~Well, looks like all the goodness is boiling down. I'm pretty sure this
will be the second to last chapter but I dunno, I've been known to make
surprises happen. I've decided to start this chapter with a little quote I
made up inspired by everyone's favorite kitten, the Cheshire Cat. Just
picture him materializing on your desk and smiling with that big blood
crusted grin and speaking with that sinisterly cool voice of his. *grins*~
"Well, well, well looks like everything's gone to hell. Not much left for our little girls to do but scream and cry boo hoo. Much pain lies forth and death is for certain. Let's see if our heroes can survive this dreary curtain."
Chapter 7: The Carousel…..
Bubbles clenched her hand in a fist as the Professor fit a headset on her. He closed his eyes and sighed as he tightened the last strap and knelt next to Bubbles and whispered softly to her.
"Please don't get lost Bubbles. Bring your sisters back."
She nodded and squeezed his hand before he moved back to the shadowed alleyway in front of him. He had been instructed to wait, that's all. What he was waiting for he had no idea. But he knew it had something to do with Blossom. He flipped the quarter up into the air and watched it. As it came down he followed it and his eyes widened. The quarter slapped onto the ground next to his feet. Stabbed into the ground in front of him was a katana. Its black handle was embroidered with a blood red trim and the long blade had a gold snake engraved from the base up to the tip. He reached for it timidly and grasped the handle. He head shot back as energy exploded up his arm. He let out a painful scream as black light exploded around him. When the dust cleared Ray stood completely still holding the katana firmly. He looked up with blood red eyes at the cloaked man in the shadows. He spoke to Ray calmly.
"Now is the time to help. Downtown Townsville, the alleyway next to Hills Jewelry Shop. Go now."
Ray nodded and turned running a short distances before leaping into the air and flying off towards Townsville. The man turned to walk away before looking over his shoulder and speaking softly to no one.
"Keep my girls alive Ray."
He turned back to the shadows and faded away.
Bubbles opened her eyes slowly and sat up with a pounding headache. She rubbed the side of her head slowly and looked around at the blood stained walls of her new location. She stood and surveyed the small circular room. Blood was everywhere, from the walls to the ceiling it was like someone had painted it purposely. Something that she didn't notice right away was that the room was devoid of any possible way of exiting….
Ray landed in the street and looked around quickly. His augmented vision made it easier to locate the slightly hidden alleyway. He ducked into the alley and looked around allowing his eyes to transfer the darkness into light. He ran quickly and located the door to the Nightmare Realm. He looked over his shoulder quickly to make sure no one was following him before leaping into the blood red portal.
Bubbles ran her hands along the walls slowly trying not to let the warm, sticky walls gross her out too much. She felt something hard beneath the thick blanket of blood and pulled at it. It gave way violently and caused her to fall down on her backside. She sat up and looked down and screamed threw the thing away. She looked at it from a distance and shivered at the sight of the bloody skull. She stood again slowly and continued her search for an exit. She sighed loudly and looked up to see that the room stretched for a long time upwards. She cocked her head to the side.
"Odd, the ceiling looks like it's getting lower."
She shrugged it off and continued looking for a way out….
Ray stood completely still as the world around him warped into something more sinister than he could have ever imagined. The street morphed into a vast rusted grate. Parts of it sagged down and the sloshing sound of water could be heard beneath it. Ray could imagine what horrors were lying in wait beneath the blackened sea. The buildings around him became stained with rust and blood as the world of nightmares took shape around him. A scream echoed somewhere and he turned his head towards it. The scream repeated and his eyes widened.
"Blossom…."
He turned and leapt up onto a nearby building. In the distance a small illuminated area caught his eye. He pulled off the belt to his pants and looped it around the katana. He shouldered the sword and leapt to a nearby rooftop making his way to the sounds of a carnival.
Bubbles grinned as she pulled off another layer off blood. After ten minutes of searching she had found a small grate in the floor. It was just large enough for her to fit through and it was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen. She cleared all the blood away and slid her fingers into the holes. She pulled with all of her strength but the grate didn't even budge. She let go and fell backwards hard.
"Ow."
She sat up rubbing her back slightly and looked up as dust filtered down onto her. Her eyes widened when she realized that the ceiling was creeping down on her slowly.
"You're so joking me…"
She got back to her knees and crawled to the grate and pulled as hard as she could while trying to look up at the ceiling than continued to inch closer and closer. A crunching sound resonated through the room as pieces of covered concrete gave way from her struggles. The grate moved up an inch and she tried desperately to fit through the small opening. When that failed she slid her fingers in the opening and pulled up with all her strength to move open the grate. Suddenly there was a loud bang and she looked up in fear. The ceiling had stopped moving and she let out her breath that she had been unknowingly been holding. She sighed with relief and sat back to let her arms rest for a minute when the whole room started shaking. She looked up to see the ceiling shudder a little and obliterate a piece of bone that had stopped its descent. It moved down rapidly and she realized that she only had a few seconds to get out. She grabbed the grate and summoned all of the strength she could must and managed to pull grate open just wide enough to allow her through. She crouched and took one last look and screamed as the ceiling slammed into the ground…
Ray slammed into the ground hard and rolled onto his feet quickly. He whipped the blade off of his back and held it firmly. The winged demon in the sky roared at him and pulled in its wings diving for his head. Ray narrowed his eyes and the blade became engulfed in a bright black flame. He twirled it and leapt at the beast. He swung the blade underhand and gutted the winged creature. It howled and spilled its insides into the air as it plummeted towards the ground below. Ray landed onto a rooftop and shouldered the blade before turning around. He ran to the edge of the roof and leapt onto the nearest one. He looked up at saw he was nearer to the carnival. It was mostly dark except for a single carousel in the middle. Bright lights shone on the silent creatures impaled to it. He ran and leapt onto the next rooftop knowing that Blossom was somewhere near…
Bubbles slammed face first into the dark black water. She choked on the oil like liquid around her and trashed wildly trying to surface. She managed to get her head above the water and breath in the air. She turned and swam as fast as she could towards a ladder next to the black pipeline she had just exited. She grabbed the rungs on the ladder and used the moment to catch her breath. She closed her eyes and took slower breaths and eventually calmed herself. She rested her head on the ladder and was about to climb up when she felt something slowly wrapping itself around her leg.
"What the he…"
Her voice was cut off as she was violently jerked under the water. She felt something tearing into the skin of her legs as she fought against her invisible enemy. She pounded her fist into the slimly tentacle wrapped around her and felt a second one grab onto her waist. She opened her mouth and let out a silent scream as the tentacle squeezed the life out of her. Her thrashing slowed and she felt everything slipping away her both her breath and her energy left her body. She felt the water explode around her and it suddenly became warm. The tentacles left her body and she felt the warmth of someone holding her. She weakly wrapped her arms around her savior and felt the cool air surround her as she was lifted from the water. She opened her eyes and saw the outline of someone holding her. Her vision was slowly returned from the exposure to the thick water. As she felt solid ground beneath her back she finally gave into her exhaustion and slipped into sleep.
When she awoke she saw someone her age sitting near her. She struggled to sit up and speak but it hurt to move still. He turned and looked at her and when she finally saw his face she didn't believe it. But it was true. Ray was there, next to her. He moved over to her and knelt beside her. He checked her over for a moment before speaking.
"You okay?"
Bubbles nodded weakly and tried to sit up but pain shot through her chest again. It became difficult to breath so she let herself fall back again. Ray put his hand on her chest and spoke softly to her.
"I'm not sure but I think two of your ribs are broken. You should go back."
Bubbles grabbed her side and pulled herself up. She took deep short breaths and spoke in a pained voice.
"No, I'm going to help whether you like it or not. I can manage it."
"I don't think so. You're powers mean nothing here. You're like a normal human."
Bubbles made herself stand up and Ray did as well.
"I don't think you should Bubbles. You could get more hurt."
Bubbles smiled and play slapped him.
"Don't worry about me."
Ray managed a smile and for the first time Bubbles noticed his eyes had changed color.
"What happened to you eyes?"
Ray lifted the sword and showed her. She looked at him confused and he explained.
"I was given this so I could help. When I get you all out of here I can get rid of it."
Bubbles nodded and turned. They were right next to the carnival. The only sounds she could hear were the splashing waves below her and the distance music of a carousel.
"What's over there."
Ray looked over to the carnival and closed his eyes.
"Blossom."
"Where is Buttercup?"
Ray looked away.
"I don't know. You go get Blossom. I'll find Buttercup."
"Right."
Ray turned and ran off. Bubbles felt a slight fear creep up to be suddenly alone. She wished Ray would have come with her to get Blossom but she understood with her injury she'd just slow him down so she didn't follow. She turned to the carnival and took a deep breath. Her face twisted with pain and she walked painfully to the carnival.
Ray ran into the middle of the street and looked around for a moment trying to figure out where Buttercup might be. A shadow moved quickly on the other side of the street. Ray pulled the blade out and it shimmered in the dim light. He ran across the street and leapt. The blade made a hissing sound as it sliced through a light pole. The figure dodged the attack and kicked him hard in the chest. He stumbled backwards and the shadow jumped on him. The sword left his hands and he grabbed his attacker by the throat. They rolled together exchanging blows. Ray finally managed to get the upper hand and planted his knee in the shadow's chest. He shoved his hand out to his side and it became engulfed in black light. He brought it next to the shadows face and widened his eyes when he saw who it was.
"Buttercup?"
"Ray!? What the hell are you doing here?"
"Helping. Where have you been?"
"I uhm… Ran into some trouble."
"Are okay?"
"Not exactly…"
Buttercup reached up and grabbed him by the throat her eyes flashed and became darker. Her whole body morphed and she turned into Butch. Ray's eyes widened as laughter echoed from the alleyway. Two other figures came out and Ray didn't even have to guess who they were. He struggled against Butch's grip, which seemed inhuman. He reached painfully for his sword when Brick came up next to him and kicked it away. He grabbed him by his hair and pulled his head back so he could look down at him. Brick grinned.
"Boo."
The Rowdyruff Boys broke out into maniacal laughter. Ray struggled and then felt a heavy blow to the back of his head and felt everything slip away…
Bubbles spotted the brightly lit carousel in the distance and approached it carefully. She had no idea what demons were lurking in the pitch-black shadows around her. She squinted her eyes and tried to see past the blinding white lights. She stopped dead when they suddenly shifted to illuminate the center of the carousel. Strung up in the center by what seemed like a sea of barbed wire was Blossom. Bubbles became excited and half jogged towards the carousel. She was almost there when she felt the ground give way beneath her. She leapt and screamed as the pain shot through her side. She slammed into the edge of the carousel as the metal grating surrounding it collapsed. She crawled onto the line entrance area and stood gasping for breath. She almost fell backwards when she stood up as she was staring in the face of a dead horse. She gasped in horror and put her hand to her mouth when she realized what all the little animals really were. They were once real live animals, only they were impaled through their backs with a long spear. She shivered in fear and carefully hopped over the railing so she was standing next to a dead black horse. Blood was dripping from its mouth and its eyes were glazed over. She took a step and screamed as the horse suddenly burst to life and struggled horribly against the spear. Blood flew everywhere and Bubbles grabbed onto the rail and held it as blood was splashed onto her face. The dying screams of the horse died off slowly as it finally collapsed. Bubbles was breathing hard and took a moment to catch her breath when the carousel suddenly started up. She felt the floor begin to move so she let go of the railing. The music started only it reminded her of nails being scratched on a chalkboard instead of the nice music carousels normally played. She looked up at Blossom who was hanging lifelessly by the barbed wire. Blood was trickling down into a small pool beneath and Bubbles felt a wave of sorrow wash over her. She took as step and jumped back as an impaled sheep came to life and screamed at her. She waited for it to pass and jumped to the next fixed pole. She held it firmly when a soft buzzing sound began. The sound was recognizable she just couldn't place it. The buzzing sound became louder and she looked around trying to find it's source. Her eyes widened when she spotted the thing making the sound. Buzz saws were cutting through the ground and heading directly for her…
Ray's head hurt like hell when he finally regained consciousness. He felt something warm and sticky dripping onto the back of his neck and had no doubt in his mind that it was blood. His wrists hurt as well. He opened his eyes but saw only blackness. It took him a while to realize he was blindfolded. He heard movement around him and lifted his head to try and hear it better.
"Ah good he's awake. You can go now boys."
"Was a pleasure doctor. We'll see if we can catch the others."
Ray recognized Brick's voice and the sounds of three people leaving. A fourth approached him and grabbed him under the chin. The blindfold was removed and he was staring into the face of…a demon. It was the only word he could use to describe what he was seeing. Two long horns extended from the creatures forehead and blood shot green eyes were set deep into the eye sockets. The face was covered with glistening scales and Ray thought for a second he really was in hell, until the thing spoke.
"You aren't like the others now are you. Somehow you're whole is here. Not just your mind."
Ray struggled to speak but the second he tried to open his mouth the thing squeezed his lower jaw snapping his mouth shut. It smiled and spoke again.
"You're probably wondering what's going on aren't you? Well I'd love to tell you. But things like that are better left unknown to some. Now.. Let's see."
The thing let go of Ray and moved to a small table next to Ray. Ray finally got a look at the room. It was stained a dark brown color and there was dried blood covering the floor beneath Ray. Ray was suspended in the center by chains and his shirt was off. The thing smiled and lifted up a long blade. He ran his finger along it slowly and smiled when blood dripped from the end of it's finger.
"Yes, this will do don't you think."
"Where the hell is Buttercup?"
It smiled and cocked its head to listen. A female scream echoed from somewhere and Ray's eyes widened with horror. The demon smiled and spoke calmly.
"It sounds like her treatment has already begun. But don't worry, we're starting now."
It grinned and slashed the knife along Ray's arm. Blood leaked out and Ray clenched his teeth fighting the pain. The demon's eyes became wild and it smiled evilly.
"Trying to fight the screams? Well, here's something different."
It rammed the blade hard into Ray's leg. Blood erupted from the wound and Ray's head arched back and he let out a painful scream of agony. The demon twisted the blade deeper and left it there as blood leaked down Ray's pants to the floor. Ray's head fell forward and sweat dripped from his hair. The demon smiled and turned back to the table.
"Hmm… Let's see, what now? Ah yes… This will do nicely."
The demon wrapped its long fingers around what appeared to be a long hook. It smiled and turned back to Ray. It lifted Ray's head up and forced open his mouth.
"Now, don't worry, this will only hurt for the first few minutes."
Buttercup's whole body felt numb. She couldn't feel anything. Blood was stinging her eyes and it was practically the only thing that reminded her she was still alive. She was barely clothed, all that was the top half of her shit and her underwear. Blood was dripping off her from everywhere into a small pool beneath her. Her tormentor had left to the moment, so she was able to think of some way of escaping. But she didn't even know where she was. It felt like someone had literally drained the life from her. She was about to close her eyes to rest when a loud scream echoed to her from somewhere. It continued for a long time before being gagged shut. Buttercup felt a tear form in the corner of her eyes as she recognized it. It was Ray, and she knew they were doing things to him that were worse than what they had done to her….
"Well, well, well looks like everything's gone to hell. Not much left for our little girls to do but scream and cry boo hoo. Much pain lies forth and death is for certain. Let's see if our heroes can survive this dreary curtain."
Chapter 7: The Carousel…..
Bubbles clenched her hand in a fist as the Professor fit a headset on her. He closed his eyes and sighed as he tightened the last strap and knelt next to Bubbles and whispered softly to her.
"Please don't get lost Bubbles. Bring your sisters back."
She nodded and squeezed his hand before he moved back to the shadowed alleyway in front of him. He had been instructed to wait, that's all. What he was waiting for he had no idea. But he knew it had something to do with Blossom. He flipped the quarter up into the air and watched it. As it came down he followed it and his eyes widened. The quarter slapped onto the ground next to his feet. Stabbed into the ground in front of him was a katana. Its black handle was embroidered with a blood red trim and the long blade had a gold snake engraved from the base up to the tip. He reached for it timidly and grasped the handle. He head shot back as energy exploded up his arm. He let out a painful scream as black light exploded around him. When the dust cleared Ray stood completely still holding the katana firmly. He looked up with blood red eyes at the cloaked man in the shadows. He spoke to Ray calmly.
"Now is the time to help. Downtown Townsville, the alleyway next to Hills Jewelry Shop. Go now."
Ray nodded and turned running a short distances before leaping into the air and flying off towards Townsville. The man turned to walk away before looking over his shoulder and speaking softly to no one.
"Keep my girls alive Ray."
He turned back to the shadows and faded away.
Bubbles opened her eyes slowly and sat up with a pounding headache. She rubbed the side of her head slowly and looked around at the blood stained walls of her new location. She stood and surveyed the small circular room. Blood was everywhere, from the walls to the ceiling it was like someone had painted it purposely. Something that she didn't notice right away was that the room was devoid of any possible way of exiting….
Ray landed in the street and looked around quickly. His augmented vision made it easier to locate the slightly hidden alleyway. He ducked into the alley and looked around allowing his eyes to transfer the darkness into light. He ran quickly and located the door to the Nightmare Realm. He looked over his shoulder quickly to make sure no one was following him before leaping into the blood red portal.
Bubbles ran her hands along the walls slowly trying not to let the warm, sticky walls gross her out too much. She felt something hard beneath the thick blanket of blood and pulled at it. It gave way violently and caused her to fall down on her backside. She sat up and looked down and screamed threw the thing away. She looked at it from a distance and shivered at the sight of the bloody skull. She stood again slowly and continued her search for an exit. She sighed loudly and looked up to see that the room stretched for a long time upwards. She cocked her head to the side.
"Odd, the ceiling looks like it's getting lower."
She shrugged it off and continued looking for a way out….
Ray stood completely still as the world around him warped into something more sinister than he could have ever imagined. The street morphed into a vast rusted grate. Parts of it sagged down and the sloshing sound of water could be heard beneath it. Ray could imagine what horrors were lying in wait beneath the blackened sea. The buildings around him became stained with rust and blood as the world of nightmares took shape around him. A scream echoed somewhere and he turned his head towards it. The scream repeated and his eyes widened.
"Blossom…."
He turned and leapt up onto a nearby building. In the distance a small illuminated area caught his eye. He pulled off the belt to his pants and looped it around the katana. He shouldered the sword and leapt to a nearby rooftop making his way to the sounds of a carnival.
Bubbles grinned as she pulled off another layer off blood. After ten minutes of searching she had found a small grate in the floor. It was just large enough for her to fit through and it was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen. She cleared all the blood away and slid her fingers into the holes. She pulled with all of her strength but the grate didn't even budge. She let go and fell backwards hard.
"Ow."
She sat up rubbing her back slightly and looked up as dust filtered down onto her. Her eyes widened when she realized that the ceiling was creeping down on her slowly.
"You're so joking me…"
She got back to her knees and crawled to the grate and pulled as hard as she could while trying to look up at the ceiling than continued to inch closer and closer. A crunching sound resonated through the room as pieces of covered concrete gave way from her struggles. The grate moved up an inch and she tried desperately to fit through the small opening. When that failed she slid her fingers in the opening and pulled up with all her strength to move open the grate. Suddenly there was a loud bang and she looked up in fear. The ceiling had stopped moving and she let out her breath that she had been unknowingly been holding. She sighed with relief and sat back to let her arms rest for a minute when the whole room started shaking. She looked up to see the ceiling shudder a little and obliterate a piece of bone that had stopped its descent. It moved down rapidly and she realized that she only had a few seconds to get out. She grabbed the grate and summoned all of the strength she could must and managed to pull grate open just wide enough to allow her through. She crouched and took one last look and screamed as the ceiling slammed into the ground…
Ray slammed into the ground hard and rolled onto his feet quickly. He whipped the blade off of his back and held it firmly. The winged demon in the sky roared at him and pulled in its wings diving for his head. Ray narrowed his eyes and the blade became engulfed in a bright black flame. He twirled it and leapt at the beast. He swung the blade underhand and gutted the winged creature. It howled and spilled its insides into the air as it plummeted towards the ground below. Ray landed onto a rooftop and shouldered the blade before turning around. He ran to the edge of the roof and leapt onto the nearest one. He looked up at saw he was nearer to the carnival. It was mostly dark except for a single carousel in the middle. Bright lights shone on the silent creatures impaled to it. He ran and leapt onto the next rooftop knowing that Blossom was somewhere near…
Bubbles slammed face first into the dark black water. She choked on the oil like liquid around her and trashed wildly trying to surface. She managed to get her head above the water and breath in the air. She turned and swam as fast as she could towards a ladder next to the black pipeline she had just exited. She grabbed the rungs on the ladder and used the moment to catch her breath. She closed her eyes and took slower breaths and eventually calmed herself. She rested her head on the ladder and was about to climb up when she felt something slowly wrapping itself around her leg.
"What the he…"
Her voice was cut off as she was violently jerked under the water. She felt something tearing into the skin of her legs as she fought against her invisible enemy. She pounded her fist into the slimly tentacle wrapped around her and felt a second one grab onto her waist. She opened her mouth and let out a silent scream as the tentacle squeezed the life out of her. Her thrashing slowed and she felt everything slipping away her both her breath and her energy left her body. She felt the water explode around her and it suddenly became warm. The tentacles left her body and she felt the warmth of someone holding her. She weakly wrapped her arms around her savior and felt the cool air surround her as she was lifted from the water. She opened her eyes and saw the outline of someone holding her. Her vision was slowly returned from the exposure to the thick water. As she felt solid ground beneath her back she finally gave into her exhaustion and slipped into sleep.
When she awoke she saw someone her age sitting near her. She struggled to sit up and speak but it hurt to move still. He turned and looked at her and when she finally saw his face she didn't believe it. But it was true. Ray was there, next to her. He moved over to her and knelt beside her. He checked her over for a moment before speaking.
"You okay?"
Bubbles nodded weakly and tried to sit up but pain shot through her chest again. It became difficult to breath so she let herself fall back again. Ray put his hand on her chest and spoke softly to her.
"I'm not sure but I think two of your ribs are broken. You should go back."
Bubbles grabbed her side and pulled herself up. She took deep short breaths and spoke in a pained voice.
"No, I'm going to help whether you like it or not. I can manage it."
"I don't think so. You're powers mean nothing here. You're like a normal human."
Bubbles made herself stand up and Ray did as well.
"I don't think you should Bubbles. You could get more hurt."
Bubbles smiled and play slapped him.
"Don't worry about me."
Ray managed a smile and for the first time Bubbles noticed his eyes had changed color.
"What happened to you eyes?"
Ray lifted the sword and showed her. She looked at him confused and he explained.
"I was given this so I could help. When I get you all out of here I can get rid of it."
Bubbles nodded and turned. They were right next to the carnival. The only sounds she could hear were the splashing waves below her and the distance music of a carousel.
"What's over there."
Ray looked over to the carnival and closed his eyes.
"Blossom."
"Where is Buttercup?"
Ray looked away.
"I don't know. You go get Blossom. I'll find Buttercup."
"Right."
Ray turned and ran off. Bubbles felt a slight fear creep up to be suddenly alone. She wished Ray would have come with her to get Blossom but she understood with her injury she'd just slow him down so she didn't follow. She turned to the carnival and took a deep breath. Her face twisted with pain and she walked painfully to the carnival.
Ray ran into the middle of the street and looked around for a moment trying to figure out where Buttercup might be. A shadow moved quickly on the other side of the street. Ray pulled the blade out and it shimmered in the dim light. He ran across the street and leapt. The blade made a hissing sound as it sliced through a light pole. The figure dodged the attack and kicked him hard in the chest. He stumbled backwards and the shadow jumped on him. The sword left his hands and he grabbed his attacker by the throat. They rolled together exchanging blows. Ray finally managed to get the upper hand and planted his knee in the shadow's chest. He shoved his hand out to his side and it became engulfed in black light. He brought it next to the shadows face and widened his eyes when he saw who it was.
"Buttercup?"
"Ray!? What the hell are you doing here?"
"Helping. Where have you been?"
"I uhm… Ran into some trouble."
"Are okay?"
"Not exactly…"
Buttercup reached up and grabbed him by the throat her eyes flashed and became darker. Her whole body morphed and she turned into Butch. Ray's eyes widened as laughter echoed from the alleyway. Two other figures came out and Ray didn't even have to guess who they were. He struggled against Butch's grip, which seemed inhuman. He reached painfully for his sword when Brick came up next to him and kicked it away. He grabbed him by his hair and pulled his head back so he could look down at him. Brick grinned.
"Boo."
The Rowdyruff Boys broke out into maniacal laughter. Ray struggled and then felt a heavy blow to the back of his head and felt everything slip away…
Bubbles spotted the brightly lit carousel in the distance and approached it carefully. She had no idea what demons were lurking in the pitch-black shadows around her. She squinted her eyes and tried to see past the blinding white lights. She stopped dead when they suddenly shifted to illuminate the center of the carousel. Strung up in the center by what seemed like a sea of barbed wire was Blossom. Bubbles became excited and half jogged towards the carousel. She was almost there when she felt the ground give way beneath her. She leapt and screamed as the pain shot through her side. She slammed into the edge of the carousel as the metal grating surrounding it collapsed. She crawled onto the line entrance area and stood gasping for breath. She almost fell backwards when she stood up as she was staring in the face of a dead horse. She gasped in horror and put her hand to her mouth when she realized what all the little animals really were. They were once real live animals, only they were impaled through their backs with a long spear. She shivered in fear and carefully hopped over the railing so she was standing next to a dead black horse. Blood was dripping from its mouth and its eyes were glazed over. She took a step and screamed as the horse suddenly burst to life and struggled horribly against the spear. Blood flew everywhere and Bubbles grabbed onto the rail and held it as blood was splashed onto her face. The dying screams of the horse died off slowly as it finally collapsed. Bubbles was breathing hard and took a moment to catch her breath when the carousel suddenly started up. She felt the floor begin to move so she let go of the railing. The music started only it reminded her of nails being scratched on a chalkboard instead of the nice music carousels normally played. She looked up at Blossom who was hanging lifelessly by the barbed wire. Blood was trickling down into a small pool beneath and Bubbles felt a wave of sorrow wash over her. She took as step and jumped back as an impaled sheep came to life and screamed at her. She waited for it to pass and jumped to the next fixed pole. She held it firmly when a soft buzzing sound began. The sound was recognizable she just couldn't place it. The buzzing sound became louder and she looked around trying to find it's source. Her eyes widened when she spotted the thing making the sound. Buzz saws were cutting through the ground and heading directly for her…
Ray's head hurt like hell when he finally regained consciousness. He felt something warm and sticky dripping onto the back of his neck and had no doubt in his mind that it was blood. His wrists hurt as well. He opened his eyes but saw only blackness. It took him a while to realize he was blindfolded. He heard movement around him and lifted his head to try and hear it better.
"Ah good he's awake. You can go now boys."
"Was a pleasure doctor. We'll see if we can catch the others."
Ray recognized Brick's voice and the sounds of three people leaving. A fourth approached him and grabbed him under the chin. The blindfold was removed and he was staring into the face of…a demon. It was the only word he could use to describe what he was seeing. Two long horns extended from the creatures forehead and blood shot green eyes were set deep into the eye sockets. The face was covered with glistening scales and Ray thought for a second he really was in hell, until the thing spoke.
"You aren't like the others now are you. Somehow you're whole is here. Not just your mind."
Ray struggled to speak but the second he tried to open his mouth the thing squeezed his lower jaw snapping his mouth shut. It smiled and spoke again.
"You're probably wondering what's going on aren't you? Well I'd love to tell you. But things like that are better left unknown to some. Now.. Let's see."
The thing let go of Ray and moved to a small table next to Ray. Ray finally got a look at the room. It was stained a dark brown color and there was dried blood covering the floor beneath Ray. Ray was suspended in the center by chains and his shirt was off. The thing smiled and lifted up a long blade. He ran his finger along it slowly and smiled when blood dripped from the end of it's finger.
"Yes, this will do don't you think."
"Where the hell is Buttercup?"
It smiled and cocked its head to listen. A female scream echoed from somewhere and Ray's eyes widened with horror. The demon smiled and spoke calmly.
"It sounds like her treatment has already begun. But don't worry, we're starting now."
It grinned and slashed the knife along Ray's arm. Blood leaked out and Ray clenched his teeth fighting the pain. The demon's eyes became wild and it smiled evilly.
"Trying to fight the screams? Well, here's something different."
It rammed the blade hard into Ray's leg. Blood erupted from the wound and Ray's head arched back and he let out a painful scream of agony. The demon twisted the blade deeper and left it there as blood leaked down Ray's pants to the floor. Ray's head fell forward and sweat dripped from his hair. The demon smiled and turned back to the table.
"Hmm… Let's see, what now? Ah yes… This will do nicely."
The demon wrapped its long fingers around what appeared to be a long hook. It smiled and turned back to Ray. It lifted Ray's head up and forced open his mouth.
"Now, don't worry, this will only hurt for the first few minutes."
Buttercup's whole body felt numb. She couldn't feel anything. Blood was stinging her eyes and it was practically the only thing that reminded her she was still alive. She was barely clothed, all that was the top half of her shit and her underwear. Blood was dripping off her from everywhere into a small pool beneath her. Her tormentor had left to the moment, so she was able to think of some way of escaping. But she didn't even know where she was. It felt like someone had literally drained the life from her. She was about to close her eyes to rest when a loud scream echoed to her from somewhere. It continued for a long time before being gagged shut. Buttercup felt a tear form in the corner of her eyes as she recognized it. It was Ray, and she knew they were doing things to him that were worse than what they had done to her….