"Come on! Let's go!" Ms. Saffron called out to Rudy and Penny. "Let's get going before Rudy comes after us!"

But Rudy and Penny remained frozen, their feet firmly planted on the groud. They stared at the scene before them in shock, uneasiness sweeping through their legs, making them shake. Even though Rudy knew this wasn't him or Snap, even though they were alternate versions in a future that never happened for him, it was still very unsettling to see any version of him and Snap acting like this towards each other.

Rudy had a hard time believing that this had ever happened. He never thought that there would have been a timeline where he would have become like this, to treat the zoner who was supposed to be his friend like garbage. The way Dark Rudy talked about Alt-Snap was horrible. Calling him names, speaking to him mockingly, being an overall jerk to him. It made even more sense now, seeing this, why Alt-Snap acted like a jerk. At least he apologized; Rudy had doubts that Dark Rudy would have that same kind of decency.

He felt Ms. Saffron grab his arm and pull him back. He forced himself to tear away from the sight and he looked over at the armored woman. She looked at him, her eyes wide with worry. He watched as she tugged at Penny's arm, getting her attention as well. Ms. Saffron didn't need to speak a word; just the way she was looking at them was enough for them to know that she is confused as to why they weren't coming with her, and she really wanted to lead them to safety. Rudy stared at her before looking back at the fight.

"Do you...think he'll be okay?" Rudy asked in a hesitant voice.

"He will be. Don't worry." Ms. Saffron said with a smile. "He's taken on Rudy before. He'll escape and regroup with us. He knows how to find me." Ms. Saffron glanced down at Snap, whom she still had cradled in her arm. Snap's face was contorted in pain and one hand was on his injured stomach. "We need to get somewhere safe so we can do something about your friend's wounds."

"Yeah." Penny looked at Snap sadly. She reached out and stroked his head a few times. "Do you have enough supplies?"

Ms. Saffron replied, "Not a lot. It's hard to come by medical stuff here." She looked at Snap briefly, sighing sadly, and looked at Rudy and Penny. "But at the hideout we'll be going to, there should be something we can use to at least cover the wound up. Hopefully the next dimension you'll head to will have more medical supplies." She glanced at where Dark Rudy and Alt-Snap were fighting for a second, then said, "Come on, let's get going."

Though reluctant, Rudy and Penny started to follow Ms. Saffron down the street, towards the buildings they were going to before. They could see the makeshift path as they drew closer to it. It looked like it had been melted by something. Perhaps Alt-Snap did this, or maybe Draow and Alt-Snap and Ms. Saffron were just using it to their advantage. There was some kind of burning smell coming from it and it made him wonder just how recent this makeshift path was. The idea of it being quite old and still smelling like that worried him. Was it going to be hot to the touch still? And if so, just what kind of weapon was used on this that it'd still be heated?

When they got close enough, Rudy could see that the pathway itself was not very smooth, just like he would have expected. The ground was uneven and warped-looking. It was definitely going to be difficult to navigate, especially for Penny. She could handle a short time walking without her cane, like when she tackled with Dark Rudy, but going through here, it was going to be hard, with and without her cane. The makeshift tunnel headed upwards, and looked pretty smooth, almost like a slide.

It seemed like they all were going to have a hard time climbing up this hill. The ground was not exactly good for walking, but maybe that's why Ms. Saffron and Alt-Snap chose this way. Less of a chance of them being followed. Rudy knew Ms. Saffron will have trouble as she was holding Snap and only had one free arm to help her traverse the warped terrain. And Rudy himself was still in pain and his head hurt from when Dark Rudy smashed his skull against Penny's. The headache he was experiencing just added to the pain he felt in his stomach. It did lessen a little since he drank the medicine, but the pain was still strong and it was going to make careful navigation a little difficult.

The group started to climb up the path. It was just as hard as Rudy thought it was going to be. He kept nearly tripping as he tried to find a foothold. He did manage to push himself up slowly, but it was still difficult. Penny was having a hard time. Her cane was hardly of help here. She did use it, once in a while, to help steady her, but it wasn't as useful at getting her up at a quick rate. Ms. Saffron had the easiest time, maybe because she was used to climbing this. She kept urging Rudy and Penny to hurry and move faster. Rudy tried his best to speed up the pace, but he only ended up tripping and hitting against the side. He let out a loud moan.

Penny stared at him in shock. She planted her cane against the torn ground made of wood and metal, and she reached her hand down towards him. He reached out for her. They took each other's hand. Gripping him tightly, Penny yanked Rudy up as hard as she could. She managed to pull Rudy up a little behind her, and didn't let go until Rudy was able to keep his balance on his own. He looked at Penny with a grateful expression before he and her hiked their way up towards here Ms. Saffron waited. The woman had stopped a couple feet in front of them and awaited for them to catch up to her.

They continued their way up. The difficulties didn't seem to decrease for Rudy or Penny. Trips and slipping, nearly rolling back down the hill, that was still common place. They tried to make it happen less. They tried to be more careful. But their injuries and pain made hit hard to do so. Ms. Saffron had much less trouble, even though she was holding Snap, because she was not in as much pain as they were. Rudy and Penny couldn't really be frustrated with her urging them on, though. They weren't exactly at the beach or anything. Dark Rudy was nearby and he would kill them if he got the chance to. They had to get away and fast.

Soon, they reached the top of the hill. Rudy looked down and saw that it looked just as slippery going down. The path seemed to go into a dark alleyway. It looked difficult to navigate and he wondered how they were going to avoid obstacles. Getting their legs twisted and broken isn't on their to-do list, and he'd rather avoid that as much as possible. With the very little light that shined in, he could make out an overall shape, enough to see that there was a sharp turn to the right, and he guessed the path was a little windy.

"The hideout is located along this path. It's hard to see. I'll let you know when we're almost there." Ms. Saffron said. "Do you understand?"

"Yes, we do." Rudy said, nodding his head.

"Good." Ms. Saffron said with a small, faint smile. She looked down at Snap. "I'm going to try to go down as carefully as possible so I don't aggravate your injuries. If I do something to hurt you by mistake, I apologize."

"Don't..worry about it." Snap said, seething in agony. "I'll understand..." He opened up one eye, the eyelid quivering. "I've...been through...worse..."

Ms. Saffron looked at him sadly. She turned to Rudy and Penny and made a gesture with her head. "Come on, while we still have time!"

Rudy and Penny looked at each other and then back at Ms. Saffron. They watched her start to head over the edge and towards the dark tunnel that laid before them. They started to follow behind her. Penny used her cane to steady herself as she made it over the edge. She took a step down. She didn't go any further. She looked over at Rudy and nodded her head. She was waiting for him to follow behind her. Rudy started to make his way over the edge, careful not to aggravate his internal injuries.

Suddenly there was a loud scream. This startled the group, bringing about shouts of surprise and shock. Rudy looked over at where Dark Rudy and Alt-Snap were. He gasped in horror when he saw that Alt-Snap had been thrown into the ground, Dark Rudy heading towards him. Penny, who had climbed back over to his side, had her free hand to her mouth, her body shaking. She and Rudy watched this scene in horror, unable to move or look away.

Ms. Saffron came up to join them. She grabbed Rudy by his shoulder and shook him. She did the same thing to Penny seconds later. When the two of them didn't respond, she tried again, this time with more force. Still the two friends wouldn't move, their eyes locked onto the battle taking place below them.

Frustrated, Ms. Saffron grabbed Rudy's arm and yanked him back. "We need to get going! We don't have much of a window of opportunity here! Move it!"

But Rudy couldn't move. He was not able to tear his eyes away. He could tell neither could Penny. Normally, they would be running. They would be trying to get away. But this time was different. They were watching a version of himself, going up against his best friend..ex-best friend in this case. That struck a nerve in Rudy, and it made it much harder for him to look away. As horrible as it was for him to watch, he just could not look away. His eyes were locked on the battle, and Ms. Saffron was not able to make him or Penny look away.

It was hard for Rudy to believe what he was seeing. He...he would never treat Snap this horribly. He'd never turn on him like this. And to see that, in this world, seeing those two act this way to each other, so starkly different from what he would have expected, it stung him horribly. Even though he and Snap reassured each other that this wouldn't happen, that they'd keep their friendship and not turn into how Dark Rudy and Alt-Snap were, Rudy still had that fear. Seeing the way Alt-Snap and Dark Rudy were fighting did not help anything either. Another scream, and Rudy and Penny watched in horror at the scene playing out before them.

Alt-Snap was kicked. Thankfully the spikes didn't slice him, but the way he rolled across the ground was rather uncomfortable to watch. He pushed himself on his hands and glared up at Dark Rudy. He jumped to his feet and, despite being in pain, he ran around Dark Rudy and managed to deliver a punch to Dark Rudy's side, making him stagger. Alt-Snap used his small size to his advantage and managed to get out of the way when Dark Rudy tried to kick him again.

"You worthless piece of chalk! Hold still!" Dark Rudy snarled. He lifted up his sword and struck down. The metal clanged against the ground. Dark Rudy growled in frustration. "Lay down so I can kill you!"

"Not a chance! I won't let you get the best of me!" Alt-Snap shouted back. He jumped up at Dark Rudy and delivered a kick to his face. He watched as Dark Rudy stumbled back, his hand on his face where he was struck. Alt-Snap glared at him hatefully. "It'll take more than talking to make me go down!"

Dark Rudy growled at Snap. There was a flash of black in his eyes. He took a few steps towards Alt-Snap, his body tense like he was going to strike him. Then, suddenly, he stopped. His expression slowly changed into a smile. Dark Rudy went from being angry to being calm. A swift mood change very much like Cosmo. His sword lowered to the ground. When he walked forward, the tip of it scraped along the ground, the sound irritating anyone who listened to it.

Soon Dark Rudy stood in front of Alt-Snap. The zoner moved back and took a fighting stance. His fists clenched, he glared at Dark Rudy with bared teeth. The two stared at each other. As Rudy watched, an uncomfortable feeling welling up inside of him, he realized that this staredown was similar to what Alt-Snap did to Snap. That same glare was back. But this time, it seemed that it was Dark Rudy who was winning. Alt-Snap shown signs of uneasiness and moved away from Dark Rudy. He did not run, though, and was clearly prepared to fight.

"Oh I know how you can be, Snap. You always were stubborn...so willing to fight even when there's nothing left to fight for." Dark Rudy sneered. He took a moment to glance around the ruined city. He gave Alt-Snap a sideways glance. "Tell me, Snap. What left is there for you to defend? Even if you somehow managed to beat me and Cosmo...a lot of damage was already done..."

"I can't just stand by and watch as you ruin the world! With all that you've done, you and Cosmo deserve to be taken down!" Alt-Snap replied, his teeth gritting so hard it looked like they would crack in his mouth.

Dark Rudy's smile slightly broadened at this. "As I said, you're stubborn. And that has made you..something of a pest now. I know I used to admire that trait..." He paused. Then he lowered his head, his green eyes staring intently into Alt-Snap's eyes. "After all, we used to be...friends..." At this, Alt-Snap's eyes widened. Dark Rudy grinned, as if he got the reaction he wanted. "Remember, Snap? Remember the fun we used to have?" He began to circle Alt-Snap. "Ah yes, I remember it like it was yesterday. I remember when you used to call me 'Bucko'."

By this point, Ms. Saffron stopped trying to get Rudy and Penny to leave. Her eyes were locked onto what was going on as well. Her eyes were wide, her body tense. From how she was acting, Rudy could tell that Alt-Snap was a close friend of hers here and she wanted to see him pull through. Despite being confident that he would make it, it was clear that she really didn't want to leave him behind, and she joined in with them, watching the scene unfold.

Rudy and Penny watched with wide eyes as Dark Rudy circled around Alt-Snap, much in the same manner Cosmo did to Rudy. Snap was watching as well, as Ms. Saffron had moved closer so she could get a good look. His wide eyes were fixated on the scene playing out down below. Tension and uneasiness filled the air around them. They couldn't move. They couldn't speak. All they could do was watch. Despite how disturbing it is, considering who those two down there were, it was nearly impossible to look away.

Dark Rudy taunting Alt-Snap about the friendship they once had...that left a bad taste in everyone's mouth. It was such a low blow, a deliberate kick to the heart. Alt-Snap's expression had changed to that of hurt. They could have sworn they saw a hint of a tear in his eyes as he watched Dark Rudy walk around him like a vulture. Dark Rudy was enjoying his taunts and how Alt-Snap was reacting. Rudy felt his stomach lurch forward as he watched this. To think that this was almost him...almost what he had become... He shuddered to think about it.

"We used to exploriate together. We used to discover new places in ChalkZone. We used to have...a lot of fun..." Dark Rudy mocked, sneering down at the mentally hurt Alt-Snap. "Oh yes...those were some...good times, wouldn't you say, Snap?" Alt-Snap did not answer. Dark Rudy chuckled at this. He stood behind Alt-Snap. He lowered himself and gripped his shoulders. Alt-Snap did not move, Dark Rudy's words having a deep impact in him. He spoke into his ear. "But of course...all things must come to an end at some point, don't you think?"

Alt-Snap looked at Dark Rudy with one eye, not daring to turn his head. "It only came to an end because you used the black chalk. It corrupted you."

Another chuckle, and Dark Rudy released Alt-Snap and walked out in front of him. He looked down at his sword, examining it a little, and then looked over at Alt-Snap. "Corrupted me? Oh no, dear Snap." He turned around so he was facing the zoner. "It enlightened me. It showed me the truth, that Mr. Cosmo was right about everything. The black chalk woke up my true potential." He pointed his sword at Alt-Snap, but did not charge him. "It showed me how I was using my talents incorrectly, and it gave me a chance to do something about that."

"It turned you into a monster." Alt-Snap said in a low growl. "You're nothing like how you used to be."

"Of course not. Why would I want to go back to being...soft?" Dark Rudy sneered. "Why would I want to go back to thinking that you were something more than a mere expendable chunk of chalk dust? Oh yes we used to have fun..but now that I know the truth, I sometimes find it hard to believe I considered you a friend."

Rudy's eyes widened in shock at this statement. His body trembled. Had his counterpart really said that? Penny and Snap looked uncomfortable by the whole thing as well. They looked on in disbelief. The fact that Dark Rudy sounded, more or less like Rudy though with a scratchy voice, didn't help things. Rudy cast a glance over at Snap. They locked eyes onto each other, a few tears forming in their eyes. Ms. Saffron stared down at the scene with unease plastered on her face.

Dark Rudy's words clearly hurt Alt-Snap. Even from this distance, the group could see a few tears moving down his face. The zoner took a few steps back away from Dark Rudy, clutching his fists tightly as his body shook. Despite how clearly upset Alt-Snap was by those words, Dark Rudy showed no signs of remorse, no indication that he was going to apologize. Instead, he just continued to play with Alt-Snap's emotions, all the while a dark smile was on his face.

"I wonder how it feels... Now that our counterparts are here, and you can see how well they get along..how does it feel?" Dark Rudy taunted. "Does it remind you of what we once had, you filthy little dirtbag? Does it make you think of the fun we used to have?" Alt-Snap's body shook harder, his eyes widening further. Dark Rudy kept striking against this clearly sore spot. "I'm sure it does... I wonder if you keep dreaming of the way it used to be... I wonder if you keep wishing that I would return to your definition of 'normal'. Well I hate to break it to you, dear Snap. But that won't happen." Dark Rudy reached out and touched Alt-Snap's cheek. "But of course..we could have some kind of relationship again..if you're willing to join me."

At this, the anger Alt-Snap displayed before returned. He swiped Dark Rudy's hand away and glared at him. "I'll never join you..."

Dark Rudy smirked. "I figured you wouldn't. You're weak..." Dark Rudy turned his head. Rudy and the others felt their hearts freeze when Dark Rudy spotted them. He stared at them for a few seconds before chuckling darkly. "Just like my white chalk counterpart there..."

Alt-Snap's eyes widened at this. He turned his head and he looked shocked that Rudy and the others standing there, watching. "What the...?" He took a step towards them. "What are you still doing here?! Run!"

Dark Rudy stepped in front of Alt-Snap, blocking his view of the group. With an evil grin, he stared intently at Rudy. "Of course..he does have the potential of...becoming strong. After all.." He closd his eyes and laughed. He reopened them, his eyes glowing black for several seconds. "He is me."

Rudy flinched and he took a step back. Dark Rudy's eyes bored into his. It was like looking in the mirror, some twisted mockery of a mirror. Rudy found it hard to move. And as Dark Rudy began to make his way towards him, he felt panic sweep through his body. Adrenaline started to grip him, yet he was unable to move. In the corner of his eyes, he could see Penny and Saffron taking position next to him, an attempt to protect him from Dark Rudy. Snap's eyes were narrowed, looking determined to fight as well if it came to that.

Dark Rudy did not advance much further. Without warning, Alt-Snap had jumped onto his back again. He held onto his neck and yanked backwards. Dark Rudy let out frustrated yells and tried to yank Alt-Snap off. The others watched with wide eyes as the two former friends struggled against each other. Dark Rudy soon lost his footing and fell into the ground. Alt-Snap grunted in pain from the force, but refused to let go. Dark Rudy rolled onto his stomach and tried to get up, but Alt-Snap's interference made this difficult.

Alt-Snap looked over as Dark Rudy attempted to grab him. He jumped out of the way and landed in front of him. He took a fighting stance, glaring hatefully at his former friend. The two glared at each other, hostility between them rising to the point where it almost looked like there was a glow. After a few seconds of intense silence, Alt-Snap spoke up.

"You..are not going anywhere near them!" Alt-Snap shouted. "I promise you that!"

"I wonder if you can keep your promise." Dark Rudy wondered, tapping a finger against his chin thoughtfully. "I mean after all.." He took a step towards Alt-Snap. "You aren't very good at keeping promises." He watched as Alt-Snap's eyes widened very slightly. Dark Rudy tilted his head to he side. "Remember?"

Alt-Snap clearly knew what Dark Rudy was talking about. His body shook and his eyes widened further. But soon he managed to get a hold of himself, pushing back against Dark Rudy's mental attack tactics. He aimed his laser at Dark Rudy and said, "You are not going to put them through the same thing we endured! They don't deserve that kind of ending... And I'll make sure you don't give it to them!"

The dark version of Rudy cupped a hand to his ear and leaned to the side. "Ah, is that an echo I hear?" He lowered his hand and jeered, "Why..I believe that's the same thing you said to Blocky and Rapsheeba." Alt-Snap gritted his teeth and growled. "Yes I remember it. How Cosmo and I ambushed them as they were part of the resistance. You told them you'd protect them, but you failed to stop me and Cosmo as we oblitered the place they were in. They both died, all because you couldn't protect them. Now isn't that a shame?"

Rudy and the others felt their hearts twist in knots. Alt-Snap had lost Blocky and Rapsheeba, too? How horrible... Anger filled the pits of their stomachs as they turned their glances toward Dark Rudy, who was taunting Alt-Snap this whole time. No look of sympathy could be found, no ounce of understanding in any bone of his body. Rudy formed a fist with his hand. He...he was going to make his evil counterpart pay... Somehow, someway, he would.

More tears flowed down Alt-Snap's face. His mind must be swimming in thoughts of Blocky and Rapsheeba, what happened to them. The zoner shut his eyes, allowing more tears to move down his cheeks. He reopened them and glared at Dark Rudy, his eyes practically glowing in anger. His body continued to wrack in trembles, some of it due to the anger, and some of it due to a sob or more that came from him. Dark Rudy's words had torn a hole in his heart, and Rudy didn't doubt that he had been doing this any time they confronted each other.

"You're...you're a monster..." Alt-Snap growled deeply. "I know I used to love you. I used to care about you. You were my friend...but not anymore." He made a somewhat of a dismissive gesture with his hand. "I no longer recognize who you are, Rudy." His eyes narrowed into slits. "Or should I even call you that anymore?" A sniffle. "The black chalk butchered your mind, turned you into the opposite of who you once were. Yes, sometimes I wish you'd change back, but it is too late for that now, isn't it?"

Dark Rudy did not answer. He just smiled at Alt-Snap as the zoner continued to speak. He was amused, and found this whole thing funny. How truly disgusting...

"I used to blame myself for what happened to Rapsheeba and Blocky. But thinking back..I know it wasn't my fault." Alt-Snap's voice grew darker, shakier, laced in anger. "It was yours..and that master of yours. You were the ones who collapsed that building! You were the reason that they were crushed to death! It was because of you that I lost two of my remaining friends! And now..." His body shook harder. He shut his eyes tightly. "You...you want to inflict that kind of pain on those two over there... You want them to experience what happened to us." He reopened them. "You're sick!" He yelled.

Dark Rudy stared at him for a few seconds. Then he said, "I only wish to let him experience the power..." He tilted his head to the side. "After all, it is not fair only I get to know the knowledge of the black chalk. I wish for him to learn, too. I want to be...generous." He lowered his head a little, staring intently at Alt-Snap. "Is that so wrong?"

"..yes. Because you want to twist his mind, just like how Mr. Cosmo twisted yours!" Alt-Snap shouted at him.

Dark Rudy pulled his head back, staring down at Alt-Snap with a look of complete contempt. "Mr. Cosmo has more knowledge than you could ever hope to have, you failure of a hero." Alt-Snap winced hurtfully at that and took a step back. "He knows more about how to...properly harness talents. I do hope that my weak self over there realizes that and comes to his senses soon. Otherwise, his skills are being wasted on nothing."

Rudy's eyes widened at this. He found himself taking a step back, nearly tripping on a piece of debris. His body trembled, Dark Rudy's words reminding him so much of what Cosmo said to him. His dark counterpart had become a lot like Cosmo himself. In fact, when he looked at his counterpart, he hardly saw himself. He mostly saw Cosmo. The behaviors were rather similar. Even the mannerism of which he spoke was similiar to Cosmo. Dark Rudy's whole behavior, the way he treated his former friend, the way he was acting to them earlier, it frightened him deeply.

He felt someone grip his hand. He looked over and he saw Penny. She gave him a sad look. Her eyes were shining with determination, showing Rudy that she would do whatever it took to protect him. He looked over to his other side and saw Snap looked at him with the same expression. Though Saffron's eyes were still locked on what was going on, Rudy had a feeling she would protect him as well, as she had seen what would happen if he were corrupted by the black chalk.

"You leave them alone. They have nothing to do with what happened here." Alt-Snap said, his voice low. "They have their own problems to deal with. They don't need you complicating things."

Dark Rudy laughed. "Of course! I'm sure they're having plenty of trouble in their candy-coated dimension!" Alt-Snap growled at this. "What?" Dark Rudy shrugged his shoulders dismissively. "I'm just calling it as I see it. I mean, it's obvious that they hadn't been through hell.. I seriously doubt they'd be strong enough to deal with the dangers of this dimension." He tilted his head up. "Which is why it's best that they surrender now...avoid all that pain."

"Oh screw you!" The armored zoner snapped at him. "You're just as deluded as your fucking master!"

Dark Rudy's eyes widened in anger at this. "Don't you dare speak about my master like that, you blue rodent.."

Alt-Snap raised his laser at him. "And what are you going to do about it? It's not my fault that your master is too stupid to admit his own mistakes, and since you hang onto every word he says..." Alt-Snap's mouth ticked into a slight smirk. "Just what does that say about yourself?"

Dark Rudy's body trembled. His eyes grew wide, the black glow returning. "Why you little fucktard! I'll kill you!"

At this, Dark Rudy rushed over to Alt-Snap. He lifted up his sword and brought it down. Alt-Snap dodged to the side, the sword clanging against the ground next to him. Alt-Snap ran around Dark Rudy, holding up his laser weapon. He began to shoot at Dark Rudy. He wasn't aiming to him; instead he was trying to trap him by knocking off some chunks of rock. Dark Rudy caught onto this and he jumped into the air, avoiding a piece of cement before rushing over to Alt-Snap.

The zoner moved to the side when Dark Rudy attempted to throw a punch. The fist sailed past him, narrowly missing his face. Alt-Snap grabbed onto the arm and pulled him hard, causing Dark Rudy to stumble forward. He moved behind him fast and delivered a kick to the back of his right calf. Dark Rudy let out a grunt of pain and went down on his knees. He didn't stay there for very long. He whirled around and managed to grab Alt-Snap's leg. He dragged him back and lifted him off the ground. Alt-Snap aimed his laser at him, but before he could use it, Dark Rudy began to slam Alt-Snap into the ground. He smashed his former friend against the ground a few times before he threw him aside.

Alt-Snap struggled to his feet. He looked over just in time to see Dark Rudy rushing at him at full speed, wielding his sword threateningly. Alt-Snap gritted his teeth and began to shoot at the ground. This time, he was clearly aiming to hit Dark Rudy's legs to try to disable him. Dark Rudy managed to dodge for the most part, but soon one of the lasers grazed his side. He stopped and winced in pain. He looked down, seeling a little blood move down his legs. He stared at this in shock for a second, and then he looked at Alt-Snap with a rage-filled face, his pupils dilated into dots. Clearly ignoring the pain, he rushed over, his hands tightening around his blade, preparing to strike.

Alt-Snap rushed forward, his arms out at his side to gain speed. He moved to the side as Dark Rudy struck his sword down. He jumped up and slammed a fist against his stomach. Dark Rudy let out a cry of pain and he stumbled forward. Dark Rudy glared hatefully at Alt-Snap and kicked him, this time, one of the spikes slashing his side. The zoner howled in pain as he crumpled to the ground. He looked down at his bleeding side, his hand pressed against it. He glared up at Dark Rudy, his eyes shining with not just anger, but fear.

Dark Rudy slowly advanced on him, dragging his sword along the ground, making that same scraping sound. "You little worm... You have no right talk about my master in such a despicable form. It is time you learned some manners."

Dark Rudy raised his sword and struck down. Alt-Snap rolled out of the way just in time. He pulled his foot back and kicked it against Dark Rudy's shin. With the black chalk user temporarily distracted by the pain, Alt-Snap got up to his feet and drove his fist against the underside of his chin. Dark Rudy yelped in pain, blood from his mouth indicating that he had bitten his tongue. He staggered back awards. He shook his head and turned his attention to Alt-Snap. He let out a yell of anger and attempted to strike him again. The blade made a small gash in Alt-Snap's side, making the wound worse. Alt-Snap screamed, but did not back down.

Alt-Snap took aim and shot a laser at Dark Rudy. The laser hit against his wrist, causing him to yell in pain and drop his sword. Now that Dark Rudy was without a weapon, Alt-Snap lunged at him, slamming his body against him and causing him to fall to the ground. He pulled his fist back and punched Dark Rudy in the head a few times. He then put his fists together and slammed them down against Dark Rudy's chest, knocking the wind out of him.

Dark Rudy glared at the zoner and grabbed him by the neck. He yanked him off of him and threw him to the side. Now back on his feet, he grabbed his sword and ran towards him while he was still on the ground. He struck out with his long sword. Alt-Snap let out a scream as a part of his back was slashed, chalky blood dripping down from the wound. Dark Rudy then kicked him in the stomach, causing him to cough up blood and skid across the ground. Growling, anger still clouding his mind, Dark Rudy approached Alt-Snap. He pressed his foot against him and raised his blade to finish the job.

Rudy couldn't take it any longer. He couldn't stand watching this fight, and not doing anything. He couldn't just stand idly by. He had to do something, anything, to buy Alt-Snap some time. Without thinking, focused only on helping Alt-Snap, Rudy rushed down towards the fight. Penny rushed down after him. Ms. Saffron, still holding Snap, followed them, standing not far behind.

"Hey!" Rudy called out. "Leave him alone!"

Dark Rudy stopped and turned around. Upon seeing Rudy, his angered expression swiftly changed to that of amusement. Alt-Snap's eyes were wide in shock, clearly horrified that the group not only didn't run to get out of there, but that they had come out into the open. Dark Rudy glared down at Alt-Snap like he was some piece of garbage and kicked him in his injured side, sending him sprawling on the ground. As Alt-Snap struggled to get back to his feet, Dark Rudy turned his attention to the group.

"Ah, coming to surrender I see. You know..you really should have listened to Snap here and run." Dark Rudy sneered. "After all, it's not like this sword is my...only weapon..." As if on cue, there was a loud screech. Dark Rudy tilted his head upwards. "Ah..right on time." He grinned at the group. "Draow has..such a way of making an entrance.."

Rudy's eyes widened in horror. He looked all around, trying to find the source of the roar. He and he others didn't see Draow, but they did not let their guard down. They all knew that if Draow showed up, it was going to make things more complicated. Dark Rudy was touch enough to handle, but if Draow joins with him, how much of a chance would they stand...?

But Rudy knew they couldn't back down. Not now. Not while Alt-Snap needed their help. Dark Rudy would surely kill him if they didn't do something and fast. They had to find a way to restrain him quickly, but how? It wasn't like they could draw rope, and if Draow really was approaching, he doubted they would get very far. Still, he wasn't willing to give up. Alt-Snap needed their help, and whether or not he wanted it, he was going to get that help.

"Leave him alone." Rudy demanded.

"Oh?" Dark Rudy asked, taking a few steps towards him. "And do you think I'm going to listen to you just because you made a demand? How pathetic. But I expect nothing less from my weak white chalk counterpart." He took a few more steps. He paused when Penny moved in closer next to him. His dark grin broadened. "Ah, dear Penny... How nice it is to see you again, sweetheart.." Penny growled at this statement. "Maybe it is a good thing you other dimensioners came in.. A second chance is always good. Maybe you'll..see the light..."

"We'll never join you!" Snap shouted. He struggled against Ms. Saffron's grasp. The woman tried to hang onto him, but soon she released him. The injured zoner ignored his pain as he limped over to stand with his friends. "If there's..enough of the Rudy I know still left in you..you'll know that we don't back down easily..."

"We're a team!" Penny took a step forward. "And together, we will defeat you..and your master!"

Dark Rudy shook his head, laughing shaking his shoulder. "Oh you three really are something! I can't believe I was really this deluded!"

"You shouldn't underestimate your enemies, Rudy." Ms. Saffron said, gritting her teeth. "You never know when it will land you in hot water."

"Oh please, spare me the lecture, you old hag." Dark Rudy sneered. Ms. Saffron snarled at him. "I know very well what I'm up against. I remember what it was like being on...that kind of team..." Dark Rudy held his sword out, the sharp tip facing them. "And I know exactly how to tear it down..."

Snap took a step forward, his hand tightened in a fist. "We'd like to see you try!"

Dark Rudy looked down at him. "Oh really now?" He suddenly lunged forward and grabbed Snap by his scarf and hoisted him off the ground with ease.

"Snap!" Rudy called out.

"Put him down!" Penny shouted.

Ms. Saffron's eyes widened in horror. "Release him at once!"

The three of them started to make their way over. But they didn't get that far when Dark Rudy placed his blade against Snap's throat, threatening to slash it if they got any closer. They froze, watching the scene in horror. Dark Rudy's face contorted into a twisted smile. He looked at Snap, watching as the zoner's eyes widened in terror.

"I know you aren't the same Snap as from my dimension." Dark Rudy sneered evilly, exposing his teeth in a nasty grin. He put his face close to Snap's. "But it's still going to be fun putting my sword through you..."

"No!" Rudy and Penny shouted in horror, reaching their hands out towards Snap.

"Don't do it!" Ms. Saffron cried, horror plastered over her face.

Dark Rudy chuckled at them and then looked down at Snap. The zoner looked clearly frightened and struggled to himself free. His efforts proved useless. Rudy was forced to watch as Dark Rudy pulled his sword back, preparing to plunge the metal blade through his friend's stomach. He wanted to do something, anything. But he didn't think he'd be able to make it in time. It would only take a second for Dark Rudy to slice his friend open.

No... they couldn't just stand around. They had to take action. His body shaking in anger, he began to move towards Dark Rudy. Penny and Ms. Saffron followed close behind. Dark Rudy moved back away, watching them chase him in amusement. He jumped onto a higher ledge and held Snap out to them. He placed his blade against his throat and began to apply pressure. Snap let out a cry of pain as the blade started to cut into his neck. Rudy, Penny, and Ms. Saffron watched this, their bodies shaking in terror.

Suddenly, before anyone could make a move to stop this horrific act, Alt-Snap rushed forward and slammed against Dark Rudy. The force was enough to make Dark Rudy let go of Snap. The zoner fell into the ground and rolled down the small, debris fill. Alt-Snap shot a laser at Dark Rudy's chest, hitting square on his armor. Though the beam reflected, the force of the impact knocked him back more. When Dark Rudy tripped and fell, Alt-Snap rushed down and picked up his counterpart with some difficulty and carried him down away from the debris. He rushed him over to his friends and set him down.

As Rudy knelt down to pick Snap up, Alt-Snap made gestures with his hands, trying to shoe them away. "Get out of here now! Ms. Saffron, take them away! Please!"

"Come with us! Rudy's distracted! Now is our chance to go!" Ms. Saffron yelled, her eyes wide in fear.

What happened next, none of them saw coming. None of them had seen Dark Rudy rush down the hill, grabbing his sword. None of them had seen him angle around in a circle, going for a surprise attack from behind. None of them realized what he was about do...until it was too late.

Rudy, Penny, Snap, and Ms. Saffron let out a surprised cry when they were suddenly shoved aside by Dark Rudy. They staggered, almost falling to their knees. Then, what happened next froze their blood, a sharp, uncomfortable feeling swelling up in their stomachs. They didn't have time to react. They didn't have time to do something about it. All they could do was stare in horror as the unthinkable happened.

Alt-Snap had time to just get a quick look at the blade before Dark Rudy jabbed it straight through his stomach. His eyes widened and he started to cough up a little blood. Then Dark Rudy lifted him up into the air. This irritated Alt-Snap's wound and he let out a few cries of pain. Dark Rudy stood there, holding Alt-Snap above his head. The zoner looked down at him, his eyes wide in fear and pain, any amount of defiance in him earlier gone. Blood poured from his mouth. He gripped the blade, slicing his own hands in an attempt to get himself free. He cried, tears flowing down his face.

The sight of this sent ice through Rudy's veins. His body trembled and he took a step back. He could hardly breathe. He couldn't tear his eyes away. His eyes traveled from the blood moving down Alt-Snap's wounds, down to the floor where the blood was collecting in a small, dark red pool. His mind nearly went numb, unable to process anything else going on. He couldn't hear Ms. Saffron's cry of disbelieve, Snap's scream of horror, or Penny's gasp of shock. All he could see was his counterpart holding Alt-Snap up, sword going through through his stomach.

Dark Rudy kept Alt-Snap elevated above the ground for several seconds, his face at first showing nothing but disgust for Alt-Snap. Then he started to smile twistedly, baring his teeth. Showing no remorse, Dark Rudy thrust his sword with as much force as he could. Alt-Snap was released from the sword and he crashed into the ground. Blood splattered everywhere, leaving behind a trail as he rolled across the ground. He came to stop on his back. He whimpered and cried in agony as he struggled to get up. He looked over at Dark Rudy, his eyes staring up at him in fear, silently begging him to leave him alone.

Dark Rudy knelt down, smiling evilly at his former friend. "Well..looks like this is the end, eh, old friend?" Alt-Snap tried to speak, but he started to choke on his own blood and he coughed pitifully. His body trembled from fear and pain. "Such a shame it had to end this way, Snap." He shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly. "Oh well... Let me grant you at least one kindness. I'll end your pain for you..now.."

With that, Dark Rudy hooked an arm around Alt-Snap's neck. He then grabbed his head with his other. Mustering as much strength as he could, he started to twist Alt-Snap's head, bending his neck beyond its normal limitations. Alt-Snap's eyes went wide and he let out a scream. This only lasted a few seconds as Dark Rudy made a sharp jerk and there was a resounding crack that seemed to echo. Alt-Snap's body stiffened up at this, taking in a reflex gasp. Then his body went limp, his glazed eyes remaining open. Dark Rudy released him and took a few steps back. He smirked down at the dead body of his former friend before he turned his attention to the group.

"Now..where were we..?" Dark Rudy asked.

Rudy, Penny, and Snap's minds were frozen in shock and terror at what they just witnessed. They were in absolute shock, their bodies trembling. They were only broken out of their thoughts when Ms. Saffron, tears in her eyes, grabbed onto them and pulled on them.

Ms. Saffron shouted in a cracked voice, "L-Let's get out of here..now!"

Although they didn't have time to fully register what happened, though they were still in shock, Rudy and his friends knew that they couldn't stay there. They had to get moving. Ignoring their pain and trying to fight back against the cold shock that gripped them, they started to follow Ms. Saffron towards the next hideout. They moved as fast they could, their stunned minds not looking back at the gruesome scene.

Dark Rudy smirked at this. There was a flap of wings behind him, and he turned to see Draow. The bat wolf growled lowly as he approached Dark Rudy. He lowered himself to the ground, letting Dark Rudy climb on top of him.

"Come on, Draow.." Dark Rudy said evilly as the bat wolf rose up to his feet. Dark Rudy adjusted himself so that Draow's cannon weapons would not bother him. "Let's go have a little fun with our.. 'guests'..."

With that, Draow let out a screech. He pawed the ground, kicking up dust. Then he charged forward, going straight towards the fleeing group.