Chapter 12: Glitch

The day I decided to become a YouTuber. It's nostalgic to see my 22 year old self playing Amnesia: The Dark Descent. I didn't use a facecam on the first video. I guess I wasn't too sure to show my face to everyone yet. In case if nobody like my gameplays I could walk away without letting everybody know what I look like.

Another memory replaced this. It was me doing my first vlog. Answering Questions and Happy Wheels. I was pretty much dealing with the basic questions. This was after I've gotten 5,000 subscribers I think. What I knew at this time, making videos was my life. This was before I knew any other YouTubers.

I did have a social life don't get me wrong. I did as much videos as I could but I wanted to stay close to my family and friends. The reason behind that was because-.

All of a sudden the memory changed again. This was my Needs To Be Said video. I remember this was my breaking point. This was when I was realizing how much weight I was carrying for my fans. I made these videos so I can bring smiles and positive feelings for the people who watched me. The simple pleasures of making videos, but now they're not simple anymore.

I've build a reputation that everyone loves what I do. Not just what I do, but they've loved me for me! Fear was taking me over because I'm afraid to fail them.

"The people that I've met and just... people that I've may have... you know lost." My past self said, "One point or another because like the strangest thing.. is that I've gotten letters and emails. Emails mostly I don't get letters anymore, but I've gotten emails from people who are telling me about fans... who were at the start of my channel. There's some fans that watch me in the beginning that... They aren't here anymore." I started crying along with my past self, "And you know it's like they tell me I was able to bring joy into their life and I was able to show them a little bit of happiness... And they're gone now. There's so many people here that... like... There's so many people that my videos have touched, That some of them aren't here anymore, and that's...and that's... Oh I don't even have words to describe what that is, or what that means right now but... It just emphasizes how much I need to try. You know everyday to make not only my videos better but to ensure that we as a community do more for each other."

The next memory appeared to replace this sad moment. This was me reacting to 8 Million Fan Reaction Video... I watched this on Father's Day.

"Above all else. Above anything that I'm trying to say here. I just want to say, thank you guys so much for believing in me and what I do. But more importantly like infinitely more importantly thank you guys so much for believing in each other. Because I know this community is going to keep growing, and I know we're going to hit more milestones down the road and its caused for celebration. But the real thing that we always need to remember is that we are here for each other. We have to be because some people out there, you know, some people in these videos they don't anyone else, and they turn to me and they turn to everyone else who reaches out to this community. And I'm honored that you've taken that to heart and that you... You've strived to do better in the world and that you want to drive good back into the world. And using this community as a platform to promote that good will is the best thing that I can hope for. Cause I want you guys to know that I'm a person. I want you guys to know that I'm an individual you know. You can call me Markiplier, Mark, or whatever I'm the same person. I'm always going to be the same person always going to be me and I'm always going to be honest with you. And... I really really hope that you guys believe me when I say that I care about what you do and who you are. Because I can't know you on an individual level, and I'm speaking you as in the whole. I can't know every 8 million people on an individual level. And that's what tears me up inside... Cause I want to... Cause I know there's people who need me to talk to them, and I can't do that. I know there's people that need me!... And I want to be there for them so badly. I do, I want to bear the burden for them. I would bear it...But I can't... And that's what sucks the most about it, but that's where you guys come in. That's where you can help me. You can help me by reaching out who need help the most."

The memory changed again. But this time I'm in the rain, it's cold and it's night time. I see my 18 year old self running to a house. Wait, I know this place. This is-, "Mr. Brooks!" I shouted as I bang against the glass door to get them to open it. Mr. Brooks walked down the stairs and open it but I didn't come in.

"Mr. Brooks, where's Coraline?" I said.

"...She didn't tell you did she?" he said with a look of sympathy.

"What do you mean? Tell me what?"

"She's leaving. She already took a taxi to the airport."

"Please take me there! I have to see her!"

"Alright just let me get my keys."

The memory time shifted as we arrived at the airport. Mr. Brooks said, "Go on. I'll wait for you here."

I bolted out of the car and run inside to find her. I was going out of my mind looking for her. I looked up stairs, I looked downstairs, I went left, and I went right. But I couldn't seem to find her. Until finally I saw her at the last minute.

She was wearing that black and green hood of hers, carrying a dark green backpack with one strap, black jeans, and green converse. "CORALINE!" I shouted her name and she stopped. She took a moment to turn around. When she did she wore a smile as she looked at me with her mint green eyes.

"Coraline... Don't go." I begged her.

"...You'll see me again." she said as she turn her back on me and walked away, "I'll see you around Markiplier!"

... That's right... She was the one who baptized me that name. Till this day, this memory broke my heart.

I walked back to the car where Mr. Brooks was waiting for me. "You've found her didn't you?" he said.

"Why did she leave?"

"... She has her reasons. If you see her again. She'll probably tell you why."

"...Probably."

"No." I said, "No I want to know now!" When I said that all of a sudden I appeared right in front of Coraline on her way to board the plane. "Why?!" I grab both of her arms, "Why did you leave without saying goodbye?! Was I not there for you?! Please Coraline tell me!"

"...Hmph." she just smirked at me, "You want answers? Then come look for me. You know where I am, Markiplier."

She shrug me off and continued to board the plane. "I'll be waiting, but don't expect me to be the same."

The memory changed again to place me in the last dance party at middle school. I remember that I was in eighth grade at this point. I'm hanging out with Wade, Charlie, and Evil getting some sodas and pizza. I remember I have a friend name Charlie, but he's not the Charlie from Blue Rose Prison. As for my friend Evil... He died senior year of high school.

Across the room I see Coraline. Unlike the other girls, she never wears a dress to party occasions. She's wearing blue jeans, a white collar shirt, and her green converse. At times I wonder if she's just a tomboy or a lesbian. I couldn't tell, also I've never saw her with a boyfriend once, nor with a girlfriend. I guessing she was asexual at the time.

"Hey, are you going to ask her to dance Charlie?" said Evil. He wasn't talking about Coraline, he was talking about Amy, Charlie's crush. Charlie blushed as he said, "Um, maybe later. I don't know. I don't think she likes me."

"Well you never know until you find out for yourself." said Wade.

Suddenly Coraline started walking towards Amy. I saw her lips move looking like she's asking Amy for something. Amy smiled brightly as she nodded. Coraline presented her hand to her and Amy took it as they walked onto the dance floor. "Oooo dang man!" said Evil as he laughed wildly, "Beaten by a girl, by Coraline!"

"Oh shut up Evil!" said Charlie.

Coraline and Amy were dancing together to this song called Last Dance by Camera Don't Lie. It's weird that I'm getting this sad feeling from this moment. They both look like they were having fun. When the song ended I took up the courage to walk over to Coraline.

"Oh hey Mark!" said Amy who's very happy, "Enjoying the pary?"

"Yeah." I nodded, "Ahem, um, Coraline?"

"What's up?" she said with a soft smile.

"Would you like to dance with me?"

"Sure. Amy if you don't mind?"

"Alright then. I'm going to get a soda, I'm quite thirsty."

Once Amy walked away. I started dancing with Coraline to a song called Promises by Nero. "So, how come you've danced with Amy?" I asked her.

"She was looking kind of down." she said, "She hasn't danced once so I asked her before the party ends. Also it seems by asking her, I've wounded Charlie's pride."

I couldn't help but laugh and said, "Yeah you kind of did. I think someday those two will get together."

"Oh I'm willing to bet they are."

After the party Coraline asked me, "If I remember correctly your mom is on a date right?"

"Yeah."

"And your brother?"

"Thomas is with his girlfriend tonight. Why?"

"You wanna spend the night at my house? We could play some games or watch a movie."

I hesitated as I said, "Yeah! Um, I mean. Sure, that's sounds great."

"Awesome, well let's go to your house first so you can get some clothes."

She texted her father to tell him about me spending the night. When Amy walked out she ran to Coraline and gave her a big hug. She whispered something in her ear and walked away as she said, "I'll see you later, Coraline!"

"Alright goodnight, Amy!" Coraline waved goodbye at her.

"What did she say?" I asked.

"She just wanted to say thanks for dancing with her."

Wow, that dance must've really made her happy. When her father arrived He took us to my place first so I can gather a few things for tonight. He was kind to get us Ice Cream. This was the best night of my life. Coraline and I played games and watch a movie. I got to sleep in the guest room but it was great more of all.

"I don't get it." I said, "Why am I being shown all of this?"

"Glitches are powered by emotions." said Coraline who appeared behind me. She looks different though. Her black hair is shorter and spikey, she wears a black short sleeved collar shirt, a green vest, a green tie, black pants, and green and black converse. "To think you've would've gotten the hint." she said, "These memories are more precious to you than anything else. They are your fuel."

"So Glitches just have the power to Glitch?"

"Exactly. You see me here,"

She appeared sitting on the bed, "Now I'm over here. This is my hand." she showed me her hand as it suddenly grew claws, "Now with claws. Glitches have the power to do the unnatural and impossible. Hackers have the power to rewrite and break viruses. Viruses have the power to corrupt and take over others, more of all destroy anything they touch. Understand what you're capable of now?"

The room changed but it's white and more spacious. It seems like we've entered into an empty void. Coraline was already standing and started walking away from me. "Where are you going?" I asked.

"No where." she said, "Just giving us some room."

She outstretched both of her arms and all of two hidden blades appeared on them. "Gear up, Markiplier."

"Coraline what are you doing?"

She turned around as she stands proudly, "Awakening your Glitch blood." all of a sudden she appeared closer and closer to me like a glitch. I had to react fast to gear up in my Hacker armor. I blocked both of her blades with my sword.

"I don't remember you having hidden blades." I said.

"Then again you've barely even knew me."

She jumped and kicked me to put distance between us. "10 years we've known each other. 10 years I've never once told you about my personal life. 10 years I've haven't told you my secrets. 7 years I've haven't even once written you a letter since I've left. Why do you bother to even keep me as a friend?!"

She attacked me again as I blocked her blades so easily all of a sudden. I said, "Because I don't want to lose you. I care too much to let you go."

"Would you still care even if I didn't?"

I leaned in as I said, "Always."

"... Alright then."

She stopped and backed away. "I think you're worthy enough to control this power." she said, "Just don't let it get to your head." She suddenly turned into code and went into my body.

"I'll see you again, Coraline. I promise."

When I woke up I expected to be in my cell. But I'm strap to the operating table. "Coraline?" said Dr. Carroll who was standing next to me. "Who's this Coraline?"

Note:

For those who followed me and read my other stories. You know who Coraline is, kind of see where I'm going with this? ;)