A/N:

Hi guys! I guess it's time to tidy up that cliffhanger I left you guys on last time, huh? Whoops. Well I won't keep you waiting any longer! Here you go, a longer chapter than usual too! Can't wait to hear what you think! XD

Shad glided down the corridor at a surprising speed, dark eyes stern with worry. Something didn't feel right, in the shadows. Like something was shifting in them that he couldn't quite place. But whatever it was, it was eager to grow. He had to tell Slender of this. Of course he wasn't sure just what could be done but the point still stands that it was better to inform. A service he was glad to do, provided he was treated with the same respect. And for the most part he was.

But lately, he wasn't sure what to think. Although he knew that Slender was under a lot of stress, he couldn't help but disagree with his methods. Starving himself just so the others wouldn't have to go outside was not going to solve anything. And, in a rare moment of selfishness, Shad found himself resentful that his containment meant that he was unable to check up on his Emily. With all the danger seeping out from Zalgo's control, and innocent getting hurt, he was worried for her safety. But, alas, he had to remain faithful to Slender. Things had to turn out right. They just had to.

Of course, if Slender would just swallow his pride, and regret, and ask her for help... Well things would be at least a smaller fraction in their favour. But he wouldn't. Shad understood that things were far more difficult than met the eye.

Suddenly, a harsh collision and a rustle of papers jolted him out of his trail of thought and back to the present. He blinked in surprise and noticed the blonde girl in purple hooded jacket looking alarmed at his very presence. He cleared his throat, "Oh, my apologies, Beatrix. It seems I was far more lost in thought than expected."

She shook her head, "No, no don't worry about it. I was miles away myself. Is everything okay?"

"Nothing has changed as far as I'm aware if that's what you mean. Are those for Slender?" His dark eyes indicated to the papers in her hands.

"Oh, yes they are. Are you heading there now?"

"I am. I can deliver them for you if you like?"

"Hm? O-Oh, um, yeah sure if that's okay."

Trixie looked down as she handed over the papers, not wanting to make eye contact. She liked Shad, and respected him, but she didn't know how to act around him. The first time she met him, he was as cold and sardonic as the others, and yet over time he had resumed his calm military like persona. She wondered which was the real him. If she should be respectful out of fear or because of equal treatment. It was hard enough trying to figure that out with Ben!

"Of course it is." He nodded, eyes concerned. There was enough stress around here lately and he didn't fancy more of it brewing, "Is everything alright, Beatrix?"

"I'm fine." She answered quickly, "I just- Tired..."

"That seems to be an excuse many use as of late. Is there anything else?"

"No, sorry to bother you..."

"It is not you that is bothering me, it is the situation we find ourselves in."

"Oh." Trixie didn't know how to answer. To find the situation 'bothering' was an understatement. And the fact that he was even admitting as much to her was a little unsettling. He was always so reserved, "How, um, how are things now? With Slender and finding Jack I mean."

"I'm afraid there has been no change. Although something doesn't feel right. Something has changed, but what I'm not sure."

She wrapped her arms around herself. Why was he confiding in her? "Is there anything you want me to do?"

He seemed surprised by the question, "Well, you are pretty much doing all you can."

"I don't think drawing people that either can't be touched or can't be traced." She sighed.

"That is more relevant than you think, Beatrix. Slender has often commented that the work of a Passive proxy is just as important as an Active. And your skills are most useful to him, in the same way as mine or even Jeff's."

She highly doubted it, "My results never change though. Everyone else, well they can go out and do something whereas without a pencil I'm stuck. Nothing changes."

"You have changed a lot, Beatrix. You're hardly the trembling wreck we once knew."

"You've changed a lot too." The words were out of her mouth before she could stop them. Almost like a defence mechanism. He had said something that didn't sit right with her, and she retaliated. It was true what he said, she never would have talked back when she first arrived here.

"Explain?" he asked politely, unphased by her bluntness.

She shifted, somewhat awkwardly, "Th-The first conversation we had when I arrived here, I was trying to find a way out. And you were... a little cruel. You spoke like a more articulate version of Ben if I'm honest." She winced, apologising for sounding rude or out of place.

"Oh?" he paused in thought, then gave a small hint of a smile and nodded, "Oh yes, I remember. And I must apologise to you for my behaviour. I test all new arrivals in the same way, to judge how they react to the cruel nature in which we live. That, and... if you recall it was not the most calm of times when you arrived."

"It's okay. You dropped the act pretty quickly after that so... I guess I passed?"

"You did."

There was a wave of relief over her. One less person to be scared of, "Is that why you call me Beatrix instead of a nickname or newbie?"

"Indeed. As you know, names are important in this world, and although I do not wish to know or use your true full name, the least I can do is offer respect and call you by some of it."

She smiled, "Well now I feel bad calling you Shad instead of Shadow Lurker."

"No need for that. Shad is reasonable enough without such a mouthful of a title."

"If you're sure," A small part of her wanted to know what his real name was. She wanted to know what all of their real names were. Not because she wanted to control them, but just out of natural human curiosity. But she repressed it, she had to, "Sorry, I'll let you get back to work."

"Likewise. Until next time."

They parted ways. One with a little less to be confused over, and the other exactly in the same place as he started. Not that he expected a simple conversation to change much, but it was a nice momentary distraction. In truth he did feel slightly guilty over the harsh manner he'd treated her upon her arrival, however it was what he had done with everyone else to start with, and it was in the past now. Nothing worth fretting over. There were bigger issues at hand.

He continued on his way down the maze of corridors. There were two ways into Slender's office. The main and most known was through the common room, and the other was a back entrance that could be reached closer to the exit. That was the one he tended to use the most. It caused less hassle during stressful times like this. Best to keep a low profile to start with and then be honest when asked later.

What he expected to happen was one of two things. One: he was going to speak with Slender and once again there was going to be no progress made. Or Two: he was going to speak with Slender and there was going to be the bare minimum of progress made but there was still nothing that could be done just yet. They were pretty accurate assumptions to make, and they had been the norm for a long time. What he didn't expect was a third scenario. One where Kate was standing in the middle of Slender's office looking like she had just returned from a street fight.

Her eyes were bright and hard, the gold practically alight in rage and the need to do anything but stay still. Her clothes had patches of dust scattered over them along with a tear across the shoulder of her jacket. A thin line was sliced down her cheek and stopping at her neck where something had attacked her. The wound did not look serious, in fact it actually looked like it was healing by the second. Part of her ghost form, you can take an injury but ultimately you always revert to the form you died in. Give it another minute and it would appear to never have been there. Yet it could only be assumed that her anger and whatever did this to her will remain.

"Kate? What happened to you?" Shad asked, eyes moving from her to Slender who sat at his desk.

"Don' go worryin' about me, Shadowman, we got bigger things to fret over." She answered sternly.

He furrowed his brow, looking at Slender, "Sir?"

The demon sighed, fatigue and frustration darkening his aura, It seems that things are worse for our missing Proxies that we first thought... Kate, if you wouldn't mind explaining once more...

As ordered, Kate retold her story. Although in her opinion, it was nothing but a waste of time. It's not that she didn't see the relevance of retelling the events, she just thought that things would move faster if Slender told them instead while she gets back out there. But what choice did she have right now? Slender wasn't letting anyone leave when something as serious as this was happening. She was stuck. So she was forced to talk.

She explained to them how she was out searching for signs of the other proxies and Jack had shown up out of nowhere. He was so scared, and lost. And when the Sickness had taken over him, he struggled so hard against it. But he was so young, he wasn't strong enough to handle it. A darkness took over him, one that she hadn't seen in a long time. He was sobbing when he attacked her, but he had no control over his actions or his mind. Although his raw emotion of fear and guilt were prominent, the rest of him had been an empty shell to be controlled by another. It was painful to witness, but she didn't admit that when she was explaining the events to them, just like she didn't admit that she couldn't bring herself to fight back.

Shad exchanged a look with Slender, "Where is he now? What happened after he attacked you?"

Kate shrugged a shoulder impatiently, adjusting her cowboy hat for the tenth time in less than five minutes, "Hell if I know. One sec he's being taken over by some dark hoodoo and the next, he's just gone. I told yah, he did this and then he bolted." She indicated to her wounded cheek, the scar barely a hairline in width now, and shrinking, "Chased him for a good few miles before he just vanished. Just... Just vanished alright!"

Calm yourself, Kate...In a way this is a good thing... Slender insisted, his voice projecting into their minds with a calming sense to it, He didn't want to fight you... He ran the first chance he got... There is still the Jack we know in him somewhere...

"All the good that's gonna do if we can't find him." Kate stated.

"No... Wait," Shad creased his brow in concentration, "If he did just vanish-"

"Which he did."

"I wasn't arguing with you, Kate." He replied flatly, "I'm saying that if he did then it means that there must be a mode of transportation back to his current controller. A portal to Zalgo, one similar to the one we tried when trying to find you, Sir."

Yes, I see what you mean... And even if the portal has been cleaned away then the energy will still be traceable... Just a handful of residue would enable me to find their location and travel there myself...

Shad looked at his mentor with some concern, "If you don't mind me saying so, Sir, since you have stopped feeding, you do not have the energy to travel that far, let alone create a portal of that power. Maybe, and forgive me for mentioning this, but maybe asking for help from Roche-"

Thank you for your concern, Shadow Lurker...Slender interrupted, harsher than intended, But I am more than capable of such a task... Although you may be right about the travel... I will need to reserve myself for when I meet Zalgo...

It was clear to hear the uneasy edge to his voice, and Shad had to take pity, "I will travel there, Sir. May I have someone join me, as a precaution?"

Of course... Perhaps Smile would be better assistance to you to track the residue, and you make take another with you should you encounter trouble...

At this, Kate quirked an eyebrow in interest. Well in truth she had been having her interests peaked for a while, but had not let it show until now. There was so much going on, it was almost hard to keep up with. But in a way, that was a blessing in itself. Lots going on meant lots to do. And lots to find. She stayed quiet for now, having said her peace and now it was just a matter of waiting to be dismissed, Something was being done, and that was exactly what she wanted.

"Yes, Sir. I'll leave tonight." Shad nodded.

Thank you... Both of you... And please, be safe...

"Always." Kate muttered, her confidence still prominent despite the lack of volume.

"Yes, Sir."

The two left his office in silence. And Slender was left alone. He waited for his door to close, and the stillness of the air to settle before he too got to his feet. In long strides, he paced. He wasn't sure how long he did that for, but he couldn't seem to stop. He knew that what they were saying was true. Things would be faster if he just... No, he couldn't. Things had run too deep for too long and he was not able to bring himself to see just how badly it had festered.

It was his fault. He knew that. But he could not be forgiven. She had made that perfectly clear. And rightly so. If he were in her position, he would not forgive either. But he couldn't forget, or stop regretting. And what made it worse was that it was too late to fix it.

He found his way to the back door to his office, resting his hand against the wall and looking at a small engraving burned into the woodwork of the doorframe. To anyone else, it would look like someone had tried to burn his symbol but had messed up somehow. But to him, it was so much more than that. To start with, it was his symbol. A black circle with an X marked across it. Although when you looked closer, inside the circle, right in the middle of the X centre, was an eye. They way it burned into the frame was identical to the way it was burned into his memory.

He sighed, mournful, and lost, Rochelle, I'm so sorry...

The walk down the corridor hadn't felt this long and tiresome for a while. But like a lot of long and tiresome tasks, they had to be done. Kate traced her finger along the mark Jack had left her, remembering how his scalpel shook so violently in hands. Resisting. But failing.

"How does the battle scar look?" She asked passively, trying to break the silence.

"Hm? Oh, it's gone." Shad commented honestly, still deep in thought, "I was thinking, while I and the others are searching , perhaps you should rest here for a while. You've been out so long searching and after today -"

"Look, Shadowman, if it gets Zalgo off our cases and Jack back with us then you and Slendy do what you gotta do. But don't think for a second I'll be sitting on the sidelines lookin' pretty."

He tilted his head at her, once again studying with his eyes as they walked. After a few seconds of silence, he looked away, "You are worried about him, aren't you?"

"I ain't hiding it. I'm worried about all of y'all. Can't take two steps without getting in some trouble." She smirked, attempting to lighten the mood.

"Not a habit we plan, I assure you. And I could say the same for you."

She looked smug, "Ya could, but you're too polite to."

He scowled, but in truth it was good to have some conversation that wasn't so serious and filled with strategy of survival, "Quite."

"Speaking of worrying, how is your girl doin'?"

The semi-demon nearly choked on the air, "Excuse me?"

"This Emily gal you mentioned. Checked up on her recently?"

"She is not my girl, or gal, or any of the sort. I just... make sure she is coping well after she was almost taken over by Sickness that one time. An experiment."

"Uh huh, sure. Don't go pretending you didn't go see her before all that."

"I don't remember it being your concern."

She held up her hands in defence, "It ain't. But with everything going to shit lately, I think it's good that you have somethin' to protect outside of it all. Ain't a bad thing."

"It puts us and... and her at risk. And that is a bad thing." He trailed off in thought.

He knew that watching over someone as... normal, as her was wrong. He had permission from Slender of course, but as a precaution it was wrong. He shouldn't feel so protective of her. He shouldn't care for her. She was in a perfect position by not knowing he existed. But good god did he hate that.

"Besides," he continued, clearing his throat and walking down the hall, "We have other things to concern ourselves with. With Slender refusing to speak to Rochelle, our work becomes far more lengthy than necessary. I mean I understand why but..."

"Yeah what's up with that anyway? What's got him so jittered up whenever her name comes up?"

"It's a long story, and not mine to tell. He doesn't like to talk about it." He shook his head slightly, "It was a long time ago and he felt it best to distance himself from her."

"Kinda like you and this Emily gal or...?"

For some reason, that struck a nerve in him that he didn't know was exposed, "Kate if you don't mind dropping both of these topics, I would appreciate it and so would Slender. Past is past. No one seems to realise that anymore."

She contemplated him, seeing the barrier he was trying to build in his eyes. It wasn't like him. Not to this extent anyway. So she nodded, not intimidated but simply understanding. She looked ahead, a promise in her tone that this wasn't over, "Alight, Shadowman, so what's next on your agenda?"

He glanced at her with a hint of gratitude before speaking, "I do what has been asked. I get someone with me and Smile to track down this portals residue. You wouldn't be interested in-"

"I appreciate the offer, Shadowman, but you can take the reins on this one. I got a little business of my own to take care of."

"Oh, well if you're sure. I suppose one of the others will be willing to get out."

She cocked an eyebrow, "Getting stir-crazy, huh?"

"See for yourself."

He indicated to the open door of the common room where the others were gathered around the TV, most with a games controller in their hand, Jeff play-fighting with Smile, and Alice playing Solitaire. There were no obvious signs of boredom, but the blank look in their eyes and the topic of conversation said otherwise.

Toby was taking the lead in what looked like a game of Mario Kart, only darker and more bloody. Clearly another prototype of Ben's game hacking abilities. He didn't last long in the lead, as Ben literally exploded his Yoshi into a bloody pulp with a spiked shell and a torn up Luigi. Trixie seemed to like keeping her car, driven by Toad, in the back, avoiding the gore and trying out a new power up when she could, but wincing at the results.

"Alright, zombie apocalypse. Where do you set up base?" Toby asked.

"Internet waves." Ben answered instantly, "I can charge up my own computer, I don't need food or sleep so constant observation; and no one thinks to bite electricity."

"You're dead. What do you have to be scared of from zombies? Wait a minute, does ghost count as a form of zombie?"

Ben snorted, "Charming!"

"Well I want to be sure in case you bite me!"

"Why would I bite you?"

"I dunno... What happens if one bites you specifically? Can you be turned into one?"

"Well I can't die again but frankly I'd rather avoid the whole teeth and ravaging part, thanks."

Alice quirked an eyebrow, "Kinky..."

The spectre rolled his eyes, "What about you, Toby? Where would you set up shop?"

He thought about it for a moment, brow furrowing and humming to himself. Finally he shrugged, shoulders cracking sickeningly and smiling under his mask like he was giving the most obvious of answers, "Here. No question. Lets face it, there are weirder things here than zombies and I'd say it's pretty safe!"

"Like hell is this place safe!" Jeff snapped as he avoided a pretend bite from Smile and tapped his head lightly, trying to confuse the dog. But it fell short as Smile headbutted his chest, "Sneaky ass mutt..."

Smile sniffed, a gleam in his eyes. The barked when he saw Kate and Shad standing in the doorway, not angrily, but in greeting.

"Hey there, dog." Kate nodded, "Everyone."

There was a group muttering of greeting. Some happy to see her, others not so much. And the one neutral. Shad sighed and thought it best to bite the bullet, "There is something we need to discuss."

"There was a fist fight with Jack and he vanished." Alice stated bluntly.

Jeff continued, "And you're on the hunt to find him again."

"And Slendy's stopping us from asking Rochelle for help again." Ben added, not looking up from the game on screen.

Shad blinked in surprise, "How did you all know that?"

"The walls have ears Shaddy-boy." He smirked, hitting Pause and turning to face him, "Also your voice really travels when the door's left open... By the way, who's Emily?"

Shad's grey skin darkened, "That is none of your concern..."

Jeff snorted, "Losers. Both you and Slendy."

Alice rolled her eyes, "If you ask me he's acting like a child. Rochelle knows more about portals than any other proxy. Her hotel prison is the perfect neutral ground for them and if it wasn't for her helping us then he wouldn't even be here. This is not the time to play hero."

Trixie averted her eyes downwards. She didn't know the full story, but she had an idea of why Slender was reluctant to ask her specifically for help. It had been a long time since they had all gone to seek help from a ghost of a woman named Rochelle. She also had a story, which the world thought was fiction. She was a spirit of a murder victim, and a previous proxy of Slender. But apparently something had happened, something bad. And Slender had imprisoned her in the very room she was killed in. A hotel room.

He had hexed it so that only a demon associated with him can enter or leave. Not a proxy, and definitely not her. So now, as it is a neutral ground, Rochelle occasionally allowed her room to be used for portals. It was her only chance to see people. To talk. Yet she was less than pleased to help them last time when she heard Slender's name. But... when she heard he was in trouble thanks to Zalgo, and how serious the situation really was; she changed her mind quickly.

Trixie recalled the conversation. She recalled how confusing it was.

"If it's alright to ask, how come you hate Slender so much?"
 The eye hardened in distaste, "I don't hate, I resent. He did this to me, you know, said that I was far too… eager in my work."
 "What does that mean?"
"Passive's aren't designed to kill, now are they?" Rochelle asked darkly. Trixie gulped silently. Passive's aren't meant to kill. So Rochelle was put here so that she could stick to her status? A punishment in solitary confinement. Rochelle sighed, "I thought that changing my loyalties would free me; yet here I stay."
Trixie felt a pang of guilt. Sure, Rochelle had gone against a whole set of rules that Trixie couldn't even being to understand, but an eternity of being locked within four walls was just sickening, "I'm sorry."
"None of that. It's what I get for the choices I made."
She stole a glance at Ben who was still fuelling the fire between the killers before turning back, "You chose to be a proxy?"
"Oui…" Rochelle sighed dreamily, "But that was a long time ago."
"Why would anyone want this life? I don't understand it."
"You clearly have never been in love."

"Yo, newbie, wake up."

She flinched when Jeff jabbed her harshly with his elbow, "I was just thinking."

"There's a dangerous thought," Alice rolled her eyes, "You were saying, Shad?"

Shad cleared his throat, "Yes, well I was saying that I am on my way with Smile to collect residue from the last known portal. That way we might see where exactly Zalgo is hiding. However, I would like another to accompany me to be prepared in case of-"

"I'll go!" Toby announced suddenly, dropping the games controller and standing up, "I haven't been out in forever!"

"Fuck no!" Jeff yelled, "I want blood spit after what they did to me and no one is-"

"I think that settles the argument right now," Shad stated simply, "Jeff, you're still recovering and you're too reckless, if I'm honest. Toby it is."

Kate cut over the initial outburst of rage Jeff was no doubtedly going to give, "You sure about that, Shadowman?"

"I trust him. And he is a skilled fighter if the situation calls."

"Bullshit!" Jeff snapped.

"Better luck next time, Jeffy-boy." Alice quirked an eyebrow.

"What about you, Kate, what are you going to do?" Trixie asked, hoping to avoid more of an argument that was brewing.

The southerner huffed, shaking her head as if disappointed in something, "I'll let y'all know when I do. But I ain't letting this one go easy." She turned her head to Shad and Toby, giving a nod and stooping a little to scratch Smile behind the ears, "Good luck out there."

Toby saluted, goggles fixed firmly back in place and his hatches secured to his belt once more, "Luckiest of the lot, that's us! Hope I didn't jinx that..."

Ben rolled his eyes, "Most likely you did."

"Regardless..." Shad sighed, clearly wondering if he'd made the right choice, "We should be leaving. The sooner the better. Goodbye all."

The group watched Shad evaporate through the wall like an exhale of smoke. In seconds it was like he was never there. Smile yawned, showing off his impossibly large, human-like teeth that poked out over the raw skin of his muzzle, standing up and butting his head against Jeff's leg and giving him a stern look. Sometimes Smile thought of these proxies as pups. Not in the clumsy and cute sense, but in the sense that they were constantly in some form of danger and needed shielding. The demon-hound took a bite of the undone laces on Toby's boot and started dragging him along, forcing the boy to hop along behind.

"Alright I'ma coming. Bye guys!"

"Bye, Tobes." Ben said absentmindedly, already back to his game.

Trixie gave a weak wave, then sighed tiredly. It was quiet after the three of them left. Uncomfortably so. It was strange, after so long of being denied permission to go out, and then suddenly people were leaving on jobs and missions again, it was strange to have an absence of people. It didn't fel right all over again. Especially on a mission that was so abnormal from what they were used to. But there was nothing she could do other than just wait. They all had to wait. Or so she thought anyway.

After a minute or so, Ben cocked an eyebrow, giving Kate a knowing look, "Alright, so what are you really going to be doing while they're out?"

"Good to see ya didn't think I was just gonna sit here," She put a hand on her hip, a challenging glint in her eyes, "I'm gonna talk to this Rochelle gal and ask the questions Slendy's too chicken to."

A/N:

So... lets see how this one goes. Kate on a mission, Toby and Shad of all people teaming up, they're all doomed... Lol, well guys I'll be seeing you in the next chapter! Let me know what you think of this one and I'll update as soon as possible XD