Content Warning: Foul language and gestures
Mortimer's POV
The first thing Mortimer felt after falling out of the portal was something coarse and scratchy. He assumed it was the floor until someone spat at him, 'Oi you! Get the fuck off!"
He was then pushed off by what he landed on - Sludge. As the two slowly stood up, Sludge crossed his arms and looked at Mortimer with a ticked-off look.
"Sorry kid, didn't see you there," Mortimer replied almost mockingly while wiping his hands on his jacket.
"Oooh, you wanna act like that, do you? You're gonna get it SO BAD-" Sludge threatened. However, Mortimer barely heard this as he was distracted by the room.
It appeared to be a hotel lobby, with marble floors and walls and a little desk on the side. Near the desk was a cardboard cutout of a monkey-like concierge. Mortimer was caught by something sparkling on the floor - a glimmering purple crystal. He wanted it.
He shoved Sludge out the way and dived down, grabbing it and admiring it happily before it disappeared in his hands.
"Wh-what?" he stuttered in shock before hearing a beep from his jacket pocket. He reached into it and pulled out what appeared to be a tablet. On the screen was a map of the room, and the number 288 at the top. He noticed another crystal before him and reached out for it, and as it disappeared into thin air, the number went down by one.
"Oh, I'm supposed to collect these things?" he laughed to himself.
Yes.
"What the-" Mortimer jumped back, startled.
Those are Soul Shards. A strange, disembodied voice that sounded suspiciously like Bierce replied. There's a certain number of them in each nightmare. You're meant to gather them all up in order to get the ring piece
Mortimer blinked twice in understanding, then dashed over to the next shard to collect it before it was snatched up by something or someone speeding by.
He looked up to see Sludge speeding down the hall looking back at him while flipping him off and shouting "Try and catch up, BITCH!"
Mortimer growled at this verbal assault before running off after him, collecting any shards he happened to miss.
Sludge's POV
Sludge gazed wide-eyed at his tablet, zipping around corners and smiling madly as the number on the screen rapidly decreased. That second chance was HIS.
Suddenly, there was a horrific screech from down the hall, breaking his focus and attempting to shatter his eardrums. It sounded as if a metal pipe had been shoved down a paper shredder and they were fighting to see who would destroy who first.
"Ah! Jesus Christ-" he stumbled in shock and was just able to catch himself before he fell. He rapidly looked around to see if he could find who or what made that noise, then noticed Mortimer jogging up to him, panting.
"Ah- are you hurt? Was it you who screamed back there?" he asked, strangely polite.
"Uh... no," Sludge replied, confused at this sudden change of heart.
"Oh. Damnit!" Mortimer thrust his fist down in an act of angry disappointment and Sludge smiled. This seemed more like him.
Suddenly, he heard a ping! from behind them. They both turned around to see an elevator waiting open for them.
Sludge was about to step in when Mortimer pushed him out the way and onto the floor. "Move, PEASANT!" he shouted as he strutted into the elevator.
Sludge grumbled as he got up and slouched into the elevator. Going up? Said the voice before the elevator started moving.
Within a few seconds of travelling upwards, Mortimer turned to Sludge and said, "We're splitting up once we get out."
"Alright," Sludge replied. "I don't want to look at your face anymore."
"Same." Mortimer said back.
The two of them were silent for the rest of the trip; and once the elevator doors opened the two immediately ran off in different directions.
A/N- Kit here! Damn, got this chapter finished earlier than I expected XD Honestly thought I would get sidetracked, but nope!
This is honestly one of my fave chapters I've written so far, and I'm very excited for the next few chapters! Also, as well as chapter three, I'll be working on a new story- an AU this time! Stay tuned!
Thx to my mum for writing help!
Dark Decption belongs to Glowstick Entertainment
Mortimer and Sludge belong to me, Wendikit