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Chapter Text

I ran through the forest aimlessly, I had no idea where I was going or what my goal was, I just had to keep running. I couldn't let him get me. Not again. He should be dead, I don't know how that thing is alive, I thought we killed him and it was over. But no, ever since then it's all just gotten worse. The cure failed and the infection has become worse and more violent. I got separated from my group a while ago when a bunch of infected swarmed us, I hope they are ok... Without any warning I was abruptly dragged back into that void, where I first met him.

"Why are you running dear?" He said with a smirk. "What do you want from me now I'm not joining your stupid cult." I retorted. "Oh but you will! You don't have a choice anymore darling." TIO leered. "what.." I breathed out as I stepped back into the nothingness of the void. "Your friends are gone.. You have no one else to go to, like I said I knew you'd come running back to me." he purred whist raising a hand to his chin. "No, they aren't. I don't trust you. And I know they are fine. We've survived this long, one little swarm isn't going to get us. We've dealt with loads of those before. And you came running to me, I didn't come to you. I don't know what your trying right now but it's not going to work." I argued. "Hm, it will.'' TIO smiled. Suddenly four long black tendrils shot out the ground and wrapped around my limbs.

"UH- HUH-" I yelled out, alarmed at the sudden movement, I tried to step back but I couldn't move even one inch, these things were firmly holding me in place. I fell silent, not knowing what to say. "I'm still not joining.." I said reluctantly after a long pause. He stared at me with a grin as he began to walk towards me. I struggled and he noticed. "Now, now, you're already trying to escape?" TIO said as he roughly grabbed my face and lifted it up so I could see his. "You're a monster" I said bluntly while gritting my teeth. He frowned, he shifted his eyes to the side of the room and was about to speak. However I cut him off "Ok listen" I sighed "I know ur not- Ugh- LISTEN I know you don't have bad intentions but you're clearly going about this awfully." I stated angrily. TIO returned his gaze back to me before turning around putting his back to me. "Yes. so you understand. Why not let me help you." he said clearly agitated "because you're not helping." I said. He snarled at me.

I sighed.

"Listen I know I wont be able to change you or your plans but can you at least let me go?" i asked

"No."

"Why? I'm not joining you. No matter what you do, I'm not joining your cult."

He sighed and put a hand to his face.

I felt the tendrils around me loosen as I dropped on my knees to the floor.

I raised both my hands and looked at them before looking back to TIO. "What are you planning here." I asked, "You're correct, you cannot change my motives." he stated. I stood up and slowly walked towards him "ok listen TIO i don't want to have to hurt you again, can you not just chill? I'm not good at talking people out of stuff.." I explained.

He stayed silent.

"Like I said, you cannot stop me." TIO answered. Still facing away from me. "I know I can't." I uttered. Silence fell between us again. It seems we both didn't know how to continue this conversation. "Ok.. listen man I do understand your motives and why you're doing this." I said. "I know how it feels to be abandoned.." I stated.

"You do, don't you?"

"..."

"Hmm, guess that makes two of us."

"So I do understand you.. and why you want revenge, I mean I'd be lying if I say I didn't want revenge on the person who hurt me too." I admitted. "I can help you get revenge on-" "No. No deals right now man, don't ruin this." I said whilst cutting him off. "So, can I leave now, I'm not joining the insolence." I asked. "No." He said bluntly. "Then why not." "..." he didn't respond. "Do you want me to stay with you..?" I questioned. He didn't respond, He raised a hand to his chin and tilted his head down. "I mean I wouldn't mind, as long as you don't try and kill me again.." I said. He slouched down further "..." "I've been alone in here for so long." He hissed. "Yeah so let me stay with you." I pleaded. "Do you want to stay with me?" He enquired. "Ah- Ahah- Noooooooo- Maybe- Nooooo" I said anxiously. "You want to stay with me..??" he said, turning around and looking at me with confusion. "Yes.." I admitted whilst putting an arm around my waist and looking at the floor. TIO sighed. "Fine then.." he whispered, turning around putting his back to me once more. "Come on." he said while doing a 'follow me' motion with his left hand and opening a portal with his right, "Where are we going?" I asked curiously, slowly trailing behind him. "My home." TIO answered.

"You have a house??" I questioned. "Of course I do, why wouldn't I?" he replied. "Hmm good point." I said. After a few short moments we arrived at a castle, "Wait, I recognise this place. Is this where you tried to kill me before?" I asked while glaring at him. TIO looked away from me and smiled nervously. "Did you change the layout? This looks different from when I was last here." I inquired, "Ah, I did. It was always like this but I changed it when I brought you here before.." TIO responded, putting his hands behind his back. "Anyhow, you must be tired.. You've been running for so long and it's almost 2am." he hummed "ITS NEARLY 2AM???" I exclaimed, "Yes.. you went out pretty late dear." he explained. "Come, I'll take you to a room." he said while walking away and doing a hand motion to me again. I quickly caught up to him and followed behind him, our footsteps echoing through the halls. It was really quiet here, it was nice and peaceful but I can't imagine being trapped in this for who knows how long with no one to speak to at all. Sure I've been abandoned and had no one either but at least I wasn't stuck in one place in complete silence. I truly do understand his reasons and I can't say I fully disagree with him.

"Soooooo TIO, I have an issueee" I blurted, "Hmm? What's wrong dear?" he questioned. "Ok sooo like I know this is going to sound kind of weird, but I kinda need something I can like latch on to or I kinda can't sleep." I whined out awkwardly, these are the moments im extremely grateful that I choose to wear a mask. "Oh?" He said curiously with a smirk as he stopped walking and turned towards me. I held my mask onto my face, "I'm already aware you do darling." he smiled "Oooh ok! Wait what- man u been watching me sleep?" I accused "Oh! no no. I've just seen your bed." he replied. "I forgot u stalk me." I said jokingly "it's not stalking." he frowned" "it is tho." I responded, rolling my eyes. He stared at me, narrowing his eyes. "IMM JOOOOKING." I yelled while raising my hands. "I know." He smiled, "OK GOOD, anyways so like u got oneee." I asked sheepishly. "Unfortunately I do not." He sighed, "Shit." I muttered. "You can use me If you'd like." TIO said clearly not thinking his words through. "AyO? A- I- Um- Really???" I stuttered "of course, I don't mind." he replied.

"I mean.. Like really??" I quizzed, he gave me a soft smile and nodded in confirmation. "I mean sure." I blushed, as I buried my face into my mask. "Alright!" he exclaimed while turning around and beginning to walk in the opposite direction. I ran after him and followed behind him once more, man I can't be catching feelings this quick.. Especially not for him. I sighed mentally, He's just helping me.. Wait, why is he helping me?.. Why is he acting like this instead of trying to get me to join the insolence? Didn't he try to kill me before because he couldn't get me to join and we nearly had a cure to the infection?? I thought. My thoughts reminded me that he is still a threat and could be tricking me by being nice so that I join him. I sighed mentally once more as I looked up at TIO, knowing him and his character it seems like something he would do. I still have to be wary of him and not accept any deals or anything he offers to me. Wait. I face-palmed mentally as I realised I just accepted an offer he gave me right now, but that shouldn't be malicious.. Right..? I mean what if he kills me while I'm sleeping. Ugh, he would have already done that if he was trying to kill me. Pull yourself together (Y/N), It's fine. I'll be honest, I don't really care about dying. It's just that I've survived this long and I'm not gonna die now, I'm living till the end of this infection. I'm not wasting all the time and effort I've spent surviving through this to be killed by a 10ft cult leader who wants to take over the world. Or any other infected for that matter. I'm not going nowhere I swear.

"Here we are!"

I was broken out my thoughts as TIO announced our arrival at the room, "AH- oh. OH. oK." I stuttered out. He raised an eyebrow and narrowed his eyes at me before opening the door and leading me inside. I looked around, and yeah it definitely looks like a room that's supposed to be in a castle, the room had one of those fancy ass beds with curtains and was way wayyyy bigger than a king sized bed, there was detailed walls with candle holders, two bedside stands with lamps placed on top of them, a small desk, probably about regular size to me, that was pushed in the corner and had a vase with flowers in it; similar to the one on his hat, near the edge of the desk. Near the door there was a big bookshelf but it was sparse, and barely had any books on it. And surprisingly, there was actually a window just above the desk, I could see that the sky was a warm black and had glowing purple stars instead of white ones. The room had a warm colour pallet and dim warm orange lighting coming from the lamps and candles plastered along the wall; and of course that damn eye was on everything. "man what the fuck, you live like this?" I blurted. "Of course, why? Were you expecting something different?" he asked, "Well- Nah not really, to be honest I don't know why I'm surprised. You seem like the type of person to live in a castle." I said whilst crossing my arms. He laughed as he walked further into the room, closing the door behind me.

"So like.." I stammered trying to think of words to restart a conversation, "Give me a moment dear." he disrupted, raising a hand with a single finger out to signal me to be quiet. "Wha-?" I questioned and tilted my head. I didn't even realise that there was a large black substance beneath TIO exactly like the one when I fought him last. He sunk into the substance below and began to pull himself up once he had turned back into that 10FT monster form. "OH. WHY ARE YOU-" I said alarmed and took a step away from him getting ready to run if needed. "Ah, don't worry darling." he smiled while slowly crawling towards me. "I'm not going to hurt you." he reassured while stopping his crawling and instead beginning to loom over me from above. He gently grabbed my chin and lifted up my head so I looked at his face. He grinned as he stared down at me. "Nah why the hell are you so tall, AND WHY DID U TURN INTO THAT LAST TIME I SAW U LIKE THIS U TRIED TO KILL ME-" "AH, AH, AH, SHUSH." He cut me off whilst placing a finger over my mouth indicating me to stop speaking. I obliged out of fear. "You better not be scared of me again" He snarled, glaring down at me and narrowing his eyes. "I MEAN THAT'S KINDA HARD ISN'T IT." I retorted, glaring daggers at him from under my mask, "But nah for real why did you turn into that?" I asked, calming down a bit. "It's more comfortable." he stated as he let go of my face. "How the hell-" "It's a relief; it's annoying to be in that suit all the time." TIO explained while raising a hand to his chin. "Oh, yeah that makes sense actually." I replied, "Ok, now let us sleep" he said then grabbed me and pushed me onto the bed. "OH-" I gasped as my body hit the covers and TIO hovered above me, TIO moved to the left of me and lay down while throwing the covers over himself, putting his back to me. I think he's the tired one not me I giggled to myself, that's probably he was so eager to get here. I carefully lifted up the quilt and slipped under, making sure to keep my distance from TIO. "What- Where the hell is your top-hat??" I asked confused after noticing he wasn't wearing it anymore, "I took it off?" He said turning his head to the side and looking at me, also revealing he wasn't wearing his bowtie anymore either. Out of the corner of my eye, I managed to catch a glimpse of his bowtie and top-hat on the dresser beside him. So that's where they went. "Oh, yeah yeah, that makes sense too, I should really stop questioning everything huh." I joked with a laugh whilst putting my hand on the back of my head. He didn't reply and turned his head back away from me. I sighed, maybe I should just try and get some sleep then, I took my mask off and placed it on the bedside counter nearest to me. There's nothing to latch onto here.. Wait. He said I could use him right? That's why he brought me here isn't it? Well might as well try.

I edged closer to TIO and wrapped my arms around his waist, I felt him jump in slight shock and freeze. "You said it was ok that I do this right?" I asked cautiously while burying my face into his back. He didn't reply and stayed silent for a minute probably thinking about his response. "I did dear." he purred while turning around and pulling me into a warm embrace, loosely draping his long black arms around me. I blush as I cuddle further into him, he moves me in between his ribs and rests his chin on the top of my head. He was actually really warm and soft, not slimy in the way I expected. It was more of a soft slime texture like butter slime and he wasn't sticky at all. A comfortable silence fell between us as we lay.. His heartbeat was slow and relaxed. It was comforting to hear, knowing someone is here and protecting me. I calmly listened to his heartbeat while staying buried into the side of his chest. TIO tilted his head downwards and planted a soft kiss on the top of my head "Goodnight, darling.." He whispered to me softly. I felt my face heat up as he spoke. He slowly rubbed his hand in small up and down motions across my back as he pulled his body closer to mine. Maybe he isn't that bad after all.. Eventually I peacefully drifted into unconsciousness in his arms, finally feeling protected and safe for once.

Chapter Text

As I opened my eyes with a yawn, just beginning to wake up after that eventful night. I look to my right, TIO is still beside me asleep with a single one of his arms wrapped around my waist. I re-positioned myself so that I was closer to his chest again. I cuddled into him, trying to fit my arms around him and his ribs. "nhmm." TIO groaned while throwing his other arm around me, pushing me further into his body. "Oh? Are you awake dear?" He asked while tilting his head down to face me. "Yeah lol" I replied as I looked up at him, a tiny amount of blush dusting my face. We sat in a comfortable silence, arms around each other. "Should we get up?" I questioned, "Do you want to get up?" He responded. "I can't decide." I bawled. "Hmmm, of course, let us go." TIO hummed as he flashed a quick smile at me before clicking his fingers and turning back into his regular form, then taking my hand and leading me out of the room.

The castle was dim, there was a small amount of pale violet light leaking through the sparse windows into the hallway where we stood. There weren't many windows in this castle at all. TIO clicked his fingers again and within an instant made the castle light up, the torches on the wall re-lighting themselves, small orange flames bursting out from the now-lit sticks. "Follow." TIO commanded. "Bet." I said, beginning to follow behind the cult leader. We walked down the long hallway slowly, our footsteps echoing throughout the castle. "Soooo where we going?" I asked curiously, looking up at TIO as I spoke. "To get us breakfast, you're hungry right?" He responded calmly while looking back at me and raising a hand. Now he was right, I was hungry, I hadn't eaten since yesterday morning before we went to that lab. We didn't expect it to take so long or to be overrun by infected, nothing went to plan huh. We were supposed to get some sort of papers that had research on them to try and remake a cure that works and doesn't just make the infected more agitated, then get out of that lab. I hope my friends are ok, there were a lot of infected. Kona even came with us because he wanted to see the lab and how far they got with their research, he said if he had time he might be able to log into one of the computers and see if there was any research on there. I'm so worried about them. I shouldn't have ran- "(Y/N)?" TIO said, snapping me out of my thoughts "aH- YEAH?" I panicked. TIO raised an eyebrow at me before looking away and continuing to walk down some stairs, "Can I even eat here??" I asked. "Hm, good question... I've never had anyone here for this long before.." TIO paused. He raised a hand to his chin and stared at the ground, "I guess we will have to find out." he said, beginning to walk again. "Well what if I can't???" I glared.

No response.

"TIO-"

"I'll just get one of my members to bring you some then." He finally responded, cutting me off.

"Ok.." I sighed in defeat. I need to get out of here, I need to make sure Kona and Robby are alright. As much as I've somehow grown to like TIO just by spending a night here, I still need to make sure they are ok and who knows TIO could just be tricking me. I can't trust him.

We arrive in front of the dining room door and step into the giant room. The room was a large rectangle and was plastered with an orange hue, like everywhere else in the castle. There was a long narrow table in the centre of a room that had around sixteen seats all neatly tucked into the table. The table had two small fruit bowls at each end of them. Two chandeliers were hanging above the table with bright torches being held up by them, they made the whole room light up with a nice warm glow. There were no windows in this room, only four doors, one opposite where we entered and two doors to the left of us. Everything was decorated well and the walls were also heavily detailed; they looked similar to the walls in the hallway but not exactly the same. Quite a large place that could fit a lot of people, ironic that he's the only one here and was left alone.

He has to be planning something. He's being nice and hasn't even asked me to join the insolence once, or maybe he's flirting with me? Nah nah he wouldn't, I don't think he can even love, I mean look at him. He's trying to take over the world and is literally a cult leader. But then why did he cuddle with me?? Sure I asked him if I could wrap my arms around him so I could actually sleep but I didn't say that. But he's also been calling me dear?? Maybe that's taunting?? No I don't think? Maybe??? Oh god now I'm confused too, Do I even like him? IV FULLY KNOWN HIM FOR LIKE ONE NIGHT WHAT AM I SAYING-??? He tried to kill me too but I did cuddle back into him and blus- Agh im overthinking again, I'll figure this out later. He's probably playing his mind games with me again anyways and I need to focus on finding my friends.

"OK ANYWAYS, what are we doin?" I asked "You've been staring into nothing for the past five minutes.." TIO responded.

"AHA HAVE I????????"

"Yes." He said bluntly.

"Anywaysss, ignore that" I said. "Back to what I was saying before, what are we doing?" I questioned impatiently. "We're going to get breakfast." TIO said "Ah, yeah yeah ok." I blubbered as he took my hand and led me further into the hall. "Take a seat." TIO ordered, I sat on one of the chairs on the side near the end of the table. TIO sat beside me.

"Ok so like how-" I could barely even get my words out before TIO cut me off. "I already know what you want, it's fine." TIO smiled "wha-" I stared in confusion. "I've been in your memories of course im going to know what you like." He told me with a grin. "Horrified." I joked with a laugh, "Hm anyways.." TIO hummed as a white sentinel came out of the two doors on the left, carrying two plates. I couldn't see what was on them because they were covered, why is this man so fancy? Bros got his own five star restaurant in his house, what the hell is his reason, god it's lowkey intimidating. The sentinel set the plates down in front of us, I have no idea how it knew which one was which but it did. It took off the lid and revealed two golden waffles that had runny chocolate syrup and whipped cream with strawberries on top in front of me. Then the sentinel moved over to TIO and took the lid off his, showing that we had the same food. So that's how it knew which one was which, because they are the same. I looked up at TIO, his eyes were still on me. God. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous about this. Yeah the food looked good, but he's scary man. My anxiety was spiked.

"Are you ok dear?" TIO asked, actually looking concerned, he must have noticed my expression. "YEP! Yeah, yeah, sorry about that. I was just- um- yeah, ok- uhhhhhhh, yes." I lied badly. He tilted his head at me still looking concerned. Why can I not lie to him well? I'm normally great at lying, it's just.. him? I sighed "Ok yeah I can't really lie to you for some reason can I? Pretty much you're intimidating and I'm horrified." I admitted, he widened his eyes while leaning back and finally breaking his gaze from me by looking at the floor. He paused and stared at the floor for a brief moment. "Alright" He smiled while standing up and reverting his gaze back to me, "I'll be back once you're done eating" He explained while raising a hand. As soon as he said those words he disappeared. At least he caught on quickly. At the safe house I usually ate in my room away from the others too, I don't know why I'm like that. Maybe I just prefer to eat alone? Or I'm not comfortable around those people and feel like they are going to judge me? God, it's probably that. Wow. I need therapy, anyway I'm alone now.

I pick up a fork and begin eating the waffles. They were really good, they were actually nearly one of the best things i've ever tasted, they were really sweet and delicious. I'm surprised I can actually eat here too. I finished off the waffles pretty quickly, I wonder when TIO will be back. "Are you done?" He asked after appearing out of thin air, He's back now apparently. "Yeah, I am" I smiled while looking up at him, TIO sat down back where he was sitting before and began to eat his food. In a quick moment he darkened his expression and looked up at me.

"So.." he said.

(image broke will be back soon 😞)

"About before.. In the hallway.."

"Hm? Oh OH WHAT ABOUT IT" I smiled anxiously, TIO stared at me and didn't speak. I sighed, "Ok, can you read my mind here? This is a genuine question." I asked, "What do you think." He retorted. I can't tell if he's actually asking me what I think or calling me dumb for not realising, "Yyyyess?" I questioned. "Correct." He confirmed. "Like I've told you before, we're in your conscious." He stated. "Uh oh. So befor-?" "Yes, I know what you were thinking in the hallway." He disrupted, I gazed at him in silence and pulled my mask that was resting on my head down to cover my face. "We're in your mind so of course I can look into what you're thinking if I want" He explained. "If you want? So you haven't been listening all the time?" I questioned, "No I haven't. Is there something else I should know too?" he leered. "NO NO I DIDN'T MEAN IT LIKE THAT" I argued, "Is it about wanting to make sure your friends are alright?" He asked. "Yes..." I admitted after a moment of silence. "Hm I guessed so." TIO grumbled. "Can I leave after this.. I'm worried about them." I stressed "No." he said firmly "WHY, PLEASE" I begged, slamming my hands onto the table "No. you're not leaving." TIO said while crossing his arms and looking to the side. "WHY NOT?" I yelled, clearly getting upset. He didn't respond, just sighed and put his head into his hands. "I don't even know if they are alive.. And you obviously wont tell me.... I need to make sure they are alright.. Please..." I begged again. He stayed silent for a moment "No.." He said quietly. I stared at him upset and angry. Why won't he let me leave, why does he want to keep me here..

TIO sighs, "Anyways, would you like to go anywhere?" He asks. "..." I didn't reply, just blankly glared at him from under my mask. Is he trying to change the subject? Fine, I'll try to re-confront him about this later. TIO sits patiently and waits for my response. "Hm, how about the carnival?" I asked. "Alright!" TIO beamed while clicking his fingers and making a hallucination of the carnival but bigger? There were some new areas I hadn't seen the last time I was there. "Oh god, the last time I was here I was being chased by an infected clown." I joked, trying to ignore our previous little argument. "Would you prefer somewhere else?" TIO asked while raising out a hand and looking at me, "Oh no, it's fine.. Unless there's an infected clown here that's gonna chase me" I laughed. "I can assure you there isn't" He smiled at me reassuringly. I was actually quite excited. I haven't been able to relax or do anything fun for a while because of the infection and because before the infection I had no friends. If The Safe Place leaves me after this infection I swear I'm gonna punch every single one of them, Pony way harder than the others.

I grabbed TIO's hand and ran forward, no idea where I was going but It was somewhere, "Oh my!" TIO yelled while trying to regain his balance after being dragged forward by me; soon he did and he started slowly walking behind me, making me slow down too. We walked down the pathway while still holding each other's hands. "So, where are you planning on going?" TIO questioned. "...Good question" I said, letting go of his hand and putting my hand out while raising a single finger. "I'll be honest I have no idea" I laughed as I placed a hand behind my head. "U decide because I clearly can't" I sobbed, "You can never decide." TIO laughed. "Smh, how rude" I said jokingly while rolling my eyes. "Hmmm OH! HOW ABOUT THAT ROLLERCOASTER!! I HAVEN'T BEEN ON ONE IN AGES!!!!" I yelled excitedly, bouncing up and down a little. "Of course dear! Iv never been too big of a fan of rollercoaster but if you want that then we will go." he smiled warmly as he extended a hand and began to walk towards the ride, I quickly sped ahead of him and ran towards the attraction, the rollercoaster was extremely tall with a large drop, no loops though; I've always liked fast, talls rides since I was young, I guess you could call me an adrenaline junkie. I stood at the gate of the coaster as I waited for TIO to catch up to me as he was still plainly walking, 'maybe he's anxious' I giggled to myself. "Whaaaaaaaat~ you neeeeeervous~?" I said jokingly to him with a smirk, "Not at all." He smiled back at me. I pushed past the gate and ran to the seats and sat directly in the front cart, TIO sat beside me and put a hand to his face as he rested his arm on the side of the cart. "Are you horrified yet~~?" I grinned, "I'm not scared of rollercoasters." He smiled. "That's implying you're still scared of somethinggg~~" I giggled while putting my hands behind my head, "Everyone has fears (Y/N)." TIO smiled, looking deep into my eyes, "Damn I guess you're right" I rolled my eyes defeated. "Put your arms down" TIO commanded, "Oh ok, why?" I complied, soon after I put my hands down the barriers came down from above my shoulders. "OH! HAHA I FORGOT ABOUT THAT LMAO" I laughed, "By the way.. aren't you too tall for this?" I smirked at TIO. "I created this, so, no I am not" He grinned, moving his hand to his chin. "Are you ready?" He asked. "HELL YEAH!!" I shouted, leaning slightly forward against the barriers. "Alright then! 3... 2..." He counted, putting his fingers down for each number, "1!" He yelled as he grabbed onto his hat and we shot forward way faster than I anticipated, "YEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH" I screamed ecstatically, "oH mY-" TIO yelled shakily trying to keep his tophat from flying off. "I should have taken thIS OOOOOOOOOOOOOOFF-" He gasped as we went down the drop. once the ride ended we stepped out of the cart and walked towards the exit gate, I ran ahead excitedly as TIO slowly stumbled his way towards me.

"THAT'S ENOUGH OF THAT." TIO yelled, looking like he'd just been through five traumatic events in two minutes. I couldn't help but giggle at his shaken up expression. "Oh, don't laugh." He replied in response to my laughter, crossing his arms and looking away from me blushing in embarrassment. "Damn... Well.... I guess you just have to watch me have all the fun" I smirked as I winked at TIO. He let out an exhausted sigh as he put a hand on his face "I was not prepared for that..." he breathed. "I'll be coming on the rest. I was just... Not expecting that." he sighed with a laugh. "DID YOU NEARLY GET TAKEN OUT BY YOUR OWN CREATION BYE" I cackled as I placed a hand over my mouth, "Perhaps" TIO responded, grinning at me while fixing his tophat and straightening out his jacket. "Alright, let us go!" TIO smiled as he took my hand and began leading me out of the exit back into the park. 'He really seems to like hand holding huh' I giggled to myself. We walk through the park and go on a few more attractions together. Unfortunately TIO was telling the truth and didn't get shaken up with any of the other rides, so I guess that's the only time I'll ever get to see him remotely scared. Instead of being scared now he's taunting me by crossing his arms and just staring into my soul with his regular expression occasionally smirking at me.

"YOOOOOOO THAT WAS FUCKING AMAZING!!!" I beamed as I ran along the pathways with TIO walking behind me, "It was" TIO softly smiled. "OK OK! WHAT SHOULD WE DO NOW!" I smiled while jumping up and down as I stimmed with my hands and wings. "Do you have any ideas?" I smiled up at TIO, "Hm, I guess I do!" He smiled as he re-grabbed my hand and led me to a small patch of grass just near the fence of the carnival; there were small flowers littering the green square along with dandelions and some bigger white flowers. He led me into the small patch and sat me down opposite him.

"Sitting in a patch of grass?" I smirked as I raised an eyebrow at him. "Yes, actually" He replied with a smile, "Oh?" I said, slightly confused as to what we are doing here. TIO picked up two of the small white flowers and one of the bigger white ones, "Do you like flowers?" I asked him. "I do actually" He responded, looking back up to me. "They are so simple, easy to create and beautiful" He said while picking up the bigger white flower and admiring it, "Yeah flowers are pretty, Iv never really been good at gardening tho" I sighed. "Oh, neither have I." He laughed, looking at me with a smile, "Oh? But you can- y'know? " I stuttered. "I can create them, I don't have to take care of them." TIO replied, "Oh my god I need to stop forgetting this is a hallucination" I bawled, "It's a hallucination to you, but not to me." TIO said while picking up a couple more flowers and doing something to them with his hands. Hm I guess he is right. "Have you ever tried taking care of a flower?" I questioned, "Hm once, I was doing well but I got caught up in another activity so I just put it in my garden." He answers "YOU HAVE A GARDEN?" I exclaimed "Yes, it's outside my castle" He told me calmly with a smile. "Wait, you can get outside??" I asked "Of course" He chuckled in response while he placed a flower crown on my head. "Oh-" I blurted as I took the flowers off my head and held them in my hands, observing them in awe. "How the hell did you make this-" I mumbled all my focus going on the weave of flowers in front of me. "It's quite simple actually." TIO purred as he handed me some flowers, I put the crown back on my head and looked up at him. TIO grabbed a vine that was near the fence and made it into a circle. "Watch me." He said with a smile whilst gathering more flowers, he pulled the stem of a flower through the vines and tied it around firmly and then pulled off the stem once it was secured to the vine. "See?" He smiled, "Now you just repeat this." He laughed as he handed me some flowers and part of a vine, "Ok i'll try" I giggled. "I can't promise anything tho." I smirked while looking up to him. "That's fine as long as you are trying." He reassured, putting his hand on my thigh with a smile. I picked up the vines and struggled to even make a circle, by the time I made the circle TIO was halfway through finishing his. "He looked at me and laughed as I struggled to wrap the vines around the stem because of how small they were, "HEY DON'T JUDGE ME I'VE NEVER DONE THIS BEFORE." I yelled at him with a laugh. "I'm not! I'm not! I swear!" he said with a scared expression like I was accusing him of murder before looking back directly at me and smirking. "Damn you bitch." I smirked back, a few moments later I managed to finish my crown but instead of tying and pulling off the stem I threaded it securely between the vines. Whenever I tried to pull off the stem it used to snap too close to the knot and fall off, "I DID IT!!" I exclaimed with excitement. "Good job!" TIO congratulated as he patted me on my head and took the crown from my hands. "Damn bro I worked hard to make that now you just take it from me, smh smh" I giggled. He closed his eyes and smiled at me in return. We made a few more flower crowns together, TIO helping me with most.

"Would you like to go to my garden now? Since you were curious about it before" TIO Inquired, "Sure!" I grinned as TIO opened up a portal beneath us and we fell into some soft orange flowers. I sat up in-between the meadow of flowers and looked around; there was a plethora of different types of orange and black flowers. Most of the flowers look like the ones on his hat, I guess that's his signature now along with the eye, however there were some different ones. There were fully black ones, fully orange ones, orange ones with black spots, black ones with orange spots. You get the jist. It was a very beautiful sight, "Do you like it?" TIO asked me. "DUDE YEAH? OF COURSE I DO THIS IS PRETTY AS FUCK" I yelled out, my gaze still fixated on the field we sat in. "Good!" He smiled, "I never even realised you could get out of the castle, sure I saw the sky once but still" I mumbled. TIO laughed, raising a hand and covering his mouth. "Where even is the entrance?" I questioned, "Over there." TIO smiled as he pointed to a quite large double door leading into the castle. The outside of the castle was painted in warm dark colours mainly consisting of black and orange that were being brightened up by the skies glow. The sky was a very pale lilac colour with barely visible white clouds, the sun was also a pale lilac but slightly more saturated then the sky and the grass was an orange similar to the flowers. This place must look even more gorgeous during the night. I guess I can try to check that out later, since the sun is setting right now I should be able to go out when it's dark. I was too busy admiring the scenery that I didn't notice TIO wrapping his arms around me. Quickly, he pulled me back and we both fell to the floor, leaving me resting on his chest. "BYE WHY DID U DO THAT" I gasped "Felt like it." He smirked back to me whilst putting his head on top of mine. "Goddamn." I breathed, closing my eyes and letting my body go limp on top of him.

Wait.

"Ok." I snarled as I got up and stood above TIO and crossed my arms, he sat up and stared at me with a slightly upset and annoyed expression knowing exactly what I was going to say.

"About my friends."

"I know (Y/N)." TIO replied putting a hand on the side of his face.

"Yeah listen-" I tried to speak but he cut me off "Can't we talk about this later." He bluntly answered. "NO YOU KEEP AVOIDING IT? SO NO-" He cut me off again "I promise you we will talk about this later, and if I don't, I give you full permission to keep pestering me about this." He responded. I stared at him silently thinking about my response. Taking his word would probably be the safer option since he's giving me permission to keep pushing him unlike now, he's tried to kill me before I don't doubt he would try it again if I annoy him too much. Plus, before we talk, I might be able to find a way to persuade him. "Fine.. but you swear later right?" I asked, keeping my arms crossed and leaning forwards. "Yes, I do." TIO assured me as he stood up, beginning to tower over me again. "Alright then.." I glared, starting to walk to the entrance to the castle. TIO ran up behind me "Do you know where you are going?" he smirked, leaning down beside me and staring at my face. "Oh shut up, I'll find a way" I quipped back at him. "Ok then" He smiled before disappearing, leaving me to wander alone. "Ugh that prick."

I stepped into the castle and looked around trying to figure out where I should go. Would it be worth looking for an exit out of this realm? No there isn't one, only he can get me out of here i'm sure so unless I manage to take him down again which is probably my last last option. I do not want to have to fight that again. I guess I'm stuck here. I began walking up the stairs, trying to get to the highest floor.

..After walking up multiple flights of stairs. I finally got to the top floor. I wonder what rooms are even up here. I opened one of the doors nearby and it revealed a bedroom, which seemed to be quite empty. I guess this is another unused one. I checked another room and it was also an unused bedroom. Huh, I guess this floor is where bedrooms are, wait so that means the floor below should be where that dining hall is if i'm correct. I walked down the stairs trying to remember the steps I took before and eventually found the two doors that lead to the hall.

I opened the door and saw TIO sitting on the table waiting for me "Good job!" He praised as he put his hands together. "Did you have fun exploring?" He asked curiously, tilting his head to the side. "I- I was supposed to explore.? Man I just immediately went to the top floor." I replied awkwardly. "Oh." TIO sighed, beginning to look even more tired, "Come here." He ordered. I stared at him not moving for a moment because the way he said that... Sounded.. Not good. To say the least. "Uh oh" I whispered as I moved towards him. He got off the table and put his hands behind his back as he looked down at me. "HI." I muttered nervously, "Hello." He smiled. "Sit down." He told me. I moved over to the seat I sat at before during breakfast, there was a small moment of silence between us both before I decided to break it. "WHY ARE U BEING SO INTIMIDATING, WHAT DID I DO, NAH" I yelled anxiously. "Oh, I am? My apologies" He calmly responded while pulling a seat out and sitting down. "Why do you look so tired? What the hell did you do while I was trying to get here??" I questioned, "Ah, it's nothing." He smiled at me, "God what time even is it? I haven't been keeping track." I thought out-loud, "It's 8pm." He threw in. "WHAT???" I blurted. "DOES TIME GO FASTER HERE OR SOMETHING??? WHAT TIME DID WE WAKE UP??" I stared in confusion "Aha nono time does not go faster here" He laughed "You woke up at around 1pm, quite late dear." He answered. "What the hell. Wait. You said I woke up at 1pm when did you wake up? I saw you asleep?? We woke up at the same time?" I sobbed in even more confusion "Incorrect, I woke up at 6am" He replied "WHAT THE HELL-" I tried to speak but was cut off. "I had to do something, I came back around half an hour before you began to wake up." He answered, trying to clear up my confusion. "Oh." I facepalmed, "Anyways would you like something to eat again since it's getting so late?" TIO asked "UhHhhhhhh Sure." I bawled still feeling so confused. TIO clicked his fingers to presumably summon a sentinel again.

The white sentinel slid into the room once again carrying two plates, "Oh what is it now." I smirked while turning my gaze to TIO. TIO smiled back at me, "Have fun." He said as he took his plate and waved at me before disappearing. Leaving me alone again so I can eat in peace. Damn bros fr considerate, I quickly ate the food provided and waited patiently for TIO to arrive back. I looked at the sentinel which was standing beside the kitchen doors, it appeared to notice me looking at it as it perked its ears up and stared back at me. I decided to stand up and approach the sentinel. I walked towards it until I was standing directly in front of the pig-like creature. It was a bit taller than me, I'd say it was around 6ft tall from just looking at it, "Soo can u speak?" I asked. The sentinel just tilted its head at me and stared, "I'll take that as a no.." I replied. "Do you know where TIO is?" I questioned, The sentinels head immediately shot up and it began walking out of the room at a slow place, continuing to look back at me occasionally, trying to tell me it wanted to be followed. I followed the sentinel to a room just around the corner of the dining hall, it was mostly glass with the only opaque thing in that room being the floor. Well.. and TIO. Ig he's not transparent. The sentinel moved to stand beside the door and then closed it, leaving me in here with TIO. He was standing with his hands behind his back facing the glass wall looking out at the sky, It seems the sun must have set while I was eating. "Hi dude." I greeted, TIO slightly turned his head and side-glanced at me before widening his eyes and then fully turning around and facing me properly, "Ah, hello (Y/N)." He greeted back whilst raising a hand to his chin. "What is this room??" I asked, "Just something I created a while ago.." I responded. "Huh, does it have a purpose?" I inquired while edging closer to his side and looking at the sky through the transparent walls. "No it does not, It's quite a beautiful sight though, is it not?" He answered. "I mean yeah I do like it, It kinda reminds me of space. Maybe because of the black and purple and the fact it's also a night sky with stars?" I giggled while folding my arms. He hummed with a smile at my response, "Anyways, about your friends.." TIO began. Oh shit. I completely forgot about this, I was supposed to prepare a way to persuade him, oh no- I tried to hide my trembling as I attempted to think of a response to him, I was about to try and say something but-

"You can see them." TIO stated bluntly.

"E-excuse me?" I stuttered out confused by his response, "I said you can go see your friends. I'll let you out in the morning." He said while turning his head away from me, his expression showing he's.. mad.? Why is he deciding to let me go then..? He kept saying no and now he looks upset? What the hell made him change his answer. "Why'd you change your answer?" I asked while narrowing my eyes at him. He changed his expression back to a smile and turned back around facing me, putting his arms out. "Well.. you've been quite eager to go see them." He responded happily, "What games are you playing." I bluntly glared as I folded my arms. "Oh! No tricks!" He replied while raising a hand to his mouth, "There is one condition though." He smiled. "Of course there is." I sighed knowingly, "what is it. I'm not joining the insolence. Like I've said multiple times befor-" I was about to finish before he cut me off.. Again. If he cuts me off one more time I'll cut off his dick. ..if he even has one. "No, it's not that," He said as he started floating and doing his signature pose. "It's simple!" He exclaimed "you will come back here once you're done." His face turned darker and more serious when he said that. "Ok. Why the hell do you want me here so bad?" I asked him trying to figure out his reasoning "I have my reasons. Just come back here once you're done." He glared, "Ok ok fine, so you're just going to drag me back here once I'm done?" I questioned. "Actually no, I need you to do something." He requested while turning around, "I need you to go to the docks and I'll command you from there.." He continued. "What do you want me to do at the docks?" I asked him as I stared at his back. "I'll tell you when you get there." He shrugged, trying to keep whatever he wants me to do a secret. "Fine.." I faltered, I'm not sure if I should do whatever he's saying, especially since he's trying to keep it a secret.. I guess if it's bad I can just try and run? He will probably attack me again but I survived before, with some effort, I should be able to survive again. Plus he said he would let me see my friends so that must mean they are alive. "Why can't you just.. y'know.. bring them here? Haven't you done that before?" I asked, "Originally I was going to do just that, but.. I thought of other ideas.." He replied calmly but with a dark tone. What the fuck does that mean? "Ok fine.." I replied reluctantly, "Great!" TIO beamed. "Once you are done and get to those docks, tell me and I shall guide you from there!" he continued, "Alright..." I agreed hesitantly. There was a silence between us. I stared out the window at the sky with TIO, "You gonna tell me what I have to do at the docks now or nah?" I asked. "No, I'll tell you when you're there tomorrow, ok dear?" He responded calmly, putting a hand on my head. "What are you hiding.." I asked. "Nothing!" TIO smirked, Oh he definitely is hiding something. "Anyways darling, considering how late it is, would you like to go to sleep?" TIO inquired. "Ok.." I replied, narrowing my eyes at the fall figure.

TIO took my hand and started leading me through the halls back to the bedroom, I wonder what he is hiding though and why he suddenly let me go after making it clear he wanted to keep me here. I honestly don't even know my own opinions on this man.. Do I like him or do I not like him? I like him, but he keeps doing things and making me remember things that change my opinion on him, then he does some more things and makes me like him again. This is a difficult situation... Oh boy, I sure hope he isn't listening to my thoughts again! Right now I'm fine with him, I guess? Just a bit suspicious of what he's planning at the docks. I looked around the dimly shaded halls as we walked; The hallways are actually quite wide, I guess TIO needs wide hallways considering how much space he took up by crawling after me when I was trying to get the "cure".

TIO halted and opened the door to the room, "Come on sweetheart." He smiled gently as he guided me into the room, still holding my hand, "Oh my" I whispered, "Do you want your own room yet? Or are you still fine with being with me?" he asked. "Yeah I'm fine with being with you.. I guess." "I responded unsurely, he seemed to notice my change in tone and frowned in response to my words. He rolled his eyes and continued speaking "Anyways, during the morning tomorrow I will send you to see your friends again." He said as he turned away from me, flicking his hand out as he did. "So I have like a full day to spend with my friends before you force me to come here?" I asked "precisely" he confirmed. "That's it?" I questioned "Yep" He smiled. "BRO YOU FR??? WHY DO YOU WANT- y'know what, I can't be arsed with this tonight." I sighed tiredly as I walked over to the bed and threw myself on it, attempting to spread myself across the bed but failing due to the size of it. I ended up only taking around less than half of the bed when fully stretched out.

TIO followed and sat down on the side opposite to me. I turned my head around and glared at him for a few seconds before turning around again while curling up into a ball and throwing myself under the covers, "Are you going to take your shoes off..?" He asked. Oh. I silently took off my shoes and put them beside the bed then resumed my previous ball position. "What are you mad at me again?" He frowned as he took off his tailcoat and shirt, yes, yes I am. But of course I didn't say that, I don't care that I'm acting like a child right now. I guess I'm playing the silent game with him. "Oh, come on dear~" He smirked as he lay beside me, staring at my back. Oh he's gonna mess with me now isn't he. I narrowed my eyes and put my hands over my face with a mental sigh, attempting to ignore the cult leader behind me trying to annoy me and get my attention. "Hmmm, guess what (Y/N)." He grinned. "If you don't respond, you have to join me." He said with a viscous smile plastered across his face, "Go fuck yourself." I responded unamused to his words. I heard him laugh at my annoyed response to him. A few moments later I felt a huge claw wrap firmly around my waist and drag me backwards, "AAH-" I squeaked as TIO pulled me up closer to him so we were face to face. I furrowed my eyebrows and looked at him blankly, He just grinned wider in response to my annoyed expression. "Put me back your gonna drip on me you little twat. ...Huge twat..? When the fuck did you even turn into that." I grimaced at him, "Now you're asking too many questions" he smiled as he placed a finger over my mouth, "I thought you wanted me to speak" I snarled. He giggled at me and shoved me down so that I was in the middle of his ribs. He bandaged his hands around me again pulling me into a sort of hug. "You know I could rip your heart out you right now" I threatened, "Would you though?" He hummed knowing I wouldn't dare try that. I sighed and wrapped my hands around what I presume is his waist, "You're a bitch" I muttered as I shoved my face further into his chest. He smiled in response and tightened his grip on me. "Goodnight sweetheart" He hummed once more. "Goodnight you big black thing" I smirked. He snorted at my remark before putting his head on top of mine and pushing me further into him.

I wonder if he's going to say goodnight and a nickname he gave me every time we go to sleep. There's so many signs he likes me too.. the nicknames? Him wanting me to stay here with him The fact he wants me to get back to him as quick as I can? Him not straight up killing me? I don't want to be oblivious but I don't think he truly does. Like I said before, I doubt he's even capable of love, that's not in a mean way by the way. He's probably just trying to keep me here so I'm. Well. Here. I am immune to the infection which is a threat to his plan of taking over the world and no-one having free will, the only way to get my free will gone would be by me joining him, Ah, I think i've figured out his plan now. He's trying to get me to join him and keep me away from the real world at the same time, could that be why he's being nice? Probably. Slightly upset that his plan is working since I am starting to like him.. Hm... Oh! I have an idea at the docks tomorrow I'll start an argument with him about this! Or maybe that could turn out bad.. though I need to see his reaction, maybe not an argument but I can ask if I can go out the hallucination again? Yeah yeah that's more solid. Ok! I've got it all planned, everything should go fine! I hope.. I turned around, facing away from TIOs chest and put my hands under my chin while putting my head down. I can't tell if TIO is asleep or not. Honestly seeing him sleep feels weird. I mean before this I thought he didn't sleep at all with how tired he looks all the time. seeing him actually being peaceful and relaxed in this form is quite a contrast from the first time I saw him like that. Honestly I think that moment traumatised me. I was not expecting him to do that. Anyways, enough thinking, I turn back around and shove my face into TIO once more, cuddling back into him. I close my eyes and soon drift off into sleep.

Chapter Text

Once again, I woke up, surprisingly TIO wasn't there. I sat up and looked around the room for him but he didn't seem to be here. "Where the hell did he go..?" I questioned myself, I continued looking around when I noticed what seemed like a note on the bedside table. I crawled over to the note and grabbed it off the cabinet, 'Dear (Y/N), I need to prepare something elsewhere and continue with other plans. I'm incredibly sorry If you wake up and I am not there, you truly have my apologies. -sincerely TIO'

...

"WHAT THE FUCK DOES HE KEEP DOING SO EARLY IN THE MORNING??" I yelled in confusion; actually, what time even is it. I have zero clue what the time is, I looked at the other cabinet since I remembered there was some type of clock sitting on it. '8:02am' DAMN. I GOT NEARLY A WHOLE 12 HOURS OF SLEEP, GOD DAMN. I mean, I guess that's better than staying up till 1am and sleeping till one. My regular sleep schedule is fucked.

I swiftly jumped down from the large bed and began to walk to the door, maybe I should explore the castle.. I mean he wanted me to do it before but I didn't because the idiot didn't tell me that I was supposed to look around. I do need something to do to pass the time until TIO comes back and takes me to my friends. I opened the door of the bedroom and walked out into the hallway; however, I ended up walking straight into a soft slimy similar to TIO type material and nearly falling to the ground, "Oh, what the hell" I growled, holding my head. I looked up and saw the same white sentinel from before staring at me with its head tilted to the left. "Oh, you again, Hi?" I said in slight confusion. It tilted its head to the right and just stared at me blankly. "Aha... Ok I'm going to go explore the castle since TIO wanted me too before." I smiled nervously at the sentinel. It widened its eyes and nodded at me, "Alright!" I beamed at the sentinel, now I've already explored the top floor and I'm on that one right now.. so, let's go to the one below this and keep going down from there! I started to stroll down the stairs peacefully.

Once I got down the stairs fully, I realised that faint soft footsteps are following me. I turned around and saw the sentinel standing behind me, not too close but not too far, "are you following me?" I asked. The sentinel nodded, "What, did TIO tell you to follow me if I left the room or something?" I joked. The sentinel nodded once more, closing its eyes happily. "Oh, he did huh" I replied to the Sentinels nods. Hm, I guess TIO doesn't want me snooping around too much or going into certain places. I mean it is fair that the sentinel is following me around, this is his home after all. I gave the sentinel a smile before continuing to wander through the massive castle. The second floor was mainly the dining hall, kitchen, that glass room and four other rooms with items that could resemble hobbies? The sentinel wouldn't let me go into any of those rooms, but it let me look in them. One of the rooms had a sword and an old, slashed, beaten up, dummy that slightly resembled a bear, I guess he forgot to fix up that dummy the last time he messed with it. Another one was littered with flowers of all colours and not just orange ones like the garden, there was another room that just had a desk, a few pens and a sheet of paper on it. And the final room was just plain and empty with a portal in it. The sentinel perked up its ears and quickly ran in front of the portal blocking me from going through it. "I know, I know, don't worry I won't go through it and whatever it leads to" I reassured, the sentinel narrowed its eyes and slightly stepped away from the portal. The entire room was empty apart from that portal, The sentinel looked around seemingly contemplating something. The sentinel gave me a hand signal to come near it, I obliged and walked closer to the sentinel and was then standing directly in front of the glowing purple portal. The sentinel stared at me for a moment before sticking its head through the portal, "Oh?" I said in confusion. The sentinel pulled its head out and looked at me then tilted its head right for a short second before putting it back up again, "Oh! Am I allowed to look through?" I questioned; the sentinel nodded happily. "Ok!" I replied cheerfully, I stuck my head through the portal and just saw the room where I first met TIO but it didn't have any of the portals. I pulled my head out and raised an eyebrow at the sentinel, the sentinel raised a hand telling me to wait and then ran out the room. "What..?" I wondered, confused as hell, a few minutes later the sentinel ran back in carrying a notepad and a pen. The sentinel scribbled down something on the notepad then turned it around so I can read it, 'It's a hallucination room but not the one you've been in' the paper said, "OOH SO IF HE DOESN'T WANT A ROOM IN HERE OR JUST WANTS TO TRY OUT SOMETHING HE USES THIS?" I confirmed. The sentinel nodded brightly to my response, I smiled at the sentinel and walked out of the room with it slowly trailing behind me.

I went down the stairs again, alright, now I've never been on this floor at all. I stepped further into the castle and began to walk down the halls, similar to the dining room floor. There was also a massive room in the middle of this one, I managed to open the heavy doors with some help from the sentinel. As I stepped into the room the smell of books immediately hit me, OH SO THIS IS THE LIBRARY, I strolled further into the room and noticed how empty the shelves were. There were barely any books. "Damn, I thought TIO would actually like reading." I pondered. The sentinel shook its head violently and wrote something down on the notepad. 'He just can't get them!!'. "He- HE CAN'T GET BOOKS???" I yelled slightly stunned, the Sentinel nodded and wrote some more down. 'You'll need to ask him about that.' It read. "Yeah I'll keep that in mind.. So, he does actually like reading?" I asked, the Sentinel nodded once more. I strutted further into the massive hall and looked around, I can tell this actually gets used... and cleaned.. a lot... There's not a single speck of dust anywhere. There was a small comfy area right in the centre of the library with bean bags, soft chairs and a couch, surrounding that area was just plain old wooden tables and chairs, however each chair did have a single soft black cushion with the eye of insolence embroidered on it. I walked over to one of the bean bags and sat down as the sentinel came and stood beside me, damn bro these fr pretty comfy. There were two books neatly stacked on top of each other laying on the table. I guess those were ones he has been reading. I heard the sentinel writing on its notepad and turned around to see what it was going to say 'he's already read all of these books, so many times..' God... Why the hell can't he get more books. I thought as I sank back into the chair, relaxing for a few moments. I jumped up off the chair and walked into another area of the library. The hall itself was massive with a tall roof and windows glowing with pale purple light near the top. There were no ladders in here like standard old libraries would have, I guess TIO would be able to get them down differently by just flying up there to grab them or maybe teleporting them down? I stopped in my tracks and stared towards a small staircase that was hidden away into a small corner, I crept over to it and paced up the stairs. There were two single chairs and a table with a small lamp on. This area was tiny and quite compact, I walked further down the landing right to the end where it stopped. A small kitchen type area was here, a kettle, some cups- TEA BAGS- HES FUCKING BRITISH- I fucking knew he was British. or he just likes tea. BUT. CONSIDERING HIS FORMAL ASS BRITISH ACCENT. HES A FUCKING BRIT. anyways, so is this what he does in his free time? Sit in a library, reading books and drinking tea. Honestly.. Sounds like a vibe.. I mean at least he's found stuff to do here instead of sitting around and... harassing.. people... He is trapped here and as far as I'm aware he doesn't even have like a TV, that would be my form of entertainment. Lmao I wonder if I gave him a phone, he'd be like an old man trying to work it. I stood on the banister of the landing and jumped down back onto the floor. I think I've explored most of this place I walked back over to the sentinel who was patiently waiting at the sitting area that was in the middle of the room. "Alright that's enough let's go off to the other rooms" I sigh as I begin walking out of the library, the sentinel quickly ran in front of me and shoved its notepad in my face 'all of these other rooms are empty, they are ours!' it wrote. "Oh? They are you rooms..? But why are they empty then." I asked, the sentinel pulled up its notepad and began to write again 'We prefer it that way! We stay in them so we aren't just wandering round the castle during the night!' It wrote as it smiled at me "oohhhh, alright man" I smiled as I started to walk past the sentinel and walked down the stairs.

"So, what's on this floor?" I questioned the Sentinel. 'Storage, the throne room and stairs to the cellars.' It wrote. "Th- THRONE ROOM?" I blurted. It nodded. Damn, bros got a whole ass throne. Well. I'm obviously going to go there first. There were two huge doors with insolence eyes on them and a gold trim around the edges, I used all my strength and managed to push open one of the massive heavy doors. "Woah-" I blurted as I peered into the room, only my head peeking around the corner. The room was a deep dark crimson colour with a shaded stone-grey floor that had an orange carpet going along it leading up to steep steps that held the throne. There were torches placed high up on the walls and banners with the eye of insolence hanging from the ceiling. I slowly stepped into the room and walked across the carpet, up the stairs, to the throne. I stood in front of the throne. It was quite big, I guess it has to be considering TIO's size. The throne was all black and spikey apart from five glowing eyes on it. One big on in the middle, one above it, three below creating a sort of semi-circle below the middle eye. There were also two banners hanging beside the throne. I turned around and noticed the sentinel standing beside the door not daring to come in any further ... It would of stopped me if I wasn't allowed in here... right..? I turned back towards the throne. "aaAAAH" I leapt back nearly tumbling down the stairs. The eyes were staring right at me. "Uuhhhh" I smiled nervously at the throne, I straightened myself back up and moved behind it. Nothing was there. I stepped back round to the front but at the opposite side, The eyes were still staring at me. God... Now this place is starting to freak me out.. I quickly sped down back to the entrance getting out of the room as fast as possible was my only goal. I pushed the door back closed and slammed my back against it. "AH HA. YEAH. NEVER AGAIN." I shakily breathed out. "WHAT'S NEXT MAN." I stared at the sentinel. It scribbled on its notepad again and turned it around to me, "I'm pretty sure you know what storage is and we can get to the cellars as we go down, this is just a shortcut." it read. "Oh, so no more rooms to check out here?" I tried to confirm. The sentinel nodded. "OK YAY, LET'S GET OFF THIS FLOOR RN" I yelled as I ran down the stairs to the first floor.

as I strolled down the stairs and turned a corner. The narrower set of stairs had transitioned to a wider set leading out to a massive ballroom, I totally forgot about these! I never got the chance to admire them, since last time I just rushed up them before, since TIO left me in the garden. Asshole. I walked down the stairs and stood in the centre of the gigantic room; the room was probably the whole floor but with four smaller rooms on the side. I walked over to one of the rooms on the side and opened the door, I was met with a beautiful river and waterfall, woah, this is gorgeous. The water was clear and not tinted at all, I don't know why but I expected water here to be black or tinted orange or something. I knelt down and draped my hand into the cold water and let the stream run against it. It was quite calming here, the sounds of the waterfall and the small abundance of grass, flowers and vines growing near it added to the peace. I wonder why he created this place. Maybe he does like peace sometimes, clearly only for himself though. I stood back up and shook my hand dry, I used small stones in the river to carefully jump over to the other side. This looks like it might loop round the castle completely, I looked up and saw the dull purple sky. I huffed and decided to walk down beside the river walking the way it was flowing. I turned the corner and saw more river I guess this is the area behind the stairs, It's exactly the same as the other little area but just with no waterfall. I turned a corner once again but was met with a dead end. Oh. There was a small stream of the river running into the wall and through a portal. If I go through that portal I wonder if I'd get teleported to the top of the waterfall. Nah, I don't wanna risk getting wet. I opened the door that was beside the dead-end and river; the door led me back into the ballroom. So what's that fourth door then..? I crept over to the door and placed my hand on the handle, I looked at the sentinel who nodded in approval. I pushed the door open carefully and peered inside. It was a bathroom. ALL THAT SUSPENSE FOR A BATHROOM. There was one thing peculiar about the room though, it didn't seem to have a toilet? Does he not piss or something??? YEAH, OK LET'S NOT THINK FURTHER ABOUT THAT. I closed the door and decided to go back into the garden. It was just the same as before, there weren't any areas I didn't explore apart from a place that looked like a huge archway. I ran over to the arch and walked through it only to get faced with another dead-end. I sighed and defeatedly walked over to the entrance again.

Last floor! basement thing, Still got no idea how I'm gonna remember all of this stuff. "Sooo Senti, What's on this floor?" I asked, putting my hands behind my back, The sentinel scribbled on its notepad once more and held it up to my face, "Cellars and washing rooms" "So more storage? I looked around as we reached the bottom of the stairs, Oh. My. God. It's this place. Come on, I just got used to the upper area. These cellars are made visibly out of bricks and have giant eyes of insolence on the floor. Exactly like the first floor of the place when I first fought him. So, this really is just the place where I fought him but expanded. I strutted through the cellars looking around. There were some actual cells in here. Who does he plan on using those on. The cellars were cold, eerie and empty. The one door I did find just led to the washing room; it was pretty standard. And good to know he washes his clothes.. Though I suspected he did. Fancy little bitch. But I guess I'm done here too... There wasn't exactly much down here.

I made my way back up to the top floor, the sentinel still following behind me with its notepad. "So, y'know when TIO is gonna be back??" I questioned as I turned around to face the creature. It shook its head. I sighed before taking a turn again and going back to the bedroom. I stepped into the room and immediately sat down on the ottoman at the bottom of the bed, I put my head in my hands and let out another sigh. He better be back soon, he said himself that I need to be back here as soon as the day ends. He's probably doing this on purpose to be honest, he wants to keep me here for as long as possible for whatever reason. I lifted my head out my hands to see the sentinel standing in front of me with its head tilted. "Hm? What is it?" I asked, the sentinel just lifted its head and looked away before slowly strutting out the room. Huh. I lay down on the ottoman and spread out my body, my entire body could fit on the ottoman perfectly due to how big it was. I put my hand on my forehead and stared at the roof. What do I do now.. Maybe I can look around the top floor a bit more? I'm pretty sure all the rooms up here are bedrooms but there's nothing else really to do. I jumped up off the ottoman and walked out of the room into the hallway, as I got out of the room, I caught a small glimpse of the Sentinel walking down the stairs. I guess it's done following me now.

I began to stroll around the floor and open all of the room's doors, I was correct about most of them being bedrooms. However, two of the rooms, one near the right corner of the castle and the other near to the left corner, was actually a bathroom. Yeah, I was actually wondering where the bathrooms were up here, the only bathroom I've seen in this place were the ones on the ground floor. And those can't be the only bathrooms in this place. I finished checking out the floor pretty quickly, I groaned and I leaned against the wall and slouched down. Wheeeere issss heeeeeeee I cried mentally; I threw myself on the floor in a starfish position before curling up into a ball. Wait lmao what if I snoop around his room, I stand up off the floor and bolt back into the bedroom. Now I know it's wrong to snoop. Buuuuuuuuuuuuut, he's left me waiting too long so it's his fault. My eyes dart around the room looking for something interesting I can sniff at. Then in the corner of my eye, I notice a door. Why is there a door here??? Was that always there? I scan my own memories as I realise it has always been here and I must have just not seen it before.... Anyways... I smirk as I sneak over towards the door, crouching down like I'm trying to avoid being spotted, I carefully grab the handle and open the door.

It was a closet

"DAMN HE ACTUALLY HAS DIFFERENT OUTFITS?" I exclaimed quite loudly, I quickly covered my mouth with my hands and slowly shut the door behind me. Oh god I hope the sentinel didn't hear that. I wonder if I'll get in trouble for this. I turn around back to face the clothes. Every. Single. One. Was. Purple. I mean, my closet is mostly greyscale, I don't think I can really speak huh. I step over to where the clothes were hanging to observe the outfits. They were all actually really pretty, sure there's quite a lot of purple but having a lot of the same colour can work great as long as you style it right and have different shades of it, which he does. Pony was spitting pure bullshit when he said 'and his fashion sense is awful' I did air quotation marks as I spoke to myself mentally. Most.. No.. Pretty much all of the outfits are really formal and kind of remind me of the renaissance era with the amount of detail they have, but the outfits do slightly have a more modern aspect to them as well. I guess it's a slight mix of them both? The renaissance but with some modern features? I looked back around the room once more and it seemed he did have some copies of his regular outfit. I smirked as I picked up one of the outfits. "I'm bout to annoy this bitch"

...

"God these are going to be so big on me, this isn't gonna work is it." I frowned as I crossed my arms, damn I guess I can't annoy him. I don't even know how this jacket hasn't even fallen off my shoulders yet. I frowned as I took the jacket off and held it in my hands.

"Are you having fun there, (Y/N)?"

I froze. I slowly turned around to see TIO leaning against the doorway, he raised an eyebrow and smiled at me as I still stood there frozen. "WHENN THE FFFFFFUCK DID YOU GET HERE" I yelled, panicking at his sudden arrival. He just grinned in response to me. "THE- THE DOOR???? HOW DID I NOT HEAR IT OPEN???????" I yelled again; I was getting incredibly flustered but luckily, he couldn't see because of my mask. I put my hands in my head and slouched down onto the floor into a crouch position, I heard TIO let out a laugh as he walked over to me. "Didn't expect me to be there, did you?" He smirked, leaning down towards me. "NO. NO. I DID NOT." I shouted back at him. "Get up" He chuckled, raising out a hand to me. I looked up at him, "Your hands give me trauma, you gonna take my free will now?" I smirked sarcastically. "You've held them before?" He smiled. I narrowed my eyes at him as I remembered. I grabbed his hand, letting him help me up. TIO smirked maliciously as the entire room turned dark, "WAIT- WHAT-" I jolted as I tried to jump back but TIO had a firm grip on my hand and wouldn't let go. I stared at him with wide eyes as my heart completely dropped down to my stomach. This was all a trick..? I stared at him stunned as he pulled me closer to him and grabbed my other hand with a smirk. He looked down at me whilst I was still just staring up at his face in shock. I really should of expected this..

"Just kidding!" TIO beamed, turning the room back into the one we were in previously. "BITCH NAH" I yelled ripping my arms out his grip and pushing myself off his stomach. "NEVER. EVER. AGAIN. I THINK I JUST HAD A FUCKING HEART ATTACK" I argued while shaking and grabbing my heart dramatically. "I'm sorry" TIO laughed while placing a hand over his mouth. He's not sorry. "Now come on, don't you have friends to meet?" TIO smiled as he turned around and held out a hand in front him, "I DO, BUT IM NOT GRABBING YOUR HAND ANYMORE." I cried. "Sure" he smirked as he began walking out of the room. I sighed as I followed him out.

We walked down the stairs until we reached the dining hall, "Why here??" I questioned. "You'll see" He smiled as he walked through the dining hall and over to the doors opposite us. "Come on" he whispered. "You doin this to just be dramatic or?" I giggled, "I am" He laughed back in response to my question. TIO opened the doors to reveal a black wall with a single purple portal in the middle. I looked at TIO with a confused expression, raising my eyebrows at the man. "Go in front!" He smirked. "Hmmmmmm, ok" I cautioned, narrowing my eyes and stepping in front of the portal carefully, "Sooo what's supposed to happe-" I could barely finish getting my words out before I felt a pair of hands on my back that suddenly pushed me forward.

Everything went white as I fell through the portal.

"Nghnn- TIO-???" I groaned as I sat up, that felt like I just fell from a 10 story building. I looked around at my surroundings and realised that I was on the outskirts of the camp. My eyes widened as I stood up and stared at the partially destroyed lab. Oh my god. He really did send me back. I was staring at the lab in pure shock, remembering what happened last time I was here with my friends. Then I heard heavy footsteps behind me. I immediately threw up my fists ready to fight whatever infected that's behind me, I turned around preparing to kick this thing's ass. I stared at the infected and noticed It was the leader of the camp who was chasing me before. However, he's just. Standing there..? I lowered my fists when I noticed he wasn't attacking and just staying still, Oh. OH. "Thanks, TIO." I smiled before turning around and starting to walk back to Kona's house. If any of my friends lived, they would go back there. I mean If they aren't alive, I can always try to find Tigry and Willow. They went off on their own so it might take a while to find them though, I hope they are okay as well. Oh! and I could go to the rest of TSP at the factory!

After a few minutes of running forward through the snow I made it to Kona's house. It seems like the military finally stopped bombing the place for some reason. I wonder if they've just gave up. I made my way to his front door and lightly knocked on it. "What-?" "Kona, did you know if anyone was coming?" "Is it another survivor??" "WHAT IF THE INFECTED LEARN TO KNOCK" "Calm down, Calm down. I'm positive the infected haven't learned to knock, I would have noticed." I heard multiple voices say from the other side. The door slowly crept open just so there was a tiny crack you could see out of. Someone's eye appeared in the crack clearly being cautious of who was at the door, their eye made contact with me and their pupil immediately shrunk as the door flung open. "(Y/N)!!?" Kona yelled quite surprised at my sudden re-arrival after disappearing. "WHAT" Pony screamed, bolting round the corner and nearly running into the wall. Everyone was staring at me in shock. "Hey guys" I replied to all of them calmly, giving them a little wave. Kona grabbed my shoulder and pulled me into the house, closing the door behind me. "WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN" Kona shouted worriedly. Ooooooh ok so do I tell them the truth orrrrrrrr, I mean I'm gonna disappear again at the end of the day cuz that mf wants me back to him, what was my plan with him before??? Yeah, yeah that. Ok. Maybe I'll just. "I- I can't remember.." I fretted, looking down at the floor and crossing my arms with an upset expression. "It's ok! At least you're back now!!" Georgie beamed as he jumped up off the couch and ran to hug my leg. "Yeah.." I replied, putting my hand on the piglet's head. "Is everyone alright though? That swarm was huge." I questioned. "Not really. At least nobody died or got infected. Zee is resting upstairs, she injured her leg while running away from the swarm.." Pony answered. "Zizzy would kill you for that" I laughed. "I KNOW, IT'S NOT MY FAULT" Pony cried. "She's upstairs in the spare bedroom if you want to see her, I had to disinfect her wound as soon as we got back since it had a bunch of dirt and rubble in it." Kona said as he walked over to Robby who was charging near a table. "I presume Zuzy hasn't left her side?" I asked, "Yup, she hasn't." Kona confirmed. "You wanna come see her with me?? I was about to go back upstairs" Georgie said, looking up at me. "Sure man" I smiled.

I followed Georgie to the upstairs and into the bedroom Zee was in, I guess Georgie hasn't left her side either. Zee had a big bandage labelled cast on her leg covered in little doodles from all of the three, there were also a bunch of drawings on the walls of them together. Zee was peacefully drawing on her bed with her sister kneeling at the bottom watching her draw. Zee looked up at me and looked concerned when she saw me but then brushed it off and waved which made her sister turn around and look who was there, "OH MY GOD!! YOUR BACK!!!!" Zuzy exclaimed, running over to me in excitement. "I knew you were somewhere here but that cute robot wouldn't tell me!" Zuzy said, puffing up her cheeks and crossing her arms. "Aha well I wasn't here" I replied. "What? Then where were you?" Zuzy questioned. "They can't remember.." Georgie answered for me. "Oh.. Well, you're here now! And I'm not letting you leave again!!" she bounced.

...

Sorry Zuzy....

"Yup! I'm back and here to stay!" I smiled, gritting my teeth. Zuzy smiled back at me and then went back over to her sister. "How are you doing Zee? Are you feeling any better?" I asked, Zee nodded but then looked at me with a scared, sad and confused expression. "Is something up? If you think I'm not (Y/N) cuz I've randomly re-appeared back here. I promise you I am" I reassured with a laugh and a smile. Zee stared at me then looked around at the other two children. "You wanna speak to me privately..?" I asked, getting a bit confused. Zee nodded fast like this was urgent. "Oh ok! C'mon Georgie let's go!!" Zuzy exclaimed, picking up my words and bouncing away from the bed, grabbing Georgie's hand and exiting the room. "I'll come get you once we're done!" I yelled out. "Okay!!" Georgie yelled back.

"What's up Zee?" I asked. Zee sat up on the bed and did some fast movement with her hands, "Woah woah ur gonna have to slow down I can't understand that Zee" I laughed. Zee nodded and raised her hands up showing something tall or giant, then pretended to be a monster while putting her hands in front of her face pretending to have claws. She then shook pretending to be scared before raising her hand out and smiling, she slapped her own hand away and looked to the right then pointed at me. She then raised her hands forward trying to grab me and move me beside her. Then she raised out her hand again before hitting the air. After she was done with her hand motions, she looked up at me with big concerned eyes, glistening, maybe with tears.

"Giant tall scary monster scared you and tried to kidnap me and you want me back??" I blabbered, "Zee what types of dreams do you have?" I smirked. She shook her head and grabbed a piece paper beside her. The small zebra grabbed a purple and orange crayon and scribbled down a quick drawing on the paper then handed it to me. I held the paper in my hands and examined the drawing. "Wait.."

"IS THAT TIO?"

Zee tilted her head looking confused slightly. Oh right she never got his name. He only told me and I only told Pony, and I doubt Pony would tell Zee about him. "That's his name, he told me before I kicked his ass" I explained. Her eyes widened and she nodded. "Ok now that I know it's him I can probably figure this out a bit more." I told.

"So the tall scary monster aka TIO appeared and you were scared because of how he looks and the fact you thought he was dead"

Zee nodded.

"He tried to make a deal with you but you refused"

Zee nodded.

"Then he said he was going to take me?"

Zee shook her head. Doing an X with her hands.

"He said he has me?"

Zee nodded eagerly.

"And he said he could give me back to you."

She nodded once more.

"And you refused that too since you knew it was just a trick so that you would join him, then he left after that."

Zee nodded.

"Ok so, TIO appeared and tried to make a deal with you but you said no. Then he said he had me and could give me back to you but you thought it was a trick so you refused, but when I didn't come back you got worried??"

Zee nodded, "Ok.." I sighed. So, he's still harassing Zee. That's probably what he's been doing when I wasn't with him, I wouldn't be surprised if he brought Georgie's nightmares back as well. So that's the reason he wanted to keep me there. But now Zee knows he doesn't have me, and she's smart, she would never accept his deals no matter what he offers. Zee's not deceived easily. Georgie and Zee should be fine, but if he comes after Zuzy, she's too happy and gullible sometimes, I don't think Zee has told her about him. He could actually get Zuzy. If he offers Zizzy I feel like Zuzy would instantly accept, she's too trusting to people and because TIO comes off as friendly and nice when you first meet him, she would definitely end up trusting him. Well now I have another thing to worry about and yell at him for. I sighed once more, "I'm going to warn Zuzy about him. If he's still coming after you, I don't doubt he will come after her." I growled. Zee hit her hand off the edge of the bed directing my attention towards her, I raised an eyebrow at the zebra. She moved her hands towards her chest then pointed at me and smiled. What?? I made an even more confused expression at her. She shook her head and grabbed some paper and held it out while patting her chest. I walked back over to her from the area I was standing in near the doorway. I took the note out of her hands 'I will tell zee!!!!' I smiled at her, looks like Mimi's lessons are paying off. "Alright Zee, I'll call the other kids back up for you! I'm going to have a quick talk with Pony" I saw her nod one final time before I walked out of the room and bolted down the stairs to Pony, "Hi Georgie! Hi Zuzy!! Zees ready for you to come up now" I smiled at them leaning against the stairway. Georgie and Zuzy looked at each other and giggled before running past me back up to Zee. I smiled at their childish behaviour. I'm glad they can still have fun as kids during this whole infection. My smile soon faded as I turned to pony, a serious expression on my face

"Pony." I said darkly, "What did I do now?" He sighed, spinning around to face me. "No, I just need to speak with you. Desperately." I explained. "Oh! Sure! What's it abou-" "It's about TIO." I said cutting him off. Pony's face dropped, turning completely white and looking horrified at the mention of TIOs name. "What." He stared at me with wide eyes, taken aback at the newfound information. "He- He's been talking to Zee. Trying to get her to accept an offer." I replied. Pony stared at me blankly in complete shock. "H-he's alive..?" Pony stuttered, "I thought we killed him! He can't-" Pony yelled before stopping himself and sliding onto the floor, "I need a sit down.." Pony said, staring at the floor completely paralyzed in fear. "Yeah, it's better if you do." I sighed as I walked beside Pony and sat down with him. "I'm worried about Zuzy.. You know how she is... If he comes for her.." I shuddered; Pony curled up into a ball in the corner. "I don't even want to think about that.. We need to warn her. I can't lose those two.." He tensed. "It's alright Zee said that she would tell her about it. I just thought I should warn you about him since he's starting to be direct again." I stammered "But.. Why..? We're not even close to figuring out or making a cure" Pony questioned to himself. "I'm not sure.. Maybe for revenge..?" I pondered. "What, revenge? For us trying to save the world." Pony growled. "I know. It's stupid. But you know how he is. His morals and opinions on what's right and wrong are twisted, He's focused on getting revenge and taking over the world." I mumbled "He will stop at no costs to get revenge on the person who wronged him in the past. They must have really hurt him to make him do all this." I told, "Please don't tell me you're sympathising with him.." Pony frowned hesitantly. "..." "Pony listen. I can understand where he is coming from" I admitted. "WHAT" Pony yelled, staring at me with wide eyes, "WAIT WAIT WAIT, LET ME EXPLAIN." I rushed. Pony tilted his head down and stared at me waiting for me to elaborate. "Just before we fought him.. He told me vaguely about his past. He hasn't had anyone his entire life, the only person who he ever considered a friend trapped him in the void we always see him in. That's all I really know about what his friend did. He got abandoned by everyone who he's ever met, and I can relate to that. I already want revenge on the person who hurt me most and I hope she's suffering right now. So, if my only friend, someone who I could trust, was supposed to always be there for me, threw me in a void, completely alone and by myself. Yeah, I'd be pretty pissed and want revenge too. Honestly props to TIO for not going insane in there, He's trapped in there with no one else. Who knows for how long he's been in there completely alone not being able to speak to anyone. Even If throwing him in a void was the only thing that friend did, It's still a pretty fucking shitty thing, completely isolating a child who was already extremely lonely. So yeah I can understand him since our pasts are honestly quite similar in some aspects.." I explained, sighing and turning my head away from the horse. "..What about the people who haven't hurt him, the innocent people? Like us, we didn't even know he existed." Pony argued. "If you have a mindset focused on revenge then I don't think he really cares about the innocents he has to go through to get it. Also, he might just think that everyone in the world is complete shit. He never got acknowledged by anyone at all, he said he was a quiet lonely child. Plus, the fact he's trying to pretty much destroy everyone shows he doesn't care or have any connection to people who are alive. I understand this doesn't justify what he's doing but I'm just giving the reason behind it." I settled, folding my arms. Pony sighed. "We still need to stop him." He admitted. "We do." I confirmed "I never said I was on his side; I'm just saying I understand him." I cleared up. "Ok good." Pony sighed. "I'm still worried about Zuzy..." Pony trembled "I'm sure everything will be fine" I consoled. "We fought him once and won. We can do it again. And remember we know his weakness. If we use our own memories against him, we can damage him quite a bit" I comforted. Pony frowned and stared at the floor, still worried about Zuzy.

"Ok.. I'm going to go see Kona, stay safe Pony.." I said as I walked over to Kona who seemed to be upgrading Robby near the table. "Hey Kona!" I greeted, "Oh! Hello (Y/N)!" He smiled, giving me a wave. "Bro where the hell is Mimi. I thought she would be here" I wondered. "Oh, Mimi is at the factory helping to repair some old hospital equipment that was found. They are setting up an infirmary so if any of us get ill or injured we can be treated there. Since Katie told us she can do more and work better in a hospital environment." Kona explained. "Oooh that's great! Wait, how did Mimi manage to find a ship or plane that took her back to Lucella? I doubt we still have contact with Budgey?" I inquired. "She 'borrowed' a boat from the docks" Kona smiled. "Damn we're stealing now?" I laughed, "Well it's the only thing we can really do during the infection isn't it. It's not like we can go out right now and buy a boat or some food" Kona responded "Yeah true." I agreed. "If you don't mind me asking Kona, do you know the time?" I asked "Oh sure! It's around 3 o'clock!" ok I still have plenty of time, I'm just going to assume TIO wanted me back by midnight. But now because I've found out what he's been doing here, I'm quite reluctant to go back to him.. "Thank you, Kona! Would you mind if I went to see TSP?" I questioned, "Not at all! Have fun!" Kona laughed, "Alright I'll be back soon! Bye Kona!!!" I waved, "Goodbye (Y/N)!!" Kona smiled.

I grabbed my gun that was resting on the table near the other weapons and began walking towards the door, I know I'm immune to the infection but the infected can still fuck me up. Considering how violent they've gotten as well I definitely need this. I stepped out into the snow, the cold air contrasting with the temperature in Kona's house and hitting me like a brick. I sighed. "Alright then" I smirked as I crouched down getting in a ready to run position. I spread my wings and ran forward preparing to fly over to Lucella. I jumped up and threw myself into the air, flapping my wings quickly until I got up to the clouds and could peacefully glide to the docks. Lucella and Doveport aren't that far away, I'll have a quick rest period at the docks before I start flying over. Don't wanna get too tired and fall in the ocean. I swooped down from the clouds to gather some more speed; The wind threw my hair back as small snow particles hit off my face and dissolved. I missed flying so much, I glided back up to the clouds and soon enough I saw the docks below me, I floated down being careful not to run into any infected. I flew across the floor before steadily landing near some crates. That moose won't attack me right..? I mean TIO controls him and he didn't attack me before with that military man. Eh I should be fine, if not I can just shoot him. I'll keep my guard up. I turned to face the crates I landed by and jumped on top of them. I sat down, legs dangling off the top crate as I looked out into the ocean in the distance. Sky seems clear enough so I can fly, seems to be not many high waves. I've always been cautious of the ocean and flying over it, if you fall in water, you can't fly out. I was minding my business when I felt something hit the very bottom of the crates. I readied my gun and peered over the box to see.. A crawling sentinel...? Umbra, wasn't it? It seemed to be trying to get up the box at me, I can't tell if it was in a friendly way or unfriendly way, I cautiously raised my hand in front of its face to see its reaction. The umbra stopped climbing on the box and hit my hand as If it was trying to grab it. So, it's friendly. It would have tried to claw my hand if it wasn't. I leaned over the crate and picked up the small Umbra. I crawled back up to the top of my boxes and placed the Umbra on my lap. It lay down and flipped over onto its back like a dog wanting belly rubs, I placed my hand on its stomach and gently started petting it. The Umbra's smile widened as mine did too. "Aw what the hell ur so cute, ur like a little dog. A deadly one if you want to be, but right now an adorable one" I gushed. I stayed for around 10 minutes petting and playing with the Umbra.

"Alright" I sighed, picking up the Umbra, jumping off the crates and placing it down on the floor. "I'm sorry but I really have to go to Lucella right now" I apologised. The Umbra put its hand on my leg and dragged me across the floor "AH AH AH WAIT WHAT THE FUCK WHY ARE U SO STRONG-" I screamed, The Umbra let go but looked up at me with a frown and sad eyes, The liquidness of the creature made it look like it was crying. I sighed. "Ok ok. You can come with me, just. BE. VERY. CAREFUL" I caved. The creature nodded as I picked it up and held it tightly against my chest, "Ok get ready" I said as I got ready to run off the side of the docks. I ran forwards and leapt off the edge of the docks as I spread my wings. I flew up to the clouds and zoomed up and down a few times to gather some speed whilst also being very cautious about clipping the water. "U ok there?" I asked. The creature nodded.

A few moments later I saw Lucella's port in the distance. I continued to fly over it since the factory wasn't far away at all. Once the factory was in view, I started to lower myself to the ground until I fully landed on top of the factory. "Finally, we're here." I sighed as I placed the Umbra on the floor, "You follow me ok" I said as I kneeled down to the Umbra and pointed at myself, it nodded and went behind me. I smiled as I made my way into the factory

Now where are these guys. I walked into the upper floor of the factory where Willow's office used to be. I peered round the corner and noticed a familiar mole standing in front of a door, examining equipment. "Hey Mimi" I smiled as I walked towards her with my hands in my pockets. "(Y/N)? You're back??" She said, staring at me slightly dumbfounded. "I thought you got killed by all those infected" She sweated, "Nah dying is for losers, I'd never die man" I laughed, "Oh, well it's good to have you back!" Mimi smiled relieved. "Um.. What's that thing behind you...?" Mimi whispered, taking a step backwards. I turned around to face the Umbra behind me as it tilted its head at Mimi. "It's my dog." I stated. "A dog...?" Mimi narrowed her eyes. "It's good enough to be like one and it acts like one, It's just an extremely strong drippy dog." I explained proudly. "Well, I guess if it's friendly and not attacking anyone" Mimi shrugged. "Yeah, no it's fine and perfectly safe" I smiled as I picked up the Umbra and held it in my arms, "Where's the rest of TSP and Giraffy?" I asked "Giraffy is resting in this room, He's still healing from the gunshot wound. TSP are moving the equipment inside; they are all guarding the door while the others move it in. We don't want any infected running loose in the factory" Mimi told me. "Alright! I'll go see TSP now, good to see you Mimi" I waved, "Bye (Y/N)!! Good to see you're alive" She laughed.

"Alright lil black thing lets go" I smiled as I placed the Umbra on the floor and let it follow me. I walked down the green key stairs and slid down the conveyors until I got to the floor with a bunch of equipment in the centre, I looked towards the main entrance and saw Felix and Barren carrying a big heavy looking metal box and then placing it down in the middle. "Zamn how much y'all got left" I peered round the corner. "AAAAAAAAAAA" Felix screamed EXTREMELY high pitched, nearly falling over. Barren jumped a little but not too much. "HELP SORRY" I apologised putting a hand behind my head. "OH, HOW DARE YOU SCARE ME" Felix dramatized, putting a hand on his head and puffing out his chest. "IM SORRYYYYYYY" I wept, mimicking his dramaticness. Barren sighed. "Come on, we still have stuff to move. You two can mess around later. We need to get this stuff inside." He puffed. "Boring ass. Ok anyways yeah let's go" I said. We all turned around and started to walk to the trucks just outside the exit of the factory. I'm surprised they haven't noticed my "dog" that keeps following me around to be honest.

We arrived outside near the two trucks full of equipment. Katie seemed to be examining the equipment to make sure It was suitable and what she needed. "Look who has come to see us!!" Felix beamed, jumping on one leg and putting his arms out to gesture to me. I laughed and raised a hand to cover my mouth. "Omg! Hi (Y/N)!!! I was wondering when you were going to come visit again" Kitty smiled jogging over to me, "I would have come sooner if I didn't have so much on my hands" I sighed, "Eh it's understandable, you guys are trying to remake a cure right?" Kitty asked, tilting her head to the right, "Yup, so far we have nothing since when we tried to look at information in the lab a swarm of infected appeared." I explained. "Oh yes, Mimi told us about that, I hope you all recover ok. If needed you can come here! We're getting an infirmary" Kitty smiled, "What's that creature behind you by the way?" Kitty asked curiously. "A dog thing, I found it at the docks. Don't worry, it's friendly!" I smiled. "Awwwwwwwww" Kitty gushed as she bent down to pet the "dog". The Umbra lay down and let her pet it. "It seems great! Unfortunately, we don't have any dog treats or I'd give it some" Kitty giggled, standing back up and raising out a hand. "Oh yeah! You guys need help moving stuff in?" I offered. "Sure! The quicker we get this done the better! We're all just putting it in the middle of a room and moving it up later." Kitty replied as we both walked off to the truck to take some of the equipment inside.

It took a few hours since there were a lot of things to move and some were really heavy. I sighed as I slowly slid down against the wall near the cell willow first trapped us in. I remember when I had to escape through the sewers with that thick browed alligator chasing me. First time I ever found out about TIO too. God some of the notes down there... Horrifying. And the whispers in that classroom? I nearly fell over out of pure fear when they randomly started. Seems like TSP decided to block off the sewers since the drain cover is sealed and there's a bunch of crates on top. Good. I don't think anyone would want to go down there either. I placed down my mask beside me as the Umbra came over to me, it crawled up onto my lap and curled into my chest. "Ah don't worry I'm not upset just exhausted" I sighed. God and I still need to fly back over to Doveport. I doubt Mimi is going back today since she needs to examine and fix all of the broken equipment that's near the conveyors so I can't hitch a ride from her. I'll just have a little rest here until I'm ready to fly back over. "Hey (Y/N)!" I heard a voice call out and looked to the right to see the cause, Pandy was strolling towards me from the doorway. "Oh, hey Pandy!" I greeted, "Hey! Kitty wanted me to ask you if you wanted anything to eat?" Pandy inquired. Oh, fuck I haven't actually eaten all day, I've been caught up in so much stuff that's been going on today. "Yeah, sure I've been so busy today I've forgotten to eat" I laughed off nervously. "Oh, I don't worry I understand, we've all had an eventful day today huh? Maybe get another meal when you get back to Kona's house? Nutrition and having three meals a day is important you know! ... I sound just like Kitty right now." Pandy said "Haha is she rubbing off on you?" I laughed. "She must be. Do you want me to get Kitty to make another meal for you so you can eat it at Kona's?" Pandy offered, "Sure, if she doesn't mind! I don't wanna be a bother. Kitty's cooking is amazing" I smiled. "Alright! Will do!! See you later (Y/N)!!" Pandy waved, "Bye!!!!" I yelled as Pandy left the room. I leaned further back against the wall, God I'm stupid. I sighed internally as I placed a hand on my forehead and closed my eyes.

The Umbra, that was still on my lap, climbed up me and hit my face with one of its hands. "Damn bro why you do that" I bawled as I opened my eyes and saw TIO standing directly in front of me. "WHATTHEFAK-" I yelled as the room turned black and I tried to push myself backwards, unfortunately for me there was a wall behind me so I couldn't. "TIO???" I stared, "Hello dear" He waved with a smile. "Thank you by the way" He added, "Wha- Thank me for what?? NAH I NEED TO HAVE A WORD WITH YO-" He placed a hand over my mouth to avoid me from speaking. "You thanked me before, did you not?" He smiled. I gave him a confused expression; though I don't know if he could tell since only my eyes were visible. BRO WHY IS HE SO TALL IF I LOOK STRAIGHT FORWARD IM STARING AT HIS KNEES BRO WHAT. I mean at least he's leaning down, CAN HE NOT CROUCH DOWN THO INSTEAD OF LEANING TOWARDS ME WITH HIS WAIST WHAT THE FUCK MAN. TIO raised out a hand, making me look towards the direction he raised it at.

'I stared at the infected and noticed It was the leader of the camp who was chasing me before. However, he's just. Standing there..? I lowered my fists when I noticed he wasn't attacking and just staying still, Oh. OH. "Thanks, TIO." I smiled before turning around and starting to walk back to Kona's house.'

Nah. THIS MF BETTER NOT OF BEEN WATCHING ME THIS ENTIRE TIME. I lifted my mouth above his hand "MF HAVE U BEEN WATCHING ME THIS WHOLE TIME??? YOU HAVE HAVEN'T YOU" I glared, "Incorrect, I have not. I've been quite busy with other activities" He smiled. "Like harassing Ze-" He moved his hand to cover my mouth again, "Tsk, tsk, I come to check on you and you berate me for my actions?" he leered. Why. Why did I forget he's actually threatening. I widened my eyes and smiled at him nervously. Why did I decide to stay with this man in the first place. I was very delusional then huh. Yeah, I think I'll just shut up and speak to him about this later, I'm pretty sure if any TSP members are around, they will be able to hear me speaking to him anyways. They can't hear him though; it just looks like I'm talking to myself. Bro wait wth did my Umbra go, did he fr not let me have my pet in this dumbass hallucination? "Can- can I have my Umbra back" I stuttered, his hand muffling my voice. "Hm... Very well!" He beamed as he clicked his fingers, making the Umbra re-appear on my lap. It looked around for a second seemingly trying to figure out it's surroundings before looking back up at me then spreading out on my lap. TIO watched the Umbra sprawl out and smiled delightfully at it. "Ok now that you have your little 'pet'..." TIO grinned, putting his hands together and standing up straight, "How have you been?" He asked, as he tilted his head and closed his eyes. eye..? I stared at him blankly "mf wha- you- I've been fine. I've been doing fine." I sighed. "Good, good." He smiled as he kneeled down to me and cupped my face with his hands. "I'll see you later, dear." He tilted his head and smirked for a moment before bringing his face closer to mine and kissing the top of my head. "AYO?" I retracted in shock. I heard him laugh evilly as he faded out leaving me back in the hallway of the factory.

I'd be lying if I said that I wasn't blushing. I hate myself for that. I hate him too. I'm going to strangle the motherfucker. Why is he like this, oh my god. I put my face into my hands while I curled up into a ball as my face turned redder and all these random thoughts rushed to my head trying to distract myself. The Umbra stared up at me, probably judging me for my reaction. I got up off the floor keeping my hand against the wall to support my weak knees. After regaining my composure, I let out a large sigh and leaned dramatically against the wall. "Ok, OK. LET'S IGNORE THAT." I semi-yelled, spreading out my arms. "Alright Umbra, Let's go" I sighed as I put my hand onto my head and motioned to the Umbra telling it to follow behind me as I started trembling forward.

Well better go get some food now. I still have lots to do. I can't let him distract me on the time he actually lets me leave.

Chapter Text

I begin to make my way to the cafeteria with the Umbra slowly crawling behind me, I open the metal gate and hope that I'm going the right way. I haven't been in this part of the factory. When I was trying to escape Willow, I didn't go in all of the areas, only the ones I needed. Most of them remain unexplored by me. I pray I don't get lost here. I try to follow the scent of food and get to the cafe, Though I struggled to focus as my mind is still flustered about what happened two minutes ago with TIO.

Eventually, I made it to the cafeteria, I let out a sigh of relief and leaned against the doorframe. Katie and Pandy were sitting on some stools near the counter eating food and chatting, Felix and Philip were sitting together on a small table with four seats in the corner. No sign of Barren, He must be keeping things in order. "Hey (Y/N)!!" Kitty yelled from behind the counter. "Heya kitty," I smiled as I strolled up to her. "Where's Barren? I noticed he isn't here?" I asked as I leaned against the counter. "Oh! He came here earlier and got his food. He's making sure our defences are still up and making sure that the ones we just put up are properly secure." She told, "Aaah, Alright" I replied. I pulled a chair closer to me and sat down at the counter. Kitty reached underneath her and pulled up two tupperware boxes, one with a red lid, one with a green lid, and gently placed them in front of me. "Here ya go!" She smiled as she leaned down and placed a paw on the side of her face. "Oh, are these for me?" I said. "Of course! Who else would they be for silly!" Kitty giggled. "Ah, true, true" I laughed. "I didn't know what you liked so in the red one is just plain pasta and the green is just some sandwiches. I recommend you eat the pasta first so that it's still hot and if you want any toppings I can put them on, since it's just plain right now." she chuckled. "Thanks kitty!" I smiled back at her as I picked up both of the boxes and moved into a corner away from the rest of TSP. I like plain pasta so I have no issues with this. I sat down quietly in the corner facing the wall, having my back to the rest of the group. I sighed and pulled the red container towards me. I gently pulled off the lid. Fresh hot steam flew out of the little container into my face. I fucking love pasta. I took the small plastic fork that kitty gave me and ate my pasta peacefully in the corner away from everyone.

"Kitty, that was the best fucking plain pasta iv ever tasted." I complimented, "Well it's expected of me! I am a chef after all, even with limited resources I make do" She smiled not wanting to be too cocky about her cooking. "By the way do you happen to know the time?" I asked, "Oh sure let me check" Kitty spoke as she walked over to a room on the opposite side of the kitchen, I waited patiently for her return. "Ok! It's around 7pm now!" She beamed as she strutted out the room back towards me, God it's getting quite late isn't it, I blame TIO for not bringing me here sooner. I spent like half an hour getting to Kona's house, only around 2 hours at Kona's house, probably an hour in total to get to the docks and fly here. I'm gonna yell at him for this. He definitely did this on purpose. Wasn't I going to yell at him anyways? For multiple reasons? Cuz he's still a little twat. Constantly. "Thank you Kitty!" I forced a smile as I walked out of the cafeteria. God. WHY DOES HOW I FEEL ABOUT THIS MAN KEEP CHANGING WHAT THE HELL. AM I REALLY THAT INDECISIVE ABOUT HIM? Did I hit my head running in that lab? Or was I just that alone I wanted someone near. I'm GONNA. GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR. OK. LETS NOT THINK ABOUT IT. Just stop. Easiest option, don't think about it. I put my head in my hands and sighed as I walked to the middle of the factory. "Ok, is my dog still following me?" I turned around and picked up my 'dog'. Wait. "Can you hold this?" I handed the green lidded container to the Umbra. "I don't wanna accidently drop you." I smiled nervously. The Umbra nodded and held the container tightly in its two hands. I wrapped my other arm around it. Alright, we're going back to Kona now. I climbed up the factory's stairs, jumped off and swooped up into the air.

Let's just get back as fast as we can. I gotta use the rest of my time wisely. "TIO i'm going to choke you" I said nonchalantly, "Wait, no, I didn't mean that, i'm sorry, I was /j, I WAS /J" I bickered out, trying not to tense myself and just get to the docks. IM FUCKED IF HE HEARD THAT. AND IM FUCKED IV HES HEARD WHAT IV BEEN THINKING. I swept lower to gain more momentum and got back to the docks as fast as I could.

Lord.

I finally arrived back at the docks. I sped up to Kona's house still carrying the Umbra in my arms, holding it tightly against my chest. I knocked hard on Kona's door impatiently waiting for him to answer. I placed the Umbra down beside me as I waited for a response. Why am I panicking? No idea. Kona finally heard my knocks and answered the door "Wel-" Is all Kona could say before I pushed behind him, slammed the door shut and fell to the floor, just barely breaking the fall with my hands. "Woah, woah, you ok?" Kona raised an eyebrow. "Yeah yeah, just a bit panicked" I breathed out. I don't wanna go back to him man, I feel like he's gonna be EXTREMELY mad at me.. "What happened? Did you encounter an infected?" Kona questioned worriedly. I looked up at Kona. "No.." I muttered as I looked back down to the wooden floorboards. He wasnt mad before when I saw him tho. I think I'll be fine. I hope I'll be fine. Kona looked down at me with concerned eyes. "I- I need a moment alone to gather myself." I sighed as I stood up and put a hand on my head. "There's a spare room upstairs opposite Zee" Kona told me as he crossed his arms, his face still plastered with a worried expression. "Thank you Kona." I thanked as I started slowly walking to the stairs. "Please tell me what happened when you're ready" Kona hesitated to say. "..." I didn't respond and just continued my journey to the room.

As soon as I got to the room I immediately sat at the foot of the bed and curled up in a ball. WHY AM I PANICKING. I looked up as I heard soft claws on the door. I stood up and slightly cracked the door open. The Umbra was outside the door. I fake smiled at it "I'll be out soon! I just need a moment" I faltered as I shut the door. I resumed my position and slumped down back at the foot of the bed, I sighed and pushed my head deeper into my knees. "You are aware I'm not mad at you, correct?" A deep voice from above me spoke. I froze and widened my eyes, my gaze not breaking from the floor. The tall figure crouched down so that he was just above my height. "I did hear you, but I'm not going to be upset about anything you have thought or said." He smiled at me. "How do you truly feel towards me.? You said yourself that you keep changing your opinions on me." TIO waited patiently for my response. "I.. don't know..?" I blabbered, TIO sighed. "Why must you be so difficult.." He muttered. "Excuse me?" I narrowed my eyes and looked up at him. "What?" He tilted his head and said with his usual smile. "You just said something about me???" I glared."What? No I didn't, I believe your hearing things my dear." He smiled. ... Am I being gaslit? "Are you gaslighting me you cunt" I argued. "No, I truly did not speak." He shook his head and smiled again. I heard him. He's gaslighting me, what the hell. What did he even say..? "Why are you so difficult"? I think? Fuck you bitch. "Ok... Sure..- What time did you want me back?" I asked, trying to get at least some answers from him, "Hmm, sometime just before midnight. I'll come and get you" He smirked as he placed a hand on my head. Should I bring up what I wanted to..? Nah, I'll do it later. BUT I KEEP DELAYING IT. "Ok- TI-" "(Y/N)?" I cut myself off and stared at the door, TIOs gaze never left me. "UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUH" I said as I processed what to say. "Who are you speaking to..? Are you alright?" Fuck. I turned to TIO and glared at him, he gave me a simple smile in response. "Just talking to myself sorry.." I mummered as I stared at the ground. I looked back at TIO to find that he had disappeared.

I sighed as I threw myself up and mustered enough courage to open the door and face whoever was standing outside. I opened the door and was faced with Kona holding the Umbra in his right arm, still with a concerned look on his face. "Is this yours by the way?" He chuckled nervously and held up the Umbra to me, "Yeah, yeah, it is" I laughed awkwardly, "You doin alright?" Kona asked as he started walking back downstairs motioning me to follow, "Yeah just was worrying for no reason lol" I sighed at him as I put a hand on my head dramatically. "Ok ok, good" Kona let out a sigh of relief.

"You want a drink of anything?" Kona offered as we arrived at his work area, "Sure man, you got any hot chocolates?" I smiled as I walked over to him, "I do actually!" Kona beamed, "I don't drink them that often so I still have loads left in stock" He laughed. I sat down with Kona and talked with him about the infected and useless stuff for a while.

"So it's weird because most of the orange eyed infected I've seen are always in groups, apart from that one that was at the docks. So if I were to avoid a certain colour, it would definitely be that one. Don't wanna risk getting swarmed again" Kona laughed, "Maybe they are all just scared of u and they gotta make groups to be safe" I joked, Kona laughed as he sat his drink aside on his work table. "The infected are so strange. That's why I find them so interesting to study! Each eye colour means something different that depends on the person they were before they got infected! Gosh, even their behaviour patterns I find interesting!" Kona ranted, "You speak of them like animals you study" I giggled. "Well with their animalistic behaviour they could be classified as true animals couldn't they?" Kona smiled as he picked back up his cup, "True, true. What is this, are we in zootopia now? The infection is actually those little blueberry things that make them go rabid" I smirked, Kona snorted and nearly spit out his drink. "HaHAH" He laughed.

"WhAT IS tHAT-??!?" Pony screamed from behind me. I turned around calmly to where Pony yelled from and saw him pointing at my Umbra. "Ayo chill out dude that's my dog." I stated. "WHA- THAT'S YOUR DOG?? IT LOOKS LIKE ONE OF TIOS-" Pony tried to finish but I ran up to him and grabbed his shoulders. Not like Kona knows who TIO is, unless Pony told Kona about him. "It's. MY. Dog. Pony." I glared at the horse. "Ok... Just be careful.. With that.. Thing..." Pony warned as he walked into another room. "Yeah, ok." I replied unamused. Rolling my eyes at the horse. I heard a small yawn come from behind me and turn around again whilst Kona stood up from his seat. "Well it's getting quite late, we should probably go to bed now eh?" Kona said as he stretched "What time is it?" I inquired, "Eh, it's only around 9, But I need to get up early to see if any of the infecteds behaviour patterns change during certain time periods." Kona smiled. I groaned as I realised the person I like the most here was gonna go to sleep. "Ok man, Is it alright if I stay up for a bit?" I questioned. "Yeah, of course it is!" Kona smiled at me before making his way to the stairs "Goodnight (Y/N)!" He waved, "Night, Kona." I smiled at him as he went up.

I slumped down into a chair and let out a loud sigh. God. "Hello, sweetheart" a voice behind me said happily, "Fuck off" I replied knowing exactly whos behind me again, "Oh, what a lovely way to say hello." He frowned. "Go away, I'm sick of you today." I growled. "Well what If I want you back now?" He smiled. "Excuse me?" I turned around and stared at him. "I need you back here. Now." He stared back at me, no longer smiling. "Well.. what if I don't want to come back" I blabbered quickly as I spun around facing away from him and crossing my arms. "We had a deal." He said darkly "YEAH IM AWARE. BUT I DON'T REALLY WANT TO COME BACK RIGHT NOW." I yelled. "I understand it's quite "early" but I need you for something important." He reasoned. ... I mean. I've already went too far fuck it. "No. I'm not coming." I whispered as I started at the ground trying to hide my nervousness. "What." He snarled. "You. You've been harassing Zee and probably Georgie too while I've been stuck with you. Leave the poor kids alone. Zee just wants her sister and Georgie wants his family back. They've been through enough and are only kids. Plus. I feel like you did something. No. That you've done something to me. I've never liked you or wanted to be with you. Why would I want to go with you? I feel like you did something when we re-met to make me go with you." I snarled back at him. He didn't respond. Did he leave? I turned around to check if he was still here. He had a worried expression and was staring at the wall with his hand covering his mouth, looking like he's trying to think of a good 'excuse'. "No, I've done nothing." He stated as he straightened himself and closed his eyes. "Are- ARE YOU KIDDING ME? ZEE LITERALLY TOLD ME WHAT YOU DID HERSELF-" "NOT THAT YOU BUFFOON, THE END. I DID NOTHING." He yelled. "Why are you choosing to be so difficult now" He sighed angrily as he put a hand on his face, trying to regain his composure. "You seem quite desperate to clear up the end." I narrowed my eyes. His pupils shrunk and he looked directly at me. "I. Did. Nothing. Yes, I'll admit I went to have a "talk" with Zee-" "Talk my ass". TIO growled and continued from where I cut him off. "I did nothing to you when we first met, that was all your own choice." He grimaced "You're lying to me again. How many times have you lied to me that I haven't realised?" I frowned. TIO looked away. "You're clearly talking senselessly, I'll come back to collect you later." He said as he put his back to me. "Oh you're leaving? What can u not think of more lies to back yourself up" I reprimanded. TIO let out a low growl before fading away and finally leaving me alone.

I slammed my head into my hands and let out another huge sigh once again. Suddenly, a strange splitting pain appeared in my head. OW FUCK. I bet he's doing this to just piss me off. Maybe I should just go to bed. I don't know if I can sleep with a massive ass headache like this. I groaned in pain and curled up into the chair. "Was that him.." Pony shook. My head shot up as I looked at the horse in front of me. WELL SHIT. SO HE HEARD. "Pony you are the last thing I need rn. But yes, It was TIO. Now I'm going to bed. He's just given me a massive ass headache for calling him out on his bullshit." I growled as I made my way up the stairs to the spare bedroom I was in before. "WHAT HAPPENED?? HE'S FINE???? DIDN'T WE KILL HIM OR AT LEAST SEVERELY INJURE HIM????? IS HE COMING BACK??" Pony fretted. "Pony. Shut the fuck up." I snarled. "I-" Pony attempted "No. Shut up, I'll explain what happened in the morning. This headache is an absolute bitch." I stated. "Ok.. Fine. Do you need any medication we hav-" I cut Pony off once again "No. I doubt meds will even work on TIO shit." I said to the horse whilst stepping into the room. "Ok- Well goodni-" I silenced him for the 3rd time as I slammed the door in his face. I walked over to the bed and threw myself onto it, My body immediately sinking into it like a heavy rock in a body of water. Fuck. I don't even wanna think about anything. I'm gonna just sleep.

...

...

Ugh.

...

...

...

Yeah this isn't working. Maybe meds would actually work. Can't hurt to try. Painkillers and some sort of sleep meds? I opened the door and stumbled back downstairs, I walked into where the small amount of medicine we have is. "Pony, where the hell is the cabinet" I groaned. "Top one to the right." Pony shouted from the kitchen. I opened the cabinet and looked for the medication I needed, "There they are" I exclaimed as I grabbed the boxes. I walked over to the kitchen to get some water so I'd be able to actually take these. "Here." Pony smiled as he handed me a glass of water. "I knew you'd take my suggestion" He gave another nervous smile. I looked at him blankly. "Shut" Is all I said as I walked back up to my room.

I slowly took the tablets and lay back down on the bed. A wave of tiredness hit me as soon as I relaxed on the bed. Damn. Bros got some effective meds. My awful headache still isn't gone though. I closed my eyes and let myself drift into unconsciousness to escape the pain my body is in.

...

Am I moving?

I thought I just went to bed.

I fluttered my eyes open and realised I was over someone's shoulder, "WHAT THE FUCK" I screamed flailing about and managing to fall out of the kidnappers grip. The kidnapper turned around as I hit the floor. I didn't look back and attempted to spirit away. But the figure teleported in front of me. "MARKUS??" Is all I could shout out before a pitchfork whacked me over the head making me almost pass out due to the trauma.

I lay on the floor and groaned in pain. Well this is gonna make my headache so much better isn't it. I used all my strength to keep myself awake barely being able to keep my eyelids open. Markus walked over to me and threw me back over his shoulder. My head was spinning and my vision was starting to get blurry. I could barely make out that we are at the docks. I stared as the ground was Markus walked and noticed a small trail of red. Shit. My heads bleeding.

Markus came to a halt and stared at a wall. I tried to tilt my head to see what he was looking at. The wall was blank. But then, a purple portal appeared on the walls. I would of widened my eyes but unfortunately due to the state of my body I couldn't. Markus quickly threw me through the portal slamming my body against the hard floor. FUCK. I rolled over onto my stomach holding my arm that hit the floor and got crushed under my weight.

I closed my eyes preparing to pass out instead of waiting for a worse, more painful outcome. "Oh dear, this wasn't planned." I heard TIOs deep voice mumbling from above me. I can't tell if he's genuinely concerned and didn't mean to do that or just putting on another bullshit act, but considering that he gave me a headache, I wouldn't doubt he's faking again. I continued laying down on the floor in agony as TIO stood above me, looking down at me. After a few minutes he crouched down and picked me up in a bridal style way. I tried to object but could barely move my limbs and only whispered out inchorrent words that he didn't seem to hear at all. TIO hummed as he carried me through a portal back into the castle.

He softly walked through the hallways before finally arriving at a room. He opened the door and walked in, my vision was still quite blurry but I managed to make out that the room was a bedroom. TIO walked over to the bed and gently placed me down on it, "I'll come speak to you later" he smiled as he threw a blanket over me. He turned around and left the room, closing the door behind him.

BRO..

I stared up at the ceiling thinking about what I should even do in this situation. He got mad at me for calling him out on his lies clearly. I can barely move my arms and legs. He's not gonna do anything while I'm asleep. Right? I mean at least if he does kill me I wont feel it if I'm asleep. What else would he do, infect me? Or chop my limbs off? Or- .. Nah he wouldn't do that. He wouldn't. He isn't like that. Trauma be acting up fr fr, WHY HASN'T HE USED THAT AGAINST ME YET? BRO??? WHAT IS GOING ON. FUCK, THIS IS MAKING MY HEAD HURT MORE. Nah I'm going to sleep I hope I don't wake up mf. I closed my eyes again and willingly let myself pass out.

Someones watching me.

I crept my eyes open and saw TIO sitting at the bottom of the bed reading something. I tried to sit up, and to my avail I actually sat up. TIO heard me get up as he put his book down and directed his attention towards me. "Kill yourself." I glared. "You give me such lovely greetings" He smiled. "Don't fucking smile at me bitch." I growled. He looked at me unamused and stood up. He walked along the side of the bed until he reached me. "Listen dear, I didn't mean for you to get injured" He smiled again as he crouched down to my level and put a hand on my head. "Yeah I don't believe that" I glared and swatted his hand off me. TIO sighed "Listen, I truly did not mean for you to get injured nor cause you a headache" He explained. "TIO. I didn't mention my headache." I frowned. "You mentioned it before! At your friend's house, I didn't mean that you mentioned it now!!" He smiled. Yeah sure. "Using an excuse to cover up something you did?" I raised an eyebrow. "Fine then. You want me to be honest?" He frowned and folded his arms as he stood up straight. "Yes." I shifted. "Alright. I may have caused your headache." He averted his gaze. "And? I know you've done more." I stared. "I'm not obligated to tell you anything more." He looked back at me.

I narrowed my eyes at him. "Then I'm leaving." I growled as I tried to push him and walk out the room. "No!" He snarled as he grabbed my hand, preventing me from exiting. "Let go." I said as I struggled to break out of his grip. "No. It's not like you can leave without my permission anyways." He smiled darkly. "What..?"I stopped my struggle and started up at the man. "Well it's quite simple, You cannot leave unless I get one of my members to re-open that portal" He smiled again. I widened my eyes, not breaking my gaze from him. What. "Listen.. I'm incredibly sorry but I do need you here" He stressed. I stayed silent. "(Y/N)?" He mummered. I fell down onto my knees in complete despair, TIO still holding onto my arm. I'm stuck here. I'm never going to get to see my friends again. "(Y/N)..? He repeated. "I'm not speaking with you." I muttered. "..Fine. I'll be honest about everything." TIO sighed reluctantly. "Will that make you speak? ..Dear?" He inquired. "Perhaps.." I responded cautiously. "Alright, yes, everything you have made allegations about are true." He said. "But believe me, I have my reasons!" He explained. "I wanna hear the reason of why you made me come with you and why the fuck you're keeping me trapped here with you" I indirectly glared."I-" TIO faltered. "Very well..." He sighed, "I can not explain the full reason as I find it quite a private matter to me. But, I do just.. Need you.... Here.. For a little!" He elaborated. "Wait so you're going to let me go eventually!?" I exclaimed. "Of course I am!" TIO beamed. I looked back up at the tall figure who was now kneeling down to me and still holding my arm. He wasn't looking at me with his usual expression, his pupil was bigger than normal, I could see more black than orange. Maybe he is being honest..? "Ok, fine, fine." I breathed as I stood back up, TIO blinked and reverted his eyes back to their usual state, back to a tiny black dot in the centre, he stood up and grabbed both of my hands and put them in his. "Ok now! Come with me!" He smiled as he held my hand and led me out of the room.

"Where are we going?" I asked. "Well now that you're actually here you can eat, and as far as I'm aware, you forgot to bring the food your little cat friend gave you here." He beamed. "I didnt forget to take it u dragged me here while I was unconscious you fuck." I glared. "Let's forget about that" He smiled while raising a hand. "Sure." I replied. Still wanna know why he wants me here, he's been acting unusually nice to me for ages.. "Wait, wait, wait. Whose mind are we in right now? Because you said I'm physically here so? It can't be mine, right?" I questioned. "Ah yes, We aren't using your headspace." He answered. "Then whose are we using?" I questioned again. "I guess we can say mine." He replied. "So that means you can't hear my thoughts anymore?" I smirked. He paused and turned around to face me. "What have you been thinking about..?" He glared. "NO NO NOTHING I WAS JUST WONDERING MAN" I yelled as I scrambled for an excuse and stepped back. "Hm" TIO huffed as he started walking again. "You are aware I can still access your mind if I desire?" He said. "Well. Damn I thought I was safe." I wept sarcastically. "Yes I can simply enter whenever I like. You being here doesn't change anything in those circumstances." He explained. "Ok, so, whenever you're not here, I just dont think, ok" I rolled my eyes. "What are you hiding?" He asked. "NAH NOTHING MAN JOKES ALL JOKES" I yelled once more, raising my hands in front of me. He looked back at me and smirked. Ok ngl that was kinda.. NAH NO NO IT WAS NOT. IT WAS NOT. STOP.

TIO pushed open the large dining hall doors. "Take a seat!" He smiled as he pulled out a seat for me. I slouched down, walked over to him and sat down. "What would you like?" He asked with a smile. "I want what Kitty made me" I rolled my eyes. "I can get you that" He said as he clicked his fingers and the box Kitty gave me appeared. "Oh." I frowned unamused. He wasn't supposed to do that. TIO placed down the box in front of me and left the room. Welp. Guess I'm back here for a bit. I stared blankly at the wall as I ate the sandwiches Kitty packed.

I lay back on the chair, wondering where my lifes gonna go from here. When will he let me go? Is he lying about letting me go? Multiple questions ran through my head as I started up at the detailed white ceiling and put my hands on my lap. "Hello again!" TIO beamed as he appeared behind me. "Bro I'm still so tired I can't deal with this" I whispered as I closed my eyes. "Well then, In that case!" TIO smiled while picking me up and putting me in his arms, "AGAIN?" I screamed. TIO laughed as he walked out the room and took me back to the bedroom I woke up in. He placed me down on the bed and tucked me in. I'm not a kid, man. "Sweet dreams~" He waved as he left the room. Wth is he going, doesn't he normally stay with me? I looked around the room and noticed it was different from the one we were usually together in. This isn't his room. Damn. Well in that case I'm gonna be a nuisance then. I jumped out the bed and made my way to the door. I grabbed the handle and twisted. But, It didn't budge? WAIT. DID HE LOCK ME IN HERE? I groaned in annoyance over the fact that I couldn't be annoying and went back to the bed. I lay down once again and stared at the ceiling. Welp, lets see what goes down tomorrow.

Chapter Text

I stirred as I rolled over, groaning whilst stretching out my limbs. "Fffuckk..." I mumbled out, blinking periodically in the process. I rolled over again, laying on my back once more as I stared up at the roof. I frowned. I'm STILL FUCKING HERE. Immediately I slapped my hands onto my face as a sort of facepalm before sitting up. No TIO..? I looked around. No TIO!

I stretched once more, pressing my arms out in front of me, spreading my wings. With a groan I slumped down, pushing myself out of bed and making my way over to the door. This thing better not be still locked. I reach out for the handle and turn... ITS FUCKING LOCKED OH MY GOD YOU LITTLE BITCH. I let out a low growl, letting my hand drop back down to my side. Well. This is annoying. What if I just... I glance around, looking for no one in particular.

SLAM

I stumbled backwards, it seems that ramming into the door DID NOT! Open it! I shook my head, buffering from the recoil. Suddenly I heard the door open, instantly grabbing my attention and forcing me to look up. "What... What did you just do...?" TIO asks, genuine confusion present in his tone. "Slammed that hoe." I replied quickly, pulling myself up and standing almost proudly. TIO looked at me disappointedly. "I see..." He responds, "You know you are able to call for me, correct...?" "Yeah I know."

I stare up at him blankly as he looks down at me with concern. "...Alright then?" He falters, maybe I should slam into doors more, seems to confuse him.

We both stood in an awkward silence, just staring at each other.

"...Are you hungry?" He finally breaks the silence, looking away in a cringeworthy manner. Damn man if you can't accept me slamming into doors you don't deserve me slamming into you, ok maybe that was too much. "Yeah, I guess" I hum in response, ignoring my previous actions as I slide my hands into my pockets.

"Follow me" TIO commands with a wave, turning around quickly as he begins to tread though the halls. "OH- OK-" I quickly follow after him, trailing slowly behind the man.

"Sooooo how've you been this wonderful morning!" I smile warmly, speeding up my pace to walk by his side. "I'm fine." TIO responds bluntly. Alright, no small talk then!

The rest of the walk is followed by an awkward silence, only the sound of footsteps and distant crackle of torches can be heard.

After an agonizingly long moment we finally arrive at the dining hall.

"Go eat. I need to... attend to things." TIO mummers ominously, pausing in front of the doors before summoning a portal with a wave of his hand, quickly swishing around and stepping through it.

Huh! That's not FUCKING GOOD!!! Oh well. I shrug before turning around, pushing open the large doors that lead into the dining hall only to be greeted with a yellow hued sentinel. I almost walked right into it. The ink creature waves at me before suddenly slinking behind me and pushing me forward and to a chair.

"Thanks, but I can in fact walk." I grumbled out, I don't appreciate being pushed really, I don't think anyone does. I swiftly pull out the chair myself and sit down.

"Alright, what's he got for me this time.." I mummer to myself as I watch the sentinel disappear through a side door and into the kitchen.

God I'm so tired, I feel like I've been in a coma for two years. (HUH! I WONDER! STRANGE RIGHT?) I stretch out my arms above my head with a yawn, my wings flutter subconsciously behind me, hitting off the back of the chair, ouch.

After a few minutes the sentinel emerges from the door with a small tray of food, promptly making its way towards me.

The creature sets down the tray in front of me, lifting off the cover in an almost dramatic fashion like calm down lil bro this is breakfast not the mona lisa. Oooh, croissants! I love croissants! Quick change of thoughts I know.

I happily pick up a croissant, munching happily on the pastry. Huh, guess he's been doing more research, these ARE my favourite things to eat for breakfast. I hum thoughtfully as I continue to munch.

/////

(HOLY SHIT TIO VIEW TIME?? WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS)

(I was watching a slime kit review while writing this btw)

Can this extract just be him not so vaguely threatening zee, like threatening to kill everyone and me.

'I'm not stopping, why would I stop? For some little wyvern?' TIO scoffs to himself as he paces down the halls of the castle. 'I've gotten so far. Why would I quit now?' he continues to brood before pausing in front of a wall, suddenly, a malicious smile crosses his face. 'Let's prove my point.'

With a simple hand movement a gateway instantly swirls open against the wall. TIO lets out a mischievous chuckle as he enters, stepping through into his "usual" place.

He stands idle for a moment, crossing his arms with a smirk. Wait for it.

Alongside a single puff of smoke, a small little mute zebra suddenly appears in the middle of the room. Immediately she's alarmed, looking about in panic before her eyes land upon HIM, that doesn't help her calm down, it only makes her panic worse. TIO snickers at the pathetic display of fear.

"Hello again, Zee. Miss me?" He coos mockingly. Zee looks up at the entity in fear, quickly scrambling to her feet as she tries to put as much distance between her and him as she can.

"You already know why I'm here, have you considered my offer anymore?" TIO tilts his head with a smile. Zee immediately shakes her head. "Awh, no? How sad..." He frowns snarkily before striding over to the small zebra, towering over her with his imposing height.

"I've already taken them back, you know." He sneers, looming over Zee. "Everyone you love will be gone eventually." He adds on.

"But they don't have to be, join me and everyone you care about will stay by your side forever." He quickly changes his tune, smiling as he slides away from the foal only to reveal a carefully crafted mirage of her own big sister.

Zee's face somehow goes even whiter than it previously was, the pain from losing Zizzy was still fresh, she never fully recovered from losing her sister. An already gaping wound just got torn open even further. Zee winces, squeezing her eyes shut as she shakes her head violently. She knows it isn't real, none of this is. It's all a trick to mess with her head.

"See? I can bring so many people back to you, all I need is a simple handshake." TIO grins, extending a hand out to Zee. Before he can even react she immediately slaps away his hand, TIO recoils, stepping back. Well, that was unexpected.

Zee angrily glares at the cult leader, she would be yelling at him but no. "Hm, so be it" TIO glares down at her, clearly offended and pissed off from getting swatted away. "Go back to your sad little life, acting like this won't bring your big sister back." And with those final mocking words, he exits the foals mind, angrily sitting on the floor of his own. 'Did I really just get SWATTED?!'

/////

(Ok back to us!)

I push away the empty tray from myself, the sentinel instantly perking up and taking it away. Hey what if I just pushed that away and wasn't done? I mean there was nothing else on the plate but let me think of something.

Speaking of thinking. TIO is busy and I've got nothing to do. I've already explored the whole castle, what should I do now?

I cross my legs, leaning back in the chair as I think. Oooh, I have an idea! Maybe the grumpy bitch will like me better if I get him something? What would he like, hmmm, I do ponder. Oh! HEY. WHY AM I TRYING TO BE NICE TO HIM? THAT FUCKER GAVE ME A HEADACHE, KIDNAPPED ME, GAVE ME ANOTHER HEADACHE, LOCKED ME IN A ROOM. hey maybe he'll stop doing that if I get him something? Y'know prove my "devotion" or whatever. Oh my god toxic yaoi 🤤. Or maybe he's just a little fucked up in the head, I CAN FIX HIM!!! Ok. I need something to do, I'll stop trying to justify myself and ACTUALLY GO DO SOMETHING.

Hastily, I push myself up from the chair, I know! He doesn't have many books and that sentinel said he likes these right? LET'S GO RAID A LIBRARY RAUUUUUGHHH!!!

Hold on. How the FART do I get out of this void.

...

Uhm

TIO isn't here to free me and didn't he say something about not wanting me to leave. Ugh. I might be screwed.

Unless!

I briskly spin around and dash out the dining all, busting through the doors.

LET'S FIND THAT SENTINEL FIRST!

Immediately, I bolt down the hallway, keeping an eye out for anything that could be glowing white.

After a few torturous minutes, borderlining on being an hour, of running around the castle, out of the corner of my eye I spot a glimpse of a warm white glow. "SENTI IS THAT YOU??" I quickly skid to a halt as I yell, digging my heel into the floor to slow myself.

The white sentinel instantly turns round, tilting its head at me in interest. "YESS, YOU!" I cheer as I run towards the sentinel. It looks startled as I charge towards it, causing me to slow my pace into a regular jog. "Sorry, 'bout that" I giggle to myself nervously, apologising to the creature. "I need your help!" I beam. The sentinel tilts its head to the other side, clearly curious about whatever I'm going to say.

Alright, gotta make this sound good and convincing.

"I wanna go get TIO some books for his library, since y'know, he's got none. So do you think you could let me out of here to go raid a library!" I plead. The sentinel narrows its eyes, regarding my request with suspicion.

The sentinel shakes its head, a not so clear "no."

Awh. Well. I tried! There goes my activity for the day.

Though, suddenly the sentinel grabs my hand, leading me back up the stairs. Oh? I raise a brow in curiosity. Well, this is something, how fun!

Barely a few moments later the sentinel stops in front of a door, to be fair I can't remember what this room is. Before I can even lay a finger on the door handle I feel a large, cold hand get placed upon my shoulder. "TIO, I know it's you. You're not scaring me this time."

"Obviously, who else would it be?" I hear him snicker behind me. I sigh as I turn around, folding my arms as I glare up at him. "What do you want?" I mummer. "Hm? More importantly, what do you want?" He hums, turning my own question back against me. "Hey, I asked firs-" swiftly silences me with a finger over my lips. Can he stop doing that to me. "You want to leave." He narrows his eye at me, that was more of a statement not a question.

"Woah, ok, you're phrasing that bad, I want to leave to get you a gift. I'd return instantly, I promise. If not, you have full permission to kidnap me again." I retort, grabbing his wrist and pulling his hand down from my mouth. He looked a little surprised, his pupil shrinking, whether that was at my words or me grabbing his wrist, doesn't matter to me.

"Hmm." TIO hums, straightening himself back up as he folds his hands behind his back. He's quiet for a few seconds seemingly thinking through his answer hard. "Fine." He replies reluctantly with clear disdain in his voice. Wow, he really doesn't want me to leave here, I need to figure this out man.

"Great, you can trust me here, I will be back." I attempt to reassure him. TIO narrows his eye at me in response, clearly he's not convinced, don't blame him though, man clearly has some trust issues.

"Very well. Let's make this a test, hm? Call for me when you're done." His tone suddenly turns chipper as he opens up a swirling, purple portal on the wall with a wave of his hand, and with that he walks off, his tailcoat swishing behind him.

Hey, at least he opened the portal on the wall this time instead of dropping me through it! I let out a soft sigh before turning my attention towards the portal, carefully stepping through and within an instant, oh, he already put me in a library. Guess that'll save me having to hunt one down.

I hear the sound of the portal closing behind me, my ears flicking up at the noise, instantly I turn around in confusion, I'm bringing them BACK don't close it? Though suddenly, a new one opens, I raise an eyebrow as I stick my head back through the portal, OH, I see. The new portal leads to the library. Smart man!

I spin back around to the library, the scent of old dust instantly filling my nose causing me to let out a sneeze, euugh. I rapidly look around the ornate room. This place seems old, old, like that it was abandoned before the infection, how long he had eyes on this place. I question myself as I walk away from the portal and deeper into the archive. Does he want anything in particular? Can't hurt to ask, can it!

"Hey TIO, did you want any specific book from here?" I call out into thin air, I'd look crazy if anyone was around just like that time when we first met. "No, just get what you can." He replies within an instant. Great! Free reign to throw books into a portal! Maybe not throw, I don't want to break anything, I'll just shovel it in.

Agilely, I jump up, flapping my wings to soar up to the highest shelf. WHEW. Lots of dust, I cough, covering my face with a hand. Luckily for myself, I am such a skillful avian, I smirk at myself as I use my wings to send a precise gust of wind towards the books, blowing off most of the dust. Easy! I wait for a moment for the dust to settle before gliding towards the shelf, scooping up the books into my arms, cradling them as I float back down to the floor.

Happily, I skip back over to the portal, carefully placing down the book pile on the other side.

Might as well get some more for him! I repeat this process a few times for multiple shelves, you don't need the details, it's boring!

//////

With a sigh I slide back down to the ground, placing the final load into the portal. I wipe a bead of sweat from my forehead with my sleeve before dusting my hands off together. Phew, I'm exhausted, I need a nap after this one.

With another stretch I turn around with a yawn, not so gracefully stepping through the portal. As I step through carefully avoiding stepping on the messy piles of books I threw on the ground, I look up to see a whole swarm of sentinels, good lord, If this is what I was dealing with while fighting him that one time I would NOT have lived. I spot TIO is crouched in the middle of the crowd, he's thoroughly checking through all the books before handing them off to a sentinel to be placed, so it seems.

"I'm done man." I grunt out, my exhaustion evident in my tone as I stretch out my arms in front of me once more. "You did more than enough." TIO smiles, a clear lilt in his voice. Oh? First time I've heard him be genuinely happy that isn't forced. Do I win? "I'm glad you're happy!" I smile back at him. "I'm gonna go head for a lie down, I'm so tired after that." I apprise, refraining from doing another stretch.

"That's more than fine with me, my dear. You've earned it." He nods, the euphoria never once disappearing from his speech. I nod at him, sweeping past him and the crowd of sentinels, rooms were top floors I remember that. Feels like it's been a long day, hasn't it really, I'm just exhausted from all of the back and forth.

I continue to wonder to myself as I briskly make my way up the MANY FUCKING STAIRS, NO NEED FOR THIS MANY BY THE WAY, until I eventually reach the rooms, I push open a random door, not caring my remember which one is mine. They're all the same anyways, unless I go into TIO's.

I softly push the door closed behind me, taking off my boots and leaving them near the door. I make my way over to the bed as if it's urgent and crash my face into the soft mattress, I let out a sigh of relief as I sink into the plush fabric. Instantly I pull my body up and under the covers, phew, that's so much better. I smile to myself as I close my eyes, much needed rest, fun.