A/N:
Hi again! Thanks for the welcome back! It's been great hearing from you so far! XD Here's another sort of filler chapter for you, remember I'm still setting up the scene for the story. Please tell me what you think anyway and I look forward to hearing from you XD Also this chapter reintroduces three other characters! Whoo! Anyway, enjoy!
Trixie lay on her bed with her back curved against the headboard, book in hand and reading in silence. She enjoyed taking time like this to herself, in her own space. In the time she'd been living at the warehouse, she had managed to transform a bare, cold room into something that she could call her own. Of course it was still pretty basic, it wasn't as if she earned money to buy new things, but sometimes Ben could work a few scams online to get new stuff for the group, or one of the others could grab some stuff while on a job. She tried not to look at it as stealing, more like reclaiming as her own.
Some of the plain dust-coloured carpet had been covered by a large dark purple rug, a matching throw draped over the cream sheets of her bed. A desk was pressed against the wall on the left hand side of the door, a computer set up on one half with a space littered with pencils and papers for her drawing on the other. A long shelf was fixed above the desk, filled with a few choice ornaments, movies and books. The wall opposite had a door led to a small on suite bathroom, and another door beside that was her closet. She only owned one photo frame on her bedside table, propped against her lamp, but it didn't include a photograph. But a detailed sketch. Of her parents, and her little brother, smiling together. She'd drawn that not long after she remade her choice to stay as a proxy. Of all the things she feared, forgetting their faces was one of the highest ranking.
She turned the final page of her book, making a mental note to see if she could get some more at some point. It was a pretty good series overall. It had a complicated plot, so it was plenty distracting. She sighed when the last sentence concluded nothing, leaving another false promise to answer all questions in the next instalment. She found nothing more annoying than unnecessary cliff-hangers in stories. For gods sake finish what you started! She blew her bangs from her face and got up to replace the book on her shelf, planning on taking a shower and having an early night. That is, until there was a knock at the bedroom door.
"Hello?" she called. But her only answer was a slow tap...tap...tap... Was that Smile scratching the door maybe? "Hello?"
Again, nothing. Trixie swallowed anxiously and took hold of the door handle, opening it carefully to peer out. At first, she saw nothing but the corridor outside. The door was opened a little wider. And at first, there really was nothing out there. Just the pale wall opposite. And then, suddenly, a white, leathery face darted forward, wide and unblinking eyes glaring down on hers. Teeth bared in a permanent sneer, coating in scars that trailed up its cheeks.
"Go to sleep!"
Trixie shrieked and jumped backwards as the figure kicked her door open, just missing her shoulder. The intruder was taller than her, and bulky from muscle under a white hoody. A mass of dark hair stuck out around his pale, leathery face. He sneered down at her, knife in hand and raised to strike.
"Damn it, Jeff!" she panted, clutching her neck as her heart hammered against her ribs.
The killer lowered the knife to fold his arms smugly, "Cut the attitude, newbie, what do you expect when you fall for it every time?"
She looked at the ground rather than at him. She hated being alone with him, especially when he had that knife, which was always. It was a constant reminder not only of the time it had been used against her family but also the time he had threatened her with death should she touch it again. Not that she planned to, "I'm not falling for anything, you just barge in."
"Your point?"
She sighed, there was no point arguing with him. She was too tired for the threats, "Can I help you with anything? Slendy was looking for you earlier."
"He'll come get me if it's important." He shrugged, clearly irritated, "And I'm just passing on a message so don't get pissy with me."
"I'm not, I'm just- Never mind... What was the message?"
"Ben's on patrol with Toby tonight, and Alice still isn't back yet." He rolled his eyes at the mention of Alice, "So he's calling us out to track her down."
Trixie gave him a quizzical look, "Since when do you... Oh. We're not going for work, are we?"
"Fuck no." He scoffed, "But it's an excuse to get the hell out of here for the night and Slendy doesn't have to know."
A night out, without work involved. It sounded too good to be true. Lately the only time she was allowed outside was if she was signed onto patrol, which was rare since she wasn't an Active. And patrolling was never worth it. Slender had put it in place since the last time, for extra security to check for any unregistered Sickness activity. Two people every other night, just to be sure. Trixie wasn't sure if using that time for a secret night of freedom was wise, especially since things didn't go so well last time they all tried it. But still, the offer was very enticing. She wondered how Alice would feel getting used as a decoy for the others to have some freedom.
"Where are you going?"
"No idea, Ben had some club in mind that's holding an after party for some expo."
Expos and cons, Halloween, perfect excuses for some members of the group to walk around freely. She guessed they weren't interested in playing the sneaky card too hard tonight, "And... why are you inviting me?"
"I'm not." Jeff insisted, giving her a look, "I'm passing on a message from Ben remember. Look if you're tagging along then hurry up, fine, I really don't give a shit."
"Alright, I'm coming." She sighed, sending a mental apology to Slender, but a chance to get into some fresh air for a while was too welcoming, "Just give me a minute."
"Whatever."
Shad knocked on the door of Slender's office, waiting for permission to enter before doing so. He was nervous, which wasn't something he was used to feeling. That was an expression saved for this very conversation. And in a way that was both unfortunate and greatly appreciative. He wanted to visit someone. Plain and simple. Someone he already had permission to see, but there was always that risk that it may one day be denied.
There was one problem with the person he was visiting. And that was the fact that this person had no idea he existed. That wasn't a cliché high school style scenario, it was the truth. This person was human, and had nothing to do with the demon and proxy world at all. She wasn't even the sort to read the fake stories online. Ignorance was her bliss, and Shad intended to keep it that way. He cared too much for her to risk infecting her with the Sickness. For just to see him without special permission from Slender as well as the proper protective shield would infect her. And he couldn't bear to watch her chose between insanity and a life of confinement. He wasn't even going to waste time thinking about it.
"Sir? I've finished my jobs for the day and I was hoping I could- Oh I'm sorry, I didn't know you were had company."
Slender was standing, an air of foreboding about him but more for the situation rather than the intrusion. A woman stood before him, pale skinned and inhuman, lizard-like eyes. A ghost, Shad knew from her aura, and she was still in the clothes she died in. Something from the old South, a hat covering most of her head and a belt around her waist that contained an old fashioned pistol that looked well taken care of. Little discoloured speckles dotted the back of her hands, tinted with the poison that killed her and now resided under her skin. One touch from her lips would send a burn through the strongest of demon let alone an average victim.
She turned t face him, giving a familiar nod, voice hinted with a Southern twang, "Evenin' Shadowman."
"Hello, Kate." He nodded in return, "Have I interrupted something?"
"Don't go worryin' yourself none, just giving Slendy here a heads up on some findings and he's worryin' enough for all of y'all."
I have good enough reason to worry, Kate, if what you said is true... Slender's voice stated in their heads, choosing to give a brief summary to Shad, Kate has just informed me that she's had a sighing of Jack not far from here...
"I said might have seen, Slendy, don't get excited. It was some guy in a hood with his face covered up. Only thing that caught my attention was he smelt like proxy, damn it he got away before I could get closer."
Shad furrowed his brow, that could have been either Jack or Hoody, "Where was this?"
"Couple miles up north. Looks like he didn't wanna stick around for long. Knew I was following most likely."
We must look into this... It could be nothing but I'd rather be safe than sorry at this point in time... Kate, would you-
"Already planning on it." She tipped her hat and made a move to leave.
Thank you... Please let me know as soon as you find something... His tone turned stern for a moment, Do not go and do anything reckless without informing me first...
She gave a knowing smile, "Now where's the fun in that?"
Slender sighed disapprovingly, Sorry, Shad, you wanted to ask something...?
"Oh, yes. I was just going to say that I've finished my duties for the day, and I was hoping that I would have your permission to..." He trailed off, the anxiety building again, more so when he noticed Kate was still listening, "I was hoping to go outside. For... my meeting."
Slender took a moment of silence before getting the message, Yes of course, please be sure to report back before the night is out...
"Yes Sir. I'll keep a look out for any activity in the process. Thank you."
He gave a respectful nod before joining Kate in leaving the room. He felt it rude to abandon her right away through the shadows and chose to walk with her first. A semi-demon he may be, but he believed in chivalry. Even when he knew Kate was perfectly capable of handling herself. To her credit, she waited until they were a few yards out of Slender's ear shot before arching an eyebrow.
"Meeting huh?"
"Somewhat." He thought it best to remain vague, changing the subject quickly, "Where do you plan on patrolling? Do you really think it was one of ours?"
"No other proxy smell like it. Was definitely one of us. Something bad thrown in the mix though, someone got the Sickness in there real bad."
"Could possibly be Jack... What is your take on the situation may I ask?"
"My take?" She gave him a look, not annoyed, just questioning his reasoning, "We have some demon playing around with the way people think and a young'un on the loose who would give Jeff a run for his money and you want to know my take?"
"Forgive me if I'm out of line but I would have thought you'd be the first to turn away from someone who gave up their name to someone like Zalgo. A snake in the grass for lack of better term. Yet you are helping to return the lost to us."
She stopped and faced him directly, eyes hard, "That little'un didn't know what he was getting himself into from the start, it ain't right people around here are using him as a scapegoat for their own fears. Frankly I'd like to see then go through the same thing and keep their mouths shut."
He blinked, it wasn't often she snapped like that, "You know I do not blame anyone but Zalgo for what happened. I did not mean to cause any offence."
"Yeah well..." she shrugged, adjusting her belt and continuing on your way, "I'll be heading back to business. And you run along and check up on your lady friend."
For the second time in under a minute he was stunned still, "H-How did you... She's not my... I simply make a stop there on my patrols, since there was Zalgo activity not long ago... I don't even-"
"Hold your horses," Kate snickered good naturedly, "I don't do secrets, Shadowman, so I make sure none get hidden from me. So she gotta name or what?"
His voice was a mutter, not making eye contact, "Emily..."
She nodded, almost in approval, "Good name. Not go on, off with ya."
He sighed, frustrated with himself for letting himself be so readable. But deep down he knew that she was simply joking with him. But this was a sensitive subject for him and understood that it could be misunderstood. But nevertheless, he was silently grateful for the excuse to make a hasty exit. He did so, letting the shadows consume him, not stopping until he felt the chilled night air acting as his guide.
The air was hot and thick with the smell of alcohol and sweat. Crowds of people were crammed into the small underground club that held a simple bar on one side, a stage on the other for the live band blaring their music, and a space in the middle for dancing. Low budget and rickety. That's the best way it could be described. But it was filled with atmosphere, pushing them along.
"So, what do you think?" Ben asked, looping an arm around Jeff and Toby's shoulders as if presenting the place as his own.
"Fuck, man, this is great!" Jeff announced, shrugging himself away and swiping a plastic cup over half full of drink from a table where it had just been put down, taking a gulp and claiming it as his own, "It's about time we got a place like this."
"The music's so loud!" Toby grinned, breaking away to lean against one of the speakers built into the wall, having it pulsate through his body, "Let's get one of these!"
"Sure if you pay for it." The ghost replied, rolling his eyes and giving Trixie a nudge, "Up for a dance, Trix?"
She shook her head with a half smile as the heavy electric guitars sliced the air, "Can you even dance to this music?"
"So if it was different music, you would?"
She scowled, "I didn't say that."
"Hey guys look, the new band's going up!" Toby pointed at the stage, grabbing Trixie by the arm and yanking her forward, "Come on lets go look!"
"Let me finish my damn drink!" Jeff snapped, nearly spilling it on himself when Toby darted past, "God damn it..."
They followed, ducking and weaving through the bustling people until they found themselves pressed right at the side of the stage, almost tripping behind the barrier that led back stage. Trixie had to admit, she was excited. There were few opportunities for nights like this. And god knows it had been a long time since live music had been an option.
"I think Jeffy-boy will like this one..." Ben grinned wryly.
"What's that supposed to mean?" the killer demanded, suspicious as always. And rightly so around Ben.
"Just enjoy the show."
"It's starting!" Toby exclaimed, already moving with the crowd as the beat picked up.
Heavy beats designed to make you grit your teeth and let loose pounded from electric guitars and drums. On stage, the band hunched from effort to force out the music. Lights flashed around the club, but avoided the front centre of the stage. The silhouette of a woman was highlighted. Her voice, strong and well suited for the theme, echoed around as she sang, but not once did she leave the shadows.
"I'm on the train that's pilling the sick and twisted, making the most of the ride before we get arrested! We're all wasted, and we're not going home tonight!" The figure moved her arms upwards in a sultry fashion, showing off the outline of her figure, "Covered in black we lack the social graces, just like an animal we crawl out of our cages! They can't tame us, so if you're one of us get on the bus!"
The lights suddenly combusted outwards and flooded the stage in yellow and white. The singer was fully reviled, her icy-blue eyes were alight with mischief, dark copper hair hanging in waves down her back. A strapless and low cut, scarlet dress hugged her body tightly, flatteringly. The skirt puffed outwards slightly at her wait, ruffled underneath with black netting which stopped just above her knees. Her slender legs were emphasised by the short skirt and black heels. And finally, a fitted black leather jacket covered her arms and shoulders. Her voice belted out strong notes that she seemed to take enjoyment in producing them, the crowd going crazy before her.
"If you're a freak like me! Wave your flag! If you're a freak like me, get off your ass! It's our time now! To let it all hang out!"
"Hey guys!" Toby announced, tugging Trixie's arm and pointing at the singer, "I found Alice!"
"Holy shit!" Ben scoffed, looking up at the stage as if about to crack into laugher.
"Fuck..." Jeff slumped his shoulders, "Good night ruined..."
Alice hadn't noticed them yet, having too much fun as she flipped her hair back, "So shout if you're a freak like me! You were born to burn, this is no disease! You don't need a cure it's our time now, to come out! If you're a freak like me! If you're a freak like me!"
Jeff glared at Ben, "Did you know she was going to be here?"
The ghost shrugged, "Pure coincidence, bud. But a worthwhile one."
Trixie found herself bobbing with the music, following Alice's rhythm. Honestly, she was taken back, who knew Alice was such a performer considering she was such so sarcastic and mostly kept to herself at home. Looking back, that could be exchanged for secretive. What else was she hiding? Trixie had to laugh when Toby started waving and calling over to Alice, trying to get her attention. Unfortunately for Jeff who was about to punch him, it worked.
Alice glanced up from her adoring public and scanned the sides of the crowd, eyes hardening coldly when she saw them. It was clear that she didn't want them there. This was her private place damn it! She opened her mouth as if to tell them to get lost, but then remembered that she was still on show. She tried to reclaim her posture, grabbing the microphone from the stand and walking to the other side of the stage to start singing again, "We're underground but we will not surrender. We're gonna give them something to remember, yeah!" She glanced over at Jeff for the next line, a smirk in place as if mocking him personally, "So write you name in gasoline... And set that shit on fire!"
"Fuck you, bitch!"
She laughed, figuring she may as well taunt them while there's nothing they can do to stop her without causing a scene, "If you're a freak like me! Wave your flag, if you're a freak like me get off your ass! It's our time now, to let it all hang out!" She jumped on the spot, making Trixie flinch at the idea of doing that in heels that big. Alice marched across the stage towards them hand low to catch claps from the crowd, "So shout if you're a freak like me! Don't apologise! They can't hold you down, you were born to rise! It's our time now! To come out!"
Trixie lent back a little as Alice's expression turned cold and challenging as she advanced on them. Ben on the other hand rested an elbow on the stage, smirking as if wanting to know what's going to happen next. Or to look up her skirt when she got closer, it was hard to tell. Jeff on the other hand glared at her, keeping eye contact and trying to intimidate her.
"If you're a freak like me?" She tilted her head, voice less of a singing fashion and more of a threat ad getting louder each time, "If you're a freak like me? Are you a freak like me? Are you a freak... Like..." She suddenly threw herself back so she was leaning backwards as she forced out the last word, sweat beading on her forehead from the effort as the music convulsed around her, "ME...!"
"Christ! Go Alice!" Toby yelled, jumping along with the crowd as she sang.
"Get back here, dumb ass." Jeff snapped, yanking him by the hood away from people, "She's an attention whore and she doesn't need you cheering her on."
Ben shrugged, "I'm sure he's just paying tribute to the song choice. After all it was only ten minutes ago you called him a freak."
"Yeah!" Toby nodded, then did a double take, "Hey when did you call me that?"
They were interrupted by the next verse, Alice having recovered from the powerful notes and taking over from the guitar solo, facing the crowd again, "If you're a freak like me! Wave your flag! If you're a freak like me get off your ass! It's our time now...So shout if you're a freak like me! Don't apologise! They can't hold you down, you were born to rise! It's our time now! To come out! If you're a freak like me! If you're a freak like me! She returned to the mic-stand and fixed her microphone there, throwing both of her hands up in a finishing pose, "If you're a freak like me!"
Alice didn't even wait to take full advantage of her fifteen minutes of fame before vanishing backstage. Trixie covered her ears from the roar of cheering and noise coming from the club. She found herself grinning from the pure adrenaline of the atmosphere. It had been way too long since she'd been to a place like this. The shear energy was enough to make her want to jump right into the dance floor. Which surprised her since this had never really been her scene back in her old life. Maybe it was the isolation from the public for so long.
"Enjoying yourself, Trix?" asked Ben, elbowing her.
She flushed, looking down, "I am. Did you know she could sing like that?"
"Might have. I also might have known she was going to be here on our little night out too."
"Then... why tell Jeff you didn't?"
He indicated over to the way Jeff seemed to be frozen in a state of pure rage at having nice night 'ruined, "Because who could turn down a face like that?"
She covered her mouth to hide a snort of laughter, "That's cruel."
"That's entertainment."
"You're so dead." Jeff snapped.
"Well obviously..."
"You all will be when I'm done with you." A new voice stated, female and a little tired. Alice stood at the backstage entrance, glaring at them coldly as if promising hell to pay for them following her, "Just what the hell do you think you're doing here?"
A/N:
Alice is not happy... Whoops. For the record that song was 'Freak Like Me' by Halestorm. An awesome band my I add. I dunno, just made sense to me that Alice is a performer deep down, and everyone needs a hobby besides killing am I right? XD Anyway, more on the way! Can't wait to hear from you! XD