*I just realized I hadn't updated this in a month when I went to post this chapter. Whoops! Anyway, hopefully you'll forgive me because I'm giving this story a double update this time. Enjoy!*

"Such a pretty kitty, you are, Shadow," I cooed to the kitten. "What a pretty boy…"

Shadow meowed at me and purred, butting his head against my leg, as I was currently putting food onto a plate for him in my small kitchen. I thought about what to eat for a meal that day, wondering what I really wanted. Dare I take up Slenderman's offer? No, not right now. I wasn't crazed with bloodlust addling my mind at the moment. Perhaps if I was hungry next time I was insane, I would take up his offer. Instead, I cut up some fruit into slices and materialized some precious gems. Sitting down on my sofa, I ate silently, wondering what Slenderman did in his free time besides scare, kill, and eat humans. I was one of them now, why not wonder? I looked up as Shadow walked into the room. He jumped up beside me onto his blanket and laid down where I could stroke his soft fur. His loud purring made his neck and sides vibrate.

It had been a couple weeks since Christmas, yet nobody was bothering me. Suspicious, I scanned for presences within the forest, and everyone was accounted for. Except for Laughing Jack — the monochrome clown — who lived in his own dimension, so Slenderman had said. I didn't know whether to believe him or not. Something like that was not probable. I supposed it was not impossible, however, and just stared out the window. I saw a white head meandering by my house, towards the border of the trees. Interested, I had Shadow stay in the house while I slipped out, Darkness silencing my footsteps as I caught up with him and fell into line next to him.

"Good evening, Slenderman," I greeted politely. "Hunting?"

"Starved," he growled.

"I'll find you someone to eat."

Without waiting for an answer, I took off into the sky, making sure my wings and tail were present. He didn't need to know about my inexhaustible ability to fly yet. I looked down, flying high above so my eyes looked like two far-away stars. I saw a group of thugs, and swooped down, catching two, making sure neither of them were the one we had sent back after scaring him out of his wits. Confirming this, I teleported us to the forest and threw them — none too gently — to the ground, near the edge of the woods. Deciding I was still hungry and would take up the offer, I grabbed a third human and brought them to the edge of the trees, where I had left the thugs. They were gone, and I escaped into the trees, feeling my crazed nature beginning to course through me. I couldn't help it, the thought of tearing open a human and eating their flesh was beginning to grow on me. I felt Slenderman herding them toward me, and jumped on them, choking them painfully until their eyes became dull and sightless. I flayed their body, tearing off a chunk of the outer flesh. Biting into it, my teeth sliced through it easily. They were made for eating gems and iron, after all; as I was chewing the bloody flesh, there was no taste of copper, as human blood tasted like that when I was… more sane. It was delicious.

"Do you mind sharing?"

I frowned at him; his sudden laugh sounded genuine as he leaned against a tree and watched me eat the human. Soon there were just organs and bones left, even the eyes had been pulled out of their sockets. They had a nice pop and a slightly bitter flavor to them. I looked down at myself, I was smothered in their blood. Not caring, I thanked Slenderman for the offer, secretly wishing I had done so earlier, and walked home. Shadow looked up at me, and when he caught scent of me, he mewled in terror. I teleported past him after materializing a few toys to keep him busy while I cleaned myself. I found him sleeping in my discarded clothes, the clean spots, when I finished. Dematerializing them, he fell a hair's breadth to the floor, the cold tile startling him and he went back into the living room. I returned to the living room fully dressed, and sat on my sofa, watching him play with yarn and a pouch that was filled with catnip.

His pupils were dilated; I knew he was affected by the catnip, and as he rolled around in the small amount he had managed to pull from the small pouch. I dematerialized the pouch to keep him from spilling it everywhere. I sighed and teleported into my bed. I was tired, honestly, as I had used my wings — and not my flight ability — to get our meals. I stared at the ceiling, wondering what I would do all day. I usually found something, anything to busy myself, but nothing had been more satisfying than strangling the human that had I had eaten. Shadow jumped up onto my bed, settling down beside me. I stroked his head absentmindedly, talking to him as if he could understand me.

"What do you do all day, Shadow? I know you play a lot, but do you ever get lonely while I'm gone?"

Shadow meowed, and it sounded different.

Shadow is not a normal cat. He understands you to a degree, more than most cats. I can translate for him, if you like. Darkness had spoken.

How would you do that?

He will speak through me.

Okay, I like that idea. Will you tell him the same?

Done.

I turned my attention fully toward Shadow, his indigo eyes staring intently back at me. I bit my lip, nervous. A few moments went by, and then I spoke.

"Hi, Shadow."

"Hi."

"I hope you… didn't mind me picking a name for you."

"No."

"This is so awkward…"

"I like you, Enderbrina."

"I like you too, Shadow," I replied, and scratched his cheek. He purred. "I'm sure you like this…"

My only response was a louder purr. I chuckled, then laid back down, laying on my side and Shadow laid down against my stomach.

"Why were you covered in blood when you came home?"

"I ate a human. They hate and fear those that reside in this forest."

"Even me?"

"Well, with your unusually colored eyes and your unnatural intelligence, it would be likely." I yawned. "I'm tired… let me sleep, please."

Shadow moved to an area of the bed I was not occupying, and settled there, also sleeping. I dreamt little, but savored what I could remember, as my dreams were vivid yet infrequent. As I woke, I clung to what I could remember, but it was just snippets of a happy dream. Crestfallen, I looked at Shadow, who was still sleeping near the corner of my bed.

"Shadow," I said softly.

He purred as his sleepy indigo eyes opened. When they focused on me, he meowed.

"Oh… I don't understand you anymore. I guess Darkness is busy right now. We'll have to wait until it's not busy anymore."

Shadow meowed again, and padded into my lap as I sat up. As I stroked his back, his ears pointed toward the door, and his fur bristled as he growled.

"Oh boy, a visitor. Alright, let's go meet them."

I got up and Shadow raced to the door. Once I opened it, I saw it was who I suspected.

"Hello, Slenderman. What brings you to my little home today?"

"I sensed something else in this house with you. What is it?"

"It's a cat, and don't you dare kill it."

"I'll try to restrain myself," he replied sarcastically.

Shadow was standing behind my legs, and I pushed him gently toward the monster I had become well-acquainted with. As he reached out, he let Shadow sniff his hand before his long fingers ran over Shadow's furry head and back.

"Slenderman seems nice, I don't smell any threat in his scent."

"Oh, Darkness is back. I can understand you now, Shadow."

Shadow's tail lifted in happiness. I invited Slenderman in, but he declined and disappeared.

"Well, that was odd…"

"Does he eat humans? I smelled blood on him…"

"He does eat humans… I don't know about anything else he might eat, though."

"How did he disappear like that?"

"He has teleportation, much like myself." I teleported across the house to demonstrate. "Supernatural as we are, he more than matches me in battle. Darkness has been teaching me new ways of fighting and my power had risen well since it began. Eventually, I hope to talk to you through telepathy."

"What's that?"

"Telepathy is the ability to speak with your thoughts. Namely, I can link my mind to yours, temporarily of course, and we can share our thoughts. It would be nearly the same as we are talking now, except it would be a silent conversation, only we would hear it."

"Wow, sounds amazing. I'm going to sleep by the fire."

"I'll be out."

"See you later, then."

Shadow stretched and laid down, curling up by the fire. I stepped outside, not bothering to lock the door. Darkness taught me for a while; once I was tired out, I sat against a tree and made idle chat with it. After I regained my strength, I saw Jeff through the trees and teleported in front of him, but out of reach. I met his hard gaze evenly, waiting for him to say something.

"What do you want, bitch," he spat.

"I am not a female dog, nor am I an enemy any longer. If you wish, we can be… allies, to a degree."

"I smell blood… have you been killing humans?"

I tilted my head slightly, looking at the cut smile on his face. "As a matter of fact, I ate one earlier. First one. Surprisingly, they are quite tasty."

Jeff's eyes went wide; he blinked at me. "You… killed and ate a human. Great, the last thing we need in this forest is more damn Slenders."

"How many are there?"

"Just the one, that I can't kill, like I can kill you."

The statement that he could kill me struck me as funny. I laughed, surprising him. "Yeah, like you could kill me now. That's hilarious."

He growled and stalked off. I heard silence overcome the area around me, and knew Slenderman was nearby. The two of us were on friendly terms to some extent, weren't we? I teleported to the clearing and took a deep breath as I looked at the snow-covered ground. There wasn't much going on. I wondered what might be happening back where I was from. Not home anymore, this was my new home. I came back to reality and realized I was bored. I should be glad for a break, but now my fighter's spirit was making me antsy. Pain sparked from my back. I felt Slenderman's presence behind me. The tentacle retreated from me and I turned around, eyeing him carefully.

"A fine hello to you too," I said flatly.

"Show me how far you've progressed."

"Would it not be easier to just ask? You could have asked earlier, too." I folded my arms, sighing. "Alright, I'll show you."

Materializing twin iron swords, I fought him. Once more, I was defeated, yet I had lasted longer. Victory was getting closer, I thought as he tore out my intestines slowly. My scream tore through the air, until I was enveloped in the dark embrace of death. He had killed me in such a brutal way. It was… a mutual benefit, I supposed. He got his fill of killing for fun; I got some practice and seeing if he had advanced any in his own way of fighting. It was apparent to me he had still held back quite a bit during our most recent fight. I was pulled back, to what I hoped was a surprised Slenderman.

"Interesting…"

"What, my insides?"

"No, how your body pulls itself back together. Your intestines looked like snakes slithering back into your body."

"And I'm covered in my own blood now, so thanks for that…"

"You're lucky I didn't taste you and find your flesh appetizing."

"There she is!"

I saw Jeff and Jane run from the trees, Jane aiming for my head as she threw her large kitchen knife. I caught it easily, and returned it with more force, making it embed itself in her forearm. She gritted her teeth and punched me with her good arm, ripping the knife out of her other arm and engaging in close combat with me. I could feel the exact movements of Jeff and Slenderman fighting, subconsciously using some of Jeff's fighting moves against Jane, using her own counters against her as well. Then, she struck me. I fell onto the ground, her pinning me and stabbing me repeatedly until I was just a bloodied body. The death realm was its usual self, as always. I heard encouragement from my crazed side, its idea not appealing to me.

Just this once! I'll show you how powerful I am!

I'm not letting you take control.

Come on! Just this once so I can show you! I promise, you'll reconsider locking me away. I would never tear you apart, you're… me. Come on, let me out of this cage, let me show you our power when I am free. I won't kill anyone, I promise! I'll make sure they will live.

I sighed, it wasn't going to give up. I nodded, and with monstrous force, my crazed side pulled me in and took control of my mind. I stood up, giggling insanely. I looked around, Jane the first thing I laid my eyes on. I leapt at her, my sword mid-swing already. I managed to slice a hamstring so she couldn't walk as I danced around her in a flurry of attacks. She groaned, on the ground, and I snuck up behind Jeff, cutting both of his legs down their length. I smiled down at his form, his face in the snow. Their blood was staining the pure white snow a beautiful crimson. I heard Slenderman say something, my gaze locking onto him with he same smile on my face; a mad-with-glee smile.

"Calm down, Enderbrina."

"But I just got started! I wanna go kill some humans now! Maybe a few dozen!"

"Stop it," he said forcefully, his tentacles wrapping around me and squeezing me.

I broke free, but then realized what was happening. I forced my crazed side down, back within my soul. I sighed, regretting having let it take over.

"What was that? You nearly killed both of them."

"I'm well aware. I made sure they would both live," I replied, dematerializing my weapons for the time being. "As for what it was, it was me, but in a crazed state. It's a bit different from how I was when I ate the human."

"Explain it, then."

I collected my thoughts, it was indeed a thing within me that always yearned to break free. I wondered, since I had recently been regaining power, could it be?

"I'm not entirely sure how to explain it. I wasn't bloodthirsty… but I was definitely having fun just hurting them. I think… I may have… gotten one of my split personalities back."

I looked up at Slenderman, he was staring down at me. Retreating away from him, I felt scared. I teleported to my small home, and shut myself in my bedroom. I heard Shadow pawing at my door, meowing. His meows sounded hollow.

"Not now, Shadow, I'll play with you later."

I heard his hollow meow again. Closing my eyes, I looked inward to my soul where the beast was hiding. It greeted me happily. I felt a spark of hope knowing it was there, I could finally defeat Slenderman if I gained more power and re-trained myself to get my split personalities back.

I can't let you do that, Enderbrina.

Darkness?

Your purpose of being here is not to defeat him.

I thought you'd help me, you said—

No. Nothing more than training. Not getting your split personalities back.

But—

Darkness formed a humanoid next to my bed. I could tell it was angry. Before I could move to stand and avoid it, it pulled me outside and threw me to the ground. I felt a tingle throughout my body, and it quickly turning into a burning pain. I couldn't keep in the scream that escaped me. Darkness was doing this, I was sure of it, but I didn't know what it was doing. The burning pain slowly went away, leaving me feeling empty inside. I breathed heavily, and looked up at its form standing over me.

"W-what… the fuck, w-was that, Darkness!?"

"Your ability to take on your second form is gone. You will no longer be able to gain any more split personalities, nor use them to take your second form."

I laughed, but I could hear it sounded more like I was coughing. "Fine, I needed a new approach to fighting. You just did me more of a favor anyway," I mocked.

"I believe Darkness has made a grave mistake, Night Hunter."

Darkness vanished. I breathed shakily as I stood up from my sitting position on the ground. Leaning against a tree, my arms still burned, but I ignored it, knowing everything Darkness had done had passed.

"Like you care," I mumbled. I took a deep breath and tried to calm my voice. "Why do you think that? I did rely on my abilities too much before it started training me."

Slenderman gave me the usual faceless stare for a moment. "You have a need to defeat, no, kill me. I loathe Earth, and death would be a welcome thing."

"You're… you're not immortal like me? You seem like you would be."

He chuckled. "I am immortal as you are. Death would be welcome respite from this place, if only for a few minutes."

"I understand the feeling…"

"I'm sure you've realized I won't just offer you to kill me."

"Yes, I have. If you don't mind, I'm going back home now."

I turned and walked into my home, Shadow looking up at me when I walked in. I wished for a moment he was like any other cat, but I was glad for his intelligence. I heard his meow, and knew Darkness had left me alone for a while. I said this softly to Shadow, explaining what had happened, and he pressed his nose to my stomach, trying to comfort me. Soon he got up and picked up a toy, carrying it in his mouth. I noticed it was the catnip pouch. Dropping it in my lap, I knew what he was trying to do.

"It's called catnip for a reason Shadow," I chuckled. "Only works on cats."

I felt his tail fall onto my leg, which usually meant something like, "I tried, but it didn't work." Sighing, I pushed the pouch toward him, and he shied away from it, not wanting to be affected. Picking it up with his claws, he batted it over toward his other toys. I saw his pupils were slightly dilated, showing he had been affected somewhat. He laid down next to me, showing his belly. Chuckling, I put my hand down to his belly gently, and rubbed just as I had put my hand to his belly. He purred, then batted at my hand with his paw, claws retracted. I stopped rubbing him, and he rolled onto his side, laying out on my sofa.

"Thank you, Shadow. You always know how to make me feel better."

He meowed, but I shook my head.

"Nope, still can't understand you."

Allow me to offer some assistance.

Darkness? What the fuck do you want now? Isn't taking away my second form enough for you?

This is my apology. You will receive telepathy in exchange for something I would like very much.

What do you want from me?

Forgiveness. It was wrong for me to take what I did, however necessary.

I was too reliant on that, I said. You did the right thing and took it from me. However, did you head what Slenderman had to say? He thinks it was a very bad mistake on your part.

Darkness was quiet for a moment before replying. I heard the conversation between the two of you. While he is immortal like you, the whole point of your training was to make sure you could one day defeat him without the use of your second form. Once that happens, you'll be allowed your second form back. Perhaps sooner if I am feeling generous.

I nodded, and felt its dark humanoid hand fall on my shoulder. I felt a tingle, and braced myself for the pain. Instead of pain, it was a cold sensation, spreading throughout my entire self. It felt like the cold of my previous home. I sighed, subconsciously leaning into the cold touch. It quickly became a grip, and I looked up. I was startled when I saw Slenderman there, and drew away.

"The hell!? Don't just appear in my home, Slenderman!"

"It is my purpose to scare and terrorize," he chuckled, moving away and looking around my home. "What did Darkness do for you?"

"Shouldn't you be able to look into my mind and find out yourself?"

"Ah, telepathy. Enough to speak with your precious cat." His voice dripped with sarcasm as he said precious.

I stood up, growling, but he left before I could take a step toward him.

Then you should know it will be easier for you and I to talk. I look forward to our conversations, you know. I learn much about you when we talk.

Go away. I want to talk with Shadow.

I felt his intrusion linger a moment, then the connection severed. I plopped back down on my sofa, and Shadow stood up, looking at me with interest.

Hey, sorry I woke you.

Shadow jumped back in surprise, his ears swiveling wildly.

Woah, calm down. It's just me, Enderbrina. Darkness gave me telepathy. Just think and I'll hear it.

You scared me…

Sorry, I didn't mean to.

Shadow and I conversed through thought for a while; eventually I became tired and got up to go to bed. Shadow followed me, wanting to stay close to me. I smiled when I saw him laying in the soft sheets at the foot of my bed. Turning over on my side, I had some peaceful sleep, something I had dearly needed.

Waking up, however, was not so peaceful. A great big carved smile awaited me when I woke. I sat up quickly.

"Jeff! What the fuck, I was sleeping!"

"Yeah, you looked peaceful too. Anyway… someone told me you were going to kill everyone living in this forest."

"That's old news. Now get out, that is no longer the case."

"Hey, I was just coming here to check on you. Slends said you two are friends, if that's even possible."

Friends? You feel that we're close enough to be friends, Slenderman?

No answer. I didn't feel his intrusion, either. Sighing, I answered Jeff.

"I guess its possible but we're just… how should I put this? Killing buddies."

"Sounds like there's something going on between you two," he taunted.

"Uh, no? I think he's interesting, for a creature so much like myself, but other than that I usually just chase a human into our forest and he eats them. I'm self sufficient, I can eat whenever I please."

Jeff smirked, his already-wide smile never faltering when he jumped out of my bedroom window. I closed it after him, and saw Shadow was already playing with his toys. When he looked up at me, his dilated pupils narrowed a bit. He held up his paw and looked at it, a toy was stuck to it and he put his ears down.

Oh. Sure, I can get the toy off.

Thanks.

Retracting your claws didn't work?

No, it is stuck to them.

I managed to gently pry the string off from around his claw, and noticed how long his claws were getting. I put up a scratching post so he couldn't only sharpen but "cut" them to his liking. I heard him scratching at it as soon as I was gone from the room. His purr — which was incredibly loud — told me he liked it.

You've got quite the purr for such a young cat.

I've been told I'm special.

I laughed at that, his purr never faltering.

Well, that thing I just materialized is not only to sharpen your claws but also to cut them. I didn't want to hurt you by cutting them manually.

Why sharpen?

It'll make kills quicker when you hunt mice in the forest.

You mean… go outside?

Of course. You've never wanted to go outside?

No! I want to stay here!

Well, I can go with you for your first few times if you want. I might scare off prey, though.

That's okay, you feed me well anyway.

I put down the book I had been reading and Shadow walked into my kitchen. I moved a chair out for him, and he sat on it. He kept his paws off the table, looking at the book in my hands.

What is that thing?

It's called a book. I read it like I can read your thoughts, but it's someone else's hard work, and it has words on paper. It tells a story, written by the author, the person who wrote the book. This particular book is about an elf of sorts.

Will you read it to me someday?

I suppose I could. While you're an incredibly intelligent cat, I think a book a little more basic would suit you. I'll try to find one to nab at the bookstore later, okay?

Yes!

Shadow kneaded the chair below him, but I got up, dematerializing the book for later. He followed me, and I looked outside, cursing when I saw it was snowing. Looking at Shadow, I realized his fur was fluffed up; he was cold. Quickly, I added a basement with a water boiler, and small heaters next to the wall. My small shack was becoming more and more of a home. Once I put up the boiler and some fuel tanks for it, I made sure it was on and went back to the main floor.

Hey, it's warmer in here.

I added heaters. It'll warm up in no time. I noticed you were cold, nearly shivering.

Thanks… I was close to shivering.

You're welcome. I'm going to run to the bookstore, steal a book for you, and read it to you, okay?

Okay, I'll stay here.

I flew off to the bookstore, having to use my wings as Darkness had also taken some of my power when it gave me telepathy. I sighed, but it helped me steal a book for Shadow anyway. I paused on my way back, looking at the apartment building Garry was in. I didn't know about how he was doing, and Darkness was telling me to move on, but I ignored it. Slowly, I moved closer to the tiny sill of the window, carefully opening it and holding onto the inner window sill. Folding my wings and crawling in, I closed the window and listened for any noise. I knew Garry was alive, I could feel his presence. He was in the second floor of his apartment, not moving, and the entire apartment itself was silent. I heard only my own, nearly silent footsteps as I made my way upstairs. I could hear heavy breathing coming from Garry as I got closer, and there was the sound of rustling sheets along with his heavy breaths. I teleported to his bedside when I could see he was tossing and turning in his sleep. Unsure of what to do, I shook him by his shoulders until his eyes opened and he saw me. I stepped back, hoping he would say something but also keep his distance. His cold sweat he had been in was making me hungry, and I didn't want to eat a human at this point.

"Enderbrina, why are you here?"

I had to check on you, idiot, and make sure you didn't get yourself killed, was what I wanted to say. Instead, I answered his question with, "Just making sure you're holding up okay… sorry I woke you from your nap but… you were having a nightmare."

"O-oh, yeah… I was… thanks for that."

By the way his cheeks flushed soon after, I wondered what he was thinking about. So I asked bluntly, and he only blushed more.

"It's been a while since Jane left me… I've been seeing a few women, but none of them have my best interests at heart."

"Garry, I'll say it now. No, I am not going out with you."

"But why!? Give me three good reasons!"

"Easy. One: I'm immortal, you'll pass on and I'll be stuck in this world forever, or my own, original home. Two, I'm a monster, literally. While I can have human feelings and seem nearly human, I'm not. Three… about a week ago," I paused, putting on the most serious face I could, "I ate a human."

Gary's face was that of shock. He stammered for a moment before I held up a hand. I sighed, trying to keep my composure.

"You have to try to understand, Garry. I cannot end up eating you. I'd never forgive myself. Whatever small sliver of humanity I may have is the only thing keeping me away from doing that, but when I smell blood… it drives me over the edge. If I'm not hungry while in a state of insanity, I kill, and do not discriminate." I paused, letting the new information sink in. "So now, you know what I am. A monster, from another world. Yet you still think of us as friends; am I correct?"

"You helped me so much, how could I not!?"

"Even after hearing the truth?"

"Yes…"

My stomach growled. I winced, and teleported away, intent on finding a good kill that would fill me. I felt Slenderman on the other side of the forest, it seemed he was also hunting, and having more luck. I spotted a young woman, she seemed to be around twenty years. I grabbed her by her wrists and threw her into a tree, her head smacking against it. Lopping off the head with one of my swords, I began tearing into the flesh.

This is such a new experience still… but I am beginning to find that my loyalties lie here in this forest… it will be better this way.

Caught yourself a meal, I see, Enderbrina, Slenderman's baritone voice echoed in my mind.

Yes, I have. What do you want now?

I noticed you didn't eat the brain of your last meal.

I wasn't as hungry then. Give me a break.

A chuckle. Yes, you are most interesting indeed.

I find you an interesting being yourself.

I cracked open the skull like a coconut, cutting away unnecessary bits and eating the rest. I felt his presence moving toward me at an exceptionally quick rate, and looked up just as he arrived. Standing in his usual attire of a fitted tuxedo and black dress slacks with shiny dress shoes, his white head was far above me as I sat on the ground. We were both covered in the blood of our "meals," as he had called it. He just stared, but off into the trees.

Trying to sense an extra human?

"Yes. You are a curious one."

Looking off where Slenderman was looking, I saw a younger female than the dead one I had been eating away at.

The daughter of my meal, perhaps? She looks to be still in her first decade.

They are best when young. Soft, tender flesh, easy to tear through and much more flavorful.

This one was young as well. Late twenties, if I had to guess.

You haven't eaten a child yet. I heard a strange edge in his voice. I'm thinking you should try it…

I'm all set, thank you.

Suit yourself.

You're the one in a tux.

I got up and leaned against a tree, getting a better look at the young girl. She had to be four or five, and she carried a small stuffed panda with her. She saw my glowing eyes through the darkness, but it didn't spook her. I turned and walked into the forest, toward my home so I could read the book to Shadow. I heard a scream of pain and terror soon after, knowing she had followed me but had been caught by Slenderman.