#undedicated writes

Now, some time after Anti moved to the Ipliers headquarters he managed to start dating both Wilford and Dark, quite the feat but they did go well together. This was no longer than two years after, but no shorter than four months, pin it where you will, more likely the earlier end of the scale.

Many of the Ipliers, as mentioned before, had noticed Anti's tendency for muttering, however it wasn't until this stage that they considered telling anyone other than Marvin, and even then, the thought of non acceptance was a looming shadow.

Anti had gone to Marvin first of all for some advice, They felt that they should tell the septics first of all due to the duration that they had known them. Luckily, Dark and Wilford had come with them so they didn't have to worry about saying it twice.

"Are you okay Anti?" Marvin asked, they were sat up in the magicians room, an odd place filled with all sorts of plants, crystals, candles, and vials, with old books open on the desk. The the room itself was rather messy, but it screamed Marvin.

"We're too loud, and scared- we've been doing so well at functioning we've felt like 'I', what if this makes us unstable - they deserve to know."

"I can talk or take over if you wish." Marvin took Anti's left hand, rubbing his thumb over Anti's wrist. Anti looked down at their wrist and then back up.

"We should do it ourselves."

"Do you want to go downstairs yet?"

"Yeah."

Anti got up, their form glitching too much for Marvin to continue to hold onto. The two went downstairs, catching the attention of some of the egos sat in the living room.

"About time," Jackie commented, "you two have been up there long enough you'd think you were up to something." Jackie teased, but then paused at how serious Anti's facial expression. He still remembered clearly what Anti was capable of, the other Septics may be back on good grounds with him since he started only visiting every now and again, but he wasn't as forgiving.

Anti stood in one spot shuffling for a moment before speaking, "I need to tell you all something because i shouldn't hide what I am anymore."

He paused, awaiting a witty comment before continuing to address peoples shoes. "Its just, Marvin made this body for me but im not an I if you get it- no no no, this is not working,- lampshade theory - yes, okay, right, so like, you guys, your soul and consciousness is like, one lightbulb and your body is like, a light shade- we're like, a bunch of fairy lights and alone we wouldn't generate enough light for the lampshade so we stick together but we've stuck together that long that our emotions and thoughts mingle and we mostly feel like an I but sometimes we get unstable and its loud and-"

Anti cut off when Marvin took his wrist, Marvin immediately let go again and Anti looked up, the room contained a mixture of confused and surprised expressions. Then, to their surprise, Robbie got up, waddled up and hugged them. They hugged their brother back and tried to hold it together, whispering Robbie a thank you before glitching away.

---

"Anti?"

He supposed glitching to their shared room was predictable but Dark and Wilford had found him incredibly quickly. He sighed and pulled the blanket further around him.

"Dark, We're sorry, we should have told you- it was deceptive of us- this changes a lot doesn't it?"

Anti heard Dark sigh and felt him sit next to him only guessing this as when the other person sat on the other side of him the bed dipped a little further.

"It does, and I would have preferred you told us before." Dark said, Anti waited for Dark to continue, hoping they hadn't ruined this. "but, this does not change your personality or any of our feelings I should hope."

Anti looked over at Dark, he looked rather sincere, but then again he always did when it came to serious personal matters. Anti didn't want to have to deal with a serious mood right then, they just wanted physical reassurance.

Anti reached out and touched Darks face, "Have we ever told you how pretty you are- pretty boyfriend - we love you."

Darks face broke into a smile and he put a hand over Anti's, taking their hand from his face and holding it between his own hands. Anti felt Wilford wrap his arms around their side and hug them.

"Nothing to say about me then Anti? I'm hurt."

Anti smiled, leaning into Wilfords hold, "You are very comfy- big pillow, we love you- comfy emotionally also- thank you."

"So, do me and Dark refer to you as 'They' or 'He'?"

Anti thought about it for a moment before shrugging, "Either works."

"Okie Dokie." Wilford let Anti go and got up, "Now, we've had an emotional afternoon, sho how's about I get some snacks and we have a pajama afternoon."

"If you get anything on these sheets."

"Darkling, honestly, it can be sorted, lets have a nice afternoon okay?"

The Author tapped his pen against his desk, Dark had been taking longer than expected and although he had got time left, the Author felt perhaps he could send some help. He picked the vial out of his pocket, the blood had gotten rather viscous but he was still able to swirl it around.

"You know, perhaps I should have just sent a bloodhound and someone who is good with poisons." He spoke, the only other in the room didn't respond, he was only there to guard, but the Author continued regardless. "I bet that would have gotten the Eldritch demon back to me faster than Dark and his matriculated planning. Though we do love Dark, he's always gotten me some of the more interesting specimens."

The Author looked up, grinning, "Although, it can't hurt to send someone to check upon him."

---

Wilford and Anti ended up keeping their underwear on in the bath to 'avoid awkwardness' as Anti put it. Wilford had ran them a hot bath and the two had got in. Anti seated between Wilford's legs.

Anti leant back into the other as he massaged suds into Anti's hair, chuckling as the other began to purr.

"Adorable."

Much to Wilfords disappointment Anti gave a huff and stopped, "Shut up, its just an automatic thing, okay?"

"Then why haven't you done it before?"

"... Because I was holding back,.. Just, forget it."

"If you say so Love." Wilford smiled, continuing, "You know, I don't know how we didn't get together sooner."

"Because I'm part Eldritch?" Anti suggested, sarcasm dripping from his voice.

"Now you're just being rude." Wilford paused, "You know I didn't think about how we're going to wash the soap off."

"Use a jug or something."

Wilford shrugged and cupped his hands into a bowl, bringing water up from the bath to ontop of the demons head, trying to wash the suds off. Anti grinned and rolled his eyes.

"I'll be a prune before this works."

"It would suit your personality."

"And what's that supposed to mean?"

"Shrivelled and grumpy."

"Am not!" He exclaimed, "You're lucky I love you."

"I'll keep that in mind."

---

Dark found Anti and Wilford sat eating what presumably was lunch, looking rather happy with eachother. He sat down opposite and Wilford looked up, smiling at Dark.

"Dark! Lovely to see you, and We've something to tell you." He beamed, "Anti and I are courting."

"Dating is more modern." Anti grumbled, a blush on his ears.

Dark nodded, this didn't effect the plan, there was nothing wrong with them being romantically involved, Wilford is capable of handling his own emotions and hasn't needed Dark in years. Dark realized he must have zoned out as Wilford was suddenly clicking his fingers in front of his face.

Wil sat back when Dark blinked, "Oh good, you're awake."

"Yes, right. I need to tell you something concerning the Author as he isn't aware yet but I don't plan upon completing my current task." Dark said, "However, to truly escape and feel safe, I plan upon taking him down."

There was a pause as the words sunk in, Wilford had only heard of the Author from Dark but he was aware he was dangerous. Anti had heard Henrik talk of him on few occasions as a word of warning. That some humans meddled in things they shouldn't and became worse than demons and felt they were god's.

"As in dead?"

"Right."

Wilford raised his eyebrows at Darks solmuness, the implications sinking in, "You're going to kill him?"

"What part of dead escapes your understanding?" Dark replied, irritation seeping into his voice.

Anti waited for a moment, practically able to hear the gears turning in Wilford's brain. Then he asked the crucial question, "Why?"

Dark looked at the table, then reached into his pocket. Taking a deep breath and running a thumb over the vial of blood- Anti's blood- he looked back up and Wilford and Anti were watching him. Awaiting his answer.

Just as he was ready to confess the train pulled to a halt. Dark saw Anti stand up on instinct, alert and stood between Wilford and the aisle of the carriage, occasionally checking behind him for anything outside the window.

"The boss says you're taking your time Dark."

Dark cursed mentally, looking down the aisle to see two masked figures- fox masks to be specific. He stepped out, preparing a thin layer of aura to protect himself should they shoot.

"I like to be sure that I've been subtle with my work as well as swift. Unlike your preference of kidnapping the target." He responds, holding his hands behind his back.

"The boss reckons you've found the target, so what's the delay?"

"The collector should be aware that it's very difficult to cause the disappearence of a target who is known to many people. " Dark said, "He will have to wait to collect this creature, as he has before."

"Who are your friends Dark? Introduce us?"

"We don't have time for this." The other masked man said, "Dark, hand me the vial."

Dark froze, so they planned on sniffing him out. He put his hand in his pockets, running his fingers over the vial. He then made a show of checking other pockets.

"I must have left it in the carriage I'm staying in."

One huffed but the other didn't change composure.

"We don't need it." He said before taking a sharp inhale. He slowly exhaled and looked over Darks shoulder, at Anti.

Dark watched both foxes hone in on Anti, they seemed to freeze for a moment, and then one launched forth. Dark stepped forward, his aura flaring to stop him, but the fox slapped his chest, Dark barely noticed the paper stuck to him as his aura dropped and he was overcome with a numb feeling, as if his very life force was dropping out of him.

Wilford fired a shot and in return one threw a knife. Caught by a clawed inky hand, the eldritch looked back at the foxes. The masks looked like they were grinning. It growled, dropping the blade and closing its eyes, a gaping mouth appearing down its torso.

Wilford saw one of them ready a gun and went to shout but it was over too late. Anti hit the ground, a dart sticking out of him. One of the foxes picked up Anti, the other kept a gun trained on Wilford, both of them walked to the end of the carriage and got off of the train.

Wilford sat in the booth, panting, why hadn't he moved? He always promised Anti he could look after himself. He barely did anything.

Something shook Wilford out of his self pitying trance, he jumped up and went over to Dark. He looked pale, paler than usual. Wilford looked at the paper on his chest, pulling it off.

Dark gasped and sat up, taking the paper from Wilford's hand, looking at it before ripping it up. Looking up at Wilford's confused face.

"The paper was written on by the author. He thought there would be a possibility the foxes would fight me."

"What did they want with Anti?"

Dark shook his head, sitting himself up.

"Dark. What did they want with him?"

"Wilford, just-"

"No! He's just been kidnapped Dark, they used a tranquilizer strong enough for an eldritch. What are they after him for."

Dark looked at his lap, then up at Wilford. "The author heard of a demon cross eldritch being on this train and wanted it for his collection."

"Collection?"

"He collects rare things, artifacts, specimens, gems."

"You were sent here to capture Anti?"

"I changed my mind, you know this!"

Wilford paused, "Would you have changed your mind if I weren't attached to Anti?"

Dark didn't answer. Wilford sat back down, taking deep breaths. The silence hung between the two, weighing down on Dark's conscious.

"Are you still going to kill the author?"

Dark looked up, Wilford's face was unreadable, which was odd. Dark stood himself up, brushing his suit off, and holding a hand out to Wilford.

Now Dark was obviously observent of power dynamics and relationships, being a manipulator, but the first time he went and visited the Septics as Anti's partner rather than on business terms, he really got to watch how they worked.

The three of them were sat on the sofa in the septics living room, Anti listening to Robbie tell him things that have happened whilst hes been away. Robbie using signs along with his talking so that he can be easily understood.

What had surprised Dark is that Anti was signing back, when Robbie got up to go and fetch something he asked the glitch about it.

"Well, we have to know it to understand Jamie, so everyone in the household took a few lessons together. It also helped Robster with his communication."

"Why hasn't Jackie come to say hello?" Wil pondered.

"He doesn't like me." and that was that.

Dark noticed during conversation over Dinner that Dr Schneeplestien and Marvin tended to lead the conversation. The other Septics joined in too but there seemed to be a sort of respect for the two.

Schneep was obvious, he was a rather sensible person and had an air of responsibility around him. Dark, however, couldn't put a finger on why Marvin lead, he knew sometimes being very old didn't make you wise, the Jim's being a prime example, yet the septics listened to him.

Dark ended up pondering it for most of the meal and it was still on his mind as him and Anti waited for Wil to get into his pajamas back at their room that night. He sat himself up and looked over at his boyfriend.

"Say, Anti?" The other gave a hum in acknowledgement, "How come Marvin has such a sway over your... Old household?"

"Technically, its Schneeps household."

"That doesn't Answer my question."

Anti huffed, and then thought it over, "Me and Marvy moved in there a couple years ago due to Marvin catching Chase, although they still deny feelings for each other. The thing is, W- I'm soul bound to Marvin because he made this vessel." Anti rubbed his face a little, "Marvin is like, really old and he's met lots of souls however some souls like, move onto new bodies once their old one dies."

"As in reincarnation?" Dark asked, an eyebrow raised.

" 'suppose so, for like, Schneeplestien it was that Marvin saved him in a past life, causing the soul to recognise him and unlocking a lot of memories and weird stuff. Same with JJ, he almost died from a silent movie stunt."

"And what about Jackie and Chase?"

"Jackie got in a rough fight, he hates the soul bind though, doesn't trust Marvin because Marvin brought me along."

"Chase?"

"His wife left him near to when we moved in... He wasn't in a good place."

Anti left it at that but Dark nodded and Wilford said a little 'oh'.

"So its out of fear due to being bound?"

"I hope not, its more thanks for saving them,... At least I hope."

"Schneeplestien and James don't seem afraid of him now Dark." Wilford pointed out, moving into bed with them.

"Schneep isn't afraid of much," Anti stated, shrugging, "and Jamie's a sweetheart. He trusts too easily if anything."

"Robbie?"

"He's not Marvin's doing."

"No?"

"W- I'd like to go to sleep now."

Dark nodded, that was the conversation over, Wilford turned onto his side and pulled Anti close. "Sleep well Anti, Dark, I love you."

Dark and Anti muttered their responses, Dark staying on his back rather than cuddling up to the pair. Adjusting the pillow for his neck, and listening to Anti's breathing until he was sure Anti was asleep.

It had taken Anti a while to fall asleep. Dark supposed the questioning can't have been nice.

He knew where Anti lived, and by extension Dark and Wilford. He could arrest them.

'you can't think anyone is ever purely good'

'moral compass of a child'

'the world isn't black and white'

Who were they to give him life lessons. Saying things like that doesn't excuse their actions. He could hold them accountable, he could stop them.

He thought back to the whirling shadows Dark wrapped himself in, and how he seemed to just tuck them away until needed, as if they had a mind of their own but he bent them to his will. That power terrified Jackie. He didn't know much on Wilford, but he carried a gun with him, he knew that much. He had seen it in the back of Wilford's trousers sometimes. He didn't know much on Wilford, but he followed Dark.

Anti, he knew some bits on them, they glitched and spiraled with their knives like a dance. One that Jackie needed to stop, he had to stop Anti, and Dark, and Wilford.

He could stop them right?

Someone knocked on Jackie's door, snapping him out of his thoughts. He sighed.

"Jackie? You in there dude? No one's seen you all day." Chase, great. It's not that he didn't like Chase but sometimes the way he acted like Marvin's lapdog really annoyed him.

Jackie couldn't find the effort to roll over or talk. Looking up at the ceiling.

"Jackie? Dude, I don't want to barge in there." Chase said, "We didn't see you at dinner last night and Henrik said that you were probably out. No one's seen you since yesterday dude, we're worried."

Jackie turned his head to the door, as if it would somehow convey a message to Chase, he wasn't sure if the message would be 'fuck off' or 'leave' or just, 'I'm fine' but it didn't reach as Chase knocked again.

"If I don't hear proof of your existence soon I will come in there."

Jackie sighed and kicked the end of his bed.

The magician walked along the street, the cold night clinging to his skin as he walked further out of town. In one arm he held a basket and the other heald his cloak around him.

Spinning and glitching around him, in a rapidness that convinced him it hadn't touched the ground since they left the house, was a demon. Grinning with all the eagerness of a child as he followed the Magician.

"Anti, stop glitching infront of me, I need to see where I'm going."

"Yeah, Yeah. How come we couldn't take the motorbike?"

"Wilford's fixing it, you know that, now really, move, I need to see."

Anti's hands landed on his shoulders as the Demon appeared behind him, "You have the street lights for that Marvy, I wanna know where we're going!"

"It's a Surprise Anti, as I told you when we left the house." Marvin replied, "Now, can you please walk like a human instead of flitting around?"

"Around you~ because I looove you." Anti trifled, however his feet met the floor and he walked, his form glitching alot less. Marvin hopped over a gate and walked beyond the hedge and into the forest.

"Whats this?"

"An apple orchard, its nice in the spring, unfortunately you can't come outside in the day."

Anti grumbled and Marvin took his hand, leading him to a clearing. Marvin then set about spreading a blanket out, before pulling a glass of wine from the basket, which theoretically, shouldn't be right, but attention to detail with a magician was never necessary, Marvin sat and faced Anti, smile visable beneath the mask as he raised his glass.

"Care to join me?"

Anti gave the magician a smile, one of the rarer, wamer ones, where he allowed himself to soften up, ones reserved for only a select few. He settled down next to the magician, taking a glass from Marvin, noticing that once he was on the blanket he felt enveloped in warmth.

"Did you enchant the blanket?"

"It's cold out and I didn't want it to ruin this or ma-" Anti cut Marvin off by placing a finger on the magicians lips.

"It's... It's well thought out."

Marvin smiled, offering Anti a french fancy, which he took. Anti looked around into the darkness as he ate. He was about to mention it when Marvin clicked his fingers a few times, floating orbs of green light appearing around their midnight picnic.

"What made you plan this?"

"We haven't had enough time to ourselves, you with all the crap Dark's asking of you, me and my studies in magic." Marvin replied, "I missed you."

Anti felt his heart warm, leaning into Marvin, "I missed you too."

Marvin put an arm around Anti and it was just them in that moment, awake and free as millions slept. Anti moved and kissed the magician's cheek, it was still chilled by the night they had walked through. Marvin guided Anti onto his lap and kissed Anti properly, Anti pulling away from the kiss to look at Marvin.

Anti's hands made their way to the sides of the mask the Magician wore.

"May I?" he asked.

Marvin paused for a moment, before undoing the ribbon, letting Anti lift the mask from his face, placing it gently down beside them.

Anti looked at Marvin's burns, before leaning and kissing all over the magician's face, causing the other to giggle. Marvin lifted his hands to the demons face, stopping him temporarily, before Anti moved forward and kissed his lips.

Unlike his cheek Marvins lips were warm, Marvin put his hands on Antis waist and Anti put his around the magicians neck, the two continued kissing until Marvin lost balance, toppling backwards and Anti falling ontop of him.

Anti moved himself so that his head was tucked under Marvins chin, his hair tickling the others neck. They stayed there in the silence for a while, eyes closed, listening to whatever they could hear and enjoying one anothers company.

Marvin looked up at the stars, darkening his lights so he could hope to see them clearer. One hand absentmindedly playing with Anti's hair whilst the other rubbed his back. He could feel the demons hands stroking through his own locks and he relaxed, if either of them had less pride they would probably purr.

"I love you Marv." The magician felt Anti move his head, his chin now digging into Marvin's chest as he looked up at the magician. Marvin smiled, enjoying how relaxed and open the smile Anti had was. It was a smile very few got to see, one that wasn't for show.

"Dark, I am afraid that I am unable to complete this task as my functions limit me."

Dark heard googles words echo over in his head, displeased he may even need outside help for his goals. He straightened himself up once he heard movement from inside the house and next to him Wilford muttered an 'about time.'

The door was opened by a man wearing a cap backwards, his hoodie was covered in hairs and his eyes had slight bags. Chase, if Dark remembered correctly.

"Come in," Chase said sheepishly, "you can hand the umbrella up here. . .-"

"-Wilford." The larger man offered.

"Yes, I'll go and tell Marvin we have guests. Have a seat." And with that Chase hurried off. Dark and Wilford sat down on the sofa and looked around.

"Homely place." Wil stated, observing a photo of six smiling faces, Dark hummed in response, "are you sure he's here, the place feels empty."

"I hope so."

Chase walked back in followed by a man with wavy pale green hair, he wore a cat mask and a cloak and they moved to the other sofa, nudging a pile of blankets until it sat up and revealed that there had in fact been a whole body there.

"Hey Robster, could you go hang around with Schneep and make sure he stops working soon." Chase asked in a soft, almost fatherly tone.

The pale nan nodded, his white eyes glossy as if blind but he still stood up and meandered off. Marvin and Chase sat on the now vacant sofa.

"I'd hazard a guess that you two are Wilford Warfstache and Darkiplier." Marvin stated, sipping tea from a cup that he hadn't brought in with him.

"Just Dark will suffice." He tried not to show his hatred of the name too strongly, but having a full name that linked him to that man, wasn't something the being enjoyed.

"Well then, Dark,what brings you?"

"I wish to ask a favour of Anti."

At that Marvin lost composure for a moment, his tea cup clattering noisily against the saucer he held, before setting them both down. Chase gave Marvin a look of concern.

"You've missed him by two days." Marvin said, "it was unfortunate that it came to it but he was unstable. A danger to the collection. We, . . had to ask him to leave."

Dark chewed the inside of his mouth, blinking slowly and giving no external reaction. He noted Chase was rubbing his left wrist, a nervous tick perhaps.

"Are you able to find him?"

"I can, although he never lingers for long."

"Do it."

Marvin looked offended to have been ordered by Dark, but placed his right palm over his left wrist and closed his eyes, mouthing some form of incantation. The other three watched and waited, Chase shifting uncomfortably next to Marvin whilst Dark sat stoic still and Wil remained relaxed back into the couch.

"He is in town, in the ally next to the butchers."

Dark stood up, giving his thanks and flashing a smile before heading for the door. As a general courtesy he didn't tend to transport himself into or out of other peoples spaces.

"Promise me one thing."

Dark turned to face Marvin who had now stood, he raised an eyebrow in questioning.

"You don't intend upon harming him."

"No, we don't."

And with that Dark and Wilford stepped out into the night, before promptly blending with the shadows then disappearing altogether.

Chase put a hand on Marvin's shoulder as he looked out the door.

"Its okay, he'll be fine. I know you didn't agree when we said he couldn't stay, but he really wasn't right."

"I'm responsible for him. I helped him be."

Chase nodded and closed the door for the magician, before bringing him into a hug.

---

Dark and Wil watched into the ally as a Glitching mass of green chuntered to itself. It was visibly a man with the same build as all the other septics, but his limbs were constantly moving, pulling at his hair, fingers dragging down his face or neck, hugging his chest, flailing in the open air. And all the time, arguing.

"We can't go back they didn't want us- we were Marvin's own, we're part of the col- damn the collection they abandoned us, couldn't handle us- he created- he only made us this shell to live in, nothing more- what if he dislikes his creations- Robbie!"

Dark took a step forward and cleared his throat. The movement stopped and the man was now stood straight, and unsettlingly still, facing Dark, mocking Darks posture by having his arms behind his back. But his head was tilted to the side.

"What do they want from us?" He hissed to himself, "- Direct the question." It ordered himself, before straightening his head and looking Dark in the eyes, "Can I help you or are you just passing?"

"Anti, I've heard you're somewhat a technology expert. Unfortunately my own experts are. . . limited by their functions. I would like to request your help."

"Help in what?"

"Accessing things."

Anti seemed to pause, then he was facing away from Dark and muttering again, before snapping back to mimicking Darks posture.

"Well?"

"Will I be given anything in return."

"Do you wish for anything?"

"Accommodation, and a promise you won't turn on me."

"What sort of bedding do you prefer?"

"Hammock."

"I will make some arrangements, presuming you're onboard."

"Do w- I look like I've anything else to be doing?"

"I suppose not, consider it done."

Dark sat against the headboard of the bed, facing the door.

Wilford had just left. What had compelled him to? From the way he spoke of Anti's warning before he had no intention of night walking. He knew that dangerous things were out there. What if he ran into Anti?

Would Anti be upset with Warfstache or vexed with Dark for letting him go?

Dark listened to beyond the door, trying to hear something other than the huff of the engine and clack of wheels in the gloom. He considered going after Wilford, but considered Anti would find it suspicious if he found him on a night walk, then he'd run and tell the German and Dark would be evicted from the train faster than he could say 'I'm changing my mind.'

Although Dark hadn't figured out if that was true or not. Surely he wasn't going to risk all those years on one creature. All those tasks from the Author and all the things he had done.

But then, taking Anti, it would ruin Warfstache emotionally and leave him at such a risk. Dark wasn't sure if he wanted the guilt.

He considered the Authors location, and how much security he kept. The few minions he had were disposables, a means of him hearing of danger and leaving them as bait whilst he either ran or prepared a trap. To stop the Author you needed to prevent him from writing, unfortunately, he had gotten used to the authors habit of having pens on him at all times, and note books everywhere.

Dark shook his head. He couldn't believe he was considering this over some creature. Anti could break out by himself surely?

Dark shook his head and lay back down, the thoughts festering until he fell into an uneasy slumber.

---

Anti woke up and looked around, stretching his neck from the cramps of falling asleep leaning on something and shuffling to try and get rid of the numbness. He and Wil had ended up staying outside with a bunch of old blankets and watched the landscape run by. Wilford had asked the occasional question but Anti felt very fortunate he was still here.

"Sleep well love?"

Oh, and that he had agreed to that.

"Back hurts a little but the blanket was a good idea."

"Should we go inside and perhaps take a bath or do something to warm up a little?"

"Yeah. . . in a moment."

Wilford nods, pulling Anti closer to him and grinning to himself, "You know you never told me that you were adorable." he beamed even wider as Anti huffed, "You even purr."

"The the thing that purrs is also capable of killing you, and dont think this means you can go on night walks now."

"I would be with you though Anti, and you know I'm more than capable, as long as I've a gun nothing can kill ol' Warfie."

"its a good thing three in twenty of your antiques actually fire then huh?"

"I would prefer you respected them and stop calling them antiques." Wilford retorted, shuffling to sit up properly.

"Or what? Will they start crying?"

Wilford shook his head, smiling as he stood up, helping Anti up and gathering up the blanket. "You put this blanket into a washing trolley and I'll go and run us a bath, how does that sound?"

"It's a deal."

---

"I need your help."

"Really, and vhat would i be helping you with, hopefully nothing big hm?" the witch doctor mocked, turning back to his desk to continue looking through papers. Dark chewed the inside of his cheek, trying to think a way of wording this, Henrik had no reason to trust him, and he was asking a very large favour.

"I just wanted to know if you ever fought the Author himself, when he came for your friend?"

"And why do you need to know that?"

"I've come to a decision."

"Oh really now." Schneep continued his paperwork, raising an eyebrow mockingly evrn though the other couldn't see it.

"I plan to take down the Author."

Dr Schneeplestien turned to face Dark properly. "To do so you would have to kill him otherwise he could come back."

"Then so be it."

"I would laugh if I didn't know you were the serious type."

"So?"

"If you can deprive him of the means of writing he is just like the rest of us." Schneep said "But know that he is not above carving the words into his fleash if he is desperate."

"Thank you." Dark stood up, thinking.

"I advise you sit back down."

"And why would that be?"

"You think I will pass up an opportunity to kill the Author. You tell me his habits, I am willing to help you."

"In exchange for what?"

"You will be the one taking the risks. Is that not the short straw without me adding more. Just don't go back on your words of killing him."