Ava laid on the bed feeling very bored. He had been stuck in this stupid room for what seemed like forever. Actually it had only been about 24 hours. He stretched out with his hands behind his head lazily and waited as patiently as possible for whatever was going to happen. Rocks on the other hand was growing irritated and impatient.

  “Aren't you going to complain at all about this?” Rocks groaned. Ava only shrugged.

  “You are so annoying. If I were you I'd be complaining. I'm complaining now and I'm not even the one under suspicion.”

  “Eh, I'm sure the others are proactively working on figuring out the truth. As soon as they find proof then I can get out of here. Until then it's kinda like having a nice relaxing day off.” Ava said humdrumedly. Of course Skyler would be able to have this kind of patience and find the most positive aspect of the situation. Rocks groaned.

  “Just tell me, are you really our enemy? Is the accusation true?” Rocks asked in irritation.

  “Rocks, you know it doesn't work like that. If I was your enemy I would just lie to you, if I'm not then I would tell you the truth. Either way you would get the same answer. Last I checked you can't distinguish a lie the way Sigil can. They have already interrogated me anyways, and Sigil knows I haven't been lying. I suppose they are just being extra precautionary.” Ava said with a sigh.

  “Yeah I know. I guess I just find it hard to believe you would ever willingly be our enemy.” Rocks said solemnly.

  “Of course I would never willingly be your enemy Rocks.” Ava said in amusement. “But you know what that means don't you? In the off chance that I am your enemy, that means I am either being forced into it, or I am dead.” Ava said amusingly with a laugh. Rocks took this comment very seriously.

  “Oh common Rocks, it was just hypothetical. You know that I'm no pushover.” Ava reassured him.

  “Yeah, you're right.” Rocks said solemnly. “I doubt there is anyone out there strong enough to take you down.” Ava grinned at this and was quiet. Not a moment later suddenly the alarm to the base sounded loudly.

  “Security breach, emergency protocol required. Security breach, emergency protocol required. Security breach, emergency protocol required.” Rocks jumped to his feet looking startled and focused.

  “Skyler, that means we have to get out of here!” Rocks said ready to react, then glancing at Skyler who had sat up looking unusually thrilled.

  “Finally! Gah, I cannot stand this another minute!” Ava got to his feet suddenly acting very un-Skyler like. Rocks was stunned as he watched the shift in personality. “Does that mean I can bust myself out of here Vee?!” Ava shouted up into the air at nobody visible.

  “Vee?! You mean Vezaias?!” Rocks growled, summoning his crystal blade.

  “Oops! Guess I sorta got a bit too excited and blew my cover! Hehe!” Ava squealed. Rocks was completely unprepared for this sudden shift and reacted as fast as he could to attack but Ava reached and clutched him in Skyler's invisible grasp.

  “Oh! Just because I'm not really Skyler doesn't mean I can't fight like him!” Ava giggled very un-Skyler-like again. Rocks struggled but couldn't break free while he dropped his crystal blade and it fell and dematerialized.

  “Apparently you can cheat like him too! Common fight me fairly and see what happens!” Rocks snarled.

  “Oh, hmm, you are under the impression that I have any desire to say that I won this battle fair and square! Let me inform you; I don't give a fuck how fair this fight is! I absolutely couldn’t care less!” Ava smiled haughtily.

  “Who the fuck are you then?!” Rocks growled. Ava giggled and characteristically swished his hair away behind him, of course even while still looking like Skyler this did nothing but give away his identity.

  “Ava!” Rocks snapped.

  “Correct! Man you're good at guessing!” Ava giggled excitedly.

  “Does that mean Vezaias is alive?! Is Remington helping him?! Where is the real Skyler?! Tell me!” Rocks demanded. Ava giggled again.

  “I don't think I have to tell you anything! Maybe I'll just kill you now!” Ava began to clench his fist which started to crush Rocks. He began to scream. Ava paused. Rocks cringed gasping for air.

  “Please don't do this! My girlfriend is pregnant! I can't leave her!” Rocks cried.

  “Aww, do you think I give a shit about your kid? Who would wanna be born into this world anyway? Don't you know that being alive is terrible? And having a father was absolutely the worst thing ever for me!” Ava sighed.

  “I wouldn't be like your father! I want to make sure my child is safe and happy! I want to be the best father in the world! I love my child!” Rocks cried. “Please Ava!” Rocks begged. Ava paused, looking serious.

  “Ugh, fine. I won't kill you.” The ground began to rumble. Ava lowered Rocks to his feet, then with a mischievous smile he released him. Before Rocks could react to being free, a portal opened and a fast body shot through impaling Rocks through the chest. He landed gently to the floor. Rocks clutched the crystal blade in his chest which pinned him to the wall.

  “Aw! I just finished telling him I wouldn't kill him!” Ava pouted.

  “You don't have too Ava.” Vezaias now appeared into the room. “I will do it.”

  “Guess I'm off the hook then!” Ava giggled then glanced at Rocks who was choking out blood. “Oh! No pun intended Rocks!”

  “Remove him from the wall.” Vezaias ordered. Remington quickly summoned his crystal blade and Rocks dropped onto the bed cupping the gushing blood from his chest.

  “Whyguhh!” Rocks choked out.

  “Because I'm starving, and aren't you the one who impaled me in the last battle?” Vezaias mused. “This time I will kill you myself.” He approached Rocks and grabbed him. Rocks fought and flailed weakly until Vezaias clutched inside his chest and plucked out a chunk of his crystal then absorbed it. He smiled maliciously then sunk his teeth into Rocks's neck gnawing on flesh. Once he had consumed as much as he wanted he dropped the body to the bed. Then he licked his lips and wiped his mouth.

  “I haven't had this much to eat in centuries.” He said amusingly, then he turned to Remington and Ava. “I will go to help Lux. You two go to the office and figure out how to disable the security system.” Vezaias said seriously. Remington nodded.

  “But Vee I'm definitely no computer hacker.” Ava groaned.

  “Ugh, Ava, you have all of Skyler's memories, and Skyler has everyone else's memories. I am sure he had someone's memory on file of how to use the computer.” Vezaias said flatly.

  “Ugh, but Vee, that's so many memories! And being Skyler is horrible! If this is a delusion can't you just blink your eyes and disable it or something?” Ava pouted, crossing his arms.

  “No I can't do that for the same reason that you will actually die if I fucking stab you right now! It's not completely fake! Now go!” Vezaias snapped at him. Remington grabbed Ava and pulled him through a portal to the office.

  Lux snuck down the hall and looked around trying to find either Ava or his other targets. Of course he couldn’t find Ava, obviously. He had no idea where these people kept their prisoners. He decided it would be best to just be practical and head to the office. When he got there nobody was in the office and there was a note that said 'Out of Office' then an approximate time of return.

  “Ugh!” Lux groaned. He fell into distraction. If he was looking for Sigil he should ask Zexich. They were a couple or whatever. Lux left for the infirmary now. He sat down and waited patiently. Soon Zexich appeared in the doorway.

  “Why hello Lux. How can I help you? It is a bit early for your medication.” Zexich approached sounding like his usual polite self.

  “I hope so. I am looking for several people.” Lux said seriously.

  “Oh? Who are you looking for?” Zexich asked curiously.

  “I need to find Skyler, but I have no idea where you keep your prisoners. Also it would help to know where Sigil is at.” Lux said in monotone. Zexich paused, looking suspicious suddenly.

  “Why exactly are you trying to find Skyler?” He asked, feeling uneasy.

  “Well because I was told that I needed to help him. I mean haven't you been holding him hostage or whatever?” Lux said seriously.

  “It is a precaution we are taking, and I would say that you would not be allowed to help him or know his location either way. Why are you trying to find Sigil?” Zexich began to reach inside his pocket.

  “Because I was told to find him too. I am just following orders, but you see these are orders I find difficult to follow because of course nobody is going to tell me where I can find Skyler. So that means I will have to resort to doing something drastic like blowing my cover.” Lux said seriously. Zexich jolted and turned to run for his office. Lux jumped from the bed and sprinted to chase him. Zexich got to the computer and typed quickly activating the security system. Lux tackled him to the ground.

  “Where is Skyler! I have to find him!” Lux shouted as he wrestled Zexich into submission.

  “Lux! I cannot tell you! What has come over you?! Who's orders are you following?!” Zexich struggled. Lux pressed him to the floor.

  “If I don't find Skyler, he will be angry! I cannot make him angry or he might kill me! Please tell me where he is!” Lux shouted frantically.

  “Lux! I won't tell you! We can protect you if you stop this attack!” Zexich pleaded now in fear of what Lux would do next.

  “He'll kill me! He will cut my leg off! I can't make him angry or he'll make me suffer! I love him, Zexich! I love him!” Lux was in panic. He slammed Zexich into the floor making him yelp in pain.

  “Now tell me where he is, Zexich! He'll be here any minute!!” Lux was frantic. Suddenly there was a swift swipe crushing Lux away from Zexich. He smacked against the wall and crumbled to the floor as the air escaped his lungs. Zexich got to his feet and threw himself into Sigil's arms.

  “Are you alright?” Sigil asked worriedly. Zexich nodded with a sob. “What is happening?” He pressed for information.

  “He is either having a psychotic break or he has a legitimate reason for attacking me!” Zexich said urgently. He was shaking but glad to be safe in Sigil's arms. Zexich shifted to look at Lux who lay gasping for air on the ground and slowly recovering.

  “I have to…find….. Skyler!” Lux gasped.

  “Why!” Zexich demanded in frustration.

  “Because he is in danger!” Lux snapped slowly getting to his feet.

  “From who?!” Zexich replied.

  “Rocks will try to kill him!” Lux shouted angrily. “I have to save him! If I don't I will be in trouble! I will get punished so badly!” Lux began to break down into tears. Zexich softened a bit.

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  “He is afraid.” Sigil said seriously.

  “We have to help him.” Zexich said.

  “I do not trust him.” Sigil said flatly. Zexich pulled away from Sigil and carefully approached Lux.

  “I want to help you. Just stay calm alright? I will help you.” Zexich soothed him. Lux was frantic but let Zexich approach him. “Who are you afraid of? Who has given you these orders? Is it the voices? Or Remington? Or someone else?” Zexich asked calmly. Lux looked frightened.

  “He's a demon Zexich. He’s a demon and I’m his meat factory.” Lux said with a cringe. “If he gets angry he will chop another limb off of me.” Lux choked out a sob.

  “We won't let that happen Lux. We can protect you.” Zexich said reassuringly. Lux almost looked hopeful for a moment but then jolted in anger.

  “You can't do that! If I don't let him eat my flesh he will resort to eating innocent humans! Then it will be my fault for not letting him feed off of me! I can't let that happen, Zexich! I can't! You just don't understand! And he will be here at any moment!” Lux sobbed.

  “Lux, who are you talking about? And how can you provide him your flesh without dying?” Zexich tried to stay calm. He couldn't tell if this was real. It seemed impossible. “Shut up! I don't have time for this!” Lux snatched him by the chest then suddenly flared up with energy and began conducting the energy from Zexich. Sigil quickly reacted and smashed Lux away. Zexich collapsed. Lux got to his feet quickly.

  “And he told me to kill you! I cannot make him mad!” Lux snapped then suddenly he flared harder and jumped towards Sigil who reflexively swung his sword clipping his arm and cutting through completely. Lux staggered to his knees, gripping his severed arm and screaming in pain.

  “AHHHHHH!” Lux was enraged now. “Now you are wasting nutrition! I can only give him so much flesh a day! and you are waisting it! WHAT THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH YOU?!” Lux screamed. Sigil stood ready but was caught off guard when Lux reached drawing energy from Sigil surging with electricity then suddenly his hand grew back quickly. He clenched it then continued to pull energy out of Sigil and only broke the connection when he felt overloaded. He sparked and twitched with static. Zexich was frozen in horror as he watched Sigil fall and Lux flexed his new hand while breathing heavily.

  “Who are you feeding your flesh Lux?!” Zexich shouted in fear. It wasn't just a symptom of his mental health situation. He could regrow his limbs and he must be providing them to the demon he was talking about.

  “You'll find out, Zexich.” Lux said menacingly. “Now where is Skyler?” He repeated his original question. “If you don't tell me. I will kill him.” Lux said wickedly then snatching Sigil by the collar and putting his arm around his throat like a headlock. “And all I will be doing is wasting valuable nutrition! I don't want to do that, but I will if you don't fucking tell me!” Lux snapped.

  “Lux calm down, I swear we will fix this situation, you just need to tell me what is going on! Who have you been feeding?” Zexich was frantic to prolong the attack and keep Skyler and Rocks safe.

  “Don't bother reasoning with me. It won't work.” Lux pressed, tightening his grip.

  “Don't hurt him, I will do anything! Please Lux! I love him!” Zexich begged. The ground began to rumble. Zexich looked around in fear.

  “It's too late. He's here.” Lux looked thrilled. Suddenly a portal opened and Vezaias stepped in looking very amused. The color drained out of Zexich's face.

  “Vezaias! I'm sorry! I looked for him! I asked nicely where he was! I demanded! Sigil attacked me! I threatened to kill Sigil! They still wouldn't tell me! I'm so sorry! Please understand! I tried! I tried so hard! Sigil cut my hand off! It was such a waist! I'm sorry! I'm so sorry!” Lux rambled off in fear. Vezaias looked at him in concern.

  “Are you alright?” He asked.

  “I am now that you are here!” Lux gushed with tears. Vezaias smiled smoothly, then shifted to Zexich.

  “Hello Zex…...it's been a while. How have you been?” Vezaias asked pleasantly. Zexich was overwhelmed with fear.

  “I was wonderful until you showed up.” Zexich said shakily.

  “Aw, Zex, usually you are so pleasant. That wasn't very nice at all.” Vezaias said with a dramatic disheartened sigh.

  “I feel as if it were appropriate this time around. Why are you here?” Zexich said seriously, trying to swallow his fear long enough to get an explanation.

  “I am taking the base. It's mine now.” Vezaias smiled menacingly.

  “And what makes you think that you have won already?” Zexich said seriously.

  “Heh, I'm sorry to have to be the one to tell you but, I've already disposed of most of your friends. Skyler was dead a couple days ago, I killed Lucius and Demetri just before I came here, then I killed Rocks, Sigil will be next and then Maxwell.” Vezaias said very callously.

  “You're lying!” Zexich snapped as he choked back a sob.

  “Why would I lie about this? If Sigil was conscious he could confirm it. Plus you are no more a threat to me than Demetri was after I disabled his talent.” Vezaias looked amused. Zexich cringed and sobbed.

  “You bastard!” Zexich shouted angrily.

  “Tsss, ouch Zex. Coming from you, that really stings.” Vezaias chuckled. “Now maybe you will believe this.” Vezaias turned to Sigil then impaled him with a fist, plucking out his crystal. “I thought this would be fascinating for you Zex! Just watch!” Vezaias broke a chunk off the crystal and then pushed the rest back in. He absorbed the chuck into his chest then grabbed Sigil by the chest of his uniform then with a snarl he clamped down onto flesh and began to rip it from bone like an animal. Zexich couldn't watch. He turned into the wall and covered his face and screamed.

  “Ugh, at least it's not me.” Lux groaned while plugging his ears. Suddenly a portal opened and someone jerked Zexich through the opening then he was gone. Vezaias was unconcerned by this and continued to feast until he was satisfied.

  “Uhh, the doctor escaped.” Lux said, looking uncomfortable.

  “No matter. He cannot hide from me. We will regroup and track the rest down.” Vezaias said, licking his fingers as if he had been eating BBQ ribs. Lux looked sick.

  “What is it?” Vezaias said flatly.

  “Ugh, just….not my cup of tea ya know?” Lux said uncomfortably.

  “Get fucking used to it.” Vezaias snapped at him. Lux jolted in fear. Vezaias sighed. “I'm sorry I can't help it.” Vezaias said unhappily. “Look I apologize for being so angry lately, I will explain more about this after the mission is over.” Vezaias said softening. Lux nodded obediently. They exited through a portal and ended up in the office where Ava was busy on the computer.

  “I've almost got it Vee! Sorry it's taking so long but Skyler has so many memories, I don't know how he ever dealt with them all!” Ava was frustrated. Remington stood quietly behind Ava looking at the screen. It wasn't long before the security system was unlocked.

  “Now we have to track everyone down. Ava I have something for you.” Vezaias said.

  “What is it, Vee??” Ava got up from the chair and turned to look. Vezaias plunged his fist forward smashing the newly collected crystals into Ava's chest. Ava shuttered and Remington caught him before he collapsed.

  “Ugh, Vee, why can't you warn me next time!” Ava shifted now forming into a perfect likeness of Sigil. He gave Ava Lucius's crystal next then Rocks's and lastly Demetri. Remington looked shaken watching Ava shift then exhausted by the time he had absorbed each crystal. Remington turned his gaze because he could not look at Demetri.

  “Alright now use Sigil's talent to track down who is left.”

  Zexich reflexively shoved and struggled, but he felt arms wrap around him then suddenly his feet were not touching the ground and he was moving very quickly. Eventually he was back on his feet and someone was hugging him. He was too scared to look but judging by the body temperature he felt against him he knows who it was. He began to sob.

  “Are you alright Zexie?” Maxwell asked.

  “Not at all!” Zexich cried into his chest. He was shaking and well over his emotional pain tolerance limit.

  “Are you injured I mean.” Maxwell was calm, trying to get information.

  “No!” Zexich answered.

  “What happened?” He pleaded. Zexich couldn't answer right away but could only shake and sob.

  “Spit it out Zexie!” Maxwell urged him.

  “Everyone is dead!” Zexich blurred out.

  “Everyone……everyone who Zexie.” Maxwell's voice cracked.

  “Everyone who is not here currently! Skyler, Lucius, Rocks, Sss…..” Zexich couldn't say his name. “Sssigil.” He managed.

  “Squirt?” Maxwell prompted in fear.

  “Everyone Sunshine. Everyone.” Zexich sobbed. Maxwell was heating up rapidly which he tried to control.

  “How.” He pressed shakily.

  “Vezaias is alive. He is some sort of monster. He ate them.” Zexich was now feeling lightheaded as if he could pass out.

  “What do you mean he ate them?” Maxwell was struggling to stay calm now.

  “As a fucking meal Sunshine! HE ATE THEM!” Zexich screamed in terror. Maxwell had never in any of his lives had he ever heard Zexich curse. He was stunned at the news. Ate them? Like food? What? Suddenly he swung Zexich behind his back, protecting him like a human shield. They were nicely hidden in a forest but he did not trust that they would not be discovered. Zexich clung to him in fear.

  “Who is out there! Show yourself!” Maxwell demanded. He summoned his Shuriken and readied himself for a battle.

  “Zexie, run, continue south until you find the emergency exit. Don't wait for me! Go!” Maxwell pushed him. Zexich stumbled a bit and his legs didn't seem to want to work but he ran as ordered. Once Zexich was out of sight Maxwell turned to listen. Someone was definitely approaching. Just then a familiar face poked out from behind the trees.

  “Maxwell!” He ran forward, throwing himself into Maxwell’s arms and kissing him.

  “Squirt?!” Maxwell jolted. He hesitantly returned the affection.

  “I was so scared that they got to you!” Demetri cried.

  “No, I'm fine, but wait. Zexie said that you were dead!” Maxwell was confused.

  “No, I escaped! I came to find you!” Demetri wouldn't let go of him.

  “What about the others?” Maxwell asked, struggling to believe this was real.

  “All dead!” Demetri sobbed dramatically. He paused and pulled away for a moment. “….but if you want……you can see them all any time you want……just watch!” Suddenly Demetri completely morphed into Lucius. Maxwell was stunned watching as he shifted to Sigil and then Skyler, as if he were shuffling cards. Maxwell finally snapped out of it and summoned back his Shuriken then swiped at the enemy who flipped back gracefully then giggled in amusement.

  “Who are you?!” Maxwell demanded.

  “Hehe, I'm sure you can figure it out!” The enemy giggled. He summoned Skyler's weapon and clashed with the Shuriken.

  “Tell me!” Maxwell demanded.

  “Oh! Hmmm, well I'm not going to tell you! But I think maybe you are in the mood for a cup of coffee! Hehe! Perhaps maybe a cup of…..” He trailed off, leading Maxwell to the conclusion.

  “Java! What the fuck!” Maxwell was enraged now he began to clash with the fake Skyler as powerfully as he was capable of. Ava was immediately overwhelmed by the force behind his attacks then suddenly his Shurikens were on fire and causing an intense amount of heat. At close range it was scorching him. Ava was afraid and quickly losing the battle then he stumbled from an intense smash of a shuriken. Maxwell jumped to swipe again, sinking a shuriken into Ava's shoulder. He screamed just as Maxwell heated up and burst into flames but was smashed away from Ava and rolled reflexively to his feet. Remington landed gracefully then continued his assault clashing with Maxwell who acted on reflex to block and counter and swipe back and forth. Fire burst out as Maxwell was enraged, letting what normally would be an out of control blaze become fuel to help him speed up, while adding force to each attack he executed. This quickly gained him the advantage over Remington who struggled to avoid the powerful drive he fought with that was completely fueled by the pain and devastation he felt knowing everyone apart from Zexich, and the few he helped escape, were dead. The fire raged overtaking the immediate surroundings. Soon the whole forest was on fire around them. Lux had approached and snatched Ava from the ground and began dragging him to safety. Maxwell caught this out of the corner of his eye and dodged Remington then switched focus and shot towards Lux bashing him into the ground then with a clean swipe he lopped off Lux's arm. Lux staggered backwards and collapsed. Remington now intercepted the attack before Maxwell could move in for the kill. Lux tried to push up from the ground but stumbled to his back screaming in agony just before passing out. Maxwell countered quickly bashing Remington with so much force that he crashed to the ground then Maxwell landed with a devastating swipe cutting into Remington's face Remington caught the shuriken with his hands preventing it from sinking in far enough to kill him but he struggled as Maxwell used more force flaring up hotter engulfing in a rage and well past the temperature that would melt steel. Remington dropped to one knee sinking under the force, then dangerously close to being impaled deep enough into his skull to be killed. Suddenly Maxwell's fire extinguished involuntarily but his rage continued. Lux had recovered into consciousness and while running on pure adrenaline found Remington near death under Maxwell's shuriken and shakily got to his feet and tackled Maxwell, clamping his remaining hand around Maxwell's neck then filling with static sucking the energy he needed when Maxwell flailed and jerked from the electricity. Lux's new arm shot out quickly and he immediately used it to choke Maxwell while simultaneously alleviating his muscle pain. He flared intensely for a moment longer before Maxwell fell limp and unconscious. Lux released him and stumbled back panting heavily. Soon Vezaias was looking down at him.

  “Didn't I say he would be the most dangerous? Think I was fucking joking?” Vezaias said seriously.

  “It wasn't my idea to fight him without any help.” Lux groaned.

  “Hmph, go check on Rem. I think he is seriously injured. Ava too.” Vezaias instructed. Lux got up and did as he was told. Vezaias turned to Maxwell who was slowly regaining consciousness. His muscles would not work as it felt as if they had been overloaded then fried like a corn dog and not in a way that his heat immunity could protect him from. He struggled to move then he realized a very unnatural looking Vezaias was standing over him. He couldn't move, he couldn't ignite, he couldn't do anything.

  “Man Maxwell, you really kicked the shit out of my team. I told them you were dangerous, but Rem insisted he didn't want me to help. Well, I had to step in, you see, but it's all over now. Everyone is dead, and you are next.” Vezaias grinned at him maliciously.

  “Why! Why did you do this!” Maxwell panted, his voice cracked and was rough.

  “Why? Heh, well I was hungry. Your friends were delicious.” Vezaias looked amused. Maxwell cringed and rolled painfully to sob into the ground.

  “What the fuck are you?!” Maxwell snapped through his sobs.

  “Your worst nightmare Maxwell. Now before I have my dessert, I have one thing left to say. I'm feeling very generous and since I'm such a nice guy, I thought I would give you a message that was the last request made before I ate his flesh. Demetri wanted you to know that he loves you very much, and he thought of you immediately after he knew he wouldn't survive, all the way until his life ended. He said he would see you again someday perhaps in your afterlife. How romantic Maxwell.” Vezaias cooed at him.

  “I will do the same. He is the only heaven that I want.” Maxwell mumbled painfully.

  “Very touching Maxwell. Ugh you just got me all in the feels!” Vezaias put a hand on his chest dramatically. “So let me send you to him now.” Vezaias lurched forward, plucking out the chunk of crystal from Maxwell’s chest, absorbing it quickly, just after he chomped down into flesh. Maxwell would not go easy, though without his fire, and with weakened muscles he fought and struggled and punched. It was nowhere near enough to prevent his death, but he was determined not to go down without a fight.