more obvious about his attraction to you. It hasn't really changed the relationship, which is a blessing to you. You hate the awkwardness that usually follows such a realization.

“Mr. Gloom was worried you'd be lonely.” Anti tells you. You half believe him. Dark dose worry, he just prefers to keep it locked up just on principal alone.

“Oh? So what are you doing here?” You ask raising a brow at Anti, a playful smirk still on your face.

Anti returns the playful smile. “To keep you company.”

Shaking your head you roll your eyes and sit down on the bed. “Anti, I'm going to bed. Nothing more, nothing less.” Anti chuckles.

“Wouldn't think of it.” Anti's form flickers before reappearing at the head of the bed, leaning against the headboard with his ankles crossed. You can't help but chuckle a little bit as you stand up and round the bed. Pulling the covers back you lay down and adjust your pillow, tossing two on to the floor.

Yawning you ask Anti, “are you like Dark? Do you not need to sleep?”

“We can choose to sleep. It's not a written rule that we don't sleep. There is jus' not a lot of places n'r people we feel comfortable around enough to sleep.” Anti tells you.

You hum in response, you've been so tired lately and the reason why still eludes you. Even your appetite has changed quite a bit over the past three weeks. You thought maybe you're pregnant, even as Dark reassured you it wasn't possible, and took a few pregnancy tests which came back negative. You had asked if it had to do with the blood letting and Dark didn't have an answer for you. Very few humans are changed, or even capable of being changed and each time it happened Dark did not have enough contact with the person to be a source of knowledge.

“You've been lookin' tired, Y/N, are you feelin' well?” Anti asks watching you drift between states.

You yawn and nod your head. “I'm okay. Just a lot more tied lately. Dark's not quite sure what's going on and the doctor said I'm in good health.” You tell him yawning again. “I guess between you two, work, and the videos with Sean and Mark, I'm just over doing it.”

Anti doesn't respond instead he wraps his arm around you and pulls you partially on to his chest. You think about protesting but it's comfortable and the steadiness of his breathing helps lull you into sleep. Anti appreciates that you don't fight against him.

During the night you have nightmare. Anti is there to coo to you. You remember an Irish lullaby he sang of key for you when your dreams refused to settle. When you woke in the morning he was gone. You shower, dress, eat a quick breakfast, then hurry back to the convention. Your hotel is thankfully just a quick walk away.

Showing your badge to the security officers you are waved into the secured entrance and hurry to your seat next to Mark again. It turns out to be another long day, but you meet so many people you liked talking with.

Mostly.

“God that was a long day!” you hear Ethan shout a few feet behind you. You chuckle softly and agree with him.

“Is anyone else starving?” Mark asks walking up next to you.

“Starving is an understatement.” You respond with a large smile. “Know any good places?” You add as you exit the convention center and immediately want to go back into the building. “Damn it's cold.” You hiss huddling into your jacket. You kind of wish  you'd put on or at the very least brought with you another layer.

“Welcome to Ohio.” Mark laughs huddling into his own jacket. You shake your head, slipping your gloves on quickly.

“Did you forget about the snow everywhere?” Tyler asks chuckling as well, his breath steaming in the cold air.

You roll your eyes at them. “Ha ha, very funny.” As you turn the corner leading into the parking garage an older man you'd seen many times over the past three days stops you in your tracks. He's holding a package in his hands and has locked eyes with you.

“Miss Y/N, I didn't have a chance to give this too you earlier, but thank this.” he says in a rushed tone, thrusting the box into your hands before running off before anyone would react, before you could react.

Standing with a mostly blank face you watch the man until he's completely out of sight before looking down at the box in your now shaking hands. “What...just happened?” you ask looking up to Mark and Ethan. They shook their heads and Tyler takes the box from your hands.

“I...we've all received gifts from fans, but only the more worrying ones wait until the convention is done for the day. Do you mind if we take this? If it's harmless we'll give it back, but...” Tyler looks in the direction the man fled. “That guy... I don't have a good feeling about you having the box.”

It take a few minutes before you can respond properly, so you simply nod your head and fight against the new cold setting into your bones. They get you into Mark's rental car. Mark takes a detour to a Jack-In-The-Box drive thought to get food, your plans for a sit down dinner altered.

The trio ensure you make it back to your hotel room safely before leaving you be. They did their best to cheer you up, and for the most part they succeeded, however it did not take away the knowledge that there is someone who is potentially obsessed with you.

You can't call out to Dark—you tried that already, and Anti won't be stopping by tonight. He left you a note before leaving you in the morning informing you of this. So, for tonight it's just you and your thoughts and that disturbing knowledge...

Mark looks at Tyler then Ethan as they look down at the context of the box you were given just a few hours earlier. Nothing dead or deprived lies in the simple brown box, but it is littered with photos of you. Photos of your day to day life. Photos of you simply being you. Walking around with your family, you busying yourself at work, even you walking around your apartment. Along with the photos is a note.

It's simple card stock with a crudely drawn rose with a few simple words written on it. We will be together. The three exchanged worried looks before closing the box up and putting it in a safe place.

They know they should tell you but they wait until they can talk to you in person. This isn't something they can just tell you over the phone. All three agree that at least one person capable of taking down the man is with you at all times.

Whoever the man is, he's potentially dangerous.

It’d been bitter and made your face scrunch up each time you took a spin. Sean took pity on your soul and ordered you something fruity and flavorful. He took your pint and easily drowned it. You laughed, thanked him, and sipped on your strawberry mango fusion.

You’d learned a lot from the Irishman and his buddies. There was a whole back story to their meeting, and they told you in detail. Some things better left to the imagination, if you’re being honest. Honestly you couldn’t have made a better day if you tried.

Marline and you decided to hit a few retail shops after dumping Sean on his English friends. Marline and you have a blast wandering through the shops and trying on random outfit, snapping photos, and laughing before getting a little more serious and purchasing a few items. You bought something for you mom and dad, even your two brother and for Dark despite your worry and displeasure with his disappearance.

"You look distracted." Marline finally says watching you pause in your action to look at her.

"Is it that obvious?" you ask a little defeated.

Marline gives you a soft smile and puts the shirt she was looking at away, trading the fabric for you. "Sweetie, you've been half gone since you arrived." she tells you resting a hand on your shoulder. You sigh.

"My boyfriend was supposed to join me on this trip. Kind of like a spur of the moment thing. He was going to meet me here in London, but..." Okay so you're not telling the complete truth, but at least you're not out right lying to her. "But someone at his work decided to act out and he was forced to cancel. I guess I'm just really bumped. This was going to be our first trip as a couple." you add not counting your trip to the Void thanks to Anti.

Marline gives you a sympathetic smile and offers a hug which you gladly accept. "I'm sure he would rather be here with you, drinking too much with Sean, and watching you smile so big as you try on clothes." she says. You nod your head in agreement, pressing your forehead into her shoulder.

"I want him here too." you whisper, meaning it.

Laying back on the hotel bed you stare up at the ceiling wondering where the hell Dark is for the third time in twenty minutes. You'd tried to keep your mind preoccupied with British late night TV and what American channels the TV gets. Letting your eyes drift you start to tune out the TV and let the blackness of unconsciousness take you over. It's blissful and free of worry...

At least it should be...

"Anti! I told you not to come near her!" Dark growls jarring you from your sleep.

You jolt up and look around, you're no longer in the hotel but in the Void, and in... an establishment? Looking around you notice a few faces staring right at you as Dark and Anti continue to argue behind you. Turning around you notice the establishment is like a pub.

"Who made you king?" Anti argues back. You look at the two, noticing their disheveled look.

"I did." Dark growls back.

You want to snap something back but refrain. Instead you stand up and dust your bare thighs off. You really wish you would have put your pajama pants on before laying down, but the room was just so warm and you just didn't care. "D-Dark? Anti...how did I get here again?" you ask watching both males swing their heads to look at you.

"Dove, what are you doing here like that?" Dark asks instantly at your side, wrapping his coat around your shoulders. The bottom of the coat brushes across your knees as you look up at Dark.

"I fell asleep in my hotel room and woke up here when I heard you and Anti arguing again." you respond glancing around at the shocked faces looking back at you. "C-can you send me back to the hotel room? I don't like being without my pants with so many eyes on me." you tell him holding the coat in place.

"Of course." Dark says, agreeing with your request. He too does not like so many eyes viewing what is his and his alone, despite what someone my think.

"No! Ya only just arrived to that party. Come sit with me, share a drink. Wouldn't want you to miss the best part." Anti says zipping to your side and easily takes you from Dark's grip. He sits you down on a bar stool, your feet easily dangling in the air before resting on a small peg meant for height challenged individuals such as yourself.

"Anti, I want to go home. I don't have the right kind of..." before you can finish you sentence you're clothing is different. A knee length cocktail dress replaces your tee-shirt and panties and Dark's jacket reappears in his arms. He glares at Anti, walking over to the table and claims the seat next to you.

"She asked to go home, Anti. Respect her wishes." Dark warns wrapping his arm around your waist. You look between the two then at your clothes. You wonder if you could create clothing too in the Void.

Looking at Anti you decided to give it a try as retribution for his actions. You draw inspiration from a Las Vegas documentary you saw for a few brief moments while channel surfing before being brought to the Void, you imagine Anti dressed in bright fluorescent pinks, yellows, and oranges. You picture him with a large feather, peacock esque back piece wrapped securely around his shoulders and a two piece bikini with bright rhinestones and glitter galore. A headdress mirroring the feathered back piece on a smaller scale and thigh high three inch silver metallic boots finish off the outfit.

The sound that comes out of Anti mouth as his clothing changed instantly from his normal ripped jeans and faded graphic tee to a Las Vegas showgirl is priceless and hilarious. You've never seen anyone look so horrified by their own appearance. Well, once but that was because Anthony lost a bet. You so wished you had your phone to take a photo of the ridiculousness of this moment.

Green electrical sparks fly off Anti as his whole form began to glitch in and out at a rapid rate. You can see a look of pure hatred and blood lust in his eyes as he looks to Dark with accusation. You quickly sober when it become obvious Anti blames Dark for his sudden and less than appreciated clothing change.

Clearing your throat Anti's gaze jumps to you. "I think fluorescent pink is a rather attractive color on you, Anti." It's not what you meant to say but it instantly takes the blame off Dark. Both males stare at you with awe and horror. "Sorry, I may have gone a little far with the outfit, but honestly you had it coming, Anti. I mean the freaking biting and transporting me here! What do you expect? Even I have a mean streak. I do have two older brothers. A girl has to have a few dirty tricks up her sleeves if she wants to survive that horror show." You say as his clothing quickly changes back to what he was wearing before.

"How long have you been able to manifest clothing?" Dark asks practically sharing your seat.

"Ah...just now? I never come here so I didn't even know it was a possibility." you tell him honestly. How are you supposed to know what you can and can't do when you suck at every attempted training and you're always on the go? What little down time you get anymore is spent with Dark or with your family.

Dark gives a thoughtful look before looking at Anti. "No ideas, Anti. She's going home." Dark decrees sternly.

"No, not home. The hotel in London. I can't just disappear. Poor Sean and Marline would have heart attacks." you say frightened at the thought of waking up in your apartment and there be a frantic search in London for you.

"Of course, Dove, that is what I meant." Dark says a little tight lipped.

You frown at him. "Dark, I...."

"Nonsense. You can stay here, I'll gladly keep ya company. After all, we do share a very intimate bond, you and I." Anti cackles from his seat across from you.

"Anti you rarely make sense to me. What are you talking about?" you ask. Half of what Anti says is confusing and full of mystery. If he were a bit more charming and circumstances were different, it's be intriguing, but circumstances as they are, he just annoys you.

"Didn't lover boy here explain what it means to blood let?" Anti asks as a few people, well, demons in the room gasp. Others simply stare in horror.

You feel a dread in the pit of your stomach. "You said that you turned me into whatever you really are...isn't that the extent of blood letting?"

Anti smiles wide at you, that same wide smile that makes your cheeks hurt. "Oh, no my dear...you and I are bound. No matter where you go, what you do, or who you," For a moment you believe Anti to say love, but instead he crudely says, "fuck, I will always know. I'll be that little voice in yer head, talking, whispering, in there. There will never be a time that I cannot reach ya, darlin'. You are stuck with me for all yer life. That how I can easily slip in without alertin' ya until it's too late." Anti explains. You suppress a shiver at the knowledge.

You look down at the table, trying to make rational thought after this little informational speech of Anti's, when it hits you. If you are like him, and there was a transfusion of blood, of sorts, then you should have the same capabilities as he does. "Then that means I can do the same. I doubt thing around her a simply one sided. If you took my blood, whether it was or was not offered--which it wasn't, then the abilities should swing both ways. I'll be able to slip right next to you without raising your alarms as well as talk telepathically with you." you say smiling at Anti. "Which is honestly bad on your part. I mean knowing whom I sleep with...I could...you know accidentally connect to you while in the thralls of love making and you'd be subjected to whatever comes to mind. I'm not sure if you'd have such a cocky smile at that point." you say watching his smile slowly die as your words slowly sink into his skull.

Dark chuckles. "This is promising." he says continuing to chuckle at the dark look on Anti's face.

You shrug your shoulders at Anti. "Sorry, Anti my boy, you chose the wrong woman to share blood with. I'm telling ya. I may seem pretty sweet and innocent, but when you've been working for people on the internet for as long as I have you, well...don't let the smile fool ya." you add. You can't add anymore or listen to Anti response. the world goes back and when you are able to see again, you're in the hotel room on your bed once more.

Frowning you look at the clock on your night stand and sigh. Time flows so differently in the Void.

"Did you enjoy yourself?" Dark ask and you jolt up once again.

"You're here!" You say happy to see your lover in your neck of the woods once again. Jumping from the bed you wrap your arms around Dark's waist and hold him close. "You're not hurt are you?" you ask looking Dark over for any signs of injuries.

Dark shakes his head before lifting you from the ground and carries you to the bed, setting you down. It's during this time you realize you're still in the dress Anti had manifested for you. "Is this going to disappear?" you ask grabbing a handful of the skirt.

"Yes," Dark says matter of factually. "however, it is not because you are outside of the Void, but because I am making it disappear." he adds as the dress disappears off your body leaving you bare to Dark's eyes. His very hungry eyes. "I fear I have been gone from you for far too long." he whispers before pressing a kiss to your breast. You agree.

You roll your eyes at his remark in mock disinterest, but really it makes you very happy. “I'm doing fine, how is Ireland?” you ask as Mark coos to Chica. You chuckle just slightly at seeing him dip in and out of frame as he tries to get his beloved dog to lay down.

“Wet.” he responds laughing in a ways only unique to him.

“Hey, congratulations on the charity stream, Mark. It was a huge success.” you say remembering you wanted to congratulate Mark on another wildly successful live stream for his favorite Make-A-Wish.

“Awe, did you get to watch?” Mark asks happily. You nod your head to him.

“Of course.” you respond.

“Just kiss already!!” Sean grouses rolling his eyes. You laugh at his mock irritation.

“Oh, if only! Mark he's seen through my womanly desire for you!” you says pressing the back of your hand to your forehead and pose dramatically.

“How could I have not seen?” Mark asks in the same dramatic tone. You laugh along with Mark. “Alas, I cannot return your affections, for my heart is taken by another.” Mark says looking torn for a few seconds.

“Oh, har, har, very funny.” Sean says clapping slowly.

“Thank you, thank you.” you remark bowing a little laughing. Sobering up you look at your spit screen and ask, “what's the occasion for the Skype call? Not that I'm not tickled pink to talk with you two again, but Mark didn't give me a lot of context.” you say watching Mark and Sean's smiles widen.

“So, Sean and I were talking it over and we want to feature you on our channels, not on like a weekly basis, but have like a 10-20 minute video with you show casing your art and personality. We got a lot of great feed back about you.” Mark says happily.

Your face instantly feels hot. “What? Really? B-But, I...I'm not good with stuff like that.” you instantly say but know it's not the truth. Of course you're good with stuff like that. The convention showed you just how good you are with talking to people you don't know, not to mention everyone said you're a natural behind the camera.  

“You really are. You don't have to come to LA or even visit Ireland to make the videos. You can record in your free time and send me or Jackie Boy the unedited video and we'd take care of the rest.” Mark says creating a very compelling argument for agreeing.

“I don't play games though. You guys are known for your Let's Play videos.” you counter quickly.

“You don't have to agree, but Mark and I see something special in ya. We just know it can be hard to get your name out there. You have a talent and can easily make a living out of it.” Sean quickly says. “Besides, we're known for more than just Let's Plays. Even if you don't want to do these kind of things for a living, you can still have a few hours of mindless fun with some friends.”

You hate it when others have good points. You smile. “Would you eventually want me to play actual games with you?” you ask already making up your mind about the whole thing.

“Eventually. Maybe in a few months we can have you fight out and we'll do a series or teaching Let's Play videos. We can do like a “for beginners” series to help YouTuber's that are just starting out.” Mark says getting excited about the prospects. He does regularly get questions about starting out and how to do their videos. “We could even do behind the scenes kind of thing too. Show them how to self-edit their videos. I know you had a real interest in that.” Mark adds.

His excitement is infectious. “Oh, does that mean I can visit Ireland too?” you ask looking at Sean.

“Fuck yeah! I'd love for ya to see my homeland!” Sean shouts shaking his camera with his enthusiasm. You laugh, leaning back in your desk back.

“Excellent! I've always want to visit Ireland! Oh, could I visit England and Scotland when I visit? I've love to see as much of Europe as possible and I know how close the two islands are to each other!”  God this is going to be exciting!!

“Going to Ireland?” Dark asks appearing behind you as you work on a commission for a new customer you'd gotten while at the convention. Your influx of commission requests had really tripled, hell, quadrupled since the convention. Not to mention you'd earned nearly twenty thousand dollars in sales of your posters. A few of the guys offered their posters in their online stores and half the proceeds had gone to you for those ones. You'd ended up donating half to Mark's charity stream and put the rest into a savings account for future use.

You'd never earned so much money for simply doing what you loved. You'd thought Mark and Ethan were pulling your leg when they told you how much you earned, but then you actually saw the check and nearly fainted.

“Eventually. I spoke with Mark and Sean today on Skype and they want to feature me a few times a month. Mark even pitched a beginner's guide to Let's Play videos. I think it'd be really cool!” You say happily. Dark on the other hand does not share you happiness. “What?” you ask letting your smile drop quickly.

“You realized that that...boy, Sean, is Anti's host. You are in complete danger if you are near his host.” Dark says continuing to frown at you. You frown right back.

“Dark, I can't stay afraid of Anti forever. As much as he may want me to be, I just wasn't raised that way.” You say standing up. Dark gives you a look you can't quite read before nodding.

“I expected nothing less of you.” Dark says smirking at you. “Are you hungry? Or are you in the middle of your work?” You feel torn at his questions. Dark is an amazing cook, but you can't eat and draw at the same time.

Hesitantly you say, “sorry, Dark. I have to finish what I'm doing. I finally got the pose I wanted and the body to limb proportion is finally on point. If I stop now I'm going to regret it.” Dark nods, leans down, brushes a kiss to your temple, and tells you he understands.

“Perhaps next time. I will be gone for a few days. There are...annoyances causing problems in the Void. I must attend to my duties there.” Dark tells you and it's your turn to nod.

“Don't get hurt again, come back whole, and I'll see you in a few days.” You tell him seriously before smiling softly. “I'm sure we can go out to dinner when you return home.” You add giving him a wink.

Dark smirks again, his eyes closing as he shakes his head at your antics. “Do not get into trouble while I am gone.” he tells you.

You smirk and salute Dark. “Sir, yes sir.” You laugh at the look he gives you. “Hey, you chose me, remember?” you say laughing still. Dark yields just a little, his wall coming down as he pulls you into his arms.

“Yes, I did. I would not change this choice for anything in the world.” He tell you, you both know it's the ultimate cheesy thing to say, but it makes you happy none the less. “I will return to you, dove.” he add before kissing you. It's snow and completely sets you on fire. You love his kisses. He's so through and..and...and...

You can't remember what you'd been thinking about by the time he releases you. He steps away, your body swaying slightly at the loss of contact. Your eye hooded as he bids you goodbye and disappears. Giving a limp wave goodbye you fall back into your desk chair and sigh happily. God, why is that man so amazing?

“What? Is the show already over?” Anti's voice crackles like static all around you. You shriek and shoot to your feet.

“Anit? What are you doing here?” You try to demand but your resolution to show no fear cracks, as does your voice.

Anti doesn't respond right away, leaving you to look around with a slight panic setting in. What is this entity, this demon going to do this time?