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Chapter Text

The stench of metal barely settled, and Den was desperate for every last remnant of it. Even while the wind blew it away, she was darting around, bathing in anything she could find.

"Hah... let's go again."

Christian looked over to her, amused. He wiped the red of his arm on his shirt, one that he knew he'd throw away and find missing from the dumpster later.

So predictable, he relished.

"You seriously never get tired, do you?"

Den didn't face him, busy slouching over pooling liquid. She dug her heels into it, watching the ripples it created.

"No.

Not when there's more blood to be shed."

Chapter Text

"Augh.. I can barely see in this darkness.." Christian complained, holding onto Curt's shoulder as the latter used his dim flashlight to guide their way back to the camp.

The two had gotten seperated from Den and the other Christian- CircleToons, and Ivan's ghost was nowhere to be found. They assumed he was busy playing around with Circle/Christian, as he was the episode's guest.

That didn't mean they would excuse him from this behaviour, though. Curt knew he'd have to yell at their host once they arrived back. 

"How fuckin' reckless.." Curt sighed. He flashed the light at a few trees around them, hoping to find a path. "Do you think we could get Den to stab Ivan again? This is seriously annoying."

"Hell yes," Christian agreed. "When I see him again, I swear! BAM! Steppin' on him with my heels."

Laughing a little, Curt led the other to a rock. "I'll pick you up to give ya the extra height."

Now standing in front of a clearing, Curt took out his phone. Yep, still no Wifi. He wondered if Ivan had even noticed they were gone.

"Well, if we find a path, we'll be set. The only question is if Ivan would be moving away from said path to look for us." Curt explained. "The classic dillema of wondering if we should stray from where we started or go seek the others ourselves."

"Maybe if we scream loud enough they'll hear us." Christian sugged. Curt deadpanned.

"No way, dude. Remember, this is a Slenderman scenario? What if he finds us 'cause you're ripping your vocal cords?"

Christian stopped to think.

"...Christian, no. You are not doing this-"

"C'mon! It'd make for good content!" Christian tried to persuade, standing directly in front of the other with a mischevious grin. "Besides, I bet I could take him in a fight."

"You'll only cause more trouble." Curt sighed.

Christian opened his mouth to argue more, but they heard tapping. Then, there was silence.

Curt looked to the side, alerted with his flashlight. He looked over to the fashion enthusiast, eyes narrowed in irritation, but only getting an amused smirk in return.

"If we die, I'm going to kill you again." Curt spat, eye twitching. He swayed the flashlight around, trying to find their pursuer before he could find them. "S-Shit, wait-"

Feeling something warm sneak down his face, Curt suddenly pushed the flashlight into Christian's hands. He wiped his upperlip, and physically recoiled at the blood. Such gore was something he was used to seeing, but the shake in his arms were not helping his waning confidence.

"Goddamnit..!" Curt murmured. He looked over to his friend, who was now looking behind them with their portable light, keeping himself close to Curt. Somehow, that worried the latter. 

If Christian used him as a meatshield, Curt would kill him twice.

"Are you havin' a bloody nose too?" Curt asked. He took the light back, making Christian huff.

"No, but you look like hell with one." Christian remarked. "Is that some Slendy symptom?"

Curt rolled his eyes. "Apparently so. Most creepypastas are flexible when it comes to their abilities, so I'm guessing Ivan made a conscious decision to make it one... With that being said, do you feel anything weird?"

"What's with the questions? We're fine either way." Christian sounded flustered. Maybe he was getting paranoid, Curt thought. "Look, let's just go and find the path-" 

"Woah, I don't think you call the shots." Curt stopped the other before he could move. With a snicker, Curt continued with his own plan, "I think we stay here. The monster's gonna be camping here, I reckon. Let's just stick where we can see everything."

Christian paused, taking in the surroundings. Being in a clearing did give them an advantage...

"If you turn out to be the proxy, this'd be such a big brain move." Stepping slightly away from Curt, Christian crossed his arms.

Curt looked the other directly into the eyes, before unexpectedly pointing the light at his face. Christian covered and closed his eyes on instinct, the sudden brightness too much for him. 

In the next second, his arms lowered and he was ready to lecture Curt on being a bitch.

Turned out, the tentacle around his ankle had other plans.

Chapter Text

Christian sometimes went back.

Maybe it came with his passionate nature, to sometimes snag the teleporter device and slip away when the others were busy. Maybe Curt gave him odd looks when he realized his sporadic absences, but there was never a question to be answered.

That was fine. Christian didn't need any sort of comfort from anyone. Let alone from people who'd never understand.

Sitting on the shoreline, he murmured lyrics to the songs he listened to on full-blast. The world's population had been wiped off a while ago. Or at least, this part of it had, and if there were any remainders, he had dealt with them with ease. With this lonliness, Christian found a haven for himself. Here, he didn't need to worry about disturbing anyone with his music.

No one could disturb him, either.

It was nice for a bit. Eventually, he'd always have to go back to Recreyo Headquarters, but he usually had an hour to himself. 

He never took long, anyway. It was easy to get his fill from such a big carcass.

Putting his song on pause, Christian took in a deep breath. One could assume he was getting a whiff of the salt in the ocean, a true mark of a beachy paradise.

But he knew that with the heat left on his tongue, and maybe a sicker complexion than before, Christian was no better than his peer Den. And that little mental torment started to dim this place of its paradise qualities.

He needed to stop hanging around her, he told himself. This was getting sickening even for his own standards.

Standing up, he wobbled and tried not to trip over the violet body.

(Maybe he did need that water though.. just not for its smell.)

Chapter Text

"I just don't understand how you can be so ruthless."

Chilly was whining the entire time she followed Den into the city. It was one thing after the other. First, how cold it was, then how her legs were tired, and now how Den was scaring her. Den swore if Chilly continued further, she'd turn around and show her how scary she really could be.

"You're the one who wanted to tag along. Don't be complaining." Den said, reaching into her knife holster. "You have your weapon, yeah?"

"If you can call it that.." Chilly answered, voice sounding unsure.

Den softened her tone, looking over her shoulder at her friend. "Hey, you know this world's some sort of an apocalypse, right? So, we're gonna be putting people out of their misery."

It wasn't in Recreyo's rule to have an attachment to any worlds and characters, but that didn't mean Chilly didn't at least feel a little sympathy.

Especially considering their... goal.

So when Den reassured her, she tried to look up and nod. "Right! A-And we're just gonna be taking out one person today. So it's not like.. a massacre."

Den wanted to correct her with 'that you know of,' but she decided against it. Turning back around, she led Chilly around a building. They hid beside a dumpster, pressing their backs against the wall. Going out into the open could be dangerous with Chilly here. Chilly might've arguably been the strongest Recreyo member physically, but she wasn't exactly... sensible.

With this in the back of her mind, Den motioned Chilly to be quiet, putting a finger to her lips.

"I think there should be someone in this building." Den explained, volume barely above a whisper. "There's a window up there- see? It's probably boarded up, though."

"Oh."

"So we can wait for someone to leave, instead. It might be tedious, but grabbing someone from the street is easier than having to break into someone's base."

"You sound like you'd know." Chilly nervously chuckled.

"Of course, now get your claws out. Someone has to get out at some point."

"We.. do know for a fact there's people in these houses?"

"Oh, yeah." Den affirmed, "They're some sort of town built off of scavengers. That's why you shouldn't feel bad when you get 'em. They've killed others just to make a better place for themselves."

"I see.."

"Don't worry, there aren't any laws here. No one cares unless you hurt their own family. It's easy on my own, so with you here, we'll do great."

Chilly and Den stayed quiet after that. Chilly didn't really understand anything Den said, but she was glad she appeared to be in a good enough mood to help Chilly so much. It was a good change of pace considering the other Recreyo members were a little less tolerable with her.

They waited for someone to leave their house, and it wasn't long before there were footsteps. Den peaked out from behind the wall, and Chilly remained still.

"It's just one person. We're set."

Chilly didn't know how they could be so lucky. She almost felt bad about it, but she still followed Den's instructions. They tailed the person as they seemed to be leaving the city, probably on some sort of errand run.

Out on the wasteland, now, Den and Chilly didn't have anymore hiding places. It was just an empty, vast area, with only the three figures atop it.

The person couldn't even speak, before Den ran at them with her knife. Now with the person against her body, a knife to their neck, Den looked up. She yelled at Chilly to finish the job. Maybe to her, it was some sort of honors. Chilly's stomach was twisting, though.

"Chilly, you've killed plenty before!" Den said, "Go on, take those claws out!"

"Well, e-eating someone alive is a first!" Chilly squeaked.

"Isn't that the entire reason you came here!?"

Chilly couldn't open her mouth or move at all. Den stared, mind racing for something to do.

Then, there was blood in the air.

Chilly's senses were on fire- the blood was calling to her, her nose twitching at the smell.

"Chilly, you think I haven't noticed you staring at my blood jars?! This is for you!"

Den ran the knife deeper into the person's skin. It was on his shoulder, so close to his neck.

"Not only are you a raptor, you're part vampire, aren't you?! Quit playing around and help yourself!"

Shit. They were too far into this to back out now. That's what she said to herself, even as she moved forward with an eagerness even Den didn't seem to predict. The body was struggling against the knife-wielder, but after being pushed forward to the ground, they realized there was just no use in escaping anymore.

Chilly tore through them.

-

"We're back from our Starbucks and groceries trip!" Chilly cheered, walking out into the living room. Den followed her, a bag hanging off of her hand.

Curt was watching an anime on the TV, so he didn't look up or bat an eye when the two girls showed up. "Took you guys long enough."

"We ran into some traffic." Den told him. "Where's Ivan?"

"No idea, why?"

"I found a cool knife I wanna try on him." Den smiled. Curt sighed, exasperated.

"Typical.."

Chilly and Den looked at each other.

"Yeah.. typical." Chilly giggled.

She couldn't wait for their next trip.

Chapter Text

"No way, dude."

"Please?"

"I already told you-"

"Drink the potion, Ivan!"

"Get that shit away from me-"

"DO IT, IVAN. DO IT FOR THE CAMERA!"

Ivan shielded his face from the camera lens with his arms. Currently, Christian was trying to urge him to drink an unknown substance, and after that one Harry Potter episode, Ivan really didn't trust him.

Especially when the former had a camera, trying to shove it into the boy's face. The things Christian did for content was appalling, and Ivan wanted to have no hand in it.

"There's nothing you can do to make me drink that! It's literally fucking glowing!" Ivan hissed, "Where did you even get that!?"

"Don't worry about it!" Christian sounded exasperated. Ivan couldn't believe that he had the audacity to sound tired, when he was the one being so persistent.

"Well, now I'm definitely worried. And scared- I mean, are you trying to drug me?"

Christian sighed, looking down at the potion. He swirled it around in one hand, the camera still being held in the other.

"I didn't want to do this, but you gave me no choice..." 

"Oh, god, what are you going to-"

"DEN!"

As soon as Christian yelled that, the girl came answering his call- albeit, a little sluggishly. 

"What do you want, Christian?" Den asked.

Christian smiled, handing her the potion. Den instinctively almost drank it, but he stopped her just in time. "Wait- don't drink that-! I'm trying to get Ivan to drink it."

"Why?"

"Content, Den. He's being so stubborn though, so can you help me?"

Den looked over to Ivan, who was not so subtly trying to leave through the door. "Fine. I'm on it. Anything to make him suffer."

In a single blink, Den had darted towards Ivan and was pushing the glass into his mouth. With Den being much stronger, Ivan couldn't hold her back.

As soon as the liquid slipped through his throat, his mind began to feel fuzzy, and his head felt like it was being pressed down. Den stepped back after her mission was done, and retreated next to Christian to see the effects of the potion.

"Oh man, the fans are gonna LOVE this!" Christian laughed. The camera was being pointed directly at Ivan's face.

It wasn't until Curt had walked in, that Ivan realized something was off.

"I heard you guys yelling, is everything- OH MY GOD, IVAN-? WHY ARE YOU A FURRY AGAIN??"

Ivan looked to Curt who was staring in shock. "W-What are you talking about-???"

"Christian. What the fuck did you do?" Curt turned to the mentioned boy, staring at him as though he were about to scold him.

Christian simply shrugged, "Ivan's a fan-favorite, for whatever reason. I'm just giving the fans what they want."

"CAN SOMEONE FILL ME IN!? WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING ON!?" Ivan shouted.

Den stared, expression blank. "Ivan, your head."

She tapped her own head for clarification, and Ivan blinked. He then reached up towards his own hair, following suit, trying to figure out what she was referring to exactly.

His fingers then touched something fuzzy, and he realized that there was a triangle-shaped object flicking around on his head. Actually, two.

And remembering how Curt had called him a furry, just now...

Ivan looked down at his hands, and realized his nails resembled claws.

And if he turned around... there was definitely a tail behind him.

He looked back to Christian, who was still laughing, and inhaled deeply.

"Christian. I swear to fucking god." Ivan started. Christian stopped laughing momentarily, wiping a tear away.

"Yeah? What is it, kitty?"

"I'm going to seriously kill you again."

"I invite you to try."

Christian was still smiling, and Curt and Den looked at each other. Realizing that they probably couldn't do anything about it- not that they would've, anyway- the two promptly left together.

Fortunate for them, they didn't stick around to see Ivan lunge at Christian with his new-found claws.

"I'll help you put the cream on it if you admit you're an asshole, Christian."

"Fuck off."

Curt rolled his eyes at Christian continuing to bicker with Ivan, even after he was all scratched up and wounded. And while they were doing so, Den was off trying to find the potion's antidote from a different universe.

So basically, it meant Curt had to babysit these two dumbasses. He thought Christian deserved what he got, but any more fights would just be exhausting to deal with.

"I don't know why I bother with you. I'm gonna go take a nap." Ivan huffed. He dropped the antibiotic cream onto the couch next to Christian, before taking his leave.

Christian opened his mouth. "A catn-"

"Don't even say it." Curt said.

"...Is he purring?" Den asked.

She, Curt, and Christian were peering into Ivan's room. He had left the door open a crack, and was currently curled up onto a circle of blankets beneath his open window. As he slept, his tail twitched from side to side.

"He adapts quick, huh?" Christian snickered.

Curt sighed, "Just go give him the antidote."

"Awwwh, but isn't it nice to have him like this, though? He can be a little house-pet-"

"Shut up, Christian." 

Once more, Den and Curt were in sync.

Chapter Text

"Guys! Guys, guys, guys, guys!" Kristine came bouncing towards her friends, her excitement radiating off her voice alone. "I have great news!"

Recreyo, the newly-formed band of four, all looked up at her. For the past hour, they had been practicing in the borrowed, previously vacant music room. Being after-school hours, the building was nearly all empty, and with their interesting music, many other people left earlier.

But, of course, their loyal manager and cheerleader Kristine always stayed. She tried her best to advertise the group, even though she often got brushed off by her classmates and even more by the adults she encountered. This time, though, she appeared to have more luck.

"We got a chance to perform! Next week, there's going to be bands playing all night downtown in the park! It's a chance for all kinds of underground artists to be noticed! Like you guys!"

Ivan, their pianist, scratched his head nervously. "God, but that means there's going to be, like, actually good people there, right?"

"Are you implying we're not good?" Den inquired, her drumsticks drooping from her hands. She leaned over her large instrument, staring into Ivan's aviators. "Speak for yourself!"

"It might be good to meet other bands, actually. Maybe we can replace Ivan for a better musician." Christian laughed, still holding onto his guitar.

Kristine looked over to the last member, the one who usually had the most say. Their lead singer, one could call him.

Curt put his microphone down onto the stand, and walked towards the side to grab his water bottle. After downing it, he gave his own input.

"I think it's a great opportunity. Although, I can't say we'll be exactly appreciated..." His voice sounded slightly coarse, having been strained for their practice session. "But hey, maybe we'll really get a chance to get out there."

"I can make a post about it tonight!" Kristine said. Being the manager, she also shared control over their social media.

Ivan hummed, "Well... if we're really sure about this... I can make some business cards or free merch'. Something like that to make sure we're remembered afterwards."

"I'll help and make sure you don't forget to make multiple copies.." Den teased.

Curt smiled at all of the enthusiasm. "I guess that leaves the job of organizing everything to me. Well, I'm not at all surprised--"

Suddenly, Christian's guitar was put away and he snuck up behind Curt. He put his arm around the other and grinned, "Actually, I was thinking I'd help with that. Let me do the talking with the managers. I'll get us extra time, some fancy lights, and- ooh, maybe I can borrow a smoke machine, too!"

"...Is that all you're going to do?" Curt arched a brow.

Christian moved off of him, a little sheepish now. "I mean, of course I'd also have to study and ask about the other bands as well. Let's just say if there's a little... competition, I'll make sure they don't overshadow us."

"Ahh, this is going to be so much fun!" Kristine clapped, "I can already see our name in lights!...

Recreyo... the new star! Now... what songs are we thinking?"

It was the night of the show, and several other bands had already gone on stage. The audience started out small, but with it being public with no invite needed, the people who stopped by to watch slowly grew in numbers. By the time it was almost Recreyo's turn, there was enough watchers for the loud applause that they began to hear for the previous band.

The bands who hadn't gone yet were all waiting backstage, a few folk pacing back and forth with their anxieties. While some... were dealing with a few other issues.

"Eugh..." Christian coughed into his fist, and Kristine looked over to him in worry.

"Christian? Did you get sick?" She was already reaching for a coughdrop before he could answer.

The boy shook his head, but there was an obvious hesitance to it. "God, I hope not... I'm meant to duet and backup sing with Curt for our song, and if I keep on coughing I'll- ack- I'll fuck it up."

"Man, your voice is already starting to sound sore! Here." Kristine handed him the small piece of candy, and he took it graciously.

"I mean, you sound sick all the time, so it's not like anything'll be different." Ivan said, approaching them. He had been off being one of the aforementioned nervous pacers.

Christian stared at him, before his frown grew into a smirk, and he (in an almost crazed manner) raised his fist at him. "Yeah? Well, how about I smash my guitar into your head? You're sick in there all the time, nobody'll know the difference!"

Ivan backed up, and Christian roared with laughter. Den, who they hadn't realized was there, shushed him quickly.

"Shut up! Do you want us to get kicked out?" Den asked.

"Fine, fine..."

Christian was busy coughing again, anyway. He couldn't laugh at his own jokes even if he wanted to.

Den's eyebrows knitted in worry, "But, for real.. if Christian's sick and can't do his part, what are we meant to do? Ivan's tonedeaf, and I could barely remember my notes. I can't remember lyrics!"

"N-Not only that, where the fuck's Curt?" Christian grumbled.

Kristine looked over his shoulder, trying to find the tall man in the faces of other musicians.

"..Wait! There he is- who is that?" Kristine questioned, pointing at the back.

Curt had walked in with a blond man, sunglasses obscuring his eyes much like Ivan's, but his were more... shiny? In a sense, they looked more expensive. The two seemed to be conversing, and Curt bid the other goodbye. Beaming, he turned and rushed to Recreyo.

"Guys! There's a famous vlogger here, and I-I think he liked a song sample I showed him! He said he wanted to record the show in the first place, but now he's definitely sticking around for our performance!" Curt explained. At everyone's less-than-thrilled expression, his smile drooped. "...What's wrong?"

"Christian's sick, he can't do his vocal part." Kristine said, "We're trying to figure out a way to get around that."

"He's what?! Christian-?"

"Look, man, too many people are wishin' bad luck on me. It's not my fault it worked." Christian defended. "What if we all just sang together for my part?"

"We could, but that kind of takes away from it, doesn't it? It'd be awkward, and-"

"Besides, Ivan's tonedeaf, and like I said, I don't know the lyrics." Den repeated.

But their argument was stopped, as they heard a roar of applause. Next, there was footsteps of the band leaving the stage. And finally- as expected- an announcer's voice, and their booming message was heard everywhere.

"And now, for the most glamorous performance of all! The one, the only... RECREYO!"

"Shit! What are we-" Curt was interrupted, as his eyes fell on Kristine. "Wait- Kristine, what if you filled in for Christian?"

"H-Huh? But-"

"You voice act! You need a range for that, and I know you've memorized these lyrics 'cause you've told me before about how much you liked the song! Doesn't that still hold true?"

"It does, but..."

Christian and Den were already pushing the three others near the curtains, Den sounding irritated through their confusion.

"We have no time, just get out there!" Den demanded. "Kristine, you can sing, or we can all try to fill in. It doesn't matter, but we have no time to choose right now!"

After they all swiftly grabbed their instruments and microphones, Recreyo was onstage.

It was captivating. Enchanting. The wind in their hair, the eyes all on them, and the lights shining bright.

Kristine awkwardly found a spot next to Curt, who gave her a reassuring nod. When she didn't return it, instead finding ''her'' microphone stand's base a lot more interesting to look at, she heard him quietly huff.

Then, they all began playing, and Curt's vocals were alone and almost shaky, as if unsure. Where there was meant to be background vocalizing, it was empty.

"I can dim the lights and sing you songs full of sad things

We can do the tango just for two

I can serenade and gently play on your heart strings

Be your Valentino just for you!"

But at the next line- Kristine finally gained the courage to look up. Grabbing her microphone stand with enthusiasm, she sang out. She ignored how she felt her skin grow goosebumps, and she ignored especially how the lights turned pink, circling all around her.

"Ooh, love, ooh, loverboy!"

Damn, Christian really went all out with his persuasion for the tech-crew.

Curt's voice was lessy shaky now, more confident and definitely more pleasing.

"What're you doin' tonight!?"

And Kristine returned the favor, she turned to him and grinned.

"Hey boy~?"

As though they started to figure out a rhythm they could share together, Curt spun to her as well.

"Set my alarm, turn on my charm

That's because I'm a good old-fashioned loverboy!"

"You guys were insane! And that smoke machine, and- and- all that lighting stuff! Gee, it's like you were the main event!" Paul exclaimed, face looking dazzled.

The vlogger's name who Curt was talking to, had turned out to be named Paul Jacobs, and he was fawning all over the band. He shook all of their hands, made sure to grab a cool T-Shirt with their logo, and was of course, recording all of them.

Naturally, in true star fashion, they all posed and smiled for the video. Their attitudes were much nicer, and they definitely appeared a little more professional than what was genuine.

"You, especially! Curt didn't tell me about you, I thought it was a four-man-band!" Paul turned to Kristine, who was acting stand-offish during the whole interaction.

She was still unsure of what to think. She had fun, but she was hestitant. After all, it was a one-time-thing--

"She's a new addition to the band." Christian said, "A bonus for tonight. We wanted her to be a secret!"

She looked up at him, and then Ivan surprised her with his own agreement. "Oh, yeah- Kristine's got a great voice, so we wanted to surprise everyone."

"I mean, she is really pretty too. How could anyone resist her when she appears out of the blue?" Den, although monotone-sounding, had a thin smile.

And Curt- Curt was the last to agree, but he agreed nonetheless. "She might be new, but we're gonna make sure everyone knows her name."

"Oh, damn, really? I LOVE that! She definitely made this entire thing way times better!" Paul's energy seemed to be neverending.

"...Well, I'm glad you enjoyed our performance! Maybe we'll see you again if we do another show." Kristine said, to which Paul nodded.

"Oh, totes! But uh.. one more thing! Can we get a picture for the 'Gram?"

Everyone nodded, and Kristine was the most excited. As Paul extended his arm out with the camera, and they all rushed into what they hoped was a cool pose, they all yelled their new signature phrase. The one that would replace the old classic 'Cheese!'

The one that had the night's two vocalists yell the loudest--

"Recreyo, out!"

Chapter Text

"I hear we're getting a new classmate today." Christian said, leaning back in his chair, legs propped up onto his desk. "A girl, I think?"

"I wonder what she'll be like." Den wondered aloud. She was doodling on her notebook, but then she paused and held the pages up. It showed a hastily-done stick figure with rounded wings and short hair. "Maybe like this!"

Curt snorted, rolling his eyes with his head laying on his desk, arms being used as pillows. "We're talking about a classmate, not some angel."

"Who knows, maybe she'll actually be one." Ivan shrugged. The other three looked at him blankly, and he raised a brow. "What? I'm just saying. It'd be cool to have an actually nice friend after hanging with you guys for so long."

"Pfft, whatever. You know you don't mean that." Christian replied, completely disregarding the only lightly-veiled complaint.

Before they could continue with the conversation, Ivan hesitated long enough for them to be interrupted by the teacher, Ms. B. As she began to do role-call, a girl slipped in through the door and in an almost timid manner, scoured the classroom.

The eccentric friend group, self dubbed as Recreyo— immediately took notice of her, scanning the newcomer and sizing her up.

She had long braids, and her school uniform was partly covered with a cardigan, flowers embroidered into the fabric to match the real ones decorating her hair.

The way she was already making herself stand out with a customized uniform seemed to pique Christian's interest. Most of the time, that wasn't a boldness students had until they were fully integrated with the school.

"She's got a cute style, doesn't she?" Christian murmured.

Curt looked over, not answering.

After the teacher finished role call, she gestured towards the braided girl. "This is Kristine. She just moved here, so I hope you all welcome her nicely."

"Hi, it's nice to meet everyone!" Kristine greeted. She turned to the teacher briefly, who pointed at an empty seat. Afterwards, Kristine marched on over to it and sat down.

The seat was in front of Curt.

He wrinkled his nose when she got into her new seat. There was a flowery scent that hung around her, not to say that it was surprising, but it was definitely prominent. Curt wondered if she doused herself in perfume everyday.

Then, when she whipped her head around- nearly hitting him with her braids had he not ducked down just in time- Curt got a closer look at her face.

Dark, chocolate eyes, and a thin smile. A smile that opened up and asked him the simplest question-

"Do you have a spare pencil? I can't find my pencil bag."

Curt would've laughed if she was his friend. How irresponsible could one be to lose something like that on their first day? Nevertheless, he said yes and bent down to take out one of his shorter, stubbier pencils from his backpack.

When he handed her the drawing utensil, she thanked him kindly.

(He can't help but acknowledge that he never got it back, though.)

"Just look at this cover! The art in this is fucking sick!" Ivan rambled, holding a manga book up.

It was lunchtime, and Recreyo was up in their designated spot on the rooftop. It was always empty other than them, and nobody would ever bother that peace with the knowledge that the group was up there.

Unless.. someone was new, and didn't know of the four's reputation. Well, to the full extent anyway.

Truthfully, Kristine was bombarded with friend group invites after her first class had ended. Everyone seemed to think she was some super cool new girl, not just for her fashion choices, but for her attitude as well. That's when she found out that most people wouldn't want to sit in front of Curt and his friends. Through her classmates, she also discovered that they had less than great things to say about them, and that she was unlucky to be seated where she was. She learned of all their names and short reputations they had, all of which were framed with danger.

But she still claimed that she didn't think anyone could be that bad, and so she deliberately ditched everyone during lunchtime to find where Recreyo would be. She wanted to test them herself, to see if they could actually live up to the image everyone had. After having gone through several rooms, Kristine found herself on the rooftop.

And she was staring the friends down. Her first question was wondering why they'd be seated so close to the ledge, but her second question was how did Den know she'd be coming? Before she even stepped up, the girl's face was looking in her direction. Shortly after, the other three looked over as well.

"..Oh, it's that girl." Ivan said dully, "anyway, like I was saying-"

"Why is she looking at us? Does she want to sit with us?" Den asked quietly.

Curt nudged Christian, who had previously been actually enjoying his lunch. He looked up, and Curt nodded to Kristine.

Groaning, Christian dropped his sandwich back into his lunchbox.

"What do you want me to do?" Christian nearly spat. He didn't like being interrupted ever- not even during the most minuscule of things.

"Go ask her what's up." Curt directed.

Christian frowned deeply, but he complied anyway. He got up and approached the girl, and when he did, the discontent he was feeling couldn't be found anywhere on his expression.

Instead, Christian appeared happier than ever, and he even offered a handshake when he got close.

"Hey, what's up?" Christian asked, and Kristine shook his hand before tapping her chin in thought.

"Uhm.. I was just wondering if I could sit with you guys? Seeing that I don't really know anyone, I'd like some company!" Kristine answered, arms tucked behind her back holding onto a swinging lunchbox. At the same time, Christian briefly saw how one of her shoes were pointed down, fidgeting onto the ground.

A nervous tick maybe, but she maintained eye contact with him like she was facing him head on. Too... contradictory, for him to place flimsy trust in such a simple act.

"That's surprising, I mean, hasn't anyone invited you themselves? Or is everyone too cowardly to talk to a pretty girl like you?"

"Awh.. but you still didn't answer, so maybe you're trying to just get rid of me with flattery?" Kristine challenged in a joking voice.

Christian glanced over his shoulder, and there were three faces with near-blank looks. Regardless, he seemed to have gotten an answer from their vacant eyes. He looked back at Kristine, a decision already made for him.

"True. So maybe you should take the hint." Christian said as he grinned.

Kristine was surprised, and was left standing there like a doll when he turned around and left her, returning to his group. They welcomed him back into the gap he had left in their lineup, none of them having touched his stuff while he was gone.

Kristine blinked, stunned by the bizarreness. She hadn't expected Christian to say that, but maybe that was what the other kids meant by them being "unnapproachable," among several other adjectives they used.

It took her a solid five seconds to remember where she was, and she quickly ran off of the rooftop back into the building, feeling embarassed for having been there for such a prolonged amount of time. Not only that, but the immediate rejection.

Kristine never really believed in social hierarchies when it came to the schools she went to, but this one in particular seemed to have shaken that idea. For whne she questioned her peers more about the strange group, it appeared to just be a commonly accepted idea that they were all... intimidating, in a sense. That one should never approach them, except for maybe Curt who did present himself in a slightly friendlier fashion.

As she went on with her day, she almost wanted to test her luck further. To see if there was a reason for their walls to be put up so tightly. After all, everytime she looked at them- trying to peer into their world for just a moment, there was always one thing that remained intact:

They were always together, and not once did they look outside their circle.

The last bell rang, and all of Recreyo were waiting by the doors for Ivan to finish grabbing his things from his locker.

"Could you be any slower?" Den berated, "Why do you even need all of that stuff? Didn't you finish the homework in class?"

"No, Den, I didn't finish, 'cause someone was being clingy and kept on pestering me!" Ivan snapped. He dropped his books into his bag and hoisted it up onto his back.

Behind him, Christian closed Ivan's locker. "Well, are we ready to go now?"

Ivan smiled mischeviously, pushing the two away from him. "Well, if you guys want to keep on complaining, then I think I'm going to go take a restroom break as well. Give me five more minutes."

"You guys are so immature..." Curt groaned, leaning against someone else's locker across from them. "I'm missing out on one of my shows right now for this."

"And isn't that just worth it?" Den laughed, and as Ivan passed by, she called out, "If you take longer than five, I'm gonna kill you!"

"Realllyyy doubt that!" Ivan yelled back. Shortly after, he disappeared into the restroom doors.

...From afar, Kristine watched with interest from behind a wall. The enigmatic posse were loitering right in front of her locker, and she genuinely needed to get there. She had a notebook to grab, but with obstacles like those guys blocking her way, she was unsure if she should proceed.

Because while it may have been true that Kristine would absolutely love to study them some more (was that egotistical to say?,) she also wanted to avoid trouble. At least, for now. She still didn't know enough about them to see if they were actually dangerous, and after that little stunt she pulled earlier, would her approaching now be enough to trigger a fight? That'd be seriously inconvenient, as she wanted to keep her hands clean for as long as she could.

But if she were to be a little more... optimistic, maybe she could take this as an opportunity. Imagine if she tamed the most-feared students in school on her first day! All she had to do was show that she wasn't going to back down like the other cowards. They might have tried to scare her off before with Christian, but it takes more than an overconfident pretty boy to hurt Kristine's resolve.

The girl strode over to her locker, almost reveling in how they all began to stare at her. It's not like she was actually bothering them this time, her locker was just literally next to Ivan's. That's not a crime, that's an inconvenience.

Keeping her mouth shut, she slipped out her notebook and placed it within her backpack. As soon as she did, she proudly shut her locker and looked over to her left to walk out the entrance.

However, there was somebody waiting for her on the other side of the door. Ivan. And Kristine hadn't heard him appear, it was as if he had teleported. She yelped upon the sudden sight, and he didn't respond at all. He only stared her down, and she didn't even want to know how long he had waited behind the previously open door. Or.. really, why he waited.

All she knew was that he was being eerily quiet, and so were his friends. Was she about to get jumped?

"Uhh..." Kristine gawked, not knowing what to do. "Excuse me!"

Ivan didn't get a chance to reply, as she quickly darted right past him. She sounded cheerful, but most of her confidence was mustered up impulsively. She wasn't exactly in the mood to get in a gang fight with a bunch of weirdos.

Kristine ran past several other classmates down the sidewalk, and only looked over her shoulder when someone had greeted her. It was some class president asking her for a favor, but at least it wasn't Den chasing her with a knife or something ridiculous like that. She wouldn't be surprised if she pulled something like that off, Kristine was starting to suspect that all of them were just high on drugs or something.

After Kristine was able to get home, she made sure to lock all of her windows.

School wasn't as bad as Kristine thought it would be. Of course, it was still not enjoyable, but she could still deal with it as long as she stayed in her own lane. Keeping her head down let her blend into the background, giving her the chance to observe everyone else. Especially the self-proclaimed "Recreyo" group that she had promptly dubbed as her test-subjects. In her head, anyway.

She wasn't insane enough to say it outloud.

Unfortunately, this peaceful streak came to an end. After school had ended on a Friday, Kristine wanted to take a different route home so she could treat herself to a cafe. Keeping her Google maps open was helpful, as she had gotten lost several times in the unfamiliar territory, but even so she found herself straying off of the path.

So much so, that as it started to get dark, Kristine ended up surrounded by shady-looking buildings and strange noises.

Or, more specifically...Grunting?

Against her own better judgement, and going with the gut-feeling of inquisitiveness, she turned a corner and looked down into an alleyway. The scene before her made her stomach turn, and her body suddenly felt very cold.

There was a corpse, and two very familiar faces.

Den and Curt.

The dynamic duo stood over the body, bickering with each other like they usually did at school, while Kristine was still shocked. She couldn't figure out a plan before being discovered, and so the two were much quicker to react. Their faces snapped up to her, while she still blinked like an idiot.

As they straightened their backs though, Kristine's brain turned on again and she whipped around. She didn't know what her plan was, but as she began casually walking away, there was only one thing in mind: do not anger the apparent murderers.

A hand on her shoulder stopped her. Kristine froze, mid-step.

"Where do you think you're going?" Curt's low voice asked. Kristine slowly faced him.

"Uhhh... hell?" She replied, more like a question though.

Curt paused, "...What?"

"Listen, I don't want any trouble! Please don't kill me too!" Kristine pleaded. She didn't know what to do or what to say, so she supposed if she was pitiful enough, maybe they'd feel bad and let her go. Whatever sympathy these monsters had left, maybe she could get through it.

She wondered if her teary eyes were a little too far.

"Ugh... Den, this is what you get for being so impulsive!" Curt carped as he looked behind him, only to see the short girl kicking the corpse absentmindedly. Kristine tilted her head slightly to see better, and she recognized through the red staining that the corpse was wearing their school uniform.

Looking up, Den shrugged as she responded indifferently. "It's not my fault he was being annoying... you saw how he looked at Christian."

"Don't... don't remind me, but that's still not an excuse to be so sloppy. You even dragged me out here so I could clean up after you." Curt reprimanded, now fully turned to the girl. "What do you think we should do, then? If you think you can get away with doing this shit without a plan, then what do we do with a witness?"

Kristine would've shuffled away awkwardly, had Curt not glared at her over his shoulder once he sensed her foot lifting.

"I dunno.. kill her, too?" Den tried.

Curt scoffed, "Wrong."

Den pouted at his answer, but Kristine was caught by surprise.

"Wait- really-? You guys aren't gonna slice me up into a Kristine cuisine?" Kristine asked, almost skeptical.

Curt faced her again, and Den crept up behind him as he spoke. "Of course not... you haven't done anything to warrant it. For the most part, any- Den, put that knife down."

Den's arms quickly went behind her, and Kristine could only believe she had hidden her weapon.

"...Like I was saying, I try not to encourage such... behavior, if I can help it, anyway, and you haven't done anything horrible. Not like that other guy." Curt continued, "What? You think just because I'm a murderer I don't have standards?"

Kristine debated on whether or not she should answer. "Uhm, yeah..?"

"...That's fair, but that's besides the point. Now we have to deal with you some other way, and do it quickly, because although this part of town is mostly empty, we don't want anyone to find us here."

"Yeah, like how you did..!" Den said, as though she were rubbing it in Kristine's face.

Curt sighed, "And seeing how this dumbass here clearly has an empty head, I'm gonna take charge . So no, you're not getting killed, kidnapped and tortured, or even cannibalized. Instead, I'm going to offer the idea that you become an accomplice."

"An... accomplice..?" Kristine felt repulsed by the idea. There was no way in hell she'd willingly work with people like them.

"Yes, an accomplice. Meaning you don't tell anyone about what you've seen, and you'll help us if we so choose to contact you."

Although Curt was definitely giving her an easy out, there was something... fishy, going on.

In other words: Kristine knew better than to just blindly trust someone. She questioned him further: "And who's to say that I'm just not gonna call the cops afterwards..?"

"Well, are the cops even going to believe you? It's four against one, and we're all pretty good in school, y'know? Except maybe Christian, but the point still stands." Curt shrugged, "And besides... you're just the new girl. You're just someone who's mysteriously appeared, and you can't even keep a solid story going for why you moved here. In other words, for all everyone knows, you're just a liar."

Kristine froze, "What? How do you-"

"Ivan's got pretty good ears, he hears everything. Convenient, isn't it? He's heard you tell different people different stories all the time... It almost makes me wonder why you're attempting to hide your trail."

Den had started listening at that point, curious after Curt had pointed out something even Kristine forgot about.

Why she moved here... she couldn't let anyone know. Let alone these guys, who'd likely mistake her as an ally. Or even worse: someone on their level.

"So you're blackmailing me?"

"If we knew your secret, then we would, but for now... you can just play it safe with us, or put yourself into a courtroom as a pathological liar dressed up as a witness." Curt finished, "What'll it be?"

Kristine felt sick as his arm went out, his palm open for her to take.

"...And here I thought you were the nice one."

"Didn't I just tell you I'm giving you a chance of mercy? Of course I am."

Curt chuckled, and Kristine, despite her itching to see him match with the corpse... she took his hand.

Apparently working for Recreyo (Kristine learned their group name unwillingly) included her sitting with them at lunch. Not even really talking, mind you, just sitting there.

If she had to guess, it was for some sick amusement. She had only been at their bidding for 2 days now, and she'd already observed sadistic behavior that was gradually unnerving her. For example, Christian had the common occurrence of teasing classmates and riling up Den, who was already incredibly violent and loved to torment even her beloved group. Then there was Curt, who was surprisingly letting all of this slide. Kristine recalled him saying he didn't like to promote their acts, but she never missed the glint of entertainment in his eyes.

Oh, and the fourth member. Ivan.

Ivan... was just sorta there. Kristine didn't know what his deal was. He was usually the butt-monkey of their jokes, but through all of his rants, he never once left. In fact, it was as if he was the center of it all. Not only that, but even though everyone usually ignored Kristine, Ivan was the exception and liked nagging her with his own interests. It didn't take long for her to realize he just liked being complimented and paid attention to.

It's not like Kristine could ever push him away, the group was severely protective of each other, and she couldn't get too close to him but she also couldn't get too far. She couldn't predict what would happen if they thought she'd go back on her deal.

...Though, it wasn't like she was completely stuck. There was the part of her head that was trying to pull her back into old habits, to make her leave the town just like how she left the past ones. However... she wasn't sure it'd be so easy like before.

Kristine once thought that she could fade away into the background if she so chose, but after realizing the watchful eyes on her, she had become painfully aware of her predicament.

She had to think a little further. Maybe this would be good excercise for her thinking. After all, she couldn't remember the last time she had a real challenge.

Just as when she was about to check the time, Kristine was pulled out of her contemplation by the interruption of Ivan.

"Sooo, how does this one look? I'm thinking of adding red to it, but the contrast might be too much." Ivan shoved his drawing into Kristine's face, and she gently nudged it away. It was some sort of character drawing, but she wasn't all that interested in it.

"Oh, it's.. great! I'm sure whatever you do will end up looking good."

Ivan sparkled at her compliment, although she was clearly not being genuine with one look at her face. With this blissful naivety, he got back to working on his art, and Kristine sighed quietly in relief. (She was a little bit glad he wasn't as clever as Christian when it came to that.)

Speaking of which...

"I'm so sick of all this homework." Christian groaned, clicking a pen in annoyance over a paper. Den snickered.

"You wouldn't have so much if you just paid attention in class." She pointed out.

"Easy for you to say... now help me with this math problem!"

Kristine couldn't help but stare. She had already gotten used to this routine of them acting like normal people, but it was still weird knowing that they... well, weren't.

A few minutes passed, and someone new arrived at the scene. It was a boy, who Kristine recognized as a classmate- however, that was all she could see him as. She didn't know his name as he was, quite frankly, irrelevant, but he apparently knew her's.

"H-Hey.. can I borrow Kristine..?" The boy said. He looked scared, as though he had walked into a den of wild lions.

(Ha, den...)

Christian looked at him, eyes going up and down, before he gagged and physically recoiled, "For what?"

"Just for a minute, please!"

Kristine blinked and looked at the others, who were now staring with wide eyes. She shrugged, trying to show she didn't know anything either. In the end, nobody was really rejecting the idea, so she supposed it was up to her.

"Uh... sure." Kristine mumbled, standing up and walking over to the unnamed boy.

The boy lead her into the staircase, where they could talk a little more privately. Kristine didn't know why they'd need privacy, but it was whatever.

"What's up?" Kristine asked, noticing the boy not looking her in the eyes once.

Was he scared? If this was a love confession, Kristine was going to vomit.

The boy composed himself, taking in a deep breath and relaxing. "I... I've just been noticing you've been acting weirder.. after being around those guys so much.."

"What do you mean 'those guys'-?"

"You know... Curt, Den, Christian, and that guy Evan! You're not getting bullied are you..?"

Kristine almost laughed, if only her situation was as simple as that.

"His name is Ivan, but... anyway, I appreciate the concern, but I'm fine. I mean, they're my... friends!" She replied, and then she had to pause to think before she said anthing else. The gaps in her words would surely arouse suspicion of some kind, and she didn't need anymore eyes on her. "I don't see why everyone here is so scared of them!"

"Are you sure..? I can get a teacher if you need me to..." The boy offered again.

God, he was persistent.

"Hey, I'm capable of helping myself. If something happens for whatever reason, I'll deal with it. But I trust these guys, and I can't say I really know you, so I don't really know what you expect..."

Maybe she dipped into her honesty a little too much at the end, but Kristine just couldn't help herself.

The boy was quiet, before he nodded. He waved weakly to her and left her standing there.

Once Kristine was sure he was gone, she took in a deep breath and looked up at the ceiling. She was sure that the others were listening to her through the walls, but at least they couldn't hear her inner thoughts. The thoughts that spiraled into a dizzy cycle of resentment.

What a mess, what an absolute mess.

She couldn't tell if her aching head was from her growing stress, or from a genuine ailment. All of her senses were just beginning to blur together, like the passing world was some form of static.

Opening the door to go back to the rooftop, Kristine tramped back to the group. They were already on their feet, approaching the door themselves.

"What was he asking about?" Curt asked. It must've been a test of honesty, if Kristine's hypothesis earlier was right.

"...Well, I would think you'd have heard." Kristine said simply, and the other raised an eyebrow.

He looked as though he was about to respond, but Ivan pushed by him, holding something out to Kristine. "Here's your lunchbox, we should head to class now."

"Oh... thank you."

Remembering that she didn't get to eat her sandwhich, Kristine took her lunchbox and made a mental note to not finish it at home. She didn't know why they'd have reason to, but she wasn't in the mood to be poisoned by them.

"You're so paranoid, we didn't touch your food." Christian whined.

Kristine flushed. She hated feeling so transparent. "Can you blame me for being that way?"

They all began leaving the rooftop, entering down the stairway back to the halls.

"You ought to trust us a bit more if this is going to work." Den told Kristine, an air of tiredness around her. She yawned, not noticing the other girl staring wildly at her.

Kristine would've killed to know what was going on in these people's minds. They acted as though she were helpless and unbelievable, but last time she checked, she was anything but.

There had to be a weak spot in them, and she'd find it before they found her's.

Playing along with maniacs was harder than expected.

Kristine, for whatever reason, was apparently being counted into the group far more than she'd liked. Although it had just been a week of her hanging around them, they were already starting to warm up to her- to treat her like one of their own.

Like they were... friends.

She hated it.

How could such idiots have the audacity to treat Kristine as though they were on the same level? As though they had any right to address her by such terms, to call her up when she didn't even give them her number in the first place?

This was not how anything was supposed to go, and Kristine was starting to bite her tongue as to not snap at them. To not show that she was more than what they bargained for. If there was anything she had left, that was her own secrecy within her mind and stubborn dignity.

She couldn't let anything get out, even if they acted like ghosts sweeping around her.

Well, this game of Chess would end. Kristine, through spectating conversations and carefully monitoring how they all interacted, came to the conclusion that if she could just exploit their own strength- it'd become a weakness for her own personal gain.

Their attachment to one another- she could abuse it.

(She ignored how her hand shook, how the word 'inspiration' was harassing her thoughts.)

They all lived together, ate together, and such- but Kristine soon learned that there was a split moment where they were at least semi-seperated. Wednesday after-school.

Ivan and Den would attend an art class, while Christian and Curt headed off to their home.

Kristine disguised her sudden appearance to Ivan and Den as her wanting to watch. She knew that if she had any chance of getting something done- it was with those two. After all, they were the densest. They couldn't question her, not when she sucked up to them with such a pretty voice of flattery. It was honestly perfect. She couldn't believe her own luck.

As the three walked to the building where art-class would ensue, though... Kristine was trailing behind just ever-so-slightly.

...A little further, and she'd see red-roses upon her hidden blade.

They were in front of an alleyway, and Kristine would've found it funny how poetic it could be. To bring it full circle.

But, it seemed that her luck had ended.

"Give us all of the money you got!" A strange man yelled. He was holding a gun, creeping out of the alleyway with it pointed at the three.

Ivan cowered behind Den, who growled. She took a knife out, and was ready to jab the robber. However, like Kristine had expected, Den lacked the sense. The sense to realize exactly what the man had said.

'Us,' as in multiple perpetrators.

They were taken by surprise, a taller and meaner looking figure pushing them to the ground from behind. Ivan must've heard him, as his head turned just before it happened, but it only ended up in his loss for the back of his skull hit the pavement strongly.

"Go on, cough up the money!" The larger one said, fists raised with brass knuckles.

Den tried to kick his leg from below, but she was stopped when the gun shot right next to her knee.

Kristine was at a loss for words. Multiple sentences, actually. The first one wondering how no one had noticed the situation yet, but the second one being...

"How dare you two try to steal this from me..?!" Kristine snarled.

The two men must've not known what she had really meant, registering it as her meaning the money.

With that assumption, the gunner laughed. "And what are you gonna do about it? Hand over your wallet, or-"

Kristine grabbed behind her, the knife coming out of hiding and being wielded. Without a second thought, the weapon was tossed lazily into the gunman's shin. She didn't hit what she was aiming for, but it grazed him just enough to wince in surprise and pain.

The gun fell out of his hands, and before Kristine could reach for it, the man behind her grabbed her by a braid. Like a ragdoll, he tossed her against the building's outerwall.

Den, though, with much more skill in knife-throwing, was able to grab the bloodied blade and strike Kristine's assaulter while he was distracted. The other man was busied with Ivan, who had taken the gun and held it up pointed directly to his chest.

"There's three of us, and two of you! And soon, it's gonna be only one of you, if you don't go help your bleeding pal over there!" Den shouted, looking at the threatened man.

His hands went up immediately, defeat being admitted almost pitifully fast. "F-Fine! I'm good then, right!?"

"I suppose so..." Ivan said quietly, and the man breathed out of relief. Kristine was about to wonder why he would just let them go so easily, but then there was a sound of a bullet being shot and her questions were answered.

The man that was stabbed had now been shot on top of it all, and Kristine backed up from the bleeding body.

"But not him." Ivan revealed, and the gun was handed over to Den. The man quickly ran over to the bleeding one, and Kristine shuddered.

She looked up and saw Ivan dialing a number, likely the police.

...

When Curt and Christian arrived instead though, Kristine didn't know what she expected.

"You sure you're okay?" Ivan asked Kristine.

Christian had driven them all back to the group's home, with Kristine tagging along since Ivan wanted to check her and make sure she wasn't terribly hurt. If the people were different, then maybe she would've found the action nice and considerate.

However, she was fuming the entire time, and with her patience having been tested for so long, was starting to slip.

"I'm fine." Kristine said through gritted teeth. She curled up on the couch, hugging her knees as Curt put on some anime show.

Christian sat down next to her, "What's up with you? You saved two lives, aren't ya glad?"

Right... if it wasn't for her, Den and Ivan could've been killed.

Kristine cursed internally, and Christian didn't get any answer. He rolled his eyes right when Den walked in, having been done with getting changed into her pajamas.

"Den, there's dinner on the table if you're hungry." Curt said.

Den nodded, but she didn't move. Instead, she pulled out something from behind her.

A kitchen knife.

Kristine's kitchen knife.

"Kristine... when were getting attacked, why did you have this?" Den asked, voice monotone as ever.

Her face was almost one of hurt though, like she was being betrayed.

Kristine stiffened, "Why do you think? I'm surrounded by serial killers, and- and I bet you had a knife too."

"Kristine... Not only that, but you said 'how dare you two try to steal this from me,' what did that mean?"

Now everyone was looking at Kristine. She got up, and narrowed her eyes at the girl.

"You expect me to just be okay with everything? That I'm such a coward, that I'll let you murderers dictate my life?" Kristine hissed. "I am not at your mercy, if anything, you're all lucky I haven't snapped yet. That I was stopped, before I could lay roses on your graves."

Den huffed, "And yet you saved us.."

"Because I'm going to be the one to kill you. You think I can just be satisfied with two stupid strangers having all the fun? Oh no- no, no, no! Not when I've been so careful, not when I am owed this very little thing."

Kristine was breathing heavy now, a smile twitching onto her face. Curt turned to her.

"Kristine, I advise that you stay down." Curt calmly spoke, but she persisted.

"You said you don't know why I moved here. Why I've been changing the story oh, so much. Do you want that clarity then? Do you want that blackmail-!?"

She paused, almost laughing.

"I am not like any of you. You will never find me agreeing, you will never find me even suggesting that my crimes are anything similar to the likes of your's." Kristine cracked her knuckles, "You're all freaks... I am a mastermind. I can lose how many pawns I want, but you're all weak- so tied together."

Christian was almost amused by his own bewilderment, "What are you-"

"You'll find that I'm much, much more capable than what I portray."

With an almost determined look on her face, Kristine moved past the standing others, and approached the front door. She put on her shoes, and as she did, Curt had to hold his hand up and stop Den from following the girl.

Kristine turned around, "One of these days... I'll get what I want. I'll have the satisfaction of your blood on my hands. Just... wait for me, and I'll wait for you."

With those last biting words, she left.

"So, Kristine... if you don't mind me asking, why'd you move here?"

Kristine stared at her new classmate in front of her. She chuckled softly, finger twirling a lock of hair as she looked down at her phone.

"Sometimes... it's a nice change of a pace to be in a new school."

She answered nonchalantly, but as she scrolled through several social media posts, there was a twitch in her thumb.

Her classmate tilted their head, "..What are you lookin' at, Kristine?"

"...Just some old friends."

Kristine closed her phone, but not before bookmarking posts posted by the names of 'Recreyo.'

Chapter Text

Being the newest member of Recreyo, Christian didn't exactly know what was in store for him- even when it was his second time around now.

The chocolate factory scenario was fun. It was silly, and although Christian was initially put off by the... Oompa Loompa maker-machine thing, it was generally harmless and he was fine afterwards.

That's why when he strolled into Raptor Park, there was the expectation of him being completely fine. Sure, dinosaurs looked terrifying, but he trusted Ivan as their host.

Besides, it's not like they'd actually be... put into danger, right?

...

Christian's memories of the scenario became blurred during the climax. He had to refresh his memory by watching back the footage, but it only flared up the odd, creeping feeling in the back of his head. He wouldn't tell anyone, but he never once got over the sensation of his skin melting off.

"..-at Kristine- kills Kristine, and Christian- kills Christian!"

As soon as Curt announced the monster's attacks, the beast in front of the duo stomped on the girl and then swiped at Christian with his claws. Ivan's ghost loomed over them, frowning as he watched the pathetic display. Seth and Den gaped at the sight, stunned at the damage caused.

"I didn't like being alive anyway!" Ivan scowled, swirling around the scene with his arms crossed.

Christian managed to stifle his laugh, even while his floating body was overwhelmed by sudden numbness.

An audible whine took his attention though, and before he could make some clever quip, he looked over and saw the braids of Kristine levitating around her head. They almost covered her visage, and he felt a twist of concern. It was involuntary, of course, but her strange quietness gave him the nerve to float towards her.

She was slowly drifting away from the group, and so they had a decent amount of distance between themselves and the situation being played out.

"Damn, Den really should've healed us, huh?" Christian pointed out, arms dangling in front of him as he got closer to Kristine.

The girl seemed to have just noticed him, as she flinched at his voice. She pushed her hair out of her face, and she nodded with a halfhearted smile.

"Oh.. yeah, like seriously! Poor Seth's gotta deal with her now."

They both giggled, and Christian couldn't help but see the slight green tone enveloping her face.

"..Hey, do you need some water or somethin'? We can go off-camera for a sec'." Christian offered.

Kristine shook her head, "No.. I'm just.. uh, this is a little weird."

"What is?"

Kristine gestured to her noncorporeal form and Christian's mouth made a thin line as realization dawned on him. He had forgotten all about the ghostly stuff being so unnatural. Having died so often, the feeling was now second-nature to him. It wasn't pleasant by any means, but he could ignore it if he so chose.

But this was Kristine's second death, wasn't it? He winced at the thought, realizing how violent her death was this time, too.

"Oh... yeah, uh, I forgot about that... if it reassures you, the feeling of your body reforming is way better." Christian said.

Kristine nodded, "Uh.. yeah, I know. It happened last time, but... I'm still not looking forward to it."

Fiddling with her thumbs, Kristine almost looked embarassed, as though it were a trivial matter.

Christian saw how she avoided his eyes, and he was suddenly remembering his own violent deaths. How each time, he was growing more and more tolerant of his body being torn apart in numerous ways. How he felt less... human, everytime he returned truly "alive."

Nobody ever comforted him when he was more vulnerable to the feelings. He remembered hiding it all, masking his strained cries with laughter instead.

"It gets better overtime." Christian finally said, making her look up at him. He waved his hand around, body rotating casually in the air as he spoke. "But... you can always ditch these scenarios if you don't think you're up to this. Hell, call everything off if you want."

"I wouldn't want to do that..."

"Why?"

Kristine sighed, "I.. wanna commit to this and just get used to it. It should be that simple, right?"

She scratched her arm, shuddering at her own cold touch, and Christian found himself now looking away himself. There was a long pause, and he couldn't even fill it with the sound of his own heartbeat.

.

.

.

Instead, he only laughed.

Chapter Text

It's been... how long?

Ivan couldn't tell anymore. Time had become an illusion in the secluded building. He had seen so many of his friends die in gruesome ways, that it slowly became something to just be expected. No longer could he be shocked, all of the memories and feelings were simply numbing now.

But... as their captor, Monokuma, began on his ramble in the courtroom, Ivan couldn't stop the pit in his stomach from growing. Something about the current trial felt different than all the others.

...He knew why. He just didn't want to face it.

After all, the only people left were himself, Den, Christian, Kristine, and Curt.

There was only four possible suspects for murder.

...And they were all his best friends...

Ivan knew the others noticed as well. Nobody wanted to meet anyone's eyes. As their conversation went on, everyone's unease began to kick into their logic. It was messy. Trying to make sense when they were all full of doubt and fear was just not something they could do.

They should've been used to it by now, but preparation was never one of their strong suits.

And knowing who the victim was— it only stung even deeper. She was their friend too, someone they had assumed that would make it to the end with them.

Chilly.

Ivan still shivered at the memory. Her mutilated corpse was just a reminder of how sick this game was.

"We still don't even know who's behind all of this... how am I meant to solve a murder when it's between you lot?!" Christian snarled.

What he said wasn't exactly eloquent, but Ivan could tell what he was talking about. The mastermind.

"When will they show themselves..? Surely, they're the murderer this time, right? Not any of us? I-I can't believe any of you guys would.. really.. murder." Kristine stammered.

Den looked down, tugging on her cap. "We felt that way with the others and we were wrong. But this time... it can't be..."

Curt was being oddly quiet, and Ivan glanced at him. He was scratching his stubble, deep in thought.

Monokuma then said something that shook all of them to their core. "Well... who's to say that these two ideas can't coexist? What if one of you is the mastermind and the blackened?"

Curt glared, "...Why.. why do you expect us to believe that? After all we've been through, one of us would just betray us like that?!"

"We're all friends... even before this situation.." Ivan said, resolve slowly breaking. "There's no way..."

But Monokuma only laughed harder.

"It's time to end the killing game, Recreyo." Monokuma dared. "Which one of you will be the betrayer? The betrayed..? The ultimate despair?!"

"It's Curt."

Everyone looked at Ivan like he was some sort of ghost.

"What?" Kristine inquired, "What are you-"

"It has to be. It only makes sense." Ivan was quiet, but his words felt like they were being shouted amongst the silence.

Christian huffed, "It's not the time to be joking..."

"Yeah, man. What are you on about?" Curt sounded defensive. Ivan couldn't blame him. He wouldn't, even if what he accused was wrong.

"Before Chilly died... there was a split second where you gone. Not actually accounted for. That's when you set up the bear trap that killed her." Ivan said.

Den gasped, "W-What? But we saw that he was tied up for the motive! He was being held captive!"

"There was a strict rule that he couldn't be watched over when he was in that torture chamber. If he was the mastermind, then he would've been able to escape with ease."

With Ivan's explanation practically echoing through the room, nobody could talk. Christian looked distressed, trying to find some sort of hole he could discover- but alas, his mouth was left only hanging open. Empty.

Curt didn't say anything, but the look on his face said enough.

Monokuma was gone.

There was a cloud of smoke, engulfing the entire room. Everyone coughed, and Ivan was the only one who could see through the haze.

He was the first to have his heart stopped by his vision.

Curt stood there in front of where Monokuma stood, and he looked dazzled. Hat split into the monochromatic colors the bear donned, he wore a smile that could only strike helplessness into Ivan.

"The mastermind has arrived... well, I've been here, but that's besides the point."

All of the smoke had cleared, but now there was another mystery to unravel.

"How about we start with my motive, hm? Why me? Why would I put my best friends into such a horrible game, you ask? Well- hahahah-! God, when you're perceived as the most sensible, it only makes it so much more despairful when you're the actual villain."

Curt took his hat off, scratching his head as he monologued.

"I've gotten so sick of us. All of our happy little smiles, our little adventures... what good is any of it, when our pain is purely artificial? Isn't it so much more exciting when it's real?"

Den snapped, slamming a hand on her podium. "What the fuck are you talking about?! What kind of joke is this?!"

"It's not a joke. It's real." Curt dismissed, "unlike your stabbing shtick, which is all for show..."

Kristine looked sick, and Ivan didn't blame her.

"B-But.. we're your friends... how could you.. how could you do this..?" Kristine's voice was broken, barely above a whisper while she teared up.

Curt put his hat back on, shrugging. "Oh honey, when it comes to content, everything is worth doing. Isn't that right, Christian? Remember when you downed all that hot sauce? At least that pain was real, but it wasn't exactly as exciting as we had hoped."

Christian froze at his name being said. He stepped back, looking ready to maul Curt.

"Ha. Ha. Are you seriously comparing all of that shit to this? Those people died, Curt, and you're just laughing?!" Christian grinned, but he sounded more infuriated than ever.

"It's not like you're better. Don't act like you have the moral high ground! Not after all that shit you pulled. Not after everything EVERYONE here pulled!"

Curt shut Christian up with his shout. His eyes then went to Ivan, who was being the quietest of them all.

"What's wrong Ivan? Is something bothering you? Or are you finally learning to relish in your own self pity?" Curt taunted, arms folded.

Ivan didn't want to dignify that with an answer, but truthfully, he just couldn't. Everything was eating away at him, and he couldn't even process what was going on anymore.

Curt was his friend. The dependable one, who cheered him up when nobody else could. He brought energy to the group, kept them together even if they began to fall apart at the seams.

He was the one who comforted him and Den when Chilly died.

Ivan felt his face begin to burn, and Curt's cackles surrounded him. He looked up, watching as Den was being held back by Kristine. She was trying to attack Curt, all while Christian lingered at his podium, still stunned at everything.

Ivan would've given anything to change this reality. To see anyone else in that black and white attire. To still see Curt as a friend, and not a traitor.

But Ivan never got what he wished for, and this was what he had to deal with. Fists clenching, he listened intently to what Curt said next.

"Well.. this game is almost over. It's your final challenge, now, so don't screw it up like you guys always do, okay? Now...

Will you choose the side of hope, or the side of despair?"

Chapter Text

"Who did this to you?"

Curt shook his head, and Ivan pursed his lips.

"Curt..."

"C'mon Ivan, leave it alone. I handle myself, y'know that."

"Yeah, but..."

Exhaling sharply, Ivan tightened the bandages around Curt's arm.

"...But?"

"You're always preaching about how we should be open to each other. It's... not fair that you get to withhold your own shit from us, even if you think you're doing fine on your own. Your problems are our's by extension. We're a team, dude."

"Not fair, huh?"

"Ugh— you should know what I mean by now."

The blood had stopped gushing at this point, and Ivan was relieved. His hands were getting tired, pressing onto the thick cut for so long. If there was at least one thing to be grateful about, though, was that Curt didn't squirm. Even with the bruises around, he never once winced.

"...."

"...."

"...Hey, Ivan?"

"Yes?"

"Thanks."

"...You're welcome... as usual. Whatever you're doing, just try not to make it hard on me again, okay?"

Curt picked up the ripped sleeve, the one that he had cut off himself when he came to see the ex-nurse for his wound treatment. He stared at the part where it had been slit, mirroring the real cut in his arm.

"Yeah. I'll...

I'll try."

Chapter Text

It's eerily quiet as Christian creeps into the hallway, eyes half-lidded, and his mind clearly in a daze.

He has no balance whatsoever, going from walls to walls to support himself as he travels through his home. It feels more like a jungle though, and he curses himself for having picked his bedroom to be at the very end of the hall.

But he can make it, he tells himself. If he can't, it's funny for whoever will find him, laying unconscious on the ground.

Yeah... funny.

Christian grits his teeth, feeling a spike of pain shoot up in his temples. His hand curls up around the back of his head, hair bunching up in between his fingers as he winces.

He needs to get back into bed, he somehow manages to think through the pain.

Before he can trudge forward, he is interrupted. There's a girl standing in his way, hands clasped over one another.

"Christian? Are you okay?" Kristine's voice is gentle and kind- for whatever reason, Christian instinctively tenses upon hearing it.

"..'M fine... I think I just..."

He can't tell her that he's been getting more and more daring with his trips. To tell the truth, he couldn't stand his own mistakes right now. How was he to admit them out loud?

Kristine grants him some mercy, "You don't need to tell me, actually. Do you want some help?"

"That'd be nice.. I just need to get to bed."

Nodding, Kristine struts over and allows him to lean some of his weight onto her shoulder. She walks him to his door, and in their silence, Christian's nearly convinced he's already fallen asleep. That this is all just a dream.

"Here."

"...Oh, thanks."

Christian huffs, pulling himself through the doorway by holding onto the wall. Kristine watches.

"You can tell us if you need anything. You know that?"

"Ah... yeah, of course." Christian smiles over his shoulder as he replies, voice monotone and personality absent. He can tell Kristine isn't convinced by it, too- her eyebrows slants a little, like she's offended he thinks he can fool her.

Still, she doesn't press on it.

As the door closes behind him, neither of them say any sort of goodbye.

Chapter Text

Curt grunted, sword in front of him flashing his vision with everytime he parried. As it happened, he made sure to push forward with his might, and by the end of the sparring session- Curt had successfully won, standing above his foe's clattered sword and barely breaking a sweat.

"You really need to work on offense. You know what they say, it makes the best defense." Curt said. He put his sword into his belt, and as the newbie he was training frowned, he turned behind him. 

He stared into the bushes around them, ignoring the other knights who were watching and, hopefully- if they had any sense- trying to learn from Curt's victory.

"..Alright, it's getting late. If anyone would like to challenge me further, I suggest you wait until tomorrow." Curt announced, but not looking away from a certain spot in the greenery. 

As the people dispersed, he waited until the area was empty before approaching the rose-bush.

"...Christian."

The leaves and flowers rustled, and a man with a jester hat popped up. He smiled, mouth opened to greet, before he paused to brush off any twigs that were caught on his clothes. Afterwards, he cleared his throat.

"Curt! That was quite a show you put on, you're almost making me jealous." Christian laughed. Curt rolled his eyes, putting his hand out to help Christian out of the plant.

"Is that so? What are you jealous of, exactly?"

Christian stretched, now on the pavement and glad to not be cramped hiding in the bushes. "That I can't put something on that entertaining. Just saying, we could perform together. You know I can put on quite the fight."

"As if. There's a reason you're just a jester," Curt retorted, "and besides, you leave Iv- the prince hollering everytime. It's annoying, frankly, trying to sleep and hearing that god-awful laugh. What do you mean you're not entertaining?"

"Eugh, but his family doesn't seem that impressed. They call my jokes crude, can you believe it? And I can't lose my job, it's my only flex!"

"Ah.. right, "flex." Well, regardless, I don't think they'll fire you, the prince surely has a few strings being pulled in the background. I'm sure he'll keep you around for all of our sakes."

"If he isn't incompetent, yes..."

Curt chuckled, "Don't underestimate him too much. We drag his name through the mud more, and we'll have knives in our back."

"If only, I'd be free from this travesty." Christian joked.

The two shared a laugh, and when they saw it was starting to get dark, they had to stop.

"You know, Christian... you don't have to hide around when I'm working. You can just swing by, the other squires are sure to enjoy your company." 

The do began walk out of the training grounds, down a path leading to their resting quarters. Christian responded as they strolled, "Well, if that's so, maybe I can prove my fighting spirit against your men."

"Hah! It would do no good, they're all arrogant and refuse to learn. Fight against me, instead. You'll lose, but at least we can perform for a few seconds like you had suggested."

"How can I not underestimate our dear royal, when you so confidently underestimate me?"

"Because at least with you, dear jester, I won't lose my job and reputation."

They arrived in front of the manor where a few small buildings were standing around. Christian turned to the right, ready to head to his own chambers, but he did not leave before giving Curt one last response-

"We'll see about that, as you'll find wit is one of the most important qualities in my line of work."

Chapter Text

Ivan was used to this.

Durability was one of his few strong suits- being able to take hits and come back with the same stubborn enthusiasm for chaos. That was his thing. The one thing that nobody could take from him.

But every time he stared into a mirror, or Den pulled out a particularly shiny knife, Ivan did see what had been next in line to be stolen.

And with every reflection he peered into, Ivan reached for his face, and he was becoming more aware that his glass was getting closer and closer to getting shattered. Even if he tried not to believe it.

And even if his heart told him otherwise.

Chapter Text

"And the final duel is, of course... Den vs. Ivan!"

As Curt announced the pair, Ivan stepped up onto the fighting stage with a gun in one hand and a bullet-proof vest.

The scenario had been one about combat, obviously, and it was all leading up to the final round of the night. Kristine and Christian (who were both eliminated previously) waited from the stands, both tired from the rigorous battles but also running on the excitement of getting to see who'd be crowned the victor.

Den didn't hesitate to step up from the opposite side of Ivan, a knife shining brightly in her hand.

Christian looked over, whispering to Kristine from one side of his mouth. "I get that it's her brand, and I'm not try'na say that she's weak or anything... but a knife against a gun isn't gonna do much."

"Is this a strategy? Maybe she's gonna have a gun, too! Look- she's pulling something out!" Kristine responded.

But Den didn't have a gun like Ivan in her other palm. Instead, it was just...

"Another knife!?" Curt almost laughed, "Well, this tracks... on a count of three, y'all are gonna fight!"

Ivan pointed his gun, turning the safety off.

"One..."

Den didn't move, not even stanced up by the time Curt said the second number.

"Two..."

They stared at each other.

"THREE!"

Ivan's precision might've been perfect, but Den was just as durable as he was.

"...I CONCEDE- I CONCEDE!"

Den loved the wind in her hair.

Chapter Text

Curt was watching his own life play out through a screen.

A lens of his mistakes.

And every time it came to the ending, a pitiful one to be sure, it always rewound and restarted.

Curt would never be free from his own hell that he had cultivated. And the scary part was that he didn't know if he wanted to be.

———

"We need to evacuate— RICHY! What are you doing?!" A doctor had called out. She skidded to a stop in front of a door, realizing that the aforementioned man was going the opposite way.

"I-" Curt started, but he was petrified and frozen before he could proceed.

What was he doing?

Did he really think he could go out there into the dangerous halls, facing off countless creatures that were set free, and survive? Just so he could save his friends?

He was shaking now— foreign panic creasing his features.

"CURT! We have to go!" The doctor yelled. "If we go through the security room we can find the panic room and wait there."

Curt wasn't stupid. He wasn't like the rest. They were reckless, but he was intelligent and thoughtful.

(Amongst many other things.)

"R-Right. Right-! Sorry." Stammering, Curt tried to rebuild confidence and grabbed a spare gun. As he followed the doctor out through the emergency escape, he reloaded it.

Of course, though, for a system that prided itself on containment, it was flimsy when met with an even greater danger.

They didn't get far at all- Curt wasn't even able to see anyone else before their path was cut off from the others.

Lights flickered, and Curt's associate was breathing heavy. He usually knew how to deal with scary encounters, but being so far from it all surely made him more vulnerable.

---

( "You're getting soft," Den had once said. She chuckled at Curt's shocked expression. "It's just blood! We see it everyday."

"Besides, it's your fault she got hurt. Hiding in a panic room... what a pussy." Ivan snorted, before continuing to wipe off the girl's wounds with a rag.)

---

"Shit. Fuck this-!" Curt breathed, teeth slightly clenched as he pushed the doctor towards the obstacle: an incoming monster. He heard her scream, but if she had any sense, then she'd be using bullets to match her volume.

She did not, he reckoned. After running around a corner, letting himself get semi-lost in a maze of hallways, there was total silence. No gunfire nor pained phrases. That could only mean one thing, but Curt wasn't about to linger on it and let himself find translucent hands.

"I need to... I need to find-... no, I need to hide." Curt reminded himself of his goal, pulling himself off a wall. There was debris leading down the next alley of prisoner cells, and so he hardened his gaze and made sure the gun was still in hand.

He wiped the sweat off his brow with the back of it, walking slowly but firmly. He knew that there was another emergency route somewhere around the place, beginning to recognize the numbers next to doors.

"..Is.. is that-"

Curt's face turned green, blood staining an entire prisoner cell. The bars were busted open, angled in a way that let him go through the new large gap.

He shouldn't be here, he told himself. He should've kept on going.

But he stayed glued there, eyes drilling into the mangled corpse of a boy.

---

(Christian didn't trust him anymore. Curt knew this, and he was sure that everyone else did too. Except maybe Kristine, but she was an oblivious anomaly as a whole.

Still, his eyes softened when Curt stumbled on apologies and tried to keep them comfortable even with the living conditions.

Christian always smiled, but he never did so truly fondly. Not before this.)

---

Christian's body stunk of metal, having died with an entire hole piercing his chest. His eyes were shocked, and a permanent frown graced his expression.

It didn't suit him.

Curt put a hand to his eyes, fingers swiping below the waterline to dry them.

He didn't want to look at it anymore. He turned around, trying to force the haunting image out of his mind.

There were a million questions he could ask his past self, but he had other answers to find prior.

Curt continued on his way, disheartened, but still determined to leave this hell. Trudging along slowly-caving in walls, he found more and more corpses building up. It almost became a mental game to distract him, to count every single rotting body he could come across.

It wasn't long before he found another special tally to add.

In the canteen, his eyes followed figures that were cemented in remarkable stone. It was like seeing a moment in time captured as statues.

He would have ogled, had he not known the true, devastating cause behind this.

Curt walked by them all, careful to look over his shoulder and not accidentally meet a cat (or any sort of animal, for that matter.)

But he had encountered a girl. Encased in the rock, her flowers were nothing more than just another piece of nature now.

Curt felt a migraine hit him, he took off his hat lest it irritated him more.

---

(Curt thought she was annoying at first, and he was lying if he said she still didn't.

But she was charming regardless, and she had grown close with the other prisoners quite easily. Even if she was a bit of a strange one, Curt could appreciate the extra lab-rat.

"Curt! You're back!"

...That was the third time this week she had hugged him.

It was nice.)

---

This was getting ridiculous. Seriously, could the security room just appear already? Curt knew he had to have been getting close, but...

How much longer?

He didn't want to waste another second in this place of death.

His tie had come off a while ago, it felt like it was choking him.

He must've looked so disheveled.

A crack snapped Curt out of his thoughts, and he darted behind a fallen piece of ceiling. His gun was ready, though he was growing nervous about using it having been lucky so far.

...Strange indeed- why hadn't he seen any monsters after that first time?

Silence passed, and Curt wasn't sure of whether or not he should investigate. He needed to get through that hallway to get to the security room.

This must've been his final obstacle.

Taking in a deep breath, Curt kept his back close to a wall as he began moving. There was nothing moving in sight, so he assumed that the crack he heard had been harmless. That, or whoever was there left already.

Feeling slight relief, he began running to the next hallway, and to his luck- a door was planted there. He had his ID card out, ready to swipe it and unlock it.

As his card slid through the reader, though, he realized that it opened to a particularly short girl with iconic red spirals on her face.

"Curtis.

Hasn't it been too long?"

---

(Chilly was always a bit airheaded, so Curt made sure to explain before she asked any questions.

"This is Recreyo Chan. Remember her? She was our scrapped mascot from a while ago."

Chilly looked a bit... uneased, but she nodded.

She tugged at her uniform's collar.

"Great... so why am I here?")

---

Curt knew he deserved torment after what he had done. What he had allowed to be done.

But after seeing Den and Ivan's bodies next to RC, awaiting his arrival, Curt wondered if it was ever worth it in the first place.

Chapter Text

you know nothing of pain. i tell you everytime you dare to stick your tongue out at me, and have the courage to pout. oh! what a splendid time - wedging my blade between your ribcage to rid you of the evils plaguing you. but you never once really die - i mean, nobody does. not in this world. but that's part of the point, a bit of a hellish repeat to teach you better than to scorn and scoff.

i don't pretend to be better than i am - that's more ego than i'll ever have. i have seen the slaughterhouse and those who go to it with their heads held up high, and i intend to not line up when our names are called. but even so, i feel like this is my duty. a self-righteous one? perhaps, but i'll blame you if you think you have the dictation to decide that.

let's play this game again. just you and me, stuck in a cycle of numbness and betrayal. i'll show you what pain is, but i wonder if you'll ever really get it. not when you still smile, even when my eyes are dyed red; crying over a mangled body of my own destruction.