Awoken by a scent reeking of rust and rot, Noodle sat up, reaching to touch her face lightly, confused by the darkness that encased her. Tracing her eyelid, she knew her eyes were opened, but saw nothing as a result the darkness that swirled ever so thickly around her tiny frame. The floor she sat on was rough and jagged. She supported her weight on one side of her hips, her legs curled toward her body. She waited for her eyes to adjust, but nothing came. She began to panic, and turned her body around, rolling onto her hands and knees. She barely made out a promising light, twinkling and flashing with abnormal reds, and bright yellows. She sighed in relief, stopping when she realised the noise had barely escaped her lips as a faint whisper.

She ignored the ominous feeling and stood, walking toward the familiar light that called out to her. The closer she came, the more she wanted to turn back and hide in the darkness. The light… it was entrancing and dangerous. Something about it told her to run, but she was blinded by the calming sense of sight that she instinctually wanted. Her instincts were at war: warning her to run from the ensuing danger, but yearning for the comfort of the feeling of sight that she needed in order to flee.

As she neared the edge of the darkness, her heart was racing, but the pulsing in her ears could not diminish the anguished woes and panicked shrieks she heard far off in the distance. As soon as she came to what was obviously the end of a tunnel she had found herself in, her eyes grew wide in unmistakable horror. She leaned against the hot wall for support, petrified and staring feebly at the unrelenting nightmare of this forsaken landscape. As she stood weakly in place, her eyes followed their own trail across the jagged ground, and move upwards, staring across as far as her vision could make out. As far as she saw, lights flickered, dancing everywhere. The only way to escape the sickening familiarity of the pain the lights signaled, was either to go blind, or hide in the darkness. Out in the open, Noodle felt the pang of her former life in this abysmal world, and took in a sharp breath, gripping the hot wall tighter, feeling it cutting into her palm.

It was only moments after her blood spilled, even minimally from her tiny hand, that they were upon her. She looked up, and saw the shadows above, grimly crawling down the wall and towards her. There was no escape. She looked back at the smoky, fire-lit land, and saw the shadows as they moved across the ground, far out down below her in the lake of fire. She spotted them, crawling over rocks, and walking toward her –the innocent bystander –purposefully. She fell forward, having been hit from behind. She wheezed, sucking in a pained breath. Unseen, one kicked her in the side. The sickening sound of a shattered rib was heard moments before her gruesome scream filled all of her world. The beasts sniggered, enjoying her now that she was broken in by emotion once more. She coughed, pushing herself up weakly with her arms, but she was kicked in the same side again, and her face slammed into the wall. She sobbed, blood now pouring from her broken skin and oozing from her lips. She coughed once more, blood splattering onto the floor.

She shrieked as she was caught by her hair, and thrown across the painful ground, away from the tunnel. She flinched as a rock cut into her shoulder, yelping. She rolled onto her side, trying desperately to crawl away, but her shirt was caught. She saw them, coming for more. As the darkness from their daunting shapes clouded all that was around her, and all that she could see was their petrifying red stares, she closed her eyes, praying for it to end quickly. She held herself still, to attempt to extinguish their interest as they would begin their attack, but as one pinned her down, she lost her resolve.

As she struggled, she could feel the ground giving way, but was too terrified to look and see what was going on as it became soft, and the putrid smell became sweet. The demons were still upon her, and she struggled to escape one's grip. She whimpered, pushing back, and it let go. Stupefied by such an unusual action, she opened her eyes, and screamed when it smiled at her malevolently. She struggled backwards again, holding her arms close to her face, her nose once again becoming filled with the sweet scent of butterscotch, and she looked around desperately for where it had emanated from.

She opened her eyes, and froze. Weren't her eyes just opened? Something was off… It was dark… and comfortable now…

She looked sideways at the ceiling, and realised she was… somewhere… but this somewhere was safe. Her mind was foggy and lost, and as she looked forward, she became confused as she saw the blue-tinted wall before her –a foot away –move forward, expanding. She shrank back, waiting for an attack, but then it slowly became flat again, and she heard a sigh as wind pushed passed her face. It was warm. She looked up to find its source, and saw two dark voids staring down at her. His eyebrows were scrunched together, and he was grimacing. She whimpered as she stared at him, her lips trembling, and he flinched, closing his eyes and waiting for what had always happened before. He took in a sharp breath as he felt something crash into his chest and wrap its arms around his neck. He exhaled, panicking, and opened his eyes, shocked to find Noodle wrapped around him, holding him close with her head resting in the exposed crook of his neck. He felt her convulse, and she sobbed. He wrapped his own arms around her in an embrace.

As soon as her tremors had slowly disappeared, he lifted his hand to her head, and ran his fingers through her silky, knotted hair. He brushed through her hair, past the skin of her neck. She shivered as he traced his hand down her back and rubbed her comfortingly. "Are yew awright, love?" He felt her nod into his neck. "Wos it a nightmare?"

"…Yes," she whispered, gripping his shirt in fear. He cuddled her closer.

"I'm 'ere," he told her.

"I know," she mumbled.

He felt a surge of happiness strike through his chest. He scooted back, releasing Noodle and supporting his head with his hand as he sat up sideways, gazing down at her. She looked up at him, curious. "Yew know wot?" He asked impishly.

She shook her head, "No."

He smirked, repeating the phrase his mother used on him to get a chuckle. "I fink te sun wonts ta say 'ello. 'E jus' came ou' te see ya, but yew wos asleep, Noodle."

She grinned, rubbing her eyes. "It's morning already?" She yawned.

"Yeah," he chirped. "An' ih's time fo breakfast, too."

"Well, I think breakfast can wait for another half hour," she thought aloud.

2D's face went blank, "I dun wan' ih ta wait. T'as rude."

She smirked. "Maybe," she started. "But I need to take a shower, 2D… and I need to change my clothes."

His face became serious, then thoughtful. He rolled onto his back. "Yeah, I guess yew shou' do tha' firs'… Yew've been wearin 'ose same jammies since yestaday, 'aven't yew?"

She nodded, "Mm… yes…"

He grinned, rolling back toward her, "A'righ t'en. I guess I cou' use a shower, too. Are yew gonna be awright by y'self?"

She nodded once more, "Hai. I will be fine…"

He smiled, ruffling her hair. "Good," he chirped. He sat up, scooting to the edge of her bed. He reached down, grabbing his trousers and pulled them up his legs, until getting them over his hips required him to stand. He reached into his back pocket and pulled out a small cardboard box. He took one of the little death-sticks inside and stuck it between his lips, then pulled out his lighter and lit it quickly, taking a deep breath and sighing.

Noodle was going through her drawers, grabbing a t-shirt, jeans, and sneakers, as well as a pair of knickers and a bra, which she hid beneath the folds of her clean clothes. She stuck the bundle under her arm, and turned to see 2D, just as he exhaled the smoke after his first drag. She walked up to him, her face blank. He looked down at her, and reached inside his box for another fag, handing it took her. She stared at it, then flashed her gaze back up to him, wide-eyed. "Dun fink I don' know tha' yew smoke, love," he chuckled. She took it tentatively, and raised it to her mouth, placing it between her lips. He turned toward her, putting his box back into his pocket and leaned forward with his lighter to light her cigarette for her. She inhaled, taking the fag between her fingers as she exhaled the smoke. He grinned sadly down at her whilst she was staring away. He sighed, brushing his hands through her hair. "I'll see yeh in a bit, awright love?"

She shifted her eyes back up to him. "Okay, 2D… Do not forget your things," she reminded him, pointing to the rucksack. He took it, hanging it over his shoulder, and left her room silently. Noodle placed her clothes on her bed, and, the suitcase now empty, she closed it and kicked it back underneath her bed.

The moment 2D left the lighthouse, he stopped at the abandoned lifeboat resting on the plastic shore. He stared at it, taking a drag of his cigarette, and then took the fag between his fingers as he exhaled. He turned his head, staring out to the dark horizon. He'd tried using this boat to escape once, in one of many attempts… but, like all the times before, he failed miserably in fleeing. The cyborg had caught up with him, swimming no less, with a harpoon. She turned his arse around, and he gave up immediately, reading the most terrifying novel in the history of mankind as they made their way back to the island… Moby Dick.

He scoffed, thinking about how many times, even when Murdoc had no longer needed his voice, Murdoc locked him away in that underwater room. He was honest in telling Noodle that he had forgiven Murdoc for kidnapping and torturing him, but 2D still resented the man for throwing Noodle's life away and treating him like his property. 2D used to look up to Murdoc, mostly in fear, but Murdoc was still somewhat of a role model to him… but how could he have known better? Though, he does now.

2D took a deep breath, sticking the fag back between his lips, and walked to the entrance, kicking random bits of scrap as he moved along, his hands in his pockets. After walking up the metal staircase, into the entrance, and entering the lift, he immediately went down to his level and into his bedroom, locking his door. Once inside, he tossed the bag onto his bed then removed his shirt, and was shocked to find spots of blood in the fabric. He examined his chest, tracing it with his fingers, then realised Noodle's wounds must have opened in her sleep while she was fidgeting. Her movement is what had woken him up in the first place. He had stared down at her, perplexed at how distressed she'd seemed, but too frightened to attempt to awaken her from her nightmare.

2D took another drag from his cigarette, then flicked the butt into his bin. Once he'd removed his clothing, all but his boxers, he went about his room, cleaning up scraps and throwing junk away, throwing dirty clothing into a corner of his room. He left most everything in its place, and double-checked that the curtains over the window were set proper. He found himself staring at a rather annoying picture hanging from part of his wall. He scowled at it, unable to remember whether he'd drawn it out of fear, or if Murdoc had drawn it to get a laugh for himself. Either way, that picture of him getting eaten by that whale drove him mad. He growled, punching the picture in spite, and ripped it from the wall. He threw it across his bedroom, where it missed his trash bin by mere inches, and he grunted as the pain in his knuckled finally hit him. He frowned, disoriented by his sudden burst of anger. His head was pulsing, and becoming hot. 2D took a deep breath and strode to his bedside, reaching for his pill bottle, his fingers fumbling as he opened the cap and swallowed a couple of pills. He immediately went into his lavatory, where he stepped inside of his shower and disposed of his boxers. He turned the shower valve, letting the water run free. He twitched as the icy cold water hit his bare skin like needles, but relaxed as it grew hot and the air became thick with moisture.

Once he was clean and dry, 2D slipped a clean shirt over his head, along with clean boxers and trousers. He took his pill bottle and deposited two of the pills into his trouser pocket, for use later in the day. As he turned the door handle, about to exit, he heard the distinct sound of the lift moving through the plastic castle. He believed it to be Noodle, but as he neared the lift's door, he realised it was moving away. I wonduh whot Russ is up to?

Once the lift reached him, he clambered inside and waited for it to take him up to the study. He headed toward the lounge, fully expecting to find Russel up and cooking, like he always did when he woke up at this hour. But when he opened the door, he was confused to find that the only source of light was coming through the glass from the sun, and not the lamps. He peaked around the room, and flashed his gaze to the wall when he heard a snore. Huh, I wonder why Russ wen' awl te way up 'ere jus ta take a nap… Silently, 2D closed the door, and decided to check on Noodle. As he reluctantly entered the tiny lift once more, he noticed a small patch of oil of the door. He stared at this one spot numbly, then reached forward, thinking he must have missed it every time he'd been in the lift before. But as his fingers traced the wall, expecting it to be stained, they glided through the slick, grimy oil, and it stuck to his skin. It was fresh. "Ewww," he complained, wiping the oil onto his trousers. "Guddamnit," he spat, regretting that he'd just ruined his clothing.

He grimaced, muttering, "Damn cyborg, leavin 'er oil lyin' aroun' ta ruin me clothes…" He sniffed. Wait… ih-isn' tha' cyborg suppose' ta be locked up?… His eyes grew wide as he realised the implications of what this meant. He raced forward, ramming into the door and banging on the wall, urging it to move faster.

"Noodle!"

Noodle was stark naked in her own lavatory, drying herself as she waited for the steam to slowly evaporate. She had towel-dried her hair as best as she could, then hung it on a hook protruding from the wall. She dug through her clothes and slipped her small pair of knickers over her hips, and strapped her bra around her chest. After, she went to the mirror and wiped the thick fog away. She brushed through her hair, freeing it from being tangled and knotted, and then rinsed her face with cold water, patting it dry with a small hand towel.

She lifted each of her arms to her face, examining the cuts with care. She jumped when she heard a pounding on her bathroom door, and quickly took the towel she had hung away and wrapped it around her body. She went to her door, opening it with a grin to tell 2D that she would need another five minutes or so, but her face dropped instantly when she was face to face with herself. She was maybe an inch shorter, but her boots made up for the difference. She wore dark blue clothing, and looked like a deadly authority figure. She had dark leggings, along with her blue shorts and shirt, topped off with a belt around her waist, a shotgun in her arms, and a hat with a red star upon her head. Oddly enough, she had a bullet hole in her head and what seemed to be a few loose wires from her neck. She stared at Noodle, as if studying this creature that looked so much like herself.

After a moment, the cyborg twitched, a small shower of sparks raining from the exposed circuits in her neck. She sneered, and Noodle stepped back in fear as the cyborg raised its weapon toward her. With nowhere to run, all Noodle could do was gape at the cyborg in horror. What had she ever done to it? Isn't she the one who was supposed to be angry at it? Once her back had hit the wall, the cyborg had now fully raised her weapon, and cocked it, taking a ready aim at Noodle's head. Just as the cyborg pumped the gun, she was slammed forward without a chance to fire, and a blur of blue landed atop her. Noodle gasped loudly.

"Run Noodle!" She heard 2D scream, and did as he told her. She ran towards the door, leaping over the two struggling forms on the floor. 2D was pinning the cyborg to the ground, doing his best to keep her underneath him. He reached for her gun and threw it behind him, across Noodle's lounge. The cyborg, however, was able to twist as it was pinned underneath 2D's body, and it shoved him off, throwing him to the floor. He whimpered as his back hit the doorframe, and he got up quickly, dodging a punch and running to the other side of the room.

Just as Noodle had left, she quickly decided to get Russel's help, but as she reached the staircase she froze. What was she doing running…? She scowled, and ran back to her lighthouse, throwing her towel to the ground as she reached the inside. She saw the cyborg facing 2D, who was cowering against the wall. Noodle rushed forward, ramming the cyborg into the wall just next to 2D. He yelped, shocked. Noodle took the cyborg by her shoulders and threw her onto the ground. Like a bullet, the cyborg rolled forward, standing to her feet and twisting her body to face Noodle. She smiled menacingly, and rubbed her face, now leaking oil, with her forearm. She rushed forward, attempting to punch Noodle in the face, but Noodle ducked. The cyborg quickly jabbed Noodle in the stomach.

Noodle gasped, staggering backwards. She composed herself and quickly crouched down stretching her foot forward and twisting. The cyborg jumped over Noodle's foot, and thrust her fist toward Noodle, who rolled to the side and twisted her body as she sent a flying kick into the back of the cyborg. It slammed forward, and hit the wall dangerously close to 2D. The cyborg took a step back and ran at the wall, leaping up and pushing itself off of the wall, flipping in midair to land behind Noodle. Just as it landed, Noodle swung her arm at the cyborg's head. The cyborg ducked and threw her fist upwards, but Noodle bent backwards before the fist could connect with her chin. She jumped and thrust both legs at the cyborg's abdomen. The cyborg hit another wall as Noodle twisted her body, landing in a crouch.

She lurched forward, attempting a blow to the cyborg's face, but the robot ducked to the side, turning and swiftly slamming Noodle into the wall. Noodle gasped, panting. She took a step back, facing the cyborg, who smiled. Noodle sneered and lurched forward, throwing a side punch. The cyborg hit the punch away, blocking the attack. It tried jabbing her, but she blocked it with her forearm. Noodle rammed her elbow into its side, and it flinched. The cyborg punched Noodle in the side and she grunted, pulling away and twisting her body as she sent a kick into the cyborg's head.

They met fist for fist, kick for kick, until finally, Noodle took hold of the cyborg's neck, and pulled its head down. She swiftly bents its body down, and before it could respond, Noodle thrust her knee into the cyborg's head. Noodle yelped, groaning as her knee connected with the hard metal of its skull. Sparks flew from the cyborg's neck and its body fell limply to the floor. There was no dent, no scratch, but the blow knocked her circuitry out of order. Noodle stepped backwards, trying to catch her breath. Her knee was twitching and bleeding. She took a shaky breath and fell to her knees, then sat back on her bum. She leaned forward. A couple of her cuts had opened up and now her knee had been scraped. As soon as 2D could register what had happened, he jumped to his feet and ran to Noodle. He crouched down beside her, putting an arm behind her shoulders.

"N-Noodle," he stammered. "Noodle, are yew okay?" She nodded. He examined her knee, now starting to bruise, and ran to the sink, looking in the cabinet underneath it. He pulled out a medical kit and rushed back to Noodle. He was about to open the box and take out the bandages and antiseptic, but the stench of oil found him first. He frowned, looking at the currently broken abomination. He bent back down to Noodle, and lifted her face. She was weary, and breathing heavily through her mouth. "Noodle?" She met his eyes. "I'monna be righ' back, okay," he told her quickly. "I'll be back in a momen'." She nodded, and he released her face. She bowed her head, taking deep, shaky breaths.

2D stood and placed the medical kit on Noodle's lounge chair, then back to the lavatory. He carefully pulled the cyborg into his arms and threw it over his shoulder. He took its shotgun into his free hand. Once it was secure, he ran out of the lighthouse, quickly up the steps and into the lift. He impatiently shifted his weight from foot to foot as he waited for it to reach the engine room, and ran out the door as soon as he could fit through. He jumped down to the cupboard and chucked the unconscious body inside. He opened the shotgun, letting the bullets fall to the ground, and threw the gun in beside her. Despite his best judgment, he entered the cupboard and quickly reattached her wires, then took all of her ammo, including her belt and grenades, and put them to rest just outside the cupboard. He went inside once more to find a lock, and latched it onto the door once he'd closed it.

2D made it back to the lighthouse in record time. Noodle was exactly where he'd left her, but he wasn't sure whether to be relieved or slightly worried. As he strode towards her, he saw his reflection. "Gudamnit," he sighed. His shirt was covered in the sticky oil. Slightly annoyed, he pulled the shirt over his head and tossed it to the side. He crouched down in front of Noodle. His worry for her overrode his embarrassment about her still wearing nothing but her underwear, but he still couldn't hold back a blush as he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her forward into his chest. He shuddered as her warm skin brushed against his own.

He stood, with her in his arms, and left the lavatory. He gently laid her down on the chair, and sat down beside her. She was still panting, and her eyes were slightly glazed over. "Noodle," he whispered. "How're yeh doin', love," he asked, his voice strained.

"I'm… fine," she breathed, closing her eyes. "But… it hurts…" Her side twitched, and she hissed, flinching. "It's… been years… since I've… had to move like that," she panted

"Noodle… I-I," he stuttered. "I'm sorry… ih's my fault yeh got 'urt when I wos tryin' ta protect yew."

"2D," she interrupted him. She reached out and took hold of his hand. "Don't you dare blame yourself," she growled, her breathing still slightly labored. "If you had not come, and tried to protect me… and you hadn't stopped the cyborg… I fear it would have ended very badly."

He frowned, knowing that her words were true. He brushed his hands through her hair, smiling sadly down at her. She groaned when his hand touched a sore spot on her head. He pulled his hand back, and reached into his pocket. He brought one of his pills to his lips and bit it in half, and put half back into his pocket. "Do yeh fink yew can swallow t'is dry," he asked her softly.

She nodded, and he brought the pill to her lips, dropping it in when she opened her mouth. She sat up stiffly, and turned her body to rest her back against the back of the lounge chair. She swallowed the pill, gagging slightly as it made its way uncomfortably down her esophagus. Once she had done that, 2D brought the medical kit into his lap and opened the box. He tore open a small square, pulling a wipe out of the package, and took Noodle's arm, stretching it out as he began to wipe along her arm, from her shoulder down to her wrist. She flinched, hissing.

"Sorry," he mumbled, but continued as has was before.

He did the same with her other arm and threw the wipe back into the box, pulling out another and wiping it along her knee. She jerked her leg back, "Ow."

He bent toward her and kissed her cheek tenderly, "Sorry, love... Just lemme finish, awright?" She nodded.

He took a bandage and placed it over her scrape, then unwrapped a roll of gauze tap around her knee, securing it tightly in place. He lifted her leg slightly, satisfied with the fabrics flexibility. After a moment, her head lolled forward. He flashed a look at her, "Izzat pill kickin' in," he asked.

"Hai," she spoke numbly. "I feel… funny."

He grimaced, "Maybe tha' wos a bih much fo' yew…" Once he was finished cleaning her body, he had her lie down on her back again. "Noodle… I-I gotta check… and make sho yo ribs ain't broken… They're bruised really badly." She opened her eyes slightly, giving him the go-ahead, and he reached forward, tracing his fingers along the large bruise on her side. She groaned as he glided past the middle of the bruise, and he pressed into that spot, feeling for any sign of damage. She whimpered, but she felt intact, and he pulled his hand away, tentatively brushing the side of her head. "Where're yer clothes, Noodle?"

"…Bathroom," she whispered wearily, taking a deep breath. He went inside took hold of her shirt, leaving her jeans behind –they would hurt her knee. 2D walked back out to her and helped her sit up. He pulled the shirt over her head, and helped pull her arms through her sleeves, then retreated upstairs to search for a pair of pajama bottoms. He was grateful that a pair was sticking out of one of her dresser drawers, and quickly took hold of it.

Back downstairs, 2D pushed Noodle's feet into the leg holes, pulled the garment up her legs, and carefully pulling her to her feet to get it fully over her hips. Once that had been done, he pulled Noodle into his arms, carrying her bridal style. "Come on," he told her. "We've gotta get some food inta yeh."

"Why?" She questioned, her eyes droopy.

"Cause tha' pill's makin' yer head awl loopy an' Russ'll kill me if 'e finds ou' I gave ih to yeh," he told her.

She frowned, "No he won't…"

Abrupt ending… Mwahahah…

Sorry… =(

The song below captures the mood of Noodle's nighmare in Hell:

There's a flame that leads our souls astray
No one's safe from its tender touch of pain
And every day it's looking for new slaves
To celebrate the beauty of the grave

We are like the living dead
Sacrificing all we have
For a frozen heart and a soul on fire
We are like the living dead
Craving for deliverance
With a frozen heart and a soul on fire

And again we're falling for disgrace
And hate will shelter us from the rain
We are enslaved by the sacred heart of shame
And gently raped by the light of day

We are like the living dead
Sacrificing all we have
For a frozen heart and a soul on fire
We are like the living dead
Craving for deliverance
With a frozen heart and a soul on fire

Addicted to our divine despair
The venom of the cross we bear
The guilt will follow us to death

We are like the living dead
Sacrificing all we have
For a frozen heart and a soul on fire
We are like the living dead
Craving for deliverance
With a frozen heart and a soul on fire

With a soul on
Soul on
Soul on
Fire

Soul on fire

HIM – Soul On fire