AN: I'm sorry again, everybody. I'm really terrible about updating lately. School started up again this week, so I'll probably just go back to updating on Saturdays... Anyway, enjoy this next chapter. We really are getting to the end soon, I promise...

Evalynn didn't know how much time had passed, but the next thing she knew, someone was shaking her awake.

"Wake up. You're coming with me," Jason's voice met her ears.

Sitting up, Evalynn got off the bed and followed Jason out of the room. He kept a hand at the small of her back, forcing her to stay with him as he led her through the winding hallways.

"Where are we going?"

"You'll find out soon enough."

"Jason, I-"

"Quiet. Keep moving."

They eventually ended up in an ominous looking room filled with black and red. The Creator sat at the head of the long black table in the center of the room.

"Evalynn, dear, how nice to see you. Come sit down."

Evalynn felt Jason push her back slightly, forcing her to step forward. She walked over to where the Creator sat, resting her hands on the top of the chair to the left of the Creator's seat.

"Sit, dear. I won't bite."

Swallowing hard, Evalynn pulled out the chair and slowly sat down. The Creator studied her with her eyes, as if looking for some sort of sign.

"You have questions."

"Yes."

"Go on."

Swallowing again, Evalynn glanced over to where Jason stood posted by a door different from the one they had entered through.

"Where are my friends?"

"They're here in another part of the building."

"H-here?"

"Yes," the Creator confirmed, pursing her lips at Evalynn's stutter.

"Why are we here?"

"Your friends are here because they have only caused trouble ever since you first activated the product. As for you, well, I have a very special plan in mind for you."

"Plan?"

"I don't just go around reactivating the SQUIPs in human form for no reason, Evalynn. I reserve that for some very special cases."

Evalynn was shaking her head no.

"But…w-why? Why me?"

"God, that stutter of yours…Did she learn nothing from you, Jason?"

"Oh, she learned, she just doesn't think she has to apply it."

The Creator shook her head in annoyance, turning back to face Evalynn.

"As for your question, perhaps Jason would like to explain that."

Evalynn looked over at the human SQUIP, deep blue eyes meeting electric ones.

"You're different than other Users," Jason started. "You didn't take me for the same reasons other people do."

"What do you mean?"

"Your anxiety. You got a SQUIP to tone back your anxiety, nothing else. The fact that I managed to help you accomplish other lesser goals doesn't matter. Most people take SQUIPs to help them climb the social ladder, to make them more popular. That didn't once occur to you. You're different, Lynn. Special."

"And so, you're here to carry out my special plan," the Creator cut in.

"What if I refuse? You can't make me do anything for you," Evalynn shot at her.

"Well, I can't, you're right. But he can. You strengthened the connection by drinking that Mountain Dew, Evalynn, and now, you will do whatever he tells you."

"No…no, I won't."

'Stop resisting.'

Evalynn froze in her seat, unable to speak or move to disobey.

'Turn on optic nerve blocking.'

'Optic nerve blocking on,' Evalynn thought.

The Creator was smirking in her seat as Jason continued to mentally give Evalynn commands. Evalynn was breathing heavily as she did as she was told, her chest rising and falling rapidly.

'Come here.'

Evalynn's body responded, rising out of her chair and walking toward her SQUIP. Their eyes were locked, and Jason's glowed brightly, drawing her in. When she had reached him, he wrapped an arm around her waist, hugging her body to his. Her hands came up to rest on his chest.

'Kiss me.'

Evalynn obeyed, feeling a jolt of electricity run through her body right before her vision went black.