Hearing a loud thunk, Alistar moved towards it to see Drake kneeling on the ground. She didn’t even have a moment to think after he saw her. The only thing she felt was his arms around her, squeezing her. It hurt like hell but at the same time was exactly what she wanted. Doing her best to wrap her arms around him, she clutched at his shirt. Words locked up in her shirt, and all she could do was turn her face into his neck.

Letting out a pained gasp after he didn’t seem to want to let up after a moment. She tapped his arms and tried to wiggle. Not to get away, but to get him to at least loosen his hold. ”Are you ok?” she could smell the blood and worried how badly he had hurt himself.

----

Drake would enjoy her warmth, her scent, her heartbeat. They let him know she was very real and that he was holding his Alistar right now. Feeling her wiggle he loosened up her would look to notice the damage she had gotten which would lead to a look of anger and concern. “Im fine, i'm missing roughly a fifth of my blood but it will return shortly. What happened to you.” he said, his hands moving to gently brush where he saw visible damage.

—-----------

Alistar held onto him, listening to what he told her. ”That’s still a lot of blood!” Pulling him to the couch quickly, she paid no mind to his inquiry about her own injuries. Instead, she went and got a bowl of clean water and a damp cloth to wipe some of the dirt and blood from him. ”I’ll be fine. I was in a couple of fights, one of them being against Silas. As you can see, I lost.” her eyes were a bit haunted and her voice had a hard edge to it, but she busied herself with cleaning off his hands and anywhere else she saw blood or dirt.

-----

Drake would have argued but he had no energy as he would be made to sit down as she cleaned him up. Hearing her talk about being fine he noticed the bruising on her throat, the name Silas being a name he would keep saved in his head in case he got the chance to confront the man about his treatment of Alistar. Holding back his anger he watched as she cleaned the blood and dirt off of him and he would slowly speak “I kept seeing you…in dangerous situations and calling for me…It was like I was back home.” he said slowly reaching out to cup her cheek with his hand “I was so afraid you were going to get hurt if I took too long or made a mistake.”

—------------

Her eyes softened while she gazed at him, a tan hand coming up to cover his over her cheek. ”I trust you to always come and find me.” finishing what she was doing, she put the bowl aside and climbed onto his lap, hugging him and resting her forehead against his. ”We woke up in a place surrounded by mirrors first that had creatures that looked like the ones from Silent Hill. If we looked too long it was like watching a nightmare.” she frowned, shaking her head. ”I want to be free of things like that.” she honestly felt like she was going to have nightmares for the rest of her life. Yet being back here in his arms again made her incredibly happy. The unknowing goddess knew that she probably didn’t smell the greatest or look the best, but she didn’t care. She just wanted to hold him and be close to him. In essence that should have frightened her and in the past it would have, but as she hugged him tightly, Alistar realized and finally admitted to herself what she had been ignoring all along.

----

Drake held her as she spoke, hearing those words of trust in him brought thoughts he had been avoiding. Why hasn't he used his other powers during the event? Was there really no opportunity in the situations they faced? Given he had allies so there was an excuse but that's all it was, an excuse. He hadn't given it everything he truly was capable of. Even if he didn't have full control of all of them he had decent control of most. But then he realized he had been avoiding power in general as of late but didnt know why. Was it because he knew how much those things bothered Alistar? Was it because of his disdain for the otherworld and its creatures? These and many more reasons were probably true and it honestly hurt to know he hadn't done everything he could. Looking at Alistar now Drake would pet her head before he moved to kiss her lovingly. He needed to grow stronger in more than a few ways for this woman he loved. He couldn't keep pushing things off because of his hang ups. Slowly breaking the kiss he looked at her “I will devour your nightmares so you will never need to worry about them again.” he said softly as he smiled. 

----

Alistar returned his kiss, holding onto his shirt. A faint smile on her lips when he said he would devour her nightmares. How had he known she feared them? Sitting back she touched his cheek gently. ”What do you say to getting cleaned up, some food, and perhaps a nap? Maybe not in that order… food, shower, nap?” she contemplated. Either way she felt the need to get clean and she was quite hungry. ”Let me know if you have any other injuries and I can try to heal them. We need to get food and water into you.”

-----

Drake would watch her as their kiss ended and when she offered a nap, a meal, and a shower he would nod “ that sounds nice.” he said softly and when she asked if he was injured anywhere else he would check but couldn't remember if he had been or not at the moment since all he could really think about was how happy he was to have Alistar here with him. “ I might be…I can't remember at the moment since so much happened.” he told her before smiling “ also will we be taking turns for the shower or sharing it?” he asked with a playful smile

—--------------

Rolling her eyes at him, she gave him a vaguely peeved look. ”Now how would you feel if I gave you an answer like that when questioned if I was injured?” Taking his hand she led him straight to the bathroom and pulled out the first aid kit. ”As much as I want to jump your bones right now, I’m more concerned with making sure you’re ok. So off with the clothes and into the shower with you.” She pointed towards the shower with one hand and the other firmly on her hip. Oddly the goddess very much resembled a mother scolding a child for getting too dirty. ”While you shower, I’ll make us some sandwiches”

She really was worried about him and kept a close eye as he made his way into the shower. Heading out to the kitchen, she got out what she would need to make a few sandwiches for them to eat.Stuffing her face with hers while she waited, Alistar didn’t want to waste time after his shower eating, when she needed to make sure he was injury free.

---------

Drake would sigh “i wouldn't like it very much…im sorry.” he said in an apologetic tone but then gave her a smile at the feeling of her hand along with the words that followed. Nodding he would follow her orders and go into the shower letting the hot water run over him when he was nice and ready for it. His mind was still on the island's events but thinking on Alistar’s words he wouldn't think negatively but try to think progressively about how he could improve and grow. He would finish showering and get some clothes on before heading into the Kitchen “I am finished, you can take your turn now.” He said, his hair combed back at the moment showing his whole face and even with his body being a bit pink from the shower he was still pretty pale.

—-------------------------

Putting a sandwich down on the table, she pointed at it with a glass of milk. ”Eat, and if you want more, make sure to eat more.” Frowning at him, concern laced her face as she passed him. Her hand cupping one cheek, while her lips affectionately pecked the other. ”I’m going to shower and get cleaned up. I expect that to be eaten by the time I get back ok?”

Heading into the shower, she took her time. Letting the heat wash through her body and relax the soreness she felt. They were both pretty ragged right now and in need of sleep. A goofy grin curled her lips at the thought of falling asleep in his arms. One she quickly coughed and shook away once she realized it was there. Making short work of cleaning herself, she dressed in a simple pair of black sweat pants, and a black tank top. Heading back out to the kitchen, she looked at Drake while braiding her hair. ”Tired? We can catch a nap.” jerking a thumb back towards the bedroom as she spoke, amber eyes regarded him curiously.

----------

Drake would blush at the kiss and nod while eating the food she made while she showered but while he was eating a soft headache started to form and he groaned a bit. He felt like something was clawing at his skull but figured it was just him having lost more blood then he realized. He would finish his food before hearing Alistar and looked back smiling at her. “Sure, I am finding myself tired.” he said not realizing that currently his face was not its normal appearance but the corpse like one that he called his true face. He would stand up and walk towards her his milky dead eyes looking at her “Was there anything else we needed to deal with before we go to bed?” he asked her

—------------------

Catching sight of Drake and the way he looked. She immediately went still and narrowed her eyes at him. ”How are you feeling Drake?” She didn’t want to alarm him but at the same time, the look of him had her very worried. Reaching out, she took his hand and pulled him gently, but firmly to their bedroom. Almost shoving him down to the bed, she pulled off any shoes or slippers he may have had on and immediately straddled him. Sadly, they were both clothed so it wouldn’t be their normal play time.

For now she was much more interested in sliding her hands under his shirt to rest on his stomach. Focusing on that part of her that irritated her more, the maternal sides, she pushed her healing at him. ”Not to alarm you but you’re not looking the greatest right now. More like something from the other side. If you know what I mean.” Watching him carefully, she could feel the drain on her already tired body as she tired to speed up the regeneration of his blood. ”Think you can focus and anchor yourself on me here? Tell me one of those stories about our future that you’ve dreamed up. How many kids do we have?” she chuckled hoping it would distract him and either focus him on here or on the future with something bright.

---------------------------

Drake would raise a brow before realizing she was probably asking if he felt better after the sandwich and he smiled which looked odd in his current appearance. ”I feel better after that food.” he said before suddenly being pulled and shoved onto the bed before having her straddling him. His eyes went wide, and he blushed feeling her hands go under his shirt. “I am not going to say no but we did just shower Alistar. If we get to our usual fun, it may make doing that sort of a waste.” he said before she said he looked like something from the otherside. Reaching up he would find part of his lips missing where it just showed his teeth “what? I didn't feel it happen…wait.” he said, feeling his blood pumping faster as she was doing something and a moment of looking at her let him know what she was doing before she told him to anchor himself. He had things he wanted to say but held them in as he gently put his hands over hers. “We end up with two. Not too far apart in age. I want them to grow up having at least one person their age or close to that will help them. They won’t be alone at school or if we are off working.” he said smiling before sitting up “you can stop.” he said calmly seeing her getting fatigued “wearing yourself isn’t going to help…” he said pausing and closed his eyes, his features going normal “there, all better right?” he asked, checking his left side feeling normal lips and cheek.

—------------

She listened to him but didn’t stop as he asked her to. Instead, her hand switched to cover the cheek that had been damaged just a moment ago. A renewed tingling feeling would dance over his skin where she touched. ”No. You didn’t even notice it this time. You’re hurt and can’t keep that place from pulling you away.” Shutting her lips they pursed into a thin line as the unspoken words hung in the air. It was pulling him away from her. Sighing in a frustrated manner, she pulled her hands back, letting them rest on her thighs. ”What if it pulls you away while you’re sleeping? You told me before you could resist it but you can’t stop it every time.” a strange vulnerable look danced in darker depths of her eyes. If it pulled him away, she would be alone. ”Is there really no way for me to find you?” The red hot anger stirring in her belly of something or someone, that was hers being taken, should have frightened her, but it didn’t.

--------------------

Drake would sigh while touching her hand that was now on his cheek thinking “its trying to find me…yes.” he would admit but smiled “but it is very limited for many reasons. This place, as horrible as it is, wont let it take me back till I follow its rules. So thankfully while they are both fighting over me i believe the worst that could happen is i get sent to the otherworld version of this school which has been a much weaker otherworld then i am use to but still not something to underestimate.” he said trying to reassure her that he was not being taken away right now. When she asked if there was no way to find him a hard and sad expression came over his features as he tried to think on how to word this. “I…before I answer I want to know what you mean by finding me.” he said calmly as he waited for her response letting his hand leave hers.

—-------------------

Alistar nearly glared at him. ”What do you mean, what do I mean? I would come in after you that’s what I mean. Like hell I would let that place take you back. Weak version or not. You’ve told me how terrible it is and I’ve already seen it once.” Her expression showed she was dead set on her words. If that place tried to take him, she wouldn’t hesitate to dive in after him.

------------

Drake would frown trying to think on her words and not say something idiotic. “It is terrible, it will always be terrible because of how it was born. I'd like to tell you not to go there but as you said that's not an option so I want to tell you one thing.” he said, his eyes going serious “if you are there without me I want you to focus on surviving if things get worrisome. That place can twist your desire to save me into something that makes you forget your own safety. It will twist your mind and you will become lost in your mission. Take a note, a picture, or both but you need to keep hold of something you can focus on while there. And if you see someone you know if gone never, and i mean never, follow them.” he said experience showing in his eyes “can you do that?”

—------------------

Frowning hard at him, she pinched his side lightly. ”None of that tells me how to find you. What good would a note or picture do me if I can’t find you?!” She did not like the way he was beating around the bush in the least. It was like he was avoiding the question entirely. Puffing her cheeks at him, she looked down at him seriously. Her purple hair falling around her cheeks and shoulders.

----------

Drake shook his head “that is how you will find me. It is like a maze. You need to know what your goal is and start walking through it. It can't lead you into circles forever but it can make you forget why your there. Having something to ground you and keep you focused is like having string to know where you have been and where you havent.” he said his hand coming up and he ran his fingers through her hair “and be careful who you talk to…some people arent what they seem.” he said softly. “But here is something else. It wont be able to hold me in one place long. I will mark places i have been with this.” he said tapping her wrist “and I will keep looking for you. Having our goals aligned in finding one another will make it hard for that place to keep us apart.” he said smiling. “You just need to be honest and follow your heart. Just know it will put you through the ringer.”

—------------------

She had no clue what he was talking about with the string and staying focused. Listening to him, she looked at her wrist when he tapped it. ”Well if you’re going to use my symbol, I’ll use an ankh. That way you know where I’ve been.” looking down at him, she shrugged and leaned down. Curling up on his chest, she yawned. ”It’s just another hell Drake. I’ve lived through plenty of others.” As she spoke her breathing evened out and the dark-skinned woman nuzzled him in her sleep, shifting to stretch out over him.

-------------

Drake would nod committing her symbol to memory before nodding “im sure you have but mine grows and likes to cheat.” he said rubbing her back as she sprawled out over him which he didn't mind whatsoever. “But let's not worry about that place right now, I want to be here in this moment.” he said softly to her as he closed his eyes.

—

Curled up comfortably on Drake, it didn’t take long for her to fall asleep, and time passed. When she eventually woke back up, she stretched comfortably and smiled up at him. Knowing she was going to wake him either way, she got up and changed for the day. ”I’m going to head out and check on a few people. You probably should too. I think I may have heard your phone go off earlier.” Giving him another quick kiss, she smiled at him happily and more carefree than she had in the past. Leaving the dorm, she pulled out her phone and saw that she too had gotten a few messages. Pausing on her way to the café, she took a moment to reply back and send out a few others.

Jurlestia_Quinn

To: Muirghein

Message: I am. Thanks for checking in on me. Are you ok? I heard from Drake is worse for some people than others.

Katze Allemon-Schatten

To: Niels

Message: Hey, yeah I made it back ok. Are you alright? You’ve been quiet recently.

pirateed

To: Liberty

Message: You ok?

Estelle was over the moon about how the day went. Bunzo accepted her proposal and now they had an exciting life milestone to look forward to. There was something she was really lost on. Just how to plan one as she's never really done so. Her last marriage just kind of happened. It wasn't nearly as special and it was a quick spur of the moment thing. So she'd need some help but from a female perspective. If that made sense anyway, plus she's been meaning to spend some time with her old friend. She decided to send a text Alistair's way.

"Hello, my dear Alistar. I have something I would like to talk about. How about we meet up for coffee or something? It'll be my treat~ <3"

Then she hit send before getting herself public ready. She took a quick shower and clothed herself. Asking for Bunzo to help rebandage her wounds. She then put on a simple black dress with the effect of glitter. Estelle found herself staring down at the ring on her finger. A smile on her face, excited to share the rest of her life with Bunzo. Before leaving, she'd give him a kiss. "Currently have a girl time appointment. Have some things to gush and plan with Alistar. We also have some things to talk about as well my love. I'll see you later, I love you."

Estelle then pushed her way out of the front door of the cabin. Taking in a deep breath before walking. Everything that has happened in the past 48 hours replayed in her head. But what kept repeating was her time with Bunzo. She was also excited to be able to share this with Alistar. Even if it seemed her friend didn't quite remember her? Maybe something happened and it was a blocked memory. Before leaving Heartless, she would try to find a way to help with that. But, one thing at a time.

—-------------------------------------------

Seeing the text from Estelle as she walked, the goddess was a bit surprised but was glad that her friend had reached out.

To: Estelle

Message: Hey, sure! I was just headed to the Café myself. Everything ok with you and Bunzo?

Hitting send, she made her way quickly to the appointed destination. Once she reached the café, it was easy enough to order herself a drink and look around. It really was odd to come here when Drake wasn’t working and kinda lonely, but she knew Estelle would be joining her soon. Ordering a few treats, she took them to a secluded booth to take a seat and wait.

—-------------------------------------------

She felt her phone buzz and looked at the notification. Her eyes scanned over the reply from Alistar. Her lips curled into a smile before making that final stretch to the café. As she approached, she could see Alistar making her way to a booth through the window. Estelle pushed through the door and walked to the counter. Ordering herself a cappuccino and a croissant. Once she received her food, she made her way to where her friend was sitting. Sliding into the booth as she set her food on the table.

"Hello~ You are looking lovely, darling~ I'm glad you could come. Though I'm a little disappointed you got here first as I was going to treat you. But there will be more chances for that." She took a sip of her drink before setting it back down. Her hands caressing the cup before continuing. "To answer your text, everything is more than okay between us." Estelle held her hand out to her friend, displaying the ring. "We're actually engaged now! You're actually the first person to know."

"There is a little request I wanted to ask. While we try to jolt your memory of our friendship. Perhaps you can help me do some planning? See, my first marriage didn't have any of that. We got married on his ship, by someone I'm sure had less teeth than you have fingers. I want to do this right and have it nice. I really love him so I want it to be perfect. Plus it would be something fun to experience with my friend."

—-------------------------------------------

Seeing Estelle, she grinned at her broadly. ”Hey you!” Alistar called cheerfully. Bowing as best she could while sitting, she winked at her friend. ”And you are positively glowing.” Smiling as she listened to Estelle, she was glad to hear that everything was good between her and Bunzo. It was great that they were able to find one another again and apparently unscathed.

Amber eyes widened in shock from the announcement that they were engaged and immediately were drawn to the ring on her finger. Taking her hand, Alistar leaned in close to admire it. ”Well now! That is quite amazing! Congratulations! I’m honored that I would be the first person you would tell!” The surprises kept coming though as the woman said that she had a request and wanted Alistar to help her with her wedding planning. Letting go of Estelle’s hand, she looked shocked. ”I can’t say I’ll be the best help, but I would love to do what I can! I suppose… there is a lot to think about. I’ve been to quite a few weddings, so I can pull from those. When do you want to start?” she asked curiously. Her brain was already whirring away as she thought about the weddings she had been to too. The goddess wasn’t entirely sure how to feel about the news. She was excited for Estelle and Bunzo, but also, jealous? It was unnerving to her that she would also be jealous of such a happy time for her friend.

—-------------------------------------------

Her cheeks colored a hue of pink. A genuine smile on her face. "Well it certainly looks like you didn't let that island get you down. Very admirable, you always knew how to bounce back. Makes me a bit envious, darling." If she were a dog, she'd be tapping her excited little paws on the floor. The excitement of being able to share this with someone else made her quite happy.

Deep down, Estelle felt a little bad for springing this on Alistar. But at the same time she couldn't contain it. Thankfully she agreed to help plan. Easing the bit of guilt she was feeling. "Oh thank you!~ You have no idea how much hearing that means to me. I feel a lot better having another to bounce ideas off of who isn't a guy." She took a sip of her drink before continuing. "The fact you're helping at all is all I can ask for, Alistar. I really appreciate it. As eager as I am to start talking about it all now. I would like to ask how things with you and Drake are first. You two seem to be getting pretty close."

Her inquiry came with a bounce of an eyebrow and a wink. "You think things are going to get serious between you guys? You must tell me the juicy tea before wedding planning. I don't want this to be just about me. It would make my conscious feel really guilty."   

—-------------------------------------------

Shrugging, Alistar smiled and waved a hand. ”Nah, I’m just too old to let things like the island get me down for too long.” Grinning at the other woman’s obvious excitement, she took a sip of her own drink nodding. ”I can understand that. Men just do not have the same sense of style that most women have.” Tilting her head she couldn’t help but feel happy for her friend. She truly was a lucky woman. Raising an eyebrow, she smirked and rolled her eyes thinking of Drake. ”If it were up to him, we’d already be married, and I’d be pregnant with his child.” she gave a strange short laugh.

Looking down at her cup, she swirled the liquid watching it for a moment. ”I can’t say if things will get serious… I think they already are.” her face softened as the unknowing goddess thought more and eventually continued. ”All my life, I’ve avoided falling in love with anyone. Sleeping around and being single has always protected me from outliving my partner or watching them die a gruesome death. I was promised to the god Ra… So, if I leave this place, I’ll have to face a god. As strong as Drake is, I don’t think either one of us can truly take on Ra and hope to live. True, Drake wished for a spear that could potentially kill Ra, but that’s only going to work if I can get close enough to use it.” Swallowing hard, she took another drink and gave Estelle a slightly pained smile.

”I care about him quite a bit. How could I ask him to give up his life for me? I can’t imagine letting myself love him completely, only to lose him the moment we leave this place. It would probably destroy me, Estelle.” Setting down her drink, she leaned on the table, crossing her arms and taking a deep breath. ”Sorry, didn’t mean to get so depressing right after you’ve shared such amazing news with me.”

—-------------------------------------

Estelle couldn’t help but to smirk. She wasn’t overly surprised at how resilient Alistar was. Even considering the bullshit that went on at the island. But now that time has passed and onto better things. "That’s my girl," she said before taking a bite of her croissant. The woman’s next remark made her laugh. "Haha, indeed. Not that I don’t trust his sense of judgment on things. It’s just nice to get a different gender’s point of view." For a moment, she was a little confused on how Alistar reacted to the mention of Drake. Soon laughing about it after her thoughts were expressed out loud.

"Well, he certainly came off as the type to know exactly what he wants. At least what I got from him when we were class partners." Her eyes noticed the way her friend looked down at her cup. It wasn’t hard to tell her mind was racing a million miles a minute. She took a sip as she listened. Listened to her friends verbalize those racing thoughts. "Oh, honey…" was all she could mutter out until her friend continued. "Some gods can be really selfish and greedy. Especially when they’re promised something or someone. But that doesn’t mean it should stop you. Ra is just going to have to deal with it. I mean, he’s a god. I’m sure there are other fish in the sea. On the other hand, I can see where you’re coming from. You would rather see him happy than let him die for you." Estelle then reached out her hand. Placing it on Alistar’s and giving a gentle squeeze.

"It may also hurt him deep inside too. His feelings are strong if he’s willing to wish on a weapon to kill a god. Maybe it’s a way for him to prove to you how he feels. That maybe if you reject it, he could take it like the feelings weren’t mutual. You should ask yourself one thing though. What if the roles were reversed? Wouldn’t you want to show how committed to the other person you are? I do hope this makes sense. Men are very determined individuals and some are quite stubborn as well. I don’t see Drake as being one who would give up. It seems like he’s made up his mind and isn’t asking you for permission as he’s ready to lay his life down. For the longest time, I’ve been trying to figure out a way to undo this curse put on me. Find a way to make it end so I can live out the rest of my days before passing on. Meeting Bunzo though, made me realize that that’s not what I want anymore.”

“You two should go after your happiness. If you have to face a god, do it together. I know gods can be tricky to maneuver around. I guess that’s the nice thing about this place. You two can go elsewhere, there isn’t any shortages of realms to venture." Estelle shook her head in response. "No no, please, don’t apologize. I am the one who brought it up afterall. Hell, if things get too much with Ra, feel free to come find me. I’ll always have my door open for you, darling. We can bury ol’ Ra back in the sand."

—--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chuckling, Alistar inclined her head towards Estelle in a nod. ”That he does. He’s a very stubborn man when he puts his mind to it." Nodding again at Estelle’s comment, Alistar shrugged. ”I don’t know. Ever since I was born and my powers manifested, Ra has been obsessed with me.” Smiling at the hand on her own, she listened considering what it would be like if the roles were reversed. A small ember took hold in her stomach. If anyone tried to take something or someone that she considered her own or under her protection… She knew she would walk any path of hell to get it back. The words that her friend spoke sounded like honeyed water to her really. Bit by bit, Alistar had been allowing herself to think of what life might be like if she were to accept Drake and live a life with him.

When the witch suggested going somewhere else and not going back to face Ra, just to avoid dealing with him; Alistar shook her head slowly. ”If I do not go back and face him, either do as he says, die trying to kill him, or actually kill him. He will find my people and kill them all. He banished us from Egypt already, he wouldn’t stop if he doesn’t get what he wants.” smiling softly at Estelle’s suggestion, she took a deep breath. ”I appreciate that. I would hate to bring danger to you and Bunzo though. Especially since you will be free of this place and able to really begin your lives.” Taking another sip from her drink, she considered everything. ”When you first realized you loved Bunzo. Did it scare you?” she asked curiously.

—--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Estelle shook her head when she mentioned how Ra was when she was born. "Ugh, he sounds like the bad type of clingy. That kind of obsession is a little weird. I mean, imagine you look at this girl and think you want to marry her. Talk about a creep.. My word." She replied with a playful roll of her eyes. "Definitely a red flag. Even if he is a god." Jokes aside, she wanted to get into a more serious bit of their conversation. She wanted to try to give her friend some advice. Hoping that it would make sense to her. If Alistar were to follow some of it, that was plenty for her. As she spoke, she could see the way she was reacting to her words. Especially when she mentioned them being in the other’s shoes. It wasn’t a pleasant thing to think about. But it was something to keep in mind. On how the other person feels in the relationship or whatever they would decide to call themselves. To put things in a different perspective, as it was.

Estelle pulled her hand back as she leaned against her seat. Tapping a finger on her chin before replying. "Hm, well if the time did come. I understand you wouldn’t want to have other people involved in this situation. But, I can try to help in a way that I can. Even if it's helping to protect your people. I don’t think Bunzo would mind honestly. If it was to help bring some peace to them. I totally get it if you want to do it on your own. Just know my offer is out there." Alistar soon changed the topic, going back to what they were originally here for. Her lips curled into a smile, "I was a little bit at first. But only because I wasn’t sure if he felt the same. I had felt it for a while. But when I confessed how I felt to him, it was as if a weight lifted off my chest. Honestly, I’m so glad that I did. If I hadn’t then we wouldn’t be having some of this conversation. The last thing I’ll say on the subject for now. If you feel that way about Drake, let him know if you haven’t already." She finished off what was left of her snack before continuing. "It may sound really cheesy but I don’t want to imagine what things would be like if I didn’t have Bunzo. He really means so much to me and I used to go hunting for treasure." Estelle gave a chuckle at the end. "I am quite eager to get out there and experience life with him. Especially more so that I know he won’t stab me in the back like my last husband. I hope you get to experience the same, my friend."

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Shrugging, Alistar agreed with Estelle. ”Yeah, I’m not sure why he is the way he is. He’s always been like that. He was especially interested in my birthmark.” Turning her wrist for Estelle to see, she showed her the eye of Ra that was there. Listening to her friend speak of protecting her people, Alistar smiled and was genuinely pleased. She knew her people could fight, but the threat of Ra had always been there for them. ”By giving me to him, it’s their way of pacifying him and getting back into his good graces. It makes sense. Several of them have extended family that are still in Egypt that they can’t see, they only know about them.” The generations that had passed since they were banished, wasn’t lost on them. ”Thank you for the offer and I appreciate it greatly.”

Listening to her friend when she spoke of how she first realized she was in love with Bunzo was indeed interesting to Alistar. How would she react if Drake were taken from her? The thought twisted her heart in an uncomfortable way. Blushing at Estelle’s advice, she finished her drink looking away bashfully. A sliver of fear went through her about telling Drake, the minor thought that he may reject her, but knowing the way he felt… she didn’t think on it too much. Laughing at her friend going treasure hunting, she finished her own snacks. ”I’m very happy for you. I’m glad you found someone who makes you so happy.” The two sat and chatted a bit more about various things and set up a time to meet again and talk about wedding plans. Eventually they parted ways and Alistar hugged her friend goodbye, thanking her again for the advice and heading back to her dorm.   

Drake would return to the dorm and sighed still feeling something was off with him today. It was a nagging feeling he couldn't fully describe but it was getting more noticeable as Drake went into the shower. He would stand under the water odd thoughts of the past rolling in and out of the forefront of his thoughts. Something wasn't right but what could it be. Getting out and dressed Drake would leave the bathroom only to see Alistar and with a smile he began walking towards her. “[d]Hey, Did you have a go-” he stopped instantly as something hit his senses. The familiar scent of iron, blood, and rust hit his nose and before he could stop himself he turned, seeing a door that hadn't been there before now right in front of him. It would open on its own and Drake would turn to Alistar looking scared but also apologetic as he was suddenly sucked into the door and it would slam shut after he was inside of it. Then all that was left in the dorm was an odd silence as the door seemed to remain but if she looked closer she would notice it was beginning to turn transparent and fade from its edges inward.

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Alistar had a rough day with the field trip ending that day and then the craziness of getting back. An evening hanging out with Drake and doing some painting or something sounded kinda fun. He was already in the shower when she got in. Hearing him greet her, she turned and smiled at him happily, but noticed the strange door appear behind him. Thinking it was some prank from the school, that thought was dashed when she saw the look on his face right before being sucked into the door.

Flinching as it slammed shut, her eyes narrowed at it threateningly. Patting down her body she was able to find all of her normal weapons still in place. Grabbing some extra long knives from the cutting block as she passed it, she could feel her blood boiling. This had not been the day to take him from her. Kicking in the door, she stepped through and immediately paused to get her surroundings. She knew better than to call out, but instead listened for what was around her.

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The door would shut behind her and fade leaving her in an apartment that looked nothing like what was at the school. The place had an odd musk to it of having been left untouched and unopened for years. If she looked around she would see a door covered in locks and a few blood stains here and there. On the kitchen counter of this apartment would be a letter written in Drake’s handwriting that read as follows.

‘I find myself hiding in here again. I hate sitting and doing nothing as silence eats at my mind so I am writing this to stave off such painful things. I am being pushed back again after getting close to its heart. I think it realizes how little I care about continuing my own life and just ending this place entirely. I even found the Relic Heather used that I thought had been destroyed making me now have the key to that final door. I will try again tomorrow and maybe if I succeed and pass on my soul will be guided by the goddess to a place where I won't suffer anymore. I will stop writing now as I feel hunger and sleep taking me and when I wake I will push once again to end Silent Hill.’

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Wrinkling her nose, she didn’t care for the smell of this place. Eyeing the door with the chains, she looked around a bit more before finding the note. Picking it up, she read it and audibly growled. She was going to have to beat some sense into him. Shoving it into a pocket, she walked to the door and inspected the locks before grabbing the chains and giving a firm tug. To her surprise the chains clinked and fell away with ease.

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A soft, young voice would call out behind her “N-no! Don't go out there!” a young boy called out to her. He would look about 5 or 6 and be holding a small doll of a knight. He looked scared but not for himself but for her. “If you go out there it will get bad. The things out there are mean and can hurt you. This isn't like last time.” he said looking worried and ran over to grab her hand “just wait here please. I don't want you getting hurt.” he said those blue eyes filled with tears as he squeezed the hand he was holding.

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Turning, she instantly found the source of the voice that had spoken behind her. Frowning hard, she couldn’t help the rage that settled in her stomach. This place had brought a child here?! Watching him grab her hand, she curled her fingers around his, and knelt next to him. There seemed to be something very familiar about the boy but she couldn’t figure out what. Her voice softened and she spoke tenderly. ”Hey there, my name is Alistar. What’s yours? What do you mean like last time?” she didn’t want to ask too many questions at once. Not once did she let go of the child’s hand.

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The boy watched her kneel and would hug her “don't go, Its bad out there.” he said still sounding scared “if you find me you'll hate me.” he said before pulling away and looking at her wiping his eyes “I’m Drake, Drake Barlow. I live at Wish House Orphanage. I was told this is where mommy gave birth to me.” he said looking at the apartment “So…I sneak into here and pretend her and daddy are here.” he said, smiling a small smile. It was obvious this Drake hadn't met Claudia or Alessa yet. “And last time…when the monsters didnt attack you, this time they won't leave you alone because its my bad time.” he said, the tears starting up again as he clutched the doll tighter and squeezed her hand.

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The hug surprised Alistar but she didn’t pull away from the boy. Instead she put a comforting hand on his back and listened to him. Her eyes showed her confusion until realization dawned on her. This was a little Drake. Taking a moment while he looked around to look him over, she found the child absolutely adorable. The innocence radiating off of him was pure and very similar to what she normally felt in Drake. That was why he had felt so familiar before. Smiling softly at him, she brought a hand to the top of his head and stroked his hair. ”What do you mean your bad time? If you’re Drake you should know, I’m not going to leave here without you. I don’t care how many of the monsters I have to kill… I’m going to get you out of here.” Knowing talking like this could sometimes scare children, she looked back at the room. ”Were you here when he wrote the note?”

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Drake frowned “they arent the same…they will affect you.” he said, looking worried and nervous. He would slowly let go of her hand looking at the door “its..its trying to make me bad again.” he said, his voice hitching a bit looking like he was about to cry again. She would notice he didnt look well fed, not starved but very much needed more food. “And not all of the bad things are monsters…there will be ghosts from his past you wont want to see.” he said looking at the door “if..you leave….you cant come back to this room.” he told her before she asked about the note and he shook his head “that was written before the school place.” he told her.

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Bringing a hand to his cheek, a thumb brushed over his face to wipe away the tears. Alistar gave him a soft affectionate smile while he spoke. Children were much easier for her to deal with. ”They did last time too, and they are pretty scary.” she didn’t bother hiding the fear that was in her eyes from him. She felt like the child would know it was there anyway. ”The thing is, I haven’t gotten to tell him something very important, and I can’t let this place take him from me.” Scooping the boy up in her arms, she nuzzled the side of his head and hugged him tightly. ”Thank you for being so worried about me. The past is just that though, the past. I know he’s done a lot of bad things that he’s not proud of, and so have I. I can’t say I’ll be ok with everything, but that’s not who he is now.” Taking him to the counter she sat him on it while she looked for food. ”Do you want to come with me? Or are you supposed to stay here?” she asked him curiously. It was like he knew what his role was here and didn’t mind playing it. Pausing, she put a finger under his chin to encourage him to look up at her. ”If it helps, the Drake Barlow I know is a very strong and brave knight who has promised to protect me. Just like you’re trying to do right now.” Giving the kid a soft smile, she tapped his doll.

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Drake looked at her when she made him with her finger and just stared wide eyed at her then the door “I…I don't know. I am really not supposed to be in this room. I know things but only some of them. I am scared.” he said frowning but looked at the doll then her “is…will i get in trouble if I get scared when we leave?” he asked her both arms now hugging his doll. There was something he had in his eyes that looked like he was use to getting in trouble for doing really anything and was checking the rules.

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Shaking her head, Alistar couldn’t help herself. She wrapped her arms around him and hugged him again tightly. ”It’s ok to be scared. If anyone tries to punish you for being scared, I’ll tell them I made you come with me and that it’s not your fault. That or just be mean right back to them, because how could anyone punish you for being scared.” she paused looking at him seriously. ”You don’t have to come with me if you don’t want to. I would like for you to. You make me feel brave, but you don’t have to. Part of being away from this place is you get to make your own choices about what you want to do. Do you understand?”

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Kid Drake looked at her trying to take in and understand her words as she hugged him. He was silent for a good minute and would nod “i-i will come…I want to be brave with you.” he said, smiling a small smile that was hesitant but honest. He would slowly move to get off the counter and looked at the door frowning “i know you said i end up being a knight but…i-i dont know how to fight b-but I might know where to go.” he said smiling back at her.

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With a soft chuckle, she watched him get down and smiled. ”Well, that works then. I know how to fight, you know the monsters here and have an idea of where to go. That’s better than where we were just a moment ago. I’ll need just a moment before we go.” Grabbing a knife, she went to the counter where the note had been and carved an ankh into it. ”In case you come here after we leave.” she explained. ”I can give you a piggyback ride or you can walk with me. You let me know which one you want.” Alistar would wait for him to make his choice before going to the door and opening it. She focused on the feeling in her chest that Drake made her feel whenever he was close to her.

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Drake would look at her and thought “i-i can walk.” he said but held out his free hand “l-lets go.” he said smiling as they stepped out. The hallways were very much what she would have seen last time she was in the otherworld resembling the halls of Heartless. Drake looked around squeezing her hand before pointing “I-i think we should head that way.” he said looking at her obviously hoping that was an okay answer. The little kid then looked surprised as he began hearing some type of scratching coming from the way he didnt point “d-do you hear that?” he asked, gripping her hand tighter.

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Alistar tried expanding her senses the moment they stepped out of the door. Glancing both ways, she looked where Drake pointed and then down the hallway when he mentioned the noise. ”Yeah bud, I hear it. Are those things provoked by running? Like a prey drive?” she knew a lot of animals would attack if you ran from them but would back off if you challenged them. For some reason she didn’t think the monsters here would back off regardless. Holding his hand firmly, she brushed her thumb over the back of it reassuringly. Turning in the direction he chose, she held his hand with one and slipped a throwing knife into her other palm. ”This place tries to scare ya yeah? Tell me about your doll while we walk?” Deliberately, she walked at an even pace down the hallway, away from the noise.

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Drake looked at her as she started asking questions and with his mouth agape it was obvious he had no answers for her. “uuuuhh…Don't let them kill you?” he said, shrugging before they started walking away from the sound and towards where he pointed. “I-it doesn't try. It just kinda is. The adults are mean and always talk about scary things.” he said as they walked past doors, the hallways seeming longer than usual for Alistar. “Oh…It was an old one I found in the toy box. I liked it because it reminded me of Aragorn.” he told her, smiling before frowning “the other kids made fun of me for liking those books.” he said, letting out a sad sigh. The floor would begin groaning with their steps as the odd scratching grew closer. Drake held her hand tighter “D-do you feel like we should go in a room yet? I am not feeling like we are heading the wrong way but I am also not sure w-where to go.” he admitted, frowning hoping she wasn't mad at him.

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With a soft laugh she nodded at his advice, it was good stuff to live by. ”I’ll make sure to remember that.” Aragorn? Where had she heard that name before? Frowning, she thought about it and then he mentioned a book. ”Oh one of those dudes with the ring right?” to be honest she had only half paid attention when Drake showed her the movies. It wasn’t that they weren’t good, they just weren’t her thing. She heard the groaning but didn’t look back, instead she focused on the feel of his hand in hers. Identifying the differences from what it would feel like after years of growing up. That warm feeling of having his hand in hers and lacing their fingers together. A door didn’t register right away but as they quickened their pace, one on the right caught her attention. She had a nagging feeling to open it. ”It’s ok Drake. Having you here with me is a huge help.” Pointing at the door, she kept her eyes on it and quickly opened it, stepping inside once they reached it.

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Drake would nod smiling “you know it?! None of the other kids like it because its too long they said.” he said looking a bit excited she even knew anything about it. They kept going, getting a bit faster as the noises got louder and when she decided on a door he nodded “okay, you make me feel brave too.” he said smiling before she would feel his hand pull from hers. He looked shocked and had even dropped the knight toy by her foot as the monster had its tongue wrapped around the kid drake. His eyes looked horrified seeing the creature “Alistar…help me.” he said but before she would be able to react the door slammed shut in her face and no matter how hard she tried the door wouldn't open again.

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The carefree way that he spoke had her smiling despite the danger they were in. The goddess was glad that he was there with her. As she stepped through the door, she heard the thunk of his toy by her foot. Turning just as his hand was pulled from hers, she saw the monster and out of instinct, threw the knife that was in her hand. Yet she couldn’t do more as the door slammed shut in her face. Throwing herself against the door, she yanked on it and yanked on it. Tears gathered in her eyes but none spilled as rage channeled through her. Fucking with children was not a way to hurt this goddess. Instead it enraged her, making her normal purification aura spread just a little wider. She knew it wouldn’t do anything to the creatures in this world. Drake had already told her that, but she didn’t care.

With a frustrated growl, she turned back to the room as she simultaneously knelt and picked up the toy knight by her foot. Gripping it tightly in her hand, she slipped it into her pocket. Replacing it with a knife in each hand.

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The room she found herself in was a basement this time. It smelt of wet wood, concrete, and a mix of both new & old blood. She would hear coughing and the sound of metal grinding against a concrete floor. She would hear no voices currently and it was obvious this was a place much like the apartment was.

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Growling in frustration, she reached out next to the door and slashed another ankh into the wall before moving forward. Moving towards the coughing and metal grinding, she didn’t blink as she took in as much as she could. The smell didn’t bother her in the least. It was a familiar smell.

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Drake would be laying there, obviously older than he had been but was still young. He was panting as blood oozed from whip marks on his back and he looked very skinny. She would then see a man come in and throw water on Drake “Stand up you piece of shit. You aren't done yet.” he said, anger and vitriol obvious in the older man's voice. The drake she would see stood up panting and his legs shaking and he looked from the man in front of him to her “What?” he asked weakly and the man turned to look at Alistar as well “who the fuck are you? I don't know your face.” he said with his hand going to the pistol on his hip “kneel down before I fill you, now.” he said with no hesitation being seen in his eyes.

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Looking from the younger Drake hanging where he was, to the man who was speaking to her, she smiled evilly. Holding both hands out to either side in a non-threatening manner while she knelt. ”Alistar Sir. Sent to help you, however you need, with this one.” she jerked her chin towards Drake. ”It can be oh so tiring teaching them.” Carefully, she lifted her gaze to the man and smiled brilliantly. ”How would you have me serve you Sir?” her voice full of admiration for him.

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The man glared and looked away from her “that damn Dahlia, sending her lackey’s to check up on me. Tell your mistress I don't need assistance. I will be training Drake my way so he is ready to deal with the monstrous witch.” he said glaring as Drake just looked at her “You shouldn't be here.” he said weakly only to get back handed by the man “{L]shut up you filth! How dare you talk without my permission.” he said, fixing the rings he wore on that same hand. Drake glared at him before a darker smile came over him. “Alistar, this is Leonard Wolfe. He taught me to kill.” he said the hand once again came at Drake but this time Drake opened his mouth and bit down, catching his hand with his teeth making him yell and reach for his gun.

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Alistar smiled sweetly at his words. ”I was not sent to check up on you Sir. Merely to help relieve any kind of stress that you may feel while teaching him. But if you truly have no need of my services for that… might you let me stay and learn from you?” she made herself seem eager to do what he asked. Yet as Drake spoke, he nearly blew her cover and everything she had been trying to do out of the water. Annoyance graced her features but not solely at Drake, but the man who dared to strike him too. As Mr. Wolfe decided to engage with Drake while Drake prattle on, she rolled her eyes at the men and threw a knife that embedded itself into Leonard’s head.

Watching the body slump, she stood and retrieved her knife wiping his blood off on his shirt before putting it away. Carefully, she undid the cuffs that were holding Drake. ”You damn near ruined it. I was trying to get close enough to you so that I could give you a weapon and let you kill the bastard.” She chastised while assessing him for damage. ”So how does this whole memory thing work for you? Kid you seemed to know me too.”

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Drake just chuckled at her reaction “of course I know you. Drake loves Alistar, you can't love someone and not recognize them.” he said looking at her coughing a bit after speaking. “And after seeing you I knew what happened to him. I already got to kill him.” he told her, spitting some blood out of his mouth. “And he didnt trust you. The more you talked the more it showed you didn't know him. He was going to shoot you after hitting me the second time.” he told her as he tried to force himself to stand up looking at the now dead leonard “I feel weird looking at you…I know I'm supposed to love you…but I also love Claudia.” he said, groaning as he moved to lean against a wall. “It’s like I read a book with a shit ton of pages torn out.” he said and looked to a door as a banging started happening “I think that's for you.” he said, panting a bit “but…before you go…Do i become strong?” he asked with a sharp look of desire in his eyes when mentioning strength. It showed he had been here by choice and put up with this all for that desire.

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His logic didn’t make sense to her in the least. Just because future Drake loved her did not mean that his past selves would. Rolling her eyes, she really didn’t care how much the man did or did not plan on killing her. He was already dead. Watching him lean against the wall, she grimaced at his words and looked away. ”I can only imagine.” she muttered looking at the door. Turning her gaze to him from the door, she frowned and thought about what she wanted to say. ”Yes. One of the strongest and kindest people I’ve ever met… Question for you. If.. I could save her. Claudia. Would you want me to? Knowing how it would change us.” she gestured between the two of them trying to make her meaning clear. If Claudia had lived, Drake would have never had to go to the school. Meaning she wouldn’t have met him.

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Drake looked at her for a moment before shaking his head “I dont have a fucking clue…I didnt realize she needed saving.” he said sadly looking at the ground before he collapsed onto his ass “ow…That hurt.” he said looking over at Leonards body beginning to convulse and change into a monster. “but…I doubt the me I would become would toss you away so I guess the answer is no, I wouldn't want you to go away.” he said seeing blood pooling around “huh, guess without my drive to fight I just die here…guess thats something i learned….you should go…those poundings on the door are sounding more desperate.” he told her, sighing “and he is about to be a problem.” he added looking to the leonard corpse

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Glancing at the man on the floor, she grunted at him while kneeling in front of the younger Drake. ”As long as you are happy, that’s all that matters to me.” Pressing a knife into his palm, she leaned forward and kissed his forehead lightly. A hand on his shoulder sending a brief warmth through his body to help spur healing for him. She wasn’t going to do much but she could do something. Standing, she nodded to him and looked at the door. ”Come with me? You don’t have to stay here.” If he refused, she wouldn’t fight him. She’d leave him to his own devices and go to the door. Yet if he chose to come with her, she would slip an arm under his and haul him up to the door with her.

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The wounded Drake would hold the knife tight “I think he is, so I wont change things.” he said calmly looking over at leonard “I dont think I am going to be able to follow even with whatever you did. Just be safe and ill deal with this.” he said, his eyes seeming dim. When she opened the door she would be surprised to see kid drake holding the knife she had thrown and some blood stained onto his hands “I-I took this and just….s-stabbed until it l-let me go and then i started to run….i-i think i lost it.” he said as he stood there in the otherworld heartless hallway. “A-are you okay?” he asked her.

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Opening the door, she blinked when she saw the child Drake in front of her. Glancing back at the older Drake, she smiled at him wryly. Scooping up child Drake, she hugged him tightly and stroked his hair. ”I’m better now that I know you’re safe. Keep that with you and make sure to use it on anything you think might harm you ok?” Wiping some of the blood from his face and hands, she pulled his toy out of her pocket and offered it to him. ”I made sure to keep Aragorn safe. Now, lets keep moving ya?” Holding onto him, she pulled a spare knife into her palms while she carried little Drake down the hallway. She made sure to mark the outside of the door with the Ankh before moving on. Focusing on the feeling of Drake again and her desire to find him, she walked quickly and with purpose.

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As she walked she would reach the end of the hallway where it would open up into what looked like the lobby just with no door leading out of the school. There kneeling in the center would be a different monster waiting in that place with a couple of horror like beasts surrounding him, about 3 in total. Young drake put his hand over his mouth to keep himself from making noise as he looked at her, not sure what to do now. Slowly taking his hand away he would point before whispering “look, another door.” he said very quietly to her. Holding both his doll that he had gotten back and the dagger he waited to see what she would want to do.

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Pausing just inside the door, she narrowed her eyes at the creatures she saw. Licking her lips silently, she inclined her head to child Drake and nodded. His reactions were adorable, and while normally she wouldn’t have cared to take on this many creatures. With him there, she actually felt a sense of self-preservation. Which was odd since Drake had told her that she would lose that while here. Quickly and silently, she made her way to the other door, slipping through it.

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The door would start to open but get slammed shut make Drake yelp before he could cover his mouth making the humanoid monster shift and stand before letting out a mangled moan and aiming the odd stick at them before grabbing one of the long quills in its face and taking the stick which would now be easily scene as a bow and aimed where he had heard the sounds. Meanwhile all the odd animal creatures would all stand on their back legs and their torsos opened up to reveal rows of tentacles and one long whip like tongue. “A-alistar, i s-screwed up..I-I am s-s-s-sorry.” he said, looking ready to cry.

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Gritting her teeth as she saw the door slam, she hugged the child to her more. Rubbing her cheek on the top of his head, she turned to the creatures. Eyeing them as they moved, but she quickly started side stepping silently towards the outside area behind them. The one was a ranged creature while the others were obviously more close combat. She was under no circumstances going to leave small Drake on his own while there were close quarter creatures around. ”Shhh, bud it’s ok. I know it’s awkward but let me have your toy and I need you to come around more to the front. Wrap your arms around my neck, and your legs around my waist. Hold on real tight ok? Your job is to watch my back for me ok?” keeping her eyes on the creatures, she shoved his toy back into her pocket and moved him to her front. While her back may have gotten him out of her way, it left him vulnerable because she couldn’t block things from him. If the creatures attacked at all, she would dodge and dance around the room. Looking for an opening to get outside.

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Little Drake would follow her orders and get on her front like she said after handing her the toy. The animals would slowly make their way towards her as the Horror notched another quill when she would hear the door open “Catch.” A voice said as a gun was tossed her way and a chuckle followed “come in when you finished.” the voice said as the door shut again Alistar never having a real chance to see the person due to the creatures.

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Catching the gun on reflex, with the knife still in hand; she took aim and shot at the long range horror. This time she ran around the outside of the animal looking ones and shot once at each of them as well. Making sure to count the bullets as she ran. Guns weren’t normally her style but she was still well versed in them.

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She would feel little drake holding on tight as after her couple of shots she would be left with about three shots as the animals seemed more hurt then the archer horror. He would be notching another shot and would seemingly be aiming at her center mass since it could hear the whimpers little drake was making. The more animalistic horrors started to move quicker their long tongues whipping towards obviously in an attempt to grab her

Grinning as she realized what was happening with how it was tracking them, she inhaled sharply and let out a loud reverberating whistle in the small stone lobby. Keeping it going for as long as she could while using her free hand to slash at any of the animals that came closer to them. Using a throwing knife she sent it flying towards the archer and shot at another of the animals.

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The archer was moving its head around in a very twitchy like manner trying to figure out where she was but the room was just empty enough to echo the whistle making him unsure where to shoot. The animals would come at her and get slashed not seeming very bright and only wanting to grab her with their tongues which one did getting her leg. But before it could yank Little Drake would take his knife and slash down “leave her alone!” he yelled and his voice cut through the archer snapping its head and with a quick pull of its bow string launched a quill into her thigh that had just been freed by little drake who stared in horror and sucked in a sharp breath seeing that.

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Grunting in pain as the quill went into her thigh, she growled. Taking aim and shooting at the archers head. Slashing at the nearest animal, she went to sever the head from the body if she could. One bullet left, glancing at the archer she wondered if she had hit him with the headshot or if he was still going. Hobbling back, she did her best to keep them away from the animals remaining.

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The animals seemed to be doing terribly and were much less aggressive after the attacks she gave them, especially the one Little Drake cut the tongue off of. The Archer wasn't able to dodge her shot as the bullet hit the side of its head and a weird growl that was muffled came from it as it dropped the bow and clutched at its head. After a moment it seemed to not be in as much pain but the oily blood leaving it didn't stop as it blindly tried to find its bow.

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Seeing the archer wasn’t down, she took aim and shot at it’s head again. With quick jumps from her good leg, she slashed at the remaining animals, putting as much of the frustration and irritation she felt behind it. Helping to fuel her desire to cleanse this world of these terrible creatures. It pissed her off to no end that they would attack not only her, but little Drake as well. Panting she cast around to locate any remaining creatures. Sweat beaded on her forehead but she didn’t lower her guard at all.

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The second shot was all it took to down the archer and the frustrated slashes that followed finished off the weakened animals. Little Drake had buried his face into her chest so he wasn't staring at her leg. “I-is it over?” he asked her his voice shaking hard now. He was clutching her and the dagger tightly trying very much not to cry to keep brave for her.

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Wrapping her arms around him to hold him to her, she panted but turned her face to kiss the top of his head. ”Yeah. You did amazing. Keep holding on tight yeah? I need to bandage up my leg a bit.” Nuzzling his hair, she knelt down next to one of the animals and cut one of it’s tongues out. Wrapping it around her leg and tying it tightly above the wound, she broke off the excess of the quill. Focusing on the area she was able to stem the flow of blood but not heal her own wound. Carefully getting back to her feet, she ambled over to the door and yanked it open unceremoniously. ”Lucy I’m home!” she called out to the stranger who had thrown her the gun. She didn’t judge them completely enemy but they hadn’t helped her out more… One arm protectively around young Drake, the goddess made her way further into the hallway.

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She would find herself in a hallway after opening the door feeling it slowly shut and disappear behind her. There was an odd noise she would be able to make out but if she took a few steps and looked she would see two men in a room. One was tied to a chair gagged and fighting against his restraints as in front of him stood an imposing and very familiar figure to Alistar. It would be Drake standing there with a knife and a very blood stained blue trench coat and a smile on his face. “Now Richard. Don't go losing your temper like always.” Drake said, chuckling a more natural and relaxed laugh then Alistar would be used to. “I took your gun away and tied you up because otherwise you might hurt someone...again.” he said with a bitterness showing up in his voice when he said 'again'. “Now, I am sure you're asking why you have ended up tied to this chair. Well You have done some really bad stuff and took more than a couple of lives with your anger. Oh I saw it all Richard and boy was it an interesting thing. But hey good news, You being a horrible bastard is a great thing...for me.” he said a twisted smile growing on his face “see, I need to kill a number of people and I have to say it is gonna be a hard time for me since I know I am going to need to kill some good people and I have already which wasn't really a great time....But killing a bad man like you, oh it makes it so much easier.” he said as he held up the knife showing it to Richard in a way that was almost a mix of threatening and teasing. “Now, I bet if you weren't gagged you would be saying something about how I should just go die or that you were just taking care of scum or some shit. Don't care at all. But I am not a monster, I am just trying to fix some mistakes and that requires a bit of effort and sacrifice. And at the end I will be joining you.” he said, taking the blunt end of his knife tracing over his throat. “So I will be dying too, maybe that will make you feel a bit better. Now best not to waste time, I need to find a lot more people after you.” he said and with one quick motion slashed open the man's throat, making some blood spray out and staining his face.

A sigh left drake as he was smiling till he felt eyes on him and unlike the drake she knew who was a bit stiff in his movements this one moved rather smooth and confident as he now faced her “Hello there.” he said with that twisted smiling but his friendly look soon turned one of recognition as he sighed “Oh, it's you. You know you shouldn't be in here seeing me like this. I don't like it.” he said as he cleaned the knife on his coat. “So, did the gun help?” he asked, smiling as he put the knife away before tossing her a small box “Here, have some ammo.” he said playfully and then noticed the thing clinging to her “well…why are you lugging that around, sorta useless given the scenario don't ya think?” he asked her. 

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Stepping closer to the room, she didn’t even really wonder at the relief she felt when she saw crazy Drake. Hugging Child Drake to her, she turned his face into her neck and chest. Turning her mouth, she whispered in his ear. ”Close your eyes for me bud, everything will be ok.” Soothingly, she rubbed his back and hummed while she watched Crazy Drake work. She paid more attention to his words than what he did. Killing and torturing people were normal for her and didn’t faze the goddess in the least.

Blinking as he laughed, it surprised her that she liked it. Vaguely, she wondered if she would ever be able to get him to laugh like that once they left this place, but obviously in a non-killer-esk kind of way. Listening to his rant, the purple-haired beauty recognized that he was insane, but there was a sense of logic to what he was doing. He was attempting to kill only ‘bad’ people because he did feel guilt for harming the innocent. She could sympathize with that. Killing bad people was always easier than killing an innocent.

Nodding to him when he greeted her, a tan hand lifted to catch the box of ammo he threw to her. Laughing softly as she moved around the room, finding a chair and sitting with Little Drake on her good leg. Pulling out the gun, she started reloading it. ”Hello to you too, and I don’t understand why you don’t like it. This you…” she looked him up and down, gesturing with the gun. ”Actually makes more sense to me. As fucked as that sounds anyway. Thanks for the weapon and ammo. It did.” Laughing again, she put the gun away and stroked Little Drake's hair and nuzzled his head. ”Actually, my little knight saved my life. One of those creatures latched onto my leg and he stabbed it to free me. It took a lot of courage, strength, and bravery to do that.” she stared at Crazy Drake meaningfully while she spoke. ”So he’s actually far from useless to me. He protects me, centers me, and reminds me of why I’m here.”

Smiling affectionately down at the young child, she hummed happily. ”You told me if I was ever separated from you in this place to bring something that would remind me of what I needed to do. He does that. You..” she ruffled Little Drake’s hair affectionately and looked up at Crazy Drake. ”In any form or time, protect me. He saved me from the animal, teenage you distracted Leonard, and you gave me the gun to protect myself… Each and every one of you remind me. I am here to find you and bring you home. Bring you back to me.” Grunting, she shifted her wounded leg but didn’t look at it.

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The insane looking drake chuckled shaking his head “It's not that you seeing me will upset him, me, us.” he said smiling devilishly “its because im not like him.” he said pointing to the young drake “I know everything your drake knows which means i know all his secrets. I even know a few things about you Albi.” he said, winking before he walked away back towards the old mans corpse and kicked it over. when it collided with the ground it turned to ash almost instantly. He looked back when she talked about the kid and chuckled “really? some balls on him huh.” he said as she continued on about things her Drake had told him and he couldnt help let out a small chortle “I sure do sound fucking sappy sometimes. He ain't wrong though.” he said, turning to face her and looking at the leg. “There is some adrenaline in the kitchen. I say shoot that up and we will get going because I am not planning to miss this.” he said smiling even more devilishly “your going through our Hell and I don't know if you know but sinners flock together.” he said, his eyes growing sharp “Man, he picked a hell of a person to fall for. You sure did a number on him, you know that.” he said his tone growing a bit darker “and he does remember all of it with crystal clarity.”

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Looking down at young Drake while Crazy Drake spoke, she shrugged. ”You are. At your core.” Hearing him call her Albi had the goddess blushing faintly but she pushed the feeling aside. ”Yeah well, why else do you think you became my Akl?” Pushing herself to her feet, she smiled brightly at Crazy Drake. ”Lead the way oh wise one. Anything that will stem the pain will be appreciated.”

She wasn’t quite sure how to take his words about him coming along and her going through their hell… it was true that sinners flocked together but his words seemed strange to her. Giving him a confused questioning look, she hobbled after him. ”Not entirely sure what you mean. I did nothing to him. He’s been the one pursuing me. Been quite persistent about it too.” As they walked on wherever Crazy Drake led them she asked hesitantly. ”So will this place just keep showing me more of his and your hell? Last time it tried to show me something for me too. Hard to come up with a fresh hell when you’ve already lived one though.” she joked trying to lighten the mood.

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Drake stopped and looked back to her “You hurt him a lot at first. He thought maybe he was a toy to you.” he said calmly before chuckling “and yes, it will be showing you some of your stuff and probably worse than your last time.” he said grinning as he moved to get the adrenaline pulling it out of a drawer “This should help, it will hurt thought.” he said, taking the cap off and plunging it into her thigh, letting it inject into her. Waiting to see her reaction he smirked “if your ready ill take you to the exit.” he said before guiding her to a door. “Wonder where we will be.” he said in a playful tone as he opened a door showing some woods which meant they were not out in the school grounds but the otherworld version. “Forest huh, nice for a stroll.” he said waiting for her “limp away, I will lead us in circles Albi.” he said looking around before sighing “so why do you hesitate with him? I mean I know the reasons you say but I feel like there is something more honest.” he said as he walked beside her.

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Following after him she rolled her eyes as he told her the shot would hurt. Grunting as he roughly plunged it into her thigh, she growled at him but grit her teeth from the pain. ”Typically you like plunging other things into me roughly like that.” she wiggled an eyebrow at him. Really the banter helped her focus on something besides the pain.

Hobbling after him, she rubbed little Drake’s back gently. She was starting to get worried about the boy, he was pretty quiet, and it unnerved her. ”Hey bud you, ok?” she asked softly, trying to get him to at least say something. Glancing at the woods, she frowned recognizing them but not sure why. ”I don’t think you would… if you actually followed what he wanted. Your younger version found his way back to me.” Moving forward, she made her way into the trees and for a moment acted as if she hadn’t heard his question. Eventually though as they came to a sort of clearing that had a row of hedges not too far from where they were, she answered but didn’t look at him. ”I don’t hesitate with him. I just don’t always clue him in with what I’m thinking. He was a toy in the beginning. I told him that and I warned him not to expect or want more. It’s not my fault he chose the idiots path and fell in love with me.”

Even though she was insulting Drake, she really felt like she was talking about herself and not him. Walking towards the hedges a large mansion could be seen just beyond them. From the way she moved and walked it was obvious that she recognized the place.

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Drake Laughed loudly when she wiggled her eyebrows “I aint about to make myself jealous.” he said and gave her a good ass smack before they continued on. When she started talking to the child version the more insane Drake made eye contact and smirked before putting a finger over his lips making Young Drake just nod and bury his face into her chest. When she brought up that the child found his way back to her he laughed “Did he now? What a trooper.” he said, chuckling quietly to himself. When she brought up not hesitating he rolled his eyes and chuckled “yes yes, a big dumb fool.” he said before tapping her temple with his finger “So, do you love him? I mean you care enough to search for him in this.” he said walking beside her “But what if you don't find him and you never said it?” he asked her his voice growing darker. “What if this is where he fails and becomes part of this hell?” he asked, his eyes looking a bit more wild after asking that.

When the mansion came into view he raised a brow before snickering “Well fuck, you said it and here we are.” he said sneering at her “I wonder what your horrible nasties look like.” he said and continued to walk his hands in his coat pockets.

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Amber eyes glanced at Crazy Drake, cocking an eyebrow at him as well. ”Yeah, he found his way back to me, and I found my way back to you. I would wager you’re too interested in seeing the fun things I’ll stir up to stray too far.” she laughed softly at herself. She hadn’t minded when he slapped her ass. It honestly was a reminder of all the times that her Drake did it, that honestly, she had to stop herself from making a sexy remark to him.

Pausing after he tapped her temple, she turned fully to him and stared hard. ”I warned him that if this place took him… I would come in here after him and haul his ass out.” her eyes flashed several different colors and her voice dipped in a warning growl. ”Besides. I thought you weren’t going to make him jealous? How do you think he would feel if I said those words to you before him?” as confusing as that was to think about. ”I will find him. Not finding him isn’t an option.” Her grip on young Drake tightened but not painfully so. His question about Drake becoming part of this place had her tilting her head. ”Well, that’s what you want isn’t it? To become part of this place?”

Not really waiting, she shifted and headed to the mansion that was really just a strange looking old school building. In true Silent Hill fashion, it looked corroded and aged with time but the splendor that it had been, was obvious. As they walked in a man came strolling in, whistling as if nothing was wrong. However, his movements were jerky and halted. As he turned and looked at the trio walking into his home, an abnormal and impossible grin pulled back to show rows and rows of fangs. Shifting Alistar stood her ground and glared at him. ”Mason Sarpe.” The man seemed to laugh but it came out as a strange hissing sound. A long-forked tongue slithered out of it’s mouth and tasted the air. Catching the scent of her blood it’s eyes took on a crazed look and it stalked forward toward them.

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Drake smirked “It very much is not. I wanted to set things back to before I broke.” he said looking up “No, becoming truly part of this place is very very bad.” he said and watched her go into the mansion and followed after taking in the look of the mansion until their group came across a man who was very much a monster. The insane Drake started to chuckle but that chuckle grew and grew into a crazed laughter as he pulled out a pistol and began wildly unloading into the man walking towards him without a care in the world madness obviously taking over him.

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Surprise flitted over her features that the crazy Drake didn’t want to become one with this place. Strange, hadn’t Drake told her that was this version of him’s life goal? She was starting to feel dizzy and a bit of a headache but did her best not to show it. The spine in her thigh throbbed with each step tearing the wound open again. Sighing as the crazy Drake went nuts and started unloading into Mason, she held child Drake with one arm and smacked the crazy one on the back of his head. ”Cut his head off and burn it. Apep won’t die from being shot.” wait… Apep? Again, her head throbbed, and her eyes took on a green hue to them. Why did she think Mason was Apep? Sure, he had been as vile as any snake when he was alive. Sucking the lifeblood out of people to serve his own ego. Alistar had been sent to infiltrate his operation, gather intelligence, and eventually kill him. Was Silent Hill turning him into the demon Apep for her to slay? But she had done that every night with her Father Ra. Grunting she fell to her good knee and held her head. ”What the fuck is this?” Mason dusted himself off and laughed at her. Advancing again with a snake-like grace.

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Drake was surprised by the smack before hearing her words causing him to glance back seeing the weird issues she was having before looking back to the guy “Beheading, sounds fun.” he said putting his gun away and pulling out two very familiar daggers and rushed the man slamming a full running kick right into the dick before he began viciously attacking at his neck.

Kid Drake looked at Alistar and frowned, putting a hand on her cheek “dont…worry…youll….be….okay.” he said his voice sounded a bit worn out and hollow and his hand was going a bit cold. He also seemed to be getting light in her grasp.

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Wincing in pain, she forced a smile and green eyes opened to look at the child in her arms. Covering his own hand with hers, she commented. ”You’re getting cold. I’m sorry. I should have grabbed a blanket or something for you.” Her heart stung with the thought that she couldn’t care for one single child.

Looking up she saw that Crazy Drake had killed the snake man. ”Bring me his belt.” She instructed. She was irritated beyond belief and wanted to get some rest. However, she knew that she wasn’t done and had no plans to give up. Once Crazy Drake brought her Mason’s belt, she set child Drake down and folded the belt. Taking a deep breath, she looked up at the crazy one and nodded to the spine. ”Yank it out.” Biting down on the belt, she balled her fists, focusing on the pain of her nails digging into her palms.

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Drake would look back confused as she asked for a belt but shrugged and walked over with the belt she asked for. Watching her set the child Drake down he would do as she asked almost immediately after she asked not being gentle about it whatsoever. A smile came over his features looking at the quill and quietly shoved it inside of his coat. Glancing over to the child Drake he could help laughing “well, times up huh.” he said, a twisted look in his eyes.

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Once he had yanked the spine out, she felt relieved even though it hurt like a bitch. Pulling the dead creature parts from her leg, she replaced it with the belt. Picking child Drake back up, she forced herself to stand back up. ”Explain. Why is he so quiet now.” hugging the child Drake she wasn’t sure what to do. She still hadn’t seen any signs of her Drake and she had been in this place for quite some time now.

Moving to a wall, she slashed her mark into it and glanced back at the dead body of Mason on the floor.

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The insane Drake began laughing like a psycho when she picked the child drake back up, even bending over and holding his stomach. “Take a look, He is showing you what he really is.” he said, laughing more. If she looked down she would see a porcelain doll that looked exactly like the child Drake “He reached as far as he could.” he said grinning with all his teeth showing “I'd leave it, It ain't helpful anymore.” he said his tone relaxed as he waited for her so they could continue.

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Looking down at the boy in her arms, her eyes went sad as she saw how he changed. Adjusting him in her arms, she whispered a thank you into his ear but did not put him down. Something in her chest just couldn’t let her let him go. ”I’ll hang onto him for a bit longer, thanks. So when do you change then? Hit your limit?” she took a deep breath and stepped back outside.

She didn’t know quite where she was heading, only that she felt lost and hated that feeling. Squeezing the doll in her arms a bit tighter, she felt the stirrings of rage in her heart. Alistar wanted nothing more than to bring this place to its knees and find her Drake. Who knew what it was showing him?

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The insane Drake just chuckled “You'll see, though I doubt i'll make it that far.” he said with a devilish expression as they walked onward into the mansion, soon coming to an old worn out door. He would step in front of it before she had a chance to try opening it and looked her over “You need to focus. You're starting to let your feelings get a bit out of whack.” he said and playfully booped her nose “its winning if you let yourself lose focus. It didn't like him helping so it took him from you.” he said pointing to the doll. “It is always watching and always trying to lead you in a way that hurts you the most.” he said before stepping to the side “or go nuts, might be fun to see where your crazy rabbit hole goes.” he said, chuckling and waited for her to lead on.

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Even though she had tried to leave the mansion, Crazy Drake brought her back in and gave a vague answer to her questions. Frowning at him deeply and wiggling her nose after he booped it, she gave him a peeved look. ”You’re being awful helpful and nice for the crazy version of him.” Looking down at the doll she carried, her hand absently rubbed it’s back. ”My feelings may have gone a bit crazy for a moment but it never changed my goal. My goal has always been to find you. My, Drake. I use the rage or loneliness I feel on the side as a fuel to find you. It doesn’t help this place to make me feel fear or try to break me. I told him too. I’ve lived a very long life and been through many hells. As long as I have my goal, I will never waver.”

Even if she had felt lost, she never once stopped wanting to find Drake. Rolling her green eyes at Crazy Drake, she moved past him and shoved the door open.

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They would find themselves once again in the woods and the crazed Drake walked with her whistling his hands in his coat pockets. After a moment of thinking he spoke “About your question, Yes I am being helpful. Is that bothering you?” he asked her with a smirk. “And yeah, you have lived long but so has he.” he said snickering “Longer than he remembers.” he added and after a bit more walking two doors would be standing in a clearing. Crazy Drake looked at them, seeing a worn out red one on the left and a faded dilapidated green one on the right. Which a chuckle he ran over to stand between them “Now which way will we go, The red door or the green door. We can choose only one and it's all up to you.” he said, chuckling his eyes showing he knew something.

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Glancing at him out of the corner of her eye, ”Kind of. It gives the illusion that you actually give a shit.” Hobbling to the edge of the trees, she paused and looked at him. ”Has he been around for 200 years?” her voice wasn’t a challenge but more of a tired confirmation. Inside the trees she walked silently as she listened to him. Eventually they came to a clearing that had two doors and Crazy Drake tried to provoke her. Lifting a tired hand to her eyes, she thought about Drake and everything he meant to her.

Walking to the green door, she slashed her mark into it and stepped through without a word to the Crazy one. If he wanted to follow her then he could but she wasn’t waiting for him.

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“I wouldn't say 200 hundred but time means little in places like these.” he said smirking as she picked a door and his features twisted into one of pure pleasure as he followed after her into the new place. They would be in a house that was oddly familiar to her as it was much like one she had in her dreams. A Drake that looked exactly like hers but a bit older came walking out with a duffle bag in one hand and carefully held in the other was a baby who was the perfect blend of both him and Alistar. Crazy Drake looked at the scene and put his hands over his mouth as he stepped back letting her interact with this.

The Drake holding the baby looked to her with a sad and pained expression on his face as he looked at her. “I think that is everything I need.” he said, his tone distant as his eyes didnt ever seem to meet hers even though he was looking at her. Whatever warmth and love she was used to seeing just wasn't there.

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She knew the place they were in. She recognized it from her dreams, but how had this place found it? Holding the doll in her arms a tad tighter as her Drake came into view it took everything in her not to run to him. The expression in his eyes told her that this wasn’t the man she wanted it to be. Licking her lips, she looked to the child and instantly recognized it as hers. ”You think you would be able to take my child from me?” her voice was thick but thankfully steady. ”You’re not real.” Shaking her head, she turned and looked at Crazy Drake. ”How do you get these things to stop? This is one that hasn’t happened. So I won’t know how to get rid of it.”

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The Drake holding the child would sigh looking down at the kid then to her “I'm not taking her from you. We agreed we would take turns raising her.” he said before looking hurt at her saying he wasn't real “Alistar lets not do this, We knew we were growing apart. You started coming home less and less and never let me know what was going on with you. You never once let down your walls.” he said, looking pained watching her turn away.

Meanwhile crazy Drake was just there giggling quietly “Well this one is it twisting your dreams. These ones you just need to suffer through and when its over we can move on. Its attrition so to speak.” he said looking over to the other Drake then back to her “But…I think its mixing some of your honest fears in as well, right?”

The other Drake would sigh “Alistar if you dont want to talk to me that fine but at least say goodbye to our daughter before we go. You owe her that much at least. I get you having a kid was something I pressured you into as you have let me know but don't take your anger for me out on her.”

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She did her best to ignore the dream Drake and listen to the Crazy one, wasn’t that a novel thought. Hating the fact that she would have to suffer through this longer, and that there wasn’t a way to just make it go away, she shook her head. ”The real Drake would have been out there with me. He’s told me so himself. He wouldn’t leave me.” she looked at the beautiful child he held and felt the connection to it. Gritting her teeth, she shook her head. ”She’s not real! You would never take our child from me.” she clenched her fist hugging the doll tighter, almost breaking it. ”His dream is having a family, not destroying one.”

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Drake with the baby looked at her with a face of pain and annoyance “and leave our child alone? I was out there with you. I spent all the time I could but then we had our beautiful daughter.” he said looking down and smiling before looking back up to her “and we were a family, I was happy but then you started coming home less and less. It felt like you didn't want to be around us and you seemed upset at the idea of this dream coming true….it hurt more than any wound I had known.” he said looking away from her “I understood what you wanted. You realized this wasn't what you actually wanted and I am giving you the out you wanted.” he said a silent tear falling and hitting the cheek of their daughter “You will be able to come visit and see her when you want and like I said you will have her part of the time if you want.” he said, his voice sounding defeated as he began to leave the home.

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Anger hit her hard at his accusation stepping towards him, she growled. ”Someone would have to support all of us! Why would I not want to be there with you both? You were in this hell for how long? You don’t even know the dangers out there for her or you! It makes me so anxious thinking of having a child with you and you doing exactly this. Wanting me to give up who I am to be controlled.” Her green eyes glowed slightly and her aura flexed around her as tears gathered in her eyes.

”This..” she gestured to him and the child. ”Has been a recurring dream of mine since we were roomed together. This whole thing scares the daylights out of me. Letting you in close enough and choosing to have your child… You know it’s not something that is an accident for me. It’s a choice. So if this actually happened, it means I CHOSE YOU!” Panting, she struggled to keep tears from falling as she stood there glaring at him.

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Drake looked at her sadness in his eyes as he held their child “when did I ask you to change who you were?” he asked her “How does wanting you around change you? Why did it need to be the same job? We were both killers but we are more than that is what you told me.” he said looking at their child “If you chose her, chose me, then why do you still look scared of us? Like loving us will kill you?” he asked her, looking angry “Would it have been better if we never had her? Never left together? What is wrong with changing?” he asked her.

Crazy Drake was standing off to the side and noticed the room beginning to grow smaller and the encroaching rust creeping towards her and he blinked looking at the group “oh, this will be getting serious soon.” he said to himself as his smile began growing to show his teeth.

Drake would look at the little baby he was holding “I don't want to leave…I don't even know if I can live without you.” he said before looking back at her “are we really such burdens to you?” he asked her his wet eyes finally looking into hers. “Would you honestly be happier if we were both gone?”

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Closing her eyes, Alistar’s face went red from anger as she listened to the dream Drake. Straightening her spine, she took a deep breath. ”If you don’t want to leave then don’t. At least I’m not one to break my promises.” she gave a half hearted laugh and shook her head. ”Don’t twist this around to make it seem like I’m chasing you out or the one leaving you. YOU are making your own choice to take our child from me and leave. Just like I told you I was afraid you would.”

Her shoulders relaxed and the look on her face was one of resignation. ”I told you in the beginning I didn’t want to love you because I knew one day you would leave me. I didn’t want to deal with the pain, but I took a chance. Of course, I wouldn’t stand in your way. If you honestly think you’d be better without me. By all means. Get out.” her voice cracked and she nearly choked on the words. Looking to Crazy Drake, she asked gently. ”Are you able to just leave the space or will it follow me? I need to find my Drake.”

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When she looked at crazy drake his smile didnt fade but his eyes looked shock “dont be fucking stupid, focus on him!” he yelled but she would feel a cold shiver up her spine. The sounds of chains and flesh moved closer to her as she would feel some wrap around her left arm. “STAY…ALI…STAR” said a twisted attempt of Drake's voice but the agony this creature seemed to be in altered it far too much. She would feel herself starting to get pulled to mass of chains with one huge unlidded eye looking out from underneath the mass of metal. “STaY….bE…MinE….Be….wHaT…I….NeED!!!” it screeched at her.

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Feeling something wrap around her as the shiver went up her spine and Crazy Drake yelled at her. Purple hair flew out in an arc as her head whipped around to stare at the creature trying to move her. Green eyes shifted to caramel as her anger took hold of her. Tossing the doll to Crazy Drake, she called out to him. ”Keep him safe for me!” Grabbing the chain and yanking it back to her side. She could hear the sizzle where she held the creature and focused on that area, pouring her pleasure touch into it. It would be a strange combination to be hit with euphoric feelings and excruciating pain all at the same time. ”You were just leaving weren’t you? Trying to make me feel guilty for choosing the life I’ve always known versus the one you wanted? Showing me the thing you know I fear the most? Well, FUCK YOU!” Her caramel eyes glowed as she limped towards the creature and drew a dagger, stabbing at the eye she could see.

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The monster would screech out at the sensations bombarding its senses. It wouldn't be able to put up much of a fight due to her sudden vicious attacks. The crazy drake with her just watched having caught the doll and blinked while smiling as he took in the scene before him. Once she seemed done with stabbing the creature who had long since been dead he finally spoke. “Well if you're done maybe we should take a moment to catch our breath, look around for something that can help that leg of yours?”

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Alistar wiped the creature’s blood off on it’s carcass and turned back to him. Holding out her arms for the child Drake doll. In all honesty she looked very worn out, tired, and not in the greatest of shapes. ”Yeah, whatever. I just need to find my Drake and I’ll be able to get out of this place.” The mansion that had been behind them was no longer there and as she moved through the trees, they too thinned to form the platforms from the moonlit garden. Pausing, she looked around and then headed to one of the benches to take a moment and rest. Her leg still throbbed but was also numb from her hip down. ”I doubt there’s anything in this place that would be able to help my leg.”

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Crazy Drake would look around before following after her with a smile as he would sit next to her pulling out an odd looking vial “see, found something.” he said placing it in her lap then patted her leg “give it a try, might help.” he said, smirking like he always seemed to be doing. He looked around the place they sat humming to himself while they rested before suddenly he covered his mouth and started coughing “well…that's not a good sign.” he said before relaxing back in his seat, obviously not planning on explaining that further.

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Looking at him oddly, she picked up the vial and inspected it. ”Do I drink it or pour it on the wound?” She wasn’t so sure about taking something from the man and wondered about it. ”If you’ve had this on you the entire time, why give it to me now? You could have given it earlier.” Shaking her head, she handed it back to him. ”I won’t accept it. You said that because he helped me, this place took him. Right now, you’re not really helping. You’re bearing witness to the things this place is putting me through. Giving me that changes it and makes it so that you’re helping me. If you help me, it’ll take you too.” Holding child Drake in her lap, she moved his head to rest against her shoulder and didn’t mind as Crazy Drake sat next to her. Feeling very tired, she frowned and sat in an uncomfortable position but shifted to rest her head on his shoulder. ”I miss you.” she yawned softly and sighed, blinking slowly.

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The crazy man sitting next to her shrugged at the question about the vial and chuckled “interesting how you're thinking about all this but I guess fair is fair.” he said before looking over to her when she said i miss you. A brow raised and a devilish smile came over his features “you talking to that, me, or about your Drake?” he asked in a teasing manner.

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Sighing, she opened her eyes and stared into space for a moment. ”Technically speaking you are one and the same. The kid, you… you are both him. Just from previous times.” Taking a deep breath she sat up straight again and rubbed absently at the wound. ”I can see how so many years of this place wore away at you. Your mind did what it had to so you could survive.” She complimented even as she looked a bit pale. Adjusting the make shift bandage she had on her leg, the goddess looked around curiously. ”I suppose I should pick a direction. He said as long as I keep my goal in mind this place would have a harder time keeping me from him.” It was hard though when she hadn’t seen any clues as to where he was. Nor could she tell how much time had passed. Surely it wasn’t that much time? It felt so strange here… like it had been days but she knew the school itself wouldn’t allow them to be pulled away for that long.

Grunting softly, she stood on shaky legs, sweat beading on her temple but she paid it no mind. Picking a direction, she clutched the doll that was Child Drake to her and hobbled forward. She would find him, she had to.

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He would shake his head as the crazy Drake just smiled his insane smile “sure, you can see it that way.” he said, smirking as he would follow her when she got up. Once again they would walk until they found a lone door but this one was gray and Crazy drake would move over and touch it before quickly pulling his hand back “Ah…fun.” he said looking to her “after you, this is a big one.” he said to her with a dark excitement shining in his eyes.

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Eyeing him warily, she sighed and shrugged. ”Suit yourself.” Licking her lower lip she opened the door but stepped back and grabbed Crazy Drake. With a grunt she shoved him ahead of her. ”You first sweetie. Be a dear and play the part of my shining knight.” Staying behind him as they both walked through the door.

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The man yelped when he was shoved stumbling forward and actually falling down onto the ground showing it was a street. He would groan before getting up “rude.” he said before looking around and his smile grew to the biggest she saw yet “you're not gonna like this part.” he said and pointed.

Down the street she would see an older man with a briefcase and a gun running with all his might from an older teen Drake. Suddenly the doctor stopped and began unloading into Drake hitting him in a couple places and one of note would be in the left side of his face taking out some of his lips on that side. Drake would get in close before biting down on the doctor's throat and ripping it out before both fell down.

Crazy Drake started laughing as he looked at her “You get to watch us die, isnt that fun?” he asked her. “You should go over there. We kinda of talk to ourselves as we start dying.” he said and began walking that way.

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Rolling her eyes, she shuffled after him and watched the scene unfold before her. Grimacing, she kept her eyes on him, not looking away once. She didn’t like the sight, but she also didn’t dislike it. Balance was kept in all things and she had not been here to pass judgment. It made her angry to see the man unload so many bullets into Drake, but she knew he survived in his own way.

Still carrying the doll, she shifted and walked with Crazy Drake, taking his hand as they made their way over to his younger self. ”Did you enjoy it?” she nodded at the scene. Kneeling down next to the younger Drake, she leaned over him for a moment. A soft smile on her face as she brushed hair from his face. ”We meet again stranger.” she didn’t expect him to recognize her or see her, but she still made herself comfortable next to him, adjusted the doll on her lap, and then reached out to Crazy Drake to tug on his blue coat to get him to sit next to her.

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Crazy Drake walked over and watched the two. The dying drake looked at her with familiar milky eyes “Alistar…why….did you come here?” he asked her. Crazy Drake chimed in as he pulled out his pistol “I did enjoy killing that poor excuse for a doctor.” he said and shot the dying drake right in the head. “I enjoyed that too.” he said as his eyes looked away from her and began scanning the edges of the fog that surrounded him.

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There was something wrong with the Crazy Drake. Well something off more than normal. Frowning, caramel eyes watched his movements as he pulled out his pistol. Jumping slightly as he fired off a shot into his younger self. Red rimmed her eyes as she quickly blinked and stared at the body next to her. Shifting, she laid the doll that represented the child on the younger Drake’s chest. Leaning forward she kissed it’s forehead and then the younger boys, next to his bullet wound. Her hands close to the doctor’s body before shifting her weight, she rose to her feet and looked at Crazy Drake. ”Why do you seem so afraid? You know. You’ve made very little sense since we first started moving together. This version of you wouldn’t have cared so much about me. Are you trying to keep me from him? You realize that’s a dangerous thing to do right?”

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The drake that had been following her around looked back at her when she started speaking. His smile was gone and a look of annoyance took its place. “If you're going to attack, just do it. I came here to do something and I am willing to take a few shots for it. I even had to pretend to be that awful version just to try and fix things.” he said angrily. He then pointed his gun at her “So stay there and dont interfere. You played the part I needed you to do.” he said before looking around again “where the fuck is it?” he asked through clenched teeth, obviously growing more anxious. “Did I shoot him too soon? Did i fuck up the sequence of this place? Damnit it why does all of this have to be so complicated.”

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His words stung and she knew she had been right not to trust him completely. She had hoped that the words and actions she did and used would sway him, but obviously they had not. A smile very similar to his own twisted her lips as she purposefully stumbled to her bad side. A hand sliping to her back and pulling out the gun he had given her earlier. Firing off a shot at his head for a clean headshot if it landed.

Using the trajectory of her stumble, she swiveled and brought up the gun from the doctor that she had picked up. Firing several shots into Crazy Drake’s torso. The goddess didn’t stop moving. If a gun was out of bullets, she slipped it back into her waist band and replaced it with a knife. She had sparred with Drake enough times to know that even though she had aimed for lethal hits, she wasn’t going to assume he was done until she had taken his head. Adrenaline coursed through her veins pushing out the pain from her leg and making her aura flex around her. She didn’t care about what he had been trying to do. What she did care about was not letting him have it.

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The Drake that had used her saw her taking aim and quickly pulled out a knife to block the shot, breaking the knife he had but what followed from the second gun riddled his chest. He stood panting before looking at her “aren't you even curious what I really am?” he asked, his eyes still moving from her to look around real fast before coming back to her. “I need you to stop. I am trying to change things for the better.” he said with anger in his eyes. It was obvious the attitude he had before had been fake. “He is losing the battle…I need to do this even if it changes him.” he said, panting from pain obviously very hurt.

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Alistar didn’t relent and kept attacking him. ”Then you should have clued me in asshole.” She noted the way he looked around and she did keep an eye behind him for other creatures that may come out. She wasn’t stupid, but she did not trust this Drake in the least. ”From the start you wanted the child gone, and you shot the young version before he got to say much. It seems to me that you’re trying to cut me off from any other version of you, and we all know how you feel about my Drake.” the way he had spoken to her Drake the last time they saw him came to mind, and all the things that he had said to her while she was here. She didn’t believe for one moment that the Drake she was attacking was completely insane. He knew what he was doing, but this place had warped him and his perception of what was reality. One just had to view the surroundings through his lens to see it.

It did make her sad to be slicing into a man who looked, sounded, and technically was the one she loved, but she kept that part of her in check as she attacked him without mercy.

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This Drake would fend off her attacks to the best of his ability while giving her not much of his attention. He was being pushed back and the two were moving away from the now dead teen drake when His eyes went wide. There it was, the creature that was there that day. Raising his gun he would unload his pistol but due the the attacks he chose to not dodge it fucked with his aim and made him miss as he fell down heavily wounded “fuck…I couldnt….stop it.” he said glaring at her “I hate who we become….we are wrong….we hate so much of ourselves….and I carry all that hate inside….I will change us….or end us.” he said before collapsing dead. After a moment his body faded away leaving only a note of self deprecating thoughts Drake had towards himself.

Meanwhile the Horror that self hating Drake had been using her to find floated over to the dead teen drake and knelt at his side.

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She couldn’t move fast enough to get him to not shoot but she was able to continue attacking him and cause him to miss. The goddess saw the creature, but was more concerned with Crazy Drake at the moment. Watching him fall, she leaned on her good leg heavily and listened. Picking up the letter that was left behind from him, she sniffled slightly. ”You’re wrong. You are perfect the way you are.” Clearing her throat, Alistar wiped at her cheek with the back of her arm and shoved the note in her pocket with the knight doll. Her weapon inventory was running dangerously low at the moment. Both guns were out of ammo and she only had two knives left on her. Palming one, she turned to look back at the creature.

”What did he mean he couldn’t stop you? What are you going to do?” she asked the creature. It didn’t seem to be acting like the other ones that she had run into here before. Moving slowly, she returned to the young Drake but kept a careful eye on the creature on his opposite side.

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There was a silence as the creature seemed to be looking at the dead Drake with its eyeless face. A creep, echoey voice that was rather feminine would follow. “I am here…to join with him.” it said gently, placing a hand over his heart. “It will…continue his life….and I will no longer be this….but part of him.” it explained. It then seemed to focus on her. “What will you do…your path….is ending soon….and the end is not pleasant.” it told her as the hand that wasn't on drakes reached out to her the fingers making cracking noises and the ethereal red cloth that hung to the feminine horror flapped as a small gust of icy wind blew by them.

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Alistar couldn’t stand anymore and slumped to sit next to the dead Drake. She stared at him and the doll while listening to the creature. She didn’t seem disturbed by it at all and that in itself seemed odd to her. Looking up at the creature, she didn’t move as it’s fingers came towards her. ”Endings, beginnings, life in general is painful.” she nodded towards dead Drake. ”You become one with him, keep him living, so that he can meet me. Thank you. For saving us both.” a genuine smile graced her features. Lifting her hand she threaded her fingers through the creature's hand that was reaching for her and held it. ”I’ll keep looking for him. This is not my Drake. He’s somewhere else, and the Crazy one said he’s losing. I need to find him.”

Letting go of the hand, she took a deep breath and looked around blinking away tears in her eyes, a frown on her face as she tried to figure out where to go. Taking a moment to catch her breath, she put a hand on the side of his face and healed the part of his cheek that had been blown away. ”He’s always self conscious of that.” she laughed tiredly but forced herself to stand again. Limping towards the houses, she made slow progress but it was still progress.

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The Horror would watch her leave saying nothing in response to the things she had said. It did however wave the hand she had been holding in an odd manner after she had left them before doing what the memory said she did.

Moments later a door would appear before Alistar but this time it opened on its own showing a set of stairs. If she walked the stairs she wouldn't get far before seeing a familiar figure standing at the top. Of course it was another Drake but this one was much closer to hers in all aspects.

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Alistar only paused long enough to sigh seeing the door open to stairs. She was going to murder this place… Groaning, she slowly started making her way up the stairs, taking it one literal step at a time. Seeing another Drake at the top, her eyes teared up but she didn’t acknowledge him. Instead, she palmed her knife and waited until she got to the top of the stairs. Leaning on her good leg, she could feel the sweat trickling down her back. ”So which one are you?” her voice came out more tired than she wanted it to, and she hated herself for how much she wanted to fall into his arms and just let the nightmare be over.

This is what loving someone did to you. As much as it hurt, she knew that this was a problem and that things were not going to get better until her Drake got them both back to the school.

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This one looked at her and that gentle smile came over his face that he often showed her “You met my self hatred.” He said simply before hugging her “I'm sorry he upset you.” He said, his voice oddly relaxed and calm. This Drake gave off an odd vibe that was different as it was calming while also unnerving. Letting her go he would kneel down and look at her leg before reaching up and gently taking her hand. He would gently take the knife from her before cutting his palm open and handing it back. After she had her knife the blood from his cut began moving to stitch up her leg. “I'm what he was like when he was crazy. Aloof, oddly friendly, but also wrong, distant, and my tone never seemed to match what i was saying.” he told her looking up with relaxed unworried eyes that seemed eerie. When he was done with her wound he stood up looking at her “its not great here is it.” he said looking her over “You know he is just as scared of loving you as you are of him. How can you trust something good when you were in a place like this. How can you love someone when your connected to this?” he asked before gently cupping her face “but you are lodged too deep now, we can't remove the love we have.” he said before taking his hand away and took a few steps back from her and she would hear his bare feet tapping against the metal landing they stood on.

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The smile on his face was like a balm on her soul and the hug… she almost crumpled, but held herself rigid while he explained. When he went to take the knife from her, he had to pry it from her fingers and she wasn’t so sure she liked it. Wrinkling her nose at the sensation, she tried to pull away but he wouldn’t seem to let her out of his grasp until he was done. ”Thanks… but don’t do that again.” sweat dripped down her temple as she looked around.

His hand on her face, had her momentarily leaning into it before she jerked herself out of it. ”Yeah well, feeling is mutual. Maybe it’s because of my hesitation that he realizes I’m not part of this place. I recognize that this is not him…” she paused before she started walking again to look up at him. Sadness, and love hidden deep in her eyes. ”Yet this place and you are one and the same. It constantly reminds me of when he tells me about his friend. The one they hid in the deepest part of this place. He said she was pure and innocent, but that this place warped her. There is innocence and purity in him. It’s what attracted me to him in the first place. How could something so pure, be covered in so much blood?” Pursing her lips, she sighed and started to amble forward. ”It’s been in every single part of you that I’ve met.” her arms cupped as if she were carrying something. ”Like the child..” she paused and looked down at her arms. Blinking it took a few moments for her brain to register that she no longer had the child Drake in her arms.

Her breathing sped up and she instantly turned back towards the stairs just to find them gone. She had left him… it didn’t matter the reason. She had promised not to leave him and she had. Whether it had been spoken or not didn’t matter. She had intended to ‘save’ the child and had left him. Her body started to tremble and her throat closed awkwardly. Closing her amber eyes, she took several deep breaths trying to calm herself.

”So why are you here this time?” The pain coursing through her from her thoughtlessness was nearly crippling for the goddess. She knew that his innocence did not die there, but the mere thought of a child suffering in a place like this…. ”This place loves to toy with people from what you’ve told me. So why this version of you?” Her voice was tired and strained.

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Drake nodded and watched her seeing the emotions run through her but the same relaxed expression on his face remained unchanging as he gave her his full attention. He seemed so at peace it was unnerving considering how constantly out of place and uncomfortable normal Drake seemed to appear when he wasn't around Alistar. When she finished he nodded “I will respond in order. You asked how something pure could grow covered in blood but that is true for you, leonard, anyone who has ever taken a life.” he said holding up his hands and suddenly they became completely stained red and small pools of blood began falling from them “Blood can cover up anything with its crimson and hide what is true from others. One must be willing to wipe it away to remember the innocence underneath.” he said before his hands slowly went back to normal, the blood just disappearing like it had never been there in the first place. “The child is okay.” he said softly pointing to the knight doll “I can fix what you're worried about but that will be when we are done conversing.” he said in his even tone before moving on

“As for why I am here…It's because Drake wants me to be here with you. Simply he wanted a capable part of himself to help you before the end.” he would explain to her once again reaching to cup her face “And something you didn't ask me but needs answering I will say this now. We have many regrets but living a life that led us to you is not one we want to change. He misses those he used to love but knows they are gone. You are here and real and He loves you.” he said, slowly taking his hand from her face to her right wrist. “Now we need to fix something, I am not the one you need right now.” he said and put her hand a bit over his heart “Think of the child…then plunge your blade into my heart.” he said, his relaxed, emotionless eyes never changing in their odd calm and clarity.

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It was hard to focus on him from the pain, but struggle against it she did. She understood that sometimes it was hard for those who had lived more pure lives to see innocence when it was bathed, or even forged in blood. Chuckling weakly at his blood covered hands, the goddess shrugged and nodded. It made sense but his words about the child made her heart grow heavy. ”The end? What the hell does that mean?” It was like she was being led round and round by the tip of her nose.

Confused, she tilted her head and looked up at the man who was part of Drake. He wanted her to kill him. ”He seems to have a thing for me killing him… Before I off you… Answer this for me. All of you have his memories, his feelings… does he feel what you do? Does the connection work both ways?” she remembered what the Crazy one had asked her before. Why she had never told her Drake that she loved him.

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Drake looked at her his eyes deep like an abyss showing how much this version had truly gone through. “We don't have his memories…We only know how he feels and thinks of you. You have plunged yourself so deep that every piece that has been fractured touches it.'' He said his tone was still unchanging as he stood calmly “And he doesn't like the idea of you seeing him die so much but this place is unforgiving and sacrifices are necessary to make things move the way you need. We are sorry about that.” he said before giving her a small smile obviously trying to comfort her but his smile felt so odd and out of place. “And if you want to think of it differently then just think of it as me and the child switching places.” he said to her looking unafraid at what he was talking about “to do what you need, I think you will need him.”

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Sighing in exasperation as he spoke, he really didn’t answer her. ”Trust me no. I need you to answer my question. Does the connection work both ways?” An idea had taken root in her mind and she needed to clarify this part to see if it would work. It was not something that she hid, that she hated Silent Hill, but she didn’t hate the part that was Drake. Looking around, her amber eyes seemed sharper than before as a plan seemed to be forming in her mind. ”When has Drake ever known me to react or do something the way he thought I would?” giving the calm one a cheeky grin, she waited in this dank hallway for him to reply.

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Drake chuckled at her attitude and nodded “understood. No, we don't share the pain of this and as for the memories they will become part of him but he won't remember any of this journey you have been on with his other selves. He will feel the bonds and it will make him feel closer to you in an interesting way though.” he told her, chuckling “but to be more direct our emotions are directly going to him, they will become like passive feelings inside of him once this is over. Is that enough to answer your question?” he asked her.

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Alistar thought about it and frowned. Stepping closer, the purple-haired woman clenched her hand on his chest into a fist and leaned on him. ”So it’s like they are on a delay. More like, he can feel that you are here with me but not in sync? So tell me, disregarding the feelings he’s putting in you for me… what do you think of me? Are you a fragment of him… an echo… or one of those horrors?” Tilting her head, her hand came up to feather her fingertips over his jawline. A very faint feeling from her power would seep into the touch, making it feel pleasant and enjoyable.

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The man before her smiled at her touch enjoying the emotions she sent into him before answering her question. “I am a fragment…I am Drake when he stopped fighting.” he said softly to her “The one who grew tired of fighting, of crying, of being angry or looking for hope. I gave up and looked for a way to reset or just end it all, either was fine with me in the time I existed.” he said gently brushing some of her hair out of her face “I'm the one who broke.The one who lost his mind. Who became apathetic to everything and everyone.” he told her before taking the hand that fixed her hair and put it back onto her hand “And I am not needed for the fight to come.” he said to her that even tone still unchanging much like the monotone one drake usually had but more eerie. “But when it comes to my feelings for you…I feel with you. It makes me question ending everything or restarting it all…does that make sense?” he asked her.

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Smiling up at him, she nodded. Her hand with the knife going back over his heart. She really hated what this place made her do. Her free hand slipped up into his hair, bringing his head down to hers so she could rest her forehead against his. ”Well you have a message to deliver for me then.” Tilting her head, her lips crashed against his and held him there tightly. Ravaging his lips for several moments and flooding his body with her ability at a medium high setting, before finally letting him go. Pressing her forehead against his again, amber eyes stared at him while shoving the knife into his heart.

Fuck she hated this place. On one side, she could respect what it did, but it crossed the line when it started to drag innocent people into it. She was glad she had met this Drake. He honestly just reminded her to not give up. He told her that she had basically infiltrated every level of this place thanks to Drake… If that were true, she wondered how much of her will she could exert over this place?

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The Drake before her didn't fight the power, kiss, or stabbing at all. The light in his eyes left as he stood still, his skin going a bit gray before the sound of stone cracking filled the area they were in before chunks of the drake began falling away revealing a hollow inside that was of red clay. When it all fell away a very confused child drake was left standing there blinking and looking around understandably confused as to what had just happened to him.

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Sniffling a little, Alistar blinked away the tears and knelt in front of the child Drake. ”Hey there bud. I missed you.” holding open her arms for him, she waited to see what he would do. Her mind felt a bit fuzzy but she felt a renewed sense of determination.

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Child Drake looked at her and smiled suddenly hugging her “your okay…I was worried and then I fell asleep. Now i'm here.” he said looking around still confused before looking at the door in the view and his eyes went wide “t-that door….f-feels weird.” he said, obviously a bit nervous. He looked at her and frowned “Miss Alistar….you dont look like you feel okay.” he said softly with obvious concern.

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Alistar sighed in relief, wrapping her arms around him tightly. ”Everything will be ok. I’ve got you.” nuzzling the side of his head, she picked him up again. ”I’ll be ok. I’ve had worse. Now tell me. What do you mean that the door feels weird? Scary weird or different weird?” she waited patiently for him to answer her. One hand absently rubbing his back soothingly.

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The child thought for a minute “its…both. Like a scary weird thingy i don't get.” he said frowning “but…w-we gotta go that way huh. Is that the way we gotta go?” he asked her as he held onto so he could make himself easier to hold.

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Looking at the small boy in her arms she smiled at him encouragingly. ”Before we go in can I tell you a secret? Between me and you?” she put on her bravest face and waited for him to give his approval. ”When I was a young girl. Before I was promised to Ra. I dreamed of having a son. Just like you. You make me feel brave enough to have one again. Will you name him for me?”

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The child looked surprised before realizing it was a serious thing she was asking so he put on his serious thinking face. It was very cute as he hummed going over names he knew. “Wait...what if it is a girl?” he asked her “and I thought of a name…Anders…I read in a book it means strong and manly.” he said, smiling at her.

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Chuckling at his cuteness, she squeezed him a bit and shrugged. ”Guess I’ll have to keep trying until I have a little boy.” Walking slowly, she made her way to the door and opened it. Stepping through and immediately pausing to look around. As always the door shut behind her and faded away. It wasn’t surprising that the area they found themselves in wasn’t well lit, nor clean. Judging from the stained glass windows it must have been a church of some kind.

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Kid Drake looked around looking like he recognized this place given the squinted look he had. “[I think this is the church.” He said to her slowly moving to try to get on the ground instead of in her arms but while he was trying to do that candles lit up and revealed a giant cross with someone pinned to it. Tubes could also be seen with blood flowing through them as they wrapped around the cross and the person like ivy would. There were also feathers coating the cross in an odd way making it look like the person pinned to it had wings. The Person pinned to the cross was slumped forward and a long mop of ashy blonde hair hung down covering their face.

The child instantly realized who it was “thats…m-me isnt it…the me you are looking for.” he said looking to Alistar “i-is…is he dead?” he asked her, looking worried.

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Shifting to set him down in one of the pews, Alistar blinked to get her eyes to adjust to the new light. She froze when she saw Drake hanging from the cross and barely heard the child when he spoke. Hobbling forward, she shoved things out of her way to get to him. Shaky hands landed on his hips to feel him. ”Drake?!” she shook him gently, trying to see where all the wires were going and how he was being held onto the cross. Trying to reach, her fingertips barely grazed his face. ”Akl?”

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When she came up and began examining Him she would see his shoulders and both sides of his hips had railroad spikes impaled into him. He was ice cold to the touch and she would have noticed the divet in the ground that had collected his blood to make a small pool.

Kid Drake followed up to Alistar but didn't get as close when suddenly he yelped as the church organ began playing and Drakes head would move the hair falling off to the sides revealing an even more twisted and corpse like face as a good half of his face was now corpse like along with his thin and decrepit appearance. He would suddenly be lifted up just out of her reach and gave out a pained wail as the Church shook with his cry as Monsters would appear in the floor above covered in candles as they held the ties keeping him aloft. His lifeless gaze looked to her and his hands moved in odd jerky ways like a mechanical puppet whose joints had rusted. The pool of blood began to shift and move making long tendrils in the shape of razor wire.

Kid Drake looked horrified “M-Miss Alistar, you gotta get away before they grab you!!” he screamed at her as the tendrils did in fact go for her.

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The anger she felt in her at his state was unlike anything she had felt before. White hot rage and almost a sense of hopelessness mixed in. How could he ever be expected to survive from something like this? The school wouldn’t let him die would it? Alistar was broken out of her trance when kid Drake yelped and the organ started playing. The look on her Drake’s broken face was one that she knew would haunt her dreams for the rest of her life. There was no way to unsee that. Falling back to her ass as he was lifted up, the goddess winced at his cry. It was all she could do to scramble backwards. ”Hide! Get behind something and don’t come out until I tell you to!” Ignoring the screaming pain from her leg, she scrambled up and grabbed one of the broken pews. Hauling a chair sized portion up, she blocked the first swing of the razor wire and wasn’t really surprised as the makeshift weapon was torn in twain. Left holding jagged scraps, she hurled them at the creatures. ”Fuck you assholes!” she screeched and pulled all but one of her daggers, throwing them with all the strength she could at their heads.

She never assumed that it would stop them. Never assume your opponent was dead until you finished the job unconditionally. Grabbing another bat sized timber, her caramel eyes cast around to find anything that could help her. Her vision swam red though from all the blood in the room making her feel drunk and vaguely dizzy.

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The child listened and hid as her attacks on the monsters did yield some results as the one she hit actually let some slack making Whatever Drake was right now tilt as He kept letting out his horrible moans and screams. The tendrils moved slowly and predictably but whenever one came down it shredded through whatever was in its way. The monster she hit would try to pull up on the tether to even out the crucified Drake. 

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Gritting her teeth to keep herself from throwing up, she shook her head hard and grabbed another piece of wood. Lobbing it at the one that was off balance, Alistar dove to the side to avoid more of the razor wire. She was going to kick his ass when she got him out of here! Carefully but quickly, she clumsily climbed the ladder, dodging the attacks while using the makeshift club to block some, she swung at the candle creature trying to ignore the screeching that Drake was doing.

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The Candle monster would slash at her when she went to swing but it was apparently blind and slow as her club attack would make contact with his ribs with enough force to send the creature to the ground making him let go of the tether completely. It would slowly get up and begin swinging its body around as burning hot wax would be slung around.

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She was going to have so many nightmares of this place and it wasn’t even funny. Feeling the creature graze her arm, the goddess hissed as blood trickled down her arm. Thankfully her hit did damage and sent it to the floor. The hot wax wouldn’t have bothered her but she was afraid some of it would splatter on child Drake. With a grunt, she jumped down onto the creature’s back. Using one leg to shove as many of the candles off as she could, she grabbed hold of the spine crown on it’s head and used the other hand to grab her knife and slit it’s throat. Her club clattering to the ground beside them. Jamming the blade in the underside of it’s jaw, up through it’s mouth, she stood on it’s shoulders. Yanking hard to rip it’s head off. Sure, some of the wax splattered her and left burns behind but at this point she was walking pain… and fully intended to share.

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The wax that touched her was like cooking oil and boiled against her skin. The creature was completely done with at this point and the monster that looked like Drake was suddenly silent before it spoke. “ReMovE tHe AnomAly…..iT ThrEAtenS Us!” he spoke and in front of the blood pool a creature rose from the ground and began moving slowly to try and catch Alistar when she came down. The Monster Drake on the Cross looked like he was hurting from being dropped as one of the three tendrils was gone.

Child Drake stayed out of the way but was worried for Alistar and wanted to help but couldn't think of a way especially with more monsters showing up. He ended up doing the only think he could and put his hands together beginning to pray.

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Hissing in pain from the oil burns, Alistar did her best to ignore it. Growling as she heard the order, her head whipped around. ”I’ll fucking remove you if you don’t give him back to me! This place is testing my patience and I refuse to leave here without him. So, if you want me gone, stop fucking around and GIVE HIM BACK!” she screeched, putting her knife away and reaching for the guns she still had. Tan hands ejected the empty clips and pulled out the ammo she had been given, reloading with a practiced ease.

Glancing up, she saw the creature coming out of the blood pool and it did nothing but make her angrier. Hearing a whisper in the back of her mind, she felt warmth and hope pooling through her from it. Words were unclear, but the feelings came through brightly. They helped steady her as she lifted the guns, one pointing at the creature still holding Drake up on the cross and the other that came from the pool. Splitting her attention wasn’t as easy as she remembered, she really was out of practice, but the warmth helped her focus and aim. Pulling the triggers, she unloaded into the creepy monsters. She wasn’t so sure if the one on the cross was her Drake or another figment this place had come up with, but she was determined to find out.

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The monsters would fall to the onslaught of led that left her guns. The one holding the tether let go and the cross would drop suddenly and land right in the blood pool splattering the contents everywhere. The cross stayed standing as the monster that looked like drake that was pinned on the cross went limp.

Child Drake watched in amazement as the monster that had been going with him was laying and twitching on the ground before hearing the boom of the cross snapping him back to the present. He would run over and wait for her at the bottom of the ladder looking from up where she was to nervously back to where the cross had fallen, feeling worried it would wake up and attack them again. “M-miss alistar….are you okay?” he asked from the ground, not able to see her right now.

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Moving slowly, she made her way back to Child Drake. Limping heavily as she did so, blood was already showing through on the wound she had on her leg, along with oozing patches from her burns. Sitting down in one of the few unbroken pews, she stretched out her legs feeling like things were far too quiet. The guns had been reloaded and tucked away safely. She hurt everywhere and the anger that had been coursing through her still burned but not nearly as brightly. She had nothing to direct it at now. Looking up at the Drake on the cross, her eyes watered. Damn his goddess for letting this happen to him. Passing judgment on an innocent soul and allowing it to be warped so badly. Alistar just couldn’t stomach it.

Amber eyes looked at Child Drake and smiled softly. ”Come here buddy. I’ll live.” Holding out a tan hand to him, she sighed softly, taking a moment to catch her breath.

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Child drake would nod and move over to her to sit right next to her. “S-so what now?” he asked, feeling very nervous even though there was no obvious threat but there was still a lingering eerie feeling to the place they were currently in. His eyes kept focusing back to the cross where the monster Drake remained limp. “I-is he dead?” He asked her, looking to Alistar for some sort of confidence she may be able to offer him.

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Taking a deep breath, she looked up at the Drake on the cross, wondering the same thing. It hurt her deeply to see how many of the Drake versions she had already harmed in such a short amount of time. ”I’m not sure. I’ll check.” Slowly standing, she hobbled her way over to the pool of blood where the cross had dropped. Pausing just outside of it, she palmed her knife again and waded into the pool. ”Drake?” she called softly, wondering if this creature was really a Drake, or if it was another one of the monsters this place created. Coming close to the structure, she raised a hand to place it on his stomach. Finally getting a good look at how he was tied to the cross. Blinking away the tears that threatened her eyes, the goddess wasn’t sure if she could heal the amount of damage done to him in her current condition. ”حياتي? Speak to me. ” This creature had called her an anomaly, so she wasn’t holding her breath that it wasn’t a monster, but she still had hope.

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There was a moment of silence after she spoke and there wasn't any real movement on the part of the drake on the cross but after a few moments longer she would feel a familiar sensation. Then a hoarse voice spoke, sounding like they had been screaming for days. "[d]Al…bi." The voice said weakly as they head of the monster lifted slowly the sound of decrepit bone and dried skin pulling at itself audible as those milky eyes met hers but this time with recognition and not disdain.

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The choked happy sob that came from her throat was one Alistar herself, didn’t even realize she could make. Wading closer to him, her hand slid up to cup his cheek gently, opposite of the side missing skin. ”This is going to hurt حياتي but I’m going to do my best to curb the pain for you. Hang in there, I’ve got you.” Carefully, she started working to disconnect him from his ties and healing them as she went. Sweat beaded on her forehead and dripped down her body until all that were left were the rail road ties that were embedded in his shoulders and hips. ”Keep talking to me حياتي. I need to hear your voice again.” Gripping the first of the spikes in his left shoulder, she held him down with one hand and yanked with the other.

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Drake was very out of it and weak that he wasn't even sure if he was dreaming or not. Hearing her ask him to speak, Drake would begin to speak. “[d]I tried…to leave….but it used all its strength….to get me…then…darkness and pain….i could feel it emptying me…i hated it." He said before yelling as she began pulling out the first railroad spike.

Child drake watched with his mouth agape as he couldn't help sneaking over to watch what was happening.

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Holding her hand over his wound, she healed him but could feel how much it drained her to do so. Tears did slide down her face but she didn’t even seem to notice them as she repeated the process for the remaining three spikes. Catching him as he fell from the cross, she angled them both backwards and fell back into the blood and pulled him up onto the ground where child Drake stood. Collapsing next to him, she panted heavily. ”Just need a minute to catch my breath… I told you I wouldn’t let this place take you.” some of the pain and anger mixed again, letting her raise up to her elbow and caress his cheek with a bloody hand. ”You’re not allowed to leave or die yet. I still have to tell you I love you.” Laughing sarcastically, she blinked and forced herself to look around a bit. Knowing Child Drake was bound to be really worried, she smiled through the pain. ”It’s ok little one. We found him, and now I’m going to take him home. I wish you could come with us too.” but that would be strange and she still understood that Child Drake was something this place had created… Frowning, she grunted, feeling a snap in her mind. That same strange feeling that something had been missing but was now found came over her. Passing out from it, she slumped over her Drake’s chest, clutching the tattered cloth he wore.

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Drake had to fight to keep conscious as he was suddenly wet and then put onto the floor. His eyes looked to her as she said her words but Drake had no ability to take them in fully at the moment, that was for later. For now he watched her pass out and fall on top of his chest then looked to the little child version of himself. He was met with innocent,worried, and confused eyes as he would slowly stand up holding alistar in his arms. "[d]I cant…leave yet." He said as doors appeared all over the church and his eyes glanced around as different versions of himself appeared. He was barely standing and knew what he was about to have happen would not be fun. "[d]Return…we shouldn't…be fractured…anymore" He said as all of the pieces began walking into him like ghosts and each time he would groan or cry out in pain until finally it was only child Drake left. The real drake looked at him and nodded "[d]thank you…for making her feel…brave." He said and the child nodded with tears in his eyes before running into Drake making him fall to his knees. He didn't drop her though and after a moment stood up looking like his usual self but very injured still and very worn out. As much as he wanted to pass out he forced himself to move and began walking out of the church seeing the school halls of the otherworld heartless. He would trudge quietly as a heavy silence filled the halls. Something felt different in him and he wasn't sure what it was yet but oddly Drake felt…put together. He wouldn't say complete or whole but he felt less jumbled…maybe she had done something? Hard to say.

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Waking, she could feel herself being carried by something. Opening her eyes, she looked up at Drake’s face and tears gathered there until finally she realized he was the one carrying her. Struggling slightly, she tapped his face. ”Put me down. I’ll help you walk, and you can help me.” Once he let her down, she would tuck herself under his arm and hobble with him back to their dorm. ”Where is the kid? Is he ok?” she asked, noticing he wasn’t with them.

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Drake would look at her and slowly set her down like she asked but would stay silent for the moment. When she asked about the kid he pointed to his chest “[d]Where he belongs…I guess…I still have my soul….if it can break and reform like that.” he said as they walked his mind busy with thoughts buzzing around about everything this place put him through. “[d]So…are you alright?[e” he asked with worry in his eyes. “[d]Are…are we alright?” he would ask after with some hesitation.

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Glancing at his chest as he tapped on it, she felt a bit sad that she hadn’t gotten to say goodbye to the little boy. Pausing in her steps as he asked if she was alright and if they were alright… amber eyes turned up to his blue. ”You’re not getting rid of me that quickly. I just walked through literal hell to drag your ass back. You’re mine and I will burn that place to ash before I let it have you.” her voice was filled with determination and conviction, showing just how serious she was. Blushing faintly, her body naturally leaned against his as she took a deep breath looking up at him, a nervous look in her eyes. ”I would hope you would know by now, but I know you probably want to hear it too. I love you Drake. You’re a weird anomaly to me and I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Leaning up, she kissed him gently and lovingly. Not caring in the least that he still looked strange. ”Can we go home now? I’d like to get cleaned up and patched up. Plus I think we both could use something to eat and some rest.”

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Drake would look to her confused when she said he wasn't getting rid of her which wasn't what he was trying to do at all but then she began blushing before saying those four words that had Drake staring in complete shock and surprise. His jaw even hung down as he looked like he was currently being rebooted from her finally saying she loved him. When she brought up going home he would just nod his head before walking with her his facial expression of shock still there as they walked to the safe room he had been leading them to that should send them back.

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Rubbing her cheek against his shoulder as they walked, she couldn’t help but feel nervous when he didn’t even respond to her. Worrying on her lip a bit, she was glad when they finally got to the safe room. The shift seemed to happen like it always did when they came back to the school from the silent hill version of Heartless. Moving with him, she took him straight to the bathroom and started undressing him. ”I’m going to get you cleaned up and at least on the couch resting. That place did a number on you.” Being as gentle with him as she could, the unknowing goddess tossed his dirty clothes aside while the tub filled with water. Helping him in to sit down, she brushed his hair out of his face looking it over warmly. It didn’t bother her that he still looked like he did there. She had seen worse things in her life. Kneeling down slowly, she set to work cleaning him off. If he tried to stop her, she would simply swat his hand away.

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Drake would look down at the water and try collecting his thoughts while she took care of things and noticed his monstrous appearance. “[d]It got worse?” he asked, looking at her finally saying something before his milky eyes met hers and the weird corpse face would seemingly blush “[d]I…didn't know I….looked like this still.” he said and looked away before calming himself and forcing his appearance to appear human “[d]that should be better…” he would pause before taking her hand and placing it over his heart. It was pounding with such intensity you would think it was about to burst “[d]That…is what you saying that caused…I am overloaded with emotions and desires to the point I can't do anything.” he said, smiling at her. “[d]That's what four words….from you….did to me.” he said softly to her.

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Pausing as she washed him and he started to speak, Alistar tilted her head watching him. The sight of him did bother her slightly, but more because it made something in the back of her mind itch. Rubbing her thumb lightly on his chest, amber eyes looked at their hands over his heart. That same light blush came back and just wouldn’t go away. ”Well, I can think of four others that you would eventually want to hear as well, but it may be a while before I can say them.” sitting on the floor next to the tub, the unknowing goddess cupped his face with a wet hand. ”I met with Estelle this afternoon and she gave me some advice. She suggested that I think about how I would feel if things were reversed or if you were taken from me and I never got to tell you.” A deep sadness entered her eyes. ”That thought alone hurt more than I can express and after the trip yesterday, and that place almost taking you from me again…” her voice seemed a bit strained as tears gathered in her eyes. Swallowing a lump in her throat, she continued. ”I… I couldn’t handle that. It was like all of my life’s loneliness caught up to me at once. It was suffocating, and all I had to do was tell you. So that if somehow we were separated… At least you would know what you mean to me.”

Taking a deep breath, she shifted and kissed his forehead softly. ”You’re the first person I’ve ever felt like this about, and it terrifies me. Funny thing is, I’m more scared for you than I am myself. I …” the blush on her cheeks darkened considerably. ”I can’t lose you Drake.” For once he would see the well of fear she held inside. That dark inner part of herself that she never let anyone else know existed.

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Drake was quiet and focused on her words like he usually was taking in everything. Giving her hand a gentle squeeze as he saw how difficult saying all this was while Drake couldn't help smiling as she was finally saying in words what he had always hoped was true. When she finished he would have his eyes meet hers before he said anything to her “[d]Everything you said is also true for me. I worry for you everyday knowing what we have to face when we leave and I meant we. I can't and won't let you face any of it alone just like you won't let me face anything from that horrible place alone either. I have loved before, I have lost that love before, I know the toll it can take. I would never willingly put you through losing me and I won't let someone take you from me.” he told her with a seriousness coating his words and filling his eyes “[d]I am scared…But I won't let that fear stop me from loving you…I am glad it won't stop you either.” he said, kissing her cheek “[d]now let us calm down, I don't want to see you cry tonight.” he said with a kind loving tone as he would help her in mending him where he could.

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Nodding to his words, she patiently continued to wash him. Even draining the tub and refilling it once the water was too dirty to use. It was difficult to move at times, but she did her best to hide the pain from her legs and the burns she had sustained. The wound on her arm almost completely ignored while she worked.

Once he was clean, she helped him stand and get out to dry off. While he worked on drying himself off, she got the first aid kit and patched what she could. Her healing ability completely gone at the moment from overuse in that terrible place. ”We need to do something about that place. We can’t live in fear of when it will take you… or rather, I refuse to.” Looking up at him, she was still covered in a fair amount of blood, candle wax/oil, and general gore from that place. ”Come on. Let’s get you to resting. Do you want to lay on the bed or on the couch?” Waiting for him to answer she shrugged off her dirty shirt and tossed it in the pile with his before helping him to whichever point he requested.

Making sure he was situated and comfortable, she made her way to the kitchen to start some soup for them. Hunger gnawed at her stomach, but she knew she wouldn’t be able to keep much down. Eventually it finished and she made two bowls putting them on a tray. Bringing the food back to him with some slices of bread, she motioned for him to eat. ”Do you think you can eat on your own or do you need me to feed you?”

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Drake wouldn't fight her taking care of him but his eyes were taking in all her injuries and what needed to be done. When she had him out and was helping him dry she spoke about doing something to that place and Drake looked away from her to anywhere else.[d] “There are options…but they are risky…and impossible to do while we remain here.” he told her as she said he needed to be resting he would stop her from leading him to far away. [d]“You need to be treated as well. I wont let this be all about me Alsitar.” he said looking her over [d]“lets eat then I will help you with your injuries, no arguing.” he said and would follow her into the kitchen where he would sit at the dining table and watched while trying to conserve his strength [d]“I can feed myself. I think i am fairing a bit better than you.” he said looking sad at all her injuries [d]“so I guess…you got the full experience this time of what it is like to be in the other world.” he softly said, regret shining in those eyes of his.

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Rolling her eyes at him helping her with her injuries, she kissed the top of his head. ”Yeah. Hopefully soon, I can give that place a full experience of me though. Now stop worrying about me. Eat. I’m going to go shower and then you can help me with bandages and stuff afterwards. If you feel you can eat the second bowl, go for it. I can always make more.” Pausing only to make sure he was eating, she hobbled back to the bathroom for a quick shower. Closing the door behind her, she peeled the clothing off while biting her lip to keep from making a sound. The burns were blistering badly but she knew they would calm down after a shower. Making the shower as quick as she could, the goddess cleaned herself up. Getting out she gingerly dried herself off and tied up her hair. Grabbing a pair of underwear and slipping them on, she took the first aid box out to Drake at the table. Some of the wounds were still oozing a bit or needed to be sewn shut. Pulling a chair closer to him, she turned so he could reach most. ”I’ll need you to stitch up my arm and help with some of the bandages if you don’t mind.” It felt so awkward to ask for help… wounds were not something she normally showed someone else. Hell, she had even refused Niels’ help when she first arrived at the school, when he offered to help heal her through magic.

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Drake would nod and eat his meal to the best of his ability, not really having an appetite at the moment from both fatigue and worry over Alistar's condition. His mind was a mess thinking of how to explain what the options were for the other world to Alistar. When she came back with the first aid kit he would nod and push away his bowl and move to get a better position. He would look at her leg noticing how it was sewn shut but said nothing figuring he would fix it up better in a moment. For now her left arm was his biggest concern so he started to clean it and sew it up. [d]“Am I going to hear about what you saw or are we not going to talk about what happened to you in there?” he asked her as he treated her left arm.

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Staying silent as he started working, she kept a close eye on how he worked. A confused look came over her features as he asked if he was going to hear about what she saw there or if they weren’t going to talk about it. Frowning she spoke softly, ”I wasn’t sure how much you would already know. The other versions of you I met tried to explain it to me but I’m not sure I completely understood. Some version of you was with me almost the entire way. The boy…” pausing what he was doing for a moment, she got up and went back to the bathroom to dig the toy from her pocket and bring it back to him. Handing it over, she sat back down. ”The child version of you was with me the most. He was the thing that focused me and kept me moving.” Looking at the toy sadly, her heart hurt that she hadn’t been able to say goodbye to him and thank him for everything he had done. ”He was very brave…”

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Drake nodded [d]"it's…all weird and hard to explain. So that's understandable. I know all their feelings when they were with you but that's all. I don't know anything of what you saw or how you ended up where I was" He said and watched her leave a look of worry as he watched her limp away from him. When she returned and handed him a toy he looked surprised [d]"aragorn…this was a toy i had as a child…it was broken by a bigger child at the orphanage who didn’t like i spent time with Alessa." He said looking it over and smiled weakly [d]"it's exactly like i remember it." He said looking at her [d]"So that was the me with you…I wasn't as good at dealing with scary or tough situations at that age so hearing I was brave as a kid…kind of hard to swallow. Glad you had him though." He said softly.

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Amber eyes watched him closely while he looked over the toy. ”You told me you wanted to grow up to be like Aragorn. A kind of knight. Even thought I could tell you were scared; you didn’t want to leave me to face that place alone. You came with me and protected me. Even to the point that stupid place turned him into a doll. I kept him with me as long as I could. I don’t care to tell you what happened…” And with that, she sniffled a little and started from the beginning. Retelling him what had happened and who she had met. How he had helped her along in his own way each time. Emphasizing how his younger self had saved her many times and kept her from allowing herself to be hurt far worse than what she was. ”What about you? What happened after that place pulled you in? None of you could tell me much.”

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Drake would listen to her talk about his younger self and a few chuckles left him as he got back to patching her up finishing tha bandaging process on her arm [d]“I read about people like Aragorn, arthur, lancelot, sir Gawain, and many others and i loved the way they overcame things and helped people or had to be brave when they were scared. I bet when he was helping you he was both scared and the most excited he had ever been.” Drake told her, chuckling as he finished her arm. [d]“I didn't feel wanted…I didn't feel like I mattered…But if I became a knight people would know I was honorable, caring….and brave.” he went on to tell her before sighing [d]“not how anything went obviously…but I found people who i could matter to. It was enough…it became everything.” He said moving his focus to her thigh where the quill had gone through and with a wave of his hand, the blood threads in her leg moved and undid themselves and would fall to the ground with a wet splat. Her question about what happened to him after he had been dragged off into the otherworld would cause a pause in his actions. [d]“Me…I was dragged to that church.” he would tell Alistar, his tone losing some life to it [d]“and in those pews were everyone i had killed. A congregation of my victims there all sitting quietly in a church I knew better than any other. There was a smokey incense in the air that made me feel weak and the whole church filled with chanting. Before I knew it I was being pinned to that cross as they injected those wires and tubes into me…They kept saying the heart would be returned.” he said groaning [d]“I don't like the idea of being that places heart.” he said through clenched teeth. [d]“When I started feeling its pull at my mind I tried to do whatever was within my power which led me to somehow sending out fractures of myself so it couldn't erase them. What I didn't think would happen is this place building rooms for them to replay the parts of my memory those versions were from.” he said with an irritated tone as he cleaned and sewed her leg properly.

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Smiling softly as Drake spoke of his younger self, she had to nod in agreement. ”He was always apologizing for being scared and asking if he was being helpful. Which, he was.” It didn’t surprise her that the child hadn’t felt wanted or valued. It was something she had been able to sense while she held him close.

Silently, she watched him move to her leg. The threads wriggling in her skin creeped her out and made her wrinkle her nose a bit. Alistar wasn’t sure she would ever get used to that. Mulling over what he told her about how that place viewed him as it’s heart… she didn’t like the idea of it, but oddly, found it reassuring. When he was finished with her leg, she moved slightly to grab the burn ointment and hand it to him to open.

Lifting another hand to his cheek, she pressed slightly to make him look at her. ”You may hate it, and I’m not fond of it… but I think it’s a good thing. The heart controls the body and while it may meet with resistance, eventually the body will give in. The heart wants what the heart wants Drake. What is it that you want?” her voice held a soft serious note to it. ”My brain told my heart no for the longest time. I was not allowed to love or show emotion, but you… you made my heart want something. So, my mind had to follow.” rubbing her thumb over his cheek, she wondered if he would understand.

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Drake would take the ointment and opened it before slowly starting to massage the ointment into the burns she had when she brought up him being the heart as a good thing. He was silent, needing to think on that for a moment as she kept going on telling him how her heart beat out her mind in the end and as if being defeated, he sighed. [d]“You know what my heart wants and that is you.” he said as he looked into her eyes which were clear and honest with what he was talking about. He didn't waste his time with the ointment wanting it to get on there so the healing could start as soon as possible. When he finished, he put the container on the table and looked at her not really feeling the need to say anything as he was just happy both of them had made their feelings clear.

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With the way he said things, Alistar honestly didn’t feel like this conversation was done. She could tell though that Drake was tired and wasn’t very interested in continuing it. The unknowing goddess couldn’t blame him though. She was tired as well, and a soft sigh escaping her made that known. Picking up the bandages, she quickly applied a loose dressing to the burns, having only winced a little when he tried to massage them. Once everything was bandaged, she stood and held out a hand to him. ”Let’s get some rest then.”

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Drake nodded and stood up taking her hand. Walking with her to the bedroom and getting in he would relax beside her in bed slowly holding her close. [d]“I won't let it control me again.” he said softly, his face resting in the crook of her neck. [d]“I won't let my heart be swayed.” he added giving her neck a soft kiss [d]“I will always find you with it…I promise that.” he said slowly falling asleep holding her.

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Going with him to the bedroom, she made sure that her right side was the one facing him. While her wounds felt better, she didn’t want to aggravate them. Staying quiet while he spoke, she rubbed her cheek on the top of his head. Just like she had with his younger self. ”I will always find you.” She whispered while holding his arm to her. Feeling something else shift inside of her mind, a blinding white pain throbbed behind her eyes making her wince and pass out next to him.