Archive of Our Own ^beta

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It had been awhile since ii had ended for good. Most of the contestants had moved apart, no longer needing to be together. Not everyone though. As the competition created rivalries, it also made new bonds. This is where our story begins. Of the many contestants, there were four who decided to live together. The members of the bright lights: fan, test tube, lightbulb, paintbrush and the alien egg who they were looking after. It was a scenic sunset. Paintbrush was in their room, light bulb was watching TV on the sofa and fan was watching the sunset with the shimmer.

Suddenly, Fan heard the door behind him open. Test tube walked out to greet fan. "Oh hey Test tube, what's good?" Fan asked, slightly surprised at Test tubes sudden appearance. "I was looking for you, everything going good?" Test tube responded. "Yep everything's going just fine! Just watching the shimmer and the sky, it really is quite beautiful today, isn't it?". "It is" test tube responded. Fan and test tube's conversation when on for a little longer before fan started to look slightly off. Like he was concerned about something. Test tube was quick to notice this look on Fan's face. "Hey, everything okay?" Fan looked back at test tube "oh yeah no perfectly fine! Just got an odd feeling I guess.." Fan began to slouch slightly. "An odd feeling? Are you ill or anything?" Test tube asked, concerned if Fan was sick or something. "No it's more like..a feeling,like somethings..off if that makes sense. It's probably nothing though". Even as Fan brushed it off, Test tube couldn't help but be a little worried for fan. These feeling don't just come from nowhere.

As worry started to grow in her mind, Fan suddenly went slack, as though he'd passed out. Test tube immediately began to panic and tried shaking fan awake." Fan?! Come on don't pass out on me" yelled Test tube. After a minute, Test tube was about to call someone when Fan suddenly shot up from where he was originally lying. Relief immediately washed over test tube like a tidal wave." Oh thank God, you had me worried for a second there" Test tube remarked. "Oh you worry too much testy I'm fine!". Test tube suddenly felt something was off with Fan. While she was relieved to see him awake, there was something in his tone of voice that didn't sit quite right with her. It had a different tone that was definitely familiar, but didn't sound like Fan. As Test tube's skepticism grew, they noticed the shimmer tucked behind her. It seemed to recognise that tone as well, and it seemed to have a fearful look on its face which only put more questions into test tube's head.

"Fan, are you sure everythings- "Everthings fine testy you just worry a little too much" Fan's words brought her no comfort. Test tube was growing skeptical of Fan, he can't just pass out and wake up with an off putting tone and claim to be fine. While lost in these thoughts she noticed the shimmer shaking behind her and Fan's held out arms that tried to pick it up. The shimmers panicked look brought more doubt to test tube face and annoyance to fans. "So, real great view huh?" Fan remarked, trying to avert attention. "Yeah. Reeeal great" Test tube allowed herself to get distracted by the view for a second. Big mistake.

While Test tube wasn't paying attention, Fan swung a punch to the back of their head. Test tube managed to dodge an put their hands up in a defensive position"woah, hey now! What do you think you're doing?" Fan didn't seem bothered by Test tube's question "hand me the shimmer. Now". Fan spoke with a mix of strictness and anger, but Test tube wasn't willing to hand it over. Whoever this was, it wasn't Fan. "I'm not giving you anything, now who are you!". Fan ignored Test tube question. "Give it to me or I will TEAR YOU INTO PIECES". Fan? suddenly raising his voice put Test tube off guard for a second before quickly regaining her composure. "I'm not giving you anything until you tell me who you are and what's going on!". Fan? let out an annoyed sigh " being meeple bi-products means the code you're made of is stored in our system, and from there I can take control from hq. There, now give it to me". Test tube was both shocked and appalled by what she'd just heard before being hit with a realisation. There was a reason that shimmer so afraid of Fan?'s tone of voice. It was the tone of the man who had wrecked their home planet. "Cobs, is that?.." "who else would it be?". His response made her blood run cold. The thought of Fan being controlled by cobs, forced to do all these things for him, it made her sick.

"Last warning, give me that egg". His voice was firm. He was dead set on getting the shimmer, but there was no way Test tube was letting the shimmer go. Not to this mad man." And why the HELL would I even consider letting you touch the shimmer?". Test tube was willing to stand their ground which only made cobs annoyance grow. "Oh come on, you wouldn't hurt fan would you?" Fan? asked. It was true she didn't want to hurt Fan, but that wasn't Fan, so maybe she would mind doing some damage to the mad controlling fan. "Maybe, but you're not Fan. If I have to fight you, I'm more than willing". Fan? smirked and Test tube's statement." Fine them, go on. Do it". Test tube didn't want to fight Fan, even if it wasn't really him, but it seemed she had no choice.

Fan? Ran at Test tube which she easily managed to avoid before kicked him in the back knocking them to the floor. Test tube approached for another blow before fan? Retaliated with a kick to the head which managed to knock Test tube back slightly. Fan? Tried throwing more punches, but Test tube was swift enough to avoid getting hit before knocking him to the ground once more. This time, she wasn't about to give Fan? A chance to get back up. They jumped on top of Fan? And began rapidly punching their face. Test tube was determined to get fan back in control of his body, but something was off. Even while landing blow after blow on Fan?'s face, each landing harder and harder, Fan? Still had a smile on his face, which only seemed to grow wider with each punch. Eventually, Test tube held back her punches and asked " what the hell's wrong with you, why are you still smiling? You some kind of masochist or something?". Fan? Managed to speak up now that his face wasn't being beaten down on "oh Test tube, think for a second. If this isn't my body I'm not going to be feeling any of this, am I?". Test tube thought about for a second and realised he was right. Fan? Continued "sooo since this isn't my body, who's gonna be feeling all that pain?", Test tube thought for a moment before it hit her. "Fan..".

The implication made her stomach drop to her feet. All this time she thought she had been attacking cobs when in actuality she had only been hurting Fan. Test tube immediately backed away from fans body, horrified at what she had done. "Oh don't be like that. You're smart, you should've know better". Fan? Began to stand up. "Tell ya what, my original plan was just to control fan and take the egg, but it seems you two are a little closer than I thought which might be fun" Test tube retaliated, trying her best to hide her guilt "so what? You're gonna toy with our friendship? Use it against us? I'd like to see you try". Test tube tried her best to sound confident, but what he was implying terrified her. "Oh you will. I'll leave you two alone for now, but I'll be back, and it won't be so easy to keep that egg safe". And with that, Fan's body fell to the floor.

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As fan fell to the floor, Test tube immediately ran over to see if they were okay. Her heart aching for her friend on the ground wondering how he would react to her violent outburst on his controlled body. As her mind was racing, she suddenly spotted fan's eyes open slightly. Test tube gently shook Fan until his eyes where noticely more open and he had began to sit up with a groan."Fan? Are you okay?" Test tube asked, knowing the answer wouldn't be good. Fan slowly sat up with a groan," I'll be honest, a little dizzy but I'm in control now, and that's enough". Test tube's guilt suddenly rose back to the surface." Fan I'm so sorry I didn't realise I was hurting you! I thought I was helping, I'm so sorry!" Test tube blurted." It's okay Test tube, you didn't know, you were only just trying to help" Fan reassured her. It brought test tube little comfort, but it made her feel a little better." Besides" Fan reminded, "we've got a bigger problem on our hands".

Test tube knew he was right. At any moment Cobs could return and take control of Fan without any way of them knowing. "Well first things first you can't let the shimmer out of our sight. He could come back at any moment and it's not just my code he has" Fan instructed." Okay, but what are we going to do about the code issue?" Test tube asked, growing more worried. "Why don't we check out the lab? There has to be something in there that could help us!". Test tube nodded. Surely she was smart enough to have something against Cobs right? The two of them made their way over to the labs where test tube entered the combination and guided Fan and the shimmer inside.

The two wasted no time in searching the place for anything that could maybe help them get rid of Cobs, however, it was to little avail. They searched for hours looking for anything. Test tube began to grow more worried for Fan. She couldn't stand the thought of Cobs taking control of his body forcing him to carry out his orders. As Test tube was wallowing in her thoughts, Fan came into the room." Hey Test tube, how come you've got a pair of handcuffs?" Fan asked, jolting Test tube from her train of negative thoughts." Oh those? Old security measure that I kinda never used" test tube answered. Truth be told she didn't remember where she got them from. By now they were too worn to hold anyone for a long time." Well it won't get rid of him but maybe if you hold me with these while he's controlling me, he won't be able to do anything!". Test tube was skeptical," I don't know Fan, I don't thing those hold very well" she remarked." Well if this one isn't very good I can check the box it came in. There might be another pair" Fan suggested." Yeah, I think that's a better idea" test tube replied.

As Fan left the room, Test tube heard a noise coming from the vents. Given the past few hours she was already on edge. She slowly moved closer to where the sound came from, fearful for the worst when suddenly a rat burst through the half open vent. Test tube took a sigh of relief, she really needed to call an exterminator, this rat problem had really gotten out of hand. She left the room to see if Fan had found a better pair of cuffs and upon entering the room he was in she was met with the sight of Fan on his knees, his hands practically clawing at his head."Fan? Are you okay? Is he-?" "Test tube" Fan interrupted "take the shimmer and run."." But Gan-" "GO PLEASE" fan yelled. Test tube didn't want to leave him behind, but she didn't have a choice. She grabbed the shimmer and the worn cuffs and ran out the lab.

By now the sun had began to rise as test tube ran into the forest holding the shimmer tightly. After awhile, she stopped behind a nearby tree to catch her breath. As she regained her breath, she began to panic. She was in the middle of nowhere with her best friend in the whole world being controlled by some mad man out to torment them and steal the shimmer and she has no idea where he could be. Test tube's thought were quickly interrupted by the sound of footsteps on the forest floors. Test tube peaked from behind her hiding spot to see Fan? Walking through, presumably looking for them. Fan? was getting closer, soon she would be noticed. Test tube looked at the cuffs in her hand. It wasn't particularly strong, but neither was Fan, so maybe she could work with what she had. As the sound of Fan?'s footsteps grew closer, Test tube stood up behind the tree, positioned ready to pounce. At the perfect moment, she snuck up behind him and (somehow) successfully managed to cuff both hands behind fan?'s back and push him to the floor. Fan? felt to the floor with a grunt "what the?- oh reeeal clever testy!" Fan? remarked. Test tube hardly cared what Fan? had to say. "Shut up. You're lucky enough to be in fan's body or I'd knock you senseless" Test tube snapped. Fan? smirked "yeah because the second you figured out you hurt Fan, oh! That look on your face was priceless" Fan? Snapped back. Test tube rolled her eyes. "You really are heartless aren't you?" Test tube replied." So what if I am?" Fan? asked. At that moment, test tube heard a snapping noise coming from behind Fan?.

Before she could check what it was, Fan? suddenly stood up and delivered a hard punch right to her face. The force knocked Test tube into a nearby tree. Luckily for her, nothing seemed to be cracked. Fan? suddenly came from behind and cuffed her hands behind the tree, holding her in place. Test tube struggled against the cuffs, but the metal was too strong. "Turns out there was a stronger pair in the box eh?" Fan? remarked. Test tube was unenthused." Let me go right now!" Test tube yelled." Sorry testy, but I'm taking both the egg and Fan back to meeple, just as soon as I figure out where it ran off to". Test tubes panic suddenly resurfaced."Hey- Hey- Fan no come on I swear to GOD don't do this!" Test tube pleaded. "Sorry but you're not exactly talking to fan right now, are you?" Fan? replied. Test tube was very aware of this, but she was desperate. "I don't care if it's not Fan I know he can hear me, please" Test tube pleaded once more. Fan?'s eye suddenly twitched slightly. A small act but maybe a sign he WAS still in there. Fan? seemed to notice this and decided to leave. 'Sorry testy, but I've got a delivery to make". Test tube keep struggling desperately trying to escape from the cuffs that kept her bound to no avail "Please don't leave me here!! Fan, please come back, you can't do this!" But was too late. Fan? had walked into the deep forest in search of the shimmer, leaving Test tube tied to a tree in the middle of nowhere. Test tube slouched against the tree and let out a sob. Fan, her best friend and the shimmer they worked so hard to protect, was now in the clutches of the one person they tried to protect it from. She truly felt hopeless.

Hours passed and Test tube was still tied a a tree. She'd tried pulling against her restraints, but couldn't free herself no matter how hard she tried. She was about to give up before she heard footsteps approaching. Test tube wanted to call out but was worried she'd be attracting unwanted attention. The footsteps grew closer, she realised that there were two people approaching, not just one. Test tube shuffled to the side slightly to see if she could get a better look at who it was. A wave of relief washed over her as she saw Lightbulb and Paintbrush approaching.

"Hey! Guys!" Test tube tugged on the cuffs "Over here!". Lightbulb and Paintbrush immediately ran over to where Test tube was. "Jesus, how did this happen?" Paintbrush asked, going behind to try and remove the cuffs." Cobs has taken control of fan and is using him to take the shimmer!" Test tube replied. A panicked look grew on the twos faces "Oh that's not good" Lightbulb remarked. After a few minutes, Paintbrush had managed to remove the handcuffs holding Test tube. Her wrist were sore from the cuffs,but she was thankful to be free. She immediately ran off out of the forest "Okay, we need to get fan and get the shimmer back, and we need to do it NOW" Test tube ordered. Lightbulb and Paintbrush had little knowledge as to what had happened, but understood the urgency of the situation. The three of them ran of to the supposed location of meeple HQ with hopes to get the two back before whatever Cobs plan is.

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Hey guys. I've been trying to keep these updates relatively sorted and close, but I have decided to take an extended break on this fic to focus on my mental health and my mocks that I have coming up. The fic is not cancelled, there just won't be any updates for a few weeks, possibly months at worse. Thanks for hopefully understanding and I'll update this fic as soon as I'm able for the few people who are interested. Seriously can't thank you guys enough. Anyways ill be seeing you all in awhile. Probably by the time I'm 15 (got my birthday coming up)

Chapter Text

It had only been a couple of hours since test tube had been tied to a tree, but it had felt like hours for test tube, in a constant state of worry of what cobs was doing to fan and if she'd ever get out. Nows not the time to worry however, it was time to put fear aside and get back what cobs had stolen from her. Luckily, the trip to meeple HQ was relatively quick thanks to the hot air balloons at their disposal. "The building looks quite big" Paintbrush remarked as they entered the building. "We should probably split up and see what we can find". Test tube thought about it. On one hand, they were more likely to get caught of guard and taken out one by one if they split, one the other hand, the building was remarkable huge, so splitting up would help them cover more ground so they could get out of there quicker. After thinking for a moment, she eventually nodded. "Alright. You two take the left side and I'll search the right. Meet me back here if you find anything". With that, they wished each other luck and ran off in opposing directions.

Test tube entered the right side and immediately began looking through every door, every cabinet, to see if they could find Fan or the shimmer. During their search, a certain room catches their eye. It's some form of holding cell. Once she noticed this, Test tube decided to peak her head through the door assuming cobs would have put Fan in here. She quickly began her search throughout the the room and sure enough, on the far side of the room, curled up in a corner, was Fan. Test tube's eyes when she saw him in there. She quickly ran up to the bars and calling out. "Fan!! Oh my God are you alright? Cobs didn't hurt you did he?". Fan jumped slightly upon hearing Test tube's suddenly yelling, but was relieved to see that she came "Test tube!". A small, relieved smile grew on Test tube's face as she heard Fan calling out. "Oh Fan are you alright? Cobs didn't hurt you did he?". "No" Fan responded, "but he still has the egg! It should be in the main office somewhere down the hall". "Alright then" Test tube responded, "Just hang tight. I'll get you out of here as soon as I can I promise." With that, Test tube began to run out of the room to check the main office Fan told her about. "Oh and test tube?" Fan added, his voice slightly remorseful, "I'm sorry, I never wanted any of this to happen". Test tube wasn't sure why Fan was apologising as none of this was his fault, so Test tube gave a little reassurance to Fan before she left. "Fan it's fine. None of this is your fault. You weren't in control okay? I don't blame you, I blame Cobs, and now I'm going take back what he stole". And with that, Test tube left the room.

The main office wasn't hard to find. It took Test tube awhile to reach it, however once she made it to the end of the corridor, she found the golden double doors which was no doubt the main office. What surprised her though is that the doors weren't locked, in fact, they were slightly agape. Test tube peaked her head through the doors, no one seemed to be inside. Once Test tube was sure the office was empty, she snuck inside and quietly closed the door behind her. The room was mostly empty, if the shimmer really was in here like Fan said it was, then there was only one place it would be: the desk. Test tube began checking through each and every drawer before coming across a see-through box which held the shimmer inside. Test tube quickly opened the box to check that it was indeed, the shimmer, fast asleep. Thankfully, the shimmer was real. Test tube let out a sigh of relief as she held the shimmer inside her arms. The shimmer began to wake up a little and let out a little happy noise when it saw Test tube. Test tube of course couldn't help but smile. "Shhh, it's okay we're going to have to be quiet so we can get out of here". Test tube reached back into the drawers to find the key to Fan's cell when suddenly, Test tube heard the door lock behind her.

She immediately froze, her heart skipping a beat as she heard the door lock. She slowly turned to the door, the fear and panic rising in her chest. There stood Fan?, who had broken the key in the lock to prevent the door from opening. "...Fan?" Test tube asked, "Is that really you or is it-" "Yknow" Fan? interrupted, "Trespassing on private property is a serious crime, so mind telling me what you're doing in my office?". Test tube began to panic but tried her best to remain calm, " I was just...looking for something, that's all!". Fan? looked and the shimmer held gently in Test tube's arm, "And it looks like you're taking the egg aswell. Adding theft to the list of crimes now are we?". The little confidence Test tube had was vanishing, but she held herself together in order to keep the shimmer safe. "It's not theft if it was never yours. Besides, what are you going to do to stop me?". "What are you going to do to stop ME?" Fan? retaliated. Test tube tried thinking of a plan, but she was panicking, and nothing was coming to her head. She knew there was no way out of this, but she couldn't lose what she had now. "Y-..you're not taking this egg from me. I won't let you." Test tube stated, holding the shimmer tightly. "And how do you plan to stop me when you can't even hurt me?" Fan? asked with a smirk on his face. "You freaked out last time you hear you hurt Fan!". This took Test tube awhile little of guard. She wasn't expecting him to bring that up. "Of course if freaked! He's my friend! I didn't want to hurt him! But that doesn't mean I can still stop you!". Fan? did not believe this and in all honesty, Test tube didn't believe it herself. "Face it Testy!" Fan barked "You made a big mistake coming here. Had you just stayed put what's about to happen wouldn't of happened, but oh well". Test tube knew he was right. If she hadn't come then she could of saved herself from whatever Cobs was planning, but she also couldn't just leave Fan and the shimmer in his clutches. Besides, it was too late to back out now. "Stop calling me 'testy'. I have a NAME.". Fan? didn't seem to care about what Test tube had to say. He didn't want to bother himself with any of it, he wanted to see her suffer, and he knew just how to start.

Fan? put a hand on his papery head and began to tear a piece off from his head. Test tube watched completely silent with fear as Fan? slowly ripped a chunk from his head. Her eyes widened at all the blood and the colour drained from her face. "B-.....blood. Did you...". Fan? quickly interrupted. "Yep! Best part of this being painless is that I can make him suffer without causing myself any pain!". Test tube's whole body was frozen with fear. She knew cobs was apathetic, but this was something else. As well as he mentioned Fan suffering. The thought of Fan, still in there, being forced to endure all of this was heart,wrenching. It was too much for her. "You-....You're making him endure all this? Making him live through this?". "Yes" Fan? responded. "Now, the original plan was to just use Fan to get the egg, but you've caused me a few problems, and if I let you go I'm sure to get myself into hot water for health code violations, so we're going to have to do something with you". Test tube began to panic even more. Whatever Fan? wanted with her would no doubtably not be good. "Wh-.....what are you going to do with me?" Test tube asked. Fan? thought for a moment before asking " How fast would Fan recover from a broken arm?" Test tube's blood ran cold. She didn't want to answer, she didn't want to say anything, but it was clear to her that she wasn't being given a choice. "I mean it depends......on the kind of break. I'd say maybe a month or a year...". Fan? smirked "interesting..". Test tube was getting even more terrified. Her heart was racing and her head was beginning to spin. "Please, please don't break his-...". Fan? cut through Test tube's pleas. "Well I mean it's his arm or yours, I'm fine either way". Test tube's heart dropped as he said that. The thought of either her or Fan getting their arm broken was horrifying. She didn't want to put herself through such sheet agony, but she also couldn't bring herself to put Fan in even more pain than he already was. "N-no...don't please, PLEASE don't break either" Test tube pleaded. Fan? started to grow impatient "come on testy one or the other!". Test tube could feel her breathing growing faster at Fan?'s demand. She was in full blown pain mode and began to feel nauseous. "Please...don't" Test tube muttered whilst trying to hold back the tears forming in her eyes. "You've got ten seconds to decide before I'm breaking both" Fan? demanded. Test tube began to hyperventilate. She couldn't take this. Neither option was any good to her, but she had no choice. "...break my arm, not his" Test tube finally decided. "Finally!" Fan? exclaimed "see that wasn't so hard?". A tear rolled down Test tube's face. The last thing she wanted was a broken arm, and that's exactly what Fan? was going to give her. "Please just...make it quick. Please don't-" before Test tube could finish, Fan? grabbed Test tube's arm with both hands and bent it over with a snap.

Test tube immediately felt the excruciating pain coursing through her arm. She couldn't hold back anymore and let out a loud scream, no longer able to hold back her tears. She clutched her now broken arm, the pain was unbelievable. Her heart was beating so fast it felt as though it would burst from her chest. Fan? only seemed amused by Test tube's reaction. "Oh now this is good!" Fan? hollered "Man if only you could see Fan's reaction to all this! Actually..that's a good idea!". Test tube wasn't even listening to what Fan? was saying, she could barley hear him as the pain rushed through her entire body. It hurt so bad she could hardly think, let alone talk. She was desperate for the pain to stop. She looked back over at where Fan? was standing and noticed he wasn't standing anymore, but had fallen to his knees. There was something comforting about seeing him like this, it was a sort of sign that Fan was still in there somewhere. Fan looked over to where Test tube laid on the floor. "Test tube..?" He asked, as though he wasn't even sure what he was seeing was real.

Test tube slowly looked over at Fan. All efforts to stop the flow of tears had ceased and her body was violently shaking. She tried to steady her breathing, but was having a hard time doing so. "OH MY GOD TEST TUBE". Fan ran over quickly to try and help Test tube with the pain. Fan put tried putting his hands to his head and was met with a gap in his head and a bloody hand. Test tube looked at him with a mixture of fear, pain and sadness. She was desperately trying to stay clam despite the pain, as it hurt SO much, but now that Fan had control over his body, maybe he could help them escape. "...It....hurts-..help please.." Test tube pleaded. Fan immediately went into panic mode. "I-IM SORRY TEST TUBE. I-LL FIX THUS DONT WORRY!" Fan ran to the door and tried to open it, but to no avail as the lock was still broken. Test tube still laid there on the floor, clutching her arm. "F-fan please-" Fan did not hear Test tube's pleas "OPEN YOU STUPID DOOR" Fan yelled, desperately trying to get the door open. Test tube flinched slightly at Fan's sudden yelling. She felt completely helpless as she laid there on the floor in agony. After failing to open the door, Fan quickly noticed Test tube's suffering an ran over to help her, but fell to the floor mid sprint before slowly rising. Test tube held herself breath as he slowly stood up, worried he might hurt himself again or worse. She froze as she heard that familiar tone in Fan's voice, "Oh THAT'S golden!". Test tube immediately tensed hearing Fan? say that. She tried to say something, to defend him, but all that came out were incoherent whimpers. This seemed to disappoint Fan?. "Oh come on are you really giving up that easily? No more pleas, no insults, do you even care about Fan?". Test tube tensed even more at that, and she felt horrible. Of course she cared for Fan, she cared about him more than anything, yet she was frozen in pain and fear and all she could let out were whimpers and sobs. "...pathetic" Fan? spat. Test tube felt even more guilty. She couldn't help but feel it was true. She was pathetic, weak, useless. She couldn't help Fan even though she desperately wanted to. "Say" Fan? remarked "I think you'd look real dashing in an eyepatch". Test tube was completely frozen in terror. The thought of losing more parts was terrifying, yet she knew she couldn't do anything. Fan? suddenly pulled out a small knife and began to approach Test tune once again. Test tube's eyes widened in horror as she back away as much as possible, her fear so intense she though she might pass out. "N-no..please,don't,PLEASE-" "Now that's what I like to hear!" Fan? interrupted, clearly relishing in her begging. Test tube was disgusted that her pleas and begs for me cry was met with excitement and joy. She didn't want to beg him for anything, but she couldn't help it. Fear had taken complete control over her. "Well if you're really that upset about it, I could just do it to Fan." Fan? suggested. Test tube begged once more through her sobs "no,no...please don't hurt him more, PLEASE". Fan? smirked "so you're the one wearing the eyepatch in this relationship. Noted". Test tube's face grew even more pale. She could no longer beg him, plead with him to keep her eye as anything that came out of her mouth was incoherent sobs. But just as Fan? was approaching Test tube, yelling arose from behind the doors of the office. It was hard for Test tube to make out what the people behind the door were saying or who they were, but before Test tube could make any assumptions, fire suddenly burst through the office doors. Test tube peaked in the hole blow in the door by the fire and saw Lightbulb and Paintbrush. Of course, she had completely forgotten about them.

" Was that really necessary?" Asked Paintbrush, clearly a little annoyed at Lightbulb for something. "Hey. Got the door open one way!" Lightbulb remarked. Test tube almost cried in relief, a new sense of comfort and safety felt throughout her body. "TEST TUBE!" the two yelled upon seing Test tube laying on the floor with a broken arm. She tried to respond, but could only muster up a half chocked "...help-". She was relieved to see them, but still in immense pain. The two began to run over to Test tube when suddenly Fan? picked Test tube up off the ground and held a knife to her throat, "TAKE ONE MORE STEP AND THE GREEN THING GETS IT". The two packed of quickly at Fan? demands, not wanting anything to happen to Test tube. Test tube immediately tensed up as she was lined off the ground and threatened with a knife. Both the terror and pain made Test tube want to pass out. She kept her eyes on Paintbrush and Lightbulb, not wanting to look at Fan? or the knife he held in his hands. Paintbrush was the first to break the silence. " Alright listen here, none of this is necessary okay? Just back away from Test tube and slower the knife". Paintbrush's attempt at negotiation only seemed to anger Fan?. "YOU ARE NOT IN A POSITION TO GIVE ME ORDERS. NOW IF YOU COULD LEAVE BEFORE THINGS GET BLOODY, THAT WOULD BE PREFERABLE". Test tube whimpered at Fan?'s threats. The thought of things getting 'bloody' was both terrifying and overwhelming. "Fan please" Lightbulb spoke up " I know you're still in there somewhere. You have to fight it, I know you can!". Test tube silently prayed that Lightbulb's words would reach Fan from wherever he was. She felt frail and weak in Fan?'s arms, but had a small pang of hope that maybe Fan could try and break free. By some miracle, Fan? lowered the knife around Test tube's throat as a pained look rose to the surface. Test tube's relaxed a little once seeing this, seeing that he might of been able to overpower cobs in some way. Dan eventually let go of Test tube and fell to the floor clutching his head. The three ran over to see if Fan had really managed to shake free of cobs control. As they closed in on him, he managed to let out "found....him". Test tube wanted to reach out to comfort him, but now was the time for action. Cobs would be back in control any minute now, and they needed to know where he was. Even still, the sound of his struggling voice broke her heart. "Control....room...left....not...far...hurry" Fan mumbled. It wasn't much, but it was better than nothing. Paintbrush started moving towards the door. "Lightbulb, you make sure everyone is okay, I'm going to find Cobs and finally end this" and with that, they ran off. Lightbulb began checking all of Test tube's injuries, but before she could check Fan's he got to his feet and sprinted out of the room after Paintbrush. Test tube tensed once more once she realised what was going on."DONT, STOP" she yelled, but it was all she could muster and not enough to bring back Fan.(okay honestly I wanted to write more but I'm actually so tired I just can't so imma leave it here. That's for reading)