*Here we go... a chapter with an extra 2,730 words. Trust me, it was needed... and for those of you who want to flame me, go read the nice guest review... (Guest, you know who you are. Your review really touched my heart.) Enjoy!*

It had been two months since Christmas. Being left alone with only Shadow or Darkness for so long made me think something was up. Darkness had given me the ability to take on my second form again, which I was grateful for. While Shadow continued to entertain me by batting at a feathered toy, a presence I knew well appeared near my door. I got up and went to open the door for him, looking up at his faceless head.

"Come in, Slenderman. It's been a while."

"You're happy."

He teleported into my small home as I closed the door and went back to playing with Shadow. I noticed my companion's indigo eyes glance up at Slenderman, his fur immediately bristling. Looking over my shoulder, I saw Slenderman's tentacles were poised to strike, moving ever so slightly.

"It's been a while, you said. Shall we?"

"You do realize I've had two months or so since we last did this," I said, standing and tossing Shadow's toy to the floor. "I've improved quite a bit."

"No matter. It is bound to happen eventually, isn't it?"

I grinned, teleporting outside with him to the clearing his small house was in. I looked over at it, he had expanded. Now, a mansion stood, and several presences were inside it.

"Wow, you've done some renovation… and gathered more like Jane, Jeff, and Jack, if I'm making a correct assumption."

"As it turns out, they were always out there. I just had to locate them. While it is my mansion, the only new ones are Sally and Eyeless Jack."

"I'd like to meet them after this, if you're alright with that."

"What are you waiting for, then?"

I was once more defeated. I saw Slenderman was recovering quickly as I stood near my dead body, a ghost.

I was closer to defeating you this time.

You were. You've improved, like you said.

Y'know, when we first met, I thought you'd be just killing me for fun, or just torturing me by chasing me everywhere. Never thought we'd be…

Friends? It was unlikely. I did not believe it when I first thought of you as being my friend, but we have enough in common. Let's not make a big deal of it, we are friends. Now, would you pull yourself together so we may go?

I repaired myself, healing nearly instantly and eating to fill my empty stomach.

"You always do that, I have noticed."

"What do I do?"

"Whenever you're injured, you eat gems and metallic materials."

"I eat those because it is part of my natural diet. If I were to steal a necklace from a jewelry store, I'd more likely eat it than give it to someone. It also makes me heal faster than normal bandages and salves."

"You have quite the expensive diet."

He placed his hand on my head and I felt him teleport us into the mansion. I felt dizzy and was cross-eyed for a few moments, but he had already moved away from me. Once everything cleared up, I saw Jeff the Killer and Jane the Killer sitting on a sofa, Laughing Jack was playing with a young girl, and Slenderman was standing next to a sofa where a man dressed in all black with a blue mask and black hair was sitting, black tears leaking from the black eyes of the mask. The man with the blue mask also had ashen skin. I heard freakishly tall, pale, and faceless clear his throat, and everyone looked up. His head turned toward me and everyone looked my way. I waved shyly, a sideways smile sneaking onto my face.

"Endybrina! You're here!"

The little girl, who was in a pink dress, jumped up and ran over to me. She smiled up at me, clutching an old teddy bear to her small chest. Returning the smile, I sat back on my legs to be closer to her stature, and greeted her.

"Hello, little girl. What's your name?"

"I'm Sally, and this is Mr. T!"

She showed me her teddy bear, and I gingerly took it, looking at the old thing.

"Mr. T, you're in pretty bad shape, aren't you," I said, pretending the bear was alive. "Sally, if you'd like, I can make him look like new. Would you allow me to do so?"

"You talk so proper like Slendyman!"

"Well?"

"Yes, Mr. T wants to look like new too."

Using telekinesis, I held him in the air, Sally watching with big eyes. I used materialization to make the curly-furred teddy bear — as I had promised — look like it had just been bought. Its fading, patchy fur grew back silky and a comforting brown. Its pink nose returned, and any torn seams I fixed. Once the bear was back in proper condition, I held it out to her, taking a better look at her. Her eyes leaked blood slowly, as well as her head. I saw her take the bear from my hands, and I managed to force a smile, looking at her pale, peachy skin. I stood up, walking over to the man with the blue mask.

"Hello. I'm sure Slenderman has told you, but I am Enderbrina. May I know your name?"

"Eyeless Jack. You can call me EJ, and call the clown over there LJ. Prevents confusion."

I nodded, "Nice to meet you."

"Enderbrina," came Slenderman's silken voice, "why don't you show them the ability we have in common?"

All eyes were instantly on me again. My hand flew to my face, and I groaned softly. "Are you serious right now?"

"Do it."

I let my posture become relaxed, sighing. "Alright." I teleported next to Slenderman, glaring up at him, then teleported onto the sofa next to Laughing Jack. "Happy now? I mean, seriously, I can do some pretty cool things that you can't."

"Like what," Eyeless Jack asked me. "Slender is pretty great."

I smirked. "True… but can he fly?"

Silence came over the room. Grinning at Slenderman, I got up and walked toward the mansion doors, as they were close to the living room. Looking over my shoulder as I walked, I grew my wings and tail. Sally squealed and ran over to me, but I flicked my tail out of her reach before she could touch it.

"Ah-ah, not yet."

"Those wings couldn't possibly support you and keep you airborne."

I folded my wings, continuing walking, and stood outside the mansion, a quarter of the way into the clearing with the single tree. I felt all their presences behind me, and stretched my wings, Sally had followed me closely since I had grown the dragon-like wings and tail.

"Well, you going to try and fail flying, or what?"

"I've seen you fly before, so I believe you. If you can fight Slenderman, I'd believe it, even if I hadn't seen it," Jeff commented flatly.

"Jeff, did you really just say—"

"I can hold my own pretty well, too. I came close to beating him last time."

I flapped my wings, beating at the air, and my feet lifted from the ground. Higher and higher into the air I climbed, and was eventually soaring around above the clearing, feeling free as I flew about, swooping about. I folded my wings and angled myself head-first toward the ground. I heard Sally scream, and threw my wings out at the last sending, landing with a dull thump on the ground, on my feet.

"Can Mr. T and I fly with you next time!?"

I smiled, looking at Sally and her newly-restored teddy bear. "It might be too dangerous, Sally, but I will if Slenderman allows it. I'd be happy to show you."

She turned toward Slenderman, who gave the slightest of nods. I picked her up in a princess carry, spreading my wings once again.

"Hold on tight."

I jumped into the air, flying higher and higher, until we could see the city from the altitude we had. I hovered, keeping a firm grip on her.

"Wow, it's so pretty…"

"It's only because it's nighttime right now. I used to help them, how foolish I was."

"Are you going to live with us now?"

"I haven't thought about it, Sally. I might, but I might not."

We were silent for a bit. Then Sally shivered, turning her head to nuzzle me, her eyes closed tightly.

"Can we go back down? I'm scared, Endybrina."

"Alright, I'll get us down."

I slowed the flap of my wings, slowly dropping us closer to the ground, having Sally sit more upright in my arms. I set her on the ground gently, and looked at the others. The smell of fresh blood reached my nose, and I saw a dead, bloody body in the shadows where Sally was unable to see it, but I could smell it easily. I looked at Slenderman, growled, and teleported into the dark of the forest. A scream flew from my mouth as I took on my second form, out of pure rage that he wanted me to show the deadly monster that lived inside me. When I calmed down, I sighed, and went over to the dead body. It wasn't Garry, thankfully. It was futile; I took a deep breath of the bloody scent, my head growing fuzzy as it was nearly overwhelming. I felt my crazed side surface, and suddenly my vision was much sharper.

Wake up…

Wake up.

Wake up!

I sat up quickly, gasping, and found myself on a sofa in Slenderman's living room. Looking around, everyone was accounted for, except for Slenderman himself.

"Where is he," I demanded. "Tell me."

"Recovering, just as you have been, for the last week."

"He just woke up, actually," Eyeless Jack said, coming down the stairs. "Oh, good, she's awake. He wants to talk to you in his office as soon as possible."

I moved to stand, but was stopped by Laughing Jack. His clawed hand kept me sitting.

"Your leg."

I looked down, it was wrapped up and the bandanges were stained purple. Disappointed, I sat back in the sofa, eating some gems, gold, and steel. I felt the wound heal, and stood up without difficulty, though my leg was still sore. Eyeless Jack led me up to Slenderman's office, and I opened the doors after knocking, knowing he was expecting me.

"Ah, you're awake."

"My leg is still sore…"

"Come in and sit. Eyeless Jack, would you mind keeping everyone, including yourself, away from here? I wish to speak privately with our… guest."

"Sure thing."

The door closed, and I looked at Slenderman, silent.

"I'd call our last fight a draw, wouldn't you?"

"Did one of us die?"

"No, but we were both unconscious for roughly the same amount of time. We were evenly matched, and we passed out from blood loss."

"What color is it?"

"Pardon?"

"What color is your blood?"

"Black."

"I don't remember our fight. I wish I could remember it… it must have been rough."

"You put up a good fight, but I could tell you were at your limit. I, however, was holding back."

"Still holding back… but, I did manage to get us to a draw."

"I'm sure you're not satisfied."

"No, I'm not." I sighed. "If you need me, I'll be in my house. I doubt I'll fit in here, especially after showing everyone I can fly, when you can't."

I stood up, and teleported to my little home. Shadow meowed, greeting me. Instantly, I materialized a pile of tuna for him. He looked at it for a moment, then began eating.

"I'm sorry I was away for so long, Shadow. Slenderman and I had another fight, both of us passing out from blood loss. We were unconscious for a week… strangely enough." I heard a meow as he kept eating, finishing all the tuna. "Wow, don't throw up on me now. You might feel sick."

He purred, rubbing against my legs.

I hope you'll go outside if you feel the need to throw up.

I will.

I chuckled and he hopped up onto the sofa, laying next to me as I lit up the fireplace. I heard a knock at my door, and opened the door slightly. I could see Jeff there, surprisingly. I let him come in, materializing one of my iron plated swords in case he decided to attack. His piercing blue eyes locked onto me, a scowl pulling at his cut smile.

"What's up?"

"I wanted to get away from tall and faceless."

"Don't forget pale. His skin puts puffy clouds to shame."

"At least mine still retains some color."

"It's from living in the dark forest all the time."

"So how are you not gray at this point?"

"My skin's color comes from my diet, not the amount of sunlight I get."

"That's freaky."

"Says the one with a self-cut smile."

He laughed. I laughed too, and invited him to sit down, pulling Shadow onto my lap.

"So… what did you do to Jane? How'd you get her to join you?"

"It was simple, really. Mortally wound her husband, tell her where I live and how she'll always be safe with me, and kiss her right in front of her dying husband. She smiled, falling for my charms, and joined me. Anyway, you got a nice home here. What was that, the thing you did to Sally's bear?"

I held out my hand and materialized a knife, particularly a smooth, sharp kitchen knife. Holding it out to him, he took it.

"Materialization. I don't suppose you're hungry?"

"Everyone at the mansion, except Sally, is always hungry."

"You're not at the mansion."

"I mean who lives there, idiot."

I materialized a plate of food, containing a steak, roasted vegetables, and a glass of apple juice floating in the air.

"Impressive, you're fast."

"That didn't exist until just now."

"What?"

"I made the food and apple juice you're now holding from thin air. Go ahead and eat."

I tuned him out, turning to my memories until I heard him cackling. He was no longer sitting at the other end of my sofa. Instead, he was looking up at Slenderman. I realized Jeff was distracting him, thinking — though it was unfair — this could be my chance. Silencing my thoughts, I gripped my sword, teleported behind him, and swung. His tentacles had caught me, my sword's edge a hair's breadth from his side.

"DAMNIT!"

"Never took you as one to play unfairly, Enderbrina."

"Let me go!"

The tentacles unraveled from me and I backed up. Growing my wings and tail, I flew off, into the trees where I could see my house, waiting for them to leave. Eventually, they both moved in, and I could see Shadow was making his way outside. I pushed him back into the house slowly with telekinesis, and he got the idea. Growling to myself, I made my way through the trees towards my house, still keeping an eye on the two in my home. I was close enough to hear them.

"Stupid bitch. She should know she can't beat you, Slender."

"I find her persistence amusing, Jeffrey. You should feel lucky it is not you she wants to kill."

"When are you going to tell her about how untouchable you really are? I don't think she knows you were actually awake the whole week she was out."

"Next time I meet her, she will know."

I saw Jeff get up and leave, dimming the glow of my eyes as he went by the tree I was in. Slenderman was waiting behind the trees. Once Jeff was out of earshot, he spoke.

"How much did you hear, Enderbrina?"

"Enough to know that you were lying about being unconscious."

"Did you really believe you could defeat me?"

"I did, but not anymore."

"My offer still stands if you wish to live with the others. I made sure there were enough rooms besides my own to hold one person each."

"I'll think about it."

I went into my home, collecting Shadow's toys and dematerializing them, and patting Shadow before telling him we had to leave. He mewled, obviously sad about leaving, but climbed into my arms and pressed against me. When I stepped out, the small home was no longer useful. I made sure to dematerialize it, not planning on using it ever again. It could be converted to food if I so desired. Folding my wings behind my back, I looked over to Slenderman, staring at me from the edge of the darkness. It was a bit unsettling, so I stood in place until he was gone, and not directly behind me. It was difficult not to look over my shoulder, thinking he was there even though it was just the feeling that his forest gave off.

"Hey! 'Brina!"

I looked up at Jeff's voice calling my shortened name. Sighing, I saw him with his huge grin, meaning he had likely just killed someone.

"What, Jeff," I snapped. "I'm not in the mood for jokes or games, so tell me outright."

"Slends told me you heard me and him talking in your house, and that its also gone now."

"You heard correct."

"You gonna move in with us?"

"I haven't determined if I will yet. There will be better chance of that happening if I'm left alone to think about it."

I continued walking, not listening to what he said next, hugging Shadow closer to my chest. I took off into the air, wanting to feel the freedom of flying.

Shadow, don't look down, okay? Just keep your eyes shut.

Why?

We're flying.

Why can't I see!? I've always wanted to see what the world looks like. I've seen you in the air before, flying around.

We're very high up right now. Normally I would fly lower, but the wind up here lets me glide mostly.

I saw Shadow's indigo eyes open, looking at me briefly before looking down at the ground below us. I kept a firm grip on him with telekinesis, not wanting to drop him.

Enderbrina… this is amazing. Why did you never take me with you before?

I was afraid of dropping you.

I heard a mental laugh. I smiled, hovering, and Shadow purred, pressing the top of his head to my chest.

I love you, Shadow.

You love me?

You're my best friend. I'll be sad when I lose you, but I'll cherish the memories I'll have of you.

I'm not going to die anytime soon, Enderbrina. You're silly…

What do you mean?

I'm still almost a kitten.

I know.

I landed on a road that led into the city, and looked back at the forest. Headlights blinded me, and I managed to teleport into the forest. I felt Slenderman's presence nearby, and I gave up.

"I won't fit in in the human city," I said aloud, letting him know I knew he was there. "I'd be better off going to your mansion and living there."

I felt his hand on my shoulder, and suddenly we were in a fully furnished room. Shadow seemed sick from the teleportation, and I put him down.

"You'll find all accommodations you may need are in this room or its side rooms. Get settled, then sleep. I expect you to meet with everyone in the parlor tomorrow morning."

"Thanks…"

I went about exploring my room. There was indeed everything I needed, but no kitchen. Shadow looked up at me, then my new bed. Surprisingly, it was queen-sized, and I hopped up onto it, inviting Shadow up as well.

So this is our new home?

Yeah… it is. I guess we owe Slenderman one for taking us in. You better be careful now, okay?

I can run faster than any of the ones that live here.

A knock on my door made us both look up.

"Come in."

I saw Eyeless Jack open the door. Once he stepped into the room, I could feel a glare on me.

"What's up?"

"Can you really fight Slender?"

"I can fight him but I've never really come close to defeating him. One day I'm going to demand he doesn't hold back and get a real fight out of him, and gauge his strength from there. I bet he's just as powerful as I used to be… wouldn't that be something."

"So you're in a weakened state?"

"Coming here, though I don't know how I did, nearly killed me. Well, that is, if I was mortal. I had some of my abilities, but they're weakening with time. My materialization doesn't work as easily as it used to. If I create items from thin air with it, it uses energy now. I can't fly anymore unless I use my wings."

"Open book much?"

"What have I got to lose?"

"Sally really likes you."

"Does she? That's good, she's cute."

"It'll be her birthday soon."

"Hmm… I'll have to ask her what she wants."

"Just gonna ask her?"

"Of course. By the way, I did something nice for her when I arrived. Is there anything you'd like me to do for you?"

"I'd love to eat a kidney."

I sat up like I had been slapped. "What?"

"I'm a cannibal," he said matter-of-factly.

"Oh. Interesting… actually… I have the perfect idea for you. Wait here, I'll be right back."

I teleported to an alley, grabbed a thug, and teleported him back with me to my room before killing him.

"There you are, fresh meat, but... take it from my room. We don't need me going crazy again."

I pushed the corpse to him, and he dragged it out of my room. I waited until he was gone to breathe again, the scent of blood now gone. I laid back down on my bed, Shadow was curled up and asleep. I moved slowly so I wouldn't wake him, and closed my eyes, drifting off to sleep.

I woke to Shadow prodding my face with his paw, his meows of hunger pulling me into the waking world. I groaned, and sat up, looking at him. He was standing beside me, his indigo eyes fixed on my face.

"Okay, I'm up," I said, sitting and stretching. "How about some salmon with your tuna today?"

I materialized said fish into a bowl for him, then got up after he gave me a purr of thanks. After heading out of my room, I made my way sleepily to the "parlor," as Slenderman had called it. I didn't feel his presence there, but then again, I didn't feel anyone's presence there, except for Sally. I greeted her, sitting back on my legs as I was attacked with a hug. She looked at a board game she had been setting up, and sat with it between us.

"Will you play a game with me?"

"Of course, Sally."

I teleported closer to the board game, sitting opposite of her. I let her keep playing with me until everyone gathered, which didn't take long as it was morning anyway. Scooting away, I sat on the three-seater sofa, which Laughing Jack was sitting on as well, calling Sally to sit with him. I looked around at everyone, Jeff was using throwing knives and tossing them into small chips in the wood of the fireplace. I remembered the night when he and an elf-like person had attacked me.

"Hey, Jeff."

"What do you want?"

"Well, I just remembered that you and a black-eyed elf attacked me when I was still in the city. Who was that?"

"An elf? Bitch, you were seeing things, there was no elf with me."

"Okay first off, don't call me that. Second, I don't hallucinate, so tell me or this could get ugly."

Jeff scoffed, and a throwing knife headed straight for my face, but I caught it, and returned it even faster, aiming for his bicep. It hit, and he growled.

"What the hell! I already told you, there was no elf with me!"

"What is this I am hearing about an elf?"

I looked up, Slenderman was walking down a flight of stairs. Quickly explaining the situation, I saw him nod in understanding. He left, just teleporting out. Everything was silent for a moment, until Eyeless Jack spoke up.

"So, Enderbrina. Where are you from?"

"From what I've learned, a video game called Minecraft. Looks blocky from this world, but it looked just like this world when I was there. It was my home, until I was put here. I don't know how I got here, so don't ask."

"Since hearing about you fighting Slender, I've been wondering about just how well you fight, and since Jeff is upset with you, maybe you could show me, Jane, and LJ?"

"You mean… spar with Jeff?"

"Yeah. I mean, when we saw you go crazy, we all kept out of Slenderman's way. We heard you yelling and screaming, but other than that, we don't know what happened."

"Then I'd gladly show you… I've been itching for a decent fight ever since I was out for a week. You could have told me prior, you know, that Slenderman was not unconscious like I was."

I stood up, and motioned for them to follow me. I felt Sally stay behind, but move over to the window where she could still see us. Once outside, Jeff got a cheap shot with a throwing knife, nearly killing me. I growled and pulled the knife out, and eyed Jeff, an idea popping into my head so suddenly I nearly laughed. I smirked at him, and took a bite out of the metal blade still dripping with my blood. As I swallowed the steel, I felt the wound in the back of my neck heal some, and promptly ate the rest of the metal, tossing the handle of the knife back to him.

"Try doing some damage with that."

Pulling my swords from my dematerialized storage, I held them, waiting, ready to spar. I knew Jeff would be fighting for real, but I considered it sparring as I had no intention of killing him.

"Ladies first," he growled, everyone backing up a step, keeping close to the mansion.

"You sure you want that, Jeff?"

"Fight me!"

I ran at him, swinging for his torso, where he was most vulnerable. His knife came down, and I teleporting behind him, promptly digging my sword into his shoulder. I felt his knife cut into my thigh, and hopped back. I saw the glint of metal and my senses began to sharpen from the thrill of battle. As his knife was swinging in, I leaned at it and bit into it, nearly getting my face cut like his in the process.

"Fuck! That was my favorite knife!"

I pointed the tip of my sword at his throat, grinning. I saw him back up, and whip out another knife from his boot, snarling as he ran at me. I let out my battle cry, making everyone hold their head in pain. Jeff crumbled, on his knees, his knife dropped. I picked it up, and held the back of his head by his hair, which was longer than usual. I let the cold metal press against his throat, keeping him still.

"Give up," I asked sweetly.

"Never," he growled.

"It's just a sparring match. Nothing to be ashamed of if you lose… but you might lose more than your pride if you keep up this act."

"You wouldn't dare."

I pressed the knife to his Adam's apple, drawing just a speck of blood. "Try me."

"Okay, okay! Fine. You win."

I kicked his face into the dirt and moved away from him. Tossing his knife beside him, Jeff growled as he got up, then nodded to me before heading off into the mansion. I released a breath I didn't know I had been holding, and chuckled.

"He's good, I'll admit. Plenty of experience in that one."

"Where did you learn all that?"

"Most of my battle experience comes from my time as a goddess. Being here, Darkness taught me new ways of fighting, different moves and techniques, and styles, even."

"Darkness? The Darkness, and you're a goddess?"

That's me, Darkness said.

"I don't see myself as a goddess any longer. With time, as I've said, my abilities are changing. I'm being pulled down to lower stature."

"Is Jeff going to be okay?"

"What do you mean?"

Eyeless Jack and Laughing Jack walked back with me into the mansion, Jane following us. They explained that Jeff's ego as second best Creepypasta of the mansion had been crushed by me.

"Woah-woah-woah, wait. Creepy… pasta? Pasta that's supposed to be creepy?"

"No, we're all Creepypastas. Once you live here, you're a Creepypasta. Well, except for you. You didn't die, wake up to uh… him, and come back after a traumatizing death."

"Now I'm even more confused," I complained, sitting down on the sofa after growing my wings and tail. "So, a Creepypasta is someone who had a traumatizing death, wakes up to him, I don't even know who him is, and comes back immortal-until-killed, with some sort of backstory that explains why they have to take on the world and kill all humans?"

"You got it, sweets," LJ cackled.

"LJ, how do you kill?"

"I kill children. Nail 'em to a wall and watch 'em scream after feeding them poisonous candy, its real fun to watch 'em cry. But, you're one of us, so any candy you get from me is safe. What's your favorite, lollipop?"

"Um… candy? I don't know… I've never had candy before, I've only seen others eat it."

"Try them all, then!"

He held out a rainbow assortment of hard candies, and I nervously took a yellow one that looked like gold in candy form. I knew they were candy, so it was sweet, right? Popping it in my mouth, it was slightly sour, like a lemon. The sourness soon went away and it turned sweet. Most of the other candies were sweet, except for one LJ called "green apple flavored."

"Well? Got a favorite?"

"The orange one."

"I'll remember! See ya later!"

He got up and ran out the door, a wild laugh was all I heard before he was out of the forest and heading toward the city. I felt a small hand on my tail and jumped, seeing Sally rubbing the end of it. I watched her fondly, the blood on her face and head no longer bothering me. I already knew EJ was a cannibal, so I could imagine more than a few ways he killed. Jeff and Jane, however, I had experienced firsthand how they killed, as well as Slenderman.

"Where's Slenderman," I wondered aloud. "He's been gone a while. Still in the city."

"Still? Can you tell what he's doing?"

"Not much… let me focus a bit and I might be able to figure out if he's distracted or something."

I focused all I could on Slenderman's presence, connecting telepathically with him.

Why have you been—

SHUT UP!

I retreated, surprise obvious on my face.

"He's quite angry. What could make him so mad?"

"Weird. Maybe he found another Creepypasta?"

"That's plausible, Jeff said there was no elf with him when he attacked me but I know I wasn't seeing things. Maybe I should go check on him, see if I can help. I owe him one anyway for letting me stay here."

I stood up and teleported near Slenderman's presence. It was nighttime, and I saw water coming from the alleyway he was in. Cautiously, I approached, feeling uncomfortable so close to the water. It licked at the bottom of my shoes, so instead of walking through the small stream I jumped up into the air and hovered above Slenderman. His tentacles were whipping about, holding off none other than the elf. The bloody irises looked up at me, and a jolt of electricity ran through me. I was surprised, but not hurt. I felt the energy coursing through me. Moving a bit closer, I saw water was dripping from the elf.

Who the hell is this guy!?

He said his name was Ben Drowned, it must have been him who sent him to this alley.

He's been here for a couple months, yet hasn't killed anyone?

It was likely he was in another city for the months between now and when you first saw him.

You're much calmer than when I tried reaching out to you. Did distance have something to do with that?

It did. You nearly made me lose my focus by prying your way into a shared thought space between us at such an extensive distance.

Oh. I'll keep that in mind. Want me to hold him in place with telekinesis?

If it wouldn't be any trouble, that would be very convenient.

I focused on the elf Slenderman had named as Ben Drowned, and tried tying his feet to the ground but he moved despite my holds. A ghost!?

Fucking perfect, he's a ghost.

Your telekinesis does not work then, I presume.

If I had my ability of soul manipulation, I'd be able to tame him a little better but my power gets close to that before Darkness takes it away again.

I heard a mental chuckle. Tame him, you say? He is not a wild animal.

He is acting like one.

I saw the bloody irises were now focused on me, the elf no longer fighting. His gaze bore into me much like the faceless one of Slenderman. I waited, slowly hovering lower, until I could sit in the lowest windowsill and folded my wings as I let my tail dangle off the side from behind me. Then, surprising me, the elf actually spoke.

"No way," he said. His voice sounded like it was coming through a computer. "I've seen you before."

"You have?"

"Sorry about the water… got a bit carried away."

I went silent at that, glaring at the elf. "Well listen, elf—"

"Do NOT call me elf. You'll be sorry."

"What are you gonna do, possess me? I've had that happen before. I can resist it."

Slenderman had left, likely back to his mansion where he was explaining what was happening. I glanced at the rising sun, then back at Ben.

"Alright, Ben… obviously, you know me, but what I don't know is how you know me."

"Saw you in the newspapers. You were all over the world at one point until something happened. I don't know exactly what did but I'm betting pale and bald had something to do with it. I recognize you, but from where I can't remember."

"Hmm… perhaps from a game called Minecraft?"

"Yeah! That's where I know you from! You look like those— oh… and you look like…"

His speech halted, and I sighed. "Yes, my name is Enderbrina, but I'm not nearly as powerful as I used to be. I miss my true home…" My voice broke at that last sentence, along with my heart. "Come on, we should be going. You should follow me as best as you can."

I did my best not to cry. I was supposed to be strong, but right now I was anything but that. I left Ben in the living room with everyone else and fled to my room to be alone. My silent sobs filled the room with little squeaks and shaky exhales. I heard a knock on the door, feeling the presence before saying anything. It was Eyeless Jack. Wiping away my mercury tears, I told him to come in.

"Enderbrina, everyone is waiting for you."

"I'm not leaving my room right now, EJ."

"Slenderman told me to come get you, though. I didn't wanna make him mad."

"Fine, tell him I'll be there in a moment…"

He closed the door, and I heard him walk away. I took a few moments to collect myself and make it look like I hadn't been crying, then teleported to my usual spot on the sofa, looking completely relaxed. As I still had my wings and tail, I let Sally look at my tail while I stared back at Slenderman. Feeling a pinch in my tail, I winced and looked at Sally. One of the scales had fallen off my tail.

"Um… it fell out on its own."

"That will happen. A new one will grow in its place. You may keep that if you like."

LJ plucked it from her hands as she marveled at it, a small whine coming from her as he looked at it himself. When he passed it back to her, she looked at the glittering purple scale as Slenderman introduced Ben, whose bloody eyes never left me; I noticed his eyes leaked blood slowly much like Sally's eyes. His eyes were sunken and his skin was a sickly yellowish color. He had an empty sheath at his side, much unlike my own, but I gave him a polite hello when Slenderman mentioned me. Sally asked for more scales, but I told her that my tail would begin dropping them on its own soon enough, and whenever she found them, she could have them. I kept a promise to myself to collect any of my molted scales for her, and remembered her birthday was tomorrow. I smiled, thinking of something that she might like. Another stuffed toy, perhaps? Maybe she would want to fly with me again, but she could do that any day I was feeling up to it.

"I expect everyone except Ben to get a nice gift for Sally's birthday tomorrow, especially you, Night Hunter."

I nodded, retreating into thought.

I wonder what she likes… pink, obviously, and purple. I like purple too, heh… I wonder if she'd like a stuffed unicorn thats pink, white and purple? Hmmm…

I teleported to my room, still thinking, and decided the stuffed unicorn would be good. I began using anything non-precious stored away in my dematerialized space to make it, the atoms re-arranging to become soft, fluffy material and two soft, stitched-in eyes. I had wished to give it a bit of life, but that would taint it if I gave it the wrong bit of my soul. Deciding it was good as it was, I wrote on a tag: "To Sally, for her birthday," slipped it onto the ear with some string, and dematerialized it away, safe and sound for the following morning. Tired from all the stress of the day, I slipped off into slumber. My dream was of Sally playing with her new stuffed unicorn, the others trying to give her dangerous "toys," like knives and dynamite and matches. She ignored them in the dream, and smiled at me, hugging my leg. It brought me joy. I was woken by Ben shaking me, and I woke up quickly, pointing my sword at him before I realized who it was. I shoved my sword away into its sheath and glowered at him.

"What did you get her!? Where is it!?"

"You'll see when its time for presents. I didn't exactly know what to get, so I hope she'll like it. Wait, why are you even here?"

"Slender said we'd be good friends, since we both have a problem with water."

"Okay… well, you go ahead without me. I'll be down in just a few minutes."

Ben promptly left, simply walking through my door, reminding me he was a ghost. I fed Shadow, leaving him plenty of dry food to munch on in case he got hungry while I was gone. I had managed to steal a fancy electric water bowl that kept the water running so it would stay fresh longer. Shadow butted his head to my shin in thanks before I went into my closet, seeing I had nothing nice to wear. Frowning, I began using some of the items I had to materialize some outfits for myself, but nothing special. I finished with three dresses. One that was a forest green with a flared skirt that went down to my ankles, one that was fully purple with sequins on the shoulders that went to my knees, and an all-black dress that went to my ankles as well, but looked as if it was made of scales. Making sure all of them had a place for my wings, as my tail could stay beneath, I picked the purple one. I pulled on some simple black dress pumps with low heels, as I felt I was tall enough already. Finally, I was ready to see everyone, especially Sally. I teleported out of my room and began a brisk pace to see everyone was outside. I made sure to have my wings and tail grown, knowing Sally enjoyed them.

"Ah, there you are, Enderbrina. I was wondering when you'd join us."

I saw Slenderman in his usual tuxedo, but he seemed more easygoing than usual. I gave him a smile, and looked at the party he had set up for Sally. Everything was pink, even the tent over the food, which looked freshly prepared. Sally was playing with LJ, as usual, but EJ was also playing with her, I could see a board game. They were using tweezers of some sort to pull out white pieces of plastic. A buzzer went off, making Sally jump, but she laughed. I stood beside Slenderman, being sure not to get to close.

"You should have asked me for help with the food. I may not be the most skilled chef but I can follow instructions," I said quietly.

"Go have fun," he replied evenly, "you need it after what you've been through."

"Where do I put her present?"

"On the table with all the other presents, of course. You did wrap it, didn't you?"

"Hmm… it will have to wait, I didn't wrap it."

Ben had some sort of device in his hands, and Jeff and Jane were busy eating, so I went over to Sally, LJ, and EJ. I found out the game they were playing was some sort of operating game, and I knew then why EJ was playing. I watched for a while until they finished and noticed me. I gave up a small smile, still a bit nervous around the ones I lived with.

"Hey, sweets!"

"Hi, LJ, EJ. Happy birthday, Sally."

She hugged me, smiling widely. "Hi, Endybrina! Did you get me a gift like Slendyman said!?"

"I did, but you'll have to wait to see it. I didn't think about wrapping it, so I'll give it to you whenever you like during the time you open your presents, okay?"

"Okay!"

She left me with Eyeless Jack and Laughing Jack, who had pushed aside the board game and were talking. I wasn't a very social person, so I took a plate from the table that was filled with a feast fit for twenty, when there was only the eight of us. I suspected Slenderman wanted leftovers, but I helped myself anyway, not taking very much, as I wanted to try every dish that had been cooked. I found a more secluded seat, just three chairs away from Jane and Jeff, who were sitting across from one another. I found a wine glass filled with dark red wine in front of me suddenly, Slenderman standing behind me. Finding his closeness odd, I focused on eating my meal. Instead of being able to do that, I found memories flashing in my mind, and realized what he was doing, but was unable to fight it. Many memories flashed by, leaving me feeling drained afterward. A mental connection between us was established by him, but I was the first to speak.

What the fuck was that for!?

You have an interesting life. I must admit I am intrigued. You'll have to tell me more about yourself sometime.

Once it was time for presents, Sally began opening her gifts. LJ had gotten her a large gummy bear made up of smaller gummy bears. EJ had gotten her the Operation game, but she had opened it before so she would have something to do until she got hungry. Jeff and Jane had gotten her a dollhouse, Slenderman had gotten her dolls to fill the house. When it came time for me to give her the gift I had gotten, I pulled it from my dematerialized storage, its pink and purple and white body making Sally's eyes grow round. I held it out to her, smiling, and she hugged it to herself, jumping with excitement.

"I love unicorns!"

Most young girls do, I thought. "I'm glad you do, I worked hard on making that."

"You made this!?"

"Of course, I wanted to make sure I got a good present for you."

Cake and ice cream went by quickly, and the day was soon over. I could hear Sally squealing with excitement as she played with her toys, her room was just next to mine. It seemed Slenderman was in her room at one point, and her squeals died down, her presence becoming still and calm. I had already changed into some pajamas, but felt Slenderman's presence in my room before long. Without looking up, I spoke.

"What do you need me for, this time?"

"Do you really think I would let you get away with such disrespect for so long?"

"What am I, your servant now?"

"No, however you are a resident of my mansion, this is no longer your little house you made. Show some respect to me. After all, I could just as easily make you leave as I did with welcoming you here."

I was ready to lunge at him, but I froze. A large presence had caught my attention. It felt much stronger than even Slenderman's presence; I looked up at him.

"Do you feel that," I asked.

"What?"

"There's… such a strong presence… I don't recognize it."

I was afraid of the unknown being, and pulled the covers over myself, covering my head. Slenderman left, moving toward the large presence as I cowered beneath the sheets of my bed. Shadow managed to wiggle beneath and cuddled up to me, trying to make me feel better. Slenderman's presence was suddenly moving quickly, through the air!? Something was attacking him, and winning! I teleported outside, still afraid, but I didn't see Slenderman, he was in the forest now.

Something far more terrifying stood before me.