A/N:

Sorry for the cliffhanger guys! Allow me to fix it XD Sorry for grammar or spelling mistakes. I have the flu, my head is a little fuzzy right now...

Trixie barely noticed when the peaceful cold around her started to dim away. She was too occupied with trying to enjoy it. It was strange. She assumed that when you died, you saw a white light or at least some past family members who took you away, something like that. It was cheesy and very cliché, she knew that, but its little things like that which gave her some hope if things went bad. But right now, there was nothing. Just dark, empty coldness. Yet she wasn't scared or disappointed. She was just glad for the quiet.

But all too soon, it started to fade. A dull ache grew, starting at her side near her hip and wormed its way through to the rest of her. The cold replaced itself with a feverish burn, making her twitch in discomfort. It hurt, but it wasn't unbearable. Carefully her eyes opened, and she found herself in a hospital bed of sorts. Only very old and likely to fall apart at any given moment. Trixie noted that she remained in her own clothes rather than a hospital gown, which gave her some comfort that she was not in a Sickness trap. So where was she? An infirmary maybe? She flinched when something moved at her side, causing more pain along her middle.

A familiar, sarcastic chuckle made itself known, "Well... finally wanted to rejoin us, huh Trix?"

She blinked, vision blurry to start with, but slowly she started to make out the black and red eyes and sleek tuft of pale blond hair, "B-Ben?" Her eyes widened, "Am I dead?"

He rolled his eyes and deflated considerably, "Just because you're talking to a dead guy doesn't mean you're dead..."

"Thank god... S-So, I'm definitely alive?"

"Yeah, you're alive. You got your own personal defibrillator to thank for that..." He quirked an eyebrow, rubbing his hands together to create sparks and hovered his hands slyly over her chest.

She scowled at him until he put his hands down, too tired for a joke right now, "What. Happened?"

"Jack got hungry and stole one of your kidneys while you were knocked out."

"He what?" Her hand flew to her hip protectively, eyes widening in horror.

Ben snorted and shook his head, putting a cold hand on her head to ease her back down against her pillows carefully, "Easy, Trix, I'm just messing with you."

She exhaled, her middle throbbing in pain from the sudden movement and not wanting to admit that his cold skin felt kind of nice against her fever, "That's not funny, Ben."

"Kind of is."

"Ben please, just tell me what happened." She looked up at him pleadingly, but firmly. She hadn't even been awake ten minutes and she already wished she was unconscious again!

He hesitated, but he seemed to note the exhaustion in her eyes, and he took pity. He removed his hand from her and folding his arms on the pillows so he could rest his chin on them so he was eyelevel with her, "Alright... Let's start with what you remember."

Not having the energy to shuffle away from him, she was stuck looking directly at him. Her brow furrowed in concentration, "Um... Slender and Zalgo were in a Sickness battle I think it was called... A-And Jack was... I pushed him away..." Her eyes travelled down to look at her stomach where it was heavily bandaged and padded on the one side, "I was hit..."

"Yeah you just had to play hero," He rolled his eyes again, but with a harsher edge to his tone that did not go unnoticed, "You're lucky Slendy managed to rip that guy apart and get us out of there before anything else happened."

"So we're definitely home? Slender, Jack, everyone?"

"Yeah, like I said, you were lucky."

Trixie wanted to show her relief, happiness, anything that would allow her to enjoy this moment. But instead she could only show confusion at his tone, "Are you mad at me or something?"

"What? No," He averted his eyes, trying to sound passive but only managing passive aggression, "As long as you know that there's no guarantee you'll become a ghost like me if you die; then you can take as many hits from demons as you like."

"What?" She tried to sit up, but the pain stopped her, "Ben, I know that. You've already told me not everyone comes back but... But I wasn't trying to play hero. I just didn't want Jack to die after everything he'd been through. I didn't think I just-"

"Well I think it's pretty clear you didn't think. And that's what kills you."

She stared at him, starting to get a little angry. Why should she be scolded like a child for saving someone? Yes it was reckless and she could have died, but she wasn't trying to be brave. She just didn't want someone to die, was that so bad? She narrowed her eyes, "I already told you why I did it, Ben, I'm sorry if I scared you but-"

"You didn't scare me," He said a little too quickly, "Just thought you were going to die for a minute there, we all did to be honest. And then Slendy took out the Sickness and it's just been a waiting game for the past few hours."

Hours. Well that wasn't as bad as she thought. But it was still a terrifying thought. She shook it off and tilted her head at him, studying him, "And you've been here since we got back?"

He arched an eyebrow at her, leaning back a little cautiously, "What's your point?"

After a moment, she smiled to herself, settling down on her pillows again and feeling a little smug. It wasn't often she got to get the better of him, she just wished it was on better circumstances, "You were worried about me." In truth her felt her cheeks warming like she was embarrassed for even suggesting it. After all, this was Ben, he didn't care about anyone.

For a moment Ben said nothing. But just when she was about to take back what she said, he sighed and his expression went from irritated to amused, "I admit nothing..."

Trixie blinked at him, turning her head back to look at him, a small smile tugging the corner of her mouth, "Well... Whichever it is... I didn't mean to worry anyone. You included. I just didn't want to see someone else die, especially when there's little chance of them coming back."

"Then we have something in common," He stated, matching her smile, softening a moment, "I'm the only one allowed to act reckless from now on, alright?"

"It's a deal," She sighed, trying not to let out a laugh because it hurt too much. She winced and tensed up, "Ow..."

"Yeah this is going to be sore for a while."

"D-Do you know how long?"

"Oh your stomach? No idea. I'm talking about my arm, you're squeezing hell out of it."

She flushed when she noticed he was telling the truth. In her jolt of pain she had gripped the sheets tightly to try and deal with it, but had grabbed his arm by mistake. She removed it and shifted awkwardly, "Sorry..."

"Don't mention it." He smirked, "And to answer the question, you should be out of here soon. Slendy doesn't like to keep people in the warehouse infirmary for long since you never know when Toby might need it again."

"Makes sense... Slender is okay through right? They all are?"

"Yeah, a little tired and beat up but they're okay."

"And... Zalgo?"

"You'll have to ask Slendy about that one. To be honest I've given up trying to figure out what happens between demons. I'm sticking to my video games."

"I don't blame you there... So, I can leave now? I need to talk to him about something."

"What, is it that bad sticking around with the dead guy you woke up to?" He quirked an eyebrow, leaning in a little closer.

She blinked, feeling the chill of his skin close to hers, "I'd just rather not wait around..."

"So you admit that waking up to me wouldn't be a bad thing?"

Why did he insist on twisting everything like that? But she was too tired to get into this right now. She had too much on her mind. Jack's name was still echoing in her head along with the ash of Sickness still drying out her throat. She needed to see Slender, to get some real answers here, "Ben... please just tell Slender I'm awake."

"Yes, ma'am." He snickered, giving her hand a squeeze before standing up and making a move to step away.

Before she knew what she was doing, her kept hold of his hand and held on tight. She looked up at him, cheeks warming under his curious look, "I just wanted to say th-thank you... For keeping an eye on me."

The way Ben looked down at her, with slight amusement and a little confusion, she thought that she'd made a mistake and tried to pull away. But he didn't let her. He just kept looking down at her with her hand in his. After a moment, he allowed his expression to soften. The silence in the air was heavy, and tainted with the smell of metal from the ancient infirmary furniture. But so quiet. He gave her fingers a soft squeeze, and slowly leaned in closer to her. She froze, unsure of what he was doing, still awfully shaky after the pain in her side. Gently, he closed the gap between them and rested his forehead against hers, a small crackle of static jumping from his skin to hers. A small gesture, but that's all that was needed. She closed her eyes a moment and found she wasn't breathing, until he started to pull away and her eyes opened again. He smirked, parting from her and walking towards the door, seemingly satisfied by the contact as if it clarified that she really was okay.

"Anytime, Trix."

Slender was not afraid to admit that he had been waiting impatiently for Trixie to wake up. Not that he could expect the process to go smoothly and her come walking in at any moment. Zalgo had hit her with a vile Sickness that, if left unattended, would have literally consumed her from the inside out, leaving nothing but ashen remains. A grim business to inflict on someone, but Zalgo did not care for a simple human life. But Slender on the other hand, he could not let an innocent life die. Proxy or not. But honestly, it had surprised him that it had been Beatrix to take the attack for Jack. Not that he didn't doubt she was stronger than she appeared, he believed that for all Proxies. But it as such a risky move. And it had taken a lot of precision to extract all of Zalgo's Sickness from her. It was a putrid concoction, unlike his own that he was no longer familiar with. But he had saved her. That was the main thing. And as soon as Ben passed on the message that Trixie was awake and well, he asked for her to join him in his office for a talk. She had been unconscious for a while, it was only fair that he was the one to inform her of what had happened.

He was still so tired and needed rest. But he couldn't allow himself to do that just yet. There were just too many things to do, to process, both mentally and physically. He had eliminated Zalgo. Felt his ashen limbs dissolve in his hands. Watched the embers of his skin just extinguish. And he felt sorrow for it. Because as much as he had hated all that Zalgo stood for, that did not change the fact that they had once been allies. Their past, not erased, but ended. Just like that. He had stooped down to Zalgo's level for the greater good but at the expense of his morals. He was both mourning and relieved. It was a twisted mix to go through, but unavoidable.

Everyone understood this in some sense. And not too long later after Trixie had been checked over by Kate and given the okay, she was up and walking very cautiously up the hallway towards Slender's office. Along with her face still feeling warm from that moment with Ben, her middle was still aching like crazy and she didn't want to aggravate it any more than necessary. The bandages were kept on to be on the safe side. But she was not afraid to admit that she was not ready to take a look at the wound yet. She had been told that it looks like a scar of a bullet wound. But she still didn't want to see it. Not yet. She wanted to get the important things out of the way before worrying about vanity of her stomach. But that didn't stop her feeling the dull ache. Her arm wrapped around it protectively as she made her way towards Slender's office. Not really knowing what to expect, but as was the norm for visits to the office. Hopefully answers would be given soon.

She knocked the door before poking her head inside, "Slender? Y-You wanted to see m- ah!"

Her voice caught in her throat in a tight squeak to suppress a scream. Sitting in Slender's office just in front of the demon himself, were two tall people who up until this point, she had only seen surrounded in Sickness. And the last she'd seen them, they were unconscious after trying to attack not only her but the others too. Masky and Hoody. It was bizarre seeing them here and now. It was still unclear to her what state of mind they were in. Should she be scared of them? Should she run? Or were they back to normal now? And if they were, did that mean they were the killers she had assumed them to be or were they more approachable like Toby? It was thin ice she was not happy to be standing on again.

Slender seemed to register the tension and quickly rushed to put it at ease, raising his hands in an attempt at peace, Calm yourself, Beatrix... There is no threat here...

She blinked, looking between him and the two Proxies, "Y-You mean..."

Masky pushed a hand through his hair somewhat awkwardly, speaking for the first time. His voice was not as deep as she expected since he appeared older then her based on stature. It was hard to tell with the mask on, but she didn't ask questions, she'd seen stranger. He shrugged a shoulder as he spoke, "With uh... With Zalgo gone, we get our heads back. I mean we get our minds back. Uh..." He offered a hand for a handshake, "Masky. And that's Hoody. If uh... If you haven't heard the horror stories by this point."

His awkwardness took her by surprise, but she accepted the handshake, "T-Trixie. Um... S-So, you're both okay? I mean you don't have Sickness or anything anymore?"

"No. Well not Zalgo Sickness anyway. We're still Slender Proxies." He glanced for a moment to Slender as if in respect and apology, "Always were really."

I did not doubt that for a moment... It is good to have you both back with us...

Trixie smiled a little. Unsure of what to say. She flinched a little when Hoody stepped forward to tap her on the shoulder. He was not as tall or lanky as his partner, and his face was hidden between a veil that looked like it was made from pixels. Red squares forming his eyes and mouth. He did not speak. Instead, he moved his hands in a series of movements that blended together almost fluidly. Some she registered as a meaning for something else, but overall she didn't understand what he was doing.

"Um... I'm sorry I don't..." She trailed off, feeling guilty for some reason.

"Oh," Masky stepped in, his tone reassuring, "He said, We're sorry for what we put you guys through, we weren't ourselves down there and we're not that bad in real life."

Hoody moved his hands again and gave Masky a pointed look.

Masky shook his head in a playful scold to translate again, "Most of the time we're not that bad."

Trixie blinked, registering what was happening. Sign language. Hoody was a mute and Masky was translating. That was something she hadn't expected, but found fascinating. She felt guilty that she didn't know how to speak sign language, but at least she could talk to him directly. She offered a small but genuine smile. It was unexpected that she would actually take a liking to these two after they tried to kill her and the others. But then again that could be said for nearly everyone in this place. She was starting to see it as a rite of passage...

"It's... It's okay. It wasn't really you guys and..." She shrugged, "And starting over would be good."

"Sounds good to me." Masky nodded, and hesitated to watch Hoody say something before translating, "And Hoody says likewise."

Slender nodded, glad to see less fear and darkness in the room. And pleased to see his old Proxies making such good progress after a long rest and Sickness purge, Hoody, Masky, I apologise for asking, but there is something I would like to discuss with Beatrix in private... Would you mind if we talked later...?

Hoody shrugged passively and shook his head, giving a thumbs up which needed no translation. Trixie saw a little of Ben in him, very laid back and if he had the ability to talk would probably be doing the most of it rather than Masky.

"Sure, Sir. Nice to meet you properly, Trixie."

"Yeah," She answered as they left, "Same to you too."

Slender had an air of amusement to his tone when they left, leaving just she and him in the office, I take it you did not expect them to be accommodating after your first impressions of them...?

"Honestly, no I didn't. I thought..." Don't say you thought they'd be like Jeff, "I thought they'd be more resentful to what happened to them. Or at least more... killer-ish."

Killer-ish... He chuckled, No I'm afraid you'll find Hoody and Masky are very easy to talk to and very good at detaching their work from their personalities... They do not mix the two and they are not ones to let the past determine who they are now... I think you'll get along well...

"I hope so. And they're really okay?"

They're tired... But that is understandable... They will be fine after a long rest and time to settle in again... Not everyone will be as forgiving as you...

"It wasn't their fault." She looked down, "I'll need to start learning sign language..."

It's easy to grasp in time...

She nodded, eager to try. It didn't seem fair for Hoody to need a translator all the time. But she put the thoughts aside for now, "Um, Sir? I-I was out of it for a while and... Just what happened back there?"

That is what I wanted to talk to you about... In short, Zalgo is gone... I do not know about Jane just yet but she seems to be the only threat at the moment, and not a large one... But for now, we're safe... And at no risk from Zalgo, not anymore...

Trixie noticed the slight sadness in his tone. A loss that she could relate too. It was the sound of someone trying to remain strong after hearing bad news. She didn't want to press the matter. It was common knowledge by this point that he and Zalgo had once been partners. The fact that Zalgo was now gone, it must have affected him more than they thought, "But, I thought you told me that a demon can't be killed? They can just be-"

Left as a shell, yes I did say that... He interrupted gently, Zalgo has been exterminated... His being still exists somewhere, but not in this or the Sickness realm... He has no vessel... He has no connection... He is gone for good...

"So, like banishing?"

In a way... And no, he cannot return...

Trixie breathed a sigh of relief, all that pent up fear and worry just evaporating. She still felt sympathy for him, but in a rare act of selfishness, she allowed her happiness to be just a little more stronger than that. The fact that Zalgo still existed out there in some shape or form way out there in another plane of existence was still unsettling. But knowing that he didn't exist in this world or the Sickness world, that was enough for her. Jane was still out there. But maybe now that Zalgo was gone, maybe she got her free will back too? It was possible. And she knew that Slender would keep looking for her until that was proved. She counted her small blessings, knowing there hadn't been many lately. And didn't press the matter too much.

"And... are you alright, Sir?"

Tired and a little worse for wear I'll admit, Beatrix, but I assure you I will be just fine...

"Glad to hear that. U-Um, Slender, I need to talk to you about Jack." She wanted to get this over with, to rip it off like a band-aid.

Yes, I thought you might...

She closed her eyes and sighed, knowing that tone by now, "You already know, don't you?"

Of course I do, Jack and I have already talked... He gave you his name...

She felt a little annoyed that she'd been left out of this, but that couldn't be helped now, "Yeah. And I know if I was a demon then that would mean I would have total control over him. But I'm not so... I don't know what it means. Or why he did it. After everything that happened with Zalgo, why did he just give me his name like that?"

It means he trusts you, Beatrix... Whether you are a demon or not, handing over your full name to someone so willingly involves a lot of trust... He is still my Proxy, but as I do with all of you, I do not exploit your names... I do not ask for them... The fact that he gave his to you, it means that you could have authority over him if you so wished, but he knows that you would not abuse that so...

It was true, she didn't plan on taking control of anyone especially when she saw what it could do to people, "So, in theory, nothing changes?"

In theory... However, you must understand that if you ever use his full name against him, then he'll be forced to obey... And after what the poor boy has been though, I fear the results...

"I'd never." She said quickly, looking at him firmly.

I am glad to hear it... And, Beatrix, I wish you well for your recovery... A Sickness wound like that, you were lucky...

"I've been told," She smiled.

He nodded his head once, and his tone turned apologetic, I apologise for keeping this brief and blunt, Beatrix, but I feel that we have all earned a moments peace... I must rest... And then I have to leave for a short while... I have a promise to someone very dear to keep...

She nodded, having a feeling who that might be but not wanting to sound out of place by calling him out on it. And god was she damn tired too, "Yes, Sir. Um... Slender?"

Yes, Beatrix...

"Th-Thank you. For saving my life back there."

No thanks necessary... I am just glad you are all safe...

"Yeah, me too."

She bowed her head a little respectfully as she left the room and continued on her way down the corridor, confused for a multiple of reasons. One being that two killers she had heard so much about and come to fear by name were actually really approachable and a little friendly. Another being that in theory, she could have full control of Jack should she ever use Sickness like that. Not that she ever would. That poor boy had been through enough already. He did not need anyone else controlling him. She accepted that Jack trusted her enough to give her his name, and he didn't want to ever abuse that trust. The best she could hope to do was just look after him. Help him if she could. And that would start by her finding him and talking things through. Making sure he was aware of what she was thinking. It was only fair.

Her thoughts became suddenly interrupted as she heard someone whispering to her. Not any words. But like someone was trying to get her attention. She stopped. She was in the part of the warehouse that held the Proxy's bedrooms. There just up ahead was her bedroom. One door up from that was Ben's. And right next to her where the hushed whispers were coming from, was Jeff's room. At first, her instinct was to just keep walking. But she just couldn't. Jeff was in the common room with the others and no one was allowed in there without permission. She learned that the hard way. So who could be in there now?

Curiosity got the best of her. Surely a simple peek wouldn't hurt. After everything that happened, it paid to be careful. She gulped and stepped forward, following the whispers and peeking around the door to Jeff's room. As she remembered, it was messy and had that distinctive boy smell. His knife was on the shelf in its stand like she remembered. And overall, everything was as it should be. But then a figure in the shadows started to emerge, chuckling darkly. It was tall and slim with ivory skin, only made to look paler by a cascade of black hair and eyes. And all of it was horribly familiar.

"Jane?" Trixie whispered, her throat awfully tight, "Y-You're-"

Trixie nearly screamed when Jane pounced forward at an inhuman speed. Jane pinned her against the wall while slapping a hand over Trixie's mouth to stop the noise, slamming the door shut. Her blackened eyes were bright, teeth bared excitably like she was about to share some big secret. Trixie's trembling only seemed to encourage her, and she breathed heavily, trying to contain a sadistic, fractured laughter.

"Shh-Shh... It's okay, we're friends remember? You didn't kill my Daddy..." She shuddered, grip tightening, "You just got in Daddy's way a little, but that's okay! I forgive you."

Trixie stared at her with wide eyes, unable to move. It was pointless to try and talk. She could only listen and pray to whatever higher being that she would make it out of this alive. How was she here? How did she get out without Zalgo?

Jane nodded slowly, "There, there... I know it's so scary... But it's okay now, I'm here! And we can fix all of this mess. We're the same you know... Want to know how? Come on now, don't be scared, we're friends! Friends share secrets... Right?"

She was insane. Trixie couldn't think of any other way of putting it. The excited whispers and devilish grin along with such child-like glee in a grim situation just did not mesh. The smell of Sickness and rot hung on her breath and Trixie wasn't sure if it was that which made her eyes water or if she was starting to form tears from fear. But she had the sense not to anger Jane just now. Playing along was the best way to go. And so she nodded as best she could.

"Good, Trixie-Trix... You're a good friend." Jane smiled, carefully taking her hands away from Trixie to let her stand alone, "I miss my Daddy... That Slender person, he killed him and now I don't have anyone to let me feed. I'm hungry. I want food. And I want it now. But I can't because Slenderman killed my Daddy!"

She flinched at the raised volume, having to clear her throat a few times before being able to speak. This wasn't like dealing with Jeff. Because with Jeff, he was under oath not to kill her. But Jane; Jane is unpredictable and lost, "H-He wasn't your dad, Jane. I-I know that's hard but-"

"No no no no, no lying now... Friends don't lie... Zalgo looked after me, he fed me... He made me into something powerful like him. He was my Daddy no matter what lies Slender told you!" Jane looked like she was about to lash out, but stopped herself, "I'm sorry, I don't want to lose another friend."

Just breathe Trixie. You'll get help, somehow, "Okay... Jane please I-" She swallowed hard, trying to remain calm, "Jane. How did you get here?"

"I followed you all, silly. Daddy gave me a lot of gifts you know. He was a good..." She sniffed, looking like she was going to cry, "He was a good Daddy. And you're a good friend."

"R-Right," Trixie nodded, feeling sick from lying and being alone with a being like this, "And you said y-you had a secret? W-What secret?"

"Oh, you'll like this one... I'm like you!"

"W-What does that mean? You keep saying that but-"

"You draw people who need to die." Jane giggled, practically bouncing on her feet, "You draw people the Sickness tells you need to die. And, hehe, look..."

Jane took a step back, grinning widely. For a moment she did nothing. But slowly, her pale slim hands started to reach for a small book that had been stashed in her back pocket of her black jeans. Trixie furrowed her brow, wondering what the hell was going on, and for a few minutes she continued to wonder. Until Jane started flipping through the book, revealing tiny little doodles drawn in brown ink. Or rather what looked like brown ink. The cold reality set in too soon for Trixie. It was dried blood. Human blood.

Each drawing was of a person. And the majority of them were crossed out. But she stopped on a page that had multiple people. And it made Trixie sick to her sore stomach when she noticed that they were familiar. Horrifically so. Because she had made the same drawings herself when the Sickness had taken over. When Zalgo had forced images in her head and made her draw them, that is what those pictures had been. Only they were a different style, more jagged and desperate. They were definitely not drawn by her. They were drawn by Jane.

"You... You get passive Proxy traits too?"

"I'm not a Proxy, silly. My Daddy gave me lots of gifts, remember? Like a good Daddy... Daddy..." Jane shook herself, "I'm just like you, Trixie-Trix. I draw bad people! Everyone who helped Slender is a bad person... And you know what else? I'm going to cross the others off too, just like Daddy wanted. Some day."

Trixie shook her head, unnerved to say the least. How could Jane have the same ability as her? Slender had always said that Proxy abilities were unique to the Proxy but- Oh for gods sake Trixie, there is a demon spawn standing in front of you saying that she's going to kill everyone you know! Get a grip, she scolded herself. Trying to get her head together, "Jane... You can't kill them. Please, Zalgo's not here, you don't have to-"

"Stop it!" Jane ordered, looking close to tears for a split second, but covered it up with a smile as she pocketed the book again, "You tell me a secret now. Take my mind off things. That's how this works. You make me feel better. It's what friends do. Good friends."

"Okay, okay, um..." Think, Trixie, think! She daren't move towards the door, Jane was too fast, she knew that. She had to be smart and not panic. Panic was not going to get anywhere, "M-My secret... Uh... Okay, Jane. I'll tell you a secret. I'm... I'm not scared anymore."

Jane tilted her head curiously like an animal about to investigate a toy, "No lying remember? You're always scared. That's your thing."

"I t was. But then..." She swallowed, adrenaline pumping through her and her middle throbbing in pain. It hurt so much but that only pushed her on. This had to end, "Then I saw people getting killed. Then I lived with killers and had to draw dead people every day for them."

"Like me..."

"And then I got dragged around from one demon world to another and got tricked into thinking I'm the insane one and- and you know what else?" She became unaware of her own volume rising, fists clenching, "I was scared every day thinking that either one day I'd wake up and it'd all be some psychotic dream and I'm really back in some hospital, or I'm going to get killed by one of those people out there who I'm actually starting to call friends. Who, believe it or not, I care about!"

"I cared about my Daddy... Slender killed him. Who's to say he won't kill you or someone you care about to?"

"B-Because..." Trixie dared to look away from her for a split second and caught sight of something interesting. And would most likely cause herself more harm than anything. But that didn't matter. She only looked at it for a second before looking back to Jane, eyes set in determination, "Because unlike Zalgo, Slender isn't using us. He treats us like people and not like pets. And you know what? Unlike your Daddy, he gives a shit!"

Before she had even finished talking, Trixie shoved Jane back as hard as she could. Her stomach aching in complaint as her muscles tensed. But there was no time to let it get to her. She reached out and grabbed what she had seen on the shelf. And that was a knife. A used but sharp kitchen knife that she had only touched once and vowed never to again. Until now. She just hoped Jeff would be okay with it given the circumstances.

Trixie turned around, thrashing the knife outwards and jolted as it connected with something. Jane's pale throat sliced open and black ooze poured down her front, splattering on Trixies hands and arms. They both cried out, one in anger and the other in surprise at her own actions. Trixie didn't want to kill. But she couldn't let Jane get any closer. She swung the knife again, unskilled and flailing but it seemed to so the job at keeping Jane away. But not for long. Jane snarled and pounced, a fist darting out to collide into Trixie's stomach.

She gritted her teeth as a burning pain echoed over her being. And her leg shot out to kick Jane's shin. It was a move of pure desperation but it was a desperate situation. Jane didn't flinch, she only stepped closer. Trixie cried out again, thrusting the knife forward to cut into Jane's arm. She didn't have the energy to stab her, only to slice and wound her. But it was enough to throw her off. More black splattered over them both. She took another chance, swinging for Jane one more time before swinging open the door to smack into Jane's face.

In the moment of confusion, Trixie ran for it, the knife in her hands and stumbling down the corridor. Her stomach hurt so much, it burned and pulsated horrifically. The black blood on her skin smelled of rot and ached to the touch. But she kept running. Unable to stop until she reached the common room. Bursting open the door and almost falling inside. Suddenly under the stares of everyone who was inside.

"H-Help!"

"Fuck, don't do that!" Alice hissed, hand over her heart a moment before giving her a look, "Uh..."

"Trix?" Ben eyed her, taking in the black liquid over her clothes and hands and he stood up in apparent concern, "What the-"

"Are you okay?" Toby asked, sitting bolt upright, spine cracking.

"Who gives a- Wait is that..." Jeff narrowed his eyes dangerously, taking a step forward, "Is that my fucking knife?" He yelled.

Trixie panted heavily, one hand shaking as she clutched the knife and the other wrapped around her stomach in pain. She stumbled forward and pushed the knife handle against his hands, "You can kill me later!"

"What?" He demanded.

"Look!"

She pointed behind her, black ooze dripping off her skin just as the door to the common room burst open. Jane stood there, her wounds already healing but the look of pure hatred still etched on her face. It was like watching a tormented caged animal suddenly set free. Mad and lost of all sane mind. She was out for blood. She wanted to kill. She wanted to end Zalgos work. Starting with everyone in this room.

"You're not my friend anymore, Trixie-Trix..." She growled, voice distorted like there were multiple tones in one, "From this point on, I have no friends..."

A/N:

Only two chapters left! Agh!