"FINALLY! What took you so long Bill?" Richie shouted as he saw Bill turning down the the rock road to where the rest of the Loser's gathered. Bikes tossed aside, a couple actually using their stands.

I was still a bit behind Bill when I heard the shout. Just trying to relax and enjoy the ride, but that all disappeared when I heard the sounds of surprises and startled comments that I shouldn't have been able to hear that far away as I made the turn after Bill.

"You brought HIM with you? What the hell Bill?" Richie wasn't even to try and keep his voice down as he made his opinion known to Bill. Screaming in protest as he walked forward to greet and shout at Bill for bringing me along.

"That thing is after his ass, and you brought him here? We just got out of that mess and you're bringing our asses right back into that mess again. GAH! What are you thinking Bill!"

"Richie stop! Bobby needs help and we are the only ones that know anything that could help him. So stop… stop your bitching and accept that he's here."

Richie wasn't the only one staring shocked at Bill standing up for me so strongly. All the other Losers and myself were in awe, staring mouths a gap. When I found my words I had a growing feeling of guilt. I didn't want to tear these friends apart. They had survived something so horrible, that I was barely surviving it at this moment.

"Billy…"

"No Bobby, no, Richie should no better. After everything we've gone through, he should know that we need to help everyone IT goes after and tortures. We tried to help the other kids… this time we can stop IT and help you."

The others looked not too sure, though Beverly was giving Bill a proud look for his brave words and actions.

I shallowed hard as I stood there, straddling my bike, unsure how to get past this awkward moment we had now fallen into. The silence was deafening until to my surprise Eddie spoke up.

"As long as he doesn't do anything freaky shit… I guess it's okay… But if he starts pulling balloons out his ass he's leaving. You got that?"

I merely nodded quickly. It was a fair trade and I didn't know nor planned on pulling any trick like that. Though it made me wonder what things this IT had done to the point that Eddie would even suggest that as something I would do. I just shook it off as I waited then, watching as the others either sighed and then accepted what was going on. Or accepted it understandingly as Beverly now did.

"So… what do we do now. We can't really go around with him. That's strange having a strange guy following us. People will talk and Eddie's mom is already crazy, we don't need to add her thinking he's doing shit." Richie gestured towards me grumbling before crossing his arms. He must have had big plans to be this upset with me just tagging along for the ride.

"Actually we don't need to worry about that. Side effect to IT messing with Bobby." Bill said softly, "Turns out he doesn't really… get noticed."

They looked at me confused but this new information. All the more making me fell awkward under their stares. All trying to see what it was that kept me so hidden and unnoticed by the town's population.

"It's …t..true." I confirmed, hoping that would be enough and get them to stop staring.

"Prove it." Richie pipped up. "Steal something, run through the streets in your underwear, go set fire to the Bowser's house…."

"Richie, stop it." Stanley spoke up, "There always comes a point when you go too far. I take his word for it… after all we've been through and seen, it's not hard to believe."
Stanley never really looks my way, or makes eye contact with me. I can tell he didn't do that for me, but instead for Bill.

This kid has a good group of friends and I feel I'm ever closer to destroying that bond by the second.

"Thanks Stan. Now, if we're done with this pointless arguing, let's get going. They have new films in town and seeing we now have an adult..."
Billy gestures to me, but I don't catch on right away. Even as the rest of the group grins and cheers at whatever Bill is thinking.

"W... d.d..does t..that mean?" I lean over to him and quietly ask.

Bill grins as he pats me on the back assuringly.
"It means a sure fire way to win theses guys over. You see we're not old enough yet to see the R rated films the show and a few of us aren't allowed to see it even with a parent to buy the tickets."

"Eddie's mom ruins it all." Richie barks grumpily.
"She says no for Eddie and then tries to tell our parents their horrible for letting us. Then it we lose another person and then what's even the point of seeing the movie without everyone?" He tosses his arms up in frustration as his voice goes up an octave into a shout.

"Which..." Billy pulls back control over the conversation, "is why we would like you to buy tickets for our group to see a movie and even join us as supervisor. Though really you'll be just part of the group in the end. We'll give you the money and you use it for the tickets. Miss Linda already knows and gave me some cash for us all to get popcorn, drinks and a bunch of snacks."

"For a cop, she's not really good at preventing us from breaking the law." Eddie mumbled from beside Richie.

"Technically we won't be breaking rules since Bobby will be there with us and he'll be buying the tickets." Beverly spoke up with a matching grin to Billy's.
"And it doesn't exactly have to be a parent or guardian. He won't be just buying the tickets and leaving either, so all in all she doesn't have to get onto us."

"But mom said..."

"I...I've n..never..s...spoken ..to...to your m...mother Eddie." I grin now in on the plan.

Eddie looked ready to protest before I added, "I..I w..won't t..tell." Giving my best smile and a wink.

He looked for a moment perplexed. A sudden uncertain stare as if he was experiencing deja vu, but what looked about to be horror disappeared as he shook his head and sighed.

"Fine, but if she finds out I'm dead." Eddie gave in, looking almost like his head might explode.

"Dad would just make me do something around the temple." Stanley mumbled, "it's worth the chance." He smirked slowly as he agreed with the plan.

With all in agreement, the band of friends took off with Billy leading. I tagged a bit behind, not wanting to impose any more then I was. Nor did I wish to make them feel crowded by my presence.

The whole ride to the theater was rather pleasant. The breeze as we flew down the road was refreshing. The view enjoyable with the leaves starting to look unsure of what color they should be. Soon it would be autumn and they would choose colors other then green.

The group chatted and bantered all the way, but I barely listened in. I had no say in what they talked about. They were finally able to be kids. No more thoughts of monsters or fellow friends in danger. For this moment they were teenagers enjoying themselves.

Everyone was parked and waiting by the ticket booth as I came to a stop, hopping a bit awkwardly off my bike with my lengthy legs. Removing my helmet and placing it on the seat of my bike for keeping. I didn't expect the looks as I smiled walking over to join them at the booth.

It was a mix of some odd mix of wishing to laugh and wanting to be afraid.

I look to Bill who only looks startled as he comes over, starting to lick his hands and rub at my head.

"W..what? Eww.." I wrinkle my nose in disgust.

"Your hair is sticking up and it's too much like IT's." Billy hissed in my ear calmly. "They're noticing. I got to fix it."

That's what it was. IT was slipping through the cracks and the other kids couldn't figure out why I was unsettling them.

I tried to help, but as soon as I licked my own hand and rubbed. Finally getting it down and holding.

Billy sighed and nodded once my helmet hair was fixed.

The others seemed a moment to register and then blink it all away. As if it had never happened.

I couldn't help but look worried to Bill.

"If they were in immediate danger I'd be worried about their forgetfulness, but right now I rather it just be you, Miss Linda and myself alone that knows. This once let IT's tricks work and ease their minds."

I wanted to say how wrong that felt. To allow them to just forget, or not perceive as much as Bill was, but then I remembered it had barely been a couple of days since they had all fought that monster. They deserved to forget and enjoy themselves now that IT wasn't after them anymore.

"What about you though Billy? You deserve peace of mind and to forget what has happened too. Why haven't you?"

He looked somber as he thought what I had said over. His reply breaking my heart.

"I can't forget...IT took Georgie from me. It took my happy family away. The others didn't lose someone they love. Nor do they now go home to a mother that no longer looks at them. Who each days fades away, mourning her younger son. A father that rather ignore what happened and give up all hope when they try so hard to keep it and find that brother that have lost. All because they gave in and made a stupid wax boat. Didn't join him to play with it cause they weren't feeling well. Could have prevented his death if only they had gone with him..."

Bill is visibly shaking with the emotion in his voice. Tears threaten to spill as he chokes back a sob. Trying to be strong and not let his friend see him ducks his head, facing me so his back is to the group. I can see the wet spots form on his shirt as tears escape his will.

I look over his shoulder to see the group now in a deep conversation among themselves, taking this moment of distraction to do my best to help Bill. Reaching out unsure, placing my hand on his shoulder. I can feel his whole shake with each sob he tries not to let out and be heard.

I know what to do then, pulling him close into a tight hug.

"Shhh...don't you dare blame yourself Billy. Don't you ever dare. You weren't responsible for anything that happened to Georgie. Not a thing. You were sick in bed. Your parents should have been watching him. What were they doing?"

He takes a moment to get a deep breath in, "mother was playing piano..."

"What of your father?" I coax him gently for an answer.

"He...he wasn't there..." he sniffed, burying his head into my shoulder.

"Parents are to protect their children. Keep a watchful eye upon them. They failed to do their job Billy, not you." The words slip from my lips easily as I speak them into his ear. My hope to bring Bill comfort.

"It's their fault, all theirs. Not yours. They knew what lurks in Derry. The debt that must be paid. They didn't care or love Georgie enough to remember and heed it. Perhaps they wanted instead to pay it with his life to save yours. They turned their heads as he ran down that street. His little boat sailing it's way down, all the way to the sewer drain. It wasn't hard, all to easy. All the more when you don't teach your young to flee the danger that lurks below."

What are these words I'm saying?

I feel my grip tighten around Billy, possessively, holding him in place.

"It was quicker then the others. They lived longer, building up their fears, salting them oh so nicely. But not Georgie. He was spared the worst. It was fairly quick...though I still played just a little…" My voice sounded as if I was trying to sound I felt pity for the actions I had just admitted to.

My brain is screaming, these are not my words! Why am I saying them?

Bill is stiff in my grasp. I can feel his breathing hitch at the words that leave my mouth, but are not my own.

"First a taste. I was ever so hungry. I only had just woken. Took his arm, quick with a snap of my jaws. Oh how he screamed in return. He tried to crawl away. So strong for something so small. But I couldn't let him suffer like that. Pulled him in before he could bleed out. Made it quick and painless as possible after. A swift twist and a crack, he was silent forever. Peaceful. No more pain. No more fear." A rumble perhaps meant to be soothing comes from my chest

Bill has yet to struggle, to try and break free from me, from the grasp that is not of my own wishes. Nor do I smell anything that I deem delicious. NO! What IT deems delicious. Instead of feeling disappointment, I feel pleasure from his bravery, his lack of showing fear facing me. No, IT.

"I didn't remember until after I finished why I was being so merciful...why I somehow felt a tinge of regret…remorse…" IT sighs almost somber, does it really feel this? My chest feels tight as if a weight has been placed on it. Then IT continues, "Bobby liked him... you... I had made a mistake I knew then. My Bobby would be so upset. I let my hunger blind me and now my Bobby is oh so upset with me. Hates me as much as you Bill-y." IT purrs his name, taunting him before showing what feels like the best it can emote as remorse.

"But it was your parents fault. If they kept Georgie inside like Bobby warned, it never would have happened. You'd be a ha-ppy family still and all so oblivious to me. I would have eaten my fill. Return to a peaceful sleep." A snarl comes out in the end, digging my fingers into Billy's back. No longer just fingers, but cat like claws. Prickling the poor boys back before retracting away. As if a lost of control came with such high emotions.

"I do what I can to make my Bobby happy. He forgets all the bad. Lives happily. Oblivious. No one hurts him….until now. You destroyed that balance Billy. My influence over this town is weakened. Now my Bobby suffers so for it. You should have taken my deal. Stayed behind and saved your friends. You would have made Bobby so happy. A nice obedient friend... hmm. A puppet to keep my Bobby happy. Perhaps a son he would never have. Bobby would be none the wiser and he wouldn't suffer so as he does now. You've made this town vulnerable. My haven is no longer safe. I can smell it. Something noticed, felt the slip. It took the chance. Another lion prowls my territory." A deep but quiet growl comes from my chest.

"Where there was once order there now chaos! Where my deal once stands, protecting the many, death shall ensue. I was merciful. Choose a few. Picked the weak to devour. This trespasser won't be so kind. They shall ravage this town and eat it whole. Burn my town to cinders. Derry will disappear and be forgotten. A mere figment to the rest of your world."

"What are you proposing?" How can Billy be so calm? I'm in a panic, trapped without control, screaming internally. But it occurs to me, if IT wished so, it could kill Bill right here and now. Using me to do the dirty deed. Sending me over the last step, plummeting into insanity.

I can feel the smile pull on my lips as IT feels pleasure in having Billy's attention and corporation.

IT moves smoothly to bring Bill into our sight, though ever holding firm to his arms. No longer so tight to leave bruises.

Bill looks calm, no longer crying, though his eyes were piercing anger. I felt an imaginary shiver down my spine, or was it a real one that even IT felt?

"Such a cleaver boy. A truce for the time. Help Pennywise find the intruder. Kill it. Everyone happy. Your town survives. Everyone safe." He shook gleefully as if it was the perfect plan. I could make out the faintest sound of jingling bells as he moved.

"Then you just come back and do what you did before. Kill and eat the children?" I keep telling myself Billy is glaring at IT and not me, but I squirm, we squirm under his gaze. Bill makes IT uncomfortable, but why?

IT huffs and shakes IT's head about like a child having a tantrum.

"Not now. Not now. Years from now. You all grown. Moved on. Leave you be. Your children be." He tempts with a assure grin.

"Pennywise will make a new deal with you and them." IT nods towards the still oblivious group.

"Spare their lives and yours. Not a single hair on their heads will be touched. You help Pennywise and Pennywise promise this in return."

Billy studies us for some time before eying us, "you're too weak to find it alone, aren't you?"

I feel my smile drop to one of a frown and then irritation. I can feel a tantrum rising as IT grumbles.

"Pennywise didn't eat his fill. Still hungry. Weaker ..." He snarled being found out.

"You let Bobby go and maybe we'll have a deal."

Our head whips about to stare at Billy. Staring hard as if studying him, but IT must see something I can not as it grins once more.

"Find and kill intruder. Pennywise make a deal…"

As soon as it had all started is how quickly my grip gives along with my legs. Billy is freed from my grasp as I hit the ground, shaking with wide eyed fear.

Bill still as calm as ever crouches to offer a hand to me.

I refuse to take it and break down in a fit of tears, preparing to flee before I feel Bill gab my shoulder.

"IT can't really hurt me or you."

My head shoots up to look at him startled and confused.

"IT's weaker then it was admitting. It held me tighter in the sewer. Just now, that was nothing close to then. I could even see you fighting for control. IT struggled to speak in proper sentences. IT was more focused to make a point and keep the others oblivious." He pointed over his shoulder and to my surprise sure enough none of the group had noticed us, even now we were ignored.

"If something has come here and IT can't take it out, then it's up to all of us to protect this town. No matter what that clown offered."

"B...b..Billy...I...I'm s...s..ssorry." I weep knowing the words I spoke for IT cut him deep.

"Bobby, that wasn't you. I know." Even though he assured me I could see him in thought.

Perhaps second guessing what he had just said?

"Let's just enjoy the rest of the day and fill Miss Linda in later. Make plans then." He smirked offering his hand again.

This time I took it, nodding as I stood shakily.

"Y..you're r..rr..right."

"Guys what's taking so long? Come on! The movie is about to start!" Richie bellowed in annoyance. No sign of any idea that a killer clown had just threatened his friend.

Silently Bill and I agreed not to say a word to them of what had just gone on though. Let them be oblivious for the time being. Have time to relax. Once we spoke with Linda and made a plan and we would fill them in. For now we all need a distraction and a good time.

Shaking still I approached the ticket booth.
"E…eight t..t..tickets p.. ."