Beyond Grim And Evil: The Alliance

(A/N: I will be putting up the rest of this story today. Thank you to all my reviewers past, present, and future, for this story, and previous ones.)

Triad Trouble

Skarr sat in his home reading a book. Things would calm down back at home base eventually, Jack wouldn't have his house overrun by animosity, but until then he was content to stay here. He had to admit, though, he wasn't happy that Lord Pain hadn't returned. He'd become quite accustomed to having a servant around. Oh well, the master in him was furious, the teammate, ally, and friend in him was feeling more sorry for the evil than anything else; and wishing him all luck in patching things up with Sorella.

He heard knocking at his door and frowned, put out. It had better not be Underfist coming to pull him off on some random adventure. He had his hands full at the moment. He muttered under his breath and rose, going to the door. "Yes, what do you want?" Skarr asked, annoyed.

"Mr. Skarr," a small voice asked.

Skarr blinked and looked down. "Pud'n?" he questioned. What was the boy doing here? "Whatever do you want now?"

"Can you help me with my homework?" Pud'n asked timidly, handing it up.

Skarr blinked, looking at it. He sighed then replied, "Very well, come in."

As he taught he was quite amazed. Pud'n was catching onto this subject quite easily. The history of the World Wars and Cold Wars, he had soon enough figured out. It fascinated and horrified the boy at the same time. It was almost like he was a natural when it came to army regulations, just an instinct. He wondered if perhaps his birth parents had been in the army and something had sunk in when he was a baby. "Done," Pud'n suddenly declared, startling Skarr from his thoughts.

He blinked and took the homework, looking it over. "Excellent work. Worthy of an A. You, my boy, are a natural." Pud'n grinned widely. Skarr smiled at him. "Now, what do you say we celebrate with ice-cream?" the General asked. Wait, why was he suddenly playing the role of a father? Oh like he cared. He had nothing better to do.

"Yay, ice-cream!" Pud'n exclaimed excitedly. Skarr smiled and took the boys hand, bringing him outside and walking him towards the ice-cream shop.

GAoBaM

Pud'n kept talking about his little adventures he'd had. Skarr had to admit, some were quite fascinating. Including an incident involving a skeleton, Miss Butterbean, and Nergal Junior getting fed up with the teacher and Sperg. Quite the horrifying sights the boy had seen. Nergal Junior taking over Miss Butterbean's body, a skeleton in the toilet, looking up only to see the teacher trapped up above him, Skarr had to admit he was amused. Then he told Skarr the story about the killer bunny and the wishing skull. Skarr shuddered, remembering that skull. However, the boy's story horrified him tenfold! Boogey had spoken, once, of a pet bunny he'd had. The four Undertakers had laughed and he'd taken it. There had been something behind his eyes, and when they'd finished laughing he told them about the rabbit. They hadn't believed him, but they hadn't laughed again either. Now to hear that the thing actually existed and had practically mauled Pud'n to death, Skarr was slightly worried that Boogey hadn't found it yet.

They paused at the busiest intersection in the city. Pud'n frowned and said, "I don't like this one. Nobody stops."

"It's dangerous, that's for sure," Skarr agreed. "Here, take my hand." Pud'n was all too eager to take the General's hand. Immediately he felt safer and smiled up at the man. Skarr chuckled and ruffled his hair as they waited for the lights to change.

GAoBaM

Grim perked up as he watched the image. "Perfect," he said aloud. Eris and Nergal looked over.

"Ah, the General's unfortunate and early demise," Nergal said. "I approve. Not so much that poor Pud'n will have to witness it, but of the method."

"Marked for death. Humph, I'm still unimpressed," Eris grumbled, crossing her arms. They frowned back at her.

"He's long overdue, Eris," Grim retorted. "I'm not gettin' inta another argument wit' you like we did when I cursed Jack." She stuck out her tongue at him. Grim gritted his teeth but turned back to the image. "Your time is up, General," he said aloud, snapping his fingers.

The lights turned. Skarr double checked both ways. There was nothing in sight. "Come on, quickly now," he urged, pulling Pud'n swiftly onto the road. Pud'n followed uncertainly.

All at once they heard a horn blaring and gasped. From an alley burst a large semi, heading right for them! They gasped in horror. Pud'n screamed.

"Run!" Skarr ordered, dragging him quickly out of the semi's path and reaching the other side. "Maniac!" Skarr furiously called after the truck, shaking his fist. Almost as if it had heard, the truck screeched to a stop. Pud'n paled and gasped, hiding behind the General. Skarr blinked blankly.

"The b-bunny's b-back," Pud'n stammered.

"There wasn't a bunny in the driver's seat. There wasn't… There wasn't anyone," Skarr said solemnly, realization coming to his eyes. "Oh peachy."

"What?" Pud'n asked.

"I've been marked for death," Skarr replied through gritted teeth.

"M-marked?" Pud'n meekly remarked. Skarr looked gently at him and squeezed his hand reassuringly.

The semi suddenly gunned the engine and tore towards them. "Run!" he ordered, pulling Pud'n along quickly.

GAoBaM

"Mr. Skarr, I don't want to die!" Pud'n screamed. Skarr said nothing, but he knew full well if anyone died, it wouldn't be the boy. "I don't want you to either," the child suddenly added. Skarr looked at him, startled. He was in tears. Skarr cringed. He wasn't making promises.

He suddenly saw a bridge up ahead. His eyes widened. There was a cliff nearby with a safe ledge. He picked up the child and ran for it. He would have to jump, he realized. He leapt up onto the bridge's railing and looked worriedly at Pud'n. "Stay where I put you, no matter what happens," he ordered the child.

"W-what do you mean?" Pud'n asked. Skarr shook his head then looked over at the ledge he was aiming for. He backed up then jumped for it, holding Pud'n in one arm. He grabbed on with his free hand and cringed as he almost slipped off. He lifted the child up, putting him on the edge. Quickly he tried to clamber up too. All at once, however, the rock crumbled and he cried out in alarm, falling. "No!" Pud'n shrieked. Skarr, however, managed to grab for another ledge off to the side. He clung to it desperately and looked back at the semi. He gritted his teeth and attempted to pull himself onto solid ground.

All at once he felt his hand being stepped on. He looked sharply up with a gasp. The Grim Reaper! "Reaper!" he shot viciously.

"Sorry Skarr, but your time is long overdue," Grim darkly stated.

"You stupid skeleton. Get off my hands! I've beaten you fair and square," Skarr shot viciously.

"Mr. Grim, let him up!" Pud'n ordered Grim from the other ledge. The two looked sharply the boy's way. Skarr suddenly grabbed Grim's foot and pulled him from the ledge! Grim cried out in alarm and managed to dig his scythe into the cliff. Skarr was getting away again!

"Oh no ya don't, mon," Grim growled. Quickly he floated up to the ledge and seized Skarr's hands, dangling him over the edge. Skarr gasped, looking down in horror. Far below was hard pavement and hundreds of cars passing by. If he survived the fall, unlikely, he certainly wouldn't survive getting flattened a hundred times over.

GAoBaM

"You can't do this to me!" Skarr shouted desperately.

"De Undertakers will meet deir end, Skarr. You're just easiest to get rid of," Grim replied. "You're not immortal, you're not cursed, you're just a General who's overstayed his welcome."

"You'll pay for this Grim, mark my words you will pay!" Skarr furiously screamed.

"Where are your protectors now, mon?" Grim asked.

"No, Mr. Reaper, please don't hurt him!" Pud'n begged. Grim cringed, feeling slightly guilty. He didn't mind Pud'n. The kid was cute. He hesitated.

"What are you doing? End him," Nergal's voice said in his mind. Not that he'd needed Nergal's insistence, his mind was made up, but he still felt a little bad. He wasn't supposed to kill victims, just get them after the fact.

"Sorry kid, dis is de end of the road for General Skarr," Grim replied.

"No," Skarr gasped, eyes suddenly afraid as he shook his head in denial.

"Pain, Boogey, help!" he cried desperately, but they wouldn't hear him now. At least he thought they hadn't. Nergal and Eris, watching all four, knew differently. Pain blanched and tried to transport immediately, but Nergal prevented it. They heard him curse as Sorella and Pinface looked at him in shock and uncertainty, wondering at the sudden change. They saw Boogey gasp and also instantly try to transport. Again he was blocked. Boogey began shrieking bloody murder at Nergal, and he knew it was Nergal holding him back. Eris cringed and closed her eyes tightly as she watched the portal. Nergal noticed and pursed his lips, hoping she'd just stay out of this. He couldn't stop her either way, but they were so close!

Then Grim let Skarr go. Skarr cried out in terror as he fell from the mountain towards the cement river below. "No! Daddy!" Pud'n shrieked.

"Eris!" Skarr exclaimed in a last desperate attempt at saving his own life. Who better to call on than the deity whose eyes he'd found favor in.

Eris cursed the mortal a thousand times for calling on her, but what was done was done, and she wouldn't stand idly by anymore. Before Nergal could order her to stay she was gone. Skarr closed his eyes, hoping death came swiftly. All at once, however, he felt his decent stopped and gasped, opening his eyes. Holding his hand was none other than Eris!

GAoBaM

"Curse you to Hades, mortal, for calling on me," she hissed. He sighed in relief. "I can't believe I just did that. Nergal went through the trouble of blocking Pain and Fear's advances to try and help you yet you call on me."

"I've found I love being a favorite," he gasped, looking down in fear at the road just below him.

"Why I found it right to spare you I don't know," Eris said.

"Fate had other plans," Skarr replied, clinging desperately to her. "Now get me back on solid ground!" Eris snapped her fingers and Skarr opened his eyes. All at once he and a shocked and relieved Pud'n were in front of the ice-cream parlour. Pud'n leapt into his arms uninvited. Nonetheless he held the boy. Looking to Eris he said, "Right, very good. Thank you, I suppose. Come along child." Skarr urged Pud'n along, desperate to get away from the goddess. Savior or not, she was still the enemy, still part of the Immortal Triad, and her unpredictability could rear its ugly head in a moment and he'd be struck dead right there and then.

Eris watched them vanish inside. All at once thunder boomed and Grim appeared, yelling, "Eris, what are ya doin' woman. We were so close!"

"He called to me," she replied.

"Since when does dat matter?" Grim demanded angrily.

"Only when fate chooses it to," Eris replied. Grim fell silent. Few immortals, even deities, could deny the fates and their little tapestry thingamabob. He harrumphed then said, "Stay out of Nergal's way when he's dealin' wit' Jack. And hurry up and get rid of Lord Pain while I take out Boogey."

"Touchy, touchy, aren't we darling," Eris bit back. "And not the good kind either." Grim blushed at the insinuation, said nothing, then vanished. She smirked coldly. She loved playing with him.

GAoBaM

"Get your woman under control," Nergal testily said as Grim appeared.

"Hey, I didn't see you doin' anyt'ing," Grim retorted.

"Touche. We'll deal with the mortal later. Apparently her favorites will be hardest to get rid of," Nergal relented.

"When she goes after Pain, we go after Boogey and Jack. She'll be too distracted with Pain to step in for Jack. I doubt she'd do anyt'ing for Boogey, but de girl's as unpredictable as de sea, isn't she," Grim said. Nergal smirked, not arguing that. It was why the Grim Reaper had been so in love with her once upon a time. And, he wouldn't doubt, still harbored some remnant of feeling for the beautiful, tricky, and dangerous goddess.

"Eris is about to make her move," Nergal said, pointing as Eris snapped her fingers and appeared in a hiding place, watching the house on the hill for Pain's exit.

"Den let's get ready," Grim replied.

GAoBaM

"Pain, what happened, what's wrong?" Sorella worriedly asked.

"It-it was Skarr. He called to me and Boogey. He was in trouble," Pain replied.

"Was?" Pinface questioned.

"I don't sense danger anymore," Pain confusedly said. Unfortunately, he didn't sense if he was safe or not either.

"I don't like this. He's mortal. Maybe you should go check on him," Sorella declared, putting a hand on his shoulder.

"Yes, I will," he replied. Looking back at her he said, "Come with me."

She started. Pinface's mouth dropped. Sorella looked at her brother then back at Pain, who was offering his hand. She bit her lower lip then smiled, taking it. Pain smirked and walked out with her.

"Oh yeah, just walk on out without asking me how I feel! Typical, man, typical!" Pinface called agitatedly after Pain. "Idiot!" he exclaimed, kicking the ground viciously.

"Pinface?" a voice asked from behind.

He turned with a cry of alarm. On seeing the woman he relaxed, saying, "Erin, don't do that." Just then he noticed the fear and uncertainty in her eyes. "What's wrong?" he asked suspiciously.

"A run in with… With him," she vaguely replied. "I don't want to be alone in that house with my child while he's stalking the streets tonight."

"Problem solved," Pinface replied. He wouldn't have it a secret he didn't like the man. He snapped his fingers and they both appeared in her home. She gaped in disbelief. "I dare the creep to try to come in," Pinface boastfully declared, rubbing his claws against his robes proudly. She looked at him in awe. He wouldn't be leaving them tonight.

GAoBaM

Grim saw Eris start after Pain and Sorella. "Dat's me cue," he declared to Nergal. "And yours."

"Smashing. Pumpkin smashing, that is," Nergal said, smirking. Atrocia just needs to leave the house now, and Jack and Malaria will be completely and utterly alone together.

"How ya gonna get her to go?" Grim asked.

"I'm not, you are," Nergal replied. "Boogey is her pet project. Threaten him, she'll pounce. "Or better yet, act like you're Boogey and lure her away. When she's lost and scared, Boogey will appear. She'll tell him she was following him, then they'll both be yours."

"Mon, you're gettin' devious again," Grim said. Nergal bowed his head. Grim snapped his fingers, appearing just outside the window he knew Atrocia to be at with Malaria. Clearing his throat he prepared for the performance.

GAoBaM

"He is insane, completely and totally out of his gourd, pun intended," Malaria ranted, pacing back and forth in front of Atrocia. They'd gotten rid of the heart, at least.

"It would help us all if you didn't bait him," Atrocia said.

"I never started out baiting him!" Malaria exclaimed. "They attacked me in my house! He took one look at me in the TV studio and dubbed me a witch. Am I the only one who sees this is his issue and not mine?"

"All right, all right, you've made your point," Atrocia quickly soothed.

"I wish he were dead," Malaria growled.

"Malaria, take some deep breaths and calm down. You two going to war with one another won't get us anywhere.

Just then a voice called outside the window, "Atrocia?"

Atrocia looked curiously out. "Boogey?" she asked, confused.

"What?" Malaria questioned.

"I heard Boogey calling me," she said.

"Let him call," Malaria replied. "I'm not being left alone in this house with the sadistic original prankster."

"Atrocia, I need to talk to you now. It's about Skarr," Boogey's voice insisted urgently. She saw his outline against the trees.

"I'll be right back," Atrocia assured.

"Great," Malaria said, sighing in annoyance. Atrocia raced out and Malaria shook her head. Jack witnessed Atrocia leave and scowled. Great. She'd left the gothic witch. Oh joy.

GAoBaM

Atrocia raced to the edge of the trees calling, "Boogey?"

"Over here," the voice called, and she saw his figure beckoning to her. Curious, she followed.

"Boogey, wait for me!" she called as he raced through the bushes. She didn't like this. She was starting to feel fear. "Hey, do me a favor and cut off the fear!" she called to him. He didn't answer and she slowed down. "Boogey?" she called again, now suspicious. She heard a crack and gasped, whirling. Nothing was there, but where was she? What way had she come? She paled. She was lost! "Boogey!" she screamed into the bushes worriedly.

Boogey heard her voice in his mind from down below. "What on Earth?" he asked, confused. Why was she calling him? Why was he sensing fear? "Hold your horses woman, I'm coming," he muttered to himself, instantly transporting to the surface. "Atrocia, what's going on?" he asked, seeing her.

She screamed and whirled, saying, "Are you really Boogey?"

"What? What are you talking about?" Boogey asked, now lost.

"You-you told me to follow you, that you were worried about Skarr. You led me into wherever this is," she said.

Boogey blinked blankly. After a long moment he asked, "I did what?" Atrocia's mouth fell open. She quickly ran to him, holding him tightly. His every sense was heightened now. "All right, who's the wise guy?!" Boogey angrily called into the bushes.

"Closest t'ing to a compliment I'll get from you," Grim's voice said from behind. The two whirled, gasping.

"Grim!" Boogey exclaimed.

"The Grim Reaper," Atrocia said in awe, standing up straight. He blinked at her then blushed. Boogey looked from her intrigued look to Grim then frowned, pulling her behind him and shooting her an annoyed look.

"Grimmy, what's up buddy?" Boogey asked. "More importantly, where's our General?"

GAoBaM

Grim glared at Boogey. After a moment he replied, "He would have been a splat on de road, but unfortunately he's fine. Eris got protective. You, on de other hand, won't be, and we're not done wit' him."

Boogey scowled, dropping into a fighting pose. "What are you gonna do? Slice me? Good luck."

"No, but it'll be so much easier for Eris ta get ta Pain when he's distracted feeling yours," Grim replied.

"Feeling? I thought Pain couldn't feel pain," Atrocia uncertainly said.

Boogey looked startled, taken aback. After a moment he replied, "He can't. It's nothing to him. Except… except when it comes to me. Then he feels discomfort. No pain, just discomfort."

"Why?" Atrocia asked.

"Who cares, it's not important!" Boogey quickly shot. A little too quickly, she realized. What was he hiding?

"Right. You're goin' down, Boogey," Grim said.

"Bring it Grimmy poo," Boogey taunted icily. Grim scowled and raised his scythe above his head. He brought it down on the ground and it began to crack. Atrocia screamed, almost falling in. Boogey grabbed her and threw her to the base of a tree. "Stay there!" he ordered. She could fight, yes, but Grim was all his.

Boogey pounced viciously. Grim sliced with the scythe. Boogey leapt back and tackled him to the ground, tearing at him with his claws. Desperately Grim defended. Atrocia stood, eyes wide. This was too unbelievable! She wanted to fight, but she knew… she knew Boogey had claimed him. All at once Grim sent Boogey flying. Boogey cried out in pain. Grim was about to bring the scythe down on him! Claimed or not, she couldn't stand idly by while Grim attacked! Atrocia leapt forwards and grabbed the scythe, forcing the blade back. "I don't think so," she hissed. All at once she snatched it and swung at him. Grim cried out in alarm, dodging.

"Oh come on," Grim complained. Boogey gaped in shock as Atrocia held the scythe, smirking cruelly. Oh he was liking her more and more.

"I'm flattered that you're such a fan of mine, but stay away from the allies," Atrocia warned.

"Give me dat scythe woman!" Grim ordered as he lunged. She dodged and swung, striking him. He cried out in pain. She brought it down but he grabbed it, pulling hard. She cried out, falling onto him. He rolled over, her beneath him, and tore the scythe from her grasp. Boogey pounced, but Grim struck him. This time the blade met its mark, and Boogey screamed in pain, rolling to the side. He gasped and tried to stagger up, but Grim shot him with a blast again that made him writhe.

"No!" Atrocia cried. She lunged, but Grim held out a hand, catching her with his powers and raising her high into the air. Grim turned to Boogey once again, who could hardly breathe, and brought the scythe down on him. The boogeyman shrieked in agony then lay still. "Boogey!" Atrocia screamed in terror. Grim dropped her from the air. She screamed and hit the ground hard. "No!" she exclaimed, making her way over to Boogey.

"Dat's de end of dat, for now," Grim remarked. He brought his scythe down and a crack spread towards Boogey. Atrocia slid to a stop with a gasp and leapt back before falling. Boogey, however, plummeted into the crack. Atrocia leapt for the edge, trying to grab him, but he was out of sight. The crack closed and Grim was gone. She could only stare in horrified shock at the place the crack had been.

GAoBaM

Pain cried out in alarm suddenly. Sorella gasped and looked sharply back. "What happened?" she demanded immediately, running to him. "Pain, what's wrong?" she asked.

"B-Boogey. Something is happening," Pain replied, shaking off the sudden discomfort he'd felt.

"Grimmy poo's beaten me to his target," Eris' voice suddenly said. The two turned, gasping.

"Eris!" Sorella exclaimed, rising and prepared to fight. Pain cried out again suddenly. Sorella sharply looked back at him, eyes concerned.

"Oh how precious, she's worried about her little friend," Eris sang tauntingly.

Sorella scowled at the goddess. "Don't push your luck, Discordia," Sorella growled. Eris frowned. Her other name, she realized. Rarely did anyone call her that anymore.

Eris laughed cruelly. All at once she attacked! Sorella cried out in alarm as she was tackled. Furiously the two women rolled across the ground. Sorella managed to throw Eris, but Eris leapt back up, Apple of Discord at the ready. She looked sharply at Pain and struck him with it. He cried out in surprise, flying back. He shook his head then leapt up, scowling. He lunged at her. She met the attack and tumbled around with him for a moment. Sorella suddenly joined. Eris lit the apple and shocked them both with it. They fell back, startled. Pain leapt up but suddenly cried out in alarm, falling to his knees and holding his head. What on Earth. He gasped, paling. Boogey! This wasn't good.

"Trouble?" Eris cooed.

"Boogey is in danger," Pain declared, staggering up.

"Oh no, Boogey's in danger? Why then you'd better scurry off darling," Eris said. The two scowled viciously at her but said nothing. Pain snapped his fingers and they were gone. Eris laughed darkly. Good luck finding him.