Chapter 7

Disclaimer: read the beginning

Every day grew into normal routine. Wake up, breakfast, medicine, shower and clean clothes, wait around till dinner time, more medicine, then bed. Lily and Casey didn't bother counting anymore. It has been six days. How did they know? Because Lily's period has stopped.

Dennis hasn't returned from that night. Lily worried that she really scared him, only leaving Harold as his place for company. Maybe he confided in Miss Patricia, and she forbid him to see her as well. Lily thought she had him, that she could contribute something to help her and her friends escape. She was wrong. From what she could accomplish as Lilith the night monster has been pushed back to Lily the cowardly bud.

Lily's plan may had shattered to pieces, but Casey's still held potential.

Hedwig proved to be mischievous, more so than Patricia and Dennis combined. He stole the light, disobeying his leaders again, visiting their prisoners. He brought his entertainment: coloring books, action figures, comic books, and another mouse named Remy. Didn't that sound familiar?

It turned out Harold was one of Hedwig's friends, he locked up in a cage. Both the mice and the girls were his prisoners. Lily made sure Harold was cared for, and Casey didn't mind helping out a little, since its a new sweet face she hasn't seen in years. They bathed him, brushed his fur, shared their sandwiches with him, and attempted to teach him new tricks. Harold managed to learn who to roll his fat belly over. He was cute enough for Lily to tickle his tiny paws.

While Harold and Remy reunited, the girls and Hedwig were drawing pictures. It would've been hilarious if the thirty-eight-year-old man could only draw stick figures, but this was indeed art of a child - mentally challenged or not.

"Whatcha drawing?" He cooed at the girls. He bit his lower lip, gleefully looking both their ways. Lily showed hers first. It wasn't a surprise that it was a horse drawing, only it was more Littlest Pet Shop than an actually Spirit masterpiece. She used a sharpie for the outline, then colored it in by brown, peach, blue and green. Blue for the skies, and green for the grass. She planned to add her favorite flower as a background.

"Aww!" Hedwig cooed. "It's Bambi. How cute!"

Lily snorted, trying to suppress the laugh unsuccessfully, "Actually its a horse."

Now it was Hedwig's turn to make a funny noise without a polite idea in mind. "Seriously? It is Bambi! Look!" He pointed at the body shape, the color, the tiny ears attached to its head, and the fluffy tail. He concluded his explanation with an etcetera.

"Yeah, but deer doesn't have hair, only horns." Lily pointed out, carefully tracing the blonde mane.

Hedwig rolled your eyes, "I think you need your glasses back, four eyed... or should I say, one eye!" Hedwig covered his left eye with one hand. "Argh!" He lifted his free one, curling its finger to imitate a hook. Lily could hardly see one eye, but at least her good eye helped her draw.

"Very funny," Lily grumbled, continued to color in the lines without paying any mind. She allowed Casey to do most of the charm. She didn't mind Dennis. She can tolerate Patricia, because transvestite was a thing. Lily would never admit it, but the man looked good in a shawl and skirt. However, talking to Hedwig still crept her out. He acted like a child, but he looked like a grown man. It was weird, even after days in this captivity.

"The animals here are cuter than your drawing," Hedwig spat bluntly.

Lily blinked. Did he say there were animals here? She remembered the kitchen, the halls, the office. The only furry creatures she met were the mice. She didn't hear any noises that indicate a dog or cat was here. But she also remembered Hedwig spilling out some nosy bodies lurking around. Could it be possible that they were kept in the man's workplace? A place where animals took place. A pet store, maybe?

"Where exactly are we, Hedwig?" Lily asked curiously.

Hedwig's eyes widened, closing the mouth shut. He realized that he talked too much. He decided to change the subject. He not subtly moved towards Casey to peek at Casey's drawing, but she lowered her paper, allowing him to look anyway. His eyes widened, completely taken back. He basically threw himself on his butt, feet away from Casey.

"You don't like it?" Casey asked, forcing a hint of emotion. No doubt she was trying to reel him in some more by drawing a picture of him.

Hedwig couldn't reply for his mouth dropped. His eyes watered almost in the brink of tears - was he flattered? Touched by this kind gesture? Or hurt?

He quickly crossed his legs, stubbornly wiping the tears, trying to gain some composure. "You... You missed my dimple." He cleared his throat.

"Sorry, Hedwig," She returned back to her paper to add the missing dimple on the chin. "if you weren't moving so much-"

"Can you blame me? How was I suppose to know you'll draw me! I don't even look like that!" He lightly argued.

Lily may lost her eye, but she knew that Casey's drawing was completely accurate. An exact match of Hedwig from what they're seeing. Does the man's personalities have different faces as well, even though they share one body.

"Okay... What do you look like?" Casey ripped the paper from the book to start fresh.

Hedwig blinked, turning to the side for one minute, before bringing his knees against his chest. "I have hair. Brown... curly."

"Uh-huh." Casey began the remake. "How long is your hair? Shoulder? Short? Do you have bangs?"

Hedwig was completely taken back with the details she was asking. He answered them straight to the point with little hesitation. While she was drawing him and asking questions, he started posing positions for Casey like a model, but Casey didn't pay mind, only to imagine the details. Lily lifted her head up to sneak a peek. The details were fuzzy, but knew that Casey began to color. Hedwig tried to take a peek, only for Casey to block his view by pushing the drawing against her chest, a silent warning to be patient. He merely crossed his legs and huffed, not liking the waiting game one bit.

"And I have freckles," Hedwig added, crawling towards Casey. "And my dimple."

"Really?"

He put all his head weight on the girl's shoulder. He waited for Casey to hide the drawing from him, again. If it was Lily he laid on, she would've slyly distanced herself. However, Casey did no such thing, only finished up the touches. This time, she allowed Hedwig to look. Lily scooted closer to them to see the finished piece.

This girl in the corner was a freak. A freak with an art prodigy.

Hedwig in her drawing looked like an actual nine-year-old that she didn't mind playing with much. He has a round face and ears, blue eyes, and wore the same yellow-black sports jacket. Nothing new. However, there was hair, wavy brown that covered his forehead; a cute button nose; freckles that coated underneath his eyes that gleamed with mischief, but the thin eyebrows and mouth showed that trait. One brow arched, while the other relaxed. The smile curled upward slightly, revealing the dimple on his chin.

Hedwig didn't react to the drawing, only stared. Casey waited for his response, polishing the final touches. Hedwig opened his mouth to say something, but not what the girls expected.

"Miss-Miss Patricia said that I have a cute dimple that girls would fall for." Hedwig side glanced at the wall, spacing out. Lily furrowed her brows at him, attempting to figure out his thoughts. "except... except they don't. They... they make fun of me."

"Why?" Casey asked, sounding interest but her eyes focused on the drawing.

Hedwig sniffled his nose, wiping the snot with his sports jacket. "Because I talk funny, they said. They said that I'm stupid, weird, a..."

He cleared his throat. His voice was growing hoarse from the waterworks that threatened to burst. Listening him pour his soul sent another dagger to Lily's chest.

"A waste of space, etcetera." A few drops escaped his eyes, which was wiped away instantly. "But it's not my fault. I'm nine!" His lips quivered at his own declaration. "I have been nine for twenty-nine years. Or was it more? Maybe less..." His brows furrowed, frustrated by his third grade math. "I can't remember. I can't grow. The others... the one in line for the light - my power... they don't like me either. That's... That's why they said I can stay with them - Miss Patricia and Mr. Dennis."

Lily wished she could tune out the sob stories, unhear what the uncle has been doing to the little girl in the corner. If she had done that, she would exactly be the rude girl Casey described. The new Lily will be considerate with people and their feelings. She almost considered convincing Casey not to use the boy as their escape goat. Twisting a boy's feelings was a rotten thing to do, even though its their one time chance of survival. The boy was confessing his bottled up feelings to his priests.

Casey put down her drawing, a moment to take in the confession. Her arm wrapped around his shoulders for a comforting embrace. He jolted a moment in shock from the single touch, but slowly melted as Lily joined in, wrapping her arms around his torso and Casey's ribs. Her head rested against his scapula. Wouldn't Dennis be jealous right now. Wouldn't he kill to have not one but two girls hugging him willingly?

"I'm really sorry, Hedwig," Casey whispered.

"Yeah," Lily agreed. "If they can't see how a great guy you are than they are missing out." She proved her point by pecking a kiss on boy's hidden dimple. The kisses were easy to do, but the aftermath churned her stomach in knots. Benny. Wouldn't he be upset of what she was doing willingly.

Hedwig snuggled his head into the crook of Casey's neck. No doubt trying to hide the bashful smile and blush across his cheeks. This showed that Lily still holds potential of being a seductress.

He slipped from under Casey's, waddling back onto his original spot by the mice's cage. He tapped the bars, the smile implanted large across his face. The mice paid no mind to the boy, only to share a bottle of sink water.

"You guys are cool," Hedwig nodded. "So good, etcetera. Mr. Dennis is right... you are sweet."

Who was he talking about? Lily or Casey?

"Way-way nicer than the others."

Others? Like Marica and Claire? The personalities? Or were there more victims before the current girls? Did it matter asking?

"You spoke to my friends?" Lily asked.

Hedwig nodded, "Uh-huh. They're squirmy. Thank you."

Casey tilted her head confused, while Lily was taken back by random change of subject. Casey's task of controlling the boy was difficult if she can't keep up with him.

"For what?"

"For being my friend!"

Another sharp knife stabbed into Lily's chest. She wondered how Casey was feeling about tricking Hedwig. The boy was tricky, creepy, crazy, but adorable and sweet. She didn't want to see him in tears again, only his smile. His cheesy signature smirk.

"No one ever has the time to play with me... well, you guys do, because... you know. But no one ever played with me because they wanted to."

Casey nodded, "I like having fun with you... Maybe... we can do more stuff... until we're ready for the Beast that is."

The smile returned on Hedwig's face. His eyes gleamed with excitement, agreeing the girl in the corner a hundred percent.

"Yeah! We can play hide and seek, rock-paper-scissors -"

"See the cute animals you mentioned," Lily added hopefully.

"Ooh!" He perked with another idea in mind, ignoring Lily completely - her words and disappointed huff. "We can dance to Kayne West! He is my main man! We can jam and dance! We can be like..." Hedwig's eyes closed, pumping his fists and bobbing his head in rhythm. He hummed the tune that Lily couldn't recognize. Mainly because she wasn't a fan of Kayne West.

Casey, however, encouraged him with a smile and clasped hands, "Wow. You are good."

"Yeah, I am." Hedwig agreed, but the smile fell in deep thought. Was he thinking? Was another personality kicking in? Will Miss Patricia or Dennis catch the girl with the art work then place Hedwig for timeout. A part of Lily wished she can meet Dennis again, so she can put the plan back in motion.

"Hedwig?" Casey asked.

Much to the girl's relief, Hedwig was still in the light. He merely sighed, his mood changed 180.

"What is it?" she pressed.

"Yeah... I don't think we can jam here."

"Why not?" Lily asked.

"Yeah, Kayne West is in my CD player, and my CD player is in my room next to my window." Hedwig sadly pointed at the steel door, indicating his room.

The girls perked at the last word, he said. Window. Hedwig has a window. They could have a second chance to step outside and escape as long as Casey played her cards right. This was it. Hope resumed its growth.

"Oh really? That's a shame." Casey lowered her voice, sounding distraught.

"Yeah," Hedwig agreed. "There was something cool in my room, I wanted to show you, too. This sucks! Etcetera!"

Lily watched the transaction between the pair. She tried her best not to gasp or scream her own input - 'Sneak us to your room, dumbass! Casey, tell him to take us to his room!'

"Do you think..." Casey perked as if she had a bright idea that really didn't take long to figure out. "...that Dennis and Miss Patricia might allow us to go in your room and listen to the music with you?"

Hedwig shook his head, "No. No. Mister Dennis is already mad at me enough for coming here, I-I'm not even supposed to be here. I-I..." His eyes scanned around, completely frantic. It's as if he realized where he was, sacred territory. His face was almost identical to Lily from the one time she scattered the piles of hay from their barn to see Christmas presents. Her acting at that time required perfection for the high pitched voice and constant clapping exposed the truth to her parents. The enthusiasm was there, but the surprise wasn't.

"I have to go!" Hedwig leaped up to his feet to leave, only to be dragged back down by Casey.

"No wait! Please!" both girls begged.

"Ow!" He tumbled down, his knee bumped against the floor and while his elbow joint popped from the sudden grip. He couldn't help but struggle and hold the source of pain. From the same body who could lift four girls without problem, this personality couldn't handle a girl's strength.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I just - We..." Casey corrected herself, remembering that Lily was still present. "You have to understand... We don't like this room anymore. We want a different scenery. We have been here for six days! Do you know what it's like waking up in the morning, not to see the same wall everyday! We want to go to your room, please, Hedwig! Please! Let us hear some music. Let's dance!" She pushed and pulled his arms back and forth in swaying motion, trying to pull Hedwig back to his perky mood.

Hedwig continued looking around the room, avoiding Casey's pleading eyes. She was acting more vulnerable than Lily has witnessed so far. The boy was debating whether to break more rules for his new friends, betraying his current allies.

"I-I can't - I - I'm not supposed to-"

"You weren't supposed to come either!" Casey pointed out. "Look where you are. You wouldn't have come if you didn't want to, right? You are in charge of us, right?"

"Ugh!"

"Right?!" Casey pleaded.

"Stop yelling at me!" Hedwig finally freed his arms from Casey, massaging his scalp. His eyes squeezed shut as if he was suffering a massive migraine. Almost identical to Lily when she suffered the same thing.

"You said there were animals here," Lily added. "Can we see them? Is that the cool thing we were talking about?"

"NO!"

Lily jumped back, blinking back the tears from the sudden yell. She can handle the beating, but the yelling was entirely different. She was surprised that she acted defenseless by a boy nine years younger than her.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry," Lily whispered. "Please don't get upset."

"I'm not," Hedwig stubbornly wiped his tears. "I - I can't show you the animals."

It's official. The girls were disappointed. First, Lily lost Dennis. Now, Casey lost Hedwig.

"But..." Hedwig continued with hesitation. "I can show you my room."

There it was. Those powerful, small words brought light back in the girls. They couldn't help but smile that effected the boy's mood as well. He was excited as much as them, but for a different reason.

"But not today."

The girls weren't entirely disappointed, far from it. They knew that Hedwig will do whatever it takes to show his new friends his room to play games, draw, listen to Kayne West. It's going to happen before the Beast makes his appearance. They couldn't be any happier. They'll go to the room, sneak through the window, glance at the animals kept here, and get help. This was perfect.

"I can hear Miss Patricia calling. She wants the light. They are already suspicious of me having the light for so long. They'll be angry if they found out I'm in here, etcetera." He picked up the action figures and Remy from his cage, breaking apart the mice friendship. "When they come here, can you hide the stuff I brought?"

The girls nodded. The last thing they wanted was to get their 'friend' in trouble.

"Good." His eyes glanced at the renewed portrait of himself. The masterpiece. He kneeled by the picture, silently pleading to Casey if he can have it. The girl nodded, and the boy ripped the page from the pad. "I'll see ya again soon."

He merely exited the room, slamming the door behind him.

The girls took a moment to breathe and wait for the second door to shut. When they did, Lily couldn't help but smile and cheer, losing herself into hugging Casey. The girl was bewildered by the contact. Nobody has touched her so kindly in a long time. More so than Hedwig's kiss. It made her jolt and jumped back like a frightened deer.

"We're going home. We're going home!" Lily didn't pay mind to the rejection. She paced back and forth with a widened smile, while Casey picked up the evidence on the floor. The comic books, the drawings. She took a moment to look at Hedwig's drawing of a hill with stick figures across. Luckily, he labeled each with names.

There was Hedwig, in the middle, receiving a kiss from Marcia who held hands with smiling Claire. Hedwig held hands with Casey, who linked hands with Lily, who linked with Mr. Dennis, Miss Patricia. Poor Lily had to hold hands with danger - the perv and the paint bucket killer. Two more circles drawn both sides of Hedwig's legs - Harold and Remy. There was one more stick figure in the far left. He was more dressy than the rest - a hat, a scarf, and pants; while the rest of the figures only had straight body lines for the boys, and triangle bodies to represent girls wearing dresses. His name was Barry. The personality who was in charge. Why was he far away from the family portrait?

She slid the paper onto her cot to reveal another picture. What started off as a sweet sentiment of friendly sticks holding hands turned gruesome. The horrifying image of what they were going to meet.

The Beast.

Freakishly tall with claws, fangs, mane for hair, and red eyes. A path of blotched red paint in the background, indicating the blood of his victims.

Lily's thankful prayers stopped to see the picture from behind. It brought back the terror in her. The stories that the personalities told her. She must feel 'honored' to be chosen as the Beast's appetizer's. This picture reminded her the reasons for their deception. Sympathetic to Hedwig's sob story or not, it still didn't change the Beast's arrival. Miss Patricia will make sure of it whether Hedwig made new friends or Dennis has a girl who slowly grew 'fond' of him. They must go through with the deception. They needed to go before they become a four course meal. Hopefully, it will all be over soon.

~000~000~000~

(Song: Breakeven - The Script - Max Schneider cover)

The torches lit the throne room. She waltzed throughout the corridor to find one large table filled with food enough to serve a dozen people, but there was only two chairs on both ends. Same as two massive thrones following the crimson rug. One for its king, and the other for its crowned queen.

Her hand hovered the second throne to feel the marble texture, its power radiating across her fingertips. She was the Underworld's queen. She was almost as powerful as its king. Why her? Why did he chose her? What's so special about her?

She leaned her head back and sighed as two massive hands chilled her arms. They glided up and down, repeating its motion till they made it up the shoulders. His thumbs gently kneaded her blades in small circles.

"My lady," he breathed deeply against the back of her neck. Chill bumps formed her arms while the tiny hairs erected. "How can I make you happy?"

That's the first selfless thing he has said for her thus far. He gave her a beautiful dress, half his kingdom, yet she wanted neither. He knew what she wanted, but he wasn't going to give it to her.

Freedom.

"Let me go," she spat her hopeless command.

"Scratch that," he snapped more harshly than intended. "How can I make you happy 'here'?"

She paused as if she considered the question carefully, only she wasn't. She was too exhausted to fight, think, or even cry hopelessly.

"Don't you understand, my lady? You are my queen now. You have the power to do as you wish."

"I don't want your power."

"Yes, you do," he accused her.

She blinked.

"You also can't deny your attraction for me. I have seen the way you look at me."

She could feel her cheeks heating up, even though the Underworld and the king's touch was freezing. Was she that transparent? She opened her mouth to deny the accusation, but he merely silenced her by turning her form around to kiss her. She didn't wish to respond to the hungry kiss, but she couldn't fight him. Not in the Underworld.

They broke apart, giving her a chance to breathe and see his face. His shaved hair, the pinched brows, his thin white mouth unnaturally straight. Witnessing the pair curl up would be the first thing on her list. This place was gloomy enough, and the frown has downgraded her mood to depression.

"You were always protected. Eyes watched you at every turn. You were weak up there. You want power, but too afraid to yield it. I can help you, if you just allow me." He reached his hand out again, this time she grasped it without hesitation. Her list of wishes was human contact, her jailor can give her that in the Underworld.

He led her halfway across the aisle rug, before pulling her up against him with one hand on her waist while keeping their interlaced hands tight.

"Dance with me."

A soft melody bounced the stone walls, and the rulers swayed to the waltz. He led, while she followed. Her bangles jingled. Her dress swished, following every spinning direction. She was lucky that her heels didn't catch the dress for it was long.

Eventually, the two found a rhythm. He stepped forward, she stepped back. He stepped back, she stepped forward. He spun her around, and dipped. She allowed the curls to fall from her shoulders. She found herself imagining a change of scenery. The screams of lost souls were birds chirping. The stone walls opened to reveal the blue sky and sunshine. The air, the light - it felt so real. It was heaven than hell. The rays blinded her hazel eyes, but warmed her king's cold skin. It made it easier to touch him. He flinched when her free hand finally met his curved, stubble jaw. His chapped lips twitched, fighting the urge to lick them. His piercing eyes shined with hunger. He placed a tender kiss against her thumb as it caressed his cheek.

For a moment, this was normal. Two opposites - light and dark - hopelessly in love. This was a dream, they knew that. They knew their relationship was star-crossed. They could never work. Lily loved Benny, but that doesn't mean that the king wouldn't try to sway her otherwise. He has her here now, that's all it mattered. He released her waist, holding up a pendent. Not the horse pendent that Benny gave her, but a silver charmed filled with ruby gems.

The seeds.

~000~000~000~

Lily opened her eyes from another dream. Why was she dreaming about him? Does this have a meaning? This wasn't Stockholm Syndrome or love. She loves Benny, not Dennis. No, this was more than just affection. This was a retelling story of Persephone and Hades. The comparison in between was mind blowing. Dennis abducted Lily, dragged her to his Underworld, and forced her to present lustful affection.

Lily was Persephone, the trembling maiden, destined to power over Underworld's king - Hades - Dennis. She'll steal his heart, and twist it as her own. This dream gave Lily a boost. She will not give up her plan to syndrome Dennis. There was hope that Hedwig will lead the girls to the opened window, but there was that what if. What if he gets caught sneaking them? What if he doesn't take them to the room, only the Beast's corridor? In case the plan with Hedwig doesn't work, there was still Dennis.

She knew that he felt something with her other than disgust. The green tea taste on her lips was proof enough.

Her heart skipped to hear movement in the bathroom. The door was closed, and the lights illuminated inside. She slipped from the cot, allowing curiosity get the better of her. Before she could reach the door, the knob clicked and turned. She froze and stared as the door opened revealing the man in navy.

Her heart skipped a beat as she met his contorted face. He came back. He actually came back. She had the dreams for a reason. She knew what she must continue doing.

"Hi, Dennis," she whispered, scratching off an inch from her left bicep.

Dennis stopped his tracks, glaring up at his awakened prisoner with an empty grocery bag. He seemed taken back by her presence. His clenched fist and straight mouth twitched. He tried to suppressed the surprise or fear that he got caught. Though confused to see his prisoner smiling gratefully at him. Why?

"Why are you up?" He hissed.

Lily blinked, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, "You... You woke me up." She peered through the door, wondering what he was doing in there. Maybe cleaning up due to his OCD.

"I dropped off supplies for you and your friend," Dennis answered her silent question, gesturing the empty bag. "Miss Patricia pointed out that hairy pits and foul breaths in women are not attractive. I can't say I disagree."

They provided them razors and toothpaste? What have they done to deserve that? Will Claire and Marcia receive the same treatment? Sadly. They were locked up in a closet, no access to water and toiletries, unless the captors show mercy and lead them to a different bath.

"Was..." Lily cleared her throat, "Was that supposed to be a joke?"

Dennis narrowed his eyes and folded his arms across his chest, acting like a scolding father, "It was never my intent to joke, young lady. I thought you would be the one to agree."

He wasn't wrong. She shyly pressed her arms against her sides, hiding the unshaved pits.

Lily pressed her lips together, nodding her head, "Of course. Sorry." Why was she nervous all the sudden? "I... I'm glad that you came by - a-at least one of you anyway. I.. I was wondering if you were the one who gave me Harold." She gestured the mouse snoozing in his cage by her cot.

Dennis cleared his throat, "You wanted a fresh face. I gave him to you. Hedwig didn't seem to mind sharing for he has two pets. Are you ungrateful?"

"No," Lily shook her head. "Far - Far from it. Harold and I had a lot of fun." She took a deep breath as she approached him. The bulge of his Adam's apple gulped at her forwardness. "In fact... I want to thank you - you know - for your kindness."

Dennis didn't utter a word, but his wrinkled brows softened as he stared. Was he growing transparent around her? Was he feeling sympathetic? The questions in her head died, realizing the reason for his stare. The strap to her camisole slipped from her shoulder, showing off more skin. Oh no. She wanted to seduce him, but this wasn't her intention. Not when Casey was sleeping nearby. She apologized meekly, pulling the strap back in place. She may have fixed her clothing, but the damage has been done. She noticed his fidgeting legs, deep breathing, and clenching fist.

"Your boyfriend would've done the same for your obedience."

Lily blinked, seeing his stare lowered. Was her breast exposed, too? No. He wasn't staring from what's under the clothing, but around her neck. Her pendent. Hedwig must've told Dennis that she had a boyfriend. This wasn't good. Time for damage control.

"No..." She disagreed. "No, he wouldn't. He would never give me eye drops or a pair of sight, when he broke my pair. Just a simple apology and allowing my parents to pay the eye doctor bill."

She watched his face carefully to find any sign of emotion - relieved, angry, sympathetic. Neither. He remained stone cold, but his eyes lowered further down. She followed him to see her hand holding his clothed wrist. When did she do that? How long was she holding it? It wasn't her intent to do that, it was merely out of instinct - compassion.

He scoffed, "You have reckless friends who take advantage of you." He glanced at sleeping Casey, "I should've had separated you two after what she did."

Lily blinked, widened her eye slightly at his bold accusation. How did he know that? Did Hedwig spill the beans? Was she transparent? What good would her plan be if he saw through her nice act?

"I can see your wounds, Lilith. No way you could've earned your injuries like that by falling against a wall."

"It can happen."

"Yes, if you're big a klutz, and performed the horrid act repeatedly and intentionally."

Lily lowered her head, not entirely sure what to say. She can't deny the accusation for he was right. She can't also see her face to prove her point. How bad did she look?

"Because of her, we have to put the ceremony on hold."

Lily's heart almost skipped at the declaration. They won't get eaten because of Casey's temper? Couldn't this day get any better. She tried not to let the evidence of her excitement show. She bit her lower lip, wincing at its sting.

"How long until-" Lily began to ask.

"I think I should separate you two after the incident," He interrupted.

Lily shook her head, her eyes burning with upcoming tears. No, she can't be alone with a rat. She needed someone with a voice, despite its 'friendly' company.

"Please do- mph!" A rag clothed her mouth, silencing her panicked yelps and protest. She and Dennis looked over at Casey, who fidgeted slightly and sleep but remained steady. Lily's heart raced as Dennis dragged her towards the door. She kicked and struggled against his grip, but no dice. What was he doing? Was Lily really going outside her prison? He pulled out the keys to the door, while holding her mouth shut. Even when he's only holding her ten pound head, she still couldn't escape. He was strong. This was it. They were going out. But what about Casey? What about Harold?

The door opened, and Dennis dragged her inside the dark office.

Lily muffled her questions, quickly earning a shush from Dennis. He led her to a rolling chair by the computer. She looked down at the floor, across the office walls, then the captor in front of her.

"Wait here," he instructed. "Be good, and I'll let you sleep back inside with your friend."

Lily tensed up and grasped the arms of the chair. What was Dennis going to do to her? Did she make the right choice of talking to him? Her dreams and the green tea said otherwise. That didn't mean she feared of what's about to come, even though she wasn't a virgin. He's taller and older than Benny. No doubt this was going to hurt. She could attempt to run to the second door, but the thought was stupid alone. Her captors were smart, locking both doors kept their prey from escaping.

"Nod your head yes or no," he commanded.

With no other choice, desperate to keep her companions, she nodded. He snatched the cloth from her mouth, folding it in halves before putting it in his pocket. When he felt that she wasn't going to make a run for it, he turned his back on her facing the shelves, searching for something.

Meanwhile, she spun the chair looking at the black screen before her. She glanced at Dennis in the corner of her eye to make sure he was distracted. Once the coast was clear, he moved the mouse around and the screen blinked a blue background. Her eyes scanned to the bottom right corner for wi-fi connection. There was no symbol that indicated a connection. They were in a basement after all, much to her dismay.

Then her attention was on twenty-three video logs with different names.

Polly, Ansel, Samuel, Mr. Pritchard.

She recognized some of them - Dennis, Hedwig, Patricia, and - the original leader of the Light before Hedwig - Barry.

Mary Reynolds, Felida, B.T., Kat.

It dawned her.

Luke, Bernice, Rakel, Jalin.

All those different names.

Orwell, Jade, Norma, Kevin.

Including her captors.

Heinrich, Ian, and Goddard.

This man has twenty-three identities.

Twenty-Three. All those personalities in one body. Was that even possible? How was it possible? What happened to the man that spun his illness way out of control? Why didn't he get help sooner before more developed? Who was the original?

She couldn't help but start clicking to the first folder - Barry. If Hedwig said that he was in charge, then he must be the original personality, right?

A video journal popped up on screen. Same face she has been seeing for six days, only he wasn't. Barry was wrinkled or serious like Dennis. He didn't have a lisp like Hedwig. He was wearing a shawl of sorts. This can't be another lady.

"I'm wearing cargo pants from the 90's, and a scarf."

So it wasn't a shawl. This man was really a dude. He seemed normal so far. He must be the original. Why else would his name be in the first folder?

"If it wasn't for the Varvatos T-shirt underneath, it would've been a mess."

Varvatos? Who was that? It's clear that Barry was fashion designer. But was he more than that? Was he involved in aiding her and her friends' kidnapping?

"What are you doing?"

She jumped at the sudden accent that belonged to her captor from behind. He didn't seem to appreciate her curiosity at all.

"I am worried sick." Barry continued his vlog. "I have a bad feeling that I'm losing time." He took cleansing, keeping himself calm and collected. It seemed he has done yoga to learn those breathing techniques.

"Lilith, take your hands off the mouse, please," Dennis demanded.

Not wanting to make Dennis mad, she released the mouse and slid the chair a few inches from the desk. Lily didn't need to look at Dennis not coming to this spot immediately. He was still moving selves, making sure everything was order, not a gap in place. It gave her time to know who was Barry.

"I have a bad feeling that someone is stealing the light from me when I'm not aware."

The banging shelves ceased, replaced by footsteps. Dennis was coming to turn the screen off. The second he touched the mouse, he tightened his grip and winced as if he was in pain. Lily looked up at him in fear, witnessing him run a hand through his shaved head, creasing his brows, clenching his fist and jaw tightly as if he was really in pain.

"Dennis, are you okay?" Lily couldn't help but ask. He having a heart attack would be pure luck, but she couldn't help but show compassion. Just incase. She just has to wait.

Dennis didn't pay attention to her. He pressed his hands against his forehead, massaging his scalp, grunting in agony.

"The Horde," Barry declared. "They keep obsessing about the ones who having suffered. I honestly don't know where they're going with this, but it scares me."

"Dennis!" Lily pressed, reaching out for his wrist in a comfort manner.

He gasped, slamming both hands against the desk. Her instinct was to move back to the chair and wait with anticipation.

Everything was put on pause. Barry's voice was oblivious to both of them. Lily sat and watched Dennis slowly relax against the desk, panting for breath. He was no longer in pain, and Lily couldn't help but feel slightly relieved. A captive relieved to know her captor was still alive? What's wrong with her?

"Dennis?" Lily asked. "Are you okay?"

He finally pulled his hands away from the desk, straightening his poster. He blinked his eyes a couple times, before removing his glasses and setting them on the desk.

Lily furrowed her brows, no longer seeing the crinkled brows or straight façade. He wasn't Dennis. He looked at her with remorse, worry, and sadness. Who was he?

"Dennis?" She couldn't help but say his name out loud.

"No. No." He shook his head, holding his hand up to silence her. "Oh baby girl, please don't say his name."

He reached out to caress her cheek. She flinched back from his touch, completely weirded out. She almost reacted to day one. The day she and her friends discovered their captor's multiple personalities. Also her cheek was still throbbing from where Casey punched her repeatedly.

"Oh dear! Look what they have done to you!" He covered his mouth, completely horrified. "You poor thing. How could they hurt such a beautiful flower as yourself."

"You're not Dennis," Lily whispered.

"Dear, please!" He pressed impatiently. "My time will run shorter if you keep calling me his name. I was lucky to grasp the light when you clicked my videos."

His videos? Then he must be...

"Honey, my name is Barry."

A/N: Cliffhanger! Sorry, guys. This chapter was longer than intended, however, I couldn't help but introduce Barry. Didn't expect his appearance, did ya? How will the two interact? Is Dennis going to come back? Will the girl's plans to escape be a success? Will Lily see Claire and Marcia again before the Beast comes? There will be answers in upcoming chapters.

I have another disclaimer: the picture that describes Hedwig belongs to a talented artist - Karim Friha. Check out his amazing Split drawings.

For those who are big fan of Split, the trailer for its sequel Glass is out! I gotta say that I am in love! Another reason to look forward to 2019. Whether I make this fic a sequel, following Glass? I don't know. We will have to see.

Thank you: QuirkyKim and JaliceCookie for reviewing. Also special thanks to reader for adding this story to favorites and/or alerts!