Disclaimers
All characters appearing in Marvel Comics are copyright Marvel Entertainment and Walt Disney Company. All characters appearing in Doki Doki Literature Club are copyright Team Salvato. No infringements of these copyrights are intended, and are not authorized by the copyright holders.
All original characters are the property of Celgress.
CONTENT/LANGUAGE WARNING –
THIS EPISODE CONTAINS PROFANITY AND CONTENT THAT MANY OFFEND MORE SENSITIVE READERS. READER DISCRETION IS STRONGLY ADVISED
Two Lost Souls – Episode Eight Damnation Part VII Fleeting Contentment
A Semi-Abandoned Housing Development five miles outside of Los Vegas, morning
One week had passed since the group relocated to the outskirts of the city. The four girls were currently engaged in target practice. Kaine and to a lesser degree Ben felt honing their combat skills was important should trouble occur. Although they had not seen hide nor hair of the former Life Foundation Symbiotes, minus Scream who was currently their "guest" under the watchful eyes of Kaine, they remained on guard. For example, neither spider themed metahumans would let the girls go anywhere alone without their sonic emitters in case of attack. The group remained in the dark regarding what exactly was the purpose of Diogenes Initiative or why Mephisto was so interested in them.
"Yay," Sayori said clapping because of the row of five shattered beer bottles that had formerly adorned the fence at the end of the property. "I got all five."
"Finally," Natsuki said rolling her eyes. "That was your tenth try, Sayori. Even Yuri did better than you. Without a physical weapon, her energy bolts are hella weak." A few days before each Doki girl had discovered they could fire a limited number of low-level energy bolts in addition to their unique abilities. Natsuki's bolts were neon pink, Yuri's were deep purple, Monika's were bright blue and Nayori's were a vivid yellow.
"Natsuki that isn't nice. Both Sayori and Yuri are doing their best. How would you perform if we had a contest manipulating computers, using weapons or one based on psychic abilities instead of aim?" Monika admonished referencing her own trademark abilities and those of Yuri and Sayori respectively.
"Sorry Sayori, sorry Yuri," Natsuki said. "Guess I got carried away."
"You did very well Sayori," Monika said.
"No, I didn't." Sayori sniffed. "Natsuki's right I suck."
"Hey everyone sucks at something," Natsuki said. "While I might have better aim than the rest of you guys I got jipped on my signature power. I'm mega strong but so what?" I can't control computers like Monika, use cool energy infused weapons like Yuri or attack somebody's mind like you can Sayori." She added quickly while avoiding eye contact with Sayori. "I'm kind of jealous, okay."
"Really," Sayori asked perking up.
"Jeez don't make me say it again." Natsuki said.
"Thanks, Natsuki," Sayori chirped hugging the smaller teen.
"Hey what did I tell you abour mushy stuff.?" Natsuki said squirming out of Sayori's embrace. Monika and Yuri laughed.
"Ah, Sorry Natsuki," Sayori said.
"C'mon inside girls it's time for breakfast," Ben called from the doorway.
"Who's on cleanup duty?" Yuri asked.
"Natsuki," Monika answered handing Natsuki an industrial strength trash bag along with a broom and dustpan.
"Er man," Natsuki grumbled.
"See you inside," Monika said.
Monika, Yuri, and Sayori went inside leaving Natsuki to clean up the broken bottles. In truth, while an unpleasant job it was not that dangerous for the Dokis. Their abilities included resiliency to injury and a healing factor almost on par with that of their arachnid-based comrades. Unless Natsuki was very careless it was unlikely she would even get a scratch.
"Why do I have to clean up. I scored highest. Monika was second and she didn't even come close to my time or hit rate." Natsuki complained.
Natsuki bent over and tossed shards of colored glass into the bag. When she looked back up there was a green haired boy not much taller than her on the other side of the fence. Startled by the sight Natsuki jumped back dropping her bag.
"Hi," The green haired boy said placidly.
"Huh," Natsuki gasped. "You almost gave me a heart attack. Anyone ever told you not to sneak up on people?"
"Sorry," The green haired boy said. "I saw you and thought I should say hello. We don't get many new people in this neighborhood, not since the housing market crashed a few years ago. I'm Albert by the way but you can call me Al for short."
"I'm Natsuki," Natsuki said.
"That's an interesting name," Albert said. "Is it Japanese?"
If you only knew Natsuki thought. "I'm Italian actually. My parents were fans of Japanese Culture. They named my sisters and me after anime characters, except my oldest sister Monika. She got off easy." Natsuki said relating for the first time the family cover story the girls had created for themselves.
"How cool," Albert said. "I like your hair."
"I like yours," Natsuki said.
"Is your oldest sister Monika the one with the long brown hair with a bow in it?" Albert said.
"Yes, she is," Natsuki said. Then added out of concern. "How long were you watching us before you said hi?" She hoped he had not witnessed the use of their powers. She made a mental note that they would have to be more cautious when they practiced in future.
"I came over when Monika ordered you to clean up the mess," Albert said indicating the broken beer bottles. "She's kind of bossy, eh?"
"She didn't order me. We take turns cleaning up the broken bottles after target practice." Natsuki said.
"So you guys have guns or slingshots?" Albert asked.
"Yup," Natsuki lied.
"Sweet, what types? Albert said.
"Just the usual, handguns, a shotgun, nothing special," Natsuki said.
"You're lucky. My parents won't let me have a gun until I turn eighteen. They say guns are too dangerous." Albert said.
"How old are you?" Natsuki asked curiously.
"Seventeen," Albert replied.
"No ways, so am I," Natsuki said.
"Maybe I can come over sometime? We could hang out. If that is okay with your sister Monika? I'd hate to get you in trouble." Albert said.
"Why do you think I need Monika's permission to invite a person over?" Natsuki said.
Albert shrugged. "I thought she was in charge. Sorry if I misread your family situation."
"What made you think Monika is in charge?" Natsuki inquired.
"Seemed as if she was ordering the rest of you around. I suppose she is just one of those people with a dominant personality. I bet she doesn't even notice what she is doing. Forget I mentioned it." Albert said. "Can I drop by for a visit tonight? My parents just bought me the box set of the original Yugioh series. The set even contains a super secret lost episode. I'd love to share it with you. If you're a fan of anime that is."
"Am I a fan of anime. Are Yanderes obsessive?" Natsuki squealed. "Of course you can drop by. I can't wait until tonight."
"Okay, I'll see you then," Albert said. He waved before walking away.
Natsuki continued her chore with renewed vigor. She had made a new friend one who shared her love of anime. What a great day. A few minutes later she frowned slightly. She could not get the things he said about Monika out of her mind. Was Monika really in charge of their family? Is that really how outsiders perceived the rest of them following Monika's dictates without question or complaint? If so, was that fair to the rest of them? No one had appointed Monika to a position of authority. Natsuki vowed to consult with Yuri and Sayori about the situation when she could.
That Evening
"May I help you?" Sayori asked answered the knock at the door.
"I'm Albert, Natsuki's friend from next door." Albert said. "I come bearing anime." He showed her his Yugioh Box Set.
"Hold on a sec, okay? I'll be right back." Sayori said. She ducked her head inside. Albery could hear her call Natsuki.
A couple of minutes later Natsuki appeared in the doorway. "Come in Albert." She said. Albert passed inside. Natsuki took him to the living room where Yuri, Sayori, Monika, Ben, Kaine and Donna Diego (the human persona of Scream) waited.
"This is Albert from next door," Natsuki said introducing him.
"Hi, I'm Albert," Albert said. Other than Yuri and Sayori Albert barely received a grunt of welcome. "Natsuki invited me over to watch anime with her."
"Natsuki can we have a word in the kitchen?" Monika said.
"Of course," Natsuki said.
After a short but heated exchange about responsibility and unearned authority much of which could be heard from the living room the pair returned. Monika left with Ben a moment later and did not return the rest of that night. Once it became apparent exactly what they would be watching Kaine rather brusquely collected Donna and they to departed much to Yuri's displeasure.
Master Bedroom
"I can believe how irresponsible Natsuki is being." Monika ranted. "Bringing a stranger into our home."
Ben sat down next to Monika on the bed. Ben found he was in an uncharacteristically amorous mood. He began rubbing Monika's shoulders. Soon he was kissing Monika's neck.
"Um, that feels good," Monika said. Closing her eyes she rolled her shoulders.
"Forget about Natsuki and her unexpected house guest," Ben said. "Remember what you've wanted since we were first married. I'm ready if you are."
"Ben you mean it?" Monika said excitement building in her very core.
"Uh-huh," Ben said brushing aside Monika's long hair so he could kiss the base of her neck.
Ben gently turned her around to face him. Their eyes locked. He kissed her passionately. She returned his affection with gusto. Ben collapsed onto the Ben pulling Monika on top of him.
The Kitchen, later that night
Ben got himself a bottle of water. He sat down at the table to drink it when Kaine entered. "Hi bro," Ben said. "Why the long face?" Ben asked noting Kaine's scowl.
"You had sex with her didn't you, Ben?" Kaine stated more than inquired.
"So what if I did. She's my wife. I think I have the right to bag her if anyone does." Ben said. "How do you know anyway?"
"Enhanced senses, that and the fact my bedroom is separated from yours only by a thin wall," Kaine said.
"I'll try to have her keep her excitement under control next round. Who would have figured Monika for a screamer, am I right?" Ben said with a grin. Ben readied himself for another sip. Kaine stomped over to the table. He swatted the bottle out of Ben's hands. "Hey, what's the big idea!?"
Kaine dragged Ben up from his seat by his collar. "I'll tell you what the big idea is, Ben. I think you don't love that girl. I think you're just using her for some nefarious scheme of yours."
"Whatever gave you that idea?" Ben asked feigning innocence.
"Cut the crap Ben are you using Monika or not?" Answer me truthfully or It'll beat you within an inch of your miserable life." Kaine snarled through his gritted teeth.
"Yeah, I'm using her," Ben said. "But she deserves it."
"Stop trying to deflect. This isn't about Monika's sins, whatever they might be, this is about you, Ben." Kaine said. "What are you up to this time?"
"Okay, okay, you got me. I don't love Monika. I need her computer manipulation talent so I can seize control of Parker Industries through stock fraud. Once she does the deed I plan on dropping her like a hot potato, unless I can find another use for her before then. Why should Peter have a company of his own after he ruined mine?" Ben said.
"Unbelievable," Kaine said dropping Ben back in his seat. "You married a girl and then consummated that marriage just so you could steal our brother's company for petty revenge."
"Hey I need to keep her loyal what better way than a dose of the big D. Besides don't tell me you wouldn't screw her given the chance, just look at her," Ben said. Kaine drew off and punched Ben in his jaw drawing blood.
"You disgusting pig. I'm ashamed we're related." Kaine said.
At that moment Kaine and Ben noticed they were not alone. Two stunned young women stood in the doorway. Both Natsuki and Yuri were rendered temporarily speechless by what they had seen.
"Girls this isn't what it seems." Ben started babbling.
"Can it Ben," Kaine said. "Don't listen to him, girls. This is exactly what it seems. He's a lying, manipulative piece of crap."
"Have it your way Kaine," Ben said getting out of his seat. "I'm a lying, manipulative piece of crap that only cares about himself. Guess what Monika doesn't know that. Which one of you will tell her, huh? Who wants to be the one who destroys her perfect life?"
Kaine glared at Ben. An awkward silence ensued that seemingly stretched into infinity. At last Kaine deeply sighed. "He's right loath as I am to admit it. The truth would devastate Monika."
"B-But we can't let her stay with this jerk either. She thinks he loves her as much as she loves him." Natsuki said.
"Natsuki is right Monika should be told the truth." Yuri said.
"Give me until tomorrow afternoon so I can consider how best to break the news to Monika, okay?" Kaine pleaded more for Monika's shake than his own.
"You have until then." Natsuki said. She turned her wrath on Ben. "You should be ashamed of yourself."
"Why," Ben said. "I've done far worse." Natsuki and Yurki got their snacks which they had originally came for and left without another word exchanged.
The Living Room, some time later
"You alright?" Albert asked Natsuki.
"I will be tomorrow," Natsuki replied. She shot Yuri a knowing look. "I found out somebody isn't who I thought they were."
"That's rough," Albert said. "Nothing hurts worse than betrayal." The final episode of Yugioh ended. The DVD ejected. "Now time for the special lost episode I mentioned when we met." Albert stated clapping his hands together. "You're in for a treat ladies. Seeing this will change your lives, guaranteed."
Albert got up. He removed the current DVD from the tray of the player and inserted the special DVD. He then hit play on the remote. Natsuki, Yaori, and Sayori found themselves mesmerized by the flashing patterns of color they saw. Albert morphed into his true form of the demon of doubt Amfivolían.
"Fun time has arrived. Lets turn those doubts about Monika into action ladies. Its high time memories of your past lives return." Amfivolían said rubbing his clawed hands together.
The Kitchen, early morning
Monika danced into the kitchen. It was another beautiful start to a beautiful day. She felt happy to be alive in this reality of endless possibilities. Monka poured herself a glass of orange juice. The perfect way to start a perfect day she thought.
"Hello, my wonderful sisters," Monika said noticing Natsuki, Yuri and Sayori were seated at the table their expression unreadable. "How are you this glorious day?"
"Don't call us your sisters ever again." Yuri said.
"Why ever not?" Monika asked confused. At first no one answered. Sayori for her part shook her head at Monika but did not speak. "Girls this isn't funny. Why are you being so hostile? Natsuki is this about your friend Albert? I meant no disrespect. You know we are in danger. We have to keep up our guard. You understand, right?" Silence continued to reign. "Will somebody please say something."
"We know everything that happened in the game, bitch," Natsuki said.
Monika froze in her tracks. She felt weak as if she had been punched in her stomach. Without warning the glass of orange juice fell from her hand. It shattered on the floor spilling its contents everywhere.
To Be Continued