AUTHORS NOTES: Whoa! Look at this another chapter man I'm tired I didn't sleep at all! None of the stories I followed have updated since Christmas so without reading material I might as well write to keep myself entertained. Just as another note Origins my FNAF Fan Fiction is going to be on hold until this story and my other 'The Fog on the Ocean' are finished. I want to constantly be working on only two projects so I don't overwrite and create bland material.
Alright with that in mind I have added a bit more to do with the OC and quite a bit more showing Cyrus' personality. Enjoy this chapter and as always thank you for the feedback, it helps keep me motivated to write!
Every day passed like the quickness of a second, work and school being balanced was as difficult as it had ever been. Fortunately for me the men that had been working on a way home were responsible enough to avoid getting noticed. It was getting easier to trust them, they even laid low enough to avoid detection from my mother who was as cautious as someone out of a forensics team. Life seemed to be becoming extremely easy, Cyrus even though malicious offered his help on my math homework when I needed it. I had aced my exams with his exceptional intelligence that pushed me through my weakest subjects.
Now there was a break, Vicki and I booked a week off work and it was now entering January. The two of us had planned far in advance to spend two weeks slacking off and enjoying the indoors while the freezing temperatures raged outside. However it had not been within our plans that we would have more than just the two of us for company, this was indeed both a gift and a curse. We both agreed to just see what happens, she stayed on Friday night and now we were wasting time on our Saturday.
Scratching my eyes I struggled with a pair of skinny jeans, it might just be my unfortunate luck that my laziness was catching up to me. I quickly checked the size it was at a seven already. I was never one to watch my own weight but it was most certainly the time to at least keep track of it. It wasn't that I was ashamed of my own figure, it was more over that in the past weeks I went up quite a few sizes. It must have been the Christmas dinners that were all over the place.
The bathroom lights seemed to dim slightly as I finally slipped into the annoying pair of dark jeans. Checking myself in the mirror I slipped on slim fit wool sweater, it was a light blue and stretched comfortably. My hair fell a few inches past my shoulders and curled lightly, I always enjoyed that one part of my hair that just naturally appeared nice. Turning away from the mirror once I was sure about myself, I opened the pale door behind me.
To my surprise I found a miraculous crowd coiled on the couch attempting to play the console I had set up to the flat screen. The men managed to dig out an old original Xbox game that I had tucked away for some time. It happened to be one in a scary franchise I played often, it was Silent Hill the fourth in its series. The game itself was rather unique to the series, being partially first person and partially third person. A memory of my terrified younger self came to mind as the demonic creatures crawled through the walls. This distant memory however made me wonder if some of them would become too terrified to play.
I approached the full group of eight men and Vicki, "What are you guys doing? Do you even know how to get past the title screen?"
"Of course we know, it's just..." N replied shyly.
I squinted at him, "Just what?"
"Vicki was conversing with us about these so called frightening video games that you play, so being the perfect father I am I scoped out your collection. I figured if N could beat that without squealing I would let him be my son again" Ghetsis explained rather coldly.
"That's harsh, I know you guys don't get along but sheesh disowning him is a little extreme..." Vicki hissed at the tall male.
Before anyone could break into a fight I blurted, "Alright well anyway I don't think you can handle this kind of video game N. No offense, it's just you haven't really played anything yet and starting out with that one is ludicrous."
"I can handle anything you throw at me! I've had moments of bravery more than once, I even saved Rosa!" N pouted in anger.
I sighed, "It's not that I don't think you can handle it, you've just been sheltered a lot of your life. Even though you've experienced emotions and hate, you don't really understand our world and how terrifyingly different our creativity is."
"No, I can do this!" The scrawny man protested.
I could feel a horrible lump develop in my throat, it would definitely be entertaining but I knew it would end in a mess. N pressed the play button, and just as I remembered you were thrown straight into the action in a terrifying beginning sequence. A dark and possessed atmosphere plagued our thoughts as the speakers blew out the eerie soundtrack and ghostly noises. It was only now at this moment I realized my own desensitization, N was already appearing to be hesitant as he glared wide eyed at the screen. He turned through the doorway and I saw his hands shake, he was definitely scared but continued to prove himself otherwise.
As usual this was the point where an automatic death scene would play, I cringed awaiting the poor man's screams of horror. However thankfully it was just a high pitched bark that escaped his mouth, he dropped the controller as he was mercilessly attacked by the crawling ghost. Ghetsis did not move a muscle, his plain expression still fixed on the creature murdering the player. That very reaction sent a cold shiver down my spine, clearly Ghetsis had a messed up past or he was clinically insane. At least the others were mildly disturbed (except for Vicki as she was distracted with her iPad) by the players death scene, they only made minor flinches and scowls but it was still a reasonable reaction.
"What is wrong with your world? I'm a criminal mastermind but never have I seen someone create this crap!" Giovanni scowled in disgust as the opening sequence played.
I let out a boom of laughter, "I tried to warn you!"
"I don't see anything frightening or disturbing about this" Ghetsis claimed in an unimpressed tone.
I nervously stared at him, "Let N continue playing, this literally is the least scariest part of the game to be honest."
"No, I think I'm done!" N shivered crossing his arms.
His adoptive father glared at him coldly, "What a disappointment you are..."
"Perhaps I may give it a spin, it doesn't seem like it could get much worse" Maxie declared picking up the controller.
I let out a sigh of relief that someone more mature was going to take the controller, I expected N to be afraid but Maxie was well collected and calm. He adjusted his glasses letting out a puff of air as he proceeded where Ghetsis' adopted son had left off. I had a gooey melting sensation as nostalgia passed by in mere hours of game play. Observing the villains get together and try to unravel each puzzle and even throw off the main bosses was rather interesting.
On the second boss of the game Maxie seemed to be having trouble with beating it, so Archie snatched the controller away from him to give it a whirl. Archie's aggressive way of playing appeared to be extremely affective against the boss and he continued once he had effortlessly defeated it. However not all his ideas were perfect, the man was lacking in an analytical mindset and he quickly came stuck at a frustrating puzzle. Cyrus being a man of logic leaped in on the action this time showing off his talents just as perfectly as Archie had.
Hours of game play passed and the horror setting that had everyone edge finally settled in allowing them to relax. It wasn't like it could have gone on forever though, Vicki by this time was extremely bored and sighed loudly every now and then. I pushed for them to reach a save point as they had been playing so long, and as most were fairly tired they agreed to this setting it down for now.
"Alright that was a great way to waste some time, what did you guys think? Silent Hill is one of my favorite game series!" I explained pressing the power off on the Xbox.
N cringed in fear, "There's more?"
"Oh yeah that was the fourth installment in the series, there's actually quite a few more" I elaborated in a joyful voice.
Giovanni rubbed his forehead, "Why does your world insist on tormenting people for enjoyment?"
"I suppose since your world is technically more friendly than ours you don't have the same creations and nightmarish imaginations we have" I tried to logically explain.
Cyrus tuned in, "I think such a different world is interesting, I believe one could use these nightmarish things to control fear in people."
"Oh trust me they already do here, the creepy things don't really exist but they still use these same terror tactics to control people in other countries" I replied nervously.
Colress saw this and changed the subject, "I believe that it is rather interesting being able to study such disturbing atmospheres. It could be educational to some extent who knows where you could take such creativity and magnificence!"
"Well it's mostly just imagination, I do it all the time in my journal and sketch book..." I responded casually.
Ghetsis cocked his head, "You have imagined such terrifying creatures as the ones displayed in that game?"
"Yes..."
"Really... Well then that is intriguing. May I- I mean we see these 'imaginings'?" He responded his voice sly like a snake.
"Already got them!" Vicki yelled running in with my black journal and sketchbook in tow.
I scowled at her in annoyance, "Vicki seriously!"
"What? Just let them see your drawings are really cool!" She squealed.
I rolled my eyes at her as I snatched the two books from her. I sighed a deep breath as I laid my hand on the journal I hadn't opened in years, it held terrifying dreams, night terrors, childhood experiences I wished to forget. I plopped myself in between Archie and Ghetsis squeezing for room on the faded black leather couch. Glancing around all of their stares laid on the book, not even on my worried expression, all they cared for was what was inside.
"I don't think I can... Vicki you're the only one who saw this!" I hissed my voice shaking.
Vicki retorted loudly, "They've been living with you for a month, you shared almost all your secrets with them. Also not to mention the fact that if it weren't for Cyrus you would have flunked this semester. Loosen up, I'm pretty sure you can trust them."
"Yeah trust a bunch of criminal masterminds living under my roof probably plotting to rule the world and kill everyone... Fine..." I sighed knowing Vicki would show them anyway if I didn't.
The rooms purple and green walls seemed to close down on me and my anxiety pelted through the roof. I lifted the cover exposing the first page littered with messy handwriting from years ago. With it was a taped piece of lined paper folded up neatly, I unraveled its secrets as I carefully unfolded the sides. Inside were concept sketches of a creature that had plagued my dreams many years ago, it had a blurred face and resembled a shadow. I remembered the reminiscence of the figures just standing and glaring through me with pale eyes, I tried to scream but my mouth was sown shut, the figures multiplied and shrouded over me.
It was definitely the most harmless of things that I had remembered, as there were mutated wasps, humans with foreign limbs and sharp teeth, and much more. Then the last I had encountered, one of the worst that had joined me in many dreams of oddity. A shape shifter with a body made of black dripping vines, it had mechanical gears shifting in its back that always bled. The creature had the ability to grow its six limbs, and always had glowing fire for eyes. I remembered the worst part was it took form of what I had loved, people I knew, and then crushed my dreams forcing itself through me intertwining its barbed vines through my skin like a parasite.
I shivered as I closed the book, "That's enough."
"May I inquire why you seem so distraught by these images when you drew them?" Maxie asked in confusion.
I curled my lips holding back a shaky voice, "It's because I didn't intentionally make them. I had nightmares about them, when I was fairly young. Even before I played 'scary' video games, the only reason I took to them was because I sympathized with the fear. It makes me feel less alone."
"That makes a world of sense, most of everyone's ideas come from dreams. I dreamed of maximizing the power of Pokemon, however to have such nightmares you must have had an experience to trigger them. Am I correct?" Colress explained.
"It's complicated and I'm not telling you assholes more than you need to know!" I chuckled lightly punching Colress.
Colress smiled blocking my punches, "I understand, then we will end this conversation my apologies."
"Speaking of that, how far have you gotten on that thingy Cyrus?" Vicki squeaked into the moment.
He shot up immediately, "Follow me and I'll show you."
Excitedly Giovanni followed with haste attempting to act collected, but it was too apparent that he had yearned to go home. I couldn't exactly blame them, they were all probably rich with way more comfortable sleeping arrangements with many people who love them. I lagged behind not all the curious to know, instead as they all followed like ducklings I sprawled out on the couch to get comfortable. However relaxation always seemed to avoid me as a curious Ghetsis lagged behind as well giving me an awkward glance as if to ask if I was coming along.
His sudden curiosity in my nature started since the night we all drank with my brother almost a month ago. Ever since then he's been keeping close attention to me, rather like a hawk than in a comforting way. I was still scared of the tall man, warming up to him was probably the most difficult as well. Yet for some peculiar reason he wouldn't leave me alone, always asking questions, always invading my personal bubble. What worried me most though was the fact I knew he was absorbed with himself, everyone else knew that as well; so what was making him so inclined and curious about someone other than himself.
I stared back at him after a few minutes passed, "Do you need something?"
"I was curious to see if you were to check on the progress of Cyrus' contraption?" He questioned in a roaring voice.
The constant edge I had around him faded, "Nope, I'm good you go ahead."
"Don't you desire to see the group of us leave?" The man again began to interrogate me.
I raised an eyebrow at him, "What makes you think I'm so eager to see you all leave?"
"I'm certain you could answer that one yourself" Ghetsis replied sarcastically.
Closing my eyes I sighed, "What do you want with me Ghetsis? I just enjoy having you all around for the most part, I guess considering you as friends is wrong?"
Ghetsis' stare narrowed, "You don't want us to go do you?"
At that moment I turned away from him to ignore the constant condescending voice he always carried. I wasn't about to explain to him anything, and not for a moment would I allow him to get any information that they could use against me. Although it was already apparent that he had already saw through that, it wasn't all to difficult to predict that. As annoying as he was I felt relieved that one of them was curious, wondering what I wanted as well. The unsettling thing was that very question came from Ghetsis.
The man as stubborn as mule didn't take to my ignorance of his presence and instead did his usual get into my personal space routine. He effortlessly scooped me up with his arm carrying me over his shoulder. The ground seemed to be moving as I attempted to struggle out of the tight grip he had on me. This was no use as I was tiny and this man happened to be not only strong but at the unfair advantage of being much bigger.
Once the dizzying ride was over he plopped me down gently in the spare room where Cyrus had been working on his portal. From one end of the room Vicki stared at me laughing awfully loud at my dismay at being man handled. Lysandre shot Ghetsis an unpleasant glare as if to scold him on not handling the situation properly, the green haired male just shrugged slyly at him. Giovanni scowled at his ignorance as well but diverted his attention from us and back to Cyrus.
The wild blue haired male blandly explained his ideas and how he was making this all come together, it was short for the time being and had seemed to be barely built. He blabbed on further about things I did not have any idea what they were, Archie and Vicki shared my expression of confusion at this. When he was finally done droning on he finished with allowing us to know that the estimated finish date would be a year.
"A year! I can't wait a year!" Giovanni yelled in annoyance.
Cyrus glared through him, "Science takes time and unfortunately in these working conditions I cannot make the progress go any faster. Not to mention that not all the materials are present that I need so I will indeed have to frequent a scrap yard. I will make use with whatever I can find."
The scrappy Team Rocket leader sighed, "I suppose you're right, for now we'll bide our time."
"A whole year..." I mumbled in disbelief, "I thought you were much further along than that."
Cyrus replied blandly, "Well my apologies if that is a disappointment to you, but there is no other way."
"Britney doesn't seem to want us to leave as I have observed..." Ghetsis replied without my consent.
"I never said that!" I protested angrily.
Ghetsis turned his head at me, "You never said anything at all when I asked, and you did say you considered us as 'friends'."
I pouted like a child, "Okay fine, so I don't want you to go big deal. You're just the only real friends I had other than Vicki, and I guess I find you... Dare I say it... Cool."
"HAH! I knew it!" Archie screeched in victory.
Colress smiled widely, "I had a feeling, I didn't have any idea that the feeling was mutual to us all though. I figured I was one of the singular ones here you treated as friendly."
"HEY!" The rest of them screamed.
The blonde haired male replied quickly, "Oh dear, my apologies I didn't mean to offend you all. It's just out of all of you I've been the friendliest to both these females. That is asides from N's obvious attraction to Vicki."
"I've been friendly..." Archie grumbled.
Cyrus broke the chat with an annoyed yell, "I appreciate the interest in my magnificent invention, but now I need to do some work on it. So if you would please all either shut up or leave the premises!"
The group of us were handed a cold glare from the enraged man, without another word I grabbed the silver door knob and pushed myself out. The rest of the men followed me down to my room, the familiar scent of pug and rabbit stench attacked my nose. Slinging myself into my bed I let out a relieved sigh, at least Ghetsis did the annoying thing of getting that off my chest for me. I closed my eyes in a heavy and drowsy feeling, it soon then drifted me off to sleep.
******
END CHAPTER