I'm sorry this is late, my internet was acting on the fritz. Hehehe. Well, anyways, in this chapter we see a lot of things unravel. I don't want to spoil anything, I'll leave that to you guys to find out on your own. ^_^
I'd like to thank everyone for reading this story. It means a lot to me. ^_^
The Stag walked the streets of the empty city. Heaps of rubble and litter barred his way. His horseshoes crushed lightbulbs and anything else that was made of glass. The beast did not care for what it was stepping on, but instead searched for the creatures that dismembered his first legs. The stitchpunks. The grey one and the white one. The Stag had to get new legs with every dismemberment.
With its red-lensed eyes, it saw the Emptiness with disinterest and tedium. He looked from the rooftops to the littered road. The beast lowered his head down, searching the ground. Eyes scanned the discarded rubble. Nothing of importance here. He tapped his horseshoe foot into the dirt. Again, nothing interesting was found.
Over the past few days, he had been attacked by those two stitchpunks. With every repair he had undergone, the Stag began his search for other stitchpunks. He knew there were others, he wasn't stupid. It all began when he started following the female one. Not him exactly, but the beast had sent one of his cronies to spy on her. It was small, barely visible, on account that it flew so fast you'd think it was there. The Stag lifted his head, antlers imposing. He walked up towards a dented lamppost, his red eyes resting on a small, winged figure. Up close, it was cobbled out of a bullet, plastic turbines that looked like they came from a toy plane, shutter optics that came from a camera, and slender metal legs. The Stag recognized it and regarded it civilly.
The Fly. A beast cobbled out by the Stag himself to spy on the two stitchpunks. Due to its miniscule size, it was practically invisible; blending in with the rubble. Now that it was here, it was going to show the Stag what it found. The Fly's head opened and out came an small plug. The Stag lowered his head and allowed the plug to insert itself onto his skull. That's when everything channeled into him all at once.
He saw memories blend on top of each other. Electricity snaked from the Fly's plug. More and more evidence were transferred into the Stag's cranium. He saw a scene of a dilapidated building. What drew his attention was the flourishing grass blooming. Then it changed to the Fly's snapshot of the female stitchpunk—the white one. So this is where she lived? If she lived here, then more were bound to habit the—something resonated!
The Stag lifted his head, alert. The plug went back inside the Fly. The winged machine also heard the noise. The Fly decided to fly and the Stag followed. Whatever it was, it was close by. The Fly's wings buzzed with every wingbeat, emitting a low humming.
The Stag stopped at the corner of a street. The Fly stood on the wall of a building. Regarding his lackey's behavior, the deerlike beast waltzed over to take a peek. His glowing red eyes focusing on the four figures walking ahead.
Stitchpunks.
The morning sun crept through the broken window. The candles arranged in a line were dimmed and now a few strands of smoke wafted in the air. On one cushion laid two slumbering stitchpunks. Both were asleep, their backs to each other. On the floor next to the cushion was a red silk dress for a small doll, or in the case, the white stitchpunk that was still asleep.
7's optics fluttered open for a second. Certain memories came to a degree. Once her optics were fully open, she sat up, stretched her arms and let out a yawn. Looking around the room, she noted the candles were out. She wondered when exactly they were put out. Her optics caught something else—the silk red dress sprawled out on the floor. She then noticed her seam was open, something she didn't see before. Remembering what happened, she didn't feel ashamed, rather she was satisfied. 7 looked over at Null, who was still fast asleep. Smiling, she laid down and wrapped her arms around him.
Null must've awoken, because she heard a mutter from him. He turned and peeked over his shoulder.
"G'morning," he said with a yawn. He rolled over to his right side and faced 7, smiling. He leaned close and kissed her.
7 chuckled. "Good morning to you," she said, flinging her arms around his neck. "This is the only way to wake up."
"I was about to say the same," retorted Null, caressing her cheek. 7 nuzzled him back. Null's arms wrapped themselves around 7's waist.
"Better than 1?" Null retorted, smiling smugly.
"Even better." 7 kissed him full on the lips. She rested her head on his chest. Null giggled. As he looked out the window, he knew today was going to be good.
"7?" 9 called, looking from both directions.
"7?" 5 shouted, hand cupped around his mouth. "Where are you?"
"Are you there? 7!"
5, 9, 3 and 4 started the search the moment the sun rose up. After last night, the twins were worried. They were there when 7 said she met someone else. The thought of another sticthpunk living out here sparked up a number of questions, but having to see 7 leave only made them concerned. They didn't want her to leave, but after that argument she had with 1 she made her feelings clear. Once the search started, they were adamant about finding her. Even if she didn't want to stay, 7 needed to know how the twins felt.
"Do you know where she might've gone to?" 5 asked.
"No," replied 9. "I didn't even know she was seeing someone."
"Neither did I." 5's face fell.
3 and 4 offered their own opinions.
'We didn't even know she was having problems,' said 3 with her flickers.
'I wish we could've known,' commented 4.
"She didn't want to make you two worry," said 5.
'We still don't want her to leave thinking we don't care,' said 4. It was true that 7 would feel abandoned, but that would all change once they find her and talk to her.
"Well, we'll know once we find her," said 9. "And whoever she's been seeing." Then more curiously he remarked, "I wonder who he is."
'Or she,' offered 3. 5, 9, and 4 gawked at her like she had two heads. 'It could be,' she insisted, shrugging. No one said another word about it and continued with their search.
Bringing the twins wasn't on their agenda. Back home, 6 and 8 insisted that they stay here and let 9 and 5 look for 7. But after much convincing they obliged and let 3 and 4 join them. They've already covered some of the buildings they passed. All of them were empty. They were going to search till nightfall if they had to. This meant a lot to the twins and everyone else.
A noise resonated.
"What was that?" 9 asked.
"I don't know," said 5, swiveling his head.
The twins hid behind 9 and 5. Luckily, 5 brought his quiver and 9 his light staff. The one-eyed stitchpunk managed to bring some weapons for 3 and 4, who didn't want to leave them defenseless. The noise was closer, and from the corner of a building they saw a shadow lurking. Up close they could discern what it was, but it was bigger than a stitchpunk. Much bigger. It didn't look human. The form emerged, showing off its lethal-looking antlers, red eyes boring into them. A beast.
"What is that?" 5 asked, grabbing his grappling hook.
"I've never seen it before," 9 said, unable to pull his optics away. The twins cowered at the sight of the beast.
The moment it charged at them, the moment 5 shot his grappling hook at him, piercing his eye. With one eye blinded, they figured he would have a hard time finding them, but they knew better than to underestimate a beast's abilities. The deerlike beast thrashed his head, letting out mechanical bleats. He kicked at the ground, making 5 let go of his grappling hook. He could retrieve it after they kill it, right now they needed to lure it into some kind of attempt at a trap.
The four of them ran, grabbing the beast's attention. The beast followed them, intent on killing them.
7 and Null got ready to start their day. They would finish the trap Null built and find the Stag and make it fall into it. Then after killing it, the two would leave and begin a journey to find more beasts to wipe out. It was suited for the both of them.
7 glanced down at the red dress that was laid on the floor. "Should I take this dress with me?" she asked more to herself than to Null.
"Ah, I dunno," responded Null, knowing it was a rhetorical question, but wanted to answer her anyway. "There might be other discarded dresses out there for you to try on."
"Eh, we can probably find one for you," snorted 7.
"A dress? For me?" Null retorted. He laughed, shaking his head. "Right, there's a thing of beauty."
7 put her bird skull on her head, adjusting it to fit right. She picked up her spear. "You ready?," she queried.
"Yeah," replied Null, picking up his letter opener.
"Great."
With their weapons in tow, the two sticthpunks exited the rundown house and went to their spot where the trap was. Just when they were about to go to their trap, something halted them. It was a noise—a scream. Someone screamed. They turned to the road and saw four figures running towards them. 7 recognized those four figures. It was 9, 5, 3 and 4. Their reason for being out here was evident by the enormous beast that was chasing them.
9 saw her first and called for her.
"7!"
The white stitchpunk ran up to them, leaving Null confused. When 9 was in arm's reach 7 hugged him.
"7," said 9.
"9," reiterated 7. Pulling away, she made her next question. "What are you doing here? What are the twins doing here? What's going on?"
"We were looking for you," answered 5.
The twins broke away from 5 and went over and hugged 7. The white stitchpunk was happy to see them and hugged them back. Once they broke the hug, it was 3 who noticed Null standing behind 7. She tugged 7's arm and pointed to him, asking who he was. There was no time for introductions, as the Stag needed to be dealt with.
"Come on," said 7.
No questions were asked and the four followed 7 and Null to the many mountains of debris. The six of them found a hiding place underneath an old door that was leaned against the hood of a car. The Stag stopped, turning his head in both directions. The grappling hook hung in the Stag's mechanical eye. When it became known that the stitchpunks were hiding, the Stag began searching for them. 7 kept a lookout from the safety of the door. Seeing the beast run off, she turned back to her team.
"Alright," she said, "he's distracted...for now. There's no telling when he'll come back, so we have to be fast."
"We still have my trap out there," announced Null.
"We don't know if it works," reminded 7.
"We can try," said Null. "We can lure him into it and try out the catapult I built. It's worth a shot."
Traps. Catapults. 5 looked at 9 confusedly. The zippered male didn't know what was going on, but he like the idea of trying out a trap built by their newfound friend.
"Let's try out his idea," said 5, pointing at Null, having no idea what the grey stitchpunk's name was.
"I agree," said 9, nodding.
7 looked at 5 and 9, wondering if they were sure about what they wanted to choose.
"3, 4, do you want to go along with their plan?" 7 asked the twins.
The hooded twins nodded, flickering their optics.
"Okay, let's go," said 7.
Null took a peek from the small opening made the door. After making a quick check, he turned back and said, "Okay, who wants to go and get the Stag's attention?"
"I'll go," replied 5, standing up. "It makes sense having him chase the culprit who blinded him." He unstrapped his quiver and set it down on the floor. He pulled out a small sickle and knife. "Here." He handed the weapons to the twins; 3 got the the sickle and 4 got the knife.
"Where'd you get those?" 7 asked.
"I've been saving them," responded 5. "Been waiting for the right moment to use them."
"Well, looks like you found the right time," commented 7.
5 nodded and pulled out a knife for himself and ran outside. Null turned his attention to the twins.
"You two come with me."
3 and 4 followed Null outside. 7 and 9 trailed behind them.
5's voice heard as part of the diversion to get the Stag's attention. The two saw Null hand the twins a piece of rope.
"So, this...the Stag?," asked 9.
"I've been tracking it down with him," said 7, motioning to Null.
"So he's..."
"I'm sorry I've been sneaking around and keeping secrets from you guys," said 7. "But he didn't want anyone else to know about him. And I kept his secret—"
A mechanical roar was carried across the wind. 5 had gotten the Stag's attention, and were headed back this way.
"Come on, you can help me with the catapult," said 7.
"Right."
9 followed 7 where the catapult was, careful not to trigger the trap 7 helped build with Null. When he saw the catapult he was blown away.
"This is incredible," he said, running a hand across the frame.
"Yeah," commented 7. "He's good with traps." She looked over the shoulder. "We'd better hurry, there's no telling when he'll be coming here."
"Okay, what do we do first?" 9 asked.
"Help me find something to use as the projectile," 7 ordered. "There's got to be something here heavy enough to launch."
9 turned around, scanning every inch to find something to launch. He found a block of wood next to a broken lantern.
"How about this?," he queried, looking over his shoulder. He pointed at the wooden block. 7 titled her head and examined the object.
"That'll do," she said, giving a quick nod.
9 rolled the block over to the catapult. He and 7 lifted and placed it into the pocket. They looked over at the path, waiting for the right moment. The Stag at the moment was being led by 5 to the trap. When it was close, 3 and 4 pulled the rope and the beast tripped over it. 7 and 9 watched in anticipation, both ready to launch the projectile. 5 sprinted up to them, deciding it was safer with them, and he did have an interest towards the catapult.
"He's coming," he said breathlessly. He looked back at the Stag, which was struggling to get on his feet.
"We've got to get it over here," said 7, keeping her optics locked on the Stag.
From the looks of it, it seemed like the Stag lost interest in 5 and was instead focusing on 3 and 4. The twins appeared to be doing a good job of confusing it; the perks of being twins is that they could fool the beast into being unable to tell them apart. Which was exactly what was happening now. The Stag tried and failed to nip them with his muzzle. A rock was thrown at his skull, bouncing off him. The twins turned to the direction of where the rock came from. Standing on a pile of broken bricks was Null.
"Hey over here!" Null shouted. He leaped off the brick pile and ran towards the spot 7, 9, and 5 were. The Stag clumsily stood on its legs, eyes boring on the grey stitchpunk. "Get ready to launch!" Null hollered to 7, 5 and 9.
"Right!," called 7, hands cupped around her mouth. She, along with 9 and 5, got ready to pull on the rope.
Null jumped over the trigger rope. He dove inside a truck tire. The Stag didn't see the rope in front of him. He tripped over it; the three pulled the rope, sending the wooden block flying for the beast. The block of wood managed to knock out a few teeth, making him stumble. He landed in the net. The ropes connecting the net were triggering, enveloping the Stag. The beast was trapped, kicking its legs.
"We got 'em!," shouted Null, emerging from the truck tire. 7, 9, and the others accompanied him. They all gazed at the struggling beast.
"What do we do with him?," asked 9.
"Kill it," answered Null. He picked up his letter opener and approached the trapped Stag.
"How?," quoth 5.
"All beasts got weaknesses," said Null, not turning around to face him. "Even this one."
7 picked up her spear and went over to the beast. 3 and 4 sidled up to the Stag, apprehensive. They want to touch it, but were afraid of getting hit by the beast's legs. They recorded it with their optics instead. It was the safest way to catalogue it. 5 turned his attention to the catapult, finding it interesting the moment he saw it. He remembered to make a note to ask the grey stitchpunk how he built it and if he could lend him some blueprints. It seemed like something 2 would like to see.
"Where do you think it came from?," asked 9.
"I've been meaning to follow it every time it comes here," said Null, "but I always end up dismembering its legs whenever it gets new ones."
"So that must mean something else built it," concluded 9.
"Yeah, but who?," quoth 7. "The B.R.A.I.N. is dead."
"Then something else built the Stag," said Null.
"Such as what?" 9 recalled.
Knowing this would go on for hours, Null jumped up on to the Stag's side and ran towards where his head is. Pointing his letter opener where his left eye was, Null punctured it, electricity crackling. The Stag let out a garbled roar, kicking his legs.
"Be careful!," shouted 7.
"Don't worry about me," hollered Null, inserting his weapon deeper.
5 returned from examining the catapult and watched the unfolding drama. The Stag thrashed his head, hind legs kicking, letting out guttural bleats. Electricity encircled the beast's entire head, almost striking Null—luckily he leaped away, having pulled his letter opener. He, and the others, watched as the Stag's legs twitched. His cries began to recede and his legs were completely still by then. The twins—seeing that the Stag was no longer moving and indeed dead—crept up to the beast and tugged on his antlers.
Null pulled out the grappling hook and approached 5. "I believe this belongs to you," he said, holding the weapon.
"Thanks," said 5, taking the grappling hook.
"It's a good thing you came when you did," said 9. He turned to look at Null. "You too."
"Yeah," said Null. "It was nothing."
"It was not nothing," said 7, flinging her arms around Null's neck, pecking him on the cheek.
3 and 4 flickered their optics. 7 looked at them and remembered that everything needed an explanation.
"Oh," said 7, sheepishly. She looked at the twins, 5 and 9, making sure she had their complete and full attention. "Right, um," she darted her eyes back and forth, like she was caught doing mischief. "Everyone, this is Null," she said, keeping her arm wrapped around him.
"Hi," said Null, waving.
"Nice to meet you, Null," said 5. He looked at the way he and 7 were in close proximity. "Um, so, are you... Is this what it looks like?"
7 found she couldn't work her mouth, she had been keeping secrets long enough, not to mention sneaking around. She was here with everyone; there was no other way out of it. It was time to be completely honest.
"Yes," said 7, growing bolder. "Yes, it is."
9 smiled. "And we're happy for you."
7 shrugged. "I'm sorry I haven't been around," she admitted. "Having to sneak around. Lying." She hung her head, closing her optics. "I...I didn't know what to say. I—"
"Hey," said 5, "it's okay. We understand, 7. But there is one thing that still worries us." Saying this next question was like swallowing steel wool. "Are you...really going to leave?"
That hit a soft spot. 7 hadn't thought about it that much since she blurted it out last night. She knew her decisions wouldn't please everyone, but she needed to think about herself first. It won't be easy, feelings will be hurt; a whole mess will ensue.
"I...," 7 was cut short when something distracted them.
"What was that?," asked Null.
"I thought I saw something, but it moved so fast," said 5, surveying the area.
3 and 4 flickered their optics, throwing in their own theories.
"Maybe it was—" 9 was interrupted by their distractor.
It pounced on 4, knocking her down. Everyone back away as they watched the hooded stitchpunk struggle with this new beast. They saw that it had wings, emitting a buzzing sound with every beat.
"What is that?," blurted 9, gripping his light staff. He wanted to get closer to it, but the risk of hitting 4 burrowed into his mind, making him stay back.
"I don't know," said 5.
Suddenly, the winged machine went flying. It was flung. Everyone turned and saw that was Null who hit it with his letter opener. The flying beast bounced off the hood of a car and hit the ground, legs flailing. Seeing the opportunity, Null picked up a rock and was about to crush it when 9 spoke up.
"Wait," he said, "what if we can use it to find where the Stag came from?"
All eyes were on him. Null looked at him incredulously. His plan didn't sound realistic, but he did want to know where the Stag came from.
"I don't know," said 5. "Wouldn't we be putting ourselves at risk?"
"We did it before when we went to rescue 2," reminded 9. "And to stop the B.R.A.I.N.—"
"That you woke," spat Null. 9's face twisted in disgust and confusion.
"I-I..."
"Look!" 7 jumped in. "We're not going to get anywhere pointing fingers at each other." She breathed a sigh in frustration. "Let's just take that beast and let it lead us to his lair."
Every stitchpunk looked at the beast—which was still struggling to get on its feet. Null, seeing no other option, dropped the rock and walked over to a pile of debris. He came back with a long piece of string.
"Help me hold him still," said Null, "while I tie him up."
9 was the first to volunteer and he knelt down. The first choice was to grab the legs, but focused instead on the wings. He placed his hands flat on the beast's wings. Even with 9 holding them still, the beast still tried to flap them to get away. His mechanical legs tried to scrape 9's fabric, but to no avail. The wing's buzzing still echoed.
Null dropped to his knees with the string in hand. Tying the string was a struggle; the small machine tried its damnedest to free itself. Its legs tried to scratch Null's arms, any place it could reach. Null managed to tie the string around the Fly's body; it was tied behind the wings. 9, seeing it was reined, let go of its wings, as it would need them to take them to its lair.
3 and 4 flickered their optics as they watched the Fly take to the sky. They were intent on recording every second of it.
"Save that for later, guys," said 7. "We need to find its beacon." The twins stopped recording, wondering when they could rerecord it.
Null pulled on the string whenever the Fly tried to fly further than intended. The grey stitchpunk was going to make it learn that he was in charge now and that he wasn't going to let him go.
"Do you have an idea on where the Stag might've come from?," asked 7. "Just as a start?"
"I always saw it go over there"—Null pointed to the north—"in that direction. I'm not exactly sure, but we can try there."
"It's worth a shot," quipped 5.
"Let's find out," retorted Null.
The trek to the Fly's lair was more than exciting than expected. Having the Fly lead the group to its hideout was an interesting aspect. The stitchpunks walked a long way from where they started, finding themselves in a place unknown to them. Passing by decaying buildings, they were leaving the city, and found themselves on the borderline to a grieve if dead trees. Beyond that, they saw a shape in the far distance. A building, perhaps.
The Fly flew in place, as it was still tied and the string was held by the grey stitchpunk. Its buzzing was the only thing that filled the void, though the stitchpunks found a topic to talk about. It was mainly conversations alternating between Null's background and the latter asking the others questions. 5 and 9 already gave him their stories, now it was the twins' turn, which proved to be more invigorating.
"So you two don't talk at all?," queried Null in disbelief. The twins nodded in unison. "Whoa."
"But they communicate differently," said 5. "They can flash lights from their optics. Show him."
3 and 4 flickered their optics to prove it. Null was proven right; he did not understand anything they said and they do indeed communicate through their eyes. It left him stupefied.
"Are you sure you two don't want voices?," asked Null, in the hopes that it would convince them. "I mean, wouldn't you want to be able to talk vocally, save you the trouble of using your eyes all the time?"
The twins considered his question, but were not fully convinced. 4 looked at 7 and flickered a response to her.
"What is she saying?," inquired Null, stitched brow raised.
"She's saying that as much she would like a voice box," explained 7, "she and 3 are used to being mute. Projecting recordings is easier than explaining it through words. It's come in handy over the years."
Appeased but still disappointed, Null dropped the subject and continued with the hike. The Fly's wings vibrated faster. This grabbed everyone's attention. They were getting closer. Everyone looked towards the building in the distance. That meant it was its home. Where it came from. Where it was built.
"Come on," said Null.
Everyone broke into a running start. They would be at the building and find more machines like their captive. Before they could barge in, they needed to be smart about this. They hid in the neighboring trees, out of sight of anything that could be watching. The dry grass hid them well from any predators. The Fly beat its wings faster, desperate to get inside, but Null was not having it.
"What do we do with him?" 5 asked, pointing at the Fly. Null lowered the string.
"It's proven its usefulness," replied Null. He slid a rock with his foot and tied the other end of the string to it. "We don't need 'em anymore." He pointed his letter opener at the beast, blade glaring in the faint sunlight. He sliced the Fly's head clean off, electricity crackling. The beast's body fell to the ground, lifeless.
With the Fly out of the way, the group could sneak in to the building without giving themselves away.
Strolling up to the place, the stitchpunks listened carefully for any activity inside the building. Looking at it more closely, it resembled a run-of-the-mill cabin, but they knew not to be deceived. Whatever hid behind that house was waiting for them. The door hung by one hinge, beyond that was an unspeakable darkness. Walking up the creaking steps, they felt like they were stepping on death's doorstep. Entering inside, they observed the place.
They saw a fireplace with no firewood in it. Furniture was thrown haphazardly across the room. Almost all the windows were broken, with a few still intact. Whoever used to live here was in a hurry to escape their attacker. Whether what happened here was an accident or not, they needed to find whoever created the Stag.
"So," whispered Null, "what's the plan?"
Nobody wanted to break the silence, but they didn't want to leave a Null without an answer.
"When we find its maker," said 5, as a start, "we'll fight it for a while—as a distraction."
"Distraction to what?" Null answered back.
"That." 5 pointed to a plastic can with a nozzle next to an overturned armchair. He waltzed over to it, the others following. "It's a gasoline tank. If there's a gasoline tank here, then there must be some matches."
"I'll go find them," replied 9. He drifted off, with his light staff glowing.
While he was delayed doing that, the other five went to search where the Stag's creator was hiding. Every nook and cranny could be hiding it. It could be watching them this very minute. 7 left the living room, spear in hand, venturing into the hallway. On top of the end table next to the doorway was 9. He fashioned a grappling hook of his own with string tied to a fishing hook. He found a few wadded up balls of paper and a packet of matches. With the matches found, he picked it up and jumped off the table. He ran up to 5.
"I found the matches," he said.
"Good," answered 5. "Now—"
A scream was heard from the hallway. They knew it was 7's voice, so they all charged through the doorway and, from the left, everyone saw the white stitchpunk struggling with a snakelike beast. Up close it looked like a snake, except that it had numerous legs; each one mechanical. The beast had 7 in one of its forelimbs. 7 had dropped her spear, and was now clawing at the beast's pole arms. What disgruntled the stitchpunks was the machine's face. It appeared to be the head of a mannequin, left side cracked, creating a gaping hole where the eye should've been.
Null threw his letter opener at the machine like a javelin. It lodged itself into the beast's neckline, crackles of electricity sparking. It turned to them. It recoiled and dove for them, still gripping 7 in its claws. 5 slid down and grabbed 7's spear, piercing it into the beast's side. The machine looked back and was about to use one if its many legs to grab the one-eyed stitchpunks when a marble hit the machine's side if its head. The machine, who they now called the Crawler, turned and saw the twins with a marble and two screws. 3 threw a screw, ricocheting off the its face. 4 waved her arms to get it to chase them. It took the bait and crawling on its numerous legs with 5 still clinging on to its backside.
With the twins leading it into the living room, 9 and Null collaborated with a plan to free 7. 9 found some more string and three the other end to Null. The plan was to tie the Crawler to trip it and slice off some of its legs. If it couldn't crawl away, it couldn't get away. Its body was compiled mostly of metal segments. 5 was still holding on to the spear he lodged in. He pulled it out and climbed his way up, focusing on its head. 3 and 4 were busy keeping the Crawler distracted the same way they did with the Stag.
7 grunted, struggling to get out of the beast's claws. Her right arm was the only one that was free, her left was stuck in the machine's claws. Looking down, she saw the twins confusing the Crawler, making it chase after one and the other, leaving it dizzy. She was proud of them, but still worried. She didn't want them dying trying to save her.
"7!" Null shouted.
She looked over and saw him and 9 with the strings tied to about six of the Crawler's arms. They held the six pieces of string, pulling it to rein in the beast. 7 glanced over and saw 5 clinging to the Crawler's spine, with the spear pointed at it the spot he was holding on to. He lodged it in, making the machine recoil and twist, metal legs kicking. The ones that 9 and Null tied up were pulled back. And with a swift motion the Crawler opened its claws and released 7. She landed on her side, pain circulating up and down her arm and leg. She opened her optics and remembered the gas tank. She ran towards it. 7 lifted her skullmet, observing the tank. It looked too heavy to push down, so the only other option was to cut a hole. She found a knitting needle in a basket. 7 punctured the plastic receptacle. Gasoline poured out once she pulled the needle out. Turning back to the Crawler, she looked at the needle and pointed it at the beast's face.
"5, get down!," she shouted. The one-eyed stitchpunk jumped off, spear still in his hands.
7 threw the needle in the air, landing straight in the beast's right eye. It twisted in pain. 7 didn't know if it could see or not, its eyes being only painted on, but she took her chances.
"Hand me my spear," said 7, facing 5. The one-eyed stitchpunk handed her spear over for her to finish the machine off. Lowering her bird skull, she charged at the Crawler, spear pointed at its chest. The beast, with its eye fractured, recoiled one last time before 7 stabbed it through the chest. Electricity sparked. The Crawler fell on it back, metal legs kicking. 7 pulled her spear out, tearing back and slicing half of its body.
3 and 4, who had been hiding behind a broken table, sidled up to 7 after she sliced the beast. They looked behind her and saw 9 and Null successfully pull the Crawlers legs off. It was only six of its legs but it was still something. Seeing how the beast was sliced in half they let go of the strings. 9 picked up the packet of matches, opened it and pulled one out.
"We'd better burn this place down," he said, head swiveling around the room. "We don't know what else could be hiding here."
"Agreed," retorted Null, grabbing match.
5 was the last to grab one and together the three, seeing the trail of gasoline reaching them, lit the matches and dropped them on the floor. Fire erupted instantaneously.
"Let's get out of here," said 7.
The six exited the old house, which would burn to the ground soon. Smoke could be seen wafting out of the open doorway and the windows. The smoke would grow darker and thicker once the stitchpunks were miles away. The crackle of fire could still be heard as the group strolled down the dusty path. 7 glanced over her shoulder, the burning house reflected on her optics. She felt a hand clap her shoulder, looking back, she saw Null gazing at her, as though telling her it was over. And it was.
Their next destination: home.
The sun began its descend once they reached Null's dwelling. Seeing how they were going to have to wait until morning to continue the journey home, 9, 5 and the twins were more than willing to spent the night at Null's. The grey stitchpunk was glad to have them over, giving him the chance to know them and gain their trust. The six of them holed themselves up in Null's room upstairs. New candles were brought in from downstairs and put in a straight line, flames flickering.
Null dragged another cushion from the closet and sprawled it in the center of the room. That one being for 3 and 4; 9 and 5 shared one and 7 and Null laid down on the other one. Almost immediately, the conversations that were discussed were about Null. Even though the grey stitchpunk tried to sound humble, their questions still brought a prideful streak in him.
The question they dread to ask left them hanging.
"Are you two still going to leave?," asked 5, worriedly. "Well, with all that's gone on...and...and...the argument you had with 1."
That hit a soft spot in 7's core. She remembered telling Null she'd leave with him, but having to leave the sanctuary behind. 7 had to think about taking care of herself and what was best for her. Did she want to leave with him or continue staying in the library? Since before she met Null, 7's life was comprised of monotony and exploring the Emptiness. Every time she returned home, she wanted more than just the company of her friends. When she met Null she had something to live for. She found adventure, thrive and just the feeling of being cared about. Of being loved. Love. That's what it was all about. Love brings everyone together.
7 breathed in a sigh, looked at Null and said, "Won't you reconsider staying with us?"
"7...," uttered Null.
"Wait, that's a great idea," spoke 9. The twins nodded.
"It'd be nice to have another member in our home," said 5.
"Whoa, whoa, wait," said Null. "I...I...I don't know if—"
"Null, please?," pleaded 7. "Don't you want to be with me?"
"Of course I do, 7," replied Null automatically.
"Then stay with us," she retorted.
"Null," chimed 5, holding out a hand to get his attention. The grey stitchpunk looked at 5, brow furrowed. "What happened today showed how much you wanted to be with 7. How much you care about her." He paused. "But not just that, I saw how you were with the twins. That shows you love them and it shows 7 that you care about them just like she cares about them."
"You're not going to find what you're looking for out there," said 9, cocking his head to the window, indicating the world outside. "What you want is not out there, it's here. Her." He jerked his head towards 7. Null snapped his head to face 7. The white stitchpunk sent him a smile.
"Believe them, Null," she said. "Wouldn't Timothy want you to be happy?"
"Of course he would," answered Null. The mention of his human friend seemed to reel him in.
"And Robert?" 7 included. Null struggled to answer vocally.
He wished he had more time to think about it. A month or two. Come tomorrow, 9, 5, the twins, and, possibly, 7 would return to the library. He didn't want to leave without her, but she also didn't want to leave her family. The others didn't want to lose their close friend. 7 was obviously close to 3 and 4; they were practically her daughters. 9 and 5 were also good friends with 7. But the choice was all up to 7. Null didn't want to see her pining for him if he left. The only other alternative was the right one.
"I'm going to stay," said Null.
9 and 5 gawked at him with wide pupils; 3 and 4 flickered their optics in confusion. 7's reaction was the obvious one they'd expect.
"Really?" 7 crooned. Null nodded.
"Really," repeated Null.
7 couldn't believe what she was hearing. He was staying. Null was staying and she wouldn't have to choose between her friends and leaving with him to travel. Nothing else mattered with him in her life. She didn't care what 1 thought when they go home tomorrow. He could yell sermons for all she cared. He didn't matter. Null was who mattered now.
7 kissed Null. For that second she didn't want to think about anything except for the fact she was going to be with him for the rest of her life. Once she broke the kiss, 3 and 4 flickered to them cheekily.
'Are you two going to have a baby soon?,' asked 3.
'If you do, what would you name it?,' 4 then asked.
'Do you—'
"Whoa, whoa," said 7, holding up a hand to calm them. "That's way too much."
"What?" Null asked, amused. "What are they saying?"
"They're asking us if we're going to have a baby," replied 7.
Null bursted into laughter. "They're a joy to be around with, aren't they?"
7 chuckled.
"We'd better get some rest," said 5. "We've got to get an early start tomorrow if we want to get home."
And he was right. He and 9 were in charge of blowing out the candles. They were lit to make it easier to talk on the dark, but seeing how they've talked enough for one night they were going to need their rest. 4 rested her head against 3's middle, having fallen asleep instantaneously. 9 and 5 were also fast asleep. Only Null and 7 were still awake. 7 laid her head against his chest, her hand rested on his shoulder. She still had a lot going on side from the fact that Null was going to be living with them.
"You okay?," whispered Null. 7 gazed up at him, wordlessly nodding.
"I am," she whispered back, "it's just happening so fast. We've defeated the Stag, burned down the place where it was created, and now you're staying with me."
"I thought that was what you wanted," responded Null quietly.
"It is," replied 7. "It just hasn't hit me yet, that you're actually staying, I mean."
"Would you have been okay if I sticked to my plan to leave?," queried Null. 7 didn't answer for a moment.
"I wanted to leave with you to finally get over 1," she responded after a while of silence. "But...I'm starting to get over him. Even though we'll all be living together in the same home. I don't care about him the same way I used to. I don't love him, Null; I love you. If he tries to get between us, then I'm going to want to leave."
The grey stitchpunk raised a stitched brow in thought.
"Would that work for you?" Null then asked.
"I don't want to be without you," said 7. "I want us to be together. I just need everyone to accept you. And I mean everyone."
"I don't think we need to leave in order for everyone to accept me," retorted Null.
7 thought for a few moments. "You're right." She smiled, bringing her face closer to his. She planted a kiss on his lips. She rested her head on his chest, her optics closing. She was ready for sleep to take her. "No matter where we go, we're always going to be together."
"Mhmm." Null yawned. He flung his arm around 7. He had one last thing to say before 7 was really asleep.
"And if 1 tries to get between us, I'll smack him."
7 giggled.
We're almost to the end, guys. :D So, they all meet Null, they kill the Stag and everyone's happy. ^_^ The design for the Crawler was inspired by the Mannequin Monster from the Silent Hill movie.
Before we get to the end, there's a lot I want to say. Primarily, thanking everyone who read this fanfiction. It touches my heart to know that there are still some 9 fans who still support the movie and thensome. :)
This story is not yet over, chapter seven will be posted in a few days.