*It's short, get over it. Now then... chapter 12. To inform all of you, I had finished actually writing No Way Back many months before even chapter 7 was released. So you might be asking why I didn't post it all right away. Well, one, I try not to post more than 1 chapter per day for the same story. Two, NWB needed some major revisions. Anyway... enjoy the chapter!*

An ear-splitting screech made me wince, but then look up, wondering where it came from. A wild animal ran from something outside and into the mansion. It looked like its skin had been stretched over its skeleton, which was far too skinny already. Slenderman stalked in, the animal running down the hallway.

"Great, it's the Rake," I heard Eyeless Jack groan.

"What's the Rake?"

"A rogue Creepypasta. He must have angered Slendy, and now he's going to get punishment or something."

I turned around to see the Rake running at me, not looking where he was going. I ducked in time for him to jump over my head and crash into the side of the brick fireplace. I looked over to see it dazed, very close to being knocked out. I kept it held down with telekinesis, and approached it, curious. A white hand moved me aside, but I refused to just stand by and watch. I tackled Slenderman before he could hurt the Rake any more and teleported us to the other side of the room.

"Stop hurting him. What did he do!?"

"He attacked Jeff," Slenderman said, pushing me away.

I went and looked for Jeff, teleporting to his fast-fading presence. I brought him back to the mansion, laying him the cold tile against my better judgement and began healing him, but he had lost too much blood. His soul rose up from his body but I took hold of it, and absorbed it to keep it from going anywhere.

Woah… what the fuck?

Calm down, Jeff. You'll be fine.

Brina! Why am I seeing through your eyes?

Because you're dead.

His thoughts went quiet. I heard a nervous laugh. Don't fuck around Brina, I'm obviously alive.

The Rake almost succeeded in killing you. So while your body is dead, and your soul is within me, you are dead to those around you, who don't know about your soul within me. I know, so I know you are alive. You lost a lot of blood.

I looked over to the Bloody Painter.

"Hey, Helen…"

"Yeah?"

"I need your help, and EJ's help."

"What for?"

"A blood transfusion for Jeff."

"I got this. I know hi— wait. I thought Jeff was dead?"

"I healed him and his body is now in stasis. There isn't enough blood for his heart to pump; he needs some so his body can begin producing more blood."

"Okay…"

I brought Jeff's body to Eyeless Jack's room, laying him on the more comfortable hospital table. Looking at my friend's withered body, I felt awful. He looked paler than usual, if that was even possible. Eyeless Jack had me leave, so I did, Jeff's soul still within me. I could feel his nervousness.

Calm down.

Calm down!? Brina, I know you have another side to you, so I don't need to ask if you're insane, but are you serious!?

Yes, I'm serious, Jeff. I'll do my best to keep you comfortable if EJ can't save your body. If he can't, I'll find a suitable human to replace it. It'll be easy enough to keep you comfortable while you're within me.

What do you mean by comfortable?

I shut him out from my thoughts, trying to find a way to explain. I felt an intrusion, recognizing it as Slenderman. I let the two of them into my mind, letting them hear my thoughts.

Yes, Slenderman?

It seems we have a delicate situation. Jeff, you are merely a soul right now. Your body is in stasis, much the same as when Enderbrina sleeps but does not dream.

That's correct, I interjected.

So while you are a soul within her, she wants to stay away from me, to keep things from getting uncomfortable for you.

Brina! You could have just said that!

Sorry, Jeff, but I wanted you to hear it from Slenderman, since he is… well, you know.

Owner of the mansion. Yeah, got it.

We might as well take advantage of the situation, though, right?

What do you mean? What are you gonna do to me?

Just gonna give you a taste of what it's like to be me, nothing major. Besides the whole… relationship I have with Slenderman.

Huh… okay then.

First up! Flying!

I could feel Jeff's sudden change from interest to excitement. It put an extra spring in my step as I went outside and took to the air. My wings beat heavily at the air, climbing high enough where my wings began to get frost on the edges, using my tail to steer wherever Jeff wanted to go.

What about shapeshifting!?

What do you want to become?

Well, something that can fly, obviously.

Sounds fun… is that the ocean?

Yeah, it is, why?

Just wait…

I turned into a large water dragon, my body turning blue and my wingspan reaching out to twenty meters, scales growing out over me as my body lengthened and my arms turned into legs with paws, said paws with sea foam green talons and webbing between the toes. I dove down into the ocean, Jeff yelling for me to stop before he realized what I had turned into, finally figuring it out as I breathed in the water through my new gills, filling my lungs with oxygen-rich water. I moved to warmer waters where there were underwater heat vents. I looked around the dark waters we were in, seeing incredible creatures, and then saw a giant squid.

How about sushi for lunch, Jeff? You'd be surprised what different forms can do to the taste of things.

I snatched the squid out of its swimming pattern, it instantly began to thrash about, trying to get me to let go. I saw it ink, but I was already sinking my teeth into its brain. It slowly began to thrash less, until it lay eerily still in the water. I ate it with relish, not used to eating seafood, noting Jeff's enjoyment as well.

That was different. Raw squid, straight from the water.

I poked my head above the water, seeing nighttime was closer than I had thought. I pulled my head back under, going and sitting on the sea floor, close to the hot water vent.

Hmm, looks like we had a late lunch instead of one that was on-time, like I thought. Well, what do you want to do now? The possibilities are nearly endless.

What do you mean? You said this was a taste of what it's like to be you.

I did say that, didn't I? Well, let's see then…

I took off out of the water, scaring a small sailing boat, and landed near a hidden alcove, making my way in and turning back to myself after shaking off the water much like a dog or cat would. I went on foot to the city, arriving just as the last rays of sunlight followed the sun below the horizon. Darkness rose up and licked at my heels as I walked, silencing my footsteps as I went throughout the city. Gangs stayed away from me, a grin stretching across my face.

This seems boring. Why are you just walking out in the middle of the road?

You'll see.

Unexpectedly, three large gangs of twenty or more humans each surrounded me. It took them all a moment to surround me, but I let it happen anyway. I heard the front row take their gun's safety off, and point the weapons at me.

"Well, well. How are you all doing tonight?"

"Don't play games, Brina. We know you met King Fate recently and we haven't seen him since."

"You haven't? A shame… but I can assure you I did not kill him," I said, my tone serious. I was aware of Jeff's confusion, and told him I hadn't expected this for a scale of an attack. "I can feel his presence but it is difficult to pinpoint it. I shall lead you to it if you'd like."

A part in the crowd of thugs opened, and I stepped through. They all followed me, their guns ready to fire.

What the hell is this? You're helping them!? Traitor!

No, watch.

I led them into an alleyway where King Fate was tied up and weak. I knew he was silently pleading for me to help him. I took out my bronze sword and knelt next to him, beginning to cut away the bindings he was in.

So why are you actually here? What's so special about this human?

He's the one who gave us money for the groceries before the Rake attacked you.

I take back what I said.

"There, all set," I said, healing King Fate and helped him to his feet. "Are you alright now?"

"Yeah… thanks, Brina."

"Well I kind of need you alive, you know."

The rest of the gang members left, leaving us alone in the alley I leaned on the wall opposite of where he had been tied up.

"You need me alive, do you?"

"Yeah. I uh… might need you."

"For what?"

"I have a friend."

"What do you mean?"

"I have many abilities at my disposal, including one that allows me to manipulate souls. Currently, one of my friends is… without a body, you could say, and may need one if their body cannot be saved."

King Fate's expression turned to horror. "You mean… me?"

"Well, not quite. I was thinking if you knew of a thug that wasn't all that smart, I would use him."

"Does it have to be a guy?"

"Yes, it does."

"I know a few…"

"Wonderful. I'll let you know if I need one."

I left, headed toward the mansion. I felt a few presences following me, not recognizing them, but I could tell they were human. I let them follow, pretending not to notice, even growing my wings and tail, folding them behind me. Instead of taking the route to the mansion, I went down an alleyway, when the ones following me raced around the corner, only to see me watching them.

"Who are you," I asked directly.

"Friends of King Fate."

These guys are annoying. I don't know how you dealt with them when you still helped the city.

Wasn't hard, still isn't. This is the nightlife for city dwellers of my stature.

"So you're his friends. Well, I just met with him."

"Yeah? You his bitch or somethin'?"

"No. I bring him good items, he gives me cash in return."

"What do you mean, good items? You find drugs?"

I sighed. "Humans waste their lives on such awful things. I meant jewelry. Anyway, you three look like you're good at cards. Why don't we make a little bet, hmm?"

"That's something I'll do," one of three said.

"Yeah, sure. What are the terms?"

"If I win, I get to kill the three of you. If you win, you get to keep your life. No matter what, I'll be killing at least two of you."

I materialized a table with four chairs, sitting down in one.

"Do we have a deal, boys?"

They all looked at each other, said their goodbyes, and sat down. I knew they were trembling, and saw one pull out a cigarette for each of them, even offering one to me.

"I don't do that."

Shrugging, he stashed the pack away and lit his cigarette, the other pulling out lighters.

If that one doesn't win, I want his cigarettes, Jeff told me.

Sure thing. Why do you do that, anyway?

I'm immortal… er, sort of.

Alright, whatever. I'll get them for you.

In the end, I did win. They all tensed, bowing their heads.

"Accepting it, huh? Well… at least you aren't crying…"

I pulled my sword out, easily lopping their heads off, seeing the blood fly was satisfying. I looted the three of them for any cigarettes, finding the half-used box on the body of the thug who had offered me one. I found two more full packages, dumbfounded why they even had them. I flew off to the forest just as the sun began to rise, the game had taken longer than necessary. I changed my clothes, not enjoying the smell that lingered on me. I had condensed two of the packages into one, making for an over-stuffed box. I approached Offenderman, who seemed confused by my willing closeness, but soon smiled down at me.

"Well, hello there, sugar tits."

"Shut up. I killed a few humans and they had some of those cigarette things. Don't bother me while these last," I said, giving the stuffed box to him and then heading immediately to Eyeless Jack's room. "I mean it."

I hate him… but he is Slenderman's brother… I just hope he does what I told him to.

What are you gonna do if he doesn't?

I came up with multiple scenarios, each bloodier and more painful for the being than the previous ones. Jeff clearly saw them as I came up with them, but when I stepped into Eyeless Jack's room, he was asleep on the sofa with a beer in his limp hand. I looked over at Jeff's body, ignoring my sleeping, blue-masked friend. I sent Jeff's soul back into his body, seeing how he would react.

Just think, remember.

I feel tired… but great. Can I have those, now?

I will leave them in your room.

I went into Jeff's room, where there lay a bloodied body of a policeman on the floor, and left the cigarettes on his bed, glad to be rid of the things. When I stepped out, I was tackled by a hug from Jane, who was surprised when she opened her eyes.

"Oh… sorry…"

"It's fine. He's in EJ's room if you want to see how he's doing."

"Thanks."

She rushed off to the blue door, opening and closing it quickly. I smiled as I teleported near Slenderman's presence, surprised to find he was out on the balcony. The bright morning sun made his paper-white skin nearly glow. I walked up beside him, letting my tail drag on the ground to announce my being there, keeping my wings folded against my back.

"How is Jeffery?"

"Back in his body."

"Did he give you any trouble?"

"None. I also paid off your brother."

"He doesn't take money to stop pestering the women."

"I didn't give him money, I killed three human thugs and they all had cigarettes on them. So I gave an over-stuffed box to Offender, telling him to leave me alone until they run out."

"That won't work."

"Don't worry, with all my abilities back I can usually stave him off. Telekinesis is my best friend with him around," I said with disgust. "Unfortunately, it doesn't seem like any of them are intent on leaving, except Trender. I don't mind Splendor, of course."

A comfortable silence descended over us. I stared toward the rising sun, watching as its rays lit up the trees, making their leaves seem to turn to gold. Even the grass in the clearing turned to the golden rays to the sun. It was beautiful. I slipped my hand into his, without a care in the world.

"You are beautiful, Enderbrina."

"Thank you, but you've said that before."

"So I have, but it is true."

"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder."

I felt his hand let go of mine, but then I was pulled into his arms before I could protest. I was surprised, and looked at his face. I could tell he was smiling at me with his hidden mouth, but there was another emotion there I hadn't seen before. I smirked and shapeshifted into a snake, and slithered down onto the ground, standing again when I was sure he wouldn't try to pick me up again.

"You are insufferable when you do that."

"What are you going to do about it," I taunted.

"I am not falling for your tricks."

"You're not doing anything because you know I'll just slip out of your arms again."

"Of course you will."

I looked back at the clearing, sitting up on the railing with my feet over the balcony rather than thin air.

"Are you going to go make breakfast for everyone?"

"Not today. I occasionally take days for myself."

"Days for yourself, huh?"

"Yes. I see your smirk. What are you planning?"

I took hold of his tie and pulled his face down to my height, kissing him. I let go of the tie, but he seemed to get the idea. When he stopped abruptly, I became confused.

"I… I cannot."

"What do you mean?"

"Not… not with you."

I became furious. "What the fuck!? What do you mean, not with me? I'm your damn girlfriend! Have you just been leading me along this whole time!?"

"No, I truly do love you, Enderbrina. Do not become so angry."

"Then why are you so against it?"

"You are made of metals, my dear."

"Yeah, so? Humans in Minecraft had fallen in love with my kind before, and they were able to. Is there really that much of a difference between you and humans?"

He went quiet. I stared at him a moment longer before sighing, and nodding. I knew what he meant. We weren't compatible, no matter the situation. Looking back out over the clearing, I wasn't surprised to see everything was still.

"So… what do you do on your days off?"

"If I am being honest, not much. I do, however, like to go and terrorize humans on these days off. I am sure, with your status as a murderer now, you'd be seen as a threat. Would you like to come with me and terrorize them?"

"Yeah, why not?"

I heard movement, and turned my head enough to see his hand was held out to me. I swung my legs around and stepped onto the balcony, and took his hand. Instantly, we were near the edge of the forest. It was daytime, so the light would penetrate the unnatural darkness of the woods. I looked up to see he had moved forward, leaning over slightly as he watched for something. I heard the distant sound of a car engine, and he also must have heard it because he stepped back, and a red sports car rumbled by, screeching tires telling me whoever was driving had seen him. The door opened and I scrambled into a tree, dimming the glow of my eyes to nothing as Slenderman made himself invisible to the world around him. It wasn't easy containing my excitement, but I let my wings and tail grow back, my tail hanging down just within the human's sight. His head turned toward it, and he laughed, walking back out of the forest, saying something about a "kid's prank."

That was interesting… perhaps he might return with his own children…

He looked single.

Are you hungry, my dear? You are… drooling.

I wiped my chin and found my saliva coating a small portion of my hand. Surprised, my face heated up.

I guess I am hungry…

It's never too late for hunting a human. Shall we?

I grinned. Yes, indeed we shall.

I tore into the human, ripping off chunks of the flesh. I looked out the window at the red sports car in the driveway, wondering if killing the newest guy in the city was a good idea. Logically, police would deduce he had been brutally murdered and the body hidden or dragged away by someone from his previous town. I looked up to see Slenderman holding another body, it seemed to be a girl but I wasn't sure. I pulled off a bite-sized piece from the dead body and ate it, watching him eat with his tentacles. It was mesmerizing in an almost disturbing way. He tore the organs from the body, but I couldn't see how he ate them, just that his tentacles brought them to his mouth. He jumped, startled, and I knew why in almost an instant. A wet splat on the floor notified me of the cause, his fancy dress shoes now splattered with blood. In a heap, the dead woman's intestines laid. I heard him curse softly.

"Were they new?"

"Yes."

I materialized a fresh pair and held out the shoes to him after cleaning my hands somewhat. I made sure only to hold them with telekinesis.

"Thank you."

He disappeared into another room, a scream cut short, and then he returned, his dress shoes now clean, although I knew it was the new pair.

"Why do you not clean your clothes?"

"The blood doesn't smell terrible until it dries the next day. You might notice I try to refrain from doing laundry; it's dangerous for me since I can't touch water. Telekinesis helps."

We teleported back and I changed my clothes into pajamas, and sat on the edge of the bed. He came over and sat beside me, faint red spots the only sign he had been eating.

"I am sure there will come a day, my dear, where we will have a child. I do not think Fate would like us having a child so soon."

"Why not?"

"Perhaps because of what our child would be. There are many killers in the world already."

"I guess you're right…"

"I understand your sadness, I feel the same way you do."

"Okay… let's sleep, it's late."

He was gone from my side in an instant, then his tentacles wrapped around me and pulled me to lay down, facing him. His longer, lankier frame always made me feel small, but I didn't mind. His hand rubbed my back soothingly, and sleep whisked me off to its ethereal realm.

"Breakfast will be ready within the hour," Slenderman said. "I will see all of you at the dining table."

We teleported to the kitchen, alone once more. I helped him cook, not really paying much attention, only making sure the food didn't burn.

Are you sure you'll be alright?

I'm sure. I just wish it could be different.

Perhaps there will come a day when it is possible.

The day went on as normal, and everyone seemed relaxed as the days went by, then weeks. It was summer before I knew it. I watched a squirrel from the tree I was sitting in, its little nose twitching. It couldn't smell me, as I was made of metal. It decided to race up the tree I was sitting in, and I managed to catch its tail. I was never one for torturing wildlife, but this squirrel seemed to not understand it wasn't in any danger. It hurt its teeth trying to bite me, and its claws dulled from trying to scratch me. When it found itself completely defenseless, it submitted to me. I placed the furry creature in my lap and began gently stroking its head. I saw Shadow lurking about in the shadows, and called to him.

Hey, Shadow. Good to see you.

Enderbrina! Wow, it's been a while. Sorry I haven't visited. Whatcha got?

It's a squirrel, but I'm not letting you have it.

Oh. I don't eat those anyway. Rabbits are better.

Good. Now let's see… have you seen a dog-like thing around?

Yeah. We met, he's kinda cool. We're friends, so far.

Good, good… just be wary of the Rake, he's the one you met. He attacked Jeff.

I understand. I'll see you around.

Shadow padded off, the squirrel in my lap still trembling. I picked it up slowly, careful not to crush it, and placed it against the tree bark. I put my hand below it in case it fell, but its tiny paws clung to the bark easily. It stayed there, stunned, as I moved to be comfortable against the trunk of the tree, leaning my head back. I felt tiny paws on my leg, and slowly opened my eyes to see the squirrel had returned. I smiled, and materialized a piece of a carrot, holding it out to the creature. It took the orange root vegetable, and began gnawing on it.

"Don't go telling your friends, now…"

It looked up at the sound of my voice. A questioning chirrup was what I received.

"Don't tell your friends about me, okay? I'll keep feeding you, but only if your friends don't know about this."

It finished the carrot piece, and slowly made its way toward my torso. It nuzzled its head against my stomach, finding my hoodie pocket. It slipped in, hunkering down and sleeping. Wildlife could be so endearing sometimes.

*So... onward to chapter 13. Follow, Favorite, Review, and I'll see you there.*