Chapter 3: To Save the Decoder, The Team-Up of Dream Eater & Tokyo Teddy Bear

The three girls quickly made their way back upstairs, leaving no trace of having been in the basement. As they came into their hallway, Macne Nana exited a room and noticed them. Gumi was crying hysterically and couldn't walk, so Merli and Rin had to use their combined strength to help.

"M-Miss Gumi! What's wrong?" Nana worriedly approached her. She had never seen Gumi so emotionally distraught before. Gumi didn't answer, only sobbed.

"Oh, she's-she's having an allergic reaction, the dust," Merli lied, and rushed the girl into Meiko's room. Rin caught a glance of Macne Nana now dusting the hallway furiously before slipping in next.

Meiko had been painting her toe nails a bright crimson when the girls barged in. Meiko gave up her intense focus on her nails to comfort Gumi. She took her from Rin and Merli and sat her on the bed. Her focus now was what had caused Gumi's tears.

"What happened?" Meiko turned to Merli first. There was no point in asking Gumi.

"We-we showed Rin the truth," Merli hesitantly asked, fearing a scolding, "Soprano wants a son, Meiko. Frankenstein suggested Poppy, and she was overjoyed," Meiko's eyes widened in horror. She could always lightly scold Merli and Gumi later. This took precedence.

"We ned to tell Kaito, now." Meiko quickly said, "Someone needs to go and-"

"I-I can go." Rin volunteered. Meiko was about to decline, but time was of the essence.

"Be careful, Rin." Meiko sternly said.

Rin slipped out of the room, then darted for the boys' staircase. Macne Nana's dusting had taken her to the dining room, so the coast was clear. Rin realized as she came down their hallway that she had no clue where Kaito's room was. She approached a room labelled 13 and opened it up immediately. It was Len's room, apparently. "Oh, wrong room," Len's eyes widened.

"What are you doing here?!" Len yanked her into his room, closing the door, "Are you insane?"

"No," Rin lightly shoved his hands off of her, "I'm looking for Kaito! It's an emergency!" She heard footsteps from the hallway, as did Len who put his hand on her mouth.

There was knocking on a door nearby.

"Mr. Arsloid, it's me, Luo." Rin assumed it was another maid. Len leaned in, his mouth next to her ear.

"Don't speak until she leaves." Rin simply nodded.

There were two minutes of silence before they heard foosteps which faded out. Len uncovered Rin's mouth only once he felt it was safe.

"Now, what's the emergency?" Len asked, crossing his arms.

"These people are going to do something horrible to Arsloid!" Rin shouted, "Make him their son? Or something? I don't know, Gumi and Merli took me to the basement and-" Len deeply exhaled, then took Rin's wrist, "What are you doing?"

"We're saving Arsloid, that's what." Len retorted.

"What about Kaito?" Rin demanded, "Meiko sent me to-"

"It'll be too late." Len cut her off, "If we don't go now, it'll be too late."

With Len's stern words, the two blondes slipped out of the room and made their way to the middle staircase. Len was overly familiar with the house's layout, and knew where Arsloid was being taken. He took the lead, holding onto Rin's wrist tightly. He wouldn't ever let go, not for anything. The two went up the staircase, then to the right and down a long hallway before reaching a door at the dead end.

"Don't open it." Len whispered to Rin. She nodded. Where is he taking me?

Len let go only now and waved towards a corner, where she waited. Len began to fiddle around with a vent, then took off the cover. It was a well sized vent from what Rin could make out. Len eyeballed the width, glancing back at Rin a few times before saying, "Ladies first," with a gesture. You've got to be joking. Rin had no choice but to trust him, so, she crawled into the vent.

It was a steep uphill climb, difficult to crawl in, but Rin made her way. Len was right behind her, more used to climbing into vents from what it seemed. They crawled for what felt like minutes to Rin.

"Go straight, until we get to a fork. The left," Len instructed in a whisper.

It was a full minute or two before they reached the fork, then turned left. The two were met with a new vent. Len crawled up towards the entrance, bumping into Rin as he peered through the slits.

"Ughhh," Rin grunted softly. She didn't appreciate being squished in the air vent.

"Shh, I see Arsloid." Len shushed her, "We have time!" Len shoved Rin back and kicked open the vent. He jumped out first, followed by Rin who carefully fell to the ground.

Arsloid was tied to a chair, cloth around his mouth. He was hooked up to some type of machine which seemed to be tuning him, or that's what Rin could make out at least. Len turned the machine off and removed the cord's plug from Arsloid. Rin untied him quickly and undid the gag. Arsloid was dazed, but awake at the very least.

"ugh," Arsloid groaned, "Len…?"

"Yeah, it's me buddy," Len helped Arsloid to his feet quickly, "We gotta run, alright? We'll get you outta here, no problem,"

"I-I can't stand…" Arsloid was unsteady on his feet. Rin wondered if he was given drugs through the machine, or by someone in the house.

Before Len could say anything, footsteps were heard. Len got Arsloid back into the vent, then himself with the vent cover before realizing he forgot Rin. He looked down, "Ri-!" He saw her sewing herself up into a teddy bear resting in the corner. Len mentally cursed before covering the vent once more. That was close… I'm so glad I know how to sew, but this is a pretty stupid place to hide. It's stuffy in this stupid bear!

The door opened. Heels clacked against the floor.

"Dammit, he's gone!" Prima yelled, "…Ugh, another day I suppose."

"Luo Tianyi!" The man from earlier called out for a maid. A third set of footsteps came into the room.

"You called, master?" The girl, Luo, had a Chinese accent, "What is it that you request?"

"Take the bear to Mayu's room," The man ordered her, "That's all." The man and Prima left the room, given that the clacking heels faded. Rin heard Luo's footsteps approached her, and then was lifted with the bear. Oh no.

"Heavy..!" Luo mumbled out a few words in her native language that Rin couldn't make out. Rin stayed incredibly still, afraid that she would give herself away.

Rin and the bear were carried for several minutes before being plopped to the ground. It was a hard landing, and Rin stifled her grunt. She had no clue where she was at.

"Mistress Mayu, you parents bought you a present," Luo's voice said. Rin heard someone approach the bear, probably whoever Mayu was.

"Oh! Perfect! Thank-you Luo!" The sweet voice giggled. Luo left the room, leaving Rin silently trembling inside the bear with the stranger.

Len sat alone on the boys' staircase, beating himself up for forgetting Rin. He had to admit that hiding in the bear was a gutsy move, yet the risk of being caught was too high. Gumi sat down beside him, having noticed him from the girls' side.

"Thank-you, Len." Gumi whispered. Len looked over at the girl and smiled.

"Poppy is our friend," Len winked, "And, maybe more to you?" Gumi blushed, but shook her head.

"Where's Rin though?" Gumi's question made his metal heart sink back down.

"…She had to hide in a teddy bear." Len groaned, "God I hope Y.P won't hurt her," Gumi could sense his guilt and worry emanating from him. She silently comforted him, "You know," Len spoke up, "Arsloid is in his room if ya'know," Len was trying to make it known he wanted to be alone, "He requested you." He hoped a lie like that would trick Gumi.

"Did he?" Gumi's face became red. Len nodded. She squealed and left his company. Len got to his feet, steeling himself. He had to get Rin away from the Yandere Psycho, no matter what.

Rin was at the verge of tears. The girl was hugging the bear, and almost Rin. She had been incredibly still for what felt like ages – though was actually probably a solid 4 minutes. Suddenly, Mayu grabbed the front of the bear's belly and ripped the seams, exposing Rin. Rin trembled.

"Who are you?" The girl smiled wide, "I'm Mayu!"

"R-R-Rin…" Rin stammered, "I-I-I…"

"Oh, don't worry," Mayu's smile widened, "I won't tell my parents you're here! As long as you behave of course!" Rin didn't know what that meant, but nodded. As long as I don't end up like Arsloid, I don't care.

Mayu grabbed Rin, and led the girl to her bed, having Rin lied down. Rin couldn't deny that she loved how soft and fluffy the bed was. It was covered in fluffy pillows and quilts. It was a magical experience for her. Mayu brought over a cup of tea and offered it to her. Rin grabbed the cup to be polite, and drank it. It had an odd taste.

"Um, what kind of tea is it?" Rin asked, trying to make small talk.

"Chamomile with lavender and basil." Mayu innocently smiled at her, "Do you like it?" Rin nodded, even though it was a lie.

Rin finished it with another gulp before returning it to Mayu, who placed it on a nearby dresser. Mayu laid beside Rin, still smiling. Rin felt as if they would break into girl talk or something, but doubt that it would happen. Well, maybe. Mayu grabbed a stuffed pink bunny from the front of the bed and held it out for Rin.

"Hold Usano Mimi! He wants a hug!" Mayu's voice rang out. Rin thought she was too old to do so, but did it anyways.

I guess I…Woah. …Woah. What's going on? The room began to spin, and colors became vividly saturated. Rin let out a soft moan as she tried to keep herself awake. What the hell did that girl give her? Was it even tea?

"Are you dizzy, Rin?" Mayu sweetly asked. Rin tried to speak, but couldn't form words. She could only move her head.

The room kept spinning, and spinning, round, and around, around. The colors popped and sparkled in her vision, flashing brightly constantly. Did she give me marijuana? Or LSD? Rin wondered if she was going to puke up breakfast, but decided that she wasn't dizzy enough to do so.

"Mayu will take care of you, okay? Rin?" Mayu pulled Rin close to her, giggling softly. Rin managed to see something gleam in Mayu's hand. Fear set in.

Len slipped up the middle staircase once more today on a new mission. He was in the zone, ready to go, and almost screamed when he felt something poke his back. Len turned around: Lui. Len glared at the boy then flicked his forehead, "Don't scare me!" Len hissed, "What are you doing!"

"Helping you." Lui whispered, "You can't save Rin alone," He seemed determined, but he was annoying Len, and not just because Lui had spooked him.

"Who says that?" Len asked, "I could totally do it!"

"Kaito." Lui raised an eyebrow, "And Yuma." Len began to wonder if his stream of blackmail as enough to get Kaito off his back. However, Rin was more of a priority than watching Meiko kick Kaito's ass.

"Just-just come on!" Len took hold of Lui's arm and dragged him up the stairs, "Why did you come?"

"Yuma and Kaito said no, Fukase asked that I bring a shovel to bury you in your grave, Arsloid is dealing with Gumi, Oliver's feeding the birds, Piko said Hell no, and Kyo's not interested in your love life." Lui listed off each one in a whisper. Len rolled his eyes.

Love? Love? Len didn't love Rin. First off, he had just met her last night, albeit in a stalker-ish type of way, but still. That wasn't enough time to actually love a person! Secondly, true love at first sight was a childhood myth. Only girls like Gumi, Uni, or even Xin Hua believed in such a miracle! Well, and Lui, probably. And the last reason, Len could never love another of his kind. His last love ended with a sour, dead taste. He couldn't risk a repeat. Having platonic relationships were just fine in Len's opinion.

The boys were silent as they approached a black door with a pink Lolita sign. The mere sight gave him chills. Len pressed his ear up against the door, wanting to hear inside the room. Lui joined him.

"Oh, Rin, do you like yellow…?" Mayu's voice was heard first. Len wondered what he had began eavesdropping in on.

"Y-yea…b-but…the…the room's…" Rin's voice was dazed, or high. Maybe on drugs.

"And lace! Oh the lace! Explains your top! Teehehehe…" Mayu's giggle sent chills down the boys' spines. They heard Rin weakly struggle verbally.

Len sharply exhaled and silently opened the door enough to slip in. Lui followed in suit, but closed the door behind him just as softly. The two hid amongst the many stuffed animals, trying to see what was happening. They were met with a terrifying sight: Mayu holding Rin's top, exposing the girl's yellow bra, her small, covered breasts. What kind of sick torture is this? …Why do I sort of want to see more, but not in this setting? Len blamed his hormones, and then focused on how to get Rin out.

"…Mmf…Stop…L-le…" Before Rin could finish, Mayu poured another teacup filled with hopefully cold liquid onto the girl's face. Rin's eyes were wide open yet glossed over.

Hallucinogen? Wait. Who's name was she saying? Wait. Mayu's pissed. SHIT.

"BITCH!" Mayu smacked Rin across her face, knocking the girl off the bed. Mayu jumped off the bed and ripped Usano Mimi from Rin's hands then smacked her with the toy, "Len! Is MINE! All of them are mine! Mine! MINE! Do you UNDERSTAND?!" Mayu kept smacking the girl with her toy, bruises forming on Rin's skin. Rin made muffled noises, but made no effort to block Mayu's attacks, "I know," Mayu set Usano Mimi onto her bed gently and walked over to her dresser. In her hand was now a knife. Rin looked up at Mayu, though couldn't see what Mayu held, "Now, SHUT UP!"

Mayu dashed towards Rin with a cry, ready to slash the girl until she was tackled by Lui to the ground. Lui's nails dug into Mayu's cheek as he covered her mouth. Mayu tried to scream out as she cut up Lui's arms. Len came over and pried the knife out of Mayu's hands, tossing it behind him. He spotted a crowbar under her bed and grabbed it, whacking it over Mayu's head. One hit was enough.

"What NORMAL person would keep this in their room?" Len put the crowbar under her bed again. What had Soprano and Frankenstein done to this Vocaloid? No matter, "Rin!" Len ran over to the girl and tried to sit her up. Rin was too dazed to sit, "Dammit,"

"How is she?" Lui was laying Mayu back down in her bed.

"Let's, let's just go." Len picked up Rin, not wanting to spend more time here than needed, "We have Rin, so, everything will be fine."

Rin awoke to a sore, aching start. She groggily sat up in bed, trying to remember what had happened yesterday after saving Arsloid and meeting with Len. Rin glanced at her arms, noticing light bruises dotting them. What the hell? What happened yesterday? I must've blacked out, but… I was with that Mayu girl… And…then? Ugh, Rin's door opened up. Uni came in with a tray of breakfast.

"How are you feeling, Rin?" Uni set the tray on Rin's lap, "Len said you took quite the beating yesterday. Are you sore?"

"Beating?" Rin repeated. Uni realized Rin couldn't remember yesterday, "I'm sore, but, what happened?"

"Oh, well, Mayu was very upset. She beat you with her rabbit plush," Uni explained to the girl, "But, luckily Len saved you. Either way, you should eat and take it easy today, okay? Meiko or Lily will be by later I bet. See ya!" Uni left Rin alone to her thoughts and food.

Len saved me?

There's an extra 800 words here at least. Unlike last time where Gumi had a girl meets boy crush with Mikuo, she has a celebrity crush on Arsloid. On another note, I wonder how I'll make Mayu more of a terrible person this time. S/O to Uni for being adorable though. – KingdomMitsumi