Hey guys. I'm back with another chapter of NCE again. I'm really on a role with this story. I don't intend to be as long as any of my other stories. So this chapter, We'll shift the focus more on Russell, as he's now become paranoid because of Rudy. Poor kid, I feel sorry for him. Well, let's hope that Albert can get him and Rudy on better terms with one another. Bill will also get some focus, primarily on his role as a big brother. So we'll get some cute moments between him and Russell. Enjoy!
Warning: This chapter will contain nightmare scenes of some violence and scary stuff. Readers discretion is advised.
Disclaimer: I own nothing.
Chapter 4: Brothers stick together
Russell was running... he didn't know where he was running, but he continued running... to get away from that horrid laughter that echoed around him.
"You can't get away from me, Russell! There's no escape!"
"Leave me alone, Rudy!" The boy shouted, his heart beating hard and fast. It was dark, and the streets of North Philly were empty. It was like it was deserted as if everyone moved out of their houses. Russell didn't have time to ponder that, as all he focused on was escaping from Rudy.
He whimpered as he heard the rich boys laugh, "You can run, shrimp! But you can't hide!"
Suddenly, Rudy appeared in front of him, with a wicked smile on his face. Russell stopped in his tracks, suddenly frozen. He couldn't move as he stared fearfully at the older boy. Rudy chuckled as he stood over the small child, hands in pockets, and his eyes narrowed deviously. One closer look from Russell and he could see that Rudy's eyes were glowing red.
"I've you got, runt. You're mine now!" He smirked.
"P-Please, Rudy... you already got me once... j-j-just please... d-d-don't h-hurt m-me..." Russell stammered, sinking to his knees with tears streaming down his face.
All the teenager did was laugh at the pitiful beg as he bends over to grab the child's chin, "I wasn't exactly done with you, to begin with, small fry. But you're not the only one I have to settle a score with..."
"Huh...?" Russell was confused.
"I'm gonna get not only you, but your brother, and the other losers... I decide to punish you for your stupid comments, but all they do is coddle you and treat you like a baby. It's all 'Poor Russell' with them. What about 'Poor Rudy"?! I get insulted pretty much every day of my life, but no one bats an eyelash! Well, they won't be batting any eyelashes for long once I'm through with you all..."
"B-B-But... you d-"
Russell wasn't able to finish his sentence, as Rudy punched him in the face, "Don't you dare say that I deserved it!" He snapped, "I know I can be cocky, but I have my limits. But even then, you guys still insist on dragging me! Well, no more! No more of that! You all are gonna pay for all the stupidity you put me through... and you will be first..."
Suddenly, he pinned Russell to the ground and pulled out a knife. The smaller boy screamed at the sight of it, and struggle to escape, even calling for Bill. All Rudy did was laugh, "Your dumb brother can't help you, shrimp! Soon, no longer will you be a thorn in my side!"
With that, he raised the knife, before swiftly bringing it down.
Russell woke up with a scream.
His scream wasn't loud enough to alert any doctors or nurses that were walking by, but it definitely woke up Bill, who had stayed overnight with his brother (per request, as Russell didn't want to be alone), "Rus... what's wrong...?" He asked, yawning.
"I... had a bad dream..." The child admitted, tears threatening to fall, "R-Rudy was there, a-and he w-was talking about k-k-killing me... you... and the rest of the gang... t-then h-had a knife... a-and he brought it down... and then I-I woke up..."
Bill could see how frightened his sibling was, as he reached over and pulled him into a hug, "It's gonna be okay, Russell. Rudy won't hurt you no more. I'll make sure of it." He assured him.
But in his own mind, Bill thought that Russell somehow predicted what Rudy actually did plan to do to him and the others, himself included. He debating on whether or not he should confirm Russell's fears. But he ultimately decided not to, as Rus was already scared to death, and he apparently already saw Rudy standing outside the window earlier. Though was he just seeing things?
All he could do was continue to comfort his brother, "You have nothing to worry about, little man. I'll protect you. I promise. And guess what, when the sun rises, we get to go home. And Mom promised all the cookies and ice cream you want."
That made Russell feel a little better, but that didn't stop his worries.
Soon enough, when the sun rose, and around 11:00 AM, Russell was discharged from the hospital. He had healed up nicely for his age, but his arm and leg still were bandaged, and he had to use crutches and a sling. Oh well, he was gonna get ice cream and cookies when he got home, so it would be worth it. Sure enough, that was what was waiting for him when he arrived at their house.
Bill was glad to see his brother in higher spirits. It seemed that during his time at the hospital, he didn't even crack a smile. Now, he was scarfing down his favorite treats with delight. It was like he had forgotten about being attacked by Rudy.
Rudy...
Bill frowned at the thought of the boy who hurt his brother. It was bad enough that even happened, but the fact that Rudy was now planning to hurt them all, honestly scared him. Not because he was scared of Rudy.
But because... he was scared for Russell.
He made a promise to protect Russell. What would happen if he couldn't even keep his little brother safe? What if he couldn't keep his promise? What if...?
No. It's not gonna be like that. He's the big brother, and as the big brother, it's important to look out for the little brother. And that is exactly what Bill was going to do, no matter what.
It's gonna be okay, Rus... Bill thought, As long as I'm here, I'll keep you safe...
Later on, Bill met up with the other boys (save for Rudy) at the junkyard. Russell stayed home, as he was advised by the doctors to continue resting, "Hey, hey, hey..." Albert greeted, "We heard Russell came home today."
"Yeah. And he's doing much better. He's home right resting, as his arm and leg are still broken." Bill replied, "You wouldn't believe how happy he was to get ice cream and cookies. I haven't seen him so happy since... you know."
The others shuddered, thinking back to two days ago. They all still couldn't believe what Rudy had done to Russell. And now he was out to get them all? That was just terrifying...
"Man, I wish I could have a lot of ice cream and cookies..." Harold said, trying to change the subject to something lighter.
"Yeahb. Meb toob." Mushmouth agreed.
"If I could. I'd eat a whole mountain of ice cream and cookies." Donald added.
Albert smiled, "Well, it's great that Russell's doing well. But now, we gotta figure out what to do about Rudy. I have a feeling he's planning something truly bad for us all. He's really mad."
"Mad is right..." Bill frowned, "Mad as in crazy. I won't let that 'no class' jerk put his hands on my brother. I promised Russell I'd protect him, no matter what it takes."
"But how are we gonna protect ourselves from Rudy?" Bucky asked, "What if he's in hiding, watching us, and waiting to strike?"
"Then we better prepare for when that happens." Albert answered, "And hopefully, we can talk some sense to Rudy. It won't be easy, but we have to at least try..."
And so, the gang began to put together their own custom weapons used from scraps in the junkyard. They made swords from old rusty iron, found baseball bats, used trash can lids as shields, and cooking pots and pans as helmets. Soon enough, they were set and ready for whatever Rudy had planned for them.
But a long time passed... and nothing happened. No sneak attacks or anything. They just sat watching and waiting. But... nothing.
Bill sighed, "I guess he's not gonna get us today..."
"Then we should consider ourselves safe... for now." Albert replied, "But let's keep these just in case. It's getting kinda late, and we should be heading home right now..."
The rest of the boys agreed and soon set off to their respective residences, taking their makeshift weapons with them. It didn't take long for Bill to get home, as he was greeted by Russell with a hug, "I missed you..." The little boy admitted.
Bill chuckled, "Have I been gone that long...?"
"Mom says it's time for dinner..."
"Cool..."
The brothers walked to the dining room and began chowing down on the turkey, green beans, mash potatoes, and spaghetti and meatballs. Russell happily ate the delicious food, but his mind was elsewhere.
Although he didn't admit it, he was still worried and scared about Rudy. While Bill was away, he thought that the hat-wearing boy would pop up out of nowhere and attack him again. He feared he would see him outside the window again. And he feared... of what would happen to Bill and the rest of the cats at the junkyard.
But then he remembered Bill's promise to protect him. He knew he could always count on his big brother to be there for him...
Forever and always...
Later on that night, it was time for bed.
"Bill, I don't wanna sleep alone. Please stay with me..." Russell begged as his brother helped him into bed.
"It's gonna be okay. Rudy wouldn't come at night." Bill assured him, "But if you have a nightmare, come get me."
The younger boy nodded. That was a perfect assurance, as he pulled the covers over him, and Bill left the room. It was dark, and Russell couldn't help but look over at the window. The moon was shining bright, so it wasn't pitch black. "I'm not scared... I'm not scared..." The boy said to himself.
He yawned a little and turned away from the window, but for some reason, he couldn't shake the feeling that he was being watched...
Meanwhile, with Bill, he was already in bed, after praying to the Lord to watch over his little brother. He was still worried and concerned for him, but he kept reminding himself of his promise to protect Russell.
"I've got your back, Russell..." He said to himself, "No matter what..."
Soon, he drifted off to sleep...
Bill found himself standing outside an old looking house. It looked as if it were abandoned. He wondered what and why he was here for. Soon... he was about to find out...
"BILL! BILL! HELP!"
That was Russell! And it was coming from inside the house, "Don't worry, Rus! I'm comin'!" With that, he ran inside the house and looked around. The house looked very old fashioned as if it came from the early 1900s.
"BILL!"
"SHUT UP, SHRIMP! Your brother can't save you now!"
That... was Rudy. He had Russell hostage. Bill began searching throughout the entire house, hoping to find his brother, but every room he looked in was empty...
Every room... except for the basement.
Bill came across another door, and after numerous attempts, got it open. He dashed down the stairs which led to another door. He forced that open too and was met with a frightening sight.
The basement was filled with numerous tools and weapons that could be used to torture or surgery. In the middle of a room was a small bundle shaking, and a person standing over it. Bill quickly recognized them both as Russell and Rudy respectively.
"Hey!" He called, "Get away from Russell!"
Rudy turned towards the owner of the voice, and Bill almost did a double take. Rudy had a psychotic grin on his face, his vest was stained with blood and his mouth was smeared and dripping with the red substance. He was holding what looked like a kitchen knife in his right hand. Little Russell was shivering and sobbing, completely bloody from head to toe, "Help me..." He squeaked.
That earned him a kick in the side from Rudy, "Shut up, squirt..." He growled.
"What do you think you're doing to him?!" Bill demanded.
The rich boy chuckled, "What does it look like... I'm giving the shrimp what he deserves for what he said to me... 'No class ever'... pfft. I have plenty of class... but you know what... Russell's not the only one I got a bone to pick with..."
He then started to advance towards Bill, "I'm gonna get you too... along with Fat Albert and the rest of the stupid cats... for taking the shrimps side!"
"Rudy, you're the one who decided to beat Russell up. He almost died!" Bill shot back, trying hard not to show his fear, which proved to be difficult, and eventually useless, as Rudy could see right through the faux bravery.
"Then I was doing a perfect job then, weren't I?" Rudy smirked, holding up the knife, "But enough talk, let's have some fun."
Suddenly, he lunged at Bill, who quickly dodged and rushed over to his brother, "Rus... I'm gonna get you outta here..." He assured him. The small child whimpered as he clung to his brother, sobbing too much to say anything.
As Bill was prepared to carry him and run out of the basement, he felt a pain in his back. One look over his shoulder and he could see that Rudy has stabbed him, and was pushing the knife in deeper and deeper. The boy cringed in pain as Rudy laughed, "Now you know how I felt, Cosby!" He then started to twist the knife, making Bill scream.
Russell started to cry harder at seeing his brother in pain, "Leave him alone, Rudy! He ain't done nothing to you!" He sobbed.
All Rudy did was give him a sinister smile as he continued twisting, "For all the times you made me suffer... I'm gonna make you suffer even worse!" With that, he snatched the knife out of Bill's back, as blood splattered everywhere. Rudy then scooped up some of the blood and licked it, savoring the taste, "I should consider making a smoothie out of your blood..."
As for Bill, he sunk to the ground, breathing heavily. He kept his gaze on Russell, who was holding him tighter than before. That is, until Rudy pulled the little boy away, "No! NO! BILL, HELP ME!" Russell cried.
"Please, Rudy... d-d-don't h-hurt h-him..." Bill spluttered, coughing up blood.
Rudy smirked, "Sorry, Bill. But the little brat must pay his price. And I know just the perfect way..." He then walked over to one of the walls where tools were hanging. Bill watched him carefully, as he seemed to be in deep thought of what weapon to choose.
After a few seconds, he turned back towards Russell with an evil grin, "Actually, scratch that. I have another way to make him pay..." He walked back to the small child, "Kiss my feet, shrimp..." He ordered.
Russell looked up at him, confused. Rudy frowned, before kicking him in the face, "I said KISS MY FEET! Or do you want me to use my saw on your brother?"
Bill coughed again, and Russell whimpered, "No... I'll do it. Just don't hurt my brother..."
Rudy smirked, "Good boy..."
With that, the little boy bends over and started laying soft kisses to the older boys boots. Bill felt helpless as he attempted to crawl to help his brother, but too received a kick in the face, breaking his nose, "You stay and watch as your pathetic brother becomes my slave!" Rudy snapped with a psychotic laugh, "And when he's done, you're next!"
"NO!" Bill shouted, "Have mercy, Rudy!"
"I don't show mercy to those who wrong me. And don't think I'll be done. Everyone who's ever wronged me will suffer at the hands of Rudolph Davis!"
Bill woke up gasping.
He looked at his clock and realized it hadn't even been long since he went to sleep. He hopped out of bed and out of his room. Quietly, he opened the door to Russell's room, sighing in relief to see his brother sleeping peacefully. He held a hand to his chest to steady the pounding of his heart.
What the heck kind of dream did he just have? Rudy was a psycho maniac, bent of killing both Bill and Russell. That was terrifying. Not only that, but it made Bill think about his promise to Russell...
What if he couldn't keep it after all...?
What if he couldn't protect his brother...?
Rudy was smart and clever, and he could attack when Bill isn't even looking.
He sighed as he walked over to his brother's bed, and stroked his face. It appeared that Russell wasn't having any nightmares. But... he wanted to still be there for him. So he pulled up a chair and just sat with Russell. He didn't care if he fell asleep, as long as he was there for his brother...
No matter what...
Aw, we got some brotherly love here. And man were those two nightmares they had frightening. At least we know that Rudy wouldn't do something like that in real life, right? Right...? Anyways, I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Next time, we'll see the boys face off against Rudy. I'll see you guys later, and don't forget to review please, thank you!