I woke up to a curdling scream ringing through the air. Relying on initial instinct I tumbled downstairs into the wide main room, my eyes searching for danger. In my pajamas I raced into the kitchen area where the light fluttered down onto the counter. Turning my head towards the pantry I nearly leaped into the air in fear as I seen a drenched Maxie. He was half asleep and clearly irritated as Hell, his eyes deep and dark with rage.

On the opposite of him was Vicki with a slingshot of water balloons, an evil grin was wide across her face. She wasn't kidding when she was talking about getting revenge, but those water balloons were not full of water. The liquid was in fact a mixture of kool-aid and vinegar, the stench wafted off of Maxie to my nose stinging it viciously. Scrunching my face I gazed at Vicki with a startled and awkward facial expression, this definitely seemed pretty horrible. Rushing from the side room was Colress and N drenched as well, the poor men stretched their arms out wide from the sticky mixture.

I darted my head back and forth watching them like a comedy show, Vicki pulled back the string hitting them causing a loud pop from the liquid and pressure. A howling laughter came from Vicki as she continued to chase them, her eyes sparked with glee. I noted to never make her angry enough to do this to me, and I was glad it wasn't me. Giovanni lazily peered over the staircase in a subtle grumpy composure. Soon after the whole house was awake, Archie pointed and laughed at his enemy while the others exchanged disturbed glances.

Ignoring the chaos going on around me I shrugged lightly while putting on the kettle for some hot water. Waiting near the electrical appliance I took in the sounds of yelling and boiling. I pushed through the cupboards and grabbed my tea cup, this was followed by the milk and a bag of sugar. Around the corner a silk wearing odd ball named Lysandre sat down at the table with a heavy yawn that roared like a lion. His tired cold stare was foggy and incomplete with not a logical thought processing.

Assuming he was tired I did the polite thing, "Do you want some coffee or tea?"

"Tea please" The red head mumbled hazily.

I tore out another cup and placed it on the table as the boiling of water grew louder. Leaning against the counter I peered out of the window staring a large tree in the distance that seemed to tower over the others. It almost seemed as if it were the most important, shading the others with its winding branches. The other smaller trees crowded around this tree seemed malnourished as the biggest took all the sunlight, perhaps they would all benefit from the same height. Shaking my head from a loud whirring from the boiled water I took the kettle off and poured the hot water into both the cups, steeping the Earl Grey into the water.

Ghetsis came down as well scaring me as his shadow towered over mine, I jumped back almost spilling the cups. However they stayed fine once I gathered them together. The red in his eye was more vibrant than usual, as if there were something going on behind them. He whipped past me gathering supplies to make coffee, it wasn't like him to be quiet and non-demanding. It was also strange that he was actually making his own coffee.

Bringing the milk and sugar to the table I greeted Ghetsis, "Good morning, I'll make the coffee sit down and relax. Do you want breakfast?"

He lifted a brow at me in surprise, "That's out of character."

"Don't read too much into it relax, are you hungry?" I asked attempting to be polite.

Ghetsis left the contents on the counter and sat by the table, "Go ahead then, I'm starved."

"I'll make pancakes for everyone" I smiled cheerfully while grabbing a bowl and pancake mix.

******

The smell of pancakes wafted through the air, it was sweet and mouth watering. I placed the piles of pancakes evenly onto each plate placing them around the long black table. Everyone by now was sitting down eager to dig into the breakfast I had prepared. Coming back from the table I grabbed my plate and well sugared tea to the table between Vicki and Cyrus this time. Breakfast seemed to put everyone in high spirits despite the ones who were drenched and now wet from having the shower thoroughly.

Digging my fork into my pancakes I smiled in a blissful way feeling that somehow things were going to work out well today. It didn't take long for everyone to finish while I still poked around on my plate, the rest wouldn't leave however I felt like I was being watched. I never realized how awkward being a slow eater could be, but I enjoy my food and that was my pure defense.

"You take a very long time to eat" Archie laughed confirming my thoughts.

I glared at him defensively, "Well you all don't have to sit around and watch it's weird."

Waving them away I proceeded to enjoy my meal, Vicki though hesitant decided to wait with me anyway. She leaned into the table with her arms out seeming terribly bored. Taking my last bite I picked up my plate and began scrubbing the dishes that were leftover. They were dropped into the sink in an unorganized fashion soaking in the hot water I flushed in before.

Vicki came in behind and began to help as well, "Why are you so happy this morning?"

"I'm always happy!" I responded to her with a sly smirk.

"No you aren't, why are you acting so strange?" She rolled her eyes and continued to interrogate me.

Passing a clean dish to her for drying I shrugged, "I don't know I guess I just feel like things are going to go well."

"You were talking to Giovanni last night, what did he say to you?" Vicki cocked her head ignoring my statement.

"Nothing really, I'm just starting to really get along with him I guess" I explained while avoiding her gaze, "They're people, they're people who miss their home and were just dealt a bad hand in life. I guess I just feel like we're really not all that different."

She shot me a discouraging glare, "They aren't just people, they're bad guys from a video game."

"Oh whatever!" I teased pushing her as I finished washing the last white plate.

Before I could get comfortable and watch Television with Vicki, I watched Colress wander around excitedly packing bags and the such. We both observed him from the sink where all the clean dishes were displayed. As always he had a dorky smile to him that could appear as charming at times. Without saying a word we exchanged expressions of curiosity, it was clear he was openly excited. Giovanni walked over to us in that strong manor of his staring down like we were two newborn kittens.

The man spoke down to us like children, "So as we promised earlier Colress was interested in camping. The weather is lovely and we have quite some time off so we decided to go tonight assuming he knows where to go. I sent Cyrus with Maxie to go pick up some camping wares, are you two coming?"

"Oh heck yeah I love camping!" I replied with a bright smile.

Vicki yawned stretching out her thin arms, "Yeah sounds cool."

"Go get your things ready then and we'll take off" Giovanni directed in a friendly way.

******

Colress was the first to flop out of the car, his eyes full of wonder and glee. He stepped into the camp ground, it was fairly green with a dirt patch in the middle. The fresh air tasted clear and relieving as I heaved it through my lungs, it was just what I needed. Surrounding the area was a large cluster of pine and poplar trees that towered quite high above us. The greenery spread into the distance and far into the mountains that were beautifully clear on this sunny day.

The rest stepped out along with us, N seemed to take to it naturally appearing less tense and shy. Reading the expressions of the others it seemed mostly indifferent to the rest, as if they didn't really have an opinion yet. Wouldn't they have been out in nature before? Perhaps some like Ghetsis were more sheltered, not truly experiencing things in a different light than what they grew to understand. I observed Colress setting up the tents with Cyrus, they both seemed to be extremely quick at learning.

Meanwhile Archie sat near the river that almost touched the campsite past the trees, his stare hypnotized by the ripples of the water. Maxie as usual however didn't really seem much different, he gazed about not showing much interest. Letting everyone go about their business I decided to take a private walk by myself for a tiny bit. Vicki being very observant noticed my wandering but acknowledged my need for some alone time. Turning her head she doodled in her sketch book while Lysandre hovered near her to watch.

Pushing through some pine branches I took a small pathway up hill. The grass was pushed down and worn away but there was no lack of nature. Approaching a tall tree like the one I had seen previously I began to climb up it swiftly, it was sturdy enough to hold my weight and I missed climbing up trees from when I grew up. I haven't forgotten though, I remembered exactly how to get up, and I could see far off into the vast sea of trees.

Closing my eyes I leaned back against the shaft of the dark bark of the tree, not a car to be heard for miles. The serene nature of the forest swept me away letting my muscles relax, I even began to sing to myself. I didn't know why I always got like this, but it seemed to feel right. I let my voice sing out to an average volume, not wanting to be loud enough to be a bother.

As usual however Ghetsis snuck up on me interrupting my singing, "Enjoying the view?"

"Yes, why did you follow me!" I panicked awkwardly, "How long were you there?"

I could see him standing below with a painted smirk, "Long enough to hear your singing."

"Ugh, no!" I squealed in a high pitched tone covering my face red from embarrassment.

"It wasn't terrible, in fact rather melodic" He assured me in a smooth tone, "I would rather enjoy hearing your voice by my throne."

I buried my head into my sleeve, "Go away, you're pestering me."

"Don't you want to be able to be out on your own, where you can get away from people and all of this?" Ghetsis proceeded to speak, "I can make it all go away, everything you want you can have. Imagine what kind of life I could give you compared to the one you live here in the pit of violence and misery. You could be happy with me, all you have to do is to join me."

My heart beat faster and I could feel myself growing nauseous, "I know what you're trying to do."

"Out of all things what could I ever do?" He smirked staring right into my eyes.

"It's not going to work, I know what I want. I have responsibility, and I know exactly what will happen" I glared down at him still red in the face, "You're trying to manipulate me into thinking otherwise so I'll do your bidding. So I'll become your little grunt and help you become a tyrant."

Ghetsis folded his arms behind his back and chuckled, "I overheard your little conversation with Giovanni last night, I know what you really want. It'll just take some time for you to realize it, are you coming down any time soon beautiful?"

"No, not with that attitude of yours" I hissed at him, "I'll stay up here all day if I have to."

He frowned but regained composure, "I'll just have to come up there then."

"You can't climb this tree it won't support you. You're way taller meaning you also weigh more" I laughed in triumph of shortness being in my favor.

The man glanced up at the tree and sighed, "You are correct it won't, but if you don't I'll chop it down."

"With what?" I teased him.

"With an axe" He glared back at me playfully, "Come down dinner is almost ready."

My stomach grumbled lightly it was a long trip here, "Okay but I'm coming down for food, not for you."

"Fair enough" The green haired man confirmed with a sarcastic shrug.

I hated the cockiness in his stature, it made me jealous and enraged of his confidence. Rolling my eyes I climbed down carefully like a squirrel, my feet skid down as I leaped to the ground. Being a clumsy idiot I tripped over my own feet on landed and began to plummet to the ground face first. However of course Ghetsis took advantage of the situation grabbing my handing and pulling my close to him. He pulled me uncomfortably close to him and I wriggled away awkwardly.

Letting go of me he chuckled, "Perhaps you should be more careful if you didn't want someone to sweep you up into their arms?"

"Thank you..." I replied not wanting to feed his fighting nature.

******

Coming out of the woods in a dark haze I saw my friends coiled around a wood and rock fire. They roasted marsh mellows while chewing on roasted hot dogs that were probably done over the fire as well. Vicki being picky decided against eating the meat and marsh mellows instead settling for some of her own macaroni. Lysandre seemed to be hitting it off with Vicki, but it seemed more like she was tolerating him than anything. I watched him blabber on and on to her as she smiled and nodded, I hoped she didn't need saving.

Joining Vicki by the fire I sat on the ground taking some hot dogs from the tray placed near the fire. It seemed rather unsafe to keep it so close to the flames but I dismissed it. I zoned out for awhile watching the flames dance in the dark like spirits in the wind, so vibrant and alive. I blurred out the voices behind me from the group and took in the heat of the fire. My mind seemed most at peace but I kept thinking about Ghetsis' offer for some reason. It kept plaguing my mind but I kept dismissing it, regardless of how much I wondered.

Trying to shake away the thoughts I took a bite of a hot dog, it tasted bland and made me feel indifferent. It didn't even feel as if I was really eating it, my entire sense suddenly went numb and all I could think about was the same conversation. Swallowing down the rest of the meat bitterly I cursed myself, it was a horrible thought but I was so tempted to abandon everything. I felt so insecure and exposed, as if he finally succeeded to root himself in my mind.

"Brittany? Brittany?" Vicki waved at me frantically, "Are you still on Earth?"

"Oh sorry I must have been really deep in thought" I apologized to her still half paying attention.

She cocked her head and squinted her deep brown eyes at me, "What were you thinking about?"

I blushed awkwardly and rested my head on my hands, "Nothing, nothing!"

"Britney I know you, something is on your mind! Tell me what's up?" She pestered me while throwing her garbage in a black bag.

I sighed knowing I wouldn't win, "If we talk it has to be in private."

Lysandre being there the entire time interrupted, "Now, now, that's not fair if you have something to say everyone should know!"

"Don't be a pleb Lysandre" I barked at him actually menacing this time, "This is something that really is private."

He raised his arms in defense at my attack, "Alright then I won't pester you but you owe me one. I'll keep quiet for you."

Vicki tugged at my grey sweaters sleeve into the forest. She made sure to make it apparent to them that we were going to use the bathroom, hopefully to deter them from following. We trailed through an open area where it was clear enough to watch for danger. I pulled out my pocket flashlight and shone it into the lurking shadows. Above us a beautiful great horned owl perched observing us from a tree.

Vicki shook my shoulders, "Now what's wrong with you?"

"Ghetsis is starting to root himself into my head..." I answered avoiding her stare, "I don't know how I feel about this. He won't leave me alone and now I'm starting to think that it might actually be a good idea..."

She glared at me in a shocked way, "What would be a good idea?"

"Uhm..." I hesitated kicked at the soft soil.

"Britney, please don't tell me you're going to be an idiot and actually fall for his tricks?" She sighed with a tinge of rage, "I'm going to kill him so he can't pester you anymore!"

"Well think about it, what does this world offer us?" I retorted trying to defend what I knew was wrong, "Everything we could ever want is just on the other side and it's actually in our hands. Ghetsis makes a good argument, and frankly I'm starting to actually like him..."

"WHAT!" Vicki screamed with horror causing the owl to fly away, "NO! NO YOU DON'T!"

I pushed back a guilty sickness, "I'm not joking this time. He's gotten inside my head, and I know all he wants is power. I know he's a sociopath."

"Britney that road you want to go down is one of mistakes and you will get yourself killed. If you had to like a villain why did you choose him?" She continued to yell at me, "You're not thinking straight, think this over. We aren't going anywhere with them, you know very well what happen."

I grabbed hard onto her shoulders and whispered, "Keep it down the entire forest is going to hear us!"

"I support you on almost everything and I understand the guys have been giving you a Hell of a time plotting thoughts into your head but you need to listen to me" She quieted down this time but there was still toxicity in her voice, "If you ignored them like I did you wouldn't have this problem. Why couldn't you just stop being nice and just tell them off!"

"You're right..." I submitted to her understanding, "You're right, and I know I'm dumb. I'm going to try harder I promise..."

******
END CHAPTER

Authors Note: Hello again, this one was a little risky to write but there is a reason I am doing this. This is going to make things a huge lot more complicated, and comical. This decision was made awhile back, but mostly because I picked the worst villain for this and wanted to focus a lot more on his manipulative side. Other than that however I'm glad you're enjoying it, Tatopotato is a great name by the way to the one who reviewed last. I agree with a lot of that, yeah Colress be like SCIENCING INTENSIFIES. Alright, because of course this was a really DIFFERENT chapter I am eager to hear what you guys think on the decisions I made for this one. It's mid-book so things are going to be more intense and influential for the characters.

How do you think Vicki is going to deal with this, and what do you think Britney will do? Do you think she will listen to Vicki, or disobey her possibly creating a rift.