Whatever's Out There

Chapter Four

I started out of the room back into the hall. Six had taken a small scrap of paper and was scribbling on it with his new ink. I passed him and headed back towards the room, the bedroom, where we were previously, and I went for what things I needed to bring. I assumed that I wouldn't be gone long so I just decided to grab my new mallet as a weapon. The sword was placed on my bed for future use in case I lost my mallet while I was out there in the Emptiness. Couldn't risk going weaponless once again if I was going to actually be heading out there.

With that I exited the room once again. I wouldn't be gone long so it wasn't worth taking everything else with me. It was still daunting to go but I'd be lying if I didn't admit that there was clear excitement on my part somewhat. Along with an increased nervousness, an increased jitteriness, I actually wanted to meet the others. Of course it was nerve wracking to think of what they would think of me. Now I wished that I would have spent more time on that elusive dress I was planning.

The others didn't seem to notice I went quiet and once we were through the window and outside I felt a lot less confident. My hands shook, but I hid it by grasping the heaviness of my mallet and dragging it along. It became tiring to drag, but having the weight of it in my hands made me feel tons better than I would've if I was missing it. The sun was high and the day was a relatively warm one. We walked along a route close to the one that I had taken in the direction of the station, but veered off at the last second and continued on.

It wasn't too long until we came upon a large building that didn't resemble a normal house. Made of marble and lead in by a large courtyard full of statues, I knew it was the Library, and I lugged myself inside as I regretted carrying the mallet with me. Six was tired too and halfway through the walk he had to be carried piggyback by Five. Nine was now carrying Five's bag and his staff. We entered the Library around the stacks of books on the tiled floor beneath. We began to wander inside the shaded building and I was relieved to feel the comfortable cool that came from the sun being blocked.

We were immediately led to one side of the Library where there was a bucket on a long rope, looking like a lift of some king. I could hear voices up inside some sort of shelf high above, or a platform, and as we approached the bucket I noticed the crank. Apparently it really was a lift. I'd be lying if I didn't say that the thought of being cramped inside a tiny lift wasn't uncomfortable. I had already came all this way and I wanted to keep the others happy so that they would be willing to take me back home in the evening.

As the lift raised I stayed pretty quiet. I mean, we hadn't talked much during the walk, except for me listening to a story about Nine and Five going to rescue Two from some sort of Cat Beast, but now I felt even more standoffish. However, neither other seemed to notice, or seemed content in allowing me to stay silent. Though as that lift raised and more voices began to appear I found myself moving to stand between Nine, at the crank, and Five who was standing and preparing to step off the lift with Six still on his back.

I held the mallet handle close with the actual mallet hanging near the ground. It was easier to carry it in this matter because the blasted thing was heavy. At least it was made of wood. There were footsteps above us and some of the 'others' wandered out of the room. Because of this I felt a little relieved, but when the lift rose all the way I realized that we were not alone. The room before us was decorated like some sort of throne room. Of course the throne may have influenced my decision.

There were candles stacked around in the corners, only a few lit, and a long red carpet stretched along the floor before the throne and towards another entranceway. There was another entranceway on the opposite side as well. There was a large cushion that looked to be made for sitting under a vent window on the far side of the room. Finally, in one of the corners there were curtain hung on two poles that propped against the wall, blocking off an area that looked to be filled with old inkwells and some paper.

However, what I noticed first was a Stitchpunk on the throne and a much larger Stitchpunk sitting on a small box alongside him. No matter how threatening the large doll looked as he sharpened his knife, all I could focus on was the heavily dressed doll perched on the throne. Some sort of tall crown was resting on his head and a cape was wrapped around his shoulders in a deep red. Though it was a nice red, I had to admit. "You have returned." The older male on the throne announced as he stood. He had an older voice and one filled with assertion, I assumed he was some sort of royalty by his garb and such tone.

"Is he…?" Five stepped out of the lift with a smile, "He's alright. He just got tired on the way back." The older nodded with a firm nod and Five lugged Six towards one of the halls. However, Six suddenly spoke, "I'm okay." Five was unsure, "You should get more rest." The Artist lifted his head from the other's shoulder, "No, I'm okay, I want to draw." The Healer finally caved and carried him over to the curtained in area. Nine followed Five while still lugging the bag. "You were gone longer than I expected."

One pointed out and Nine dropped the bag to the ground heavily, "Something came up." That was me, I assumed, but instead of waiting around I began to creep towards the closest entranceway, hoping to escape into the hall without being seen. I didn't really want to face this leader yet. I heard the leader's voice suddenly seemed to lightly catch before he spoke, "And who would you be?" His voice was suspicious, almost demanding, and I stopped in my tracks. The mallet dropped to the ground, though it was barely above the ground to begin with.

I turned back and tried to straighten myself, "I-," I began a little too loud and calmed myself, brushing non-existent dust off of myself, "I found Six outside my house." I explained calmer and One blinked in confusion as Five spoke after letting Six to the floor, "Six was ill and she found him, took him in, and was keeping safe and from overheating." Nine nodded in agreement and One looked back to me again. However, that gaze shifted past me, and I soon realized that I wasn't alone.

"My, my. Who is this?" A voice broke out from behind me and I turned around to see a much shorter male, though he seemed older. Something was strange. I swore I knew him from somewhere, or that he was familiar, but I brushed it off quick. "I'm… Umm…" I began before retracting and beginning again, "It's nice to meet you. You're-," I made a guess from the way Nine and Five looked at him, "Two?" He lit with a smile, "I am. I assume Five and Nine have been talking about me?" He asked and gave to two a playful look.

He certainly seemed nice and then reached out for my hand which I gave to him. He looked it over in his own, "I had no idea that the Scientist would have created one after Nine. We were under the impression that he had passed away." I corrected this, feeling that same rush that came with the attention from another being, "I've been living alone for a while. A couple of years at least, I think, but I'm not too sure." I then added a little slowly as I knew that it sounded a little foolish, "I used to keep a calendar on the wall, but it ran out of room."

There was a small pause as Two and the leader seemed to stare at me before the shorter male spoke. "That would make a bit more sense, as we have never met." He then added in a compliment, "You have well-made hands. Quite delicate." To be fair, if anything was going to compliment anyone it would be Two, he seemed to catch how nervous I was when the others didn't. "You're just being sweet." I pointed out as I found an uncontrollable smile occurred, feeling more than a little embarrassed but in a good way. "Perhaps." He playfully added in before the voice from behind spoke again.

"I can see," I felt something brush my back and glanced back to notice that it was the metal hook on the tip of his staff that he was carrying around, brushing my hair to the side as though he was afraid to outright touch me. At first I thought he was agreeing about my hands and my brows furrowed in obvious confusion, but he finished, "That you are lacking any visible number. As you are aware the rest of us have numbers given to us by our Creator." There was the suspicion and I didn't know how to respond. Considering the fact that I had two dolls poking at me I had to be somewhat careful.

So I responded coolly, as though nothing was wrong, so I wouldn't seem guilty of anything, "Yeah, I noticed that." At this time I turned to the leader solely so that I could get the hook off my back, "I don't know why. It make it harder to tell when I was created, I suppose. It's pretty strange. Maybe my Creator had a lapse of memory." I pointed out with an amused smile. Unfortunately, the leader wasn't convinced or amused, and this was when another voice broke out.

"Look!" I recognized Six's voice as he exited the curtained area, this time carrying a new drawing with him. However, he spoke a bit too loud and noticed the other staring at him and grew a little regressive. Nine coaxed him forward, "What is it?" He asked quietly and Six smiled a little before showing the page. It looked like some sort of black creature, black because of the ink that made it, with a cage body at its center. The zippered male seemed a little concerned and approached before looking at it. "What is it?"

Six looked down at it and his brows furrowed, "I… I don't remember." Then, before I could watch more Two placed a hand on my back. When I looked to him he gave a small smile before quietly escorting me to the hall; he was getting me away from his overbearing leader. Though he didn't seem like a bad guy he seemed to be overly inquisitive of things that, well, that probably shouldn't been red flags I assume. After all, I still hadn't given out a name for myself, and I knew it was coming soon.

Two spoke to me as we headed through the hall, looking at the entrances and how they were covered on curtains. He seemed to be heading towards the one that was opened where light poured through. "Don't mind One, he's just a bit protective." Two excused dismissively and I just shrugged it off, "I understand. It must be weird to suddenly find someone out of nowhere. I didn't even know there was anyone else out here!" He chuckled lightly at the comment and then suddenly pointed out, "I didn't catch your name."

At this moment I hesitated at the doorway. I noticed the workshop before me and was in awe. There were so many tools, so many things, a medical cot, workbenches, maps, and I spoke, "This is amazing! How'd you find all of this?!" There was even a Stitchpunk sized, though still slightly big, pair of scissors that would've helped a tone with my sewing. "We've had help from the others in creating our collection. They're down in the Library if you would like to meet them later, of course."

Then he added with a surprisingly quiet tone, "I noticed that you have been hesitant to give out your name." He pointed out and I exhaled quietly before admitting, "Yeah. I've been avoiding it. I don't have a name, or a good one; I've tried to make a few ones before, but then realized they were… Lacking." With this explanation Two smiled, "Perhaps we can find you a nice one." He pointed out and I nodded a bit with an assuring smile. I would need a name by now. Though I could hear footsteps nearby and was feeling unnerved, "I knew we couldn't avoid him long. Maybe I can fit into one of those cabinets."

Two continued speaking, "Perhaps we could try another number, but that doesn't mean it has to be a number." Before he could continue I spoke, "Er, someone's coming, how big is that- Never mind." I cut off as the Stitchpunk popped through the entranceway and I realized that it was only Five. When I exhaled in relief Two must have noticed as he chuckled a bit to himself; I must be funnier than I think. "One got distracted?" Two asked playfully and Five hung his bag on a nail beside the doorway, "Yeah. Six started telling him a story and he got a little," he glanced to the nail and remarked, "hung up."

A nice pun I assumed and he looked to me now, "It must have been one of the stories you told him, he really liked them." This was nice to hear, even though I knew Six was enjoying what was in the book. Made me feel like I was contributing in some way, which I didn't deal with much before. Most of my activities at home were solely present to entertain me so there wasn't much need to contribute to anything. "Oh? What stories?" Two asked in interest and I spoke, "Aesop Tales. They're short stories with morals and such."

"Ah! I have heard of them. We may have a book down in the Library if you would like to read it." Then Five suddenly chimed in again, "Actually, we have a new project to work on." This seemed to pique the Inventor's interest in a way that simple stories couldn't and Five explained to him about the hole in my roof. At this time I investigated the scissors, sewing scissors naturally, but exactly what I was missing. Hopefully I would be able to borrow them at some point, or even better they had a spare pair that they would be willing to loan.

Again there was shuffling at the doorway and I looked over to see that past Five and Two was two new Stitchpunks. They were small, though not as small as Two, and peered in almost hesitantly with large, curious optics. The second they realized I noticed them they flinched, or one flinched and got behind the other that leaned in further with a curious gaze. But that wasn't the strange part; they looked exactly the same! They were exactly identical in every way, with little hoods and matching bluish fabric.

Unfortunately, whatever they were going to say was interrupted when they looked down the hall, noticed something, and hurried on their way. I realized why when I heard footsteps, along with particularly heavy ones that echoed through the Sanctuary, and suddenly One appeared again. Now I was cornered, "I'm cornered." I hissed to myself quietly, faking a wide smile that probably looked more disturbed than normal. The Leader seemed at least somewhat calmer now, but still had that scrutinizing gaze, though it was angled at Two.

"Did you see Six's newest addition to his wall?" He asked and the Inventor blinked a bit, "You know I did." The Leader added, "And it does not concern you that he feels the need to draw Beasts once again? We both know what happened last time." I inched around Two to head towards the door and escape, but unfortunately the large Stitchpunk, his arm had an eight on it, was blocking the door. He didn't look like he was doing it purposely but he didn't look like he would move if I asked. I was preparing to ask anyway when I was thwarted.

"Ah, yes." One began before looking back to me, "You left your… weapon out in the throne room." He pointed out and I remembered my mallet that I had sacrificed to escape the awkward situation. He now turned to Eight, "Eight, give her the weapon." The Guard raised a brow, "I don't have it." The Leader sputtered, "I told you to bring it in here!" The larger insisted, "You never told me to bring it in. You just thought it was me who left it on the floor." Two looked to One in disbelief, "I told you that you memory was getting worse."

The red clad one was clearly getting frustrated with both of their behavior and eventually caved with, "Then go get it now. It is probably still laying out there on the floor." Eight didn't argue and seemed to hurry out quickly to avoid any further wrath. One straightened himself with a somewhat flustered look and turned upon me, "For being alive for some time, as you suggest, you brought only a single item?" I ran my fingers through my hair and explained, "About that, I'm not staying." His face contorted in confusion and Two was surprised, "You're not? Where are you going?"

I gave a reassuring smile and then flickered over to Five, trying to revel in his unsurprised look, "Back home to my house where I've been living. This is just a 'visit' really." I said moving my hands in small circle patterns as though to accentuate my words. It wasn't a big deal, but both Stitchpunk seemed much too surprised. "Nine and Five said they'd take me home before it got dark, and if it does get dark they can always stay the night with me." As though this would convince them, but it didn't seem to. "Yes." One drawled out before clearing his throat, or voice, and addressing Two, "May I have a word with you?"

Two responded with, "If I say no will you still make me?" A joke, clearly, but I decided to dismiss myself so that they could do so. "I'm going to go see how Six is doing. Five, would you come with me?" He agreed and we left the room, "That should give them some time to finish talking about me." Five seemed amused by the motion, "What makes you think that? Maybe One wants to talk to Two about Six's picture." He pointed out and I shrugged, "Maybe, but it's a little ironic isn't it? Right after I say something that they're clearly confused about they want to talk."

The Healer rubbed the back of his neck, "Well… Alright. Maybe, but I don't think they would say anything more than wondering why you wouldn't want to stay." I shrugged a bit with a pretty careless smile considering this, "You're probably right." He didn't respond and I suddenly realized that the comment was his subtle way of asking a question. Eight then appeared, though, and I just decided to confront him while he was carrying my mallet easily, "You don't have to worry about that. I can move it somewhere." I insisted, feeling a bit friendlier; this social thing wasn't that bad as long as I acted this confident.

He raised a brow, "You sure you can carry it?" I was unimpressed, "Yes, I can carry it, come on." I made grabbing motions with my hands and he dropped it into them. I don't think he meant to but when it immediately dropped to the floor afterwards I swore I saw a smirk. Five offered to carry it, but I was determined, and was soon balancing the weapon more comfortably as I wandered out into the throne room. The mallet was tossed into the lift where it unfortunately hit the crank and I had to scramble inside in time to stop it from plummeting before approaching Six's area.

He was scribbling further and looking quite happy after receiving such attention from his work. "Hey Six, I'm back." I greeted and the striped one smiled to me as I asked, "Where did Nine run off to?" The Artist pointed towards the other entrance in the throne room and Five added in, "I think he went to go find Child." I was absolutely dumbstruck, "Nine has a child?!" I thought Nine was younger than me from what everyone was saying and I certainly didn't feel old enough to be raising children.

This actually caused Five to laugh a little before explaining, "No, Child is one of the others." I was confused, "So he doesn't have a number? One made it as though everyone had numbers." Then Six chimed in from his spot on the floor, "One doesn't count Child. Child isn't the same, Father made him differently, and One knows it." That was enough of an explanation for me and I couldn't exactly press; I didn't have a number or a name so I was nobody to talk. "Would you like to meet him? Nine probably wants to introduce you." Five suggested and I tested, "Alright, are you coming?"

Thankfully, he answered in my favor, "Yeah. I'm going to see if Nine wants to help us with the roof." So I wouldn't have to introduce myself alone, thankfully, and I looked to Six, "Coming Six?" He seemed lost in his work, "I need to keep drawing. You can go ahead." He was so enraptured in his work. I didn't know whether to be sympathetic or to admire such passion. To have something worth working for, such as art, seemed so mixed in pros and cons….

So anyway, we wandered into the other entrance and Five led me to a backroom where we entered inside after he knocked to alert of our presence. Inside Nine was stretched out on a bed out of the way, just lying there in a relaxed position, while there was another Stitchpunk on the other side of the room. He was beside a small table and was working on something metal; I think it was actually twitching. Either way, Nine looked lazily towards us, "Hey guys!" He greeted before sitting up, "Child, this is who I was talking about. She was the one who found Six."

He didn't mention a name; they must have all came to the same conclusion as Two and began humoring me. Child looked to be a young male who had white fabric and had some hooks keeping his front closed. He also wore a hooded cloak, though the hood was down. He gave a nod of greeting and murmured, "Pleasure to meet you." However, to be fair, he seemed awfully distracted on whatever he was working on. That was a relief; I had already been scrutinized by One for so long that I still felt uncomfortable.

Either way, Five approached Nine, "Two said that the next project is a go." He pointed out and Nine raised a brow in confusion before Five explained, "The hole in the roof." At this Nine seemed to understand and Five started asking him if he wanted to join. I looked to what Child was working on. He noticed me looking and pulled back his hands so I could get a better view. The metal object rolled over on its own and made a chattering noise before revealing a red optic. It was a metal spider Beast of some kind and I flinched back with a small inhale, raising my hands in defense.

The Beast didn't seem to care what I was doing and looked upwards to the pale male, "This is Pet." He introduced before looking to me and reassuring, "He's tame." It certainly acted tame as it rubbed on his hands in an almost loving fashion. I lowered my hands and watched it until he offered, "You can touch him." He pointed out and my hands clenched as I tried to politely decline, "Ah, I'm not sure. He knows you better and-… Doesn't know me at all, honestly." I laughed a little, one of those awkward laughs, and Child didn't press, "Very well."

He merely answered and turned back to Pet who he began to 'Pet' affectionately. Nine and Five were lost in a conversation and after a few seconds Child was brought it when asking if he would help. "We could use an extra pair of hands." Nine pointedly stated to Child and the pale male looked back to him, "You do? What a shame you must keep looking elsewhere." Nine wasn't impressed by the comment and I cracked a smile before slipping out the door, calling in as I left, "Going to find Six!" Honestly, Six was the one I felt the most normal around. Mostly because I had known him the longest.

Or maybe I was just beginning to feel like I wasn't the same as them. I don't know.