TWs: Self-deprecation, blaming self, slight panic/crying, a bit of non-con flirting(if you can call it that), mention of destroying the world/killing. Stay safe :)

'Alright, Chris, take a deep breath...' Bing inhaled slowly as he crouched behind the corner. He exhaled, repeating the process until he got his breathing under control. His assistant and in-law just got taken by the Black Army. The realization stabbed the director like a knife, guilt twisting in his gut as he couldn't help but sit on the cold hard pavement. He stood by and did nothing. He could've prevented it, but he chose to run away, choose the coward's way out.

Tears welled up in his eyes as he thought more about it, and the salty streams of water slid down his cheeks. He had to inform the others about what had happened, but he didn't want to face his ginger-haired nephew; he didn't want to break it to him, and he didn't want to watch Matt's face crumple in despair at the news.

He would leave a message. He could send a text without needing to hear Matt's rhythmic voice.

Looking around, Bing saw the discarded satchel that Larry held. It was full of supplies they needed, just in case. He knew there had to be a communicator in it.

Rising to his feet, Bing left his crevice, heading shakily toward the bag. He picked it up, rifling through the contents until his hand felt the red rectangle of his phone. Taking it out, he quickly scrolled to his contacts, tapping Matt's.

Scrolling through the various messages of texts that came from Matt, he smiled gently at the recent one. The ginger always made sure to send a text daily, two times if he missed a day. Matt knew how busy the trio was in other districts, so he wasn't expecting them to text back.

He thought about what to say before typing the message, his fingers sliding across the digital keyboard, hoping for his nephew to see it immediately.

"You still need to rest, Tom," Matt spoke, "It's for your own good."

"'My own good' is letting me get up; I feel fine, Matt." Tom frowned.

"I'll see it when the report comes back saying you're free to move." Matt crossed his arms.

"Mattie..." Tom huffed.

The taller leaned over Tom, placing a hand on his cheek, "Tommy."

"I hate you..." The bassist stuck out his tongue.

"No, you don't." Matt smiled as he gave Tom a quick Eskimo kiss.

Tom hummed, adjusting the bandages over his eyes, "Be safe."

"I will." Matt stepped over to the door, glancing back at his husband, "I love you."

He faintly heard Tom echo the phrase as he left the room, closing the door gently.

Walking down the hall, Matt decided to find Tord as the Norsk was waiting for Kim's safe arrival back to the underground bunker. He wondered how Kim would react to seeing her wife's changed demeanor. It would be noticeable that something happened, as Katya was never emotionless. She expressed herself in different ways, whether writing poems to Kim or reprimanding someone for being careless. Kim would notice the change right away.

Matt heard voices near the entrance, stopping in the doorway of the equipment room and seeing a blonde standing next to the bunker stairs talking to Tord. The leader was blocking her path, which made Kim furrow her eyebrows.

"Please, Tord, I just got back; can't I fill you in later?" Kim, exasperated, attempted to get around him, "I promised Katya I would talk to her before doing anything else."

"I know," Tord once again blocked her from leaving, "Ah, but there's something I should tell-"

"Can't it wait?" Kim huffed, pushing him aside as she shouldered past Matt hurriedly.

"Kim!" Tord called out, following her.

Matt was about to follow after them when his communicator dinged in his pocket. He frowned, taking it out and looking at it. He was surprised to see his uncle's name, seeing as Bing would usually text him back when he was in a safe spot. They would've been on the move right now, which made Matt worried yet curious as he opened the message.

"Katya!" Kim smiled once she saw the other blonde standing by the counter. She ran up to her wife, hugging her tightly, "I missed you so much!"

Katya froze, frowning as she pushed the blonde away, "What the hell are you doing?"

Kim's eyes widened a bit as she averted her gaze, a skewed smile on her face, "Uh- hugging my beautiful wife?"

The pony-tailed woman raised an eyebrow, "Keep your hands to yourself."

"Wha-"

"Have we ever considered taking a break from each other?" Katya continued, her forest-green eyes holding no emotion within them.

Without another word, Katya shoved past Kim, walking out of the cafeteria just as Tord arrived.

Kim's mouth opened and closed, her mind swirling with thoughts and self-blame. Was it her fault Katya acted so coldly? Did she do something wrong?

"Kim-" Tord spoke, prompting the blonde to glare daggers at him.

"What happened?" She questioned, voice shaking slightly.

"Katya's under some sort of trance; we don't know how to get her back..." Tord uttered, "I-I'm sorry, I wish I knew more, but that's the gist of it."

Kim's eyes burned with tears. She held back a sob as she pushed past Tord, walking fast-paced down the hallway. The Norsk watched as she left, sighing to himself as he left the cafeteria, nearly running into Matt. The ginger grabbed him by the shoulders, grasping onto them.

"Woah, Matt, what's with the face?" Tord asked, seeing Matt's solemn expression.

"The Black Army-" Matt sharply inhaled, looking Tord dead in the eyes, "They took Father and Larry!"

"What exactly did you need me for?" Edd inquired, gazing at Hellucard from across the desk.

The King grinned, "Well, my dear-"

"Don't call me that."

Hellucard's eye twitched, silently scowling. With a press of a button, Edd was strapped down to the chair he was sitting in, the metal digging into his heavy coat. Edd blinked yet remained as stone-faced as ever.

"As I was saying, darling, I have a plan that will change the human race as we know it." The dusty brunette grinned, laying a folder on his desk, "I took inspiration from my creator. He motivated me and Laurel like no one else, and now I'll be walking in his footsteps to becoming the world's savior."

"By blowing up the world...?" Edd quirked an eyebrow.

"Exactly, you see, by ending everyone's suffering, we'll be able to live a new life without any conflict, just peace and prosperity."

"By destroying the world..." Edd frowned.

"Yes, yes, by blowing the bitch up."

The taller seemed to gaze at him forever, "You do realize there won't be any life to live if the planet is destroyed, right?"

"Uh- I think you mean, 'Wow, your highness, you're so amazing and cool; let's get married!'"

"Gross. No one would ever say that."

Hellucard got up, his fists hitting against the wood, "Don't make me kill you!"

"That'll be great, actually." Edd smiled for the first time since he'd been hypnotized.

Hellucard glared, his lips twitching, "You-"

The door slammed open; Todd stepped inside and stopped once he saw Edd strapped to a chair, "Uhm-"

"What do you want, Todd? Can't you see I'm busy here?" Hellucard snapped.

"We captured the people you wanted, sir."

The King grinned. His plan was going a lot smoother than he imagined. He let out a small chuckle as he followed Todd to the dungeon, "Excellent!"

Edd sat there, still trapped in the chair. He felt as if he was missing something but didn't know what. He shook his head; he was probably imagining it. His imagination sure liked to play tricks on him. He smiled a bit.

Right.