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*Wren's POV*

"STAY AWAY FROM ME!" I shouted as I kept running, trying to get as far away from, HIM as possible...

Who was I referring to?

Winston Puzzles....

My former boss.

"There's no where to run One Shot Wren..." I heard him say. "You know you can never escape from me~"

I didn't care and just kept running.

"Get the fuck away from me!!!" I screamed. I kept running and running... Until I somehow lost my footing... and fell.

I knew in that moment... I was gonna die again...

I woke up screaming.

It took a second to register that I was in my room, I looked around, catching my breath, my hand on my chest... my heart pounding, my breath was shaky...

That dream.... it felt too damn real...

I looked at the clock. 1:12 AM

"Fuck..." I muttered, feeling cold. The window was open, and it was cold outside.

Damn this Autumn season... Why Lucky Shot loves this time of year is beyond me...

I climbed out of my bed and grabbed a blanket, draping around my shoulders before padding out into the hallway. My room was at the back of the house, Aria was across the hall from me, and I could see her door was open, only to remember, she was staying with Smokey for the night.

She was close to her new brother, not like it was a bad thing. He was the first person to be nice to her while she was, well, under Error's control, so it made sense she felt safe with him.

I however looked to Lucky Shot's room, closer to the stairs.

Why was the master bedroom always close to the stairs? it made no sense. I shook that thought away and quickly padded to his room, praying to god he was alone in there.

As much as I liked his fiance, I knew he wouldn't be good company.... not tonight... I quickly made my way to his room and opened the door.

In the darkness, I saw Lucky Shot's sleeping form... he always did look peaceful like that... Quietly, I made my way into the room and over to his side of the bed. I was nervous to wake him...

But, I needed someone...

Who better than my best friend.... right?

Carefully, I put my hand on his shoulder and gently shook him awake. "D-Derek, wake up." I whispered. "Derek please wake up."

I watched him turn to face me, he looked shocked.

"You never call me Derek." he told me, no sleep in his voice. "Everything okay bro?" I shook my head, "I..... had a bad nightmare..." I said, lowering my gaze. "Puzzles again?" he asked, I nodded. "I-I'm sorry dude...." I said softly, starting to leave.

Lucky Shot grabbed my hand.

"Hold on buddy." he told me, "If you want to stay, you can."

I looked at him, and could see the worry in his eyes.

He knew me too well....

I nodded and climbed into bed with him. He immediately wrapped his arms around me. I snuggled up into his chest....

....

He was my friend, my brother... What did I do to deserve him...?

"D-Derek...?" I asked, "Yeah Wren?" I was silent, before I spoke again.

"Thank you... for being here for me...."

He was silent, but I felt him play with my hair, well, tentacles.

You get what I mean.

"That's what friends are for, right?" he said, I just nodded, laying my head on his chest. "Yeah..." I whispered.

With that, I felt safe.... safe enough to fall asleep.

*The next day*

*Garcello's POV*

What the fuck was Mario doing?

"Mario?" I asked, "Whatcha doing?" Mario just turned his head a full 180 degrees, "Vandalizing stuff." he said, sounding like Patrick. "Isn't that your house?" Annie asked him as Luigi walked out. "MARIO WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING???" Luigi asked, shocked.

Annie and I laughed.

"Well that happened." I said as we walked away. "Tell me about it." Annie said, chucking. Mario caught up with us. "Where you two heading?" he asked, "Castle." I told him, "You wanna tag along?" "Oh yeah!" he said happily.

So off to the castle we went.

Axol, Aria, and Melony were waiting for us there. "Hey guys!" Annie said, "Hi guys" Aria said with a smile. "So where is everyone?" I asked, Axol just gave a smirk.

I knew that smirk.

I knew it all too well.

Thankfully Mario beat him to it.

"Applejack's in a coma, Rarity's being held captive by Mexicans, Fluttershy's in the nut house, and Rainbow Dash is dead." Mario just smirked. "Any more questions smart ass?"

Annie was dying of laughter.

"Okay I walked right into that one." I said, quoting Husk. Mario just gave his I'mma cause trouble face while giving me a thumbs up.

Glad to know he was on our side here.

It was a bonus.

"I don't get it." Aria said, "It's a long story." I told her. "Tell me later?" she asked, "Will do." I said back.

After awhile the others did show up and Four left his room... wearing Three's clothes?

I think we all know what just happened.

Especially since Three poked his head out of Four's room, "Uh, Jellybean?" he said, "You grabbed my clothes by mistake."

It took him two seconds.

Four screamed, ran back into his room and slammed the door shut, startling Beeg. "AUGH!" Beeg called out, a little ball of angy.

....

"Why are you gay?"

Mario why?

At least Desti bonked him.

That was a bonus.

I looked around the room and saw what everyone was doing. Mario and Luigi were arguing in their Italian Gibberish, Boopkins was watching anime, Saiko and Kaizo were practicing a new song, Swag was singing Baby Shark, only for Melony to do her own take before Bob intervened. That was something. Tari had her ducks to play with, Belle was playing a game with Whimpu, who was losing. JubJub was running around, flapping his wings before Mario kicked him outside. I went out to catch him, but it turns out... he hit someone, as I heard a crash and familiar yelp.

"YOU BRUTE! I JUST CLEANED THIS SCREEN!"

Puzzles, you deserved that.

I just sighed and picked up JubJub. "You okay little buddy?" I asked him, "Garcy!" he said cheerfully. I just hugged him while we walked inside.

Though when we walked back inside, Aria was beating the ever loving daylights out of Mario for that.

No one dared to stop her.

Though, she stopped once Mario blacked out. "You're not gonna get an apology like that Aria." I told her, "Let's wait for him to wake up okay?" Axol added, Aria slowly nodded and joined us.

Jubjub stayed with us while Axol and I played some Smash. I was Kirby while he was Ganondorf. I kept losing. Aria however was watching us intently. "You know Gar," Axol said, "You wouldn't be sucking if you chose a better player." "Maybe you shouldn't choose Ganon then." I said with a smirk. "Ain't my fault he's top tier." he told me, "Please" I said, "He's just a mean green mother." "Too bad he ain't from outer space." Axol said, chuckling.

At least he got where I was going with that joke.

Aria however looked between us as we bickered. We're bros now, it felt... nice honestly.

"Gar?" Aria began, "I have a question." "What's up Songbird?" I asked, "How did you two meet?" Axol and I exchanged looks. I know he explained to Mario how we met, but I don't think we told everyone else. We smiled and nodded. "I think we can tell you." I said, "See, we both met in the afterlife," Axol began, "Shortly after my death, Gar had approached me." "I was looking for dad" I told her, "Not knowing he was in Hell." I was flustered when I admitted that. "Really?" Aria asked, we nodded. "We'd made a deal that day." Axol continued, "I'd help him find his dad, if he helped me find Desti, Spudnick, and Fred." I nodded in confirmation. "Did you?" she asked, we nodded. "We found Desti first," I said, "Then Spudnick, and then we found Fred shortly before we were revived."

Was I blushing?

Because I remember what happened after we found Fred, I met Chris.

"You're blushing bro."

Dammit.

"Heh, sorry..." I said, "Just remembered we met Chris after we found Fred." "Ahh," Aria said, understanding, but then she had another question.

"Do you guys know how Mr. Lucks and Wren met?"

Silence from both of us.

"Uh.... no not really no." I said, quoting Donkey. "All we know is they met before they met us again." Axol told her. "Did they tell you anything before they reunited with us?" I asked, Aria shook her head. "Not really." she told us, "Mr. Lucks gave me the necklace to access my demon form, but that was it." The three of us exchanged looks and looked around the room.

Neither dad, nor Wren was here.

"Wonder where they are?" I asked, looking at Aria, who shrugged.

Almost as if on cue, Dad and Wren walked in, chuckling about something. "So that song was found where?" Wren asked, "A movie probably in Bob's personal collection." dad told him. "Of all the places for a lost song to be, it's a porno."

I knew what song they were referring to. I pulled up the video and smirked, "You mean this?" I asked, pressing play. Dad just chuckled and nodded. "Yes that." he told me, approaching us with Wren. "What have you guys been up to?" Wren asked, before we could say anything, Aria beat us to it.

"How'd you two meet?"

*Lucks's POV*

Was wondering if someone was gonna ask us this.

I looked at Wren and smiled. "Should we tell them?" I asked him, "I think we shall~" he said with a smirk. "You two fucking or is Mario missing something?" Mario asked.

Wren had every right to shoot him, but in the crotch of all places?

"Uh you okay Mario?" I asked, "Mario's Penis just went to Heaven." he said as he fell over. "Deserved." Aria told him. "Anyway, I think we can tell you guys." I told them. "Did you guys meet in Hell?" Axol asked, we laughed and shook our heads. "No, no." I told them, "See, I was already revived when we met." Wren nodded. "It's true." he said, "See, we met while I was still working for Puzzles."

There was a collective gasp from everyone.

"Was this before...?" SMG4 began, "A good year before I met you guys." Wren said. "It was 2022 guys." I told them. "Wasn't this while you guys were dealing with a lawsuit from Nintendo?" "Yeah it was." SMG3 said, "Hard to believe that was two years ago." SMG4 nodded. "So, what happened?" Gar asked, everyone gathered around the two of us.

Wren and I just smirked.

"Want me to tell this story?" I asked, "Go for it, I'll fill in blanks." he told me. I nodded and began. "This all started shortly after my own revival." I told them, "Back when I was still looking for you Garcy." Gar nodded, believing me.

With that, I continued...

*Flashback: 2022, during the Isolation Arc*

'Where could he be...?' I thought as I walked the streets. I was desperate to find Garcy and reconcile.

That had been my goal during my time in Hell, what lead to my redemption...

I knew making up with the others would be damn near impossible... but Gar was my top priority.

Needed to find him...

"He has to be somewhere..." I said aloud, looking around. "But where?"

Walking through Silica, I tried feverishly. TAS Corp had shut its doors after my death, so checking there was a bust. Same for going right to MD-5. I would've been turned in or killed again the second they saw me.

Not a risk I was willing to take.

Though, I still needed to find him...

I sat in an alley and sighed. "I'm never gonna find Garcy at this rate..." I groaned. "I just want to make things right...."

After I said that though, something hit me right in the face.

I pulled it off and saw it was a letter... with a.... TV symbol on it?

Already I didn't like where this was going.

"If this is from Vox I'm gonna break his screen." I said to myself as I opened the envelope.

It wasn't.

Inside was a set of directions.

"The fuck...?" I asked myself aloud, looking these over. I felt almost like I was being pranked here. I sighed and put the final address into my phone's GPS.

Why was I doing this?

Meh, maybe it'd help.

After a while I reached my destination.

It looked almost like a warehouse if anything.

"Wha...?" I asked before stepping inside. What I saw... surprised me.

It looked like a TV studio.

Well, to an extent.

I walked around, looking for at least something, or someone. "Hello?" I called out, "Anyone here?" I soon heard a door open and heard someone step out, talking on a phone "No, tell my doctor Fuck me, it's coming out one way or another!" I heard someone say. I swear he sounded like Bryce Tankthrust.

Thanks Garcy.

As for who was saying it, they sure didn't look like Bryce, or anything like Brandon Rogers. Why? This guy was tall AF, and had a TV for a head!

What is this guy, Vox's long lost twin or something?

I had so many questions.

And odds are I would get no answers.

At least not anytime soon.

He ended the call and turned around finally spotting me, I don't know why, but he looked at me like I was a ticket to a new car. Not a good thing. "Why hello there good sir~!" he said, a chipper smile plastered across that screen of his. "Welcome to PuzzleVision~!" hr said, wrapping an arm around me.

Already I felt uncertain.

Well, scared for my soul was more like it.

Because this guy gave me Vox vibes.

"I'm sorry what?" I asked, confused, "In fact, who are you?" He gasped, almost dramatically, "You don't know who I am??? Are you nuts or just crazy??"

...

"Is that a trick question?" I asked, trying not to come off as an ass, ... and channeling a bit of my son.

Well, one of his favorite shows when he was younger.

This TV headed guy did not look impressed with my response.

"Whatever." he said, "Anyway, my name is Mr. Puzzles" he told me, bowing, "And you good sir?" he asked me, "Um, Derek Lucks." I said, "But you can call me Lucks." Mr. Puzzles squinted at me, "Well then Lucks" he began, smiling, "Let me explain how things work here at PuzzleVision~"

PuzzleVision?

"The fuck is that?" I asked, "Your brand?" "Yes!" he said with a smirk "And I can make your dreams come true!" Where have I heard that before? I arched a brow because I knew someone like this. "Okay, enlighten me." I said, sounding like Kristoff, "what kind of dreams can you bring to life?" "I'm glad you asked!" he said, wrapping an arm around my shoulders. "You can be whatever you want! Believe me Lucks I can make you a star!"

Ohhhhhh, movies, or TV.

Those types of dreams.

"Not interested." I said, removing his hand from my shoulder, "I'm just looking for my son." Puzzles at me in shock, almost defeat, "B-but I-" "I stand by what I said," I told him, "And if my kid's not here, than I'm out."

Besides, I prefer a radio star over a TV star.

As I was leaving, I spotted a strange room with what looked like a giant tube inside. stepping inside, I saw a bunch of beds, and a giant container. it kinda reminded me of the incubator thing MewTwo was inside in the first Pokemon movie.

Thanks Garcy.

Except, there was some one inside it... a guy I think, he looked like... an Inkling from Splatoon. I was in shock at the sight. "What the fuck...?" I asked, touching the glass. Seemed Puzzles followed me and saw, "Interested~?" he said, "This is our state of the art movie simulator!"

A simulation?

"Like the Sims?" I asked, "Except you're the one in control~" he told me. I just looked at the inkling in the tube. "And him?" I asked, "One of my best actors~!" he told me, "That doesn't answer my question." I said, unamused. "Perhaps you should introduce yourself~" he said, smirking.

I caught on fast.

"I don't like where this is going." I said, channeling JonTron."I'll see myself out-" "TOO LATE!" he said before grabbing me and tossing me into one of the machine. "HEY WHAT ARE YOU-?" "Enjoy Western Spaghetti my good man~!" he chirped as everything went black.

...

When I came to, I found myself... in the wild west?

And wearing typical western clothes from the movies.

Though, I think these were clothes worn from the Showdown Bandit game.

Too bad that game got cancelled.

Looked promising.

"Where am I?" I asked, walking around. "Puzzles said this place was called Western Spaghetti, but why?"I asked myself. Sure enough though, I reached a typical western town.

The sign above read "Western Spaghetti."

"I have several questions." I said, again, channeling JonTron. I merely shrugged and walked into town...

And it was a bloodbath. Well, somewhat.

Tons of people were in a heap, almost like a pile of dead bodies. and running around was that same inkling, except he was dressed like a cowboy, shooting at these people and laughing his ass off.

Little psycho right here.

...

I was intrigued.

"Now this just got interesting..." I said, approaching the scene. This inkling, he was a damn good sharp shooter, that's for damn sure.

Question is.. would he notice me, or try to take a shot at me?

I was a bit concerned if he would try to shoot me.

Sure enough though, he spotted me, grinned and took aim. I ran behind a barrel and hid, like a fucking coward. I heard him laugh. "Ohh this one's got some good agility~" he said, a hint of southern drawl in his voice. I had to think fast. "Come on out little NPC~" he said, almost eager, "Give daddy a challenge~"

...

"Ew." I muttered. I didn't even call my own fiance that. He hated it, as did I. I removed my hat and peered out behind the barrel, he was facing away from me, gun at the ready. I quickly ran into a building and made a run to the rooftop. 'Get to higher ground.' I thought to myself as I made my way up the stairs, feeling for a weapon of some sort.

I had a gun.

Of course I did.

I made my way to the roof and slowly, moved towards the edge, I saw the inking looking around, moving a bit. "Oh come on, did you despawn on me?" he called out. "This was getting fun!" I saw him kick a pebble in anger. "Puzzles you ass." he muttered, looking annoyed. 'Wait,' I thought, 'Is he bored?' I pondered on that as I readied my gun to fire, getting an idea. 'Perhaps a challenge is what we both need.' I thought, smirking. Soon he had his back to me. I aimed... "Well played-"

I fired...

And missed.

He turned, smirked and aimed, saying one thing: "Draw."

I was shot.

My heart clenched up as I fell back, my mind racing, I could feel myself hyperventilating. I knew what it was:

A panic attack.

I knew why when the flashback played in my head... Masa and Garcy fighting over the gun... Masa's arm acting up...

"So you are behind this... hmph. Well played"

The gunshot rung in my ears, I gripped my ears and squeezed my eyes shut, trying to calm my breathing. I didn't even hear the inkling come out onto the roof, until I felt a hand on my shoulder. I looked up and saw the confusion on his face, only for it to be replaced with horrified realization. "Oh dear god you're real." he said, voice flat. I was able to get a better view of his face.

His eyes were hazel almost, his hair, or tentacles, were gray, tied back into a ponytail that peeked out his cowboy hat, and he had some sort of tattoo on his left cheek, along with a small scar above his right eyebrow. As for his outfit, a black and grey cowboy hat, a black jacket, Jade shirt underneath,  green tie, black slacks, a brown leather belt, guns on both hips, and olive green boots.

He reached a hand out, "You okay?" he asked, I slowly nodded and took it. "I-I'll be fine." I told him, "Jeez," he said, "Didn't think Winston would bring a new sucker in."

Winston?

That's a name I haven't heard in years.

"What do you mean by that?" I asked warily. he just chuckled and opened a menu somehow. "Hey Win," he said, "Think you can let us out?" "It's Puzzles to you!" I heard Puzzles angry voice call out. "And, ugh, fine."

With that, the world went white, and I was back in that pod thing. I stepped out, back in my normal clothes. "What just happened?" I asked, hearing what sounded like a container opening. I turned to the tube as that inkling climbed out. I finally saw what he was really wearing, a black shirt, black shorts, black jacket and black cape, ... and barefoot. "Ugh," I heard him groan, "I have got to take breaks from that thing." he stretched as he walked off a platform and looked at me. "Oh, you're here." he said, "Thought you would've taken off the first chance you had." I squinted, "What are you a mind reader?" I asked, "HA! No." he said, sounding way too familiar. "I've been here for a few years now, so I'm used to people leaving afterwards."

Damn.

"You stayin'?" he asked, extending his hand to me. I thought about it... I still wanted to find Garcy... but, would this guy be helpful? "I might," I said, taking his hand and shaking it. "One condition though," I continued, "That being?" he asked, "I'm looking for my son," I continued, "Think you can help me find him?" He thought for a minute, then smiled and nodded. "You got a deal pal!" he said, shaking my hand. "By the way, what's your name?" he asked, "Oh, my name's Derek Lucks, but I prefer Lucks, and you?" he smirked. "I'm Wren, Wren Inkscopes." he told me, "Everyone called me One shot Wren." I nodded and put my hand on his shoulder, "Nice to meet ya, One Shot." I said with a smirk.

He smirked back.

"Nice to meet you too, Lucky Shot."

*end of flashback*

*Lucks' POV*

"That's how we met." I said, "We became rivals in the simulation, and, slowly, became friends in real life." Wren nodded, "It's true." he said, "I guess what we both needed was a friend." I nodded at that. "That, that's insane actually." Garcy told us, "I have to ask though" Axol began, "Wren, did you and Puzzles...?"

I knew what he was implying.

"You wanna tell them or do you want me to?" I asked, Wren shook his head, "I'll do it." he told me, then looked at Axol. "Puzzles and I, we weren't really a thing." Wren told him, "Just work partners, that's all."

Mario wasn't buying it.

"You two were fucking weren't you?" he asked, shocking us both. "Why the fuck do you think that?" I asked him, "Because of this." Mario said, holding up what looked like ship art of the two.

Wren kicked Mario's ass after that.

I knew he and Puzzles were exes. I don't know if they ever formally broke up, but I know that he and Puzzles were slowly drifting apart around the time I left. Wren's happy to be single, but I had seen him listening to music from The Squid Sisters a lot lately, and blushing at pics of them both too

Seems the former champ has a thing for Callie and Marie.

Question is, did he like just one of them, or both?

Meh, I'd figure that out later.

Wren came back, looking annoyed, then...

"You are gay."

Aria took Mario outside by the leg.

"Only maim him Songbird!" Garcy called out to her. "No promises!" she called back.

'That's my girl' I thought as she walked outside, Mario screaming behind her. I know she hates when I call her that, but hey, it's true.

Wren gave an annoyed sigh. "And I thought him assuming that we're a couple was bad." he told me. "Agreed." I said, also annoyed. "Are we really that close?" Axol and Melony just shrugged. "Not really." i heard Niles say. "What you two have is similar to what Axol and Gar have. Mario's just stupid." I just looked at him. "Don't say it," he said, "I know what you're thinking Lucky." "Don't call me that." I shot back. "Even James knew that."

The irony of my own killer knowing better than to call me by a nickname I ahted wasn't lost to me.

Then again, he and I had a common enemy.

"Hold on a sec." Gar said, "If you two met in the simulation, why weren't you there when we showed up?" I sighed, "I..." I started, looking upset, Wren patted my knee. "Go on." he told me, I nodded and sighed. "I had a falling out with Puzzles..." I told him, "Here's what happened..."

*flashback to before the ending of Isolation, just two weeks shy of the concert*

I was chilling in the common room, the radio playing some tunes nearby. "Wonder where One Shot is?" I asked myself aloud, sitting up from the sofa. It wasn't like him to just skip hanging out.

I was practically his only friend here.

"I AIN'T DOING THIS AGAIN WINSTON!"

That made me jump. I got up and looked out into the hallway, Puzzles and Wren were having an argument.

About what?

Well...

"Wren he's requested for you again!" Puzzles told him, "And I don't want to lose revenue!" "I DON"T GIVE A DAMN!" Wren shot back, "I AIN'T GOING WITH THAT CLIENT ANYMORE!!"

I was genuinely confused.

Who was this "client" they kept referring to?

And why didn't Wren wanna go back with him again? Was he awful to work with, or something else?

Puzzles was getting fed up. "Listen to me you little shit." he said, leaning low to get into Wren's face. "You're going to that client and-" "and what if I don't?" Wren interrupted. "YOU ARE GNNA LIKE IT!" Puzzles shouted, sounding just like SpongeBob. "Unless of course, we can have someone else go in your stead~"

Why'd Wren's face drain of color?

Did Puzzles... mean me?

Why did I suddenly get a very bad feeling about this?

I felt like I needed to do something.

"Don't you fucking dare." Wren said, glaring at him, "You leave Lucky Shot out of this." At least he was standing up for me. Better that than having to summon the fiance from Hell.

Pretty sure the last thing either of us wanted was for him and Puzzles to get into a fist fight.

...

Wait, I kinda wanna see that now.

"Is there something going on between you and Derek Wren?" Puzzles asked, "Because if so-" "HE'S MARRIED!!" Wren shouted, "HE'S SPORTING A WEDDING RING MAN!!!"

I looked at my ring and realized, he wasn't wrong. Was Puzzles really assuming Wren and I were a thing?

I couldn't keep quiet anymore. especially when I saw Puzzles grab Wren by the wrist, "We're keeping him waiting!" he said, "Cmon!" he dragged Wren behind him while Wren tried to dig his heels in. not easy without shoes on. My eyes went wide as I saw Wren panicking. I stepped in. "What the fuck's going on here?" I asked, making Puzzles freeze, and Wren turn to me, fear on his face. "L-Lucky Shot?" Wren asked, looking worried, "Wren, what's going on?" I asked, approaching, "Nothing!" he said, a bit too quickly. "Everything's fine, I swear!"

Bullshit.

"You certain?" I asked, arching a brow. "Because if it's nothing, then why is Puzzles dragging you?" Wren's face fell and Puzzles, well, he looked annoyed, "What's going on is none of your concern Derek." Puzzles told me, pulling Wren closer to him. "Now if you'll excuse us-"

"Let. Him. Go."

Puzzles looked at me in shock. "Excuse me?" he asked, looking surprised. "Did I fucking stutter?" I said, "You're hurting him and he clearly doesn't wanna go to whoever this client is." Puzzles glared at me, "Are you testing my patience, Mr. Lucks?" he asked, voice low. "I'm not testing shit." I told him, "I'm protecting my friend!"

That caught Wren's attention.

"Ugh, we're wasting time." Puzzles said, dragging Wren again, the panic in Wren's eyes was obvious. I felt my own heart skip a beat.

I don't regret what happened next.

Without thinking, I charged and lunged for the tall TV headed psychopath.

Did it work?

Yes.

Puzzles went to the ground and let go of Wren, who looked on in horror. "Lucky Shot what'd you do??" he asked me, "I'm saving your ass here!" I told him.

As for Puzzles, I'd heard glass break, along with a yelp.

"YOU BRUTE! I JUST CLEANED THIS SCREEN!"

I stayed on his back. "Well maybe you should've listened the first time huh?" I said, Puzzles turned and-

What the fuck kind of face is that....?

His eyes were twicthing, and realistic looking. Same for his mouth. "Get out." he told me. "What?" I asked, he pushed me off. "I said," he began, "GET OUT!!!!!!!" I was pissed now. "I'm not going anywhere until you tell me who this client is!" I shot back, "Don't you care that Wren's scared?? Or do you only care about satisfying this guy and getting paid?"

Puzzles was pissed.

We wound up arguing at each other for almost a solid half hour.

I didn't even notice Wren had gone off hiding.

By that point, whoever this "client" was, had called Puzzles and was furious. "You better be gone by the time I finish this call." he said before leaving to talk with this guy.

I took that opportunity to go find Wren.

"One shot?" I called out, "Buddy where are you?" I listened for him, only to hear sniffling... coming from his room.

I knocked on the door, "Wren?" I asked, "Can I come in?" I heard a small whimper, followed by a meek, "mhm"

I entered, and found Wren in his squid form, hiding under the bed.

Damn...

I went over and picked him up. "One Shot...?" I asked, He looked at me, and changed back in my arms. "Why'd you do that...?" he asked me, "You seemed scared." I told him. "And... I guess if you didn't go... I would have?" He slowly nodded, laying his head on my shoulder. "I couldn't bear with that thought..." he admitted, "You don't deserve what he does to me..."

What he... does to him...?

Now I was concerned....

I sighed, "Puzzles fired me." I told him, Wren's head snapped up to look at me. "WHAT??" he asked, shocked. "We got into a bad argument." I told him, setting him down. "The client, whoever it was, was pissed, so he told me to leave..." I looked away, "I'm sorry Wren..." I started to leave, but he grabbed my arm. "Don't go!" he begged, "You're the only friend I've had here!" "Believe me buddy I don't wanna leave you either..." A thought hit me. "Unless you want to-" "I can't!"

What?

"I can't leave Lucks." he said, tears in his eyes, "Win has me under contract... He owns me..."

My heart shattered...

He didn't have a choice...?

"Can't you break it?" I asked, he shook his head. "Not unless I die..." he said, looking away... "There's nothing I can do..." he rubbed his awm, "Maybe I can do something" i said, almost frantic, "Maybe I can-"

What happened next was almost a blur of emotions, but something I wasn't prepared for.

Elphaba, why couldn't you have stayed calm for once?

Instead of flying off the handle!

I hope you're happy

I hope you're happy now

I hope you're happy how you hurt your cause forever

I hope you think you're clever

I hope you're happy

I hope you're happy too

I hope you're proud how you would grovel in submission

To feed your own ambition

So though I can't imagine how

I hope you're happy right now

Elphie, listen to me, just say you're sorry

You can still be with the Wizard

What you've worked and waited for

You can have all you ever wanted (I know)

But I don't want it

No, I can't want it anymore

Something has changed within me

Something is not the same

I'm through with playing by the rules of someone else's game

Too late for second-guessing

Too late to go back to sleep

It's time to trust my instincts

Close my eyes and leap

It's time to try defying gravity

I think I'll try defying gravity

And you can't pull me down

Can't I make you understand

You're having delusions of grandeur?

I'm through accepting limits

'Cause someone says they're so

Some things I cannot change

But 'til I try, I'll never know

Too long I've been afraid of

Losing love, I guess I've lost

Well, if that's love, it comes at much too high a cost

I'd sooner buy defying gravity

Kiss me goodbye, I'm defying gravity

And you can't pull me down

Glinda, come with me

Think of what we could do, together

Unlimited

Together, we're unlimited

Together, we'll be the greatest team there's ever been

Glinda, dreams the way we planned 'em

If we work in tandem

There's no fight we cannot win

Just you and I, defying gravity

With you and I defying gravity

They'll never bring us down

Well, are you coming?

I hope you're happy

Now that you're choosing this (you too)

I hope it brings you bliss

I really hope you get it

And you don't live to regret it

I hope you're happy in the end

I hope you're happy, my friend

So if you care to find me

Look to the western sky

As someone told me lately

"Everyone deserves the chance to fly"

And if I'm flying solo

At least I'm flying free

To those who'd ground me

Take a message back from me

Tell them how I am defying gravity

I'm flying high, defying gravity

And soon I'll match them in renown

And nobody in all of Oz

No Wizard that there is or was

Is ever gonna bring me down

I hope you're happy (look at her, she's wicked, get her)

Bring me down! (No one mourns the wicked)

(So we've got to bring her)

Oh! (Down)

I'd gotten my things and left, running like Hell away from PuzzleVision.

I didn't want to leave Wren behind, but I had no choice...

I remembered my original mission...

I had to find my son...

But... I knew I'd see Wren again someday...

"We'll meet again One Shot" I said softly, "Take care of yourself buddy..."

*flashback over*

I sighed as I noticed everyone looking shocked. "We met up again after his death." I said, we were sinners, so it made sense we'd meet in a safe spot." "Makes sense but damn..." Niles said, squirming a bit. Meggy looked uncomfortable herself, even Gar looked concerned. "Jesus..." he said, "Did Puzzles... do something?" I shrugged, "I don't know exactly..." I admitted, "And Wren..." I looked at my best friend, he was looking away,I saw him press his legs together...

Meggy noticed too.

"Wren?" she asked, "Did Puzzles...?" Wren sighed and stood up, "It's... complicated Meggy." he told her. "Compared to what I did to you, I would take being killed over and over, over what I endured."

With that, he went into the bathroom.

Everyone stared after him.

Meggy looked at me, and I could tell, she was just as concerned as I was...

But whatever it was... He wouldn't just open up about it now...

Would he?

*Wren's POV*

I can't believe I was reliving all those moments... But I remembered what happened after. Puzzles and I broke up. I stayed in the simulation, while he went off to cause more trouble, meet Error, and start planning revenge on the crew. He brainwashed me, had me go after the crew, I wanted Meggy as my rival yes but not like that! I wanted to leave! I wanted freedom!

I gripped my head and fell to my knees, pressing my legs together, remembering what that client did to me... How I'd come back to the studio, staggering, or limping, clothes ripped, my ass sore... feeling sick to my stomach... knowing full well what he was doing to me... and praying to god I didn't get a disease from him.

But, I couldn't do anything... I had no clue who it was. He was always anonymous, insisting I be blindfolded the whole time, and hardly spoke a word, just grunted or moaned, and whatever he would say, was barely above a whisper... I knew it was a man, and my god did his breath reek.

I felt sick just thinking about it... I wanted to just hide away...

I couldn't stay in the bathroom, it wasn't our house, so I couldn't stay in here. "Get it together Wren..." I told myself, splashing cold water on my face.

How I was resistant to water I will never know.

I caught my reflection, and, well, despite everything... it was still me.

I was still "One Shot" Wren Inkscopes. Former champion, former cowboy, Let's Player, and... PuzzleVision survivor.

"I won't let Puzzles get away with this..." I muttered, drying my face and walking out, going outside. I needed to clear my head, and get one thing out...

One thing a friend in Hell taught me...

I sat under a tree, and let the words out...

"Poison, I'm drownin' in poison

I'm fillin' up my glass but it's always hollow

Full of poison, I'm sick of the poison

Wish I had something to live for tomorrow…"

*???'s POV*

So... these idiots have been through a lot huh?

Heheh, we'll see about that...

*a few days later*

*Garcello's POV*

Spending some time with dad and the guys?

Yes.

That's what we were doing today. Axol, Annie, Aria, Desti, Spud, the Mage trio and I were gonna hang out with Dad and Wren at their place.

Mostly to test out some new game equipment that Wren had gotten, while also having a big gaming session of Smash Ultimate with all of us. After that there was gonna be a live concert on TV of the Squid Sisters. Dad told me that Wren's been a bit obsessed with them lately.

Me thinks that our pal might have a thing for Callie and Marie.

I don't blame him, I had a crush on Marie when I was younger.

I wondered, would he cheer for one of the girls?

Eh, maybe one of these days we can take him and the girls to a concert of theirs.

I knew Meggy was friends with Callie and Marie, maybe she could do something

A question for when I saw her next.

"Garcy!"

I turned and saw Niles running my way, his husband and avatar in tow. Annie, Aria and I waved as he caught up. "Hey you guys!" I said, "Hey," Niles replied, out of breath, Zero snickered. Fred just stretched, "See anyone else yet, or is just us?" he asked, "Just you guys." I said. "Pretty sure we'll meet Desti, Spudnick and Axol at the house." "Sounds about right." Zero said, "But why wouldn't Axol wanna walk with you guys?" I shrugged. "His choice my dude." I told him as we resumed making our way to my dad's place.

I knew this was gonna be a fun afternoon.

Axol, Desti, and Spudnick were already waiting for us on the road and we made our way to dad's house. I decided to text him to let him know we were coming.

Garcello: Dad?

Lucks: Hey son, were are you?

Garcello: couple blocks from your place.

Lucks: and the others?

Garcello: with me

*Gar sends a selfie with everyone as proof*

Lucks: *cry laugh emoji* perfect

Garcello: we'll be there in hopefully 5 minutes

Lucks: good, Wren's already excited

Garcello: oh god what's he doing?

Lucks: *sends a photo of Wren with headphones on, oblivious*

Garcello: He jammin'?

Lucks: Yep, guess to who?

Garcello: HMMMMMMMM

Lucks: Don't get smart with me young man

Garcello: I'm not sure what you're talking about.

Lucks: Aye, see you when you get here. Love you

Garcello: love you too dad!

"Told him?" Axol asked, and I nodded, while showing the guys the pic dad sent. Desti snickered, "He's in his own little world." she said, "Reminds me of before we came back." Axol told me, "remember?" I nodded, a bit embarrassed.

Let's just say Axol walked in on me listening to some music from my teen years while we were still dead.

And I was oblivious as fuck.

"Do I wanna know?" Spudnick asked, "Do I wanna?" Aira asked, "Long story you two." I told them as we kept walking.

The others shrugged as we kept walking. Soon dad's place was in view. Dad stood outside, spotted us and waved.

Did I run?

Yes.

Did I tackled my dad?

Fuck yes I did.

And yes he caught me.

"Jeez Garcy," he said with a laugh. "Trying to kill me again?" "Not really." i admitted, "I am not going through that again." "I don't think any of us do!" Niles shouted as he, and the others, caught up. Dad smiled and invited us inside. "If you're wondering where Wren is," he began, "Still listening to music in his room, oblivious to the world."

I believed that.

"I'll get us set up in the basement" Axol said, "You get Wren Garcy." I nodded and made my way upstairs to Wren's room.

*Wren's POV*

I dunno what time it was, or when the guys would get here, but right now, I didn't care!

I was enjoying listening to a live concert recording of the Squid Sisters from 2018. Specifically, their Spicy Calamari Inkantation. Boopkins, Whimpu, and Axol had taught me some basic dances for concerts like theirs, plus those for Off The Hook, Deep Cut, even other bands from Japan, like the Vocaloids.

Still surprised Boopkins got a date with Miku earlier this year.'

Were they even a couple?

If so, Boopkins still got a girlfriend before Mario did.

Then again Swag's married to Sonic and Bob's dating Birdo...

... Yeah Mario still lacks bitches.

I however was enjoying the song and beat, headphones on and completely locked in. Basically oblivious to the outside world.

Out of the bands that Lucks had introduced me to, and the two I knew in person, KS 2 and The Undeads, The Squid Sisters had wormed their way into my mind and wouldn't leave.

Though... I had to admit, I did know Callie and Marie before I fell from grace.

Well, Somewhat.

I knew of their music, and saw them judging Splatfest, but never physically met them.

Maybe one day.

I was dancing when I felt someone remove my headphones. "Lucks I swear to-"

"Right family, wrong person Cowboy."

OH FUCK IT WAS GARCY!!

I looked up, and was embarrassed. Gar was just giving me a smirk. "You enjoying yourself Wren?" he asked, sounding a bit cocky. "So what if I was?" I said, grabbing my headphones back. "It's a damn good tune!" Garcy just chuckled and sat on my bed as I paused the video.

And on a good shot too.

Callie and Marie doing their signature "Stay fresh!" pose.

"When'd you get here?' I asked, "A few minutes ago." Gar told me, "The rest of the gang's downstairs getting stuff set up."

Right... our gaming session followed by watching the Squid Sisters concert on TV

"Any games in mind?" I asked, closing my laptop. "Smash Ultimate is one." Garcello said, "And Mario Kart too. Unless you got other ideas Cowboy?"

I chuckled at the nickname he gave me.

"You down for a Try Not To Sing Challenge Smokey?" I asked, calling him by my nickname for him. Gar chuckled and nodded. "I'm game, but I dunno about the others." he said with a smirk. I just snickered. "C'mon let's get downstairs." I said, playfully punching his arm. He just laughed, and...

Hoisted me over his shoulder.

Sometimes I forget how tall he is.

"Oof!" I said, "You are strong~"

Did I just channel Stolas?

Yes, yes I did.

But I am nowhere near as horny as that bird.

...

Or Angel Dust.

Fight me.

At least Garcy laughed. "Careful," he said, "I'm spoken for." Right, he and Chris were getting married soon.

"I know that." I said as he carried me down the stairs. "Can you at least put me down?" "Hmmmmmmm....." he said, pondering. "DUDE I AM SERIOUS!" I said laughing. He wound up laughing too.

Thankfully he set me down at the landing, and we made a mad dash for the stairs to the basement.

The guys had everything set up, well, somewhat. Niles had the Switch set up and the guys had some card games to play too.

I had a feeling Desti brought those.

"What games we got here?" I asked, approaching the coffee table. "We got, What Do You Meme, New Phone, Who Dis, Cards Against Humanity, Joking Hazard, and Uno." Fred told me, "And yes we're expecting someone to not have a green card."

Niles shot his Avatar a look. "To be fair Mario deserved that." he told him, "Meggy didn't though." Zero added, "She didn't Annie added, getting some snacks from the pantry we had down here.

This house was old, that's for sure, but the fact there was a pantry down here, was rather clever.

Too bad when Lucks and I got this place there were some... science experiments, left by the previous tenants.

Found out they were an elderly couple who grew up in the Great Depression.

...

I think the writer's having fun incorporating stuff from her family into these stories.

Not a bad thing though, is it?

"Wren?"

I looked up and noticed Desti looking at me, phone in hand. "Any idea when the concert is?" she asked me. "It's roughly at 3." I said, "Check the TV guide if you don't believe me." she turned the TV on, and then went to the guide. "What channel?" she asked, "65." I told her." she went and checked, sure enough, "Okay yeah it's at 3." she said. "Were you doubting me?" I asked jokingly. "I'm not sure what you're talking about." she said, channeling her inner JonTron. I laughed.

We started with the video games.

Smash first.

"Let's do a tournament." Axol suggested. "Winners go to the final round"

It. Was. On.

Lucks joined us when Garcy went up against Spudnick and Fred.

And yes, he was cheering for his kid.

Annie was up against Zero and Niles.

To say we got loud was an understatement.

I was up against Axol and Desti, Lucks was up against Aria

As for who won each round?

Niles won his round, Aria did too, so did Garcy and I.

Kinda forgot Lucks sucked at games.

We did Semi Finals.

I was against Niles, and Garcy against Aria.

Again, we got loud.

While I was against Niles, I was Jigglypuff and he was Sora. "Man you suck at this!" I said, trying to make a grab at him. "And you swallow Wren!"  he shot back, "Bitch I fuckin' spit." I retorted, making Desti wheeze.

Granted Aria was shooting us death glares.

"Stop with the dirty talk." I whispered, "Unless you wanna get bitten  by her." "Right..." he said. But he wasn't focused on the game,

I took advantage and landed a Rest attack.

He was out and I won the round.

"OH COME ON!" Niles shouted, I just smirks and patted his cheek, "Next time, pick up the slack Niles~" I said with a smirk.

Zero shot me a look.

I gave a sheepish grin back. "Not trying to steal him I swear!" I said, "I'd hope not." Zero said, "I like having you around Wren."

I just chuckled and we got to watching Garcy and Aria's game. I noticed that Desti was staring at her phone though. "Something wrong?" I asked her, she pulled me aside.

"Have you heard from Meggy at all?"

I was surprised, but shook my head. "Not in the last few days no." I told her. "You worried?" she nodded, "It's not like her to be unresponsive."

That was true, this was Meggy we're talking about.

Annie and Axol caught on too. "You think something happened to her?" Annie asked, "Maybe, but I dunno." Desti said, "Why don't we go check on her later?" Axol said, "Maybe she's sick or something."

Why'd I get the feeling he was somewhat right on it being "Something?"

Ah jeez...

I had a bad feeling about this...

"Wren!"

I jumped when I heard Garcy call me, he handed me a controller while smirking. Aria went back to the couch. "You're up" she said

Guess she lost.

Well, at least I didn't have to worry about her possibly biting me if I won, ... or her hurting me.

That was the last thing I needed.

We played and... I lost.

At least we shook and hugged. It's one reason why I loved playing games with Garcy. He was the chillest bastard.

Next was Mario Kart, and us just yelling over each other and having a blast. Then came the card games. Suffice it to say, we are all horrible people when it came to Cards Against Humanity.

As for who got the Ninja treatment, it was Lucks.

He couldn't get a green.

I screwed him over.

And not in the good way.

Soon it was time for the concert to air.

Was I excited?

Fuck yes I was!!

Lucks had to hold me to reign me in. "East there One Shot." he told me, "I get you're excited but let the opening acts go first." I sighed, "Alright fine." I said, sitting on the sofa. "Sorry," I said, rubbing my head, "I'm just so excited is all." "I get that" Lucks told me, "But I'd expect that from Tari's arm and ducks."

Right... Tari's arm was sentient for some reason.

Pretty sure Sheridan had no clue about that.

I'd ask later.

Why?

Because I can.

Right now, concert.

Deep Cut went out first and performed a few of their songs, then Off The Hook got a few songs in. Then came... The Squid Sisters.

Callie and Marie.

We were losing it.

They did a few songs, and right as the opening for Calamari Inkantation started...

The power suddenly cut.

We sat in the dark basement with nothing but the light from outside.

Light from outside...

"What the fuck happened?" Annie asked, Gar pulled his phone out and, using data, checked if the grid had gone down. I however went upstairs to check everything else.

Everything was out.

Checking the other houses next door and across the street though, I saw they had power.

"Anyone else without power?" Lucks asked as the rest of the gang came upstairs. "Nope," Gar told him, "Grid's not down, nor is there any lines down either." "Not to mention," I added, "Our neighbors still have power." "Maybe someone messed with the fuse box?" Axol asked. "I'll go check." I said, grabbing my Spattershot, just in case.

Can't be too careful.

I stepped outside and into the crisp October air, heading to the fuse box by the house. "Get this over with." I muttered, annoyed that the fact that the power went out right as the best song was about to start. I opened the fuse box and noticed the breakers switches were turned off.

I arched a brow. "Who the fuck?" I asked, confused and looking around my surroundings. "Who did this?"

Sure enough, I spotted a... familiar sight.

I shot the tree nearby, and Sheridan popped up out of fear. "JESUS FUCK!" he shouted, "WREN WHY??" "Why??" I shot back, approaching, "You turned off our power you dumb fuck!"

Sheridan looked... confused.

"What are you talking about?" he said, "I didn't even touch your house, " he noticed the fuse box was open, "Let alone the fuse box." "Oh don't lie to me." I said, annoyed, "I see you just mere feet away from the damn thing right after we lost power? Kinda sus don't you think?"

Thank god Mario didn't hear me say that.

Sheridan rolled his eyes and stood up. "Was I staking out the house? Yeah." he admitted, "But I swear to god I didn't touch the fuse box. I was crawling over when I saw a figure by this side of the house." I arched a brow. "Yeah, I dunno if I believe you or not." I told him.

We were like this for awhile.

But something felt off, what figure? Was it Puzzles? Marty maybe? Valerie was also a possibility, but she was in prison.

And wouldn't he had mentioned Puzzles being with him?

Something wasn't adding up.

That was also the case when I heard no noise coming from inside the house.

I started to grow concerned.

I turned the fuse box back on and made my way inside, but not before grabbing Sheridan and dragging him inside.

He didn't even fight, which was a first.

As I walked into the house, I felt something was off. I shook it off. "Lucky Shot!" I called, "The fuse box was tampered with! It was-"

I suddenly felt a growing sense of dread... Like... Someone was in the house... "Derek?" I called out.

No response.

"Annie?"

Again, no response.

I dropped Sheridan and began racing through the house. I ran through the kitchen, the dining room, the living room, our office room, nothing. Then upstairs. I checked the bedrooms and bathroom, and even the attic.

Nobody was here.

I didn't see anyone leave.

I raced back downstairs then towards the basement. Sheridan followed. "What the fuck is going on??" he asked, "I can't find the others!" I shouted, scared.

That's when I heard something in the basement... it sounded like the TV...

But it wasn't the concert. No, it had only been ten minutes... I heard something else...

I looked downstairs... and almost shat bricks...

Sitting there, on the table... was my worst fear...

A PuzzleVision TV set...

*meanwhile in the PuzzleVision dimension*

*Lucks's POV*

Ugh, what the fuck happened?

"Anyone know where we are?" I heard Axol ask, I looked around and saw we were all still together. Fred, Zero, Niles, Spudnick, Desti, Axol, Aria, Annie, and Garcello were all okay. "Last thing I remember," Annie said, "Was the power cut, and Wren went outside to check the fuse box."

Right! Wren!

He must've still been at the house!

I pulled my phone out and saw I had no service.

"FUCK!" I shouted, catching them by surprise. "L-Lucks?" Spudnick asked, sounding scared. "Dad?" Garcy asked, looking worried, I sighed, "No service, I said, holding out my phone, "I can't call Wren or the SMG4 crew for backup."

Sure enough, the rest of the gang did the same.

No signal or service.

"Okay," Aria began, "When Puzzles shows up, so help me god, ARIA'S GONNA DO SOMETHING VERY ILLEGAL!"

Like any of us would stop her?

"Hold it." Niles said, "Aria, how do you know this was Puzzles doing?" Aria just looked at him, "Niles," she began, "We're in a dimension surrounded by TV's, where else could we be?"

She had a point.

This place was basically like TV central.

Was it where the crew were held by Puzzles earlier this year...?

"If this is Puzzles' doing...?" Zero began, "What does he want with us? We're not exactly targets of his." "Zero's got a point." Annie said, "But, then again, he'd go after anyone in the crew." Annie looked at me, "Unless he's doing this to get back at you." she told me. "Unlikely." I said, "Yeah we had a falling out, but I didn't cause Wren to leave." I noticed Garcy's eyes flash, "What about Error?" he asked, "Remember? You almost killed Error before Niles and Zero got married last year!"

!!!!

"FUCK!" I shouted, right as a portal opened up beneath us.

We got sucked in, and landed in... a circus?

"Where the fuck are we now?" Desti asked, "No clue..." I heard Aria say as she sttod. We all looked around. This circus looked... kinda familiar... "If I see a purple rabbit in pink overalls I'm out." Fred said, Niles shot him a look. "What if he sounded like us?" Zero told him, "Or more like Niles." Fred added, Niles just snickered.

Ahh, we were in The Amazing Digital Circus.

"If I see Caine I'm popping Bubble." I said, "I'm hugging Gangle!" Aria said cheerfully

Right, she likes Gangle.

I didn't blame her, Gangle was a sweet character. Kinda reminded me of someone.

"Guys?" I heard Garcello call out, "I think I found something!"

What'd he find?

A board game.

We gathered around and were confused.

Wait... why'd this feel familiar...?

((I think we all know where this is going, and this'll take a spin on both the Happy Place Music video and what happens during Creative Control))

Lucks, Aria, Annie, Garcello, Axol, Spudnick, Fred, Desti, Zero and Niles:

...The Super-Duper-Mega-Fantastic Caine Game for Curing Boredom...?

Axol:

Sounds like there's some wacky tunes going on within!

Puzzles:

Well, well, well... looks like you found my Super-Duper-Mega-Fantastic Caine Game for Curing Boredom!

That means each and every one of you has earned a free ticket to play!

Lucks:

What!? No, no, I don’t wanna play!

Puzzles:

Hahaha, that’s a weird way to see you wanna play!

Lucks:

Ah! No, no, no, not again!

Puzzles:

Couldn’t help but get the vibe you guys might not be feelin’ so fine-

Lucks, Aria, Desti, Axol, Annie, Garcello, Fred, Spudnick, Niles and Zero:

I HATE MY LIFE!

Puzzles:

That’s not a big surprise!

I've got just the cure in mind, If you can let me give this a try (It's time)

to free that big ol’ smile

If you love adventure, you’re in luck

Lucks:

I couldn’t give half a flying fu-

Puzzles:

Go through with no clue

you’ll be surprised when you realize it gets so much better than real life!

Annie:

Dum dum, this sucks.

Desti:

Life is feelin' like a bunch'a-

Axol:

-humdrum, bum! bum!

Garcello:

Bangin’ in my head!

Axol, Aria, Desti, Fred, Annie, Garcello, Lucks, Niles, Zero, and Spudnick:

I’m trapped inside of the back of my mind

I've gotta leave...

Lucks:

I've got no happy place!

Puzzles:

So glad you’re having fun, but our wacked-out party’s only begun

(it's never done)

Gonna leave you saying things like:

Why is this happening? (WHY?)

And, what am I doing here, and how? (WHAT?)

(HOW?) Am I gonna top this now?

If you love adventure, you’re in luck

Lucks:

I couldn’t give half a flying fu-!

Puzzles:

Go through with no clue

you’ll be surprised when you realize it gets so much better than real life!

Zero: Dum dum, this sucks.

Aria:

Life is feelin' like a bunch'a-

Fred:

-humdrum, bum! bum!

Niles:

Banging in my head!

Lucks, Axol, Aria, Annie, Garcello, Desti, Spudnick, Fred, Niles and Zero:

I’m trapped inside of the back of my mind

I've gotta leave...

Puzzles:

It’s impolite to be deceiving...

Why break the rules or bother leaving?

I know what you need, though you may not agree, but I’ll show the world and without me you will see...

How awful it could be!

(How awful it could be)

Ravenous violence, and torture, and agony

You’re better off with me!

Thriving in our happy family!

We all learned a valuable lesson here today.

I know you don’t really hate my adventures...

You love me...

And I love you too.

((and now back to Lucks' POV))

Near the end of the song, Puzzles separated us all, Spudnick went with Fred into one dimension, Desti and Aria went into another, so did Niles and Zero, while I watched in horror as Garcy, Axol and Annie were slapped into another dimension, leaving me... until I felt something wrap around my leg at the end, and pull me downward...

"Like Hell if I'm letting him take you from me..."

I knew right away who it was...

That's my man...

I reached for my family as I was dragged back downward...

Down to Hell...

Hopefully, I could call for help...

And save my family.

*back with Wren and Sheridan*

*Sheridan's POV*

Not gonna lie, seeing Wren have a panic attack was uh, little concerning.

And I've seen Winston have several.

Especially after he lost Leggy.

Can't say I blamed him.

His friends were missing all of a sudden because supposedly Winston took them?

It checks.

"Why the fuck would he do this??" Wren shouted after a moment, "I get he's lost it but taking my friends like this??? Has he lost his mind??"

I just shot him a look. "Need I remind you-?" "You lost your sanity." he said, "Not your intelligence."

I looked surprised.

"Derek told me that." he told me. "Ahh." was all I could say.

Least Lucks acknowledged I was still smart.

I'm insane, not stupid.

"Fair enough." I told him, watching him pace. "You're gonna walk a hole through the floor Wren." I said, he just glared. "Says you." he told me. I rolled my eyes. "Just saying." I said. "As for why Win would do this, your guess is as good as mine."

Not helping but whatever.

We were on opposing sides here.

But Wren, to be fair he did shoot my gun out of my hand last year, but other than that? We didn't really have many... interactions.

And why would Win go after the revived gang?

Well, revived characters from the SMG4 crew.

Annie and Aria not withstanding.

But the others?

I knew Garcy was nice to Win at times, and Niles, he was Error's nephew. Would Win really go for him when he was his partner's target first?

Something didn't sit right with me.

Wren's phone rang from the dining room. I followed Wren with my eyes as I watched him run to answer his phone. "It's Lucks!" he said and picked up. "Lucky Shot?" he asked as he answered, "You there??" "I'm here buddy." he told us as Wren put the phone on Speaker. "Where are you?" Wren asked, "What happened?? Where's the others???? Are they with you???" "Whoa whoa, slow down One Shot." Lucks said, sounding a bit... flustered?

Dunno, but I recognized the tone, he'd used it before... multiple times...

"What's wrong?" Wren asked, "See..." Lucks began... "Puzzles took us into his dimension, he separated us, but I got pulled to Hell-" "YOU WHAT?"

That slipped.

"Is Sheridan with you?" Lucks asked. Wren sighed, "I found him outside..." he said, annoyed. "Thought he took out the power." "Ahh," Lucks replied.

Why did he sound tired?

Meh.

"Why are you in Hell?" I asked, "Someone pulled in down..." Lucks said, sighing. "Do I even need to ask?" Wren asked, almost smirking. "You know who it was." Lucks told him.

I feel like I'm missing something here.

Like, legit missing something.

Whatever it was I hoped it wasn't anything important.

"What about the others?" Wren asked, "Uh..." Lucks began. "I dunno what Puzzles did, but he sent them to different dimensions, at least as far as I know."

...

Something did not sit right with me.

This was already done by Winston back in March earlier this year! He wasn't one for doing repeat performances!

...

Was he?

"Can I uh, meet you down in Hell?" Wren asked, "Hold on lemme open a portal." Lucks told him before he hung up. Wren just looked at me. "I'm gonna have you get out of here." he told me, "But you try anything so help me I am gonna kick your ass."

I just nodded. "Fair enough." I told him, "I got stuff to do now anyway." I said as I left.

Honestly, I needed to figure out what was going on...

There was no way that was Winston who took the gang.

Besides, wasn't he doing something else right now?

*Wren's POV*

Well that was a thing.

I just hoped to god my ex wasn't going anything to hurt my friends... I picked up my Splattershot as I heard a portal open. I walked right through and found Lucks in his Sinner form, waiting for me.

Forgot his skin was purple like this, same for the whites of his eyes becoming black, but still blue irises. The horns, fangs, pointed ears, and wings were nothing new by this point.

I wound up changing into my own Sinner form. I looked how I had before, except my skin was green, and I had a scar on my right cheek from when I died.

Not fun.

"Welcome to Hell One Shot." Lucks told me, pulling me into a hug. "Heh, thanks Lucky Shot." i replied. "But, what about the others?" I asked, concerned. "I say we head to the Hotel to figure out what to do." he told me. I nodded, as it was a good idea.

Though I hated we were leaving the guys to fend for themselves in whatever dimensions they were in.

Also hated we were nowhere near the Hotel either!

Seriously Lucks!

As we made our way to the Hotel, Lucks fully filled me in on what happened. Sounded more like something Caine would do, not Puzzles, but the fact he did it again, concerned me...

I did not trust him...

Not with those I call family...

I felt a growing pit in my stomach.

Something wasn't right.

"Shouldn't we try calling the crew?" I asked as we walked. he nodded and pulled out his phone, I did too.

We went through all our contacts.

All went to voice mail...

I felt a lump in my throat.

Something was seriously wrong now, this wasn't like the crew at all!

What was going on??

And why'd I feel a sudden sense of dread?

I looked up at Lucks and noticed his face fall as he put an arm in front of me, stopping me in my tracks.

"L-Lucky Shot...?" I asked, concerned. Before he could respond, I heard it.

"Hello boys, heading somewhere~?"

I looked, and I swear I nearly shat bricks.

It was Valentino...

I gripped my pants, knowing full well what Valentino was like. I'd heard from Angel, Charlie, and Lucks regarding what he's done.

And here he was, stepping out of a limo in front of us and-

Why the fuck was he wearing fish nets?

Seriously, why the fuck is Valentino strutting around in fish net stockings and high heeled boots?

Please tell me he only dressed like that for Vox.

If not, Angel, I worry for your wellbeing.

I still felt that sense of dread, so I stayed behind Lucks as Val approached.

My god was he tall.

Even while hunched over I felt intimidated.

"Well, what a surprise isn't this hm~?" he said, I swear I saw red smoke come out his mouth.

Dude the fuck are you even smoking?

"Haven't seen you around Hell in a good long while Lucky~" Val continued, "Don't call me that..." Lucks growled, glaring. "Unless you wanna get your wings clipped."

Val's eyes narrowed."Are you threatening me?" he asked, "I might be," Lucks told him. "I want nothing to do with you." "Oh please~" he replied, "I think you'd work well with me and-" "YOU SEE THIS??" Lucks shot back, showing him his engagement ring. "I'm already spoken for! My soul belongs to someone else!"

Damn, Lucks did not give a damn.

Just straight up telling him he was someone else's. Though... would he care?

I noticed Val looked at me, and... I swear the sense of dread grew.... especially when I saw him grinning at me.

Oh no...

"And you might be~?" he asked, leaning in, Lucks and I both backed up. "Back off Val" Lucks shot at him, "He's off limits." Val just chuckled, and I could pick up the stench coming off his breath, it smelled-

Wait! I knew that smell!

No... it-it couldn't be him... could it...?

I felt my heart beat pick up speed, and I began to breathe faster, like I was hyperventilating. I could feel myself shivering, despite it not being cold down in Hell, despite it being October. I felt myself... shaking.... in fear...

Almost on instinct, I hid behind Lucks, clinging to his arm, almost digging my fingernails into his skin...

...

And felt myself pressing my legs together...

Lucks took notice and looked back. "One Shot?" he whispered, "You good?" I shook my head. "I-I'm sorry." I said hastily as I started to run.

Val made a grab for me.

I screamed and turned into a squid, evading his grasp, before jumping off.

There's no way he was Winston's former client, was he...?

*Lucks' POV*

I had a bad feeling, but I didn't have time to chase after Wren right now

Not with a rapist in front of me.

Thank fuck my man gave me my bow and arrows when he pulled me down.

Where'd he go though?

"WHY THAT LITTLE-!!" Val shouted, trying to make a mad dash after my bestie.

Yeah, not happening asshole.

"GET YOUR TENTACLES BACK HERE!" Val shouted as I flew into the air and took aim.

I tired and got him right up the butt.

He squeaked in shock, then pain.

"Ooh..." I said,  "Right up Main Street."

Yes I quoted Deadpool.

What of it?

Val's minions ran to him while I took off after my bestie.

No idea where he went, but I noticed Val being taken back to Vee Tower.

Guess he'd have to explain to Vox how he got an arrow up his butt.

Though the thought of those two trying to remove it like Shrek and Fiona did in the first Shrek movie was hilarious.

Would be funnier if Velvette had a fear of blood.

Unlikely, but still would have been funny.

Though I heard something and looked back at Val

Did something get thrown at him?

What happened next had me in stitches

Val: WHO JUST ASSAULTED ME WITH A CHALUPA!

Stella: *in her own limo as she drives by* YOU DON'T HAVE A HUSBAND!

Val: YEAH THAT'S WHY I FUCKED YOURS!!!

Stolas you uh... might wanna get tested.

Lord knows what diseases that moth has.

As for following the bestie...

I looked back and realized... I lost sight of Wren.

"FUCK!" I shouted, flying back down to the ground and looking on foot. "WREN WHEREARE YOU??" I called out, "WREN!!!"

No sight of him, for several minutes I couldn't find him...

I feared he was stuck in his squid form, or got caught by another overlord.

Or worse, one of the Goetia...

Those two popped into my head...

If Andrealphus or Stella got a hold of him....

I began to panic. "WREEEEEEEEN!!!" I called out as I ran, looking for him. I was getting frantic.

First my family was taken and now my best friend was missing??

I was losing it!

"Where could he be??" I asked myself when I entered an alley.

I heard what sounded like a... Ukulele?

Odd.

I recognized the tune and followed it to a box...

Kneeling down, I heard the sound inside, along with muffled whimpers, as the words came along...

"I guess I have to face

That in this awful place

I shouldn't show a trace of doubt

But pulled against the grain

I feel a little pain

That I would rather do without

I'd rather be

Free

Free

Free

I'd rather be

Free

Free

Free

Free

Free

Free

From here"

I lifted the box as the song ended, and there he was... still in his squid form, phone next to him...

Tears falling from those big eyes he had like this...

My best friend, Wren...

"Wren?" I asked softly, pulling the squid into my arms. He was clinging to me, looking scared. "Val's gone." I told him, shot him in the ass." He sighed in relief and changed back to normal.

Wren gave a sigh and laid his head on my chest, fidgeting with his gloves and the hem of his shirt.

He was shaking, I could feel it. I feld him in my arms.

"C-can we go?" he finally asked, his voice barely a whisper. "What?" I asked, "I wanna go..." he told me... "I-I wanna go save our friends..." he was clinging to me, "I-I don't feel safe..."

I just held him. "I'm not letting that asshat hurt you bud." I told him, that's when his grip tightened. and I swear he was hyperventilating.

He was having a panic attack.

I loosened my hold, but kept his head on my chest.

I'd learned that... it was what calmed him... during the times he'd have them in the past... while we were looking for Garcy, and when we worked together at PuzzleVision. I dunno if he did this with Winston or not but... he trusted me enough...

I was his safe zone...

His... rock.

"Focus on me buddy." I whispered, rubbing his back, "I got you, and I'm not letting go..." He sniffled, and buried his face into my chest... and began to sob, uncontrollably.

I was worried, yet confused. I know Val was an awful person, but that was his first time ever meeting the guy. How could he have this strong of a reaction? He knew of the stories Angel and I told him, same for what Charlie told him, and even Vaggie telling him to be cautious. So... what happened?

Then I remembered... the client, he was so scared of him... I remembered his body language, he was trembling, pupil dialated, shortness of breath, hands shaking...

Was I missing something?

Wren eventually calmed down and was just sniffling, wiping tears from his eyes, but they kept falling. "S-sorry Derek..." he said, "I-I didn't think... I'd be this vulnerable..." he looked up at me, "E-especially... around you."

I arched a brow. He'd seen me at my lowest before... almost three times now!

Those times... they were involving Garcy... But this... this was new...

"Wanna tell me what's going on?" I asked, watching his actions closely. "What do you-" "That was your first time meeting Valentino." I cut in, "I know you know the stories, but that strong of a reaction?"

I realized that was a bit harsh...

But I watched as he tensed up, gripping his shirt and biting his lower lip.

"I_ I don't feel comfy talking about this." he told me as he got up, and started to walk away, "J-just call Luci and get him to open a portal for us to go home." "Hold it." I said, "This isn't like you Wren, you're not one to just run away from something." He averted his eyes, and I could see him fidgeting again.

I was on the money.

"Lucks I'm serious" he said, "I do not want to talk about this." I approached, unsure where this was gonna go. 'But why though?" I asked, concerned, "Wren this isn't like you..." I had an urge to ask... "Did-did something happen to you?" He shook his head, albeit too quickly after I asked that. "Nothing happened Lucks." he told me. "Just drop it already."

I didn't believe him.

"Wren be honest with me." I said, pressing further. "Something happened if you're acting out of character." "Lucks I said drop it!" he said, getting angry now, but I needed to know. "How?" I asked, "You said it's nothing but it's clearly something bothering you."

I had rarely used this method to get information. Tried once with Garcello, didn't go well.

Let's just say pressing a kid to confess is gonna result in tantrums, yes, but a kid with trauma and had that method used for small stuff and not big stuff? it shuts them down.

This however, was different.

Wren was clearly hiding something from me...

He was backing up and looking panicked.

I reached to stop him. "Wren hold on." I began, only for him to slap my hand away out of fear. I saw his facial expression... He was terrified, almost like... he was suffering.... from... oh fuck.

I went too far...

I backed off.

I waited and watched as he tried calming down, but I noticed his body language, he was stuck in a flashback of some sort, and... what I saw him do, left me almost speechless.

He was gripping the hem of his shirt, pulling it down over his crotch... his legs pressed together and him squirming uncomfortably.

Two thoughts went through my head: either he needed to piss... or he was sexually assaulted.

He ran to a garbage can and jumped inside. "J-Just leave me alone..." he said, his voice trembling, "I-I don't want to... hurt you..."

That was new.

I sat by the trash and waited.

'The more we wait, the longer we take to save them...' I thought as I sat there. I sighed, "I-I'm sorry..." I finally said, "I was just worried... I was reminded of, what happened before I left PV and, how you were reacting." I got no response, "I just was worried something happened..." I looked at the can, "You're my best friend, and I worry about you." I heard a sniffle, then nothing, until...

"I was raped, okay?"

I snapped my head up so fast I'm surprised I didn't get whiplash. "what??" I asked, Wren pulled himself up to look at me, but didn't leave the bin. "This was way before I met you." he began. "Winston would rent me out to other people back then. Make things more interesting outside of just being in the simulation." His eyes lowered, "But... there was this one..." he continued, "He'd... request me, for... special movies... I would arrive blindfolded, taken to a set and be stripped, before-" he turned away, gripping the side of the can. "Before... he-he had his way with me..." My eyes widened. "Oh my god..." I said, standing, "Did you tell Winston about this?" he shook his head. "I couldn't..." he told me. "This guy was our biggest payout. If I told Win he would've been furious or something... I dunno..." Wren looked up at me. "I smelt Val's breath, and it was the same as the client's." he told me. It clicked in my head. "Oh god..." I began, "did he...?" Wren slowly nodded, "I believe it was Valentino... who did it..." He sighed and leaned on the can, knocking it over in the process.

He didn't even react.

"I don't know why I'm telling you this..." he said, "I mean, yeah you interacted with him before, but he didn't get in your pants... I don't know if... you could understand..."

I stood there, unsure what to say, but I knew he needed to know this.

As, in a way...

I sat beside him and told him. "I actually do." I admitted. Now it was Wren's turn to snap his head my way. "YOU WHAT??" he asked, shocked. "But who-" "Valerie." I admitted, sighing. "She wasn't my first, thank fuck, but..." I sighed, "I didn't want to be her first, or be hers at all." I looked at him, "No matter what I did, she'd find a way... to get me. It was only a matter of time before she tried... that." Wren climbed out and sat next to me. "What'd you do?" he asked, "Before," I began, "I made sure she couldn't carry my kid." Wren arched a brow. "Vasectomy." I told him. "Ohhhh." he told me. "As for what happened...." I continued, "I just stared at the wall... she was enjoying it, while I wasn't. I don't think she ever caught on." I looked at him. "I was already dating Marco when that happened," I continued, "And Garcy...?" he asked, "He was eight." I said, looking away. "She had no clue he was my kid..." I looked at the sky. "Listen bud." I began, "I know male rape victims like us get a lot of hate or don't get believed compared to the girls out there who were SA'd. It doesn't mean we aren't hurting, or that we don't exist..." I looked his way. "You, me, even Angel... we're hurting, but we're not alone..." I put an arm around his shoulder. "And you're not alone... You've got me."

He looked at me, then back down at his shoes. I sighed, then stood up.

Husk taught me this one, just in case.

So things look bad and your back's against the wall

Your whole existence seems fucking hopeless

You're feeling filthy as a dive bar bathroom stall

Can't face the world sober and dopeless

You've lost your way

You think your life is wrecked

Well, let me just say you're correct (wait, what?)

You're a loser, baby

A loser, goddamn baby

You're a fucked-up little whiny bitch (hey)

You're a loser just like me (thanks, asshole)

You're a screw-loose boozer and only one-star reviews-er

You're a power bottom at rock bottom

But you got company (this supposed to make me feel better?)

There was a time I thought that no one could relate

To the gruesome ways in which I'm damaged

But letting walls down, it can sometimes set you straight

We're all living in the same shit sandwich

I sold my soul to a psychopathic freak

Ha-ha! And you think that makes you unique?

Get out of here, man

We're both losers, baby, we're losers

It's okay to be a (coked-up dick-sucking hoe)

Baby, that's fine by me

I'm a loser, honey

A schmoozer and a dummy

But at least I know I'm not alone (you're a loser just like me)

I got an appetite for gambling

I got an appetite for sampling

Every drug and sex toy I can find

Go ahead, baby, sing that song

Come on

I got no holes left to deflower

I sold my soul to save my power

Now I'm on that demon's leash

I'm trapped and it gets worse with every hour

You're a loser, baby

A loser, but just maybe if we eat shit together

Things will end up differently

It's time to lose your self-loathing and excuse yourself

Let hope in, baby

Play your card, be who you are

A loser just like me

After that, we were laughing and hugged tight.

At least Wren knew he wasn't alone in this mess.

"You gonna be okay buddy?" I asked, holding him in my arms. He nodded as he hugged me tight. "I'll be fine..." he said softly. "C'mon," he said, jumping out of my arms and holding my hand. "We got friends to save."

He was right, we still did.

I opened a portal with my ring, and off we went!

Next stop! Who the fuck knows!

*back on Earth*

*Wren's POV*

We exited the portal and quickly looked around.

Nowhere near the Showgrounds, or our place.

Delightful.

"Where the freak in the heck are we dude?" I asked, Lucks pulled his phone out and checked the GPS. "Still in the Mushroom Kingdom." he told me, "Looks like Downtown's not far from here."

Well that was oddly convenient.

"Shall we then?" I asked, but before I got an answer...

"AAAAAAAHHHHH MAKE WAY FOR WILLIE!"

I got run into by a purple hedgehog.

"Ouch..." I groaned, rubbing my head. "Not the worst pain I've felt but whatever." I got up and rubbed my sides. "Nice of you to show up Cree..." I said, looking at our friend, who looked, I wanna say embarrassed but also proud.

I know he hated the movie I debuted in come on man!

"Sorry about that" he admitted, rubbing the back of his neck, "Was heading to the Showgrounds and got lost." Lucks and I exchanged looks. How the fuck did he get lost? He never got lost before. "You sure?" I asked, concerned, "You've never had this issue before." Cree looked surprised by this "Yeah that... that is weird." he told me, "Look Cree," Lucks intervened, "We don't have much time to explain, but Puzzles took the guys into his shows, we need help." Cree's eyes widened. "Is Tari one of them?" he asked, sounding nervous, we shook our heads. "Axol, Garcy, Annie, Desti Aria, Spud and the Mage Trio." I told him. Cree was surprised but nodded. "What about the SMG4 crew?" he asked, "Tried calling them but the calls went right to voicemail." Lucks told him. "Ahh piss." Cree mumbled. "Alright, I think the three of us can take his ass on." We nodded and raced to find where Puzzles was.

Motherfucker had to be somewhere.

Right?

My phone rang as we raced to find where Puzzles was, I saw Axol's name flash on the screen.

My eyes lit up as I answered. "Axol??" I asked, worried. "Wren! Oh thank god" he said, sounding relieved. "We got through!" "We?" I asked, putting it on speaker, "Who all's with you?" I asked, "By now the rest of us." he told me. "Is Lucks with you?" "Lucks and Cree." I said, "Haven't gotten the rest of the SMG4 crew yet though." "You haven't either?" I heard Garcello ask, "Nope..." I told him, "Just going to voicemail." "Something's going on..." I heard Desti say. "We'll deal with that later." I heard Lucks say, earning him a look from Cree. "Right now we gotta save you guys." Cree looked at the phone. "Wait, how are you guys able to call us?" he asked, "SMG4 left a signal tower in one of the worlds" Zero said, "Guess he knew he'd need help." "Or we would." Niles told him. "Can you guys still share locations?" Cree asked, looking hopeful. "One way to find out." I heard Annie say.

Sure enough, we heard pings from our phones.

We checked.

They were in a Warehouse not far from here!

Must be where Puzzles had them.

"We found you guys!" I said, "We'll be there shortly to save you guys alright?" "Better hurry then" I heard Garcello say, "Dunno where else to go" "Channel 999" Lucks told him, "Meggy mentioned that's how she and the others escaped."

When did she mention this?

Must not have paid attention.

Whatever.

After we hung up we followed the dots on the phone. Cree got us there faster, and were inside fast.

"Okay, where would they be?" I asked softly, "Not sure." Cree told us, "I'll go looking for them, you two go find Puzzles okay?" Lucks and I both nodded and we separated from Cree.

Or at least, we were about to, before we got ambushed by... a bunch of clones?? Of our friends??

"What is that?" Lucks asked, "What the fuck is that??" Crees eyes widened, "A clone army..." he said, sounding like he was in disbelief. "We got anything to figure out who's the real ones from the fakes?" Lucks asked, Cree noticed his were dressed in a blue hoodie, black sunglasses and a cap. Lucks' were dressed in the full suit from when he worked at TAS Corp, and mine, worse my Western Spaghetti clothes.

Yeah this was gonna be easy.

"Cree you got this?" I asked, "Yeah I got them. See if the rest of the gang can help too." He told us. We nodded and Lucks turned into his demon form as the army lunged forward. He grabbed me as Cree played Build Our Machine, summoning what he called his "Stand"

Seriously is this from anime?

I didn't care. We soon saw the rest of the gang emerge from a TV and filled them in. "Aw fuck." Garcy said, "How will we-?" "Shouldn't be too hard." Axol said, adjusting his arm back into place. "If they look like how we did before we died, or in Aria's case, how she looked while possessed, we should be fine, right?"

He was right. Kinda a bonus that Garcy was wearing his, as he called it, "Timeskip outfit"  while his own clones wore his usual attire. Axol's, they wore his old outfit, same for the others. Hell Desti's were still inklings.

We had this.

"Good luck guys." I told them, "We're gonna need it." I heard Spudnick say, until I heard Aria let out a laugh, a manic one before she went demon herself, flying into the scene.

Let's just say it got bloody fast.

The others joined.

I wish we could stay and watch, but couldn't

"Let's find Puzzles." Lucks told me. I nodded and we ran to find my ex.

Wasn't that hard to find him. We found him sitting in a makeshift throne room. The way he sat made it feel like he was waiting for us. "Hello gentlemen~" he said, yet I noticed, his voice sounded... off. "I was expecting you two~" he continued, turning to sit properly in his chair.

Was it just me or was he slightly shorter?

"Cut the crap Puzzles" I said, stepping forward, "You know why we're here." "Well that didn't last long" I heard Lucks mutter. "Ohh Wren my dear boy~" Puzzles said, standing. "Is that the way to treat your dearest friend~?"

Friend?

We're exes you idiot!

I gritted my teeth and glared, "You're pissing off the wrong inkling." I snarled. Lucks had his bow ready to fire. "You think you scare me, Lucky~?" Puzzles said, almost like a threat.

Wait, something was off.

Didn't Sheridan tell me he had to tell Win that Lucks hated that nickname?

Win hardly used it when we interacted! Even after Lucks left!

Yet here he was, using it.

I had a bad feeling.

Puzzles laughed. "Face it boys," he said, "You'll be nothing more than just piles of blood and guts when I'm done with you~"

And that told me that wasn't my ex.

Lucks however, did something else.

He lunged forward. and the two started throwing punches at each other.

I wonder how long he wanted to do that for?

"Uh, Lucky Shot?" I asked, "You got this?" Before he could answer, Puzzles shoved Lucks off him and onto me.

Oh, it was on now.

We fought him, chasing him onto a catwalk above the whole fight down below with our friends.

Suffice it to say, it was getting pretty bloody.

And Aria was having the time of her life.

I didn't blame her.

Garcello spotted us and flew up, "Wren hold him still!" he shouted, I held him by his arms and he punched the TV in the screen.

Suffice it to say, it was glorious.

All of the gang got a turn to beat his ass, while still fighting the clones down below.

But... something felt off.

He was fighting back yes, but it felt like he wasn't using his full potential.

I heard the door open from down below, right as Puzzles pinned me to the floor. I looked down briefly and spotted Sheridan rushing in to the chaos. "Was wondering when this was gonna happen..." I heard him say before running to another room, almost like he was looking for something.

Not important.

Rather, I'd deal with him later.

Though, I noticed Puzzles pulled something out after I kicked him off me.

Was that an iPad? Like, the original from the last decade?

"The fuck?" I asked, "What is that?" Puzzles laughed, "Ohh this old thing~?" he asked, "It's my newest creation, it's called, the iStaff, if you will."

The what now?

"That's just an iPad on a staff." Lucks said, looking confused. "Oooh that's intimidating." Garcello said, I swear he sounded like Jeff Foxworthy when he said that." "Oh trust me my boy, it's a force to be reckoned with." Puzzles told us. "It's not, 'just an iPad', it can open portals to alternate dimensions, bringing forth the most powerful villains from the other worlds, all to placate the master himself of course~"

The fuck was he on???

"Are you out of your mind??" I heard Cree shout. "If HE gets released, we're all royally screwed!!"

Who's he?

Puzzles laughed. "Oh trust me Hedgehog," he said, "I have every intent to bring him here... to bring them ALL HERE!"

Okay, Puzzles has completely lost it.

We all wrestled him for the staff.

That's when... something happened...

That's when I realized, this wasn't Mr. Puzzles at all...

Who was this...?

((this next part was written by my good friend Creaidan The Hedgehog, so I'm giving him the credit that he deserves/))

"Mr. Puzzles" and Lucks's family wrestle each other over the iStaff. This causes the iStaff to glitch, causing "Mr. Puzzles" to glitch, too.

Garcy: Stop it!

"Mr. Puzzles": No! I'm not letting you undo all my hard work!

In the background, everyone else see what's going on.

Aria: Wait... Who is that...?

The more " Mr. Puzzles" glitches, the more we lose sight of him and get flashes of a creepy, looking version of Cree.

Everyone else is more confused than surprised, but Cree appears to be in ABSOLUTE SHOCK!!!!

Cree: NO WAY!!!! 😱😱😱😱

Lucks: What the— Who are you?!

Subaru: I'm Subaru Elias, a clone of the Otaku King himself! And I did not have everything in my life build up to this moment to let YOUR, YOUR USELESS CREWMEMBERS, AND ESPECIALLY NOT THAT GODDAMN MR. FUCKING PIECE OF SHIT PUZZLES TAKE IT AWAY FROM ME!!!!!!

He impales Lucks in the stomach with the bottom of the iStaff.

Garcy: !!!!! DAD!!!!!!!!

Subaru: IT'S TV TIME!

He pushes the iStaff further into his gut, Subaru laughs evilly.

Subaru: END OF THE LINE, GLITCH PRODUCTIONS!!

((back to Wren's POV))

Holy fuck!!

"LUCKS!" I screamed, running to my bro. He had his hand on where he got stabbed, trying to stop the bleeding.

I looked down and noticed a majority of the clones were ether dead or near death. "NILES! FRED! ZERO!" I screamed "GET UP HERE NOW!" Thankfully Aria flew them up and dealt with the rest of them while Cree handled Subaru. They healed him easily. "Jesus..." I heard Lucks mutter, "If that wasn't Puzzles, then where is he?" "Fuck if I know..." Niles said as he finished healing him up. "But if what you guys said is true, he might be with the rest of the crew doing god knows what."

The rest of the gang joined us on the cat walk, "Wait!" I said, "I thought I saw Sheridan run in!" "Is he here?" Niles asked, "Somewhere." I admitted, "You don't think...?" Zero asked, concerned. "Dunno." Anne told us. "I can't stand what he's become, but a clone army? Out of his wheel house."

We heard a laugh, a hollow, empty sound.

Subaru was standing there, his foot on Cree's head, Cree coughed up blood. Our eyes went wide.

"Y-You bastard..." Cree croaked out. "Please," Subaru told him, "Takes one to know one."

What??

We had to know what was going on here.

((back to Creaidan's writing. Like I said, I'm giving him the credit he deserves.))

Wren: “Why? Why are you doing this, Subaru? Why?”

Subaru: (distorted electronic voice) “Why!? WHY!?!? Very well. I’ll tell you… You see, a long time ago, my own creator, Dr. Rene Seraph, had abandoned me and left me to rot! Being nothing more than a clone without a purpose, I thought that it was the end for me. Until I met the Dark Lord himself. He gave me a purpose, a meaning to my life, allowing me to be more than a simple cookie-cutter guinea pig. From then on, I’ve worked my fingers to the bone, sacrificing whatever I could to him, practically worshiping the dirt that he walked on. Until I eventually got up to one of his highest ranks as his personal apprentice! I thought that I was all set for life, that I would have some meaning to my life for once!! Making it so that way I’ll be remembered for something more that what I already am and for my memory to fully live on forever... Until HE showed up, and fucked up EVERYTHINF FOR ME!!!!...”

Axol: “Who?...”

Subaru: (distorted electronic voice) “WHO ELSE!? MR. GOD DAMN PUZZLES, OF COURSE!! EVER SINCE HE CAME INTO PICTURE, THAT’S ALL THE DARK LORD WOULD EVER FOCUS ALL OF HIS ATTENTION TO!!!! MR. PUZZLES THIS, MR. PUZZLES THAT!!!! I COULDN’T GO ANYWHERE WITHOUT HEARING ABOUT HIS STUPID-ASS!!!! NOW MY OWN MASTER HAS TURNED HIS BACK ON ME, JUST LIKE DR. SERAPH HAD!!!! ALL OF MY HARD WORK DOWN THE FUCKING TOILET, ME BEING 2ND IN COMMAND NOW COMPLETLEY WORTHLESS, I! LOST!! EVERYTHING!!! BECAUSE OF HIM!!!! NOW THE ENTIRE SMG4 FANDOM WON'T STOP TALKING ABOUT HIM EITHER!!

Mr. Puzzles. Mr. Puzzles. Mr. Puzzles and his Puzzlevision Saga. He's everywhere! Every fandom, every Discord server talks about Mr. Puzzles. Look at all this stuff! Mr.Puzzles plushies, Mr. Puzzles fanart, Mr. Puzzles underpants, obviously for the larger child. What's he got that I haven't got? He's got an entire cult following! And I want one! - Is that too much to ask? I thought that it was the end for me once again, but not anymore… all thanks to this right here…” (he holds out the iStaff) “THIS, ladies and gentlemen, is the iStaff; a staff that contains the one thing that has created your world; Your Creator’s old iPad. Since it contains old notes about this world in order to create it, I figured since she is no longer using it that I could just simply take it for myself. So, I simply went to the real world and stole it for myself. What does it do, you ask? Well, that’s quite simple, actually: ANYTHING!!!! Anything that I want it to do or think for it to do, it will do for whoever wields its power. And after gathering 13 different Foundation Elements from across the Otakuverse, which are various artifacts that make up universes, and using them to power up this bad boy, I am now able to FINALLY get my revenge on that USELESS TV-HEADED PILE OF FUCK FOR TAKING EVERYTHING FROM ME!!!! And what better way to do that than to simply disguise myself as the fucker, and to ruin his reputation before eventually killing him once he’s finally realised the depth of his failure! But I couldn’t take him down on my own, so I needed a device that could very easily overthrow the bastard. Once all of that’s done, the Dark Lord will dump him like he did to me, the whole fandom will hate his ass, and ALL OF THE GLORY WILL BE MINE!!!!!!!! Now, any questions?...”

((back to Wren's POV))

I... I was in disbelief...

All this, because Puzzles stole his glory? Took Error from him...? His spot, as Error's right hand man...?

All of us were in utter shock.

Cree the most so... He pushed Subaru off of him and stood. "You're still the same as ever..." he said, "But this? Yeah I hate that TV headed asshat too but this?? This is low even for you!" Subaru just laughed, "And I should care why?" he told him, "He deserves to have his reputation tarnished for everything he's done..."

The irony was not lost on me.

I had my own reputation in the crapper for losing my title, Lucks, well, his server got leaked. Sheridan for nearly controlling all the meta runners in the world.

Granted his was different.

Where was he anyway?

I had one question though...

"When?" I asked, "When did this all start?"

((another scene written by Cree, enjoy guys.))

Subaru: You guys never appreciate anything that I did, even after everything that I've done for you all! Just like back in "Reunion, Chapter 27: "Confrontation"!!!!:

flashback

"Anything happen?" I heard Evelyn ask. "We got beat up by Aria and Cree." I told her. "And Error?" she asked, before I could answer, BCL looked horrified. "Guys..." he said, "I think he was defeated."

Defeated?

Subaru is sitting quietly in the background, eavesdropping the villains.

"What do you mean defeated???" Winston shouted, running over. "I mean he didn't succeed. That's what I'm saying." "Is. He. Alive." Winston asked, I swear I got chills. "I.... I don't know." BCL said. We were in disbelief. "So.... what'll happen to us?" Enzo asked. A glimmer of hope formed inside of Subaru's heart, thinking that this would finally be his chance to be in charge while the Dark Lord was recovering for once,... But was, of course, proven wrong once again. "I... I don't know." Sheridan said, "We'll figure something out guys." Sheridan told them all. "Win, you're-" He noticed Winston had gone off, and punched a wall* .... "Yeah he's angry." Sheridan said, "So... stay away?" Enzo asked me, "Oh yeah." He told him. Subaru's heart began to sink back to where it was once before. Enzo nodded and looked at the others, "So Win's in charge now?" he asked, "Looks like it." Sheridan said, "Until it's confirmed that Error's alive." "Makes sense." Lawyer Kong told me. "What about SMG4's crew?" Francis asked, "Won't they-?" "INCOMING!" Evelyn shouted, sounding a lot like Heavy.

Subaru's hope was shattered and in response, he roared loudly and destroyed a portrait of Winston himself on the wall!!!! 😠😠😠😠

*end of flashback*

((back to Wren's POV))

I just looked at him, confused, "I'm sorry," I began, "Did you just break the fourth wall?" Subaru just growled and launched something at me from the iStaff, sending me flying into the back wall. "WREN!!" Lucks shouted, running to me. I groaned in pain and rubbed my back. Lucks turned and glared.

((what'll happen next is a comination of my writing and Creaidan's writing. Cree's will be done in an almost skit like style and mine will be how it's always been. this'll still be in Wren's POV in the meanwhile. enjoy.))

Lucks: “ I DON'T GET IT, SUBARU! IF YOU JUST SIMPLY WANT TO BE REMEMBERED FOR SOMETHING, THEN WHY NOT TRY DOING SOMETHING GOOD FOR THE WORLD INSTEAD!?...”

Subaru: (distorted electronic voice) “ If you save people from a burning building, they’ll forget about you within a day. But if you’re the one who started the fire, they’ll remember you for a lifetime!!”

Cree glared and lunged for the mad hedgehog himself, only to get thrown back as well.

Subaru: (distorted electronic voice) “You wanna know the scariest type of person in the world is, Cree!? It’s not someone with money. It’s not someone with power, authority, or ANY type of leadership over anyone whatsoever! No! Quite the opposite, really. It’s someone who’s got nothing left to lose! But do you wanna know what makes me stand out from the rest!? And do you wanna know what makes me a thousand times worse than any of those people will EVER BE!? It’s that those people once had something to look forward to in their lives before it was taken away from them just like that as for I was brought into this cold hellish world with NOTHING!!!!!!...”

What was left of his clone army was coming towards us. "FINISH THEM!" Subaru shouted, and they came at us.

I think he forgot we were still on a cat walk.

I however wasn't phased. I just laughed, my same laugh from when I told Meggy she had never left the simulation. "Oh Subaru," I began, "You think your army's gonna stop us?" Subaru's eye narrowed. "I have an army." he told me. "We have an Aria." Lucks said, pointing towards our resident gremlin.

Spudnick though, as if on cue...

"I GOT A JAR OF DIRT! I GOT A JAR OF DIRT!"

Couldn't resist could he?

As for Aria...

She just cackled and swooped back down to finish off the clones, while we dealt with Subaru.

And seriously WHERE THE FUCK WAS SHERIDAN??

I used my splattershot to blind Subaru for a brief moment, where I spotted him, Sheridan came running and did something not wven I saw coming.

He pushed him, causing him to drop the iStaff.

It drooped onto the concrete ground below...

And shattered into several pieces.

Subaru's eye went wide. He turned and glared at Sheridan "YOU!" he shouted, "YOU WERE ON MY SIDE!" "i'm still on Error's side." he said, "Just not yours. And believe me, Error's pissed at you."

Gee I wonder why.

Subaru lunged at him and made a grab for the mad doctor. What'd he do?

Deliver a punch to his face.

And it looked beautiful!

I took that opportunity to land a final blow to send the bastard to the ground beneath.

Of course, Cree had to get one last hit in himself.

Subaru landed with a hard thud.

We looked below and saw the clones were dead, and Aria being, well, Aria, was wiping her mouth. "And yes, I still feel nothing." she said with a grin, eye twitching.

Was that a Murder Drones reference?

I feel like it was.

The rest of the crew headed back down while Lucks flew both me and Sheridan down ourselves.

Cree was the first to reach him/

Subaru looked up at us, anger on his face.

Cree: “It’s over, Subaru! You’ve lost! The iStaff is destroyed! Your Clone Army is all dead! Your cover is blown! You're finished! GIVE UP!!”

Subaru: (soft evil gargled chuckling)

Wren: “What’s so funny?...”

Subaru: (gargled) “D… Did you really think that you’ve actually won?... Wow, you guys really ARE stupider than I thought you already were…”

Sheridan: (grabs him and holds him up by the collar) “What are you talking about!? Speak, goddamnit!”

Subaru: (gargled) “Isn’t it obvious?The iStaff may be gone, as well as my Clone Army, and I may have been exposed, but Mr. Puzzles’s reputation is still in shambles, since nowadays, the Internet will believe ANYTHING! On top of that and best of all, I was forgotten about before, and now… They’ll for sure remember me for what I did *now…” (barfs up a huge chunk of Black Karma) “... And best of all, it’ may be the end for me, but not you you… because the PRIME DARK LORD has gathered up about… hmm, I’d say 90 different villains from various universes to this one, building up an army to have the Revival AU wiped out COMPLETELY!! And there is nothing that you can do about it! You’re all still screwed! They’re coming for you, you hear!?... THE NEGATIVE 90 IS COMING FOR YOU ALL!!!! BWHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA-”

BANG! (Gets shot directly through the heart)

Subaru: (through choked gags) “... D… D… D- Doctor… S… S- Seraph….” (finally dies in Cree's arms)

We were all stunned. "is... is he...?" Garcello asked. Cree looked at his clone and we all held our breath... and Cree nodded. "Y-yeah, he's dead..." he said, looking relieved as he set him on the floor. "Let's hope it's for good this time..." he said softly.

I however was confused. "What'd he mean by the Dark Lord, and 90 other villains?" I asked, Sheridan sighed, "Those were dealt with." he told me, "Error caught on to what he was doing and, well, let's just say he's not one for sharing."

What?

"Say what now?" Cree asked, "Error told me he sent them back." he said, "He ain't exactly one for sharing what he refers to as his domain. Not to mention this was messing with the natural order, so it wasn't just his decision." He turned to Niles, "It was also your father's."

Silence.

"My... father...?" he asked, Sheridan nodded. "Guess it was one thing the two agreed on in ages." he told us. "Your mom dealt with them all." "My mom...?" Niles asked again, tearing up. Sheridan nodded again as Zero looked surprised. "Your family saved us...?" Zero asked, "I-I guess so..." Niles said, smiling a bit, tears running down his cheek.

At least it was over.

But... who shot Subaru?

"Hey who's that?" I heard Aria asked, we turned just in time to see a cloaked figure rush out the side door.

Yes we chased after them.

Unfortunately once we got outside, we lost them.

"FUCK!" I heard Lucks shout. "Where'd they go??" "Forget it Lucks," Sheridan said, "Whoever it was is probably gone by now." Cree looked at him, "I can try to catch them!" he said, ready to run.

Sheridan grabbed his arm.

"I wouldn't if I were you."

Cree looked confused. "The fuck do you mean?" he asked, "Let's just say I know who that was..." Sheridan told him, before turning to look at Lucks, "And I feel it's best we get out of here."

Lucks looked surprised, but nodded. "Alright" he said, "C'mon guys."

We left, leaving Subaru behind, along with all his clones.

Granted Aria took a surplus of their body parts.

Sometimes I forget she eats flesh.

Cree filled us in one who Dr. Seraph was, but I wasn't listening...

Something didn't sit right with me...

"Wren?"

Lucks?

I looked up at my best friend, "Yeah?" I asked, "You good man?" he asked, "You were zoning out." I nodded and looked up at the sky. "Just confused is all." "About...?" Sheridan asked, joining the conversation. "Well, about where Puzzles is." I said, "Because if that was Subaru pretending to be Puzzles, then, where is the real deal?"

Sheridan froze.

He knew something.

"I know where..." he said, a shadow over his eyes... "He's running his own theme park..." "A theme park?" Annie asked, "Not just any." he continued, "He took control of Didney." "And nothing of value was lost." Fred said, making us laugh.

"He's got the crew hostage."

We stopped laughing.

"He what??" Cree asked. "He's got the crew." Sheridan admitted, "Even Meggy's Leggy again." He sighed and looked at both me and Lucks, "It's why I was at the house earlier." he admitted, "Winston's lost his mind, more than I have and..." he trailed off before resuming. "Error's afraid he's spiraling..."

My heart clenched up.

Puzzles had our friends??

I was scared, but it got replaced by something else.

Fury.

I.

Was.

Fed.

Up.

"Where is he?" I asked, voice low and threatening. I saw Garcy hide behind Axol. "Go back to the Showgrounds." Sheridan told us. "There's a warp pipe there."

I ran to the Showgrounds, the others followed.

"C'mon everyone!" I shouted, "We got friends to save, and a TV to dismantle!"

*at the Showgrounds*

*Lucks' POV*

We made it and rushed inside the castle.

No one was there.

"Game room." Sheridan told me. We ran in there and, sure enough, there was a green warp pipe. "C'mon guys." Wren said, jumping in first.

We all followed.

Where we wound up?

Some carnival.

"Meh, I think I'd prefer Caine's crappy adventures over this." Niles said, looking less than impressed. We rolled our eyes as I looked around. As I did, I spotted some of the crew, and... they were dressed as circus performers.

Yep, Puzzles had them brainwashed.

Again.

Wasn't surprised to see Luigi as a clown though.

Wasn't he already one?

No wait that was Francis.

Never mind.

I noticed something, Mario and SMG4 going through challenges with them while Puzzles watched on from a screen, and... was that Leggy?

I had an idea.

"I might have an idea." I told the guys, "But we'll need to lure them all to the big top." "And Leggy?" Desti asked, "Leave her to me." Wren said, "If she's a Goomba, she can be changed back." We nodded and raced to the Big Top, "I got the others!" Sheridan said as he split off, Wren following.

We raced to the Big Top and I explained my big idea. "We don't kill them." I said, "Just tire them out." The guys nodded, Cree wondered one thing. "What about outfits?" he asked, Before I could respond, I heard a... familiar presence. "I think someone's got that covered." I said as we walked back stage, "Follow me."

SpongeBob Narrator: 2 hours later

*Wren's POV*

I ducked into the big top, Sheridan not too far behind, we got the others to follow us because Puzzles tried to chase us. Leggy ran in, looking around, but we were hiding. The others followed and noticed something was off. Puzzles appeared on the screen as I spotted SMG4 and Mario run in on the other side.

Leggy was close to us.

That's when I heard music.

Familiar music.

I recognized the tune, and notices the lights dimmed.

"What's going on?" Sheridan asked, "I think it's what Lucks planned." I said quietly. I noticed Lucks in the darkness. Why was he dressed like Caine?

If the others were dressed as the cast from TADC I would laugh at whoever was Kinger.

The music stopped, and changed, to a familiar tune.

I knew where Lucks was going now.

Woah

Woah

Woah

Woah

Woah

Woah

Woah

Woah

Woah

Who was singing?

A spotlight appeared, and Lucks was center stage.

Ladies and gents, this is the moment you've waited for (woah) 

Been searching in the dark, your sweat soaking through the floor (woah) 

And buried in your bones there's an ache that you can't ignore 

Taking your breath, stealing your mind 

And all that was real is left behind

I began to see shadows of our friends come running out of the open curtain behind him. I could only make out a few of what their costumes were, but I had a feeling of who some of them were.

Don't fight it, it's coming for you, running at ya 

It's only this moment, don't care what comes after 

Your fever dream, can't you see it getting closer 

Just surrender 'cause you feel the feeling taking over 

It's fire, it's freedom, it's flooding open 

It's a preacher in the pulpit and you'll find devotion 

There's something breaking at the brick of every wall it's holding I'll let you now, so tell me do you wanna go?

The lights came on, and everyone was dressed up! Not just as TADC characters, but others! No surprise Niles was Jax, but Zero as Angel was a sight, so was Fred as Fantoccio. Aria was Gangle, Annie was Ragatha, Axol was Gummigoo, Spudnick was Zooble, Desti was Pomni, and, surprise surprise, Garcy was in his Beetlejuice cosplay.

Cree, was the one to surprise me.

Why was he Pennywise?

As for which one I had no clue.

Looked like the one from the 90's, not the new one.

It worked with him.

Where it's covered in all the colored lights 

Where the runaways are running the night 

Impossible comes true, it's taking over you 

Oh, this is the greatest show 

We light it up, we won't come down

And the sun can't stop us now 

Watching it come true, it's taking over you

Oh, this is the greatest show

The guys all performed as the rest of the crew watched, and even sang along.

(Woah) Colossal we come these renegades in the ring 

(Woah) Where the lost get found in the crown of the circus king 

Don't fight it, it's coming for you, running at ya 

It's only this moment, don't care what comes after 

It's blinding outside and I think that you know 

Just surrender 'cause you're calling and you wanna go 

(Hey!) Where it's covered in all the colored lights 

Where the runaways are running the night 

Impossible comes true, intoxicating you

Oh, this is the greatest show 

We light it up, we won't come down 

And the sun can't stop us now 

Watching it come true, it's taking over you 

Oh, this is the greatest show

It's everything you ever want 

It's everything you ever need 

And it's here right in front of you 

This is where you wanna be (This is where you wanna be) 

It's everything you ever want 

It's everything you ever need 

And it's here right in front of you

This is where you wanna be 

This is where you wanna be 

(Hey!) When it's covered in all the colored lights 

Where the runaways are running the night 

Impossible comes true, it's taking over you 

Oh, this is the greatest show 

We light it up, we won't come down 

And the sun can't stop us now 

Watching it come true, it's taking over you 

Oh,

This is the greatest show  (Hey!) 

When it's covered in all the colored lights 

Where the runaways are running the night 

Impossible comes true, it's taking over you

Oh, this is the greatest show

We light it up, we won't come down 

And the walls can't stop us now 

I'm watching it come true, it's taking over you 

Oh, this is the greatest show 

I watched Niles and Zero perform this part

'Cause everything you want is right in front of you 

And you see the impossible is coming true 

And the walls can't stop us (now) now, yeah 

And then the big finish

This is the greatest show (Oh!) 

This is the greatest show (Oh!) 

This is the greatest show (Oh!) 

This is the greatest show (Oh!) 

This is the greatest show (Oh!) 

This is the greatest show (Oh!) 

(This is the greatest show) 

This is the greatest show (Oh!) 

This is the greatest show!

To say the whole room erupted in applause was an understatement. "Ohh that was phenomenal!: I heard Puzzles say "This is the type of performance I need for my park! The lights, the music, the showmanship, even the performance from everyone! It's breathtaking!" The others all gathered around, and I could tell, this wasn't over yet.

Aria looked at Puzzles, as the next song began

Where our plan went into motion.

There's only two types of people in the world

The ones that entertain,

Aria pointed to us as she sang that, then at Puzzles for the next part

and the ones that observe

Puzzles was pissed.

Well, baby, I'm a put-on-a-show kind of girl

Don't like the back seat, gotta be first (oh-oh)

I'm like the ring leader, I call the shots (call the shots)

I'm like a firecracker, I make it hot

When I put on a show

The others joined in

I feel the adrenaline moving through my veins

Spotlight on me and I'm ready to break

I'm like a performer, the dance floor is my stage

Better be ready, hope that you feel the same

That's when the fight began, us, versus Puzzles' and our brainwashed friends.

All eyes on me in the center of the ring just like a circus

When I crack that whip everybody gon' trip just like a circus

Don't stand there watching me, follow me, show me what you can do

Everybody let go, we can make a dance floor just like a circus

There's only two types of guys out there

Ones that can hang with me and ones that are scared

So, baby, I hope that you came prepared

I run a tight ship, so beware

I'm like the ring leader, I call the shots (call the shots)

I'm like a firecracker, I make it hot

When I put on a show

I feel the adrenaline moving through my veins

Spotlight on me and I'm ready to break

I'm like a performer, the dance floor is my stage

Better be ready, hope that you feel the same

All eyes on me in the center of the ring just like a circus

When I crack that whip everybody gon' trip just like a circus

Don't stand there watching me, follow me, show me what you can do

Everybody let go, we can make a dance floor just like a circus

I grabbed Leggy from behind at the dance break, holding my hand over her mouth to keep it shut, preventing her from screaming.. I felt her wriggle under my hand, "Sorry Meg," I whispered, "But I gotta do this..." I raised my fist up above my head.

Let's go

Let me see what you can do

I'm runnin' this (like-like-like-like a circus)

Yeah, like a what? (Like-like-like-like a circus)

My fist came down

All eyes on me in the center of the ring just like a circus

When I crack that whip everybody gon' trip just like a circus

Don't stand there watching me, follow me, show me what you can do

Everybody let go, we can make a dance floor just like a circus

All eyes on me in the center of the ring just like a circus

When I crack that whip everybody gon' trip just like a circus

Don't stand there watching me, follow me, show me what you can do

Everybody let go, we can make a dance floor just like a circus

I peered out and saw that Puzzles' crew wasn't much of a match for us. Puzzles was getting pissed. Mario and SMG4 had snuck behind the curtain, so he couldn't see us.

No cameras back here, or were they disabled?

If they were, I wonder by who?

Heheh, I think I knew who, but wasn't gonna say yet.

"Ugh, what happened?" I heard Meggy ask, she looked at me with confusion, "Wren?" she asked, "When'd you get here?" I shushed her, "Long story," I whispered as Lucks walked over, "Right now, I gotta make a grand finale." The others nodded, "You guys wanna join me in the final lines?" I asked, "You kidding?" SMG4 asked with a smile, "Yeah I would." "Oh yeah!" Mario said cheerfully. "Heck yeah!" Meggy said with a smile. Lucks gave me a nod and called the others back.

The lights dimmed

And I stepped out.

"Ohh?" I heard Puzzles say, "And what's this? Wren, what on earth could you possibly perform hm~? Some Cowboy tune?"

Last time I checked you were the tall bottom in our relationship.

I took a breath as the music began.

((this'll be performed in the same way as Two Minutes Notice from Helluva Boss))

Wren: I have wasted time

I have seen my use

I have packaged and sold every part of me

Suffered a lifetime of abuse

I have lost myself

I have worshipped at your feet

And here I am, standing on top of the world

With some bitches to defeat

I've played the game

I've won it all

They've screamed my name

They bought the doll

I've seized the day

Now I'vе got one thing left to say-ay-ay

Fuck you!

Herе's my two minutes notice

Fuck you!

Time to quit and smell the roses

Say goodbye, while I look you in the eye and say "Fuck you!"

Puzzles: Interesting song. Wonder what fuckhead this is about.

(Wren: Fuckity, fuckity, fuckity, fuckity you!)

Lucks: It's about you.

(Wren: Fuck you!)

Puzzles: Wait, what?

Wren: I have taken shit (Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh)

Been crushed under your heel (Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh)

I have suffered for profit and suckered for fame (Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh)

Made a fortune you could steal (Ooh-ooh)

I've had enough

I've hit the wall

I'm tired of taking your calls

It ends today

Now there's just one last thing to say-ay-ay

Fuck you!

I wish I'd said it sooner

Fuck you!

Cut you off, just like a tumor

Hope you die

Kiss my ass goodbye, you cuck

Fuck you!

(Eeugh—) Have you ever felt sick and tired of doing

The same shit everyday with your anger brewin'?

Eatin' shit for a boss that you're sick of obeyin'?

If you ever felt the same, let me hear ya say it!

Did you really think I was gonna stay?

Spending life bent over with your fist in my "a"!

Slander me, say I'll never work in this town

If I stick around, I'll be six more feet under the ground

Fuck you!

(Woah-oh-oh!)

Here's my two minutes notice

(Suck it, greedy bastard)

Fuck you!

(You're a fucking ass clown)

Time to quit and smell the roses

Say goodbye, too late to apologize!

So, this is it

*Wren Pulls Meggy, SMG4, and Mario up with him on stage*

Wren, Meggy, SMG4 and Mario: Puzzles, you sad sack of shit!

Fuck you!

(Fuck you, fuck you, fuck you, fuck you)

Wren: You bitch!

Meggy: Yeah!

To say Puzzles was pissed, well, that was an understatement.

"No" I heard him say, "No no no!" he was glitching. Meggy, Mario, Four and I all looked at his screen, so did the rest of us. Cree handed me a microphone. "Get it out." he told me, I nodded. "Puzzles, listen." I began, "You might've owned my soul, and been my boss, but I think it's time I finally said this to you." I was silent for a second then...

"I quit!"

Cue the gasps.

"YOU WHAT??" Puzzles shouted, fury in his voice. "You heard me." I said, smirking, "And besides," I continued, looking back at my friends, even Lucks, knowing what I was about to say... I took a breath, and said it.

"What's the point of working with my ex boyfriend if he can't see when his former partner was being raped by a former client?"

Cue even more gasps.

Puzzles eyes went wide. "Y-YOU WERE WHAT??" he asked, horrified. "YOU AND PUZZLES?" Mario asked, shocked. Meggy looked horrified herself. SMG4 was in disbelief too. Why'd Sheridan faint though?

Even the gang that was brainwashed looked shocked. Boopkins and SMG3 fainting made it better though. Same went for Bob vomiting in shock.

"Look, you wanna talk with me about this?" I began, "It's too late. You failed, to protect me, and now? You're going down."

With that, I held the mic out in front of me, and dropped it.

It felt so god damn glorious really.

As for Puzzles... he wasn't too thrilled about what we did.

I didn't blame him, for obvious reasons.

"You guys take care of Puzzles." I said to Meggy, Four and Mario. "We got our friends." They nodded and took off to wherever Puzzles was.

As for freeing our friends...

Not easy.

We kept fighting them but god was it hard to break them free of Puzzles' control.

He had a strong grip on them.

Cree was desperate to free Tari, he looked... scared, horrified even...

I didn't blame him. Poor fella's been through enough as is.

We kept trying, but it wasn't enough.

I went to find the others, and ran. "Where'd they go?" I asked myself. Until I heard something. I followed the sound and made it to a room called "Engine Room" Why did I suddenly have a very bad feeling...?

I slowly opened the door...

And saw Meggy trying to give Puzzles a chance to change!

I was horrified and ran after her...

Only for Puzzles to grab us both.

"Oh Meggy dear" he said, "That child is gone. Six feet under right where YOU AND YOUR STUPID FRIENDS BELONG!" he shouted, before throwing us both to a pit, laughing like a maniac.

Thank fuck Mario caught us.

Meggy and I exchanged looks, we had an idea.

We raced for the cannon, only room for one.

Meggy went in, Lucks rushed in, and got in his demon form. he threw me and I caught Meggy. We spun into a portal of sorts...

Hopefully... this can fix everything.

But what I heard... would haunt me forever.

"Step right up, my friends to PUZZLE PARK!!

Sights and frights not for the faint of heart!

Don't you break away, you won't get far!

Keep your hands and legs inside!!

This ride IS RIGHT ABOUT TO START!!"

*Wren's POV*

I opened my eyes, and realized... I was in a dark room... Where the fuck am I? "Meggy?" I asked, realizing she wasn't here. "Meggy where are you?" I called out. I got no answer. I looked around more... and heard something. A soft voice... almost sounded like... I don't know, crying?

I walked ahead and listened, hearing the crying getting closer.  I looked and saw a stage set up. It looked... kinda barren. Yet, I recognized the set up... I recognized it... from one of Lucks' recordings from his college days... "Wasn't this...?" I wondered softly, I soon heard the sniffling coming from center stage. I looked and saw a man there, he was sitting on the edge of the stage, slouched over, shoulders shaking as he cried. The outfit... it was the same Win wore...

No, it couldn't be... could it...?

I approached. "U-Um, excuse me...?" I watched him stop, and turn to look at me. I took in this man's features... curly jet black hair, hidden under a bowler hat, dark skin, I wanted to say by racial, but what got me... where the eyes. One was brown, the other blue... tears were spilling from them, fogging up his bottom rimmed glasses.

The rest of his outfit... it was the same as Puzzles... but he looked upset. tears running down his cheeks, lip quivering, cheeks red and snot coming out his nose.

This man looked pathetic.

"W-who... who are you...?" he asked, sniffling. "I-I'm uh...' I began, rubbing the back of my neck, then sighed. "My name is Wren." I said, "Wren Inkscopes. " I averted my gaze. "M-mind if I join you...?" I asked him. He was silent, but he nodded. I sat beside him on the stage. "I-I'm Winston..." he told me. "Winston Moore. But... I-I believe you know me... by another name." I looked at him, confused. "Wait, do you mean...?" I asked, he nodded... "Yeah," he said, wiping his tears away, and cleaning his glasses with a handkerchief.

"I am... Mr. Puzzles..."

I was dumbstruck.

"You?" I asked, he nodded and took a good look at me. "You were... my-his-our, boyfriend, right...?" he asked me, I nodded slowly. "In a way, yeah...'" I admitted, "I... was, your... boyfriend..." I looked at him. "But... how did you...?" Winston looked away from me... "I've... I've been stuck here..." he told me, "Watching, observing, unable to do anything." he turned to look at me. "I'm his humanity... his memories..."

His memories?

"What do you mean?" I asked, confused. He took his hands in mine. "Did he mention his backstory at all?" he asked, "About having no friends, watching TV all day, getting into television, and replacing his head with a TV?" I nodded. "He told me, and the others, through song." I said, remembering how the guys played the song for me. He looked me dead in the eyes. What he told me.. left me speechless.

"Whatever you do, don't believe his backstory."

What??

"Huh??" I asked, confused. "It's not completely true..." he told me, holding his neck. "I had no friends growing up... and wanted to get into television as a child...but this...?" he pointed to his head. "My life began to pick up, things were getting better in my life and-" he covered his mouth, before looking away.

Was he like Pearl and couldn't tell me?

"I-I'm sorry..." he said. "I can't stay..." he took my hand in his, looked at me, and hugged me close. "Wren..." he whispered, his voice soft, "I am so sorry, for what he-I, did to you... I wish I could control him... but I can't..." he looked at me again, "I wish I could've done something sooner, to prevent you from getting hurt, from getting assaulted, from... all of this..." he teared up again, "I wish I could have saved you..." he whispered, dropping his head.

I was in disbelief... This man, holding me, was who Puzzles was, before he lost his humanity... yet he had no control over Puzzles in the slightest... but why? and why stay in a stage of all places? I cupped his cheek. "Okay," I began, "I'm not mad at you..." i told him, "I never told him until now... so he had no clue..." I wiped his tears away. "As for you," I continued, "I'm not mad at you... you had no control over this..." I looked into his eyes. "Just knowing you exist... shows there could be a possibility that... he could change... but, it's unlikely..." I looked at him, "As for you..." I said, smiling, "You're innocent in this Winston..." I smiled softly, "You deserve better, not to stay here..." He sniffled, then smiled softly. and hugged me."Thank you..." he said softly. hugging me close. I was a bit hesitant, but hugged back.

Why'd he smell of coffee and rose?

He pulled away, and smiled. "Thank you Wren..." he said softly... "You should get going, your friend-"

"WREN!"

I turned and saw Meggy running to me, and she gasped. "Whoa..." she said, almost sounding... I wanna say breathless. Winston took notice, and approached. "M-Meggy?" he asked, holding her cheek. "H-how do you-?" she began. "I can't explain right now..." he told her. "But... thank you, for giving us a chance..." I knew what he meant there... I watched as Meggy looked around, confused. "Where are we...?" she asked,  Winston sighed, and stepped more onto the stage. "Where I reside..." he told us, "My final stage performance..." He turned to us. "it's where..." he blushed, "I was with... someone close... one last time..."

Someone close?

"Who?" Meggy asked, confused. "He was... my boyfriend..." he told us, blushing, "He meant the world to me, saw me for more than what I thought I was." he hid his face under his hat. "He... made me feel secure... We were in quite a few plays together in college." He adjusted his hat and smileed at us, "From Little Shop, where he was Seymour, and I the dentist, to Floyd Colins, he the narrator, and I, the titular character."

That hit me like a brick.

Lucks was in those plays!

And he told me he was those characters.

Wait... was Puzzles...?

No, it couldn't be... could it...?

"Why are you telling us this?" Meggy asked, Winston turned to us both. "Because..." he began, turning to us, "It's best you know the truth.."  He hugged us both. "You two both need to get going." he said, "but, I have something to give you Wren..." he said, putting something wrapped in a star speckled cloth in my hand. "Don't remove it, until you're out of here." he said softly. "Take care of yourself, both of you." we nodded, Meggy confused, but I understanding.

"oh, and one more thing." he said, "Wren, Meggy?" "Yes...?" I asked, he smiled softly. "Take care of Derek for me, will you?"

It clicked in my head instantly who he was talking about.

Meggy was confused, but nodded, I nodded. "I promise." I said, hugging him. "Thanks Winston..." I whispered.... He nodded and started to walk away to the stage.

We couldn't leave yet....

We heard him sigh, then, inhale, before....

"Only Heaven knows how glory goes

What each of us was meant to be

In the starlight, that is what we are

I can see so far"

The room dimmed as he sang the echoes. I held Meggy tight, and she clung to me. "Wren?" she asked, "Who was that...?" I looked at her in the darkness, and smiled, "A friend..." I told her as we left Puzzles head.

We landed with a thud. "GUYS!" I heard Lucks shout as he ran over. The rest of the guys raced over too. "Are you two okay?" SMG4 asked us. "Did you guys stop him?" Mario asked, "You're not hurt are you?" Lucks asked, "I think we did stop him..." Meggy said, "Leggy's with his kid self." I looked back, and noticed Puzzles pull up from the rubble. Winston entered my head...

Was ... was he really...?

"My dear friends" he said, standing. "I have learned a valuable lesson today. And that lesson is-"

He never finished, as Mario kicked him in the face while Four called 911.

We high-fived, thankful it was over.

As Puzzles was hauled off to jail, and SMG4 got stuff from Puzzle Park to take back to the Showgrounds, I stood with Meggy and Mario. The rest of the gang was washing up from their costumes. "So," I said, "Leggy's with Puzzles' kid self huh?" she nodded, "I figured it was the least I could do..." she told me. "For him, and Leggy." I nodded in understanding. "I get it." I told her, patting her back. "You're a good friend Meggy." she smiled, but it didn't last... "Wren?" "Yeah?" She paused... then...

"Was what you said back there... true?"

The others came over and gathered around. Even Cree looked surprised, yet concerned. I sighed, and... slowly nodded. "It's true..." I said, "Puzzles and I... we did date..." I rubbed my arms... "And, I... I was raped..." I admitted, "Puzzles wasn't the one who did it." I told them. "Damn!" I heard Bob shout. "I was ready to rip his dick off!" "We still can!" Cree shouted at him. "Ooh! Bodily harm?" I heard Aria add, "Can I join?" "GUYS!" I shouted, catching them by surprise. "It wasn't Puzzles... but... someone else..." I explained what happened down in Hell, who had done it to me... and... what he did...

I didn't go into full detail... I didn't want the guys to be even more disgusted.

I still felt uncomfortable talking about this too...

Meggy looked at me... I couldn't read the expression on her face... but, she pulled me into a hug. "At least Val can't get you here." she said, "And if he tries to lay a hand on you... I'll clip his wings."

....

I teared up, and hugged her back.

The others joined the hug.

"Don't worry guys," Lucks told them, "That bastard was already dealt with." He told us what happened after I left.

...

And I couldn't help but wheeze.

"Deserved!" I said laughing. the others were laughing too. With that, we made our way back to the Showgrounds.

Still... something was gnawing at me... what Winston said... He and Lucks knew each other apparently... but... was he really...?

No, it couldn't be, could it...?

I couldn't ask Lucks now, but I wanted to.

Back at the house, I put the starred cloth into a small box.

BCL would have a field day if he found out I had this.

I walked to where Lucks kept his tapes, video tapes of his performances from college...

I dug through, and found his Floyd Colins tape.

The top read the following:

"Floyd Colins: 4/20/1999"

A sticky note was stuck to it. I read what it said. "Our last show, I still miss him..."

My heart picked up speed...

"How... how did he know him...?"

I did not want to say anything...

I put the tape back, and went to find Lucks.

He was in the attic, working on something.

Must be another one of his nutshells.

Whatever.

I didn't wanna bother him while he was working...

I walked back downstairs, grabbed a blanket, and curled up on our couch in the Living room, watching whatever was on.

Not in the mood for the news, wasn't in the mood for hearing about politics.

I put it on a rerun of Ghost Adventures. Looked like it was the Isle of the Dolls episode.

Why Garcy liked this show I will never know.

Well, I'll take ghosts over politics in a heart beat, that's for damn sure.

But still... I felt like I needed to do something...

I knew what it was...

I needed to talk with my ex.

*a few days later*

*Wren's POV*

I can't believe I was doing this...

But I needed to talk with him...

He deserved to know who did it, and why I didn't speak up...

Especially with what I found out...

Puzzles was on Death Row.

I had no clue when his execution would be, so I decided to get this over with now.

We might've been exes, but he deserved to know...

Hal took me to where Puzzles was being held. I didn't trust him in the slightest though.

Man was too much of a stickler about following the rules.

I trusted FM more than this guy.

Hell I had more faith in Swag than I did this guy.

Why?

I wasn't worried about being arrested for doing something illegal by accident like tossing a can into the trash instead of a recycling bin.

And that wasn't even illegal was it?

Granted with FM all I had to worry about was being run over for Jaywalking.

And on the way here I saw Wario get his ass run over by FM for jay walking.

At least X got to enjoy that.

"We're here." Hal told me, banging on Puzzles door. "You have a visitor!" he shouted into the door slot. "Better make it count!" The door opened. "Holler if he tries anything." Hal told me as I stepped inside. "I'll holler for whoever." I said, looking back, spotting Swag walk by with a KFC bucket,

Why'd I get the feeling he got into a fist fight with Saiko to get that?

The door closed behind me.

"Hello Wren~"

Win you're not Sideshow Bob.

I looked at him and noticed he was in all orange. There was a ball on the side he was petting, decked out to look, almost like Leggy.

"Fancy of you to come visit me~" he said, smiling that signature smile of his. "It's been rather lonely here." "I wonder why." I said, annoyed. "What's with the volleyball?" He gasped dramatically and held the ball close. "HOW DARE YOU!" he said, "This isn't just a ball! This, is Leggy 2.0"

...

Pretty sure it was illegal to persecute a clearly mentally insane man.

"Okay, I'm sorry, Leggy 2.0" I said, knowing we'd get nowhere if I fought him. "Thank you~" Puzzles said, relieved. "So, what do I owe the pleasure hm~?" I sighed and sat across from him. "I uh... I need to talk with you..." I began, "About... what I said....  about my..." I looked away and squirmed, pulling my shirt over my crotch. "My... being.... well..." Win's face softened... And I saw a bit of the TV I once loved...

"Being raped...?"

I slowly nodded.

Win sighed and motioned for me to sit next to him. I cautiously did. We were silent for a bit, just sitting there in his padded cell.... Until...

"Who was it?" he asked, "Valentino...." I admitted, "He was the client..." He gasped, "He used me" I continued, "To be in, his porn movies..." I sighed, "I... I'm pretty sure... there was no movies..." I looked at the floor. "He simply just used me... like I was his little plaything." I pressed my legs together... remembering what he did... "I hated it..." I continued, feeling tears prick my eyes. "How he'd have his way with me... multiple times too... I'd come back limping, feeling sick to my stomach, praying to God I didn't get whatever disease he possibly had, or even hoping I wouldn't spread it to you..." He looked surprised. "Is-is that why you were afraid?" Win asked me, I nodded. "And was that why you were, scared, to try new things with me?" again, I nodded. "And why you wore a condom?" "Safe sex goes either way Win." I told him. "And, like I said... I didn't want you to get whatever disease he could've given me..." Puzzles looked at me, concerned. "I was tested..." I said, "I'm clean..." Silence reigned... then...

"Why didn't you tell me?"

I looked up at him, and saw worry on his screen. "Why didn't you tell me this when we were dating?" he asked me, "I could've done something sooner."

I'll be honest, I was caught off guard.

"I... I was... afraid..." I admitted, looking away. "I was scared you'd be mad... you wouldn't believe me... He was our highest paying client and..." I sighed, "I didn't want to be seen... as weak... Not after..." I remembered what all happened before I met him...

When I lost everything.

My title as Splatfest Champion, my so called friends, my house, my fame, my everything....

I felt Puzzles hand on my cheek, and lift my face to look his way. "Wren," he said softly, "I-I'm sorry... I should've seen the signs..."

Signs?

"You might not have told me," he said, "But, from your body language... you were screaming for help... and I didn't even notice..."

Oh my god... he DID notice... and he was right... I was...

I didn't have to say it...

My actions did...

I gripped his hand in mind. "There's, nothing... we can do now..." I told him. "But, I figured, you deserved to know..." Puzzles looked confused, but said nothing.

"Wren" he continued, "You mentioned it was Valentino, right?" I nodded, he sighed. "Ugh, horny bastard can't keep it in his pants, can he?"

Huh?

"The fuck are you talking about?" I asked him. "I had my own run in with the Vee's while I was in Hell." he told me. "I tried to see if I could get into the Television business down there, but Vox was an asshole to me, Velvette critiqued my style, and Val?" he shuddered, "He was a horny deviant. He even got my screen dirty! Horny bastard."

I wanted to laugh, but didn't.

"At least you know my pain somewhat." I told him. He nodded and laid his head back.

We sat in silence for what felt like hours, when it probably was only a few minutes.

"Wren?"

"Yeah?"

"... Thanks for loving me..."

I looked at him in surprise.

"What'd you say?" I asked, "I said," he began, "Thanks for loving me." he took hold of my hand. "Before I met Error, you were the first person to show me genuine love. No strings attached." he gave a smile. "I know we're on opposing sides now, but, I wish you the best in whatever you do, and whoever you choose as a partner in the future."

Can I be honest?

I was at a loss for words.

Was he... wishing me well...?

I just stared up at his screen, trying to figure out where he was going with this... but, there was nothing.... He was... genuine, sincere... I couldn't help what happened next...

I felt myself tear up... and pulled him into a kiss.

One last time... before he dies....

He was shocked for sure.

I knew Error was gonna kill me if he found out I was kissing his man.

Hey, he was my man first dickbag.

I pulled away and he just looked at me, shocked. "W-why did you-?" "Consider it a... proper goodbye." I told him, "Thanks... for loving me too." I said, patting his shoulder as I stood. "Take care of yourself." I told him before I left.

I started to step out of his cell, when I heard him.

"You too, Champ."

Dunno why, but, hearing him call me Champ... it brought back memories, of good times...

Between him and I...

I smiled back at him, waving as the door behind me shut.

I walked past Hal who just gave me a confused look. "Were you two making out lol?" Swag asked me. "Dude you make out with Sonic." I told him. "Sonic's my Waifu!" he shot back. I rolled my eyes and kept walking.

As I made my way to the lobby, I spotted Error walk in. We locked eyes.

He knew why I was here.

"Lemme guess." I began, "You seeing your boyfriend?" "Fiance" he corrected, "And yes, I am." He arched a brow at me, "You were too huh?" "That obvious?" I asked, he nodded. "Seemed you two had unfinished business." he told me, I rolled my eyes, Whatever." I said, "I need to get going anyway," as I started to walk out, I paused. "Error." I began, turning back to him. "Did he tell you we dated?" Error didn't look at me, but I watched him nod. "Take care of him will ya?" I asked, "He may be an ass, but he deserves better" Error turned to face me. "In all fairness," he began, "So do you inkling." With that, he walked past the guards.

...

Yeah he was here to break him out.

I wasn't surprised.

I left, not wanting to get caught up in that mess.

Like I was gonna be dragged into their shenanigans?

I had other issues to worry about anyway,

*3 weeks later*

*Sheridan's POV*

I dunno why I felt bad all of a sudden. I mean, we had Win back, and he was happy to be back.

Yeah he missed Leggy, but, he had Leggy 2.0 now, I guess.

As for how I felt about it... it's okay I guess.

But I felt bad for some reason.

Why?

I knew why.

Wren.

I must've felt bad for interrupting the concert for the Squid Sisters.

Did he have feelings for one of them?

Maybe.

"You good Doc?" I heard Evelyn ask as she approached me, "Define good." I said, taking a swig of my coffee. "You've been sitting by the coffee maker for the last couple of hours." she told me. "Usually you're holed up in your lab."

Damn, she knows me too well.

"Am I that obvious?" I asked her, "Well, when you're not out chasing those that escape and are terrorizing the village."

She wasn't wrong.

Usually I was out chasing after Francis, BCL, and even Puzzles to bring them back.

I felt like an errand boy doing that.

At least when I went after BCL, SMG1 was thankful.

...

And SMG2 was usually beating him up with a baseball bat.

Deserved.

"To be fair BCL needs to restrain himself." I told her, "Unless you wanna go collect them." "Ew! No!" she shouted. "I'm not doing that!" "Had a feeling." I told her. "Anyway, what's on your mind?" she asked me, I explained, and she looked surprised."You wanna make it up to him?" she asked me, "But why?" "I dunno." I told her, "I just feel bad for some reason."

I didn't have the heart to tell her what I heard Wren say...

...

Was he really...?

I didn't want to press him if it was too painful.

But... still...

I needed to know...

Evelyn had walked off my then and I had an idea. I grabbed my phone and checked for something...

Something I knew he would like.

*a few days later*

*Wren's POV*

"Niles quit sucking ass will ya?" I said into my headset. "Well excuse me princess!" he shot back from his microphone. "I'm trying to play, but I got someone demanding my attention." "Not my fault~!" I heard Zero say, almost in a sing song voice.

I get the man can be needy but come the fuck on!

We were getting swarmed here!

I groaned in annoyance. "Mario pick up the slack will ya?" I asked, getting no response. I watched his character from the screen, Mario was just standing there. "Mario?" I called out. "Dunno where he is." I heard Niles sayd, "He's just standing there... MENACINGLY!!"

Belle was that necessary?

Least I heard a snicker come from Zack's headset.

"Think this is funny little man?" I asked jokingly, "Why don't we turn up the heat." "Bring it on old man!" Zack shouted, "BRING IT ON!" "I'm in my 30's Zack." I told him as we started plowing through hordes of undead."Yeah, 1930's!" he shot back. "He's been watching Regular Show again hasn't he?" Niles asked. "I'll ask Garcy later." Belle told us.

Whatever.

Playing a zombie fighter game with Mario, Niles and Belle was fine enough, but Zack was... a bit much.

At least the kid knew how to play.

As for Mario...

"WELCOME TO BRAZIL!"

I didn't like what he was about to do.

Sure enough, he decided to do what we referred to as, "Pulling a Leroy Jenkins" and BLJ'd after the zombies

Thank fuck I was recording.

No one was gonna believe this.

"Guys?" Zack said, "I think we just won."

I dropped my controller.

Did Mario singlehandedly defeat a horde of zombies, by pulling a Leroy Jenkins???

We all had the same reactions

Niles: *as Eggman* WHAT THE ACTUAL SHIT?? WHAT???

Zack: ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME??

Belle: GOD DAMMIT!

Wren: Dammit Leroy

Mario: least I have chicken

Why'd I hear a wall break, "Hey guys!" I heard from Mario's mic, before he gave a cut off screen and disconnected.

...

"Hey guys" Zack said, "Twenty bucks Steve got him." "I'll throw in thirty!" Niles chimed in. "Make it thrity-five for me!" Belle said, getting a laugh from Tari on her end. "I'll opt out." I said, "Saving money to go to the Squid Sisters concert." There was silence before I ehard a sigh from Niles. "Dude that's coming up in a couple weeks." he told me. "You think you'll be able to even get a ticket by then?' "Why didn't you ask Meggy and Desti to get you one?" Belle added. "They got tickets ages ago."

They what??

"Why do you wanna see a bunch of squid girls Uncle Wren?" Zack asked me, "Because I like they're music?" I replied, "Maybe, or do you have a crush on either of them?" Belle and Niles snickered. "I'm recording guys." I told them, annoyed. "Not cool." The others still snickered.

Was bad enough that even Meggy was poking fun at me for liking them.

At least Lucks was cool about it,

"Before I asked if we could do another game, I heard my phone ring. "I'll be right back guys." I said, muting my mic and picking up my phone. "Hello?" I asked, then I heard it:

"Hey uh Wren? It's Dr. Sheridan"

Excuse the fuck out of me?

"What the fuck??" I asked, shocked. "I don't remember giving you my number." "I went through Mario's contacts." he admitted.

Forgot he and Mario were buds.

I know he and Bob were Poker buddies, no wonder the Hotel was in huge debt.

Idiot.

"What do you want?" I asked. "I actually have a offer for you-" "Fuck no." I said, "Whatever it is I ain't interested."

He was silent for a sec, then...

"I have an extra ticket to see the Squid Sisters."

...

Was he trying to flirt with me by saying that?

"Excuse me?" I asked, "I have an extra one." he said, "I wanna make up for... what happened awhile back. You wanna go with me man?"

I was speechless.

Was Sheridan really offering me this?

"You certain?" I asked, hesitant. "Yeah I'm certain!" Sheridan told me. "I know you like them, and, I've never been to a show before, or rather, a concert in years... so..."

I swear this felt like a fucking date.

"Ain't we on opposing sides?" I asked again, "Need I remind you I helped you and the others take down Subaru?" he reminded me. "Good point." I responded, then sighed. "Alright, I'll go with you." "Sweet!" he said "I'll get you an hour before the concert, be ready okay?" "Yeah sure." I said before hanging up.

...

What the fuck did I just get myself into?

Was I seriously about to go see a Squid Sisters concert with my best friend's murderer?

*the day of the concert*

Yes I fucking was.

Sheridan drove me to the concert hall and right away I was in awe.

There were humans and Inklings alike, all excited to see our favorite girls.

"Wren!"

Meggy!

I stepped out into the parking lot and immediately got tackle hugged by Meggy. I just hugged her tight. "Hey Meggy" I said with a smile, "Oh! hey Desti! I said as she walked over.

Granted, I don't think either were too thrilled that I arrived with Dr. Sheridan.

"Why'd you come with him?" Desti asked me, "Because he invited me?" I said, "Wait he what?" Meggy asked, I nodded and explained. "Ohhhh" Desti said, "So he's making up for what happened huh?" I nodded, Sheridan just shrugged, "Cmon you guys." he said, heading to the doors. "Let's get our seats."

Sure enough we headed inside.

The venue was huge.

We got our seats, I bought some merch while waiting. Gar told me to do that before the show started, as the vendors would be swamped after the show ended.

I got me a couple shirts, a hat, some pins, a poster, figures, and of course plushies. All four of us got those glow stick wands too.

This was gonna be fun.

We got to our seats, which were uh, a bit close to the stage.

"Whoa..." I said, in total awe. "Impressive huh?" Meggy asked me, I nodded. I'd been to concerts before, but this felt... almost surreal.

Everything that happened before this left my brain...

I was so ready to see Callie and Marie perform.

The lights dimmed.

The music grew louder.

Glow sticks lit up the venue.

I turned mine on to pink.

I uh, had reasons.

Soon... the concert started.

We heard the girls, plus the other bands. Deep Cut, Off The Hook, and of course, The Squid Sisters.

To say I cheered was an understatement.

Deep Cut went first, and they performed a few good tunes. So did Off the Hook, Pearl and Marina killed it. So did Frye, Shiver and Big Man when they collabed on a song or two. Callie and Marie collabed with them more than once, then got their time to shine.

Callie and Marie performed several of their songs, but I cheered the loudest when they got to their best song.

Calamari Inkcantation.

To say I cheered was a damn hard understatement. I freaking lost it!

Pretty sure I sounded insane for losing it.

I wasn't the only one.

Meggy and Desti were cheering too.

Sheridan was too!

That surprised me actually.

The song soon wrapped up, and of course, Callie and Marie did their signature "Stay Fresh!" pose.

Yes, we cheered more.

A few more songs played after that, but soon the concert was over.

I was out of breath, my voice was probably hoarse from all the cheering, and my arms fucking hurt too. "I should've stretched my arms before doing this." I said, rubbing my left arm. "Same..." Sheridan groaned as he rubbed his own arms. "Ugh, gonna be feeling this tomorrow."

The girls snickered.

Not helping.

As we made our way outside, I heard someone call me over the crowd of people.

"Hey! One Shot Wren!"

I turned and saw Callie in her normal clothes, waving at me.

Wait, she was- SHE WAS WAVING AT ME???

My face got beat red as that dawned on me.

Ohhhhh fuck.

*Sheridan's POV*

"Is Callie trying to...?" I asked, Meggy nodded, "She is." she told me, pushing Wren to her. "Go on man, talk with her!" Wren looked like a flustered mess, but approached her anyway.

Though we followed behind just in case.

"Meggy! Desti!" she said, hugging them, "Haven't seen you two in forever!" "Heh, it has been awhile huh Callie?" Meggy asked, "Not since, I think Splatoon 3, right?" Desti asked, Callie nodded, "That would've been... the Lawsuit Arc, right?" she asked.

We all nodded this time.

I might not have been there yet, but I knew of the arc.

Hell my show ended around the time of the Lawsuit Arc.

Marie showed up in her Kimono and the five had a conversation. Granted I had to be introduced as I hadn't met the girls before.

I however was watching Wren chat with Callie, and I saw him blushing while she was giggling at something he said.

There was clearly chemistry between them.

"Girls?" I said, "Is it just me, or is there a spark of romance between those two?"

Meggy, Marie and Desti notice, and Meggy gives me a nod in agreeance. "I think so Doc." she told me.

I believed her, it seemed fitting.

After awhile, Callie and Marie had to take their leave, and Wren came back to us, blushing and holding his phone. "What's that look for?" I asked, he smiled.

"Callie gave me her number."

Meggy and Desti cheered, I gave a thumbs up.

*Wren's POV*

Callie gave me her number!

I was on cloud nine!

It was awesome!

Especially since... I had a crush on her.

After that, Meggy and Desti left in Meggy's car, while Sheridan drove me back to my place.

For awhile, I stared out the window and decided I'd text Callie in the morning.

We were in silence for a long while.

Then...

"Can I ask you something?"

"What Doc?"

"If this is personal, you don't have to answer, but uh... was what you said about uh... being assaulted-"

"Yes it was true."

I looked at him annoyed and could see he was surprised. I was blunt in my response. "I was." I said, "And I don't wanna talk about it anymore okay?" He sighed and nodded. "Sorry..." he said, "didn't mean to-" "Relax will ya James?" I said, referring to him by his first name. "I wanna put it behind me..." He was silent for a bit, the nodded, "Understood." he said, continuing to drive.

Though... something nagged at me...

"Can I ask you something?" I asked him, "What's up?" he said, I took a breath, "Did you know someone named Winston?" He looked confused. "Outside of Puzzles." I told him. "Oh!" he said, then nodded, "Yeah, I did, but it was years ago."

That answered one question.

"Can you tell me about him?" I asked, he nodded with a smile. "Sure." he said, and started talking, he mentioned he was a friend of his and Lucks' in college, the plays they were in, the jokes they'd pull on each other too, even mentioning Winston wanted to be in television someday...

He continued talking while I thought back to what Winston told me, but also, I had this thought as we drove:

You can only stay quiet on set for so long, but sometimes, you gotta speak up... for those that can't.

The end