Post by Stitchpunk1 on Mar 17, 2010 16:03:55 GMT -5
Thunder boomed a bit as one of the nurses walked down the hallway to a patients room. Screams could be heard from one room as his inks were taken away after stabbing a orderly with a pen after he touched one of them. She unfortunately had one of the few dangerous patients. This one was highly unpredictable, calm as could be but the tiniest thing setting her off. It took almost ten orderly's to hold her down during her last outburst.
This night seemed to keep the nurse's patient's room quiet. The girl sat on her bed, the clean sheets already stained brown from dried blood. Her back was to the door, her posture seeming perfect as she sat in silence and darkness, watching through the barred windows as the drops splattered against the window.
She entered the room a bit hesitantly. "Patient 7 time for you medicine." There were no names here, she was one of the first few to come to this hell.
7 glanced back only slightly," But I hate the medicine." she murmured, clutching a small rabbit doll. She'd brought it with her to this place, attacking anyone who even looked at it funny.
"Yes I know but you have to take it." She walked in with the bottle and spoon. It poured out so thickly one wondered if you could even call it a liquid.
" Why don't you take it, if it's so important?" She asked, turning a bit more to the nurse.
She ignored her question. "If you don't take it I will get one of the orderlies to make you take it."
She stared at her, clutching her rabbit," But I don't want the medicine. I don't need it."
She glared a bit at her before going out into the hall and coming back with a few men. "Now we can do this the easy way or the hard way, its up to you."
She stood up, clutching her rabbit tightly in one hand," I don't want it."
In a instant the orderly's pinned her down to the bed, trying to restrain her.
She screamed bloody murder, thrashing against the Orderlys, kicking with all her might.
The nurse quickly forced the medicine into her mouth and a orderly shut it tight to keep her from spitting it out.
She gagged a little before swallowing, going slightly limp in the orderly's hold.
Just to be safe they strapped her down to the bed and all left, leaving her stuck there.
She stared at the ceiling, her fingers digging slightly into the bed. These people were so mean... Making her do things she wouldn't wish on anyone else.
"Get in there!" Two young children were shoved into the room before it was shut and locked. They roomed with 7 now and then when the asylum was limited on space.
7 didn't turn her head to look at them, only glancing over a bit. She liked to have her peace and quiet... Children wouldn't bring that.
The girl of the two clung to the boy, scared of having to leave their room.
The boy clung back, looking around the room nervously. It was so much darker here!
She jumped and clung tighter when lightning flashed.
He shrieked as the lightning flashed, the light having illuminated 7. He didn't know there was someone else in here!
The two went over to a corner to sleep there for the night, away from 7.
7 watched them for a moment before the medicine began to kick in. Her eyes shut tight as she slept, her stuffed rabbit laying on top of her.
Soon all the sounds of the asylum died out. No more screaming or crying, begging doctors to stop "treatments".
This was the only time 7 felt... Normal. When she was sleeping and couldn't hear the others. Oh how she hated the others... They were all too loud. Far too loud.
It was silence for a while before there was the sound of the wind.
7 opened her eyes slowly, glancing around. This wasn't her room... What was going on?
Others passed by her not even looking as they went by. The sky was a dark reddish color.
She looked up to the sky, staring at it for a moment before looking back ahead of herself, taking a few steps forward.
She was outside in a ally in what seemed to be a old town. The inhabitants looked depressed, skinny and almost trance-like.
She didn't seem too distressed by the sight of these people, only a bit confused as she wandered. What was this place?
"Lost?" Said a man she walked by who was leaning on a building.
She looked back to him, stopping," ... Yes. I am."
He walked up to her. "Haven't seen you around here before."
She took a little step back, having not expected this man to approach her," Well, I'm not even sure what 'here' is."
"Wonderland of coarse."
She stared at him as if he was a loon," .... Riiiight. And you must be a Cheshire Cat or something, right?"
"How did you guess?" He smirked a bit, his tail swishing a bit behind him.
She spotted the tail, her eyes growing a bit wide. There was no way...
Some loud footsteps were heard not too far away. He looked a bit worried. "Follow me." He headed down a alleyway.
She was hesitant but followed after him, glancing back.
They walked a ways before he stopped. There you could see a street where soldiers walked by.
She watched the soldiers passing with curiousity," Who are they?" she asked.
"Queens soldiers." He smirked "They are looking for me."
She glanced back at him," You? Why you?"
"You'll find out later. Come with me." He headed to the back of a building and knocked on the door.
She followed close to him, though she kept her eyes back on the soldiers until the last of them passed by.
There was a small thud of something being set down and two sets of eye's peered out the door. "Password!" He groaned "There isn't one you brats now let me in."
One set looked to the other," He got the password right!"
They hopped down and in a moment the door opened. He walked inside motioning for the girl to follow.
She glanced back one more time before following him inside.
The moment she was inside the door slammed shut and was locked. The two who were in charge of it looked at the newcomer.
One whispered in the other's ear before giggling, motioning to 7.
7 crossed her arms, glaring at the two," well, if you're just going to laugh at me, then I should leave."
"Ignore them, their only children." The two looked offended at that.
She looked to the man," Well... I suppose you're right there."
"Make yourself comfortable. I have some quick business to attend to." He headed off into the house.
7 took a seat, sighing a little. How long was she going to be stuck in this place?
1 went into a room in the back "I'm back."
A slight haze was in the room, dim lights making it different colors. A man glanced back and smiled," So you are."
He walked over and hugged him. "I missed you 2."
2 smiled softly, hugging him back gently," And I you, 1."
1 pulled him close and kissed him, wrapping his tail around them.
2 kissed him back lovingly, holding him close before pulling a bit away," now isn't a very good time for that." he said softly," Those soldiers... They keep getting deeper and deeper into the city, and closer and closer to us."
1 nodded. "I found a girl out there today. She seemed lost."
" A girl?" he asked," ... What if she's one of the queen's spies?"
"I don't think she is." He laughed a bit "She must have hit her head or something she didn't even know where she was."
He laughed a little himself," How peculiar. Well, hopefully she'll gain her memory back soon. It isn't safe to be here without knowing your way around."
"Any word from 6 yet?" The mad man was a long ways away trying to convince someone to join the fight.
" Not just yet. I'm hoping we'll hear something soon. He's out near the woods..."
1 shuddered a bit at the thought of who was out there.
2 looked to him and smiled a little," Don't you worry. 6 wouldn't dare go to him."
"He better not."
He laughed a bit," Don't worry yourself over it."
Back in the other room, the twins kept sneaking glances at the newcomer, giggling every time they did.
7 had her arms crossed, gripping them a bit. These two were really starting to get on her nerves...
They didn't notice, only giggled more after looking at her.
She stood up, holding up her hands," that's it, I'm out of here."
They stood in front of the door, "Oh no you don't! Nobody leaves!"
7 glared at them," And just why not?". The boy shook his head," You can't go out if you know where we are! Especially if we don't know you!"
The girl nodded. 1 came back out with 2 to show him the girl.
2 stopped as he saw the girl, tilting his head a bit," Why I don't believe I've ever seen someone like you... Or those strange garmets you wear.". 7 glanced back at him," Who are you?". 2 smiled a little bit," Who am I? Well just who are you?". 7 opened her mouth to tell him but stopped. Who WAS she? She knew those nurses and doctors called her '7', but what was her real name?
"Well?" 1 asked.
She shook her head," I'm... Not really sure.". 2 smiled," Just as I thought."
"Where have you come from?"
" Little Angel's Asylum, down third street."
"Never heard of a asylum before."
2 smiled," Of course not. We wouldn't have asylums here, only humans have those." he glanced back to 7," You really aren't from around here, are you?"
"Of coarse not look at her funny cloths!" The twins started laughing again.
7 whipped around, raising her fist," I swear to God I'll-". She jumped a little as 2 grabbed her wrist rather firmly," No no. No violence here. We can't be turning on each other."
The girl glared up at 7 and stuck her tongue out. "3 4 both of you stop it." 1 said firmly.
3 crossed his arms," Well it isn't our fault she's silly looking and can't admit it!"
4 nodded in agreement. "I said stop it."
7 pulled her wrist from 2's hold," I'm leaving. I'm finding my own way outta here."
"I'd watch that temper if I were you. Say something to the soldiers and they'll behead you on the spot."
She grabbed the doorhandle," Thanks for the advice but I'll be fine. I can handle anything this place can throw at me."
The twins laughed at that.
She glared at them both before opening the door, stepping back out into the city.
4 looked at her twin. "How much do you wanna bet she'll be back?"
3 giggled," I'll bet everything she will. Especially if she goes to the woods.". 2 tensed up. He hadn't told her of the woods! He hurried to the door, opening it and looking around, but 7 was already gone.
4 peeked out and laughed. "Well that's what she gets for going off on her own!"
2 sighed, shutting the door and bopping 4 gently on the head," Now now, this is serious. It'll be no laughing matter if she happens to run into him."
She held the spot and glared up at him. "Well its her own fault for not listening!"
He shook his head," She just needs to learn that this place is far more dangerous than she knows."
There was a knock on the "front" door of the house, it was mostly just for show. The twins went down to it before running back "Its the soldiers!"
2 tensed up, unsure of what to do. They hadn't been in this home long, so he hadn't plotted out any escape routes.
"Quickly out the back." 1 would wait till they were all out before he left.
2 glanced to 1, worried about him before grabbing the twins, hurrying out the back door.
1 made sure they had gotten away before leaving himself right as they burst through the front door.
~Just a ways away, near the outskirts of the city~
7 walked with her hands in her pockets, glancing around at everything, mumbling angrly when she found nothing familiar. How the heck was she supposed to get out of here?!
"GET HIM!" A man ran by her, as fast as he could go. He was headed for the forest.
7 jolted a little, watching as the man passed before running after him.
The card soldiers were a ways behind them. The man kept a hold of his giant hat so it wouldn't blow away.
The woods were dark, even with the blood red sun high above them, they seemed to be shrouded in a sort of veil of darkness. 7 didn't hesitate though, wanting to catch up to the man with the large hat.
He stopped after a while, leaning against a tree to catch his breath.
She finally caught up to him, placing a hand on his shoulder," Excuse me?"
"GAH!" He jumped and fell, landing on his butt.
She laughed a little," Sorry about that." she said, offering him a hand," Didn't mean to scare you."
He scooted away from her, afraid she worked for the queen.
She tilted her head a bit," well if you don't want my help, I won't give you it." she said, crossing her arms.
He got up on his own and dusted off his cloths and hat. "And just who are you?"
" That's a good question. I'm not sure myself." she said, glancing around," ... What is this place?"
She raised a brow," The what? ... Ugh this place just gets more and more confusing.". She tensed a little, hearing a small snap of a twig nearby.
6 looked towards the sound. "O-Oh man, you better r-run. He doesn't like strangers."
7 looked around, getting more tense," Who doesn't?". " `Twas brillig, and the slithy toves, Did gyre and gimble in the wabe..." echoed a voice, making the very trees sway.
He backed up against a tree, getting a bit scared.
7 slipped a hand into her pocket, pulling out a switchblade knife. " All mimsy were the borogoves, And the mome raths outgrabe." the voice came again, louder this time. 7's eyes suddenly widened in realization. She remembered this poem from long ago, though who told her was still a mystery. She tensed up before calling back," 'Beware the Jabberwock, my son! The jaws that bite, the claws that catch! Beware the Jubjub bird, and shun The frumious Bandersnatch!". Just above the man's hat, the tree split in two, a large, bulky man standing behind him, broken shackles attached to his wrists, the chains dangling from them, a large butcher knife in hand,"
He took his vorpal sword in hand: Long time the manxome foe he sought -- So rested he by the Tumtum tree, And stood awhile in thought." he grumbled. 7 stepped back, eyes wide. This man was huge!
6 watched, shaking a bit.
The large man stepped around the tree, approaching 7. 7 stepped back, holding her switchblade out," And, as in uffish thought he stood, The Jabberwock, with eyes of flame, Came whiffling through the tulgey wood, And burbled as it came!" she shouted. With a rather large grin, the man lashed out at her, the two knives meeting as 7 blocked him," One, two! One, two! And through and through The vorpal blade went snicker-snack!" he shouted.
"8 stop it! Don't hurt her!"
The man glanced back, 7 taking this moment of his loss in concentration to knock him on the ground, pinning him, knife to his neck," He left it dead, and with its head He went galumphing back." she growled lowly.
"No please stop!"
She looked up to him," Why?! He was going to kill me! And probably hurt you!"
"Please don't hurt him."
She stared at him for a few moments before sighing, getting off.
6 hurried over and helped 8 sit up. "Are you alright?"
8 nodded a little, holding his head," Yeah, I'm fine... Didn't get to finish my poem though." he joked, laughing.
6 hugged him a bit, he was worried she cut him or something.
8 put an arm around him before he stood, setting 6 down," And just who is this?"
"She followed me here. The soldiers were all over the city I had to come back."
He grinned," Soldiers, eh? If they step one foot in my forest..."
"I'm worried about the others, what if they don't escape in time?"
" They'll get outta there. Y'know 1 wouldn't let 'em get hurt."
He hoped so, he held onto 8 a little tighter. Where were they supposed to hide now?
7 glanced around for a moment before starting to go deeper into the woods.
"Wait!" 6 ran after her "You dont want to go that way!"
7 stopped, looking to 6," What? Why?"
He threw a rock into some bushes ahead, a horrible growling and hissing sound came from it. "That ahead is the Vale of Tears. Roses and mushrooms all over the place that want you for dinner."
8 grinned," oh let her go in there. Those mushrooms taste way better after they got a meal.". 7 glared at him and stepped away from the area," thanks but no thanks."
6 noticed the sun was going down. "Come on lets find some shelter."
8 nodded a bit," We can get to my shack. T'ain't much, but it's somethin'."
So the three headed for 8's home.
7 hung back a bit, nervous being so close to 8 after that attack.
"Come on you don't wanna be out after dark." 6 motioned for her to follow.
7 glanced to him and sighed, hurrying a bit to catch up with them.
The house was pretty small but big enough to fit the three.
8 plopped down in a chair he'd obviously made himself, even if it was poorly built. It crackled a little beneath him, but supported his weight. 7 glanced around, pulling up her shirt to cover her nose. This place was nearly coated with dust, and reaked of blood.
6 sat close to 8, he was used to the smells from the time he spent here.
8 looked to him and smiled a bit, putting an arm around him.
He smiled and snuggled close.
He knocked 6's hat aside, playing a bit with his hair. He glanced to 7," You hungry? Got some food in the fridge if you want.". 7 shook her head," no thanks..."
6 smiled and leaned into 8's hand.
8 picked 6 up a bit, setting him in his lap gently before he continued playing with his hair.
He kept in a laugh when it tickled a bit.
He chuckled, ruffling his hair a bit," You got THE BEST hat hair I've ever seen."
He laughed as it tickled.
7 watched them for a few moments before sitting on the ground on some type of animal fur.
6 looked over at her "You sure your not hungry?"
" I'll admit I am. And I'll admit I really don't trust anything you have to eat."
"It's just some meat."
" ... What kind?"
6 looked to 8 "What was your last kill?"
He shrugged," few dodo birds, a person or two."
6 glared slightly at the last thing he said, hoping he was joking.
He chuckled a little," What?"
"I hope your joking."
" Might be."
"8!"
" What!? I don't get a lotta food out here! You make do with whatcha can!"
"That's disgusting!"
" So?"
He shook his head and went to the fridge "Which one's the dodo meat?"
" Top rack."
He got it out and took it to the stove to cook.
8 yawned, scratching his stomach a little before glancing to 7," whats with that look yer givin' me?" " what look?" " that look like you think I'm gonna cut you up and serve yah with a side o' rice." " Oh. That look."
"So where did you come from?" 6 asked her.
" Little Angel's Asylum." 8 raised a brow," Asylum? The heck is an asylum?" "It's a place for people others think are crazy."
6 finished cooking the food. He set it on a small table.
7 sniffed a little, enjoying the scent the food gave off before getting up and walking over.
6 accidentally bumped against her when he walked by. He froze, images flashing before him.
7 glanced back to him," Hey... Are you okay?"
He just stood there with slightly wide eyes. He saw himself in a dark place, drawing on padded walls. Various other images flashed through his mind. He shook his head coming out of it.
8 walked over to him, hugging him close," 6, c'mon, snap outta it."
6 leaned against him, breathing heavily. It was rare he got visions but when he did it really took it out of him.
"V-Visions." 6 mumbled.
8 looked to her," 6 gets visions sometimes. They take a lot outta him." " really? what was this one about?"
He shook his head not wanting to say.
" was it really that bad?" 7 asked, getting more and more curious.
He hid his face against 8, shaking a bit.
8 held him close, petting his head," Just leave 'im alone. Get yer food 'fore it gets cold.". 7 glanced over to the plate, not really wanting to aggrivate the giant she grabbed it, starting to eat a little.
Just what was it he had seen. It looked like himself but he didn't know how to describe it, it was horrible.
8 picked him up gently, going to his seat and sitting down, setting him in his lap.
6 snuggled close to him, his shaking going down a bit.
8 kissed the top of his head, patting his back," You okay?"
"I will be."
He smiled," good."
He shut his eyes to try and rid himself of those horrible images.
8 stood up, carrying 6," You can sleep out here, just don't open the door for anyone if they come knockin'." he told 7 before heading to his own room.
On the way to the room 6 fell asleep.
7 watched them before turning back to her food. She didn't eat much of it, too scared that it might be human flesh she was eating.
~Elsewhere~
"Are we there yet?" The twins asked at the same time. They had been wandering through the forest all day and night to make it to 6's old house they knew was around somewhere.
2 glanced back to them, smiling a little," soon. Not just yet."
They whined, they were so tired from walking all day. 1 was bringing up the rear, making sure nothing was following them.
2 smiled a little at them before looking ahead. The shack soon came into view.
"Whats that place?"
He laughed a little," Where we're supposed to be."
They didn't remember 6's place looking like that last time they were here.
3 pressed a little against 4," a-are you sure?". 2 nodded," I can feel 6's presence there."
They approached the shake, the twins clinging to each other.
2 knocked on the door," Hello? Anyone there?". 7 jolted, backing up from the door.
"6 let us in!"
7 tensed up. 8 had told her not to let anyone in, so she wasn't about to let them in.
"Come on 6 let us in!"
7 tensed a little before opening the door, peeking out.
"Hey its the weirdo!"
She glared at them and shut the door tight. 2 laughed, opening the door," sorry about that."
6 woke up hearing voices. "8 I think someones here."
8 growled," told that girl not to let anyone in...."
The twins stuck close to 2. "2 I don't like it here." 4 said, she had a bad feeling.
2 smiled a little, patting 4's head," it's alright. If this young girl is here along with 6, we should ha-" he froze, seeing 8 step from his room, glaring at them.
4 looked up in fear "I-I-Its him!" 1 stood in front of 2 and the twins protectively.
8 reached over, yanking a blade from the wall. 7 looked back at him," H-hey! Leave them alone!"
4 shivered holding onto her brother.
3 buried his face against his sister, trembling. 8 pushed 7 out of the way," Hey I told you not to open the friggin' door. But I guess that's okay, these guys are unarmed. Make for a quick kill and a full fridge."
"8!" 6 had went into see who it was and was not happy to hear him talking like that.
8 glanced back at him, raising a brow," What?"
"These are the others I told you about, in the rebellion."
He looked between 6 and the group before shrugging," Fine then." he said, stabbing the knife into the wall," buncha stringbeans anyways... And I don't eat cats. Dirty little hairballs."
1 glared at him.
8 glared right back," Better not have been followed." he grumbled, turning and heading back to his room. 2 let out a sigh of relief," thank goodness...."
6 went back with him. 1 was still mad. "We told 6 not to find this guy!"
2 hugged him gently from behind," Well, it's not like theres many others willing to help us."
1 turned and hugged him back.
He smiled a little," Well, if we're going to stay here the night, we might as well get comfortable."
The twins snuggled down below the window.
3 reached over and pulled up a fur from the floor, covering himself and his sister up.
She snuggled close for more warmth.
2 sat down next to the door, patting the spot next to him for 1.
He sat down next to 2.
2 leaned over kissing his cheek gently," are you alright?"
1 nodded "Just a bit tired."
He smiled a little, wrapping his arms around 1's waist gently," Then sleep."
He leaned his head on 2's shoulder, falling asleep quickly.
2 nuzzled him a little before falling asleep as well.
4 stayed awake for a while, she just couldn't sleep.
3 peeked up from beneath the fur cover, looking to her," Are you okay?" he asked quietly.
She nodded. She was just thinking of what would happen if they ever got caught by the soldiers.
He smiled," You look sad and stuff. Cheer up!" he said happily, reaching up and sticking his thumbs in the sides of her mouth, forcing a smile.
She giggled when he did that.
He laughed a little himself, pulling his fingers out," there! All better."
She smiled and snuggled close, he always knew how to cheer her up.
He hugged her, nuzzling her affectionately. He loved cheering up his sister.
It wasn't long after that she was out like a light.
He watched her for a moment before falling asleep as well.
The dark red sky's shone some light in the house the next morning.
7 stirred a little, waking up as the light shone through. She stood, sneaking past the others and opening the door quietly.
"And just where do you think your going?" 1 asked, wide awake.
She flinched, looking to him," I was just..."
He was suddenly next to the doorway and shut the door.
She jumped a little before glaring at him," What's your problem?"
"You know where both our hiding spots are, we can't let you leave now."
" What do you think I am? Some kind of rat or something?"
"How are we supposed to know."
She shrugged," I dunno. But what I do know, is that I have to get outta this crazy place."
"And just how do you plan on doing that?"
" I dunno. But it's better looking around out there then staying here with some giant cannibal and a bunch of crazy people."
"If you go out there either something in the forest will kill you or the soldiers will catch you and take you to the queen."
She crossed her arms, mumbling something before walking back to her spot and sitting down.
1 went to the window and watched out.
There was a flicker as something passed overhead through the trees.
He watched the sky, unsure of what it was.
1 shut the curtains, just incase it could see it.
2 glanced over, waking up from the sudden change of light," ... 1?"
"Go back to sleep 2." He needed his rest.
He sat up a little," I've gotten enough. Just what are you up to?"
"Someone was trying to sneak off." He looked at 7 when he said that.
2 looked over to 7 and laughed a little," You need to understand, it just isn't safe for you alone out there.". 7 crossed her arms," better than staying here."
1 peeked out the window to see if whatever that thing was had left.
Just outside the shack, a man was wandering around, looking for something. When he turned, a pair of large, brown wings were visible.
1 had never seen this one before, one of the queens spy's he thought.
He looked around before glancing back to the shack, tilting his head a little at it.
1 stepped to the side of the window so he wouldn't be seen.
He stared for a moment before looking around again, searching.
A few miles away the river was tainted with some blood. Wincing, a man was trying to wash out the wound in his eye.
Inside the shack, 8's eyes snapped open. He could just smell the blood in the air. He sat up, leaving 6 to lay there as he stood, grabbing his knife from the wall and heading out.
He tried not to cry out as he cleaned the inside of it.
8 slammed the door open, startling the man outside, causing him to fly up and off towards the river.
The man at the river was completely unaware of the danger he was in.
The other man landed right next to him suddenly, tired from the flight.
"AAHHH!" He jumped and fell into the river. Thankfully there was almost no current and it wasn't that deep.
He flinched at the yell," G-geez, sorry!"
He held the hole where his eye should have been in pain. The landing jolted it a bit and it bleed more.
He reached over, offering a hand to help him out of the water.
He took his hand and got out of the water. "T-Thanks."
He smiled," Sure thing, I-" he tensed up, looking back and seeing a glimpse of 8 through the woods," Oh no..."
He saw 8 as well, freezing in spot. He did not have the energy to get away from him.
8 stepped into the slight clearing around the river, grinning," I'd know that smell from anywhere." he said lowly," Mockturtle."
He shook in his spot, he heard about this man living here but never saw him.
The man backed up a little, spreading his wings to sheild the other," D-don't hurt him.". 8 chuckled, walking towards them," Why not? I ain't had a bowl of mockturtle soup in ages. Figure he'll make a good batch."
His eyes widened as the other defended him.
8 chuckled a little, walking up to the man and placing the blade to his throat," Y'know, I'm wonderin' just what kind of bird you are. Ain't no Dodo bird.". The man glared, backing up from the blade and screeching at him, the sound being a mix of a eagle's call and a lion's roar. 8 backed up a little, laughing," A gryphon! Hell, I thought you all died out. Guess I lucked out, bein' able to get some mockturtle and a chunk of Gryphon too.". The man tensed up but stood his ground, covering the mockturtle.
"P-P-P-Please just go away!" He begged.
8 grinned," Why would I go? When I got you right where I want you."
He shook more.
The Gryphon watched 8 for a moment before turning quickly, latching onto the mockturtle and taking off into the sky. 8 glared, shifting his position and aiming. He threw his knife with percision, grinning at the sound it made the gryphon make as it stuck in his leg.
The mockturtle looked down in fear, he had never been up so high!
The gryphon held tight to the mockturtle, flying as far as he could manage before making a crash landing, hitting the ground hard on his side. The knife was deep, though thankfully it missed the bone.
He sat up, holding his arm he landed on before seeing his leg. "Your hurt!"
He looked up to him a little," J-just get out of here... You can make it if he stops to get me..."
He shook his head and went down to where the knife was "This is gonna hurt..." He quickly pulled it out.
He held in another screech, fearful that if he was too loud, that brute would find them.
"Sorrysorrysorrysorry!!!" He tore some cloth from his sleeve and put it against the wound.
He looked back to him and smiled a little. He was happy the mockturtle was helping him, but he couldn't shake the fear he felt, knowing that 8 was still following their trail.
He wrapped it around the wound, that would have to do till they could find help.
He started to push himself up, wincing as he did.
He helped him sit up. "...I'm 5."
He looked to him and smiled a little," My name's 9."
He got 9 to stand, putting his arm over him so he took the wight from his hurt leg.
9 glanced back for a moment," ... He's still out there. And he's getting close. We gotta keep moving..."
He nodded and they went off as fast as they could.
8 soon came to the spot they had been noticing his blade on the ground. He picked it up, staring for a moment before licking the crimson liquid from it, continuing on after them.
5 tried as hard as he could to keep them moving quickly.
8 smirked, keeping a normal pace. It was only a matter of time they'd tire out, and that gryphon wasn't going anywhere with the wound in his leg.
He stopped walking realizing where they were headed "We need to change direction." But to where...
9 looked up to him," What? Why?"
"The Duchess's castle is that way." He nodded to the direction they were headed.
He tensed a little," Going there would be like hopping from the frying pan, right into the fire, coated with pepper."
They headed off towards the safest place for the time being... the flower beds.
8 reached where the two had just been, staring out at the Duchess' Castle. They probably wouldn't have gone there... Right?
5 was starting to wear down, it was hard walking after all the blood he lost AND helping 9 as well.
9 was getting slower and slower, getting lightheaded from the loss of blood.
He looked down and saw the blood. He leaned 9 against a tree and made him sit.
9 slumped forward a little, his body shaking from the loss of blood.
5 looked down, unsure of what to do.
9 glanced up from the sound of a twig breaking, growling slightly as 8 stepped into view, chuckling," Tired?"
5 jumped and stood in front of 9 protectively.
8 raised a brow at 5," How come you're stayin' and watchin' over that gryphon? He ain't gonna last anyways."
"Y-Y-Yes he is!"
He laughed a little," Yeah? How?"
He smirked," See? Eh, it's too late now for you anyways. Gave you the chance to run." he said, approaching them.
"8!" 6 had finally managed to catch up to them.
8 groaned. He'd been so close too. He looked back to 6," What??"
"Just what do you think your doing!?"
" The hell does it look like I'm doing?! I'm hunting!"
"You promised me you would stop hunting people!"
" Didn't say nothin' 'bout huntin' mockturtles and gryphons!"
"You know what I meant!"
He grumbled something, lowering his blade," Well whatever! The gryphon's gonna die anyways!"
6 glared at him before walking past him, taking off his jacket. He wrapped it around the wound in 9's leg.
9 looked up to him a little, looking semi-conscious.
"Don't worry I'm going to help you." He wasn't sure if 9 would panic at all.
" h-how...?"
"I know someone who can help your wound." He had 5 help him get 9 up and they headed back to the shack.
8 watched them before grumbling something, following after them. 9 glanced back, tensing as he saw 8 behind them.
"Don't worry he wont hurt you."
" Yeah? T-then why did he throw that knife in my leg?"
"He THOUGHT you were food." 6 glared at 8 when he said that.
8 raised a brow at him," So sue a guy for wantin' a full stomach.".
It took a while but they got him to the shack.
9 was putting almost all of his weight against 5 and 6, his eyes nearly shut as he struggled to stay awake.
The twins opened the door for them once they approached.
3 tilted his head a bit at them," Who're these guys, 6?"
"Their hurt." They set 9 down in a chair.
9 couldn't help but pass out in the chair, breathing lightly.
5 sat down against the side of the chair, his hand over his wounded eye.
2 glanced up from his book, having brought it with him on the trip. He smiled a little, standing up and walking over," do they need my assistance, 6?"
6 nodded.
2 placed a gentle hand on 5's shoulder," I'll help you in a moment." he said before shifting his attention to 9, working a bit on his leg where the wound was.
5 just nodded, his wasn't as bad as 9's was.
2 reached into his pocket, pulling out a small case. He opened it, revealing several colored cigarette-like sticks. He pulled out a crimson red one, lighting it before moving 9's leg a little so he faced the wound. He took a deep breath, running the cigarette half way down before pulling it out, blowing the smoke onto the wound. 9 winced, his nails digging into the chair as the smoke went fully into the wound, the opening soon sealed after all the smoke was in. 2 smiled, rubbing 9's leg," There you are. Good as new."
5 watched in amazement.
9 shifted a little, but didn't wake, worn out. 2 smiled before turning to 5," your turn."
"I don't think that stuff could help me..." His eye was completely gone.
" Well, it can't bring back your eye, but it can at least get rid of your wound."
A bit reluctantly he moved his hand from the wound.
2 put the cigarette to his lips, breathing in and burning up the rest of it before putting the nub out, blowing the smoke against the wound.
5 let out a sigh of relief when the pain started to go away.
He smiled," Better?"
He nodded "Thank you."
" Of course, my boy. Anything to help."
He tore off some of his jacket and used it as a makeshift eye patch.
9 stirred a little in the chair, shutting his eyes tight for a moment before opening them a little.
5 looked up and smiled, happy he was awake.
9 sat up a bit, looking around," Ugh... My head."
The twins peered at the newcomers from behind 7.
7 glared back at them," hey, you mind?"
"Your good to hide behind!"
" Yeah! So don't move or anything!". 7 rolled her eyes and walked away from them.
They simply walked with her so they were still a bit hidden.
9 looked to them, tilting his head a bit before looking away. He let out a screech as he saw 8, wings flaring out a bit.
"Its ok calm down!" 5 tried to calm the griffen down.
He fumbled a bit, falling out of the chair and against 5.
5's face went red a bit with him being so close.
9 looked to him and laughed nervously," s-sorry..." he said before noticing the eyepatch," I didn't get to ask before... What happened to your eye?"
He looked away a bit putting his hand over it. "T-The duchess tried to get me..." From his spot 1 stiffened and his tail went POOF.
2 looked to 1, laughing a little at his tail," Someone you know, 1?"
"Unfortunately yes..."
7 looked over, raising a brow," yeah? What is she, an ex wife or somethin'?"
"No... my owner." He sighed. "I used to be her 'slave'..."
" Sounds rough."
"You have no idea..."
She laughed a little," I don't think I want to have an idea of that."
He cringed a bit at the memories.
9 smiled a little at 5," At least you're okay now."
"Yours was worse than mine."
He laughed a little," Yeah, but I can still use my leg."
"It won't be so bad having only one eye."
" Really? Why?"
"Well I guess it'll help me concentrate on just one thing." He laughed a bit.
9 stared at him for a moment before he busted up laughing.
He smiled a bit.
He smiled back at 5, tilting his head a little.
There was some loud shouting outside. 1 looked out the window. "Oh no, its her soldiers." The Duchess had much less soldiers than the queen but she had enough.
8 glared over at the door," I can take care of them."
"Good luck." 1 scoffed, those are only a few.
He chuckled," don't need no luck." he said, walking out.
The twins ran to the window to watch.
8 took down the soldiers easily, grinning a bit to himself.
The twins cheered him on.
8 cleaned his blade off after taking them all out, turning to the window," 'ey 6! Can I carve these guys up or no?"
"No!"
" You're no fun!"
"8 you are not eating people!"
" Then what the hell am I eatin'?"
"Find something else!"
".... Can I throw them to the mushrooms then snag somma those?!"
"NO!"
" You're gonna starve me!"
"You wont starve!"
"Yes I will!"
"No you wont!"
" Prove it!"
6 just shook his head and stormed off to the back room.
8 groaned, going inside and hurrying after 6," Wait! C'mon, don't get mad!"
Right as 8 reached the room 6 slammed the door shut in his face.
8 flinched, glaring at the door," Fine! Be that way!" he shouted before turning from the door and storming back out of the house, pissed.
6 sat on the bed, he looked out the window and saw 8 leave.
8 disappeared off into the woods, unaware of the new soldiers from the Duchess entering the woods in search of the lost members.
He sat there for a moment thinking. Just sitting here wasn't going to help anything. He slipped out of the window and headed into the woods to find 8.
One soldier sighed, lifting his helmet a bit," We're never gonna find them. This place is too thick of trees."
"Wait did you hear that?" They all were quiet as some sticks breaking were heard, it was 6 walking through a patch of fallen twigs.
The one grinned, pulling his helmet down," Lets ambush it."
The others nodded and quickly moved out.
8 was just a little bit away from them, grumbling a little as he stabbed his knife against a tree.
There was a scream as the soldiers caught 6.
8 yanked his blade from the tree, whipping around," 6?!"
"HEEEEEEEL-" He was cut short when one of the soldiers punched him, knocking the wind out.
The soldier laughed," Lets get him back to the castle. Duchess will probably ha-" he froze up, watching as a tree was literally pulled out of the ground by 8 with one hand.
The one holding 6 dropped him in shock.
8 dropped the tree, gripping his knife firmly in his other hand," GET OUTTA MY FUCKING WOODS."
They turned and ran. 6 stayed on the ground, his arms wrapped around himself shaking.
8 hurried over, scooping 6 up and hugging him close.
6 clung to him, shaking.
He nuzzled him softly," I'm so sorry..."
6 shook his head "I-I-I-I should h-have yelled..."
" It's alright... I'm just glad you're safe."
He buried his face against him.
He stood up, hoisting him up a little.
"I-Is it even safe in the shack anymore?" Now that the soldiers knew where they were.
" Dunno. the duchess' soldiers aren't that hard."
"But theres so many."
" Psh. I could take on a thousand of them."
He just trembled in his hold.
He smiled, kissing his forehead before standing up," C'mon, lets go back."
He nodded and they headed back.
He tensed up a little as they walked, looking around.
"I-Is there something behind us?"
" I smell somethin'. But hell if I know what it is. Might be nothin'..."
6 started shaking again, scared.
8 hugged him gently," It's okay, it's okay."
He hid his face a bit.
He glanced around, sniffing the air. Just what the hell WAS that?
Something up in the tree's growled quietly, watching the two.
8 looked up, scanning the tree tops. He set 6 down gently," stay behind me." he said quietly, pulling his knife from his seath.
Seemingly out of nowhere a giant beast landed in front of them, snarling.
8 backed up a bit but glared, trying to show no fear towards the monster.
It seemed to smile as he backed up, it approached them more boldly.
He growled," Get outta here!" he shouted.
It just walked closer, unafraid of him.
He tensed up, taking a step back.
With a roar it leaped at them.
He launched at the creature, holding his blade firmly.
It bit down on his arm, trying to rip it off.
He yelped in pain, reaching out with his free hand and digging his fingers into one of its eyes.
It roared in pain and let go, pawing at its face to make the pain stop.
8 stumbled back, clutching his arm a bit before lifting his hand. He froze, noticing that his blade was now stuck in the many teeth of the creature.
It growled before running off, blood pouring out of its wounded eye.
8 watched it before wincing, clutching his arm as the wound grew slightly, the skin around it starting to rot.
6 hurried over and looked at the wound.
8 gripped it a bit, wincing," F-fuck this hurts... Even my bones hurt...."
"Come on lets get back."
He nodded," right..."
They hurried back as quickly as they could.
8 clenched his teeth as the wound grew once more, stinging.
6 held his hand tightly.
8 stumbled a bit just outside the shack falling to his knees just outside of it.
"2!!!"
2 jolted, glancing to the door and hurrying over, opening it," 6?"
"He needs help!"
He spotted them, hurrying over. He gasped a little, looking at the bite," oh my goodness..."
"S-Something attacked us."
" I-I'm not sure what can be done about this... The flesh is literally rotting right off the bone..."
"W-W-What do w-we do then!?"
" I-I-I don't know!"
6 hugged 8 tightly.
2 seemed a bit panicked, completely unsure as to how to help him.
1 came out to see what was going on.
2 looked to him," 1! Can you help?"
He knelled down and looked at his arm for a moment, thinking.
8 tensed up as the skin around the wounds, twitching a bit.
1 put his hand on the wound, it slowly started to heal a bit.
8 looked to it, staring," W... What're you doing?"
1 moved his hand and the wound was just a bite now. "There."
He stared at him," ... You helped me?"
"Your lucky I was here. Most people don't survive a bite from the bandersnatch."
" The what?" he asked," You mean that big spotted thing?"
He nodded.
He rubbed a little at his arm," Thanks..."
1 nodded and headed back inside.
8 stood up, moving his arm a little.
6 smiled seeing how healed it was.
8 looked to him and smiled a little, patting his head.
He smiled and hugged him.
He hugged him back," C'mon, lets get inside before that thing decides to come back."
He nodded and they headed back in.
7 was in a corner, arms crossed with a look of pure anger on her face. She wanted badly to leave, but everytime she tried they would stop her.
The twins made themselves her guards and sat in front of her, watching her every move.
7 glared a little at them," will you leave me alone?". 3 shook his head," No! Cause then you're gonna try to leave again!"
4 nodded.
7 groaned," You both are just little annoyances."
"Yeah well your a big fat one!"
7 clenched her fists, standing up and kicking the twins aside, storming to the door.
"Oww!!!" 4 held her side where 7 kicked her.
3 rubbed a little at the spot, reaching out and putting a hand gently on 4," Are you okay??". 7 opened the door, starting to leave.
4 nodded and glared at 7. The door slammed shut before she could go, 1 behind it again.
7 glared at him," Out of my way, cat!"
1 shook his head.
7 pulled her switchblade from her pocket, aiming it at him," MOVE!"
He laughed "You think that's going to make me move?"
She glared, raising her hand to slash at him before set let out a noise of suprise, 8 scooping her up under his arm.
"First of all we can't let you go because we don't know who's side your on. And second if you are in fact on ours then you will be captured and killed the moment the soldiers see you in those cloths."
She looked at her clothes," Just what the heck is wrong with my clothes?". 8 chuckled," Oh please, you look like a lunatic."
6 got a idea and headed to a door that led into a small basement. He knew that if 8 did have to kill people he put the stuff he couldn't use down there. He came back up a few minutes later with a blue dress. "This should work."
7 looked to it," oh FUCK no!!" she screamed, kicking against 8.
"Its this or nothing."
" I'm not going naked!!"
"Well put this on then!"
" No!". 8 rolled his eyes and set her down, grabbing the back of her shirt and the rim of her pants before yanking hard, ripping them clean off her. She screamed, covering herself," YOU FUCKING BASTARD!!!!" " NOW YOU GOTTA WEAR IT, YA WHINY BITCH!"
The twins were almost crying they were laughing so hard.
7 ripped the dress from 6's hand, going into the kitchen and putting it on quickly.
6 had politely hid his eyes when 8 did that.
7 grumbled a little, fussing with the dress.
4 looked in and saw she was having some trouble "Need some help?"
7 glared at her," Bugger off."
4 frowned "Fine! I was just trying to help!" She stormed off.
She rolled her eyes, still fussing with the dress, trying to make it sit right.
4 sighed hearing her fuss with it. She walked in and quickly fixed it. "There."
She looked to it before looking to 4," ..... thanks."
She just walked away, still mad at being snapped at like that.
She watched her before sighing down at her dress.
"You done?" 6 asked from the living room.
" Yeah."
He walked in and smiled "It looks good on you!"
" It's so damn uncomfortable!"
"You'll get used to it."
She crossed her arms," I doubt it..."
"Oh sure you will." He smiled.
" Whatever. Can I leave now?"
"No not yet." 1 was suddenly behind her.
She jolted, turning around," .... Why?"
"Because maybe we want to help you."
" Help me? And just how are you going to help me?"
"We have our ways."
" Yeah. Right."
6 nodded trying to help 1 out. "We can help you!"
She shook her head," Riiiight..."
He frowned a bit "But we can!"
" Yeah? How?"
"I don't know but we'll find a way!"
She rolled her eyes.
"I promise we will."
" ... Fine. But it better be soon."
He smiled and held his hand out to shake on it.
She glanced to his hand, staring at it for a moment before sighing, taking it.
He smiled and shook it.
She shook back slightly before looking to the window," So, when are we gonna get outta here?"
"Tomorrow morning." 1 said.
She sighed," fine...". 8 chuckled," What? You don't like my place?" " I'd like it more if it didn't smell like blood, and you didn't reak of B.O.". 8 blinked, lifting his arm and smelling. He recoiled," Ugh, I'm gonna go shower."
The twins snickered at him.
8 glared at them," You stop that laughin' or I swear to god I'm slammin' your heads under my pits.".
They looked at each other "EWWWWWWWWWW!!!"
8 laughed before going off to get a shower.
Making sure none was looking 6 went in after him.
2 watched out the window, seeing as the sun began to set and shivering. It was always much more dangerous in the night than in the day, even if they were staying here.
1 went over and wrapped his arms around 2.
2 jumped a little before looking back to 1 and smiling softly.
1 smiled and kissed him.
2 kissed him back softly, smiling a little at him.
He watched out the window, getting a slightly uneasy feeling.
"... You don't think they'll find us here.... Right?"
"I hope not."
He shivered a little.
1 held him close, wrapping his tail around them.
2 clung to him gently, burying his face.
1 hugged him tightly, he would die before he let any harm come to 2.
2 nuzzled him softly before glancing outside. What if that beast was still out there?
"Why don't you get some rest?" Standing here worrying wasn't gonna help anything.
"... alright."
1 sat down in a chair and pulled 2 close.
2 snuggled up to him, pressing his head up gently beneath 1's head.
1 pulled a blanket over them and held 2 close.
2 yawned softly before falling fast asleep, curled up in 1's arms.
It wasn't long before 1 was asleep as well.
7 watched them sleep, looking and seeing that the twins were asleep as well. She stood up silently, sneaking to the door and opening it a quietly as she could, stepping outside.
Sitting outside near the door was 5, watching the night.
7 stepped out, nearly tripping over 5. 9 looked over to her, raising a brow," What're you doing out here? It's too dangerous for you."
5 nodded.
7 shrugged," I don't care. I'm just going."
"B-But I thought you were gonna stay. You promised 6."
" I didn't promise a thing. Besides, I can find my own way out."
"B-But!"
" But nothing! I'm going!"
"Y-Your what?" 6 said in a timid voice in the doorway. He and 8 couldn't get into the room unless he went back through the window and unlock the door.
7 froze, looking back to him," O-oh 6! I-I... uh..."
He looked down and walked around the house to go to the window.
She watched him, sighing a little. She had to get out of here, but he looked too sad...
As soon as 6 unlocked the door he went strait to the bed, curling up in it.
8 opened the door, stretching a little," thanks 6, I- ... What's wrong?"
"Nothing..."
8 sat down on the bed," oh come on, I know when you're upset."
"It's nothing..."
" 6..."
"...she's leaving after she promised she'd stay..."
He frowned, standing up," oh she is, is she?" he asked before stepping out into the living room. After a few moments he came back in," Are you sure? She's sleepin' in the livin' room."
"She was outside though, I heard her say she was gonna leave."
" Well she ain't now, apparently."
He just whined, not understanding it.
He laughed a little, laying down and pulling him close.
" .... Do I smell better?"
He nodded.
He let out a sigh of relief," Good."
He smiled and snuggled close.
He played a little with his hair, smiling a little.
"I love you 8."
" I love you too 6."
He kissed him and snuggled close.
He kissed him back, rubbing him gently.
"A-Again?"
" What? You don't want to?"
"We just did it in the shower though." He usually could only do it once a day.
" pleeeeeease?" he whined.
"8 nooo."
He nuzzled him a little," pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease?"
"Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooo."
He made a pout face, letting go of 6 and rolling over, arms crossed.
"Aw don't be like that." He leaned over and kissed his cheek.
6 was giving him a puppy dog look "Please don't be mad."
8 stared at him before rolling over, hugging him close," ..... Can I at least fondle yah?"
6 sighed "Alright."
8 grinned, snuggling up to him, slipping his hands under the rim of 6's pants.
~Later in the very early morning~
Everyone was sound asleep inside the house. Footsteps were heard outside as the duchess's soldiers approached.
9 shifted a bit in his sleep, pressed up gently against 5. His eyes snapped open as he suddenly smelled the soldiers.
5 whined a bit as 9 moved "What is it?"
" soldiers..."
5 was WIDE awake now.
9 crawled over to 1, shaking him a little.
1 woke up a bit "What is it?"
Just as he opened his mouth to tell him, the door was kicked in by a soldier," THEY'RE IN HERE!" he shouted.
The twins jumped awake and shrieked when they saw the soldiers.
7 jumped up, grabbing her knife, backing up as the soldiers entered the house quickly, seizing the others.
4 kicked and fought, trying to get away.
Her eyes widened as she watched them. Images flickered in her mind. She saw the others, but in normal asylum attire, and the soldiers as orderlys. She let out a loud shriek, launching herself at the soldiers, killing those who had a hold on the others.
6 and 8 hurried out of their room.
8 looked around at the bodies, chuckling a bit," Good job!" he said happily, tensing and glaring as even more soldiers entered, screeching to a stop as they saw 8.
6 hid behind 8, terrified.
One soldier stepped forward, holding out his spear," B-b-by order of the Duchess herself, you a-are to-" he let out an eep as 8 grabbed the spear, bending it up easily.
6 got the others quickly and headed to a trap door in the back to escape.
8 forced the soldiers out the front door, glaring out at the vast amount of soldiers just outside.
The sound of the door slamming shut in the back was heard and the others came back. "W-We're surrounded!" 6 said, panicking.
8 glared," I'll take 'em all out if I have to!"
"8 there's too many!"
" I don't care! I'm not letting them take you!"
The twins clung to 2, terrified.
2 held them tight," don't show your fear." he murmured, tensing up a little as the back door was kicked in, soldiers entering.
4 tried not to but she started shaking.
The soldiers quickly seized the others, though they lost a few to 8, only able to stop him after pinning him down and putting brand new shackles over his old ones.
6 looked to 8 in absolute fear, wondering what was going to happen to them.
The soldiers pushed them out, making sure each had 5 soldiers on them (10 soldiers on 7, and 20 soldiers on 8).
They trekked through the darkness. The only sound besides the marching was 4's sniffing, she was terrified.
3 tried to get to her, but each time he did, a soldier would push him farther and farther from her.
She hid her face in her hands and started crying.
7 glanced back, glaring at the soldier," Let her near her brother." she demanded. The soldiers who had her shackles yanked on the chain," Eyes forward."
6 shook trying to see 8 ahead of them.
8 would pull away each time a soldier grabbed onto him, growling lowly as more grabbed his arms to keep him moving forward.
Soon a pure white castle came into view.
2 glanced to 1, wondering how he was taking all this.
1 was just looking dead ahead at the castle. The only sign of his annoyance or fear was his tail twitching now and then.
2 kept his gaze on 1 before a soldier shoved him," eyes forward!" he shouted.
They marched inside. "Take him to the Duchess." One of the soldiers shoved 1 towards one inside.
The soldier nodded, grabbing 1's arm and taking him towards the throne room of the castle.
The others were escorted down to the dungeons.
7 glared at the soldiers as she was thrown into a cell, the door locked.
4 tried to get out as she was thrown in only to have the door slammed on her. S-Separate cells!? She had never been separated from her brother before!
3 hit against the door," Let me out!! I need to see 4!" he shouted, though the soldier merely laughed at him. He flinched as a cry of pain rang through the cells, a few soldiers pulling a screaming soldier out, his arm now a bloody stump. The others pulled the door shut tight.
After they took the injured one away the dungeon was quiet except for 4's sniffing that she couldn't even see her brother.
3 pressed against the wall, whimpering quietly. He wanted 4! Sudden loud crunching and crackling echoed through the halls.
"W-W-Whats t-that!?" 5 started panicking.
" mrrphmrr..." a thud sounded soon after," It's just me eatin'- AW FUCK YOU MADE ME DROP IT!"
"8 where did you get food?" 6 asked.
".... Uh..... In was in here when I got in.". There was a bit of grumbling along with a few curses as he tried to pick it back up.
"8 tell me the truth."
"........... I bit a guard's arm off."
"8!!!"
" I'M HUNGRY! HE GOT TOO CLOSE!!"
"I told you to stop eating people!"
" I'm. HUNGRY.". A loud thud was soon heard after that, followed by the crunching noise again.
The sound of footsteps were heard as a soldier walked down. He unlocked 4's cell door and started to lead her away. "NO LET ME GO!" She tried to pull away but she was nowhere near strong enough.
3 perked up, looking out the door," NO!" he screamed, slamming against the door," LET HER GO!! LET HER GO NOW!!!!"
"3 HELP ME!" There was a door slamming shut as he left with her.
3 started to cry, slamming himself against the door," 4!! NO!!" he cried. He flinched as a door creaked open, steps going to his door. He backed up, trying to be brave but finding no courage to. The door swung open, 7 with broken chains around her wrists," C'mon. We gotta get her back."
Upstairs the guard led 4 up to the kitchen where a single cook was. "Here she's all yours." He shoved her forward and to the ground.
The cook turned, giggling with glee," Oh thank you, thank you! It's been a while since I've worked with a girl~!" she exclaimed cheerfully. Almost too cheerfully at that. It was rather creepy.
4 looked up and started to scoot back.
She giggled happily, hurrying over and picking 4 up by the back of her shirt, sniffing her," Hmmmm... I know what you need!" she said happily, walking her over and setting her on the counter.
4 was too terrified to move and just stared up at the cook in horror.
The cook grabbed a few spices and ingredients, practically tossing them on 4. She grinned," And onnnnne last thing!" she said before reaching under the counter and picking up a double barreled gun, shaped like a giant pepper shaker," Don't let this get into your nose! The Duchess doesn't like her food sneezing!"
4 could barely see with all the spices in her eyes.
She lifted 4's chin up, making sure it would stay up before firing, the pepper literally blowing all the other things on her away.
She sat there for a moment before sneezing.
The cook wagged her finger," Naughty naughty dinner!" she said before smiling broadly," You'll have to do!". She picked 4 up, setting her onto a silver platter before covering her with a lid, picking the plate up and heading to the throne room.
She shivered in the darkness.
The cook practically pranced into the throne room, smiling broadly," Dinner time~!" she called.
"About time!" The Duchess yelled. Near her was 1, sitting next to the throne, his wrists chained to the floor.
She giggled, trotting up," My dearest apologies, Duchess! The soldiers were late in bringing me the supply." she said, offering the plate to her.
1's eyes widened when he saw 4. "A girl! I haven't had that in forever." She grinned.
The cook bowed," Enjoy!" she said cheerfully before turning to leave. She let out a shriek as the door was smashed in, 7 glaring at them," DROP HER."
She grabbed 4 by the wrist "What is the meaning of this!?" 1 tried to break his chains. They were made so he couldn't just disappear out of them.
7 stepped forward," Either you let go of 4, or I'll make you."
"GUARDS GUARDS!" The sound of soldiers approaching was heard.
This night seemed to keep the nurse's patient's room quiet. The girl sat on her bed, the clean sheets already stained brown from dried blood. Her back was to the door, her posture seeming perfect as she sat in silence and darkness, watching through the barred windows as the drops splattered against the window.
She entered the room a bit hesitantly. "Patient 7 time for you medicine." There were no names here, she was one of the first few to come to this hell.
7 glanced back only slightly," But I hate the medicine." she murmured, clutching a small rabbit doll. She'd brought it with her to this place, attacking anyone who even looked at it funny.
"Yes I know but you have to take it." She walked in with the bottle and spoon. It poured out so thickly one wondered if you could even call it a liquid.
" Why don't you take it, if it's so important?" She asked, turning a bit more to the nurse.
She ignored her question. "If you don't take it I will get one of the orderlies to make you take it."
She stared at her, clutching her rabbit," But I don't want the medicine. I don't need it."
She glared a bit at her before going out into the hall and coming back with a few men. "Now we can do this the easy way or the hard way, its up to you."
She stood up, clutching her rabbit tightly in one hand," I don't want it."
In a instant the orderly's pinned her down to the bed, trying to restrain her.
She screamed bloody murder, thrashing against the Orderlys, kicking with all her might.
The nurse quickly forced the medicine into her mouth and a orderly shut it tight to keep her from spitting it out.
She gagged a little before swallowing, going slightly limp in the orderly's hold.
Just to be safe they strapped her down to the bed and all left, leaving her stuck there.
She stared at the ceiling, her fingers digging slightly into the bed. These people were so mean... Making her do things she wouldn't wish on anyone else.
"Get in there!" Two young children were shoved into the room before it was shut and locked. They roomed with 7 now and then when the asylum was limited on space.
7 didn't turn her head to look at them, only glancing over a bit. She liked to have her peace and quiet... Children wouldn't bring that.
The girl of the two clung to the boy, scared of having to leave their room.
The boy clung back, looking around the room nervously. It was so much darker here!
She jumped and clung tighter when lightning flashed.
He shrieked as the lightning flashed, the light having illuminated 7. He didn't know there was someone else in here!
The two went over to a corner to sleep there for the night, away from 7.
7 watched them for a moment before the medicine began to kick in. Her eyes shut tight as she slept, her stuffed rabbit laying on top of her.
Soon all the sounds of the asylum died out. No more screaming or crying, begging doctors to stop "treatments".
This was the only time 7 felt... Normal. When she was sleeping and couldn't hear the others. Oh how she hated the others... They were all too loud. Far too loud.
It was silence for a while before there was the sound of the wind.
7 opened her eyes slowly, glancing around. This wasn't her room... What was going on?
Others passed by her not even looking as they went by. The sky was a dark reddish color.
She looked up to the sky, staring at it for a moment before looking back ahead of herself, taking a few steps forward.
She was outside in a ally in what seemed to be a old town. The inhabitants looked depressed, skinny and almost trance-like.
She didn't seem too distressed by the sight of these people, only a bit confused as she wandered. What was this place?
"Lost?" Said a man she walked by who was leaning on a building.
She looked back to him, stopping," ... Yes. I am."
He walked up to her. "Haven't seen you around here before."
She took a little step back, having not expected this man to approach her," Well, I'm not even sure what 'here' is."
"Wonderland of coarse."
She stared at him as if he was a loon," .... Riiiight. And you must be a Cheshire Cat or something, right?"
"How did you guess?" He smirked a bit, his tail swishing a bit behind him.
She spotted the tail, her eyes growing a bit wide. There was no way...
Some loud footsteps were heard not too far away. He looked a bit worried. "Follow me." He headed down a alleyway.
She was hesitant but followed after him, glancing back.
They walked a ways before he stopped. There you could see a street where soldiers walked by.
She watched the soldiers passing with curiousity," Who are they?" she asked.
"Queens soldiers." He smirked "They are looking for me."
She glanced back at him," You? Why you?"
"You'll find out later. Come with me." He headed to the back of a building and knocked on the door.
She followed close to him, though she kept her eyes back on the soldiers until the last of them passed by.
There was a small thud of something being set down and two sets of eye's peered out the door. "Password!" He groaned "There isn't one you brats now let me in."
One set looked to the other," He got the password right!"
They hopped down and in a moment the door opened. He walked inside motioning for the girl to follow.
She glanced back one more time before following him inside.
The moment she was inside the door slammed shut and was locked. The two who were in charge of it looked at the newcomer.
One whispered in the other's ear before giggling, motioning to 7.
7 crossed her arms, glaring at the two," well, if you're just going to laugh at me, then I should leave."
"Ignore them, their only children." The two looked offended at that.
She looked to the man," Well... I suppose you're right there."
"Make yourself comfortable. I have some quick business to attend to." He headed off into the house.
7 took a seat, sighing a little. How long was she going to be stuck in this place?
1 went into a room in the back "I'm back."
A slight haze was in the room, dim lights making it different colors. A man glanced back and smiled," So you are."
He walked over and hugged him. "I missed you 2."
2 smiled softly, hugging him back gently," And I you, 1."
1 pulled him close and kissed him, wrapping his tail around them.
2 kissed him back lovingly, holding him close before pulling a bit away," now isn't a very good time for that." he said softly," Those soldiers... They keep getting deeper and deeper into the city, and closer and closer to us."
1 nodded. "I found a girl out there today. She seemed lost."
" A girl?" he asked," ... What if she's one of the queen's spies?"
"I don't think she is." He laughed a bit "She must have hit her head or something she didn't even know where she was."
He laughed a little himself," How peculiar. Well, hopefully she'll gain her memory back soon. It isn't safe to be here without knowing your way around."
"Any word from 6 yet?" The mad man was a long ways away trying to convince someone to join the fight.
" Not just yet. I'm hoping we'll hear something soon. He's out near the woods..."
1 shuddered a bit at the thought of who was out there.
2 looked to him and smiled a little," Don't you worry. 6 wouldn't dare go to him."
"He better not."
He laughed a bit," Don't worry yourself over it."
Back in the other room, the twins kept sneaking glances at the newcomer, giggling every time they did.
7 had her arms crossed, gripping them a bit. These two were really starting to get on her nerves...
They didn't notice, only giggled more after looking at her.
She stood up, holding up her hands," that's it, I'm out of here."
They stood in front of the door, "Oh no you don't! Nobody leaves!"
7 glared at them," And just why not?". The boy shook his head," You can't go out if you know where we are! Especially if we don't know you!"
The girl nodded. 1 came back out with 2 to show him the girl.
2 stopped as he saw the girl, tilting his head a bit," Why I don't believe I've ever seen someone like you... Or those strange garmets you wear.". 7 glanced back at him," Who are you?". 2 smiled a little bit," Who am I? Well just who are you?". 7 opened her mouth to tell him but stopped. Who WAS she? She knew those nurses and doctors called her '7', but what was her real name?
"Well?" 1 asked.
She shook her head," I'm... Not really sure.". 2 smiled," Just as I thought."
"Where have you come from?"
" Little Angel's Asylum, down third street."
"Never heard of a asylum before."
2 smiled," Of course not. We wouldn't have asylums here, only humans have those." he glanced back to 7," You really aren't from around here, are you?"
"Of coarse not look at her funny cloths!" The twins started laughing again.
7 whipped around, raising her fist," I swear to God I'll-". She jumped a little as 2 grabbed her wrist rather firmly," No no. No violence here. We can't be turning on each other."
The girl glared up at 7 and stuck her tongue out. "3 4 both of you stop it." 1 said firmly.
3 crossed his arms," Well it isn't our fault she's silly looking and can't admit it!"
4 nodded in agreement. "I said stop it."
7 pulled her wrist from 2's hold," I'm leaving. I'm finding my own way outta here."
"I'd watch that temper if I were you. Say something to the soldiers and they'll behead you on the spot."
She grabbed the doorhandle," Thanks for the advice but I'll be fine. I can handle anything this place can throw at me."
The twins laughed at that.
She glared at them both before opening the door, stepping back out into the city.
4 looked at her twin. "How much do you wanna bet she'll be back?"
3 giggled," I'll bet everything she will. Especially if she goes to the woods.". 2 tensed up. He hadn't told her of the woods! He hurried to the door, opening it and looking around, but 7 was already gone.
4 peeked out and laughed. "Well that's what she gets for going off on her own!"
2 sighed, shutting the door and bopping 4 gently on the head," Now now, this is serious. It'll be no laughing matter if she happens to run into him."
She held the spot and glared up at him. "Well its her own fault for not listening!"
He shook his head," She just needs to learn that this place is far more dangerous than she knows."
There was a knock on the "front" door of the house, it was mostly just for show. The twins went down to it before running back "Its the soldiers!"
2 tensed up, unsure of what to do. They hadn't been in this home long, so he hadn't plotted out any escape routes.
"Quickly out the back." 1 would wait till they were all out before he left.
2 glanced to 1, worried about him before grabbing the twins, hurrying out the back door.
1 made sure they had gotten away before leaving himself right as they burst through the front door.
~Just a ways away, near the outskirts of the city~
7 walked with her hands in her pockets, glancing around at everything, mumbling angrly when she found nothing familiar. How the heck was she supposed to get out of here?!
"GET HIM!" A man ran by her, as fast as he could go. He was headed for the forest.
7 jolted a little, watching as the man passed before running after him.
The card soldiers were a ways behind them. The man kept a hold of his giant hat so it wouldn't blow away.
The woods were dark, even with the blood red sun high above them, they seemed to be shrouded in a sort of veil of darkness. 7 didn't hesitate though, wanting to catch up to the man with the large hat.
He stopped after a while, leaning against a tree to catch his breath.
She finally caught up to him, placing a hand on his shoulder," Excuse me?"
"GAH!" He jumped and fell, landing on his butt.
She laughed a little," Sorry about that." she said, offering him a hand," Didn't mean to scare you."
He scooted away from her, afraid she worked for the queen.
She tilted her head a bit," well if you don't want my help, I won't give you it." she said, crossing her arms.
He got up on his own and dusted off his cloths and hat. "And just who are you?"
" That's a good question. I'm not sure myself." she said, glancing around," ... What is this place?"
She raised a brow," The what? ... Ugh this place just gets more and more confusing.". She tensed a little, hearing a small snap of a twig nearby.
6 looked towards the sound. "O-Oh man, you better r-run. He doesn't like strangers."
7 looked around, getting more tense," Who doesn't?". " `Twas brillig, and the slithy toves, Did gyre and gimble in the wabe..." echoed a voice, making the very trees sway.
He backed up against a tree, getting a bit scared.
7 slipped a hand into her pocket, pulling out a switchblade knife. " All mimsy were the borogoves, And the mome raths outgrabe." the voice came again, louder this time. 7's eyes suddenly widened in realization. She remembered this poem from long ago, though who told her was still a mystery. She tensed up before calling back," 'Beware the Jabberwock, my son! The jaws that bite, the claws that catch! Beware the Jubjub bird, and shun The frumious Bandersnatch!". Just above the man's hat, the tree split in two, a large, bulky man standing behind him, broken shackles attached to his wrists, the chains dangling from them, a large butcher knife in hand,"
He took his vorpal sword in hand: Long time the manxome foe he sought -- So rested he by the Tumtum tree, And stood awhile in thought." he grumbled. 7 stepped back, eyes wide. This man was huge!
6 watched, shaking a bit.
The large man stepped around the tree, approaching 7. 7 stepped back, holding her switchblade out," And, as in uffish thought he stood, The Jabberwock, with eyes of flame, Came whiffling through the tulgey wood, And burbled as it came!" she shouted. With a rather large grin, the man lashed out at her, the two knives meeting as 7 blocked him," One, two! One, two! And through and through The vorpal blade went snicker-snack!" he shouted.
"8 stop it! Don't hurt her!"
The man glanced back, 7 taking this moment of his loss in concentration to knock him on the ground, pinning him, knife to his neck," He left it dead, and with its head He went galumphing back." she growled lowly.
"No please stop!"
She looked up to him," Why?! He was going to kill me! And probably hurt you!"
"Please don't hurt him."
She stared at him for a few moments before sighing, getting off.
6 hurried over and helped 8 sit up. "Are you alright?"
8 nodded a little, holding his head," Yeah, I'm fine... Didn't get to finish my poem though." he joked, laughing.
6 hugged him a bit, he was worried she cut him or something.
8 put an arm around him before he stood, setting 6 down," And just who is this?"
"She followed me here. The soldiers were all over the city I had to come back."
He grinned," Soldiers, eh? If they step one foot in my forest..."
"I'm worried about the others, what if they don't escape in time?"
" They'll get outta there. Y'know 1 wouldn't let 'em get hurt."
He hoped so, he held onto 8 a little tighter. Where were they supposed to hide now?
7 glanced around for a moment before starting to go deeper into the woods.
"Wait!" 6 ran after her "You dont want to go that way!"
7 stopped, looking to 6," What? Why?"
He threw a rock into some bushes ahead, a horrible growling and hissing sound came from it. "That ahead is the Vale of Tears. Roses and mushrooms all over the place that want you for dinner."
8 grinned," oh let her go in there. Those mushrooms taste way better after they got a meal.". 7 glared at him and stepped away from the area," thanks but no thanks."
6 noticed the sun was going down. "Come on lets find some shelter."
8 nodded a bit," We can get to my shack. T'ain't much, but it's somethin'."
So the three headed for 8's home.
7 hung back a bit, nervous being so close to 8 after that attack.
"Come on you don't wanna be out after dark." 6 motioned for her to follow.
7 glanced to him and sighed, hurrying a bit to catch up with them.
The house was pretty small but big enough to fit the three.
8 plopped down in a chair he'd obviously made himself, even if it was poorly built. It crackled a little beneath him, but supported his weight. 7 glanced around, pulling up her shirt to cover her nose. This place was nearly coated with dust, and reaked of blood.
6 sat close to 8, he was used to the smells from the time he spent here.
8 looked to him and smiled a bit, putting an arm around him.
He smiled and snuggled close.
He knocked 6's hat aside, playing a bit with his hair. He glanced to 7," You hungry? Got some food in the fridge if you want.". 7 shook her head," no thanks..."
6 smiled and leaned into 8's hand.
8 picked 6 up a bit, setting him in his lap gently before he continued playing with his hair.
He kept in a laugh when it tickled a bit.
He chuckled, ruffling his hair a bit," You got THE BEST hat hair I've ever seen."
He laughed as it tickled.
7 watched them for a few moments before sitting on the ground on some type of animal fur.
6 looked over at her "You sure your not hungry?"
" I'll admit I am. And I'll admit I really don't trust anything you have to eat."
"It's just some meat."
" ... What kind?"
6 looked to 8 "What was your last kill?"
He shrugged," few dodo birds, a person or two."
6 glared slightly at the last thing he said, hoping he was joking.
He chuckled a little," What?"
"I hope your joking."
" Might be."
"8!"
" What!? I don't get a lotta food out here! You make do with whatcha can!"
"That's disgusting!"
" So?"
He shook his head and went to the fridge "Which one's the dodo meat?"
" Top rack."
He got it out and took it to the stove to cook.
8 yawned, scratching his stomach a little before glancing to 7," whats with that look yer givin' me?" " what look?" " that look like you think I'm gonna cut you up and serve yah with a side o' rice." " Oh. That look."
"So where did you come from?" 6 asked her.
" Little Angel's Asylum." 8 raised a brow," Asylum? The heck is an asylum?" "It's a place for people others think are crazy."
6 finished cooking the food. He set it on a small table.
7 sniffed a little, enjoying the scent the food gave off before getting up and walking over.
6 accidentally bumped against her when he walked by. He froze, images flashing before him.
7 glanced back to him," Hey... Are you okay?"
He just stood there with slightly wide eyes. He saw himself in a dark place, drawing on padded walls. Various other images flashed through his mind. He shook his head coming out of it.
8 walked over to him, hugging him close," 6, c'mon, snap outta it."
6 leaned against him, breathing heavily. It was rare he got visions but when he did it really took it out of him.
"V-Visions." 6 mumbled.
8 looked to her," 6 gets visions sometimes. They take a lot outta him." " really? what was this one about?"
He shook his head not wanting to say.
" was it really that bad?" 7 asked, getting more and more curious.
He hid his face against 8, shaking a bit.
8 held him close, petting his head," Just leave 'im alone. Get yer food 'fore it gets cold.". 7 glanced over to the plate, not really wanting to aggrivate the giant she grabbed it, starting to eat a little.
Just what was it he had seen. It looked like himself but he didn't know how to describe it, it was horrible.
8 picked him up gently, going to his seat and sitting down, setting him in his lap.
6 snuggled close to him, his shaking going down a bit.
8 kissed the top of his head, patting his back," You okay?"
"I will be."
He smiled," good."
He shut his eyes to try and rid himself of those horrible images.
8 stood up, carrying 6," You can sleep out here, just don't open the door for anyone if they come knockin'." he told 7 before heading to his own room.
On the way to the room 6 fell asleep.
7 watched them before turning back to her food. She didn't eat much of it, too scared that it might be human flesh she was eating.
~Elsewhere~
"Are we there yet?" The twins asked at the same time. They had been wandering through the forest all day and night to make it to 6's old house they knew was around somewhere.
2 glanced back to them, smiling a little," soon. Not just yet."
They whined, they were so tired from walking all day. 1 was bringing up the rear, making sure nothing was following them.
2 smiled a little at them before looking ahead. The shack soon came into view.
"Whats that place?"
He laughed a little," Where we're supposed to be."
They didn't remember 6's place looking like that last time they were here.
3 pressed a little against 4," a-are you sure?". 2 nodded," I can feel 6's presence there."
They approached the shake, the twins clinging to each other.
2 knocked on the door," Hello? Anyone there?". 7 jolted, backing up from the door.
"6 let us in!"
7 tensed up. 8 had told her not to let anyone in, so she wasn't about to let them in.
"Come on 6 let us in!"
7 tensed a little before opening the door, peeking out.
"Hey its the weirdo!"
She glared at them and shut the door tight. 2 laughed, opening the door," sorry about that."
6 woke up hearing voices. "8 I think someones here."
8 growled," told that girl not to let anyone in...."
The twins stuck close to 2. "2 I don't like it here." 4 said, she had a bad feeling.
2 smiled a little, patting 4's head," it's alright. If this young girl is here along with 6, we should ha-" he froze, seeing 8 step from his room, glaring at them.
4 looked up in fear "I-I-Its him!" 1 stood in front of 2 and the twins protectively.
8 reached over, yanking a blade from the wall. 7 looked back at him," H-hey! Leave them alone!"
4 shivered holding onto her brother.
3 buried his face against his sister, trembling. 8 pushed 7 out of the way," Hey I told you not to open the friggin' door. But I guess that's okay, these guys are unarmed. Make for a quick kill and a full fridge."
"8!" 6 had went into see who it was and was not happy to hear him talking like that.
8 glanced back at him, raising a brow," What?"
"These are the others I told you about, in the rebellion."
He looked between 6 and the group before shrugging," Fine then." he said, stabbing the knife into the wall," buncha stringbeans anyways... And I don't eat cats. Dirty little hairballs."
1 glared at him.
8 glared right back," Better not have been followed." he grumbled, turning and heading back to his room. 2 let out a sigh of relief," thank goodness...."
6 went back with him. 1 was still mad. "We told 6 not to find this guy!"
2 hugged him gently from behind," Well, it's not like theres many others willing to help us."
1 turned and hugged him back.
He smiled a little," Well, if we're going to stay here the night, we might as well get comfortable."
The twins snuggled down below the window.
3 reached over and pulled up a fur from the floor, covering himself and his sister up.
She snuggled close for more warmth.
2 sat down next to the door, patting the spot next to him for 1.
He sat down next to 2.
2 leaned over kissing his cheek gently," are you alright?"
1 nodded "Just a bit tired."
He smiled a little, wrapping his arms around 1's waist gently," Then sleep."
He leaned his head on 2's shoulder, falling asleep quickly.
2 nuzzled him a little before falling asleep as well.
4 stayed awake for a while, she just couldn't sleep.
3 peeked up from beneath the fur cover, looking to her," Are you okay?" he asked quietly.
She nodded. She was just thinking of what would happen if they ever got caught by the soldiers.
He smiled," You look sad and stuff. Cheer up!" he said happily, reaching up and sticking his thumbs in the sides of her mouth, forcing a smile.
She giggled when he did that.
He laughed a little himself, pulling his fingers out," there! All better."
She smiled and snuggled close, he always knew how to cheer her up.
He hugged her, nuzzling her affectionately. He loved cheering up his sister.
It wasn't long after that she was out like a light.
He watched her for a moment before falling asleep as well.
The dark red sky's shone some light in the house the next morning.
7 stirred a little, waking up as the light shone through. She stood, sneaking past the others and opening the door quietly.
"And just where do you think your going?" 1 asked, wide awake.
She flinched, looking to him," I was just..."
He was suddenly next to the doorway and shut the door.
She jumped a little before glaring at him," What's your problem?"
"You know where both our hiding spots are, we can't let you leave now."
" What do you think I am? Some kind of rat or something?"
"How are we supposed to know."
She shrugged," I dunno. But what I do know, is that I have to get outta this crazy place."
"And just how do you plan on doing that?"
" I dunno. But it's better looking around out there then staying here with some giant cannibal and a bunch of crazy people."
"If you go out there either something in the forest will kill you or the soldiers will catch you and take you to the queen."
She crossed her arms, mumbling something before walking back to her spot and sitting down.
1 went to the window and watched out.
There was a flicker as something passed overhead through the trees.
He watched the sky, unsure of what it was.
1 shut the curtains, just incase it could see it.
2 glanced over, waking up from the sudden change of light," ... 1?"
"Go back to sleep 2." He needed his rest.
He sat up a little," I've gotten enough. Just what are you up to?"
"Someone was trying to sneak off." He looked at 7 when he said that.
2 looked over to 7 and laughed a little," You need to understand, it just isn't safe for you alone out there.". 7 crossed her arms," better than staying here."
1 peeked out the window to see if whatever that thing was had left.
Just outside the shack, a man was wandering around, looking for something. When he turned, a pair of large, brown wings were visible.
1 had never seen this one before, one of the queens spy's he thought.
He looked around before glancing back to the shack, tilting his head a little at it.
1 stepped to the side of the window so he wouldn't be seen.
He stared for a moment before looking around again, searching.
A few miles away the river was tainted with some blood. Wincing, a man was trying to wash out the wound in his eye.
Inside the shack, 8's eyes snapped open. He could just smell the blood in the air. He sat up, leaving 6 to lay there as he stood, grabbing his knife from the wall and heading out.
He tried not to cry out as he cleaned the inside of it.
8 slammed the door open, startling the man outside, causing him to fly up and off towards the river.
The man at the river was completely unaware of the danger he was in.
The other man landed right next to him suddenly, tired from the flight.
"AAHHH!" He jumped and fell into the river. Thankfully there was almost no current and it wasn't that deep.
He flinched at the yell," G-geez, sorry!"
He held the hole where his eye should have been in pain. The landing jolted it a bit and it bleed more.
He reached over, offering a hand to help him out of the water.
He took his hand and got out of the water. "T-Thanks."
He smiled," Sure thing, I-" he tensed up, looking back and seeing a glimpse of 8 through the woods," Oh no..."
He saw 8 as well, freezing in spot. He did not have the energy to get away from him.
8 stepped into the slight clearing around the river, grinning," I'd know that smell from anywhere." he said lowly," Mockturtle."
He shook in his spot, he heard about this man living here but never saw him.
The man backed up a little, spreading his wings to sheild the other," D-don't hurt him.". 8 chuckled, walking towards them," Why not? I ain't had a bowl of mockturtle soup in ages. Figure he'll make a good batch."
His eyes widened as the other defended him.
8 chuckled a little, walking up to the man and placing the blade to his throat," Y'know, I'm wonderin' just what kind of bird you are. Ain't no Dodo bird.". The man glared, backing up from the blade and screeching at him, the sound being a mix of a eagle's call and a lion's roar. 8 backed up a little, laughing," A gryphon! Hell, I thought you all died out. Guess I lucked out, bein' able to get some mockturtle and a chunk of Gryphon too.". The man tensed up but stood his ground, covering the mockturtle.
"P-P-P-Please just go away!" He begged.
8 grinned," Why would I go? When I got you right where I want you."
He shook more.
The Gryphon watched 8 for a moment before turning quickly, latching onto the mockturtle and taking off into the sky. 8 glared, shifting his position and aiming. He threw his knife with percision, grinning at the sound it made the gryphon make as it stuck in his leg.
The mockturtle looked down in fear, he had never been up so high!
The gryphon held tight to the mockturtle, flying as far as he could manage before making a crash landing, hitting the ground hard on his side. The knife was deep, though thankfully it missed the bone.
He sat up, holding his arm he landed on before seeing his leg. "Your hurt!"
He looked up to him a little," J-just get out of here... You can make it if he stops to get me..."
He shook his head and went down to where the knife was "This is gonna hurt..." He quickly pulled it out.
He held in another screech, fearful that if he was too loud, that brute would find them.
"Sorrysorrysorrysorry!!!" He tore some cloth from his sleeve and put it against the wound.
He looked back to him and smiled a little. He was happy the mockturtle was helping him, but he couldn't shake the fear he felt, knowing that 8 was still following their trail.
He wrapped it around the wound, that would have to do till they could find help.
He started to push himself up, wincing as he did.
He helped him sit up. "...I'm 5."
He looked to him and smiled a little," My name's 9."
He got 9 to stand, putting his arm over him so he took the wight from his hurt leg.
9 glanced back for a moment," ... He's still out there. And he's getting close. We gotta keep moving..."
He nodded and they went off as fast as they could.
8 soon came to the spot they had been noticing his blade on the ground. He picked it up, staring for a moment before licking the crimson liquid from it, continuing on after them.
5 tried as hard as he could to keep them moving quickly.
8 smirked, keeping a normal pace. It was only a matter of time they'd tire out, and that gryphon wasn't going anywhere with the wound in his leg.
He stopped walking realizing where they were headed "We need to change direction." But to where...
9 looked up to him," What? Why?"
"The Duchess's castle is that way." He nodded to the direction they were headed.
He tensed a little," Going there would be like hopping from the frying pan, right into the fire, coated with pepper."
They headed off towards the safest place for the time being... the flower beds.
8 reached where the two had just been, staring out at the Duchess' Castle. They probably wouldn't have gone there... Right?
5 was starting to wear down, it was hard walking after all the blood he lost AND helping 9 as well.
9 was getting slower and slower, getting lightheaded from the loss of blood.
He looked down and saw the blood. He leaned 9 against a tree and made him sit.
9 slumped forward a little, his body shaking from the loss of blood.
5 looked down, unsure of what to do.
9 glanced up from the sound of a twig breaking, growling slightly as 8 stepped into view, chuckling," Tired?"
5 jumped and stood in front of 9 protectively.
8 raised a brow at 5," How come you're stayin' and watchin' over that gryphon? He ain't gonna last anyways."
"Y-Y-Yes he is!"
He laughed a little," Yeah? How?"
He smirked," See? Eh, it's too late now for you anyways. Gave you the chance to run." he said, approaching them.
"8!" 6 had finally managed to catch up to them.
8 groaned. He'd been so close too. He looked back to 6," What??"
"Just what do you think your doing!?"
" The hell does it look like I'm doing?! I'm hunting!"
"You promised me you would stop hunting people!"
" Didn't say nothin' 'bout huntin' mockturtles and gryphons!"
"You know what I meant!"
He grumbled something, lowering his blade," Well whatever! The gryphon's gonna die anyways!"
6 glared at him before walking past him, taking off his jacket. He wrapped it around the wound in 9's leg.
9 looked up to him a little, looking semi-conscious.
"Don't worry I'm going to help you." He wasn't sure if 9 would panic at all.
" h-how...?"
"I know someone who can help your wound." He had 5 help him get 9 up and they headed back to the shack.
8 watched them before grumbling something, following after them. 9 glanced back, tensing as he saw 8 behind them.
"Don't worry he wont hurt you."
" Yeah? T-then why did he throw that knife in my leg?"
"He THOUGHT you were food." 6 glared at 8 when he said that.
8 raised a brow at him," So sue a guy for wantin' a full stomach.".
It took a while but they got him to the shack.
9 was putting almost all of his weight against 5 and 6, his eyes nearly shut as he struggled to stay awake.
The twins opened the door for them once they approached.
3 tilted his head a bit at them," Who're these guys, 6?"
"Their hurt." They set 9 down in a chair.
9 couldn't help but pass out in the chair, breathing lightly.
5 sat down against the side of the chair, his hand over his wounded eye.
2 glanced up from his book, having brought it with him on the trip. He smiled a little, standing up and walking over," do they need my assistance, 6?"
6 nodded.
2 placed a gentle hand on 5's shoulder," I'll help you in a moment." he said before shifting his attention to 9, working a bit on his leg where the wound was.
5 just nodded, his wasn't as bad as 9's was.
2 reached into his pocket, pulling out a small case. He opened it, revealing several colored cigarette-like sticks. He pulled out a crimson red one, lighting it before moving 9's leg a little so he faced the wound. He took a deep breath, running the cigarette half way down before pulling it out, blowing the smoke onto the wound. 9 winced, his nails digging into the chair as the smoke went fully into the wound, the opening soon sealed after all the smoke was in. 2 smiled, rubbing 9's leg," There you are. Good as new."
5 watched in amazement.
9 shifted a little, but didn't wake, worn out. 2 smiled before turning to 5," your turn."
"I don't think that stuff could help me..." His eye was completely gone.
" Well, it can't bring back your eye, but it can at least get rid of your wound."
A bit reluctantly he moved his hand from the wound.
2 put the cigarette to his lips, breathing in and burning up the rest of it before putting the nub out, blowing the smoke against the wound.
5 let out a sigh of relief when the pain started to go away.
He smiled," Better?"
He nodded "Thank you."
" Of course, my boy. Anything to help."
He tore off some of his jacket and used it as a makeshift eye patch.
9 stirred a little in the chair, shutting his eyes tight for a moment before opening them a little.
5 looked up and smiled, happy he was awake.
9 sat up a bit, looking around," Ugh... My head."
The twins peered at the newcomers from behind 7.
7 glared back at them," hey, you mind?"
"Your good to hide behind!"
" Yeah! So don't move or anything!". 7 rolled her eyes and walked away from them.
They simply walked with her so they were still a bit hidden.
9 looked to them, tilting his head a bit before looking away. He let out a screech as he saw 8, wings flaring out a bit.
"Its ok calm down!" 5 tried to calm the griffen down.
He fumbled a bit, falling out of the chair and against 5.
5's face went red a bit with him being so close.
9 looked to him and laughed nervously," s-sorry..." he said before noticing the eyepatch," I didn't get to ask before... What happened to your eye?"
He looked away a bit putting his hand over it. "T-The duchess tried to get me..." From his spot 1 stiffened and his tail went POOF.
2 looked to 1, laughing a little at his tail," Someone you know, 1?"
"Unfortunately yes..."
7 looked over, raising a brow," yeah? What is she, an ex wife or somethin'?"
"No... my owner." He sighed. "I used to be her 'slave'..."
" Sounds rough."
"You have no idea..."
She laughed a little," I don't think I want to have an idea of that."
He cringed a bit at the memories.
9 smiled a little at 5," At least you're okay now."
"Yours was worse than mine."
He laughed a little," Yeah, but I can still use my leg."
"It won't be so bad having only one eye."
" Really? Why?"
"Well I guess it'll help me concentrate on just one thing." He laughed a bit.
9 stared at him for a moment before he busted up laughing.
He smiled a bit.
He smiled back at 5, tilting his head a little.
There was some loud shouting outside. 1 looked out the window. "Oh no, its her soldiers." The Duchess had much less soldiers than the queen but she had enough.
8 glared over at the door," I can take care of them."
"Good luck." 1 scoffed, those are only a few.
He chuckled," don't need no luck." he said, walking out.
The twins ran to the window to watch.
8 took down the soldiers easily, grinning a bit to himself.
The twins cheered him on.
8 cleaned his blade off after taking them all out, turning to the window," 'ey 6! Can I carve these guys up or no?"
"No!"
" You're no fun!"
"8 you are not eating people!"
" Then what the hell am I eatin'?"
"Find something else!"
".... Can I throw them to the mushrooms then snag somma those?!"
"NO!"
" You're gonna starve me!"
"You wont starve!"
"Yes I will!"
"No you wont!"
" Prove it!"
6 just shook his head and stormed off to the back room.
8 groaned, going inside and hurrying after 6," Wait! C'mon, don't get mad!"
Right as 8 reached the room 6 slammed the door shut in his face.
8 flinched, glaring at the door," Fine! Be that way!" he shouted before turning from the door and storming back out of the house, pissed.
6 sat on the bed, he looked out the window and saw 8 leave.
8 disappeared off into the woods, unaware of the new soldiers from the Duchess entering the woods in search of the lost members.
He sat there for a moment thinking. Just sitting here wasn't going to help anything. He slipped out of the window and headed into the woods to find 8.
One soldier sighed, lifting his helmet a bit," We're never gonna find them. This place is too thick of trees."
"Wait did you hear that?" They all were quiet as some sticks breaking were heard, it was 6 walking through a patch of fallen twigs.
The one grinned, pulling his helmet down," Lets ambush it."
The others nodded and quickly moved out.
8 was just a little bit away from them, grumbling a little as he stabbed his knife against a tree.
There was a scream as the soldiers caught 6.
8 yanked his blade from the tree, whipping around," 6?!"
"HEEEEEEEL-" He was cut short when one of the soldiers punched him, knocking the wind out.
The soldier laughed," Lets get him back to the castle. Duchess will probably ha-" he froze up, watching as a tree was literally pulled out of the ground by 8 with one hand.
The one holding 6 dropped him in shock.
8 dropped the tree, gripping his knife firmly in his other hand," GET OUTTA MY FUCKING WOODS."
They turned and ran. 6 stayed on the ground, his arms wrapped around himself shaking.
8 hurried over, scooping 6 up and hugging him close.
6 clung to him, shaking.
He nuzzled him softly," I'm so sorry..."
6 shook his head "I-I-I-I should h-have yelled..."
" It's alright... I'm just glad you're safe."
He buried his face against him.
He stood up, hoisting him up a little.
"I-Is it even safe in the shack anymore?" Now that the soldiers knew where they were.
" Dunno. the duchess' soldiers aren't that hard."
"But theres so many."
" Psh. I could take on a thousand of them."
He just trembled in his hold.
He smiled, kissing his forehead before standing up," C'mon, lets go back."
He nodded and they headed back.
He tensed up a little as they walked, looking around.
"I-Is there something behind us?"
" I smell somethin'. But hell if I know what it is. Might be nothin'..."
6 started shaking again, scared.
8 hugged him gently," It's okay, it's okay."
He hid his face a bit.
He glanced around, sniffing the air. Just what the hell WAS that?
Something up in the tree's growled quietly, watching the two.
8 looked up, scanning the tree tops. He set 6 down gently," stay behind me." he said quietly, pulling his knife from his seath.
Seemingly out of nowhere a giant beast landed in front of them, snarling.
8 backed up a bit but glared, trying to show no fear towards the monster.
It seemed to smile as he backed up, it approached them more boldly.
He growled," Get outta here!" he shouted.
It just walked closer, unafraid of him.
He tensed up, taking a step back.
With a roar it leaped at them.
He launched at the creature, holding his blade firmly.
It bit down on his arm, trying to rip it off.
He yelped in pain, reaching out with his free hand and digging his fingers into one of its eyes.
It roared in pain and let go, pawing at its face to make the pain stop.
8 stumbled back, clutching his arm a bit before lifting his hand. He froze, noticing that his blade was now stuck in the many teeth of the creature.
It growled before running off, blood pouring out of its wounded eye.
8 watched it before wincing, clutching his arm as the wound grew slightly, the skin around it starting to rot.
6 hurried over and looked at the wound.
8 gripped it a bit, wincing," F-fuck this hurts... Even my bones hurt...."
"Come on lets get back."
He nodded," right..."
They hurried back as quickly as they could.
8 clenched his teeth as the wound grew once more, stinging.
6 held his hand tightly.
8 stumbled a bit just outside the shack falling to his knees just outside of it.
"2!!!"
2 jolted, glancing to the door and hurrying over, opening it," 6?"
"He needs help!"
He spotted them, hurrying over. He gasped a little, looking at the bite," oh my goodness..."
"S-Something attacked us."
" I-I'm not sure what can be done about this... The flesh is literally rotting right off the bone..."
"W-W-What do w-we do then!?"
" I-I-I don't know!"
6 hugged 8 tightly.
2 seemed a bit panicked, completely unsure as to how to help him.
1 came out to see what was going on.
2 looked to him," 1! Can you help?"
He knelled down and looked at his arm for a moment, thinking.
8 tensed up as the skin around the wounds, twitching a bit.
1 put his hand on the wound, it slowly started to heal a bit.
8 looked to it, staring," W... What're you doing?"
1 moved his hand and the wound was just a bite now. "There."
He stared at him," ... You helped me?"
"Your lucky I was here. Most people don't survive a bite from the bandersnatch."
" The what?" he asked," You mean that big spotted thing?"
He nodded.
He rubbed a little at his arm," Thanks..."
1 nodded and headed back inside.
8 stood up, moving his arm a little.
6 smiled seeing how healed it was.
8 looked to him and smiled a little, patting his head.
He smiled and hugged him.
He hugged him back," C'mon, lets get inside before that thing decides to come back."
He nodded and they headed back in.
7 was in a corner, arms crossed with a look of pure anger on her face. She wanted badly to leave, but everytime she tried they would stop her.
The twins made themselves her guards and sat in front of her, watching her every move.
7 glared a little at them," will you leave me alone?". 3 shook his head," No! Cause then you're gonna try to leave again!"
4 nodded.
7 groaned," You both are just little annoyances."
"Yeah well your a big fat one!"
7 clenched her fists, standing up and kicking the twins aside, storming to the door.
"Oww!!!" 4 held her side where 7 kicked her.
3 rubbed a little at the spot, reaching out and putting a hand gently on 4," Are you okay??". 7 opened the door, starting to leave.
4 nodded and glared at 7. The door slammed shut before she could go, 1 behind it again.
7 glared at him," Out of my way, cat!"
1 shook his head.
7 pulled her switchblade from her pocket, aiming it at him," MOVE!"
He laughed "You think that's going to make me move?"
She glared, raising her hand to slash at him before set let out a noise of suprise, 8 scooping her up under his arm.
"First of all we can't let you go because we don't know who's side your on. And second if you are in fact on ours then you will be captured and killed the moment the soldiers see you in those cloths."
She looked at her clothes," Just what the heck is wrong with my clothes?". 8 chuckled," Oh please, you look like a lunatic."
6 got a idea and headed to a door that led into a small basement. He knew that if 8 did have to kill people he put the stuff he couldn't use down there. He came back up a few minutes later with a blue dress. "This should work."
7 looked to it," oh FUCK no!!" she screamed, kicking against 8.
"Its this or nothing."
" I'm not going naked!!"
"Well put this on then!"
" No!". 8 rolled his eyes and set her down, grabbing the back of her shirt and the rim of her pants before yanking hard, ripping them clean off her. She screamed, covering herself," YOU FUCKING BASTARD!!!!" " NOW YOU GOTTA WEAR IT, YA WHINY BITCH!"
The twins were almost crying they were laughing so hard.
7 ripped the dress from 6's hand, going into the kitchen and putting it on quickly.
6 had politely hid his eyes when 8 did that.
7 grumbled a little, fussing with the dress.
4 looked in and saw she was having some trouble "Need some help?"
7 glared at her," Bugger off."
4 frowned "Fine! I was just trying to help!" She stormed off.
She rolled her eyes, still fussing with the dress, trying to make it sit right.
4 sighed hearing her fuss with it. She walked in and quickly fixed it. "There."
She looked to it before looking to 4," ..... thanks."
She just walked away, still mad at being snapped at like that.
She watched her before sighing down at her dress.
"You done?" 6 asked from the living room.
" Yeah."
He walked in and smiled "It looks good on you!"
" It's so damn uncomfortable!"
"You'll get used to it."
She crossed her arms," I doubt it..."
"Oh sure you will." He smiled.
" Whatever. Can I leave now?"
"No not yet." 1 was suddenly behind her.
She jolted, turning around," .... Why?"
"Because maybe we want to help you."
" Help me? And just how are you going to help me?"
"We have our ways."
" Yeah. Right."
6 nodded trying to help 1 out. "We can help you!"
She shook her head," Riiiight..."
He frowned a bit "But we can!"
" Yeah? How?"
"I don't know but we'll find a way!"
She rolled her eyes.
"I promise we will."
" ... Fine. But it better be soon."
He smiled and held his hand out to shake on it.
She glanced to his hand, staring at it for a moment before sighing, taking it.
He smiled and shook it.
She shook back slightly before looking to the window," So, when are we gonna get outta here?"
"Tomorrow morning." 1 said.
She sighed," fine...". 8 chuckled," What? You don't like my place?" " I'd like it more if it didn't smell like blood, and you didn't reak of B.O.". 8 blinked, lifting his arm and smelling. He recoiled," Ugh, I'm gonna go shower."
The twins snickered at him.
8 glared at them," You stop that laughin' or I swear to god I'm slammin' your heads under my pits.".
They looked at each other "EWWWWWWWWWW!!!"
8 laughed before going off to get a shower.
Making sure none was looking 6 went in after him.
2 watched out the window, seeing as the sun began to set and shivering. It was always much more dangerous in the night than in the day, even if they were staying here.
1 went over and wrapped his arms around 2.
2 jumped a little before looking back to 1 and smiling softly.
1 smiled and kissed him.
2 kissed him back softly, smiling a little at him.
He watched out the window, getting a slightly uneasy feeling.
"... You don't think they'll find us here.... Right?"
"I hope not."
He shivered a little.
1 held him close, wrapping his tail around them.
2 clung to him gently, burying his face.
1 hugged him tightly, he would die before he let any harm come to 2.
2 nuzzled him softly before glancing outside. What if that beast was still out there?
"Why don't you get some rest?" Standing here worrying wasn't gonna help anything.
"... alright."
1 sat down in a chair and pulled 2 close.
2 snuggled up to him, pressing his head up gently beneath 1's head.
1 pulled a blanket over them and held 2 close.
2 yawned softly before falling fast asleep, curled up in 1's arms.
It wasn't long before 1 was asleep as well.
7 watched them sleep, looking and seeing that the twins were asleep as well. She stood up silently, sneaking to the door and opening it a quietly as she could, stepping outside.
Sitting outside near the door was 5, watching the night.
7 stepped out, nearly tripping over 5. 9 looked over to her, raising a brow," What're you doing out here? It's too dangerous for you."
5 nodded.
7 shrugged," I don't care. I'm just going."
"B-But I thought you were gonna stay. You promised 6."
" I didn't promise a thing. Besides, I can find my own way out."
"B-But!"
" But nothing! I'm going!"
"Y-Your what?" 6 said in a timid voice in the doorway. He and 8 couldn't get into the room unless he went back through the window and unlock the door.
7 froze, looking back to him," O-oh 6! I-I... uh..."
He looked down and walked around the house to go to the window.
She watched him, sighing a little. She had to get out of here, but he looked too sad...
As soon as 6 unlocked the door he went strait to the bed, curling up in it.
8 opened the door, stretching a little," thanks 6, I- ... What's wrong?"
"Nothing..."
8 sat down on the bed," oh come on, I know when you're upset."
"It's nothing..."
" 6..."
"...she's leaving after she promised she'd stay..."
He frowned, standing up," oh she is, is she?" he asked before stepping out into the living room. After a few moments he came back in," Are you sure? She's sleepin' in the livin' room."
"She was outside though, I heard her say she was gonna leave."
" Well she ain't now, apparently."
He just whined, not understanding it.
He laughed a little, laying down and pulling him close.
" .... Do I smell better?"
He nodded.
He let out a sigh of relief," Good."
He smiled and snuggled close.
He played a little with his hair, smiling a little.
"I love you 8."
" I love you too 6."
He kissed him and snuggled close.
He kissed him back, rubbing him gently.
"A-Again?"
" What? You don't want to?"
"We just did it in the shower though." He usually could only do it once a day.
" pleeeeeease?" he whined.
"8 nooo."
He nuzzled him a little," pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease?"
"Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooo."
He made a pout face, letting go of 6 and rolling over, arms crossed.
"Aw don't be like that." He leaned over and kissed his cheek.
6 was giving him a puppy dog look "Please don't be mad."
8 stared at him before rolling over, hugging him close," ..... Can I at least fondle yah?"
6 sighed "Alright."
8 grinned, snuggling up to him, slipping his hands under the rim of 6's pants.
~Later in the very early morning~
Everyone was sound asleep inside the house. Footsteps were heard outside as the duchess's soldiers approached.
9 shifted a bit in his sleep, pressed up gently against 5. His eyes snapped open as he suddenly smelled the soldiers.
5 whined a bit as 9 moved "What is it?"
" soldiers..."
5 was WIDE awake now.
9 crawled over to 1, shaking him a little.
1 woke up a bit "What is it?"
Just as he opened his mouth to tell him, the door was kicked in by a soldier," THEY'RE IN HERE!" he shouted.
The twins jumped awake and shrieked when they saw the soldiers.
7 jumped up, grabbing her knife, backing up as the soldiers entered the house quickly, seizing the others.
4 kicked and fought, trying to get away.
Her eyes widened as she watched them. Images flickered in her mind. She saw the others, but in normal asylum attire, and the soldiers as orderlys. She let out a loud shriek, launching herself at the soldiers, killing those who had a hold on the others.
6 and 8 hurried out of their room.
8 looked around at the bodies, chuckling a bit," Good job!" he said happily, tensing and glaring as even more soldiers entered, screeching to a stop as they saw 8.
6 hid behind 8, terrified.
One soldier stepped forward, holding out his spear," B-b-by order of the Duchess herself, you a-are to-" he let out an eep as 8 grabbed the spear, bending it up easily.
6 got the others quickly and headed to a trap door in the back to escape.
8 forced the soldiers out the front door, glaring out at the vast amount of soldiers just outside.
The sound of the door slamming shut in the back was heard and the others came back. "W-We're surrounded!" 6 said, panicking.
8 glared," I'll take 'em all out if I have to!"
"8 there's too many!"
" I don't care! I'm not letting them take you!"
The twins clung to 2, terrified.
2 held them tight," don't show your fear." he murmured, tensing up a little as the back door was kicked in, soldiers entering.
4 tried not to but she started shaking.
The soldiers quickly seized the others, though they lost a few to 8, only able to stop him after pinning him down and putting brand new shackles over his old ones.
6 looked to 8 in absolute fear, wondering what was going to happen to them.
The soldiers pushed them out, making sure each had 5 soldiers on them (10 soldiers on 7, and 20 soldiers on 8).
They trekked through the darkness. The only sound besides the marching was 4's sniffing, she was terrified.
3 tried to get to her, but each time he did, a soldier would push him farther and farther from her.
She hid her face in her hands and started crying.
7 glanced back, glaring at the soldier," Let her near her brother." she demanded. The soldiers who had her shackles yanked on the chain," Eyes forward."
6 shook trying to see 8 ahead of them.
8 would pull away each time a soldier grabbed onto him, growling lowly as more grabbed his arms to keep him moving forward.
Soon a pure white castle came into view.
2 glanced to 1, wondering how he was taking all this.
1 was just looking dead ahead at the castle. The only sign of his annoyance or fear was his tail twitching now and then.
2 kept his gaze on 1 before a soldier shoved him," eyes forward!" he shouted.
They marched inside. "Take him to the Duchess." One of the soldiers shoved 1 towards one inside.
The soldier nodded, grabbing 1's arm and taking him towards the throne room of the castle.
The others were escorted down to the dungeons.
7 glared at the soldiers as she was thrown into a cell, the door locked.
4 tried to get out as she was thrown in only to have the door slammed on her. S-Separate cells!? She had never been separated from her brother before!
3 hit against the door," Let me out!! I need to see 4!" he shouted, though the soldier merely laughed at him. He flinched as a cry of pain rang through the cells, a few soldiers pulling a screaming soldier out, his arm now a bloody stump. The others pulled the door shut tight.
After they took the injured one away the dungeon was quiet except for 4's sniffing that she couldn't even see her brother.
3 pressed against the wall, whimpering quietly. He wanted 4! Sudden loud crunching and crackling echoed through the halls.
"W-W-Whats t-that!?" 5 started panicking.
" mrrphmrr..." a thud sounded soon after," It's just me eatin'- AW FUCK YOU MADE ME DROP IT!"
"8 where did you get food?" 6 asked.
".... Uh..... In was in here when I got in.". There was a bit of grumbling along with a few curses as he tried to pick it back up.
"8 tell me the truth."
"........... I bit a guard's arm off."
"8!!!"
" I'M HUNGRY! HE GOT TOO CLOSE!!"
"I told you to stop eating people!"
" I'm. HUNGRY.". A loud thud was soon heard after that, followed by the crunching noise again.
The sound of footsteps were heard as a soldier walked down. He unlocked 4's cell door and started to lead her away. "NO LET ME GO!" She tried to pull away but she was nowhere near strong enough.
3 perked up, looking out the door," NO!" he screamed, slamming against the door," LET HER GO!! LET HER GO NOW!!!!"
"3 HELP ME!" There was a door slamming shut as he left with her.
3 started to cry, slamming himself against the door," 4!! NO!!" he cried. He flinched as a door creaked open, steps going to his door. He backed up, trying to be brave but finding no courage to. The door swung open, 7 with broken chains around her wrists," C'mon. We gotta get her back."
Upstairs the guard led 4 up to the kitchen where a single cook was. "Here she's all yours." He shoved her forward and to the ground.
The cook turned, giggling with glee," Oh thank you, thank you! It's been a while since I've worked with a girl~!" she exclaimed cheerfully. Almost too cheerfully at that. It was rather creepy.
4 looked up and started to scoot back.
She giggled happily, hurrying over and picking 4 up by the back of her shirt, sniffing her," Hmmmm... I know what you need!" she said happily, walking her over and setting her on the counter.
4 was too terrified to move and just stared up at the cook in horror.
The cook grabbed a few spices and ingredients, practically tossing them on 4. She grinned," And onnnnne last thing!" she said before reaching under the counter and picking up a double barreled gun, shaped like a giant pepper shaker," Don't let this get into your nose! The Duchess doesn't like her food sneezing!"
4 could barely see with all the spices in her eyes.
She lifted 4's chin up, making sure it would stay up before firing, the pepper literally blowing all the other things on her away.
She sat there for a moment before sneezing.
The cook wagged her finger," Naughty naughty dinner!" she said before smiling broadly," You'll have to do!". She picked 4 up, setting her onto a silver platter before covering her with a lid, picking the plate up and heading to the throne room.
She shivered in the darkness.
The cook practically pranced into the throne room, smiling broadly," Dinner time~!" she called.
"About time!" The Duchess yelled. Near her was 1, sitting next to the throne, his wrists chained to the floor.
She giggled, trotting up," My dearest apologies, Duchess! The soldiers were late in bringing me the supply." she said, offering the plate to her.
1's eyes widened when he saw 4. "A girl! I haven't had that in forever." She grinned.
The cook bowed," Enjoy!" she said cheerfully before turning to leave. She let out a shriek as the door was smashed in, 7 glaring at them," DROP HER."
She grabbed 4 by the wrist "What is the meaning of this!?" 1 tried to break his chains. They were made so he couldn't just disappear out of them.
7 stepped forward," Either you let go of 4, or I'll make you."
"GUARDS GUARDS!" The sound of soldiers approaching was heard.