It's time for another chapter of "Subject 9: 4 Years After". I was disappointed with the review and view count, so let's try to get that up. So let's get to it. So in preparation for the new Subject 9 due to be released on the 15 and the release of my band's new song, "Drop Dead", this new chapter is released.

Chapter 2: Conscience and Questions

"Middletown? Where's that?" asked Nicole in between sobs. "It's about 2 days from hours away from here. If we leave now, we might be able to stop them before they make it to the lab." answered Jess. "But," started Rick "we still have to fight all the guards that the EXA will have. It's better if me and Jess go, we don't want to risk your guys' safety. After all, me and Jess know Middletown inside-out." "Well Rick, get back our baby." said Nicole. Rick nodded and started walking to his car. He and Jess waved and hit the road.

Back of EXA Van

Gumball slowly awoke in the back of a van. Everything was mere blur to him. The only thing he was able to do was very slowly move his head. He tried not to moan or groan because he knew he would alert the people in the van. He was in pain, a lot of pain, but he didn't want to scream. He was being strong. Where am I? he asked himself, though he new exactly where he was. What he didn't know was where he was going. He was still pretty surprised that he got kidnapped. Out of everything that could have happened, he got kidnapped. What was freaking him out the most was that he recently watched Saw. And of course, being the gullible goofball he was, he thought that's where he was going, right into the hands of Jigsaw and his traps. And once again, he found himself trying not to scream. There was duct tape around his mouth, so it wouldn't really sound out, but still. He dicided to just go to sleep. He closed his eyes and tried to have a good rest. On fact, let's see what our friend was thinking exactly.

Gumball's Mind

Gumball awoke in a wooden chair with his arms strapped down in an empty room. He could taste two things; blood and metal. He tried moving, but started freaking out when he found out he couldn't move. He became even more scared when he felt something in his jaw. After shaking his head around, trying to break free, noticed a mirror in front of him. Gumball began to scream when he noticed a peculiar contraption on his head. It looked sort of like a closed bear-trap. Focused on the contraption on his head, Gumball heard the static of a T.V., but didn't care until he heard a deep, distorted voice say "Hello, Gumball, I want to play a game.". Gumball turned to the T.V. on his left side to see a freakish image. On the screen there was a white puppet wearing a black suit and a read tie. He had a tuft of hair on either side of his head and read spirals on his cheeks. The puppet continued. "For years, you have been a nuisance to every one around you, wasting your life bringing annoyance upon others, instead of respecting their desires to leave them alone. But upon all your tools of disrespect, none has been more helpful to you than your mouth. You have failed to ever keep it close and while it was open, nothing good came out. Therefore I offer you a choice; learn to keep your mouth shut, or die in this very room. If you chose the latter and continue to speak, the device on your head will do me thee deed of keeping it open, forever. The device on head will open and rip hour jaw wide open unless you retrieve the key from the stomach of your companion;your brother, in 120 seconds. Think of it sort of like a, reverse bear-trap. Here, let me show you.". The image on the screen then showed a dummy head wearing the same trap. After 10 seconds of ticking, the device opened up and split the fake head's jaw open, leaving a big hole in it because it was made of plaster. Gumball became wide eyed and started screaming once again. The puppet started again, "Hehehe. Now that you see what can happen, you must choose. You must choose either life or death. Live or die, Gumball, make your choice.". The screen briefly went to static before the puppet came on again. "Remember, you have 120 seconds to retrieve the key, but the device should remind you time is ticking every 20 seconds." said the puppet before the T.V. turned itself off. After the T.V. shut off, Gumball started to here ticking; time to get serious. Gumball struggled to get loose from the hand restraints when 20 seconds past. The device opened up a little bit, causing Gumball to scream in agony. Without second thoughts, Gumball rammed his left hand with the device to try and slide it out. It took 3 painful blows, but Gumball was able to smash his hand, breaking it in the process. After releasing his other hand, another 20 seconds past. The device opened up a little more, causing Gumball to scream once more. 80 seconds left. He ran around the room to find Darwin laying on the floor. Next to him was a knife which he was about to thrust into his stomach when he saw Darwin was awake. When he stopped the blade, the next 20 seconds past, causing the device to open a little more. 1 minute left. Struggling to choose what to do, 40 seconds past. 20 seconds left. The device was about halfway open. At his last 20 seconds, Gumball finally tried to cut open his friend. He took the knife, but couldn't do it. He heard the last second tick when Gumball started screaming "No! NO! NO!" when the device snapped open Gumball's lifeless body fell to the floor. His whole front face was torn open, revealing his tongue and other inner mouth parts.

On the Road with Rick and Jess

"It's all my fault, Jess." said Rick.

"What do you mean?" asked Jess

"It's all my fault the kid got kidnapped. Why did I have to bring our problems with EXA to those innocent people, Jess, tell me why?"asked Rick

"Rick, I feel the same way, but blaming ourselves wont help right now. We have to focus on saving Gumball." answered Jess.

"You know what, you're right." accepted Rick, giving Jess a kiss as well.

"One thing is still on my my minds, though." said

"And what could that be?" polled Jess.

"How did EXA get here. I mean, it's been FOUR years. They should just put up 'Wanted' posters like before." answered Rick

"Rick, maybe your questions will be answered." stated Jess.

"I guess you're right." replied Rick.

"Why don't I take the wheel so you can get some rest?" asked Jess

"I'd like that." answered Rick

They stopped on the side of the road to switch seats. Rick fell asleep 15 minutes later. Jess lookd over at the sleeping Rick.

"Good night, Rick" said Jess as she drove on into the night.