#Hufflewriting

[huffle-dork]

Curiosity Killed the Cat: Chapter 13

A Magnificent Encore Chapter 12 | Masterpost | AO3 Link

(AN: I can't believe I'm finally finishing this after 5 years- and one such a momentous fandom day! Did not expect that happen GVJBH but!! It feels so freaking surreal! i hope you guys have enjoyed this journey as much as I have! Look forward to one last chapter! Also parts of this that i wrote literally yesterday have been confirmed for marvin's backstory in the comics so?? I WINNNN!!!)

Marvin was trapped in a dream. Or… more like a memory. Guess this was like dying for real…. His life flashing before his eyes. That thought always scared him but… not now.

He searched through the haze- finding something to latch onto. A memory that reminded him over and over of what he was fighting for. Maybe… it could bring him comfort… one last time.

Even if this now felt like it was a different life…

Marvin was running, glancing behind him as a group of hooded figures gave chase. Blasts of magic tried to grab at him, pulling his tattered cape and clothes. To dodge the blasts he would shift and change into a small white cat, its back mimicking the look of his cape in black blotches of fur. The transitions looked as easy to him as breathing as he skidded and dodged the magic. But his chest burned, he couldn’t keep this up for long.

“Marvin the Magnificent! Stop this instant! You’re under arrest for stolen AIMC goods and using magic against AIMC guidelines!” One of the figures shouted with authority.

Marvin grit his teeth, “You got the wrong guy! I ain’t that asshole! Leave me alone!” ….Guess the splashes of paint he threw on his signature mask weren’t enough to throw them off…

“C’mon Marvin don’t do this!” Another figure pleaded, “We can help you! You don’t have to keep doing this! Running away isn’t gonna fix any of this!”

Marvin’s chest ached. That voice was familiar… a friend. Someone who tried to help him get on his feet after killing Phantom. But, even after joining the circle… he never felt like he could belong. Even though he was magic like them- he was far too different. They could never understand the pain of being a figment.

Of being human, but not at all. Of being solid, being able to live on his own. But constantly feeling like that could be taken away from him at any minute. Of trying to find out who he was, but never fully being able to know. Not unless he fell to the whims of a creator that had done nothing but abandon him in this dark and confusing world.

He could never go back… he’s heard nothing from his so-called creator since his hastily given name. Why go back to someone who doesn’t even care?

And besides… creators, family, friends… they all meant nothing, in the end. His last friend tried to steal his soul, after all.

The books he stole were weighing him down. But he was determined to not get caught. It had been a hard time trying to get out of their sights… he was exhausted, tired, filthy. He hardly even looked like he did when he was first made anymore. His beard was ragged, the green in his hair overgrown and faded.

But still, he was stubborn and determined. He had to get away…

To do… what exactly? He wasn’t sure. He just knew that he couldn’t stay with others. They’d only hurt him in the end… or he’d wind up hurting them.

He allowed himself to screech to a stop, then skid to face the charging magicians. He yelled out and held out both his hands, charging magic and then firing out a wall of blue-green flames to cut them off. The hooded figures all scrambled to stop before hitting the flames. Marvin caught the eye of his former friend, their face pleading under the shadow of their hood.

Marvin bared his teeth ferally, “Marvin the Magnificent doesn’t exist anymore! And if you continue to chase me, I’ll make you disappear too.”

Then, Marvin’s speech gets cut off as he’s suddenly grabbed from behind by his hood, dangling in the air like a kitten caught by its scruff.

“Okay hey now- enough of that!” A light voice seemed to joke, but he also had a type of power behind his charismatic tone.

One of the magicians gasped as they looked at the new figure. “J-Jackieboy Man!”

Marvin’s blood went cold and he paled. He… knew that name. It was one of the other figments Jack made. That- that hero guy. The first one.

Fucking shit! His heart was racing with panic- he didn’t want to be brought back to Jack! He was sure he’d gone way off the path of whatever joke Jack made him for. Going back… what if Jack decided he was too wild to keep around? Too dangerous?

He wouldn’t let himself fade- he wouldn’t become like Phantom!

Acting quickly, Marvin shifted into cat form and wriggled out of the hero’s grip. Jackieboy yelped and tried to grab the cat, only for Marvin to hiss and swat at his face, claws catching flesh. Jackieboy hissed through his teeth and stumbled back.

Marvin trembled back on shaky legs then ran as fast as those little legs could take him. He was bound to outrun the hero being this small!

Jackieboy shouted after him. “Hey wait!”

The shopping center they were running through was almost empty where he left the hero and magicians. But now the disguised figment could hear the roar of the crowd ahead. He surged forward as fast as he could, determined if he could reach them he could lose the hero for good.

But, he knew nothing of what Jack blessed the other figments with. With a burst of speed, Jackie had leaped into the air, then landed in front of Marvin, eyes glowing silver-blue.

The hero wiped at the blood on his face. “…that wasn’t very nice, you know.”

Marvin hissed, the card symbols on his forward glowing with magic. At this sight, Jackie’s eyes widened.

“Wait…! I… I know you- I’ve seen you! You’re… you’re one of us! …Marvin! Marvin, right?” The hero breathed, smiling brightly.

The cat trembled back and then shifted in a bit of light back into his human form. He glared at the hero and bared slightly fanged teeth. “…what of it? You here to turn me in?”

Jackieboy looked confused, “What? No! I mean- unless those magic guys were like… actually trying to arrest you for a crime…”

Marvin looked away, a distant flicker of guilt crossing his face.

The hero’s face fell. “…oh-“ He said quietly. But then he shook his head and tried to step forward, spreading out his hands. “But I mean… hey! We can… we can figure that out! It’s just… no one has heard hide or tail of you! You were all over the telly with your shows and then… you were just gone…”

Marvin looks at Jackieboy with a surprised expression, though he tried to keep himself guarded. … they… noticed that?

Jackie’s face creased in sympathy, “I don’t see Jack much… but I know he’s been worried. And- that means you haven’t even met the others yet! God dude… we’d all would love to meet you… we’ve heard so much about you! I used to watch your shows all the time!”

The magician-turned-thief’s guard lowered as he stared at Jackie in shock. Was… all of that true?

Though… new figments huh? His eyes darkened as he spat. “I see… Jack realized I was a failure and is already setting up replacements, Huh?”

The hero looked even more bewildered. “What?! No way that’s- that isn’t it at all! Dude, you needa take a massive chill pill!”

This made Marvin’s anger even stronger. Magic sparked around him as he growled out. “I can’t afford to ‘take a chill pill’! My life hasn’t been easy like yours, Hero! You have no idea what I’ve fucking been through, what darkness I’ve had to run from. Don’t you dare try to brush it off with your fucking jokes!”

There’s a beat of silence as Jackie just stares at Marvin.

“….damn- you’re like a massive edge lord-“ Jackie deadpans.

Marvin’s magic flickers for a second before coming back stronger. “What?! Did you- did you even listen to what I-?”

“Yeah- and it was like- straight out of the edge lord handbook, dude. Super cringe-“

The magician yells in rage and tries to throw a punch at Jackie. But, the hero just catches it and looks down at Marvin with a raised eyebrow. Marvin huffs and glares at Jackie, but he can easily see how exhausted this guy looks… and how scared.

Jackie laughs nervously and then lets Marvin go, anxiously messing with his hair. “Okay you’re right- not the time for jokes… just thought they’d- I dunno… help to make you a little less intense.”

Marvin’s lip rose in a tiny snarl, glaring daggers at the hero.

The red clad man sighs and rubs his neck. “Look- you’re right. I don’t know what you’ve been through. But… I do know- Jack wouldn’t want you out here… running and struggling to survive. And- I don’t want to see that either- I mean… in my head… all of us are pretty much… brothers, you know? I couldn’t let my lil bro suffer out here.”

Marvin felt his heart flutter, a warm feeling spreading. He tries to hide his surprise at Jackie’s gentleness.

But, the hero continues, attempting to step forward. “Listen man- whatever you’re going through… you don’t have to do it alone. It’s confusing and lonely out there- and… if you come with me- I can take you to see that you aren’t alone… all of us are dealing with being figments too.”

He slowly offered his hand to Marvin.

"Us figments gotta stick together, don't you think?" Jackie grinned down at him, his smile so kind it threatened to blind Marvin.

The magician looked at Jackie’s hand with hesitation. He’d been running for so long… could he actually have a second chance? A chance to try again…?

Eventually with a shaky hand, Marvin took Jackie’s. “…alright… I… I guess I can give it a shot.”

Jackie beamed so brightly he could rival the sun.

He quickly took the magician to meet the others. Their brothers, he told Marvin excitedly. Marvin frowned at the thought. He… never thought he could ever really have a family.

Though he wasn’t holding his breath- knowing Jack these guys could all be complete fucking weirdos.

And that was his first impression as he took in the ragtag group of Jack look-a likes, mingling around a cabin at the edge of the city’s limits.

Marvin’s eyes wandered to the sight of a yellow-green haired dude in a jinx hat, whooping and hollering as he managed to shoot a nerf dart into an open box of Lyons tea. He winced as he saw the man dab. …okay-

On the couch was a teal-haired man who looked like he stepped straight out of a silent movie, preened mustache and all. Oh- of course he was also looking at a pocket watch, checking the time. He looked up at Marvin’s arrival and cocked his head silently but waved exaggeratedly at the sight of Jackie behind him.

And in the corner at a desk was a man in a white doctor’s coat and mint green scrubs. His light green hair hung over his glasses as he studied a book, mumbling to himself in German.

…yup- bunch of fucking weirdos.

“Hey nerds!” Jackie called out, shocking Marvin out of his thoughts as the hero pressed the shorter ego tight to his side. “Look who I found! Marvin!!”

Jackie turned to Marvin and then gestured out, “Marvin! These are the Septic egos! That’s what Jack calls us instead of figments- cuz we’re like, alter-egos in a way! Cool, huh?”

Three pairs of identical colored eyes all look up at him and Marvin feels his insides squirming. He must look so rough- so different to how they pictured him. How Jack pictured him…

He waved nervously, attempting a smile. But, it didn’t quite reach his eyes.

The figment in the ball cap bounded up to Marvin with sparkling eyes and explosive energy right away. “Oh no way! Suh dude!! Super awesome to meet ya!” He pointed to himself with his thumb, “I’m Chase! Chase Brody! Though~ you might know me better from my YouTube channel, Bro Average!”

Marvin staggered back, overwhelmed by the energy. He blinked at Chase, “uh… n-no sorry… I uh…. haven’t had much of a chance to… browse the web lately.”

For a second, the bright ego’s expression seemed to fall. But it just as quickly lit back up as he laughed. “Not a problem, bro! Maybe sometime I can catch ya up! Over a good cup of Lyons~!”

The magician pondered this and then felt a reaction to the thought of tea. Something he hadn’t really thought of. “…mint.” He looked back at Chase and smiled shyly. “…I like uh… mint tea… so maybe over a cup of that…?”

Chase made a face close to a grimace. “Mint??” Marvin wanted to shrink back in shame. But then the youtuber chuckled and shrugged. “Hey, not my cuppa! But like- we can hang over whoever type of tea you want, my dude!” He grinned mischievously, “Hell, I can show you allll the pics I got of my kids!”

Marvin’s eyebrows rose. “…you’re a dad?”

“That’s- complicated,” Jackie coughed close to Marvin. He patted Chase on the shoulder quickly and tried to distract the younger ego. “Yo Chase, bet you can’t make a trickshot into that trash can!”

The father’s eyes lit up at the challenge. “Oh fuck yeah dude! you’re on!”

He quickly busies himself grabbing supplies and a camera to film his attempt.

Jackie gathers Marvin up lightly and whispers. “I’ll uh… catch you up on that. Sensitive subject.”

He leads Marvin over to the doctor. The light hit his glasses just right as he turned to set the book down and studied the new ego quietly. He then nods, “Ah yes- you are the uh… magic one. Do not expect me to believe any of that shit, okay?”

Marvin bristled like an angry cat. “What?”

The doctor smirked and pushed up his glasses, sitting taller and more refined. “I am a man of science, Mr. Kätzchen. So, your little voodoo shite will not work on zhe good doctor, Dr. Henrik von Schneeplestien, ja?”

The magician growled and looked ready to jump the doctor. Jackie quickly grabbed Marvin underneath his arms and scooped him up like he weighed nothing. He laughed nervously and carted Marvin away, “Okay! No more of that! Bye Schneep, love you!”

The doctor rolled his eyes and went back to his book and mumbled, chewing on his pen cap.

Marvin is plopped down in front of the last ego, the mustached gentleman. The small magician glared at Jackie, then turned to face the teal-haired ego.

He smiled brightly at Marvin and tipped his hat. Then a screen flickered into view in front of him, showing words like an old-timey silent film still. Marvin blinked in surprise. This one had magic too?

The screen read. “Hello, good chap! I’m Jameson Jackson! Ever so glad to make your acquaintance!”

Marvin found himself smiling, “Hey… that’s a pretty cool spell…” He then sits down on the couch next to Jameson and took off his hood. ”… think you can show me how you did it?” He smiled shyly at the other ego. But, Jameson’s smile could light up the whole room as he eagerly nodded.

And soon… Marvin became one of them. He found his brothers- and finally had people who could truly understand him.

Marvin felt himself relax as the memory faded. He let the darkness take him… he knew his brothers were safe now. They could figure out the rest without him…

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

The boys all watch in stunned disbelief as Marvin falls.

Jameson acts quick and throws out a hand, desperately mouthing, “NO!”

A wash of teal races across the room, freezing everything as if it was paused. The heart monitor stops, the zipping electricity of the broken computer stops mid arc, the doll that tumbled out of Marvin’s hand stops mid motion, core still lit with his magic.

The boys all rush in- not frozen by Jamie’s spell. Jackie crashes to Marvin’s side and picks him up. “No! No nono no! Marvin! C’mon Marvin t-this isn’t funny! Fuck! what did you do?!”

Marvin lays limp in Jackie’s arms, eyes milky and unseeing. His open mouth leaks black smoke like a dying campfire. His limbs are caught halfway in the act of disappearing, looking see through.

“H-He’s…!” Schneep whispers in fear.

“Fading.” Anti answers gravelly, trying to push himself up using the wall.

“What does that mean?! D-Does that mean he’s dying- he’s dead?!” Chase cries out in panic, “ A-Are we next? Is it too late?”

“I-I do not know…!” Henrik whimpers.

Jackie curls up over his baby brother and watches his tears fall on his slack face. He holds him tight, his body trembling. “I’m so sorry Marvin… I-I should’ve been there for you sooner…!” He hangs his head over him and breaks down.

Then, there’s a cough that interrupts their sorrows.

Anti had managed to glitch across the room and leans against Jack’s bed. He tiredly glares at the others. “...w-whatever Jameson just cast… it paused what Kit kat did… so he’s not gone yet.”

They all look to Jameson in slight disbelief and JJ looks confused as he nods to Anti.

Anti rolls his eyes and gestures at the gentleman. “... you still have that watch, don’t ya? … I think you know what to do.”

Jameson’s eyes widen and he fumbles into his pocket to fish out his pocket watch. He touches it lightly and then clicks it open. He feels the pulse of magic within its gears- and a power he hardly remembered he had comes flooding back to him. He looks at the others excitedly and hops a bit before starting to turn the pin back. As he does, his eyes flood with teal power.

And- the room starts to move in reverse.

The heart monitor beeps backwards, the doll rolls back into Marvin’s hands- the magician himself slumps back up- out of Jackie’s arms. The hero backs away in confusion and the others move to as to not impede the magician.

They see the life force spell work in reverse, hear him seemingly talking to himself, though they can’t understand what he’s saying. They watch as he rises from the ground and crawls backwards, away from Jack’s bed after reaching for it desperately.

It seems like Jamie is trying to reverse as much as he can- but he can’t reverse far enough to undo the livestream spell- or even stop Marvin’s corruption. The teal light flickers and then dies down right as Marvin hangs his head hopelessly, mumbling something to himself. Jameson suddenly looks white as a sheet as he pitches backwards, eyes rolling up in the back of his head.

The stopwatch’s pin clicks back into place on its own, restarting the flow of time.

The others can understand Marvin again- hear him whispering. “...i-i’m so sorry… Jackie… j-Jamie… Hen… C-chase… i… I never wanted to hurt you… I… I just wanted to keep us safe…”

He’s startled out of his thoughts by the sound of Jamie falling and his head snaps up, flicking a glowing hand out to stop Jameson before he falls completely to the ground.

“J-Jamie?!” Marvin whispers in disbelief. He then takes in the others and his jaw drops. “Y-You guys?! How did you…? How did you get here?!”

The quiet sound of glitches sounds off behind them- Anti disappearing back into Jack’s head before Marvin notices him.

Chase smiles with tears in his eyes, laughing quietly. “I don’t think you’d believe us bro…!”

Jackie looks ready to tackle Marvin, looking relieved. “We’re just so glad you’re okay-!” The hero says, opening up his arms.

Marvin startles back and seems to trip over himself, lightly dropping Jamie to the floor and out of his magic as he holds out a hand towards Jackie. “N-No! D-don’t come near me..!”

He’s met with confused faces and Marvin swallows shakily as he tries to explain. “S-Something bad is happening…! I-Inside me- something is trying to t-take my body and I… I don’t want it to hurt you…!”

“The black magic inside you… right?” Henrik asks quietly.

Marvin looks surprised and almost dumbfounded. “Uh… y-yeah… I think so? H-How did you…?”

A hand grabs onto his pant leg and Marvin panics for a second before realizing its… it’s Jameson.

The gentleman pushes himself up but it looks like he’s hardly holding on. Still, he shakily pulls something out of his vest and hands it to Marvin. It’s an ornate blue hand mirror… so delicate it looks like it’s made of ice.

Marvin takes it with knit eyebrows, studying the surface. “Jays… what is this?”

Jameson smiles and shakily signs to Marvin, “Dark, trap.” He then gently touches over his heart.

Marvin looks more confused but looks back to study the mirror. Did… Jamie find a way to trap all this dark magic…? It… it was worth a shot, wasn’t it?

The magician breathes in and then tries to touch the mirror's surface. But- then his other hand lashes out and grabs his wrist, dropping the mirror.

Marvin’s eyes flare purple as a darker version of his voice snarls through his lips. “ℕ𝕠! 𝕀 𝕨𝕚𝕝𝕝 𝕟𝕠𝕥 𝕝𝕖𝕥 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕨𝕖𝕒𝕜𝕖𝕟 𝕦𝕤 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕡𝕒𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕥𝕚𝕔 𝕓𝕣𝕠𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕤! 𝕎𝕖 𝕕𝕠𝕟’𝕥 𝕟𝕖𝕖𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕞!” Blue flickers back in his irises and Marvin panics, trying to fight back for control. “N-No stop it! I…I don’t want this power anymore…! I-I want to be good…!”

He looks back at the others desperately- but Jamie redirects his attention and smiles warmly, signing, “Your light is strong Marvin, you are good! Just believe in it, like we all believe in you!” The other boys cheer and smile, agreeing with Jamie.

Magic still flickers in Marvin’s eyes, tears threatening to cloud his vision. But, he tries to hold onto Jamie’s advice… imagining the light within him.

The voice seems to shriek as Marvin pushes back some of its control- just enough to grab the mirror again and touch the surface, finding the runes of the spell. He acts quickly, reciting it as fast as he can.

Each word he stumbles over makes him wince, white light cracking in the purple veins on his skin. Still he keeps going- even though it hurts. The purple magic seems fo be bubbling up to the surface, pushed out by the light. As Marvin recites the last word of power, he suddenly screams, his arms falling back as something seems to burst from his chest. No actually- it’s like the dark magic is peeling off of him- and slowly… it seems to make a perfect copy of the magician, one made of pulsing black and purple shadow with piercing purple eyes.

Marvin almost collapses into the ground, gasping. He looks more like himself again- though his hair is still long and brown, matching the dark copy. As he looks down at himself he realizes… he’s not in the clothes he was just wearing- no the copy has those. He’s in… the outfit he was born in. His canon outfit. It’s been so long since he’s seen it but… it brings him a sense of comfort, even if it's just for a moment. His eyes shine with that familiar bright blue, an echo of Jack. Though the corruption still marks his skin like scars, they look far more faint now. He threatens to sway but Jameson catches him and keeps him steady. The pale magician looks up at the shadowy figure and feels his stomach drop. “T-That was inside me??”

The shadow bares its teeth at Marvin. “ℕ𝕠, 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕞𝕠𝕣𝕠𝕟! 𝕀 𝕒𝕞 𝕪𝕠𝕦.”

“Bullshit!” Jackie spits at the copy, eyes flaring with blue silver magic.

The copy chuckles and addresses the red clad man, cocking its head with a smooth motion. “𝕐𝕠𝕦 𝕤𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕝𝕕 𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕝𝕝𝕪 𝕨𝕒𝕥𝕔𝕙 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕞𝕠𝕦𝕥𝕙 𝕠𝕗 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕣𝕤 𝕓𝕖𝕗𝕠𝕣𝕖 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕤𝕡𝕖𝕒𝕜, 𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕠. 𝕐𝕠𝕦 𝕛𝕦𝕤𝕥 𝕞𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥 𝕗𝕚𝕝𝕝 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕖𝕞𝕡𝕥𝕪 𝕙𝕖𝕒𝕕 𝕨𝕚𝕥𝕙 𝕤𝕠𝕞𝕖𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕦𝕤𝕖𝕗𝕦𝕝, 𝕚𝕟𝕤𝕥𝕖𝕒𝕕 𝕠𝕗 𝕛𝕦𝕤𝕥 𝕙𝕠𝕥 𝕒𝕚𝕣~!”

Chase has to hold back Jackie from lunging at the shadow.

It laughs and shakes his head, spreading out its hands. “𝔸𝕤 𝕀 𝕨𝕒𝕤 𝕤𝕒𝕪𝕚𝕟𝕘- 𝕀 𝕒𝕞 𝕄𝕒𝕣𝕧𝕚𝕟. 𝕀 𝕒𝕞 𝕒𝕝𝕝 𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕕𝕒𝕣𝕜 𝕕𝕖𝕤𝕚𝕣𝕖𝕤, 𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕣𝕒𝕘𝕖, 𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕨𝕒𝕟𝕥 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕣𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕟𝕘𝕖, 𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕥𝕙𝕣𝕚𝕤𝕥 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕜𝕟𝕠𝕨𝕝𝕖𝕕𝕘𝕖.” It hums and snaps, bringing something out of Marvin’s pocket that shoots into his hand. A book with a cover blacker than black with purple trim.

“…𝕀 𝕘𝕦𝕖𝕤𝕤 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕔𝕠𝕦𝕝𝕕 𝕤𝕒𝕪… 𝕀’𝕞 𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕔𝕦𝕣𝕚𝕠𝕤𝕚𝕥𝕪~!”

“Well… curiosity killed the cat-“ Henrik mutters.

“ℕ𝕠𝕥 𝕪𝕖𝕥 𝕀 𝕙𝕒𝕧𝕖𝕟’𝕥~!” The shadow laughs, turning back to Marvin. It lifts up its hand and Marvin is brought up in a bubble of purple magic, clawing at his neck like he can’t breathe.

The others all jump to their feet- trying to figure out how to help. But as Jackie tries to charge at the shadow, he’s suddenly blown back by a giant arc of purple electricity. He slides across the floor, dazed, things in his backpack flying across the floor. He groggily sees the white of Marvin’s old mask in front of him.

Phantom’s words echo in his head: “You know… there’s one thing I know about light magic… why you heroes and goody-two-shoes always best us in the end.” “...it’s your ability to be positive. To believe in each other. To have things and memories that… keep the darkness away. ...perhaps that can help you.”

Jackie looks to make sure the shadow isn’t looking before taking the mask and studying it. He narrows his eyes and then turns it over, finding a message written in blue ink.

It’s… some kind of spell. A couple runes follow after the message of “For the grey days.”

Grey days… Jackie remembers Marvin would often have days where his confidence was shot, the days he needed kind words and encouragement. He called them grey days. He used to rub the inside of his mask when he was anxious, saying it had its own kind of magic in it.

Jackie knows he’s no magician… he barely understands how his powers work, let alone Marvin’s. But, this mask was from when he was first born… maybe-

He copies the gesture he’s seen Marvin do a thousand times- and the runes on the mask glow a light blue.

Jackie’s eyes snap back to his brother squirming in the shadow’s grip.

The shadow laughs cruelly, increasing the pressure. The book it stole back hovers next to it in a purple glow, staying close to its side. “𝕀’𝕞 𝕘𝕠𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕥𝕠 𝕘𝕖𝕥 𝕣𝕚𝕕 𝕠𝕗 𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕨𝕖𝕒𝕜𝕟𝕖𝕤𝕤 𝕄𝕒𝕣𝕧𝕚𝕟- 𝕓𝕪 𝕘𝕖𝕥𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕣𝕚𝕕 𝕠𝕗 𝕪𝕠𝕦! 𝕐𝕠𝕦 𝕔𝕒𝕟’𝕥 𝕨𝕚𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕤- 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕝𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥 𝕚𝕤𝕟’𝕥 𝕤𝕥𝕣𝕠𝕟𝕘 𝕖𝕟𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙! 𝔸𝕟𝕕 𝕟𝕠 𝕠𝕟𝕖 𝕨𝕒𝕟𝕥𝕤 𝕒 𝕨𝕖𝕒𝕜 𝕝𝕠𝕤𝕥 𝕞𝕒𝕘𝕚𝕔𝕚𝕒𝕟 𝕝𝕚𝕜𝕖 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕒𝕟𝕪𝕨𝕒𝕪𝕤! 𝕐𝕠𝕦 𝕕𝕠𝕟’𝕥 𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕟 𝕜𝕟𝕠𝕨 𝕨𝕙𝕠 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕒𝕣𝕖!”

Marvin chokes on a sob, his eyes threatening to get taken over by purple again. The shadow pushes into his face, grinning wolfishly as it whispers. “𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕗𝕒𝕟𝕕𝕠𝕞 𝕕𝕠𝕖𝕤𝕟’𝕥 𝕨𝕒𝕟𝕥 𝕪𝕠𝕦… 𝕁𝕒𝕔𝕜 𝕕𝕠𝕖𝕤𝕟’𝕥 𝕨𝕒𝕟𝕥 𝕪𝕠𝕦…! 𝕐𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕓𝕣𝕠𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕤 𝕕𝕠𝕟’𝕥-!”

“You’re wrong!” Jackie shouts, using his power to send out a blast with his voice, monetarily throwing off the shadow as it loosens some of its grip on Marvin. Marvin looks back at Jackie with tears running down his face, looking lost.

“You say he doesn’t know who he is? Well I know!” Jackie says proudly, “He’s a big cry baby! He cries at Disney movies! He’s spent so much of his life afraid and scared but… he has come out better- despite everything he’s been through!” Jackie looks and meets Marvin’s eyes, pride beaming up within him as he smiles softly.``…he’s my baby brother… and I love him.”

Marvin sniffles, his eyes filling with more tears as his lip quivers. The shadow seems to roll its eyes at Jackie,“…𝕕𝕚𝕕 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕖𝕩𝕡𝕖𝕔𝕥 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕤𝕡𝕖𝕖𝕔𝕙 𝕥𝕠 𝕕𝕠 𝕒𝕟𝕪𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕘, 𝕠𝕣?”

The hero does seem to hesitate for a second- just enough to look back down at the mask he’s holding. His eyes widen slightly as he sees red energy blooming on the white surface. He then grins and looks smugly back at the shadow.

“You know, for a copy of Marvin- you are forgetting a very powerful magic we all have!”

The shadow looks confused, raising an eyebrow as its eyes display a quiet bit of hunger.

The hero beams, bright as a sun as he shouts, “The power of PMA! Nothing can keep us all down- because we have each other! And I believe in Marvin’s ability to kick your sorry shadow-y ass!”

The mask glows more, and Jackie looks to the other egos, sharing a look that says ‘follow my lead and trust me.’ He holds up the mask, making sure to flash the energy growing on it. Slowly, they all smile and nod.

The copy bares its teeth in anger and shoots out magic towards the hero, a tendril of dark magic lashing out… and then spearing Jackie straight through the stomach.

“NO!” Marvin screams, trying to get out of the shadow’s grasp better, clawing at its magic.

“𝕐𝕠𝕦’𝕧𝕖 𝕕𝕚𝕤𝕥𝕣𝕒𝕔𝕥𝕖𝕕 𝕞𝕖 𝕝𝕠𝕟𝕘 𝕖𝕟𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙, 𝕁𝕒𝕔𝕜𝕚𝕖𝕓𝕠𝕪. 𝕐𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕡𝕣𝕖𝕥𝕥𝕪 𝕝𝕚𝕥𝕥𝕝𝕖 𝕨𝕠𝕣𝕕𝕤 𝕨𝕠𝕟’𝕥 𝕤𝕒𝕧𝕖 𝕙𝕚𝕞- 𝕠𝕣 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕣𝕤𝕖𝕝𝕗~!” It laughs cruelly, squeezing Marvin’s throat tighter.

Jackie halts his momentum using his feet to skid against the floor. He wheezes in pain and coughs up some blood, but he smiles. Even as dark veins start to crawl up where the magic hit. He looks up with blue glowing eyes as he smirks. “You won’t kill us- you need M-Marvin alive…!”

“𝕋𝕣𝕦𝕖- 𝕓𝕦𝕥 𝕀 𝕔𝕒𝕟 𝕥𝕒𝕜𝕖 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕠𝕦𝕥 𝕝𝕠𝕟𝕘 𝕖𝕟𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙 𝕥𝕠 𝕜𝕖𝕖𝕡 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕠𝕦𝕥 𝕠𝕗 𝕞𝕪 𝕨𝕒𝕪-!” The shadow smirks knowingly, “I𝕀 𝕜𝕟𝕠𝕨 𝕙𝕠𝕨 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕗𝕚𝕘𝕞𝕖𝕟𝕥𝕤 𝕨𝕠𝕣𝕜. 𝕄𝕒𝕣𝕧𝕚𝕟 𝕜𝕟𝕠𝕨𝕤 𝕓𝕖𝕥𝕥𝕖𝕣 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕟 𝕒𝕟𝕪𝕠𝕟𝕖 𝕒𝕗𝕥𝕖𝕣 𝕨𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕙𝕒𝕡𝕡𝕖𝕟𝕖𝕕 𝕨𝕚𝕥𝕙 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 ℙ𝕙𝕒𝕟𝕥𝕠𝕞! 𝔸𝕤 𝕝𝕠𝕟𝕘 𝕒𝕤 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕣 ‘𝕔𝕠𝕣𝕖’ 𝕚𝕤 𝕚𝕟𝕥𝕒𝕔𝕥 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕙𝕒𝕧𝕖 𝕖𝕟𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙 𝕒𝕥𝕥𝕖𝕟𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟, 𝕪𝕠𝕦’𝕝𝕝 𝕔𝕠𝕞𝕖 𝕓𝕒𝕔𝕜. 𝕎𝕖𝕝𝕝… 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕚𝕤- 𝕚𝕗 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕟 𝕨𝕒𝕟𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝕔𝕠𝕞𝕖 𝕓𝕒𝕔𝕜~”

The copy looks over to Chase and seems to smirk, making the father shiver, the scar on his temple aching.

“W-What?!” Henrik gasps out, looking at the shadow with wide eyes. “What do you mean we can just… die? Die and… and reform??”

“Yeah what are we, Crystal gems?” Chase mutters.

The shadow looks confused and throws back its head and laughs. “𝕆𝕙𝕙𝕙 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥’𝕤 𝕣𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥! 𝕐𝕠𝕦 𝕒𝕝𝕝 𝕙𝕒𝕧𝕖𝕟’𝕥 𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕟 𝕤𝕖𝕖𝕟 𝕒 𝕗𝕚𝕘𝕞𝕖𝕟𝕥 𝕗𝕒𝕕𝕖! ℍ𝕒 𝕙𝕒! 𝔸𝕟𝕕 𝕪𝕠𝕦’𝕣𝕖 𝕒 𝕕𝕠𝕔𝕥𝕠𝕣, 𝕊𝕔𝕙𝕟𝕖𝕖𝕡! 𝔸𝕝𝕨𝕒𝕪𝕤 𝕨𝕠𝕣𝕜𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕤𝕠 𝕙𝕒𝕣𝕕 𝕥𝕠 𝕜𝕖𝕖𝕡 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕞 𝕒𝕝𝕚𝕧𝕖… 𝕒𝕝𝕝 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕙𝕒𝕣𝕕 𝕨𝕠𝕣𝕜 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕟𝕠𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕘!”

Henrik pales, a look of confusion and uncertainty crashing against his mind.

“𝔽𝕦𝕟𝕟𝕪…” The shadow continues, “𝕀 𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥 𝕄𝕒𝕣𝕧𝕚𝕟 𝕨𝕠𝕦𝕝𝕕 𝕙𝕒𝕧𝕖 𝕥𝕠𝕝𝕕 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕪 𝕜𝕖𝕪 𝕡𝕒𝕣𝕥 𝕠𝕗 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕓𝕖𝕚𝕟𝕘!”

Marvin clenches his eyes shut, “I… I didn’t like t-thinking about it…! I just- I did everything to make sure they never would!” The magician admits through tears.

“𝕄𝕙𝕞… 𝕨𝕖𝕝𝕡! ℕ𝕠𝕨 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕔𝕒𝕟 𝕒𝕝𝕝 𝕤𝕖𝕖 𝕚𝕥 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕝!” The shadow explains with a showman-like flare, much like how Marvin would address his crowds.

It then clenches its fist and the tendril still in Jackie rips upwards, making the hero scream in pain and get lifted off his feet.

“𝔸𝕟𝕕 𝕞𝕪 𝕞𝕒𝕘𝕚𝕔 𝕨𝕚𝕝𝕝 𝕞𝕒𝕜𝕖 𝕤𝕦𝕣𝕖 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕕𝕚𝕖 𝕢𝕦𝕚𝕔𝕜𝕝𝕪 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕡𝕒𝕚𝕟𝕗𝕦𝕝𝕝𝕪~! 𝕐𝕠𝕦 𝕨𝕠𝕟’𝕥 𝕣𝕖𝕗𝕠𝕣𝕞 𝕢𝕦𝕚𝕔𝕜 𝕖𝕟𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙 𝕥𝕠 𝕤𝕒𝕧𝕖 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕡𝕒𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕥𝕚𝕔 𝕓𝕒𝕓𝕪 𝕓𝕣𝕠𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣!” The dark copy giggles, eyes bright with madness.

Jackie’s body ripples and for a second seems to flicker, like he could fade out of existence. But Jackie grits his teeth with determination. He shakes as he grips onto the tendril and Marvin’s old mask. His vision blurs. He needs to act fast…

He pushes down the dread pooling in his stomach, his fear. He believes in Marvin… He throws the mask towards Chase, “Chase! Catch!”

Chase startles and fumbles to catch it but just manages to. He looks at it with wide eyes.

Jackie smiles and then slumps in the tendrils hold, breathing heavily and raggedly as branches of corruption eat up his skin. Then, the hero falls very very still.

The shadow whips to look at the mask flying in confusion. “𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕗𝕦𝕔𝕜 𝕚𝕤 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥?!” Its eyes land on Chase then it thrusts out a hand to hover a tendril just against his neck. Ready to pierce it. It narrows its eyes as it growls. “ℂ𝕠𝕟𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕦𝕖 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕟𝕠𝕟𝕤𝕖𝕟𝕤𝕖 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕪𝕠𝕦’𝕝𝕝 𝕕𝕚𝕖 𝕒𝕤 𝕨𝕖𝕝𝕝, 𝔹𝕣𝕠𝕕𝕪.”

Chase looks terrified- but then he sees the brave body of Jackie… and similar determination flares in his eyes. He stands tall, gripping the mask as he shouts out. “I-I’m not afraid to die!” He then hesitates and adds on.

“…no actually I… I am afraid of dying now…” He laughs quietly with a distant look in his eyes. Funny…. He never thought he could think something like that.

“because I…. I have something to live for again! Because… because of… of my brothers.”

He looks to meet Marvin’s eyes as the older brother looks at him with fear and concern. He tries to shake his head at him, encouraging him to stop this. But Chase just smiles.

“…and especially cuz of Marv. He… he helps me to be a better dad… he cares for my kids, he helped me to find my confidence again. He… he makes me want to keep trying, to keep living.”

A tear falls down the father’s face but he laughs at the shadow as the mask starts to branch more with light, orange joining red. “And now… I know I can come back! So… do your fucking worse, ya cheap knockoff! I’m not letting you take my big bro away from us!”

Marvin chokes on a sob, trying to reach out for Chase. Just as the shadow growls and whips the tendril to spear itself higher, through the side of Chase’s head. Chase doesn’t even get a chance to scream- his body immediately falling limp and hanging grotesquely in the tendril’s hold, dangling like Jackie’s. His head lolls lifelessly back, staring wide eyed and blankly at the ceiling. The magic eats away at him like rot.

The mask slips from Chase’s fingers and falls to the ground dully. Schneep hesitates, looking beyond terrified. But he sees a flick of black magic and he quickly crashes to the ground to swipe it before the shadow can grab it. The copy screams in frustration, acting already in anger and spearing into Henrik like the others, straight into his chest.

“NO NO STOP IT!!” Marvin screams, thrashing in the shadow’s grip. “I-I’m not worth this! STOP!”

Then, Henrik seems to laugh as he coughs up what looks like black sludge. He stubbornly has managed to hold onto the mask, even as his hand shakes. He claws to grip at the magic better, trying to stay awake. The magic burns, making it hard to think. He looks scared as he gazes back at Marvin but he also smiles warmly, despite the dark veins crawling scarily fast across his skin.

“Shut up, Marvin… e-even if you and I have not gotten along before… even if I do not get your magic and you do not get my science…! You are… so passionate and determined and…”

He shuts his eyes as the words struggle to come, a wave of pain rushing over him. But he then opens tearful eyes to meet Marvin’s as he chuckles quietly. “I… I want to share that… I want to study and learn with you…! I want to understand my big brother better!” His eyes flare with determination as he grips tighter onto the mask, greenish white light joining the red and orange. “So… y-you must live, Marvin…! You have to win!”

For some reason, whenever the Septics start to talk to Marvin, the shadow also seems to freeze, held in whatever power this is. Much to its anger. The second Henrik stops, it rips another tendril messily through his neck and throws him down, growling darkly. “𝕊𝕥𝕠𝕡 𝕨𝕚𝕥𝕙 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕤𝕖 𝕚𝕕𝕚𝕠𝕥𝕚𝕔 𝕤𝕡𝕖𝕖𝕔𝕙𝕖𝕤! 𝕐𝕠𝕦 𝕒𝕣𝕖 𝕕𝕠𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕟𝕠𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕘!” But it almost sounded… afraid, under all that anger.

The mask flies out of Henrik’s limp hand as he crumbles to the ground, blood pooling around him as he struggles to take in any full breaths, faint gurgling bubbling from his throat. Then… his gaze turns cloudy and unseeing, his chest no longer rising.

The mask spins and then manages to hit Jameson’s foot, the youngest septic looking at his defeated brothers in horror.

The shadow sees this and then throws its head back to laugh. “𝕎𝕖𝕝𝕝 𝕒𝕥 𝕝𝕖𝕒𝕤𝕥 𝕚𝕥 𝕖𝕟𝕕𝕤 𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖! 𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕦𝕤𝕖𝕝𝕖𝕤𝕤 𝕗𝕦𝕔𝕜𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕞𝕦𝕥𝕖 𝕔𝕒𝕟’𝕥 𝕤𝕒𝕪 𝕒𝕟𝕪 𝕗𝕝𝕠𝕨𝕖𝕣𝕪 𝕨𝕠𝕣𝕕𝕤 𝕠𝕗 𝕖𝕟𝕔𝕠𝕦𝕣𝕒𝕘𝕖𝕞𝕖𝕟𝕥 𝕟𝕠𝕨 𝕔𝕒𝕟 𝕙𝕖?”

A tendril comes out and wraps around Marvin’s teary eyes, blocking off his view. Marvin whimpers and shakes, muttering out apologizes… to Jamie, to the others.

Jameson’s eyes glow teal with anger at the shadow’s taunts. He picks up the mask and stands tall, despite his fatigue. If this was to be his last stand, he’d give it everything he’s got.

There’s an almost painful spear of foreign magic in Marvin’s head- that gets echoed in the shadow’s as it shouts out in pain. Jameson’s voice is clear in their heads- just like when he broke through to Marvin during the livestream.

“Marvin, you are brave and you are strong… even though you have felt so lost for so long- you never stopped trying. Despite our lack of direction from Jack… you haven’t stopped trying to write your own story.

No one else knows how sad our stories will be. I don’t want this to become another tragedy! So, let’s rewrite this dark tale, and become more than we were forced to be, Marvin! We are by your side… and always will be.

You have not, and will never be, alone.”

Marvin sobs loudly, a mix of being overwhelmingly touched and heart-broken. Because he knows now what’ll happen next. “No… p-please…!”

Teal light joins the other colors, creating an intricate beautiful pattern across the white mask, imitating celtic knots. Jameson’s eyes widened and he smiled wide, ready to try to throw it to Marvin.

As soon as he lifted up his hand, the tendril came and speared through Jameson’s heart. He choked and the mask fell, clattering to the floor. The black magic made quick work of the tiny ego, the darkness rushing to consume him before he could even take another ragged breath. Then, the gentleman fell, limp like a puppet without its strings. The shadow made sure Marvin could see it all happen, dropping the tendril that blinded him.

Marvin felt frozen, his breath stolen as he takes in the destroyed bodies of his brothers, some of them looking like they were starting to disappear. But, instead of hopelessness… righteous fury burned hot in his chest, spreading throughout his whole body. He could hardly hear the shadow as it tried to taunt him, break him down even more. His brothers’ voices rang louder and truer in his head now, strong and solid against the whispered corruption.

Summoning any magic he could possibly have left, Marvin shot out a hand and in a quick burst of telekinesis, grabbed the glowing mask. It flew by too fast for the copy to stop and Marvin caught it expertly in his outstretched hand.

A burst of light rocketed out of him as he caught it, blasting the shadow apart. But only for a moment as it reformed a few meters back. Any tendrils still stuck in the boys burst into shards, dropping their bodies into still heaps. It growled angrily and glared at the forming sun spot that was his host. “𝕎𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕙𝕖𝕝𝕝?!”

Marvin slowly looked at his body as it glowed brightly and then at the mask. He followed his usual gesture against the back and smiled, feeling that positive energy fueling him even more. When he looked up at the shadow, he looked confident, as the light that danced on the mask's surface marbled in his eyes alongside his strong green-blue magic.

Then, two fiery wings of light unfurled from his back, power radiating from him like…

Like a Phoenix.

But his wings, shimmering brightly with light, aren’t the color you’d normally associate with the mythical bird. No, they burn with flickers of green and blue fire.

The shadow for a second actually seems scared, scrambling back. He tried to redirect his magic to find the book- maybe he can get another boost to combat this-! But, his magic doesn’t respond.

Because the book is stuck floating in a teal bubble of magic. Jameson’s last stand.

The dark copy screams in rage, purple electricity radiating off him in dangerous arcs.

But, Marvin steps forward, anger burning in his eyes. Light branches from his footsteps as he walks, covering up parts of the room that was charred by corruption. And white glowing tears are falling down his face, despite his furious expression.

The tears seem to float in the air after him, some lingering like stardust, some hovering then darting to sink into the bodies of the fallen septics. Their wounds fill with light, then start to close. They start to become solid again. They start to breathe.

“All this time… you tried to make me feel like I was alone.” Marvin spoke quietly, but his voice echoed almost ethereally. “That no one cared for me, that my creator had abandoned me, that I was doomed to keep running forever…

You made me think I was forging my own path! That I was rewriting my story… but no- I just fell into more fucking puppet strings! From one puppet master to another…”

He grips the mask at his side and grits his teeth. “You made me forget that I had my family! That I had people who could help me! Because you know deep down… that’s a magic that you can’t possibly control.”

The shadow trembles back, “𝕋-𝕋𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕚𝕤 𝕒𝕝𝕝 𝕦𝕤𝕖𝕝𝕖𝕤𝕤! 𝕋𝕙𝕖𝕤𝕖 𝕒𝕣𝕖 𝕛𝕦𝕤𝕥- 𝕙𝕦𝕞𝕒𝕟 𝕖𝕞𝕠𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟𝕤- 𝕒𝕥𝕥𝕒𝕔𝕙𝕞𝕖𝕟𝕥𝕤! 𝕋𝕙𝕖𝕪 𝕞𝕖𝕒𝕟 𝕟𝕠𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕘-!”

“They mean everything!” Marvin yells, wings flaring out. “I would still be lost and scared, convinced I was a killer until Jackie found me! Convinced I could never be enough… for Jack, for myself… for… anyone. Until they all took me in… and showed me what love actually feels like.

Though I guess… you can’t feel that can you?” He sneers down at the trembling mass of darkness.

The shadow glares at Marvin and then chuckles darkly. “𝕐𝕠𝕦 𝕔𝕒𝕟’𝕥 𝕜𝕚𝕝𝕝 𝕞𝕖, 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕜𝕟𝕠𝕨. 𝕀’𝕞 𝕒 𝕡𝕒𝕣𝕥 𝕠𝕗 𝕪𝕠𝕦- 𝕀’𝕞 𝕡𝕒𝕣𝕥 𝕠𝕗 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕤𝕠𝕦𝕝. 𝕎𝕙𝕖𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕨𝕒𝕟𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝕒𝕕𝕞𝕚𝕥 𝕚𝕥 𝕠𝕣 𝕟𝕠𝕥.”

Marvin’s expression softens slightly, almost turning empathetic. “…you said you were my darkness, right? …as much as I want to deny you- to forget you exist… I can’t. You’re right, you’re a part of me.”

He glances down at the floor, catching a glimpse of the mirror. An idea sparked in his head.

The Phoenix ego glared at the shadow as he adjusted the glowing mask to sit on his face. The flames on his wings glowed with his brothers’ colors.

“But that part of me… isn’t who I want to be anymore. I… I don’t want to rely on anger and despair anymore! And I’m sick of things like you trying to tell me who I am!”

Without even flicking his hand, the mirror flew up into his palm where he gripped it right.

He stepped forward again and the shadow trembled back.

“I’m sick of Jack, sick of the fandom, sick of fucking puppet masters trying to make me something I’m not! I’m going to figure that out on my own… from the ashes of all the shit you’ve put me through!”

“𝕄-𝕄𝕒𝕣𝕧𝕚𝕟 𝕔’𝕞𝕠𝕟!” The shadow tries to plead, nervously smiling. “𝕐𝕠𝕦 𝕦𝕟𝕕𝕖𝕣𝕤𝕥𝕠𝕠𝕕 𝕨𝕙𝕪 𝕀 𝕕𝕚𝕕 𝕨𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕨𝕖 𝕕𝕚𝕕! 𝕐𝕠𝕦 𝕔𝕠𝕦𝕝𝕕𝕟’𝕥 𝕙𝕒𝕧𝕖 𝕕𝕠𝕟𝕖 𝕒𝕟𝕪 𝕠𝕗 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕨𝕚𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕥-“

“I never needed you! I never wanted you! All this time! No one has given a fucking damn about what I want! How I wanted to do things! Who I want to be!”

His eyes filled completely with rainbow light as he stood proud and tall, the mirror vibrating with power at his side.

“I’m fucking Marvin the Magnificent! I’m my own fucking person- and you-!”

He holds out the mirror, showing the dark copy his own terrified reflection.

“You are nothing more than a reflection of something I will never be!”

He channeled magic into the mirror and it shot off a beam of hot burning light. The shadow shouted out and turned into a wisp to dodge before reforming shakily.

Marvin shouts in rage and blasts out bright magic fire at the creature. It hisses and screeches in pain as the magic singes it, carving holes in its form like acid burning through wood.

The shadow seems weaker, focusing on the searing pain in its body. It doesn’t see the flaming form barrel into it and slam it into the floor. Marvin growls as he pushes the mirror against the shadow. They struggle- parts of the shadow’s body being pulled towards the mirror.

Then, with a feral scream and a burst of magic, a ring of white overtaking a weak purple ring- the two figures are blasted apart.

The mirror drops with a tinny ring as it hits the ground. A black shadowy figure pounds against the glass inside- but no one can hear its screams.

The septics all start to rise, blinking out in confusion to the lingering magic in the air, floating and falling like ethereal fireflies.

Chase panics and touches where his wounds were then sighs in relief, slumping to the floor in an almost comical way.

Jameson pushes himself up, expecting to still feel weak but- he feels… fine? Great, even! He looks to see if that damned book was still trapped- and then gasps at seeing it on the ground as bright magic fire lapped at its contents.

Henrik is looking down at his body in marveled awe, shakily touching a hand to the faint scars around his neck.

Jackie recovers and shakes out his confusion, gripping over his chest as he confirms he’s okay. Only to pale as he sees the other side of the room.

“Marvin!”

The final blast had shot Marvin back. His body left skid marks on the floor- the path of his wings marked on the ground. The only evidence they were ever there. The light on his white mask pulses softly then fades altogether.

But the passed out magician looks… peaceful. Despite his still beaten and black-magic-scarred body. Next to his limp hand- by some miracle… is Jack’s doll.

———

Marvin opens his eyes to see he’s… not in the waking world. That’s really the only way to describe this feeling. It felt like… something in the mind, like when you’re concentrating on a thought and trying to visualize it. He seemed to be floating in a void of constantly shifting colors. But one color was more consistent than the others- veining, pulsing cracks of purple. Marvin winced at the sight.

“…alright- love how things just keep getting weirder-“ The magician mumbles to himself.

Then, Marvin’s ears twitched a bit as he sensed another presence near him. He blinked, then turned to look behind him.

And saw… Jack. Smiling warmly at him. The creator waved.

“… Hi, Marvin.”

Marvin didn’t know why tears were almost immediately in his eyes. Why he surged forward, why he wrapped his arms around the other brunette, why he dug his face in his shoulder, clutched at the back of his shirt and started crying like a baby.

“J-Jack…! Jack I- I-I…!” He choked on a sob and gasped desperate breaths before breaking down, howling. “I’m so sorry! I’m sorry- I’m so fucking sorry!!!”

“Hey…” The creator’s voice is gentle. “It’s okay… it’s all gonna be okay….”

Marvin shifts to hide his face more, biting out, “But I…! I helped to put you in a fucking coma….! I hurt you- I tried to hurt the others…! I…!”

He then pushes himself away from the youtuber and goes to hold his arms against him, trembling. He looks down at his scarred hands and then clenches them with a choked whimper. He meets Jack’s eyes and shakes his head slowly.

“Jack I… I’m dangerous…”

Jack tilts his head. “So is Anti. And Jackie- and hell any of the others could be too. Have you seen Jameson with a knife? Kid could be fucking brutal.”

Marvin shakes his head more, insisting. “Jack, I almost killed you! I… I’m too unstable I- I’m not sure if…” He looks down and then clenches his arm, biting back more tears.

“… I’m not getting rid of you, Marvin.” Jack quietly reassured. �� ‘fraid you’re stuck with all of us.” He tries to laugh, desperately trying to lighten the mood.

It doesn’t work on Marvin. He can’t look back at Jack as he mutters. “…you never meant to make me… all I’ve done is caused problems…”

“That’s not true,” Jack presses, trying to bridge the gap between them. “To be honest… a lot of you I didn’t mean to make! It just… happened.” He then smiles brightly, looking like the sun. Guess that’s where Jackie gets it from. “But…. Believe me, I wouldn’t change any of that. I’m glad I made you all. And I love you, just as much as I love the others.”

Marvin hesitates then looks back up to catch Jack’s smile. It’s… infectious, and Marvin can’t help but try to smile weakly back.

But it very quickly falls as Marvin mutters.

“…I didn’t want to hurt anyone.”

“I know you didn’t, Marvin.”

“I didn’t want to drag the others into this…! I just… I wanted them to be safe-“

“…I know.” For a second, Jack seemed to look… almost guilty. Like that was his fault.

Marvin shuts his eyes then cries out, “then why!? If you know this about me- why did any of this happen? Shouldn’t you have been able to stop it? Rewrite things?? Why did Anti target me? Why did this magic consume me? Why am I so easily changeable?”

For once, Jack is quiet. He seems to be thinking of how to respond as Marvin pants to catch his breath.

Finally, Jack speaks up.

“…because I’m not like Anti. Or the people who hurt you. I don’t want to control you… I want you to still figure out who you are, without needing me.”

Marvin’s eyes widened. Jack met his with steely determination.

“… me and Anti. We are connected- but we are not the same. Two sides of the same coin… but that means- I’m not a puppet master, like he is.

And this isn’t all me… sometimes the fans are just- curious. But… that doesn’t mean you can’t make your own choices. Before all this… you kept letting others decide for you. And even if it’s true that I didn’t put much thought in you at first… you have so much potential, Marvin. And I can’t wait to see where your story takes you. Eventually, I might have a hand in it again… but until then, it seems like you have a lot you gotta learn about yourself, Phoenix guy.” Jack smirked.

“But- when the story does continue- believe me, it’s gonna be one hell of a collab!”

Marvin slowly started to smile, finally feeling warmth bloom back in his chest.

He sighs and then looks at the purple magic around them. He looks down in his hand- and seems to find that doll again. He looks back up to Jack with glowing eyes, smiling with determination.

“You know what? … I think I actually like the sound of that. Let’s get you the hell out of here!”

Marvin then closed his eyes and curled both his hands around the doll. His body started to glow with blue-green magic, white stardust shimmering inside it as well. That same light started to bloom on the purple veins, eating up the magic and making it disappear.

Jack laughed in disbelief as he watched. The egos would always amaze him in ways he never even expected…

For a second- everything seems alright- it seems like Jack could actually wake up as all the purple fades completely.

But then, Marvin shouts out and curls up in pain, gripping at either side of his head.

Jack lashed out, trying to reach him. “Marvin! What’s wrong?”

Marvin looked back up to Jack with glowing green eyes, his sclera black, just as the void around them turned dark and started to glitch.

Familiar terrifying laughter echoed around the space as the veins Marvin just destroyed bloomed back, but this time pulsing with sickly green light.

“F-Fucking ANTI!!” Marvin screamed, digging fingers into his scalp. He meets Jack’s eyes with desperation, “I… I undid my spell! But it seems like he- he took it over…!”

But, Jack doesn’t seem surprised by this. He smiles sadly.

“Yeah… I guess that figures.”

Marvin shouts as his body starts to glitch and then flickers in and out like he could disappear.

He reaches a hand back out towards Jack, sobbing out. Something is pulling him back from reaching him, even as he fights desperately to get back to him. “Jack! I… I promise! We’ll find a way to save you…!”

Jack smiles a bit more and nods.

“…I know you will.” His voice echoed, a slight finality in it that left Marvin’s chest aching.

Then, the space floods with darkness, growing like ink overtaking water as glitching laughter continues to echo in their ears. Swallowing the light completely.

——

Marvin’s eyelids fluttered. He groaned lightly and then blearily looked out. He saw four very concerned faces leaning over him. But the sight of them filled his whole body with relief.

The magician sunk more against Jackie, who had him propped up on his knee. “Y…you guys are s..safe…” he quietly slurred.

Jackie smiled. “Yeah… all thanks to you, baby bro.”

“Dude! That must have been one hell of a fight!” Chase exclaimed excitedly, his eyes practically sparkling. “The marks on the floor made it look like you had like- fucking wings or something!”

Marvin chuckled weakly. “I uh… I did, actually.”

“No fucking way??!!”

The others laughed at Chase’s reaction.

“…you must be very tired, Bruderherz,” Schneep commented gently. “We should probably get you checked at the hospital…”

Jameson nodded and added in sign, “yes! Magic exhaustion is no joke!”

Marvin nodded absentmindedly, turning his head to look towards the other side of the room. Where Jack lay sleeping.

The room fell quiet for a couple painful beats.

“…do you think Jack will wake up…? Now that all of this is over?” Chase asked quietly.

Marvin closed his eyes with a grimace and then slowly shook his head. “No… I… I had a vision. Anti found a way to keep him asleep…”

The sadness that bloomed in the air was thick enough to feel as it weighed down on the 5 boys.

But, Marvin shuffled to weakly sit up better and then held out a hand. His eyes glowed with passion and a bit of magic. “But… I know we can all find some way to wake him… together.”

Jackie’s eyes shined as he grinned and clasped Marvin’s hand with his own. “Hell yeah!”

Chase was quick to join his hand with theirs. Henrik rolled his eyes with a smile but soon joined as well. Jameson bounced slightly before placing his hand on top.

Marvin smiled. As long as they stuck together… they could take on anything.

The clasping of hands soon turned itself into a dog pile on top of Marvin, multiple pairs of arms hugging him softly where they could reach. Marvin tried to hold back tears but then slowly and quietly broke down, letting himself be weak. He didn’t feel scared anymore, he felt nothing but bone aching relief. He was with his family again… that was all that mattered.

#readcktc #curiosity killed the cat #cktc #marvin the magnificent #jackieboy man #henrik von schneeplestein #jameson jackson #chase brody #hufflewriting #jacksepticeye fanfiction #septic egos

[huffle-dork]

(Wrote a swapboys fight between bro and alt cuz I had a bad fight today- this was cathartic. Most likely not canon but fun to explore none the less!)

Impulse and Bro Fantastic exchanged blows with a massive amount of power radiating from them. It causes a shockwave to rocket out, making the two boys fly apart from each other and skid across the ground. Alt skips like a stone, bouncing then landing on his feet, shaking himself off like a cat. His mask has been blown off, but he doesn't look bothered as he glares at the hero with pure hatred in his glowing green eyes.

Bro fumbles to right himself, his arms shaking. But, he can’t show weakness. Not here… not in front of Alt. Since he started working for Magnificent, he’s gotten so much stronger… so much so that Bro felt almost nervous facing him. But, also because deep down… he didn’t want to hurt him.

But, today… seeing that hatred radiating off the boy finally broke Bro. He felt angry tears in his eyes as he pushes himself up, staggering slightly as various burns on his skin were tugged painfully by the movement. “Alt-”

The glitch stiffens then bares his teeth in a snarl. “Is that really all you got, Fantastic?” He tries to taunt. But, there’s no playfulness in his banter. Just pure anger.

Bro continues though, stepping closer, desperation in his eyes. “i-I don’t get it! …why? Even after all of this i…. Why?!” He cries. “Why do you suddenly hate me so much?! So much that you’d throw away a-any of the good left in you, to work for a fucking mad man? Do you hate me that much??”

Alt’s gaze does not soften- doesn’t let up in its burning anger. “You wanna know why?!” He spits out, as if the question burns him.

“Yes!” Bro emphasizes, “Because I don’t understand! I… I know i messed up but i-”

“You messed up, alright!” Alt snarls feral, magic sparking off him in a wild display of his emotions. He steps forward, clearly limping but his fury keeps him moving. Lights in the streetlights above them flicker and then burst one by one as he glares at the hero. Bro feels his heart racing as he tries to step back. Yet, Alt continues. “You- you used your paranoia to take my one fucking safe space away from me! You thought you were so fucking above me that- that it negated all the hard work i had been doing to be better!” He tries his best to hide the tears in his eyes, the heat of the magic starting to burn the air, burning away the lingering wetness in his tear ducts.

“I was trying… I was trying so hard for you. For all of you. I wanted to do right by you.” He bites out, his voice almost breaking.

And Bro feels his heart snapping in two. “A-Alt-”

“But it didnt fucking matter did it?!” The glitch yells now, more lights and electronics nearby breaking in an explosion of magic. “Because you deemed me dangerous! You… who stuck around and tried to save me from Mag! You… who saw something in me to save-”

That hatred is back in his eyes as he glares back at Chase, his voice cold as an ice storm. “Or was that all a lie, Chase?”

“I-It wasn’t-” Chase warbles out quietly. “I…I was stupid- I know it now! I… I should have believed in you more… I’m sorry-”

“It’s too fucking late for sorries, Brody!” Alt snarls, magic sparking at his fingertips. “It’s not gonna matter- none of this fucking matters. I just need you out of my way- so… stop fucking trying, you worthless excuse of a hero!”

That… stings. Bro fully feels himself crying now, lowering his face to cover it. His whole body is shaking. “...why? Can’t we… forget this? T-Try again? … you don’t want to hurt people like this Alt- i can see it in you…”

“You didn’t see that before-”

“AND I'M SORRY!” Chase yells, blue glowing in his eyes. “I’m sorry i was fucking blind! That i didn’t know what you needed! It’s not like you ever opened up to any of us anyways! How was I supposed to know?!”

“If you had brains maybe you could use them, hero!” Alt spits, “Did you really think a recovering thief would be okay with his friends thinking he’s some dangerous monster?! That someone who was a victim of a manipulative puppet master didn’t already feel like he didn’t deserve to be around people like all of you?!”

“I… I didn’t even think of it-” Chase tries to interject.

“Of course you didn’t! Because your life has always been perfect! Perfect Chase Brody- star student, star nephew! Perfect grades, you had great fucking friends! You never faced hardship in your entire fucking life!”

Chase was about to snap that that wasn't true. But, then he froze. “How… How did you… you know all of that…?” He whispers.

Alt growls through gritted teeth, “Because I’m the one who had to watch you from the fucking sidelines! Trying to fill your impossibly big shoes! How could I ever fucking compete with perfection?! And now you’re a fucking superhero- just- ARGH!” He throws out magic and destroys a postbox nearby with a blast of concentrated magic, sending mail flying around them. “Fuck you! Fuck you- you couldn’t get out of your own goodamn big head to see anyone else suffering around you! Like your fucking brother!

Where were you Chase?!” Alt suddenly screams, tears falling rapidly down his face, his anger now morphing into desperation. “Where were you when I fucking needed you?! You sorry excuse for a brother!!! Where were you when I almost died time and time again on these streets?! When i needed you?! If you had fucking powers- why couldn’t you save me then?!”

The world feels like it's falling apart as Chase processes the words coming from Alt’s mouth. He… He hadn’t dared to hope but… “A…Anti…?” He whispers in shock.

Hearing his chosen name is enough to snap Alt out of his rant- his anger momentarily gone. Replaced with bone-chilling dread.

“Wait- wait no I-” He stammers, glitching back. “Forget that- forget all of that!”

Bro tries to stagger forward, disbelief in his eyes. “Anti- it… it’s really… you?” He looks like he’s seen a ghost. “... is that… how you really feel… about me…? All these years…?”

Alt looks at Chase like he’s an approaching predator, cowering away like a cornered animal. His magic responds in kind, a flickering spiral of glitching magic appearing behind him. His eyes spiraled with blue and green magic.

“Forget!” He cries desperately, his emotions affecting his magic in ways he can’t control. The pressure of the spiral is overwhelming, hitting Chase like a truck and sending him to his knees. His eyes fill completely with the glowing magic. He grabs at his head and tries to choke out to Alt, “N-No Anti…! P-Please-!”

Alt can’t hear him, he’s pushing all he can against Bro, trying to find the last few minutes in his mind and destroy them. “Forget- forgetforgetforget!” He shakily commands. His hands shake. He’s trying not to fall into his panic. “Forget what I just told you! Forget that I’m your brother! Forget forget forget!!”

Eventually, Bro stops struggling, his eyes glazing over completely as he slumps to the ground, arms falling beside him limply. Slumped over like a fallen doll.

Alt breathes heavily, looking down at Bro with his blood roaring in his ears.

What… did he just do…?

He shakily steps away from the hero, his legs feeling like jelly. He looks at his hands as if he can’t recognize them. He looks one more time at Chase before he disappears in a flurry of glitches.

Chase feels a tear falling off his chin numbly, as the entire encounter they just had was purged from his memory…

For reasons he didn’t understand… it felt like his heart was crying.

#hufflewriting #swapboys #alt anti #impulse alt #villain arc #bro fantastic #Brody bros #it’s weird to explore alts hatred here cuz like- alt and bro get so close later on #I think deep down he wants to feel close to chase again cuz there’s safety there #but safety doesn’t last long around alt and he’s afraid of letting down his guard and losing it all again #so he lashes out and pushes people away #god I relate- #anywaysss for a vent I like how this turned out #hinting that alt working with mag isn’t entirely good for him you know? #readswapboys

[huffle-dork]

Anomaly Found: Alt B̶̨̲̯̥̳̱̌͘r̶̡̖̞̓̋͊̀̑͊̔ͅo̸̦͕̮̗̅̀̅̄͘͜͠͠ḑ̵̛̲̰̋̄͠y̴͙̼͎̥͔͐̑̾͋́̽

Masterpost | More Swapboys

This is a continuation of Alt’s Transition technically so make sure you read that first if you haven’t!

AN: This fic contains medical whump but is not super descriptive when it comes to operations! It also is not scientific what so ever and deals with magic-science bullshit! So don’t take it too seriously lol

This also introduces the Swapboys equilviant to IRIS! And a new character I’ve been very excited about! Enjoy :)

—————————-

Something was wrong. Alt didn’t know what yet but… something was wrong.

At first, the spell seemed to have been working just fine! When he woke up again He felt amazing, he felt strong, he felt right. He felt like he could take on the world- could take on Bro Fantastic himself!

But Magnificent told him to be patient and continue to rest. So the day passed by miserably slow… but at least he got extra cuddles with Glitches. It was so much nicer to cuddle with her now… no extra flesh getting in the way of her laying on his chest.

As night fell though… Alt started feeling strange. The room was wavering in front of him. It was too hot- yet also too cold. A fever…? His limbs felt like static- like something was stealing the strength from his muscles without his permission. He pushed himself up and felt a wave of dizziness nearly knock him over. What the hell?

Did Mag warn him about this? About side effects? …if he did Alt couldn’t remember- couldn’t force his voice to replay in his head, all he could hear was his blood and his heart thumping way too loudly.

The Dooms… they knew the truth about Alt’s body. Maybe they could help? Though they might freak out about the changes that were definitely not there the other day.

He tried to think it through but anxiety was strong in his body and brain. He felt himself glitching- but that felt wrong too! That made Alt panic even more. His glitching never felt wrong- not since he first got his powers. But now it all felt too sharp- too invasive. It felt like it was stealing the breath from him… something that was now as easy to him as breathing.

Would the Dooms even be able to help out if this was magic? He hadn't really shown or explained his glitches or magic to them but- they worked with superheroes, right? They knew of Bro- they… they could help. He just needed to explain. Besides… magic always seemed connected to something physical- something that could be explained and fixed within the body.

Alt made up his mind, grabbing the first coat he can and stumbling to yank it on. He then takes a step forward and glitches, picturing the Doom Clinic.

He nearly runs into the glass doors, slightly bonking his head. Then they slide open as Alt grumbles and rubs the sore spot out. He looks around and… doesn’t recognize the place. Did the Dooms redecorate?

He shakes his head and tries to focus- but it feels almost impossible with how his vision is swimming. He stumbles to what looks like the front desk. A blonde woman blinks in surprise and looks up at him.

Alt can barely stand as he puts his hands on the desk to steady himself.

“I… I need… O-Oliver- Oliver Doom, please!” He slurs, intense eyes boring into the woman’s. “Or well- any of them I guess- but I… I like… O-Ollie-“

The woman looks at him with confusion- jumping slightly as Alt jerks his arm, holding it down against his side as he can feel it trying to glitch.

“Um sir…? I-If you’re looking for a specific doctor I… I’m afraid there’s no one here named… Doom, was it?” She replies slowly, carefully watching Alt with a guarded expression.

Alt’s eyes widen. “What…?” He looks around in more panic and curses under his breath. This isn’t the Doom Clinic! The fuck…? He doesn’t normally glitch to places he’s never been before! He doesn’t recognize this place at all. Whatever is happening… it’s affecting his magic.

“S-Sorry,” Alt stammers, tongue feeling thick in his mouth. “Wrong… wrong place-“

“Sir, you look like you need to sit down! I can get someone to look at you and maybe get you some juice if you would just take a seat and-“

“No!” Alt interrupts, gripping his arm tighter as he feels it spasm and feels pixels trying to break off. He can’t glitch here! They’ll throw him into a psych ward or something!

“I’m fine… t-thank you-“ He grits out, trying to stumble back towards the door.

Then the walls and everything around him felt like they are blending into static. Purple seemed to invade the sides of his vision. The sounds around him turned into nothing but white noise. He didn’t even feel when he hit the ground.

———

When Alt next opens his eyes, all he can see is a bright light shining in his face. He grimaces and tries to lift a hand to shield himself but- he can’t move his hand. Alertness hits him like a truck as he pulls on his wrists some more- finding them strapped down to the table.

“T-The fuck?!” He growls, rocking himself to try to get free but he’s- he’s stuck! “What’s going on?!”

There’s sensors stuck to him- under his shirt and attached all over his arms and now he can even feel them on his temples too.

Alt tries to glitch but he shouts out in pain as the action seems to hurt him. Why? Why can’t he glitch??

Panic threatens to eat him alive.

Then, he hears a chuckle- and the table he’s on starts to move. It tilts upwards, until Alt finds himself upright, staring at the expanse of a large white room, medical equipment everywhere. Tall machines and computers he doesn’t recognize.

And he’s met face to face with an older gentleman who smiles at him, but Alt can’t even see his eyes behind his thick glasses.

“Ah! You are awake! Funny, I thought you’d be out for longer~!”

The man had dark black hair with a streak of white right in the middle, the wild locks pulled into a messy braid. He had bright green glasses that could also be googles? But they seemed way too thick to see out of properly. He had a scraggly beard and a white lab coat on… with a logo of an eye with 3 irises but the whites of the eye were colored black. It read SCLERA under the logo.

Alt bares his teeth at the stranger and thrashes a bit in his binds. “The fuck are you?! Where the fuck am I?!”

The man chuckles and adjusts his glasses, smirking at Alt. “Ooh, so touchy already! This will be fun~!”

He goes to grab a clipboard and starts to read it as he paces in front of Alt.

“Well- you were admitted into my care, Mr… Brennan? After you fell unconscious in the lobby of Hope Water Hospital. And the staff there saw some… unusual activity.” He looks back at Alt and the boy shivers, causing his arms to vaguely ripple with glitches, pixels vibrating in the air.

The doctor’s eyes light up as he surges forward, looking at his arm closer. “Yes! Like that! Oh fascinating… absolutely remarkable…!”

Alt felt his blood go cold- he glitched when he fell unconscious? Oh no- oh nononono-!

The man writes down a few more notes before straightening and addressing the glitch again. “But anyways! The Hope Water staff didn’t know how to handle that so they called in the specialists! And that would be me~!”

He lifts up his glasses to rest on his head as he smiles, his brown eyes almost looking gentle. But Alt shivers at the sight. Why does… this man feel familiar to him…?

“Dr. Israh Cornelius is what they call me! I’m a magic analyst here at SCLERA!” The doctor spoke with pride.

“Sclera…?” Alt muttered in confusion. “The hell is that? I-Is it even legal to tie up unconscious patients without their consent?!”

Dr. Cornelius laughed, actually throwing his head back. “Perhaps, if we were dealing with a normal civilian!”

His expression then drops as he looks knowingly at Alt.

“…but you’re not that, are you? Impulse~”

Alt’s breath leaves his lungs as he stares wide eyed at the doctor. “W..what…? H-how-?”

The doctor laughs and goes to pick up something off his office chair, turning to reveal a jacket. He twists his hand to show the back- the signature emblem of the villain Impulse clear for all to see.

“You were wearing this when you were admitted, Mr. Brennan. Not a very smart thing for a villain to wear as a civilian, is it?”

Alt swallowed a lump in his throat. This wasn’t good… but at least whatever ID they found of his was one of his fake ones. Still… This was bad.

“E-Even if I’m a villain you- you can’t just strap me to a table l-like a lab rat!” He argues, trying to struggle some more against the restraints.

Dr. Cornelius just shakes his head as he laughs. “You are a dangerous criminal with unknown powers, Mr. Impulse! This was merely a precaution.”

He strides forward and then grabs the straps to make them tighter. Alt bites back a squeak of pain that wants to slip out of his lips. The doctor whispers to him with hardly contained glee.

“However… a villain like you… will not be missed, will they?” He laughs more, his dark eyes now showing madness. “You could say we are doing the public a service! Keeping you here~!”

“Y-You can’t do that..!”

“Oh but we can, Mr. Brennan… you have no paper trail. No formal records- no sign of any family… you are just perfect! A perfect specimen to study~!”

Alt feels terrified tears in his eyes that he tries to keep hidden, but his shaking voice gives him away. “M-My friends…!”

But then he stops himself, feeling his breath caught in his throat again. He… doesn’t have his friends anymore. No one knows he’s here… not even Magnificent. …he’s really alone.

Now the tears fall as he breathes out. “I… I came here for h-help…! Something was wrong and y-you can’t just-!”

“Oh yes! That!” Dr. Cornelius sang as he turned heel to look at, then wheel over one of the monitors currently hooked up to Alt.

The monitor almost looked like it was showing Alt’s heart rate. But it wasn’t- it was showing something Alt didn’t recognize. Two lines of data were shown on the screen, one line white, the other purple. The purple line was steady, with plips of higher readings here and there. In fact- they seemed to correlate to when Alt felt his skin try to glitch or pixelate. The white line was also steady but with very low readings.

Dr. Cornelius studied the screen some more before addressing Alt. “When you were admitted, we ran some tests. This is an alignment reader- it reads the concentration of magic in your body, and whether or not it is dark or light.”

He points to the purple line, “The concentration of black magic in your body was abnormally high.”

“…okay?”

The doctor smirks, “Black Magic is illegal here in the UK, Mr. Brennan. Well actually, it’s illegal in most countries. Especially at such extreme levels. Honestly- surprised with these levels a magic circle officiant didn’t find you first… lucky us, I guess!” He laughs and then shakes his head.

“In fact- this kind of magic… I’ve really only seen such pure black magic from one source. I’m assuming it’s magic you got from the one you work for, correct?”

Alt shivered- feeling his new scars almost burn against his skin. He bites his tongue though and bares his teeth. “I don’t gotta tell you shit!”

The doctor laughs again, “Oh, I don’t need you too. It can only be him, the one who’s calling himself Magnificent, yes?”

Alt said nothing at first and then mumbled. “…you know too much about all of this, Dr. Creepy.”

Dr. Cornelius shrugs. “All apart of my job, Mr. Brennan!”

He goes back to pick up his notes and look at a collection of more papers on the wall. As Alt focused on it, his blood turned to ice. There was… pictures of him on there- as Impulse. And not only that… he saw Chase on there too- Bro Fantastic. There were dozens of pictures of what Alt could only assume was people this crazy doctor was aiming to study. Super powered people… things he didn’t understand but was determined to. He swore he saw the blurry image of a green gray cat mask among the pictures.

“Anyways, Mr. Brennan! That black magic was attacking your internal magic system- the source of power that runs the magic through your body. Black magic is known to do that. It will ‘eat’ any possible light magic it can find until it corrupts all the magic completely orrrr sucks the life clean out of ya!” Dr. Cornelius said a little too cheerily.

“W-What?!” Alt exclaimed. Magnificent never warned him about that!

Dr. Cornelius chucked, “Don’t fret, lad. We siphoned that out of ya real quick! So, see? We already helped you, just like you wanted!”

Alt shakily bit his lip before asking quietly, “So then… I-I can go home… right?”

The doctor’s smile turned impossibly cruel.

“I’m afraid not, Alt. We have much we need to learn from you~!”

Something clicked from the table below him and then suddenly that something is jabbing him in the neck. The room almost instantly starts to dip and sway as Alt feels his eyes roll up into his head and his body gives out, falling unconscious again.

———

Alt opens his eyes to find that now he’s somewhere new. He’s behind glass in a tiny white room. He’s not tied down-

Adrenaline courses through him- maybe he can glitch out now! He tries to glitch- and it feels like his insides are on fire. It’s like whatever energy he was preparing to use to glitch had erupted two-fold, making his entire body feel overloaded. He yells out and crashes down to the ground. There’s a tug on his foot and he can see now, he’s strapped to the wall by some sort of cord, a cuff around his ankle. What’s even worse is he’s barefoot- and in a completely new set of clothes, a dingy set of green scrubs, almost like hospital wear. Alt starts to panic again, realizing his throat and his scar are exposed. He touches light fingers to his scar as he pushes himself up. He feels a shiver go down his spine as he hears familiar laughter.

Dr. Cornelius is smirking at him through the window.

“Nice try there, Alt! But I can’t have ya glitching before we do some proper tests on ya~!”

Alt bares his teeth like a feral animal, pixels flying around him but not able to settle in one place. “How are you stopping me from glitching?!”

The doctor smirks and lifts up a tiny device in his hand. “Electromagnetic pulses. Normally these have no effect on humans… However, we’ve already established you’re very special, Alt.”

The boy just glares at the doctor, wanting nothing more than to strangle that smug look off his face. However, Dr. Cornelius just uses the silence as an excuse to keep talking, pacing back and forth in front of the window to Alt’s cell.

“Did you know it’s a common misconception that the human body produces electricity like that of a machine? It mimics and works as a circuit would, but our bodies don’t carry charges of electrons between synapses. No no- inside our cells there’s a chemical gradient of ions that create a difference in charge between the inside and outside of the cell membrane! That mimicry of electricity as ions pass between each cell membrane is what keeps, say, your heart pumping. However there is research that a human body can produce almost 100 watts of electricity at rest… however you, Alt, seem capable of so much more~!

It seems your body has been adapted to not only conduct electricity better, but also produce it better than normal human beings. In fact, it’s like you actually have that fabled current running through your veins… a constant flow of electric magic that fuels your glitching!

So an EMP blast seems to disrupt that electric flow within you… overloading it enough to stop you from glitching. For now at least!” The doctor laughs, grinning like an excited school kid, “There’s so many tests for us to run! You’re going to provide us with such good data, Mr. Brennan~!”

Alt yells in anger at this, trying to rush at the window. The doctor hardly looks phased as he presses a button on his remote- and something shoots out of the wall behind Alt. Two robotic arms with ends just like the cuff on Alt’s ankle lash out and clamp onto his wrists, yanking the glitch off his feet and slamming him into the back wall. Alt struggles as best as he can but the arms have him locked against the wall tight.

Dr. Cornelius lets out a delighted laugh, “Already so eager to start! That’s what I like to see in a subject!”

“N-No, you psycho! Let me go!” Alt tries to protest.

The doctor looks back to one of his colleagues that Alt can barely see. He nods to them, “Start the procedure.”

The other doctor nods then flares out hands in front of… an orb? Their hands glow white and soon the cuffs on Alt do too. As they glow, Alt starts to feel like his energy is waning. Pretty soon, he slumping in his binds, his fighting getting lazy and then altogether stopping. He has to fight to keep his head up and his eyes open. He vaguely notices the glow on his cuffs seems to be turning green blue- the color of his magic.

Dr. Cornelius checks a monitor next to the window and then gestures to the other doctor. “That’s enough.”

The glowing stops as they take their hands away from the orb. Alt’s head falls sharply but he quickly tries to pick it back up so he can glare at Cornelius. “Wha… d’you… do?” The glitch slurs, hating the feeling of his body feeling almost empty… and cold.

Israh adjusts his glasses and smiles. “A simple draining spell! One we probably won’t be using often since we want to study your magic as it works within you but~! There’s one thing we need to see first before proceeding with those tests!”

He lifts the remote again and presses another button.

Alt immediately starts to scream, his body locking up as waves of electricity crash back into his body. His muscles attempt to spasm despite having nowhere to go, his neck craning back like he can escape the onslaught. It feels wrong! Usually if he comes across rogue electricity he can absorb it into his own… but with none in his body- the electricity has nothing to merge to. So it courses painfully into his body, attempting to mesh with his magic but not being able to. It’s agony. He feels his skin sparking and burning- tears trying to be shed but steaming upon impact with the bright sparks.

It feels like an eternity before it gets shut off. The cuffs on his wrists release and Alt falls heavily to the floor, still twitching and spasming from the leftover electricity. It feels impossible to think, everything he feels is pain. The energy in his body has been replaced with hot sparking rods that are quickly cooling down, leaving him completely spent. Alt wheezes brokenly, eyes wide and not able to focus, tears falling down his cheeks as he struggles to regain control over his limbs.

“Well?” The doctor's smarmy voice coos, “Alt, why don’t you try to use your magic for us, hm?”

“C…c-can’t…” Alt croaks, hardly able to grip his shaking hand into a fist.

Dr. Cornelius frowns at this, tapping his pen against his face. But then he smiles and scribbles down some notes. “I see! Pure electricity doesn’t have the same properties as the electric magic you produce, so you can’t purely substitute that!”

“Tell me, Alt, have you ever used a source of electricity to fuel your magic when it was low?”

Alt attempts to move his head to glare at the doctor. Dr. Cornelius frowns, and lifts up the remote, one eyebrow rising high over his glasses. “Or, should we give you some magic back and see for ourselves?”

The glitch winces and curses quietly before muttering, “…y-yes… but only o-once… I- I didn’t think it would work but… i-it gave me enough e-energy to glitch home…”

The doctor nods and writes down some more, “Fascinating! It seems if you have some magic left in your system that magic can then translate pure electricity to match its own!”

He then looks over his notes to smile at Alt as the glitch’s vision dims and sways. “Well! Let’s pause for a bit, hm? Feel free to rest your eyes, Mr. Brennan~!”

————

Alt lays there on the floor for a bit, trying to get his brain to work. He needs to think of a way out of here! Because help wasn’t coming… there had to be some way… something these scientists hadn’t thought of.

He glances up to see Dr. Cornelius isn’t observing him. Guess he decided to take a break too. Maybe Alt can attempt to do something…

He listens to the room around him… and catches onto the buzzing of the lights above.

Alt still didn’t really get how his powers worked, he really only understood his glitching. But… if what the doctor was saying was true and he has electric magic… and his body could basically disappear for an instant when he glitched… could he glitch into something that had an electric current?

…if there was any time to try this it was now. He can’t let these lunatics turn him into a fucking lab rat. He grips his hands into fists, feeling his magic zap around him. Guess they gave some of it back… their mistake.

In a flash, Alt glitched out of his cuff and in a shock of blue-green electricity rocketed into one of the lights in the cell. The burst of energy was enough to shatter the light, making the other lights and the machines below flicker from the electricity lingering in the room.

God! This felt so weird- but… not too different from glitching. He was just- glitching for longer. Which means he couldn’t keep this up for long- not with how spent he was already. He needed to find a path out of here, and fast.

He let his magic feel out a path on the wires and started to follow it, making machines and lights glitch and flicker and burst. An alarm started to blare but Alt only pushed himself faster, faster, faster-!

Suddenly, everything went dark and it felt like Alt hit a wall. No no! They turned off the power! With nowhere else to go Alt was shot out of another light and onto the cold tile floor of what looked like a hallway.

He coughed and curled up, his body feeling like the wires he fired. His skin sparked, pixels sizzling off him in a confusing array.

Quiet clapping echoed down the hall before that awful laugh filled Alt’s ears again.

“Very impressive, Alt! You damn near almost reached the exit!” Dr. Cornelius praised. He then bends down by the trembling boy as Alt tries to scoot away, fear clear in his eyes.

Dr. Cornelius’s smile doesn’t waver as he lashes out and pulls Alt in close by his shirt. But his voice drops to a dangerous whisper as he leans in closer. “You’re not getting away from me that easily, glitch.”

Then, Alt felt another painful round of shocks set his body ablaze- until his vision dimmed once again to black.

————-

He was back in that tiny room. Was it still the same night he got captured…? It was hard to tell with how much he was dipping in and out of consciousness…

He groaned and sat up, rubbing at his head. The hairs on his arms and the back of his neck stood on end, the air still feeling electric. Alt felt a shock of panic run up his spine as he felt something cold and smooth around his neck. Was this… a fucking shock collar?!

Alt’s body sparked with anger and as he saw that all too familiar silhouette in the window, he rushed at the glass, anger controlling his body. The doctor hardly flinches as he clicks something on that damned remote, sending Alt crashing to the floor, crying out and clawing at the collar as it shocks him.

Dr. Cornelius tsks in a disappointed manner. “What a temper… really, Alt? We shouldn’t be playing these games.”

Alt gritted his teeth ferally to snap at the doctor, “Y-You shouldn’t be collaring people like they’re animals, you sick fuck!”

“Maybe I wouldn’t have to if you didn’t behave like one.” Dr. Cornelius countered. Alt growled, eyes glowing with slight power. The doctor shook his head and then started to flip through his notes.

“Well, since you’re awake again, we can move onto the next test!”

“W-wait…!”

The doctor pauses and tilts his head at the glitch.

“I… I have a q-question,” Alt wheezes out. Dr. Cornelius raises his head, not used to hearing the glitch be anything but hostile towards him. Alt glares but continues. “You… you said before… that the… the magic circle should have found me… why… why didn’t you take me… to them?”

Alt heard vaguely of the magic circle from Mag. He said they were a bunch of foolish covens trying to govern their fellow magicians. Trying to put a cap on magic potential and capture any one who misuses magic. Alt thought they sounded almost like magical police... But he could hear the disdain plain in his mentor’s voice when talking about the circle.

That same disdain seemed to be present in the doctor as he pursed his lips and rolled his eyes.

“Pah! The magic circle…” He put down his notes as he paced slightly in front of Alt’s window again. Seemed to be a habit of his.

“They might be the magic authority here but their methods are medieval- all based in older traditions and the feel of it all. Barely any rhyme or reason- no desire to study and push limits- merge magic with what can make it even more useful! Make it accessible for everyone! Not just the special ‘elite’. They wouldn’t do a damn thing with you except slap you on the wrist and monitor you. Bloody waste if you asked me. They’d let any villain run around if they are ‘blessed’ like they are.” Dr. Cornelius growled. He stops to look down at Alt with burning eyes.

“They refuse to see magic as something that can harmonize with science! They refuse to see that magic can be bent to our level- that it can be understood at a level we humans know better than any other living thing! They’re blind… blind to the ways we can make magic better! How we can provide anyone… everyone with magic!”

Alt blinks and then laughs darkly. “God… you’re even crazier than Mag! I might be a novice… but even I know that magic s-shouldn’t be tampered with like this…! There’s a reason it’s not given to everyone…”

Dr. Cornelius matches his laugh and shakes his head. “Oh Alt… even without meeting the circle they’ve already corrupted your mind! You are as blind as them… but no matter! I’ll help you see your potential~ the potential of mixing science with magic!”

The doctor giggles and looks at Alt with those hungry eyes of his. “In fact~ this is such a great transition to our next test!”

He grabs his notes again and then gestures to something in Alt’s cell. Alt tiredly pushes himself up to look back- seeing a camera that seems to focus in on him. He shudders.

“That’s a WITNES camera- something SCLERA is developing to go public very soon! It’s a perfect merge of magic and tech… in fact- it’s been helping us to observe you better than ever, Alt!”

The doctor clicks on his remote and the right wall of Alt’s enclosure flashes to life, showing a wall full of text and data.

“Our WITNES camera can detect the fluctuations of magic within you- helping us see when you might glitch or go haywire~! They also have been monitoring your vitals so we don’t have to keep you hooked up to machines- and it can even monitor your emotions!”

“W-What? That’s… that’s insane!” Alt whispers, backing away from the wall with the camera. “You wanna just- give these to the public? That’s a crazy violation of privacy!”

Dr. Cornelius shrugs with a laugh, “Oh nowadays, this kind of stuff is hardly hidden anymore! And we offer the chance for our consumers to feel safe and protected!” He shakes his head, “But, enough of a pitch- our next test is gonna involve you interacting with our WITNES camera, Alt! We want to see how your magic merges with ours! If they’re compatible!”

Alt raises an eyebrow and looks back at the camera. He shivers as he sees the lens shrink and focus on him. That thing gives him a horrible feeling.

“… how’re you gonna do that? You can’t just… hook me up to it-“ Alt mutters.

The doctor chuckles, “Oh Alt, you misunderstand! We know now that you can glitch into tech- so that’s what you’re gonna do! See if you can glitch into the camera!”

The glitch shudders again and is about to bite out a retort when he stops and looks back. …this could be another chance to escape. If he can get past this thing he can try to follow the power source out again. But… they also must realize that’s what he’ll try to do. Is this a trap…? But… What can a camera do to him anyways?

Dr. Cornelius smirks. “I know what you’re thinking, Alt. And, I’ll make a deal with you!” Alt’s head snaps back to look at the doctor, his eyes wide. “If you can overpower our camera and get past it back into the power grid, well… that would be such an impressive sight I would consider letting you go~!”

Alt’s eyes widen more. He… seems overly confident in the camera. But, Alt was determined to get out of here. He could take a stupid camera! His eyes glowed bright as he glared at the doctor. “Alright… fine.”

Dr. Cornelius grins and the cuff on Alt’s leg snaps off, as well as the shock collar. Alt watches as the doctor shuts off the wall and other electronics, leaving only the camera powered on, it’s green light blinking at Alt. Alt gritted his teeth and then in a zip of green blue magic he glitched into its systems.

….

Something is wrong.

Diving into the camera feels nothing like going through the lights- it's harsher, feels like a strong pressure is pushing down on him at all angles. Like sharp needles sinking into his being. Alt tries to push through, tries to find a weakness, a kink in the system. But, the more he pushes the more this strange energy seems to push back.

Then, it overpowers him, swallowing him whole.

Alt crashes out of the camera and back onto the ground, shaking and spasming like crazy. Purple electricity crackles around his limbs as he shakily pushes himself up. As he looks out towards the doctor, his eyes are quickly filling with pulsing purple magic.

Dr. Cornelius grins manically, “Oh darn! I forgot to mention~ all SCLERA tech is powered by our patented Black magic core~! Something we perfected thanks to that lovely boss of yours!”

Alt whimpers, heaving in panic, even as anger flares wildly in his body. That fucking bitch tricked him! This feels wrong- it feels way worse than whatever came over him the night he was captured. It’s more invasive, the corruption digging into every weakness in his body and driving itself in. He bends over against the ground with a cry of pain as waves of magic crash against him, trying to overwhelm him. Trying to take over his magic, his mind-! He yells out and half crashes against the floor entirely, digging his head and nails into it, trying to fight whatever this is off.

All of sudden, he goes still, frozen like a statue as the purple magic completely fills his eyes. The monitor Dr. Cornelius is observing suddenly blares with alarms, the screen flashing. Alt’s black magic reading has reached dangerous, uncontrollable levels! Dr. Cornelius gasps and drops his clipboard, watching the testing room with wide eyes.

The tile beneath Alt suddenly cracks and splits, purple magic rippling across the floor. The debris floats up around him, suspended in glowing purple hues. Alt rises up like someone trapped in a dream, his head lulling limply on his shoulders. The magic crackles around him in a powerful display, bolts of electricity blasting tiles off the wall, destroying screens and equipment. Quietly, Alt starts to giggle and then fully bursts into crazed laughter, his veins darkening and glowing with purple power. As he laughs, he seems to bring up one of his hands to look at, gazing at it as if it was new. He stretches his fingers and then grins, laughing louder as the magic continues to zap and sizzle and destroy the room around him.

The sound of a squeaked shoe has the possessed glitch’s head snapping towards the noise. His eyes lock onto the terrified face of Dr. Cornelius, trying to back away from the window. Alt grins and in a flash is in front of the glass, pressing his hand against it. He tilts his head inhumanly at the doctor, his soulless eyes leaking magic like electric tears.

“Is this what you wanted, ̶̳̀D̷̯̏o̷̮̊ć̶͜t̶̗̕ỏ̶̯r̴̖͒?̵̟͝”̸̨̂ ̸̦̐ He giggles, gripping nails into the glass as electric bands of magic shoot out and crack against it, shattering it completely.

There’s a chorus of screams as the other SCLERA workers try to flee. Dr. Cornelius yells out as the glass explodes on him, cutting and slicing into his skin. He quickly looks around, then hightails it to his desk in the back corner, slipping on the glass as he runs. He quickly rummages through drawers, throwing contents and notes everywhere, muttering desperately, “C’mon! C’mon! I… I have to have that stupid thing somewhere!!”

Alt rises off the ground as the magic surrounds him. His body glitches and contorts as he giggles and slowly approaches the doctor.

“Oh D̴̙̀ṙ̸̠.̷̬͒ ̸̬̐C̶͚̈́ó̷̢r̵͇̈́ṋ̶͝ę̵͘l̷͈̋i̵̬̽u̷̖͛s̶͎͗~̵̺̓!̷̜̿ Where are you going? Didn’t you want to have some f̶͙̲̯͎͇̙̥̂̈́͋̿̂ȗ̷̗̊̽͑ͅṋ̴̄̉?̴̢̟̙͙͚̱̩̈́̀͑̈́͊͝?” Alt laughs, his voice sounding darker and racked with static. He barely sounds like himself.

Dr. Cornelius is sweating bullets as he looks through the drawer of objects they obtained from the magic circle. He then cries out in elation as he finds what he’s looking for, holding it out towards the approaching glitch.

It’s an amulet of some sort, a chunk of amethyst in the center. Alt seems to freeze, his eyes widening.

Cornelius grits his teeth. He hates having to resort to the methods the circle uses but… desperate times. Once they had Alt contained, they can figure out a better way to control this… a better, more scientific way.

He sighs and then starts to mutter a spell, one they haven't had to use since starting the WITNES project. Luckily, he still remembered the words.

“Creature of black magic, your minds, your purposes, your plans, do we cause you to bend! With my mind do I seize your minds, With my power, do I seize your power. Do ye with your thoughts follow my thought. I place your hearts in my control: Come ye, directing your way after my course!”

Alt lets out a choked exhale of breath, his body locking up against his will. The magic starts to recede and die down, but still crackles around his body and keeps him airborne.

Dr. Cornelius shoves the amulet forward and barks out, “Now, Cease!”

Alt crashes to his knees as the magic dissipates and drops him. His head falls forward, his pure purple eyes wide and blank. He looks like a broken doll as Dr. Cornelius cautiously makes his way over.

He kneels down by the boy and tilts up his chin, studying his eyes and the way the magic flickers within.

“Fascinating…” The doctor breathes, slowly regaining his smile. “Alt, can you hear me?”

“Yes…” The glitch answers breathlessly, his voice still having a slight echo.

“Are you going to listen to me now?”

“...we are subjected to your will, Sorcerer…” Alt replies, his eye twitching slightly but the rest of him remains slack.

Dr. Cornelius chuckles, shaking his head. “Excellent. Now… subject, did you find this host worthy? Were your energies able to converge well?”

The magic in Alt’s eyes crackles and glows brighter as he suddenly grins, giggling quietly. “This vessel was very easy to corrupt! The darkness smells strong on it… but it also swims in its blood. Its magic meshes well with ours- control of it was so easy~!” He giggles slightly louder, madness leaking into his words. But, his voice echoes and cracks, sounding completely different, like something else is speaking for him. “Its magic is so different from ours yet has so much potential! We can cause so much destruction with it! Corrupt many souls, raze cities and scorch the earth~!! Ha h̶̥̄a̸̹͑h̴̡̒a̵̗̽h̸̯̍a̵̩͗!̷̯̓!̸̡͌”

“Enough.” Dr. Cornelius snaps. The subject’s giggles cut off immediately as it looks out at the doctor with blank eyes again. “Your power only exists here thanks to us, you will follow our will and let us direct your purpose, understand?”

“...yes…” The subject breathes weakly. He shudders, a wave of nausea rolling over him, skin feeling too warm, sweat starting to drip down his forehead. His hands shake and he sways in the doctor’s grip.

Dr. Cornelius adjusts his glasses then commands Alt quietly. “Sleep, subject. Let’s see what use we can find for you…”

And Alt crumbles to the floor, once again falling back into darkness.

----------

Alt struggled to open up his eyes, bright light searing his vision. Then, he realized he recognized that light. It was the same one he woke up under when he was first brought here.

He tries to move his wrists, and finds he’s once again strapped down to a table. He holds back a whimper, his body feels incredibly weak and spent. The ordeal he went through with the camera had been plaguing his sleeping mind- the feeling of being controlled by that freaky magic… he didn’t want that to happen ever again!

He heard voices talking and quickly shuts his eyes, pretending to still be passed out.

He hears Dr. Cornelius, talking to another doctor.

“It took a lot of work but I think I found the perfect solution for VARIBL 11220! Letting the black magic of our machines corrupt his own is key… the display he showed was phenomenal! It could rival what we saw of VARIBL 1317! …but we need a way to control it. This device should infuse his magic with some of ours, and link his body to follow the orders of whoever powers the chip! We just need to make sure the magic has some sort of traceable signal so the artificial magic we’re working on should work! A much more elegant solution than using that amulet and spell... This can put him under our control in mere seconds~!”

Alt’s heart threatened to stop, his blood running cold. Are they planning on turning him into some sort of weapon? A puppet for them to use??

His eyes snap open and he immediately tries to thrash against his restraints, his eyes wild with panic. Dr. Cornelius was over his arm, looking like he was about to cut it open with a scalpel. He jumps back then tsks, looking annoyed.

“Fuck…! He just needed to stay asleep a bit longer!”

Alt bares his teeth ferally, pixels buzzing off him and electricity sparking around him in dangerous arcs. “I-I won’t become your puppet, Cornelius…! I refuse to be a-anyone’s puppet!”

Dr. Cornelius snarls and clicks on the remote, shocking Alt with increased intensity. Alt screams and screams, pulling against his bindings even as they seem to melt against his skin. The abuse keeps going until Alt slumps limply to the table, skin smoking and breath coming out in harsh ragged bursts.

“Hold him down,” Cornelius barks to his assistants. There’s seem to be some hesitation but soon two sets of hands are holding down Alt’s left arm. Alt chokes on a sob, shaking his head as he tries to keep from passing out again. “Please…! Please s-stop…!”

The mad doctor giggles as he picks up his scalpel again, going over to Alt’s side. He studies the boy then pets back his hair some, almost like a father would.

“You know Alt… you remind me of a subject I had so very long ago… one of my firsts actually!”

Alt screams as the scalpel cuts into his skin. The hands keep him from bucking against the restraints.

“She had the same kind of fire in her that you have… similar hair color and skin tone too. Then again- a very common combination!” He chuckles and digs in deeper. “She had similar powers to you too! Think her name was… Annie or something like that.”

Alt’s eyes flew open and widened. No- no he… he couldn’t have… could he…?

The thought is quickly thrusted from his mind as Dr. Cornelius seems to insert something in his arm. It feels foreign and wrong and Alt screams and screams, fighting with everything he has to get out- get it out!!!

It seems to latch onto something he can’t quite explain- but it’s agony and it hurts- it hurts, it hurts, it hurts!! Alt feels like something is grabbing hold of his magic within the pain. He sobs and arches his back to try to get away from the feeling. More hands push him down and keep him still.

He feels the doctor stitching up his skin as he cries, pleading with the doctor to stop, please stop!

Then, Alt seems to hear something new. It sounds like… magic. Searing magic blasting away at walls, screams of terror and… growls. Familiar growls- they sound like the panthers.

Alt feels delirious relieved tears flow from his eyes as he starts to laugh. The doctors seem to pause and start to look towards the noise that is only getting louder. Some start to let Alt go and back away, fear clear in their eyes.

The glitch makes sure to find Cornelius’s eyes as he grins, whispering to him. “You… you’re f-fucked…! You’re so fucked…!” He giggles wildly.

Dr. Cornelius’s eyes widen and he curses, trying to finish what he started.

Then the door to the operating room explodes with green and purple fire. Black masses start to tackle doctors left and right, causing chords of agony to echo throughout the room.

Magnificent emerges through the smoke, sweeping out an arm and glowing like an avenging Angel. Or perhaps, more like a devil. He bares his fangs at the doctor still looming over Alt.

“Release my Apprentice, Sclera scum!”

Dr. Cornelius tries not to show his fear as he lifts up his hands and steps away from Alt. “Well hello, Marvin! It’s been such a long time-!”

The doctor gets cut off as green magic surrounds his throat and lifts up upwards, choking him. Magnificent’s eyes are bright with angry fire as he spits out. “You do not get to say that name, Israh Cornelius! You and this fucking facility killed that man a long time ago!”

He grips his hand further, sick satisfaction burning in his stomach as he hears cracks- but then he hears the whimper of the boy behind them. Mag looks back to see his bleeding and burned apprentice and he pauses.

Then he growls and uses his magic to throw Israh hard against the wall. In a wave of magic he appears back over by Alt and sears off his restraints. He picks up the delirious boy and whistles, his panthers all looking up and then bounding over to his side.

Magnificent looks down coldly at Cornelius as he snarls, “Killing you right now is more than you deserve. And this place could be… useful to me. But know this, doctor, if you and this wretched company touch my apprentice again, I’ll make it look like an accident when I raze this place to the fucking ground.”

He then snaps and in a swirl of tv static, him, Alt and the panthers all disappear.

———

The trip to wherever they are now was a confusing mix of colors and voices that Alt hardly remembers. His vision dipped in and out of darkness as he felt himself be moved and looked over. But, this time it felt… different. It felt safe. Eventually he allowed himself to close his eyes and drift.

When he opened his eyes again, he was in a familiar room. One with white walls that had a bright stripe of yellow. Alt smiles faintly, recognizing the sight of Ollie’s office at the Doom clinic. He then hears the faint sound of shuffling and looks out towards the other side of the room.

His eyes widen as he sees Magnificent, sitting in the visitor’s chair. Except, he was in his civilian disguise. Alt had only seen it a few times but…

“M-Mag…?” Alt whispers, his voice raw and hoarse.

Mag seems to startle slightly then relaxes when he sees Alt. “Alt… you’re awake… that’s good.” A tiny head poked itself out from behind Mag’s leg and meowed, and Alt recognized the spotted nose of Lucky in her tinier cat form.

The glitch smiles dazedly at the sight of Lucky but then blinks several times at his mentor, as if he can hardly believe he’s there and not an illusion. “You… you saved… me?” He slurs out.

Magnificent snorts and turns his head, “Of course I did. I just… only wished I had found you sooner.”

“I… kinda thought you’d just… leave me to figure it out on my own.” Alt laughs slightly, “ Figured you’d… lecture me about how we have to look out for ourselves…”

The dark magician purses his lips and grips his hands into tight fists. “…if I hadn’t acted… you’d be a pawn in Sclera’s game. A plaything for them to abuse and use at their leisure.” His eyes darken, “I may be a villain… but I wouldn’t subject anyone to their cruelty. And especially not my apprentice…”

Alt stares at Magnificent, then can’t help but laugh breathily. “I guess… you really do care about me… huh?”

Mag seems to wince. “…it’s a new thing for me… I haven’t cared about anyone for a long time… I thought- I had lost the ability to.”

Alt nods to this, though he’s not quite sure he understands. How can someone lose the ability to care?

Then, all that happened to him crashes down on his mind, especially as he glimpses the bandages on his left arm. “Mag… they- they put s-something in me-!”

Magnificent raises a hand to stop him. “I already disabled it Alt. They can’t hurt you with it.”

“I… I can still feel it though-“

The magician shrugs, “The doctors here said they wanted to remove it but whatever sclera did… they weren’t sure they could do it without damaging your nerves…. They didn’t want you to lose the ability to use your arm.”

Alt swallows shakily and grips at his wrist.

Mag’s eyes glow slightly with determination. “But even if it’s there- I shut it off. I swear to you, Alt, they won’t be able to use it on you.”

Alt seems to relax, slumping against the bed with a relieved sigh. He pushes back his hair, staring up at the comforting yellow stripe.

The room is quiet for a beat before Magnificent speaks up. “…you should focus on resting, Alt. The doctors seem very fond of you, especially that one in the yellow… they’ll keep you safe.”

Alt sighs and nods.

The room falls back into semi-awkward silence. Then, a slightly wet nose is poking against Alt’s hand. He blinks down to see Lucky’s eyes blinking up at him. She seems to have a big bundle in her mouth that she nudges against his hand.

Alt struggles up and goes to grab it- and gasps as he sees it’s… it’s his bandana and his jacket. Dr. Cornelius took them away but-

“Lucky was very excited to have found those during our raid,” Magnificent says, smirking slightly. “She wouldn’t let them go.”

The glitch laughs and pets Lucky’s head. Then he quickly looks back up and grins at Mag. “Hey! You’re using my nicknames for them!”

Mag blinks and then messes with his hair, looking away. “Well… they are easier to tell apart that way… and your names do… seem to fit them well.”

The door to the room slides open, cutting off their conversation. The person coming in seems distracted with the clipboard he’s carrying. Then he looks up and breaks into a wide smile, hurrying over to Alt and giving him a huge hug.

“Alt! Oh thank god! You’re awake!” Oliver cries. Alt feels his face heat up slightly as he stiffens in the hug. He awkwardly pats Oliver’s back and laughs. “Y-Yeah dude- I’m okay!”

Oliver quickly lets go and seems to blush himself, waving his hands. “Ack! Sorry! That was… w-wildly unprofessional! It’s just- when Mr. Macaodha brought you in- you… you were in such horrible shape!”

At the sound of that surname Alt looks back at Mag and raises an eyebrow. The magician shrugs with a smirk.

Oliver lifts up his glasses, seeming to wipe at his eyes. He then smiles brightly at Alt, sighing out, “I’m just so glad you’re okay…”

Alt felt warmth surge through his chest. When he was captured by those bastards… they really made him think that he was all alone- that no one really cared for him, now that he wasn’t around his friends anymore.

But… that wasn’t true, was it? Even a villain like him… had people who cared about him.

Alt hid his face as he felt tears come to his eyes. When he changed the past… what would happen to the people he cares about now?

As Oliver checks over Alt’s vitals and asks him questions about his condition, Magnificent leans back to observe. Lucky loops back around to sit under Mag’s legs and he pets her head lightly.

His eyes lingered to the bandaged up arm on his apprentice. That device Sclera planted… he wasn’t going to let them take Alt.

But, perhaps… the thing could be of use to him down the road. Only as a last resort though. Mag smiled as he studied the boy. He had this cub wrapped tightly around his finger, his loyalty only getting stronger.

Not much longer now… once Alt was stronger, the real fun could begin~.

#swapboys #hufflewriting #dr. israh Cornelius #alt anti #black magic #sclera #medical whump #lab rat #jacksepticeye #swapboys au #swap magnificent #magic corruption #this was super fun cuz it’s setting up a bunch of stuff I’m excited to explore later!! #establishes some world building and magic bullshit that just fun for me to think of #readswapboys

[huffle-dork]

Etwas Peilen (Swapboys AU)

Continuation of Welcome to the Show exploring Alt and Henny’s relationship!

Masterpost | More Swapboys

Before the new friends parted ways, the good doctor Jackson rounded them all up to get their scratches and wounds tended to. Bro and Jackie were already helped, with Bro giving a detailed report to the police and Jackie icing his aching nose.

Dr. J had Alt up on the bar stools with him, lightly dabbing antiseptic on the cuts on his cheek. Alt hissed and was trying not to glitch away as Jameson held him still.

Henrik watched anxiously, wringing his fingers back and forth. He… can’t believe Magnificent just… let them go. Guess they proved themselves? Maybe… but- Henrik was scared the puppetmaster was only biding his time. And until now… he had no one who he could confide in.

Until… Alt.

As the good doctor started to gather his supplies and finished up with Alt, popping a clean white bandage on his cheek- Henrik hesitated before slowly approaching. The normally charismatic actor felt nerves in his throat but he tapped the glitch on the shoulder.

Alt looked back and raised an eyebrow at him, “Schneep? Uh… wassup?”

Henrik tapped his legs as he tried to find his voice, “T-Today was… long day. But- we… we have found ourselves in a uh… similar position, yes? And so I… I was wanting to invite you to make the drinkings with me?”

Alt’s eyebrows furrow in slight concern, “Are you suggesting alcohol to wash our troubles away? Cuz I don’t think the doc would approve of that-“ He glanced back towards Jameson as he went to join the others.

The gentleman laughs and shakes his head, “No no! Not in that way… I- just think it would be nice to… get to know each other better? Since well… you know.” Henrik messes with the back of his head anxiously, trying to give an award winning smile to Alt.

The younger man stared at Henrik with an unreadable expression for a couple beats. Then, he sighs and stuffs his hands in his pockets, going to pull his mask up out of habit but stopping himself to look back at the actor.

“…I should warn you I’m not an open person so… I dunno how much getting to know each other they’ll be… but, sure. Tomorrow night… meet me at Insomnia.”

Henrik tilts his head slightly, “Not tonight?”

Alt laughs, though, it looks kinda pained. “Nah I… I got a gig tonight.” He laughs some more and pushes his bangs back then tugs on them, “god… I have a gig… I… I should get ready for that…”

Henrik frowns in sympathy and hesitates before putting a hand on Alt’s shoulder. “Please… do not push yourself too hard my friend… and you… you are injured…”

Alt blinks in surprise at the gesture and then glitches back to his feet, looking at the actor warily. Henrik blinks and holds up a hand and Alt attempts to give a forced smile. “I-I would cancel but… I need money for drinks now.”

Henrik steps back and wildly waves his hands, half signing out of habit. “No no! You will not pay! It will be on me!”

The glitch seems surprised by this too. But, now he smiles more genuinely. “Well… all the more motivation then, huh?”

He lightly hits Henrik on the shoulder as he starts to walk away, turning so the gentleman can still read his lips. “…see you tomorrow then, Schneep. You know how to reach me.”

He then pauses and fully turns back towards Henrik, something dawning on his face. “Wait… you Do know how to text right? U-Use a phone?”

Henrik laughs and nods, “Ja I know the telefon! I’m not as fresh from the past as you think, my friend. I have learned very much!”

“Oh… okay- good then…” Alt nods then sends a two finger salute Henrik’s way, glitching away into that night. “See ya.”

Turns out Henrik did know how to text but… not… well-

Around 7 pm the next day Alt’s phone buzzed with:

Schneep

🍺🙏☑️❓❓❓

Alt

…Yeah man- how’s 9 sound?

Schneep

😁🥰❗️❗️❗️

Alt

U kno u don’t have to use only emojis to text right?

Schneep

👍

Welp- guess that answered that. (Asking Jackie about it- apparently after Dr. J helped Henrik get his phone, the teal gentleman accidently got stuck in the emoji menu for a couple days and now is like- addicted to them. Alt wasnt sure if that was better or worse than old man texting-)

A little after 9, Alt glitched in front of the small pub downtown called Insomnia. He liked it here- good place for a drink after some of his shows.

He walks in, nodding towards the bartender that recognized his mask. Then, it was surprisingly easy to find Schneep- cuz he barreled right towards Alt with his arms open.

“Hallo, Alt!! My friend!!” He shouted.

Alt quickly stumbled back, his shoulders buzzing as he tried to keep out of Henrik’s grip. He hurried to take off his mask and hold up his hands. “Uh- hi Schneep- sorry just- not good with… contact-”

Henrik tilted his head in confusion but then got the memo and nodded, a bright smile back on his face. “Oh yes! Not to worry- I will save huggings for later!”

“Y…yeah- sure-” Alt muttered as he rubbed the back of his neck. Damn- this guy was too sweet. It was kinda intimidating…

A furry head peaked out from Henrik’s leg and Alt recognized Schneep’s dog, Sahne. He felt himself bristle a bit like an offended cat. But, she just blinked at him, her tail slightly wagging. She had her vest on- guess she was working. So, Alt tried his best to ignore her.

Henrik led them towards a quieter part of the bar where he had already set himself up with a small book. Though, once Alt got closer he recognized it as something more than just a paperback novel- it was a small moleskin sketchbook. Henrik plopped into the seat and Alt hesitated before sitting down and gesturing towards the book.

“You… draw?”

The gentleman’s eyes sparkled as he eagerly nodded. “Oh yes! I quite like making art in my spare time! Normally, I like to paint… but when I wait for friends I like to draw portraits!”

He shows Alt his sketches- quick gestures of other patrons- mostly anyone with a very striking appearance. Henrik smiles as he looks at them. “I think… learning people is helping me to understand more and more about how people work now. Sometimes- it helps it feel not too different.” He pats Sahne’s head as she sits down next to him. She licks his fingers then settles down to rest under his barstool.

Alt listens and nods to his words. He then flushes and fumbles for his backpack. They were trying to get to know each other and… well- this was something most people don’t know about him. But, artists liked showing off to other artists. It couldn’t hurt… He pulls out a thin tablet and then turns on the screen, flipping to show it to Henrik. On the screen are designs he’s done for his illusions and shows- and concepts of graffiti tags, most featuring a green eyeball with red x’s and a stitched smiley face over its iris. Alt’s face turns very red as he stammers out, “I uh… I draw too. And, um… i also like- painting but… not in the way you do.”

The German actor looks beyond pleased, sparkles practically coming off his body as he grabs Alt’s hands and holds them close. Alt yelps and pulls himself away and Henrik apologizes quickly, “Oh yes sorry! But Alt! You are good! Such fun colors!! I wondered if it was bright paint on your clothes! Someday you must show me more of your work!”

The glitch turns even more red and hides a bit in his hoodie, “Um… yeah- if I can… find one that’s uh- in a good spot… I can show you.”

Alt had been trying to find more free spaces lately but- doesn’t mean he doesn’t still tag where he’s not supposed to. Not that anyone could catch him- he had quite the streak for heaven spots around the area. Couldn’t take Henrik to see those though- well, at least up close.

Alt flagged down the bartender and ordered some Irish whiskey, watching as Henrik got what looked like his 3rd pint of beer. He smirked and sipped at the drink, taking a second to appreciate it before he sighs and looks back at Henrik.

“Alright, you had something on your mind, right? Or were you serious about getting to ‘know me’?” Alt added the air quotes to make sure his sarcasm wasn’t lost on Schneep.

Henrik blinked and then played with the pages of his sketchbook. “Oh ah… I do- want to get to know you… I think you seem- well… very rough around edges- but… sympathetic too. I think I would very much like to be friends.” He tried to smile at Alt. But, then he sighs and takes a sip of his drink before continuing.

“But- if you want to skip pleasantries then- we can talk about the elephant in the air-”

“...do you mean ‘elephant in the room’?”

Henrik flushed and then laughed, “Oh is that how that is called? But… ja- let’s talk about this elephant.”

He then gets quiet and looks down, tracing the lines in the table.

“...Magnificent-” He eventually whispers, suppressing a shudder. “I… I could not help but notice… that he treated you and me… very different from each other.”

He looks to meet Alt’s eyes now, “I do not know how it works for you… maybe it is different… but when I am ah- puppet… I see it all. I remember. Not right away but… it comes to me in my dreams…” He grips one of his hands into a fist and closes his eyes as he takes a shaky breath. Sahne seems to sense his distress and reaches up to rest her head on his leg. He continues, “I cannot control what my body does. I cannot form my own thoughts- but I still… see it. I am forced to take in what awful things I am made to do…”

Henrik hesitates again before meeting Alt’s gaze. “in the warehouse, when he gave you his power… did you mean it? That you wanted all that or… was that his ah- thinking forced in you?”

Alt frowns. Wow- that was… immediately very deep. He takes a long sip of his whiskey before he responds, but his voice is quiet. He almost forgets he needs to turn enough for Henrik to read his lips.

“I… I was definitely influenced but… I guess. I do.. kinda want that?” He grips at his head slightly, “It’s… complicated… and goes wayyy into my backstory that I’m not sure you’re at a level to unlock yet.”

Henrik looks confused.

Alt shakes his head.

“Sorry video game joke uh- im not sure we’re… close enough yet… to explain why… but-”

“Then, can I share some of me?”

The glitch blinks at the actor. “Huh?”

“If you know me better then- we would be closer. And you can explain better, ja?” Henrik smiles.

Alt looks confused by this but eventually laughs and knocks back some more of his drink. “Alright, shoot.”

Henrik hums and looks up, “Oh… where to begin…?”

“Oh!” He grins at Alt, “I know is hard to believe because of my accent but- did you know I am not full German? Actually, I am a full British citizen!”

Alt’s eyebrows shot up, “...that is hard to believe.”

The gentleman laughs lightly, “I know my accent is everywhere- but I spent many of my early years only speaking German- and sometimes French!” He gets a dreamy look on his face, “My father was a British doctor- he learned in France where he met my mother. She was full German but was trying to study with some artists there. They met… fell in love and then moved to London and had their 5 kids.”

“5 kids?!”

“Yes! I was the baby!” Henrik added with glee. “I had 4 older siblings- two brothers, Peter and Fritz… and my sisters, Gabi and Ilse.” He smiles sadly for a second and pauses to take another drink before sharing more.

“Father used to say when he grew up he hated German because he was expected to learn it. But then, he met my mother and it was suddenly the most beautiful language to him. We loved speaking it- even while in England. I wouldn’t even see Germany until I was grown.”

He then frowns and leans more on the table, absent-mindedly petting Sahne’s fur back. “... that changed with the war. The great war… Then, our accents and our language was suddenly not to be spoken. People would get angry with us for sounding too German. We made sure to hide our German sounding names… Father was on the lines, as were my brothers.

So… they were… somewhat safe when the Zeppelins came. Safer than we were…”

Alt’s heart and stomach dropped.

“No one was prepared… we were out shopping and… and-” Henrk clenched his glass tight with both hands, his fingers shaking. He squeezed his eyes shut and took a stuttering breath. Sahne whined and leaned more on his leg. Alt didn’t know what to say-

“... Mama, Ilse and Gabi didn’t have to suffer. But, I never saw them again-”

“...Schneep-” Alt tried to interrupt. But, Henrik was lost in his re-telling.

“That’s how my deafness started, I was… 11, I think? Peter found me, he was working in a hospital nearby. He took care of me. Some kind soldiers taught me sign while I recovered- then... Then father was-”

“Schneep!” Alt exclaimed and gripped onto Henrik’s shoulder. The gentleman looked up with slightly misty eyes. Alt was quick to pull away but he held up his hands. “Dude… you… you more than earned your level- I… I can answer your question now… if you want.”

Henrik blinks and then laughs, looking a bit embarrassed as he rubbed at his eyes. “O-oh ja… I forgot that was the point… we are not here to hear such sad story!” He tried to smile it off but Alt could tell it was forced.

Alt swallowed and then knocked down the rest of his drink, the alcohol burning his throat. He quickly ordered another one, shaking himself out. “Need a bit more liquid courage for this…” He muttered.

Once the new drink is gotten, Alt holds it in his hands for a second before sighing and turning enough for Henrik to understand but not enough to look in his eyes. Pixels vibrate around his head and shoulders in a way that’s hard to see in the dim light of the pub.

“… I dunno if you met anyone like me in your time. And not just.. cuz of the glitches and magic but… I was… born… wrong.” He clenched his teeth slightly and tried to ignore the feeling that was screaming at him- telling him that every eye was on him. “…And I grew up… constantly thinking about it… how I wanted to be something… better. Stronger… because I didn’t feel like I was… as I am.”

He traces the rim of his cup in thought. Henrik watched him very patiently. Alt felt like that was more than he deserved.

“I know Mag was spitting fucking bullshit- but… some part of me… wants to believe him. And I’m not sure if that’s his mind tricks or… the part of me that wants to be… something more. I.. I want to be stronger… but I don’t know how to get there… and for just a little bit… I did believe him. That he could… make me stronger. And… things would get… easier.”

He leans his head on the table, starting to feel the alcohol in his cheeks. Schneep leans closer to make sure he can still understand. Alt angles his head a bit better as he mumbles in defeat.

“I’m sorry… I know you want to find some good in me but… my life has royally sucked. And… sometimes what Mag purrs out sounds… argh!”

He suddenly grips at his head, a headache blooming alongside his conflicted mind. Purple seems to spark weakly in his eyes.

“I dunno! I’m confused! I… I can still hear his stupid smug voice in my head…! I don’t know what I want…! I just- I just… I’m so fucking tired…! Of all of this-! I’m tired of being hungry and- and- powerless and a-scared… I don’t want to feel so lost anymore…!”

He starts to cry but hides his face and he hiccups “I want all of this to stop…!”

Henrik almost misses the last part but- his eyebrows crinkle with sympathy. Alt starts to come back to himself and then shoots up, looking at Henrik with wide eyes and red ears.

“Fuck I- I didn’t… I didn’t want to-“

The gentleman hesitates, going to reach out like he wants to touch Alt’s hand, but then stops to just loop his pinky around Alt’s own. Alt almost pulls away but- that’s… that’s not so bad.

“I understand,” He says softly, “He whispers siren songs- into your head. But… he will only tell you things you want to hear. He does not care… he only wants control. His promises are… empty.”

He sighs and looks down, shrugging. “That is how he got me. He used my confusion and promised to help me… he did not. He is nothing but ein lügnerischer Bastard.”

Alt looks away but- he’s afraid to tell Henrik how little he cared. Before, he met the others. Before he even thought he could become friends with them… with anyone. He didn’t care who he hurt- if he got hurt. Because- he’d finally be somewhere better…. Someone better. ….right?

Henrik lets go of Alt’s pinky and then waves a hand, giving a nervous smile.

“This is getting too of the serious! We should… talk about other things!”

Alt looked down at the table and sighs. “ I… I think… I need to go home…”

“No!” Henrik suddenly yells, startling the glitch and Sahne, who bumped her head on his leg. The actor then pleads to Alt. “We do not need to talk anymore if that is what you want! We can just… do the hangings out! We could… draw together and drink! No more serious talk!”

This gives Alt pause. Actually… that sounded like it could be fun. The pickpocket slowly smiled, bringing back his tablet. “You know what Schneep… I’ll bite. But it’s on your wallet-“

Schneep beamed brightly.

The two spent a while just drawing together. Alt tried to copy Henrik’s idea of drawing others around him. But- he wasn’t nearly as good as Schneep. So, he went back to what he knew- he even tried making bubble tags of the others' names. Just for fun. It was nice to just- doodle for a change.

He glanced at Schneep who had paused in his drawing to stare at someone across the way. He had a somewhat lovestruck look on his face.

Alt tried to follow his gaze- and saw what looked like a man- but honestly their gender was pretty ambiguous. They had tan copper skin and wavy brown hair. They were dressed in shiny silks with celestial patterns on them- even Alt had to admit they were very pretty. Maybe they were a model.

Henrik seemed to think so too- cuz as Alt looked at Henrik’s sketchbook- the whole page was filled with studies of that one person.

The glitch smirked and then bumped Henrik enough to get his attention. “Like something you see?”

“Hm? Oh! Ja… very much-“ Henrik sighed as he looked back. “He is… so pretty- I cannot stop looking…”

Alt rolled his eyes and waved a hand in front of his face. “Careful- you don’t want to creep them out-“

Then Alt frowns, realizing something.

“Wait… Schneep- are you… gay?” Alt makes a face and thinks, “wasn’t that like- a sin back then or something?”

Henrik’s face turns bright red with embarrassment and alarm. He holds his cheeks and ducks down, whispering, “ah yes right I- I cannot think such things!”

Alt wasn’t expecting such a response- so he hurries to correct him “no no it’s okay! it’s… not like it was anymore. It’s okay now- no laws against it!” Alt hurried to look around then gestures vaguely at a cluster of gay couples on another side of the pub. “Like see there’s a couple guys over there too- you’re fine…”

The actor seems to calm slightly at this and nods. Alt hesitates before adding, “I just- didn’t expect someone from your time to even be into that…”

Henrik laughs “Well it was- against the law. Very strictly for a longtime… but it does not mean the thoughts are not there.” He looks back to study the pretty person again as he swirls his drink in his glass. “Though… I think I like just- pretty people in general. I do not care what sex they are, you know?”

“Well- if it helps, I think they’re non-binary- from what I can tell at least.” Alt shrugs.

“Ah yes… that is- neither girl nor boy… yes?”

“It gets… complicated but- yeah basically.” Alt answers. He makes a face and takes a long sip of his drink. “Gender is weird.”

He then starts to think about this too. Maybe he was having too much to drink by now but- he finds himself muttering. “I get it… the pretty people thing. I- think I’m the same…? Though… I dunno- I don’t… crush on anyone. But I think if I knew someone for long enough… maybe-” Alt sighs dramatically and falls back against the table, squishing his cheek against it. “feelings are weird too…”

Henrik smiles and shakes his head with a laugh, “They are indeed…”

“Fucking hate them-“ the glitch muttered. Henrik shakes his head with a quiet giggle.

“You know- I had many chances to visit Berlin once I started acting. And it was such a sight…! It was… more okay there- to be queer. Even here in Brighton, it was becoming better and better! It made me feel… so happy. Like I could be understood- eventually.”

He looks to Alt and smiles, “Even when I was younger… I think I heard of people like you, Alt.” Alt’s eyebrows raised in surprise.

He grips his glass and looks down at the table. “However…It all started to change… right before I- I was brought…“ He pressed his lips together and suppressed a shudder.

Alt’s face creases in sympathy. He knocks back the rest of his drink then adds quietly. “…you dodged something really awful, Schneep…”

“I know…” Henrik’s voice cracks. “…I am… grateful in some ways… that I did not have to suffer another war… but…” He bites his lip to keep from crying.

Alt can tell there’s a lot left unsaid in the silence but he can read it well enough. No need to draw out this pain for the poor guy. Alt’s been pretty sensitive to touch tonight but- he leans his shoulder against Hen and flags down the bartender for another round. “…it’s okay, Schneep. I get it… let’s talk about something else, alright?”

Henrik quietly nods.

There’s quiet for a second before Alt asks, “uh… I don’t know- a lot of sign yet… wanna try to teach me? Something simple though.”

Schneep’s face instantly lights up with excitement and nods. “Oh yes!! I have the perfect thing!!”

Turns out- in sign, you can either finger spell a name or whoever’s signing can make up a sign that’s faster for someone they know. So, Henrik made quick work of teaching Alt the signs he used for their little group.

Bro Fantastic was the letter B then the sign for hero. Jackie was J then the sign for tired. Dr. J was easy- it was two J’s then the sign for doctor, naturally. And Sahne was cream, dog. Because Sahne in German meant Cream. Not the most creative name but- Alt had to admit it suited her.

Eventually Henrik starts to sign something that starts with A- then he makes a jagged motion in the air. Alt tilts his head.

“What’s that one?”

“It’s you! A- then lightning! Alt!” Henrik adds cheerily.

Alt feels his face heat up slightly. He then grins and laughs, “heh- awesome. Got any others?”

Henrik thinks- and Alt can see his cheeks getting flushed and warm like he feels on his own. So everything was a bit harder to slug through- but it was definitely more fun.

Finally, Henrik laughs and then starts a sign that looks like he’s drawing whiskers on his face. Then he taps his hand on his forehead, holding it straight up and touching the thumb to his skin.

Alt narrows his eyes. “Mmmm what’s that mean-“

Henrik grins real wide as he shows again, this time explaining. “Cat, bitch!”

The glitch’s eyes widen and then he barks out a laughs nearly spilling his drink. “Magnificent!”

“Yes! You got it!”

They both erupt into drunken laughter and giggles, falling over on each other.

The night wears on for a bit longer before the two admit they’ve had enough to drink. Alt feels it a bit more than his German counterpart and ends up stumbling into him as he attempts to stand up, nearly running into Sahne.

“Oops… s’rry pubby-“ Alt mumbles. Sahne wags her tail vigorously in response.

Henrik laughs then asks, “Can I help you outside, or?”

Alt grumbles and waves his hand. “Yeh ye- do wh’ev’r ya want…” He then pushes his face somewhat against Henrik’s side and the taller man quietly giggles at the sight.

Henrik leads the two outside and then tries to flag down a cab. He helps hold Alt up with one arm, while Sahne guards his other side, alerting him to any sounds he needs to watch out for.

He feels Alt shift and looks down to see the tired glitch try to find his eyes.

“…hen?” Alt slurs out.

It takes a second for Henrik to process that but his eyebrows shoot up. Alt hasn’t attempted to use his first name yet- it still wasn’t it fully, but it was close enough to make Henrik’s chest feel light.

The glitch looks away at first but then looks back to mumble out, “…it was nice. To not drink… alone.”

Henrik smiles and nods, “…I thought so too! It was very funny! …Perhaps we can… do it again sometime?”

Alt can’t help but feel himself smile. “…yeah… I think I’d like that…”

#ALT AND HENNY ARE SO IMPORTANT TO MEEEE #I love writing Henny’s speech too he’s so fun #I did so much research yesterday too- trying to really solidify hen’s past #and I didn’t even get to most of it!!! DX #but now I know HGHBN #swapboys #Hufflewriting #Henny von schneeplestein #silent film Schneep #alt anti #ww1 mentions #nothing too big but Schneep is from the 1900s- about 1933 #he just missed the really bad stuff- #anyways I’ve loved thinking about Alt and Henny being drinking buddies for forever!! #and it makes sense theyd bond so well cuz of Mag :) #if anyone wants the very complicated past I’m giving the boys like their families and stuff please ask HFGGHB #hopefully I can build more of this up soon- #but next I either wanna work on the next villain arc part or Henny first coming to the present- #idk yet! #anyways enjoyyyy #also I had to add that both Henrik and alt can do art ^^ #they’re my characters I need more artists hfhvb #also hint to Henny’s future partner! :D #it was fun letting alt and hen talk about their sexualities too uwu #readswapboys

[huffle-dork]

Curiosity Killed the Cat: Chapter 12

The Grand Finale Chapter 11 | Masterpost|

Jameson and Anti arrive in Chase’s recording room in a burst of glitches. Jameson is quick to run over to his brothers, Chase quickly meeting him halfway and hugging him tight. Jameson smiles and pats his arms, trying to assure him that he’s okay.

Anti buzzes to stand next to Henrik and Jackie, eyeing down the computer. “...any clue what Kit kat is planning?”

Jackie sighs, “No… but… Phantom did warn us he would be trying to get a large crowd… I just hope his magic can’t affect people over technology…”

“Whatever this is though,” Henrik adds shakily, “I do not think it’s good…”

“Yeah…” Anti agrees, solemnly looking at the screen.

Marvin’s charming face is smiling at the screen as he begins the stream. He looks… normal. His bright blue eyes are shining with that innocent look he had before all this mess started. His hair is… long though- and brown. But, he wears his signature white cat mask on his face, a big cloak over his shoulders- and that suit he’s been wearing still on and looking fresh. Fresher than it did at the hospital that’s for sure…

“Top of the morning, everyone! That’s what Jack says, right?” He laughs and tries to smile at the camera, “Sorry if I got it wrong! It’s been a while since I had a video, hasn’t it?”

Jackie grips the back of the chair he’s leaning on, hearing cracks under his palms. Marvin sounds fine… but he knows he’s not. He knows that isn’t fully his brother right now… and his heart is beating in his throat as he hangs onto every word he says.

Marvin laughs again and his eyes flicker to something darker- green and purple appearing briefly in his irises as he adds quietly.

“...did you miss me?”

That line sends a shiver down all the egos’ back- except Anti who scowls and bares his teeth, his form glitching angrily.

“Or- I guess you were expecting that line from someone else, weren’t you?” Marvin spits at the camera, his voice getting lower. He glares at the camera now.

“Actually… that’s why I’m here. I would like to have a chat with all of you…” Marvin talks like a teacher disappointed at his students, sighing dramatically. “We need to talk about the glitch… and all of yours’s... Unhealthy obsession with him.”

He slams his hands down on the table and leans in closer to the camera, the feed glitching slightly with green and purple as his anger resurfaces. Flickers of his darker mask and veins of black magic show up on his skin, if only for a brief second. He glares with hatred burning in his eyes.

“Why do you want to hurt me and my brothers?!” He snarls at the screen.

“Oh the theorists are gonna have a field day with all of this,” Anti mutters, crossing his arms.

“Why do you cheer and seek out our torturer? Is our pain funny to you? Is it fun to see us controlled and puppet-ed and hurt over and over and over again?!” Marvin bites at the screen, feeling the eyes of the community on him. His anger makes his form flicker more and more. But finally, he laughs bitterly and shakes his head, sitting back down in the chair and lounging back. But he still looks furiously at the camera.

“...You all have no concept of the pain you cause. All for your entertainment… you all sicken me.”

“...harsh-” Chase whispers under his breath with a wince. Though… he can’t help feeling exactly what Marvin is feeling. And he’s sure his brothers are all hiding that part of them that feels the same.

Marvin laughs darkly as he tilts his head at the camera and grins, showing sharp canines. His form fully melts away into it’s corrupted form- mask black and purple and branches of purple magic running up his neck and crawling up rapidly to his face. His sclera has turned black and his eyes flare even more purple.

Cries of confusion can be seen in the chat. Some wonder how Jack is doing all this- others assuming this is all for shit and giggles.

“Well today! I say no more!” Marvin chuckles darkly but his emotions quickly shift to anger again as purple magic zips around him dangerously. “I’m sick of being a pawn controlled by the whims of people who don’t even know me! Just like fucking Jack… I will no longer be a puppet- controlled by the likes of you!”

For a second- it feels like Marvin’s eyes meet Anti’s through the screen. And… Anti hates the surge of fear that goes through him.

Marvin then looks away and laughs, getting up and holds out a hand that glows purple. The camera seems to be lifted up in his magic as he grins, “And to prove that to you all… let me show you something~!”

In a poof of purple smoke- the camera turns off for just a second and then reappears with Marvin- and he’s now standing over the comatose Jack.

“Jack!” Henrik shouts in worry, closing in on the screen as if he can reach them.

The comments are going crazy- some worried- some wondering if any of this was real.

“Now this must be a shock for you all! After all…our beloved Chase has been doing such a good job of filling in for our precious Jack, hasn’t he?”

Chase shivers and staggers back, feeling panic gripping at his chest. No! What was Marvin doing?? He’s unraveling everything they’ve been trying to hide! He’s gonna send the whole community into a frenzy!

“He’s insane-” Anti growls, “Just what is he trying to do? Make 20 million people have a panic attack?? Alert the news? He’s gonna expose all of us!”

“He must be doing this for a reason…” Jackie mutters, but he looks nervous too. This was gonna be a lot to clean up….

“Now now- don’t worry everyone! I can assure you he is safe… and I will wake him up after all of this is done!”

“̸̬̾L̷͓̐i̴̧͂k̴͓̚e̸̙͝ ̵̣̆h̶̗̔e̸̟͆l̸͙͘l̸̥̉ ̴̦͝ḣ̷͈e̶̝̎ ̶͇̌w̴͙͂i̵̳͆l̷̮͠l̶͖̚!” Anti suddenly shouts, glitching wildly and he tries to dive towards the computer. He barely enters the screen for a second before he’s thrown out, spasming as purple energy crackles along his body. He grits his teeth and curls up on the floor to keep from crying out in pain.

Marvin seems to stare knowingly at the screen as he smirks and chuckles. “You see… this is the work of the glitch you all love so much… you gave him enough power to take Jack… and put him to sleep.

But, not to worry! I took control of him from the glitch… I’ve been keeping him safe and sound.” He assures the screen charismatically.

“Lying Bastard!” Henrik curses, gripping the table tight. Jameson puts a hand on his shoulder to try to calm him down.

Marvin then sighs and poofs and him and the camera appear back by the desk in the normal recording spot. He stares at the screen intensely.

“... there is something that must be done before I can wake up Jack and make all of this right, however. And for that… I need all of your help.”

“...uh oh-” Jackie whispers.

“You see,” Marvin begins- and as he does, the background behind him starts to shift and change, warbling in and out of focus, flowing like it’s made of watercolor. Then, it slowly starts to spiral.

“I can’t allow all of you to fuel the glitch any longer… so you’re all going to help me get rid of him.”

All of the egos feel shivers go down their spine as they start to panic.

“Jamie quickly! Marvin is at Jack’s see if you can-!” Henrik whispers desperately.

Jamie is already trying to produce some magic to try to teleport- but his magic sparks and fizzles with purple.

Anti groans from the ground, trying to get up, “H-He’s blocked it- He’s created some kind of magic wall- we can’t get to him…!” He growls in anger.

Marvin laughs maniacally and thrusts a hand out at the camera. It starts to glow purple and spirals of lavender magic start to overlay the screen- the background also swirling with purple magic.

Jackie recognizes this instantly and he shoves anyone close to the screen that’s trying to watch. “D-Don’t look! H-He’s trying to-!”

Chase and Henrik are shoved to the floor, Jameson trips and lands on his ass, magic cracking as he falls.

But, In his effort to push everyone else away- Jackie has ended up standing right in front of the screen. The magic very quickly grabs a hold of him, his eyes echoing the spiral of the magic as his jaw falls open, mind going blank.

“N-No! Jackie!” Chase cries out, trying to push himself up. Henrik grabs him though and keeps him down, fear clear in his eyes. “J-Jackie said not to look!”

Marvin’s laughter is haunting as he captures all of the viewers one by one. The chat falls silent as everyone who is watching is caught in the magic- falling under Marvin’s spell.

He giggles as more magic starts to eat up his skin on his face, veins opening up wider and fizzling with more dark purple magic.

“Yes…! All of you… all of you give me your memories of the glitch…! I’ll erase them… bit by bit.” He pauses to laugh, feeling a surge of emotions from his captives.

“No, don’t worry everyone! I won’t kill him~! No… I’ll leave enough of him around… Just enough so he can’t fade. But he won’t reform either… ha ha… doesn’t that sound familiar, A̴̭͝n̵̹̈́t̶̹̓ì̵̢?̷̝̓” Marvin laughs insanely, increasing his magic as he starts to dig into everyone’s collective memories- and starts to tear them to shreds. Any hint or glitch of the demon known as Antisepticeye, he rips apart into tiny pieces.

Anti starts to scream bloody murder, his entire form starting to be broken apart by purple veins of magic. He glitches and spasms, clawing at the ground like that can save him. His eyes are pits of toxic purple magic as he screams and screams and screams-!

“H-Help me…! H̴̺̾-̷̨̉Ĥ̴͇Ê̴̼L̸͓̅P̶̺̎ ̴͙̆M̶͈͂E̴̲͛!̷̘̍!̷̛̟”̴̫̀ ̵͓̈ Anti sobs out desperately, his entire form being broken apart.

Henrik rushes to Anti’s side and Jameson joins him, the gentleman tries to stabilize him with a bit of magic. But- it’s not working, nothing is working!

Chase staggers and goes to grab onto Jackie’s shoulder, shaking him. “J-Jackie! C’mon dude, snap out it! Y-You’re helping Marvin, h-he’s gonna kill us!”

Jackie doesn’t respond- or more like he can’t respond. The magic is strong in his eyes, his mind being invaded and memories being picked apart and shredded. Purple veins crawl from his eyes and tears leak out of them as he trembles- stuck in the magic’s grasp.

But, even though he doesn’t respond to Chase- he seems to be mumbling something. Even though it seems to pain him.

“M-Marvin… d-don’t do this… please..! Stop!” The hero whispers tearfully.

Chase dares to briefly look at the screen- at Marvin.

The magician- for just a second… seems to flinch, blue very faintly flickering in his eyes.

Chase’s eyes widen. Did- did he hear Jackie…? Did they have more of a pull since they’re all connected to Jack and Anti?

Chase narrows his eyes in determination. He looks at the others. “G-Guys… this may sound crazy… but I have an idea…! I think… if we get pulled under- maybe we can reach Marvin through his magic!”

“T̴-̷T̶h̴a̶t̵'̷s̴ ̷t̵h̷e̶ ̶s̶t̴u̷p̶i̵d̶e̵s̷t̶ ̸t̶h̷i̵n̸g̴ ̵I̵'̴v̸e̴ ̵e̴v̴e̷r̷ ̶h̶e̶a̴r̴d̶!̸” Anti snaps out at Chase.

Henrik and Jameson exchange glances. But slowly, Jameson nods, eyes glowing with determination. Henrik sighs and seems hesitant, gripping his hands into fists. But, he soon nods too. “I-It’s worth a try… what else can we do?”

Chase smiles at his brothers and then helps them up to join him next to Jackie. He hesitates, then grabs Jackie’s hand. A surge of power flows up his arm, orange light shimmering in his veins. He looks at it with confusion. “Uh… okay- that’s… totally normal…”

Jameson notices this and goes to take Jackie’s other hand. He catches red pulsing up through Jackie’s veins under his jacket sleeve as his own glows teal. He offers his hand to Henrik’s who takes it quickly. His veins glow with white and he laughs a bit in disbelief, shaking his head.

“... I will never understand all this magic shit… but… let’s save our brother…”

Jamie nods with a hopeful smile. Then- they all look towards the screen, letting the magic fully take them in.

“F̷-̴F̵u̴c̴k̸i̷n̸g̷ ̴s̶u̶i̵c̸i̶d̷a̸l̶ ̷i̶d̵i̵o̸t̸s̷-̶ ̵” Anti grumbles before he gets another wave of pain that sends him screaming and glitching into the carpet.

As the magic washes over them, suddenly the brothers hear a cacophony of screaming that sends all their minds reeling. It’s a tidal wave of confusion and fear and agony that sends them spiraling underneath. But they quickly try to resurface- determination pushing them forward.

They hear a loud voice above the others, echoing in the wide expanse. “MARVIN!!” Jackie’s voice cries desperately. “You have to stop this! This is gonna kill you! Please wake up!”

Henrik and Schneep start to join him, shouting out for their brother, trying to get him to snap out of this.

Then- another voice joins them- almost as loud as Jackie’s.

“MARVINNN!!” Jameson’s inner voice yells. The others are momentarily confused. They’ve never heard his voice before. But… with the tone and the British accent- it sure does sound like him.

Jamie continues to shout towards Marvin, pushing his magic into projecting towards the magician. “Marvin we’re here!! You don’t have to do this, this isn’t you! Please stop this!! Don’t let the darkness win! Fight back!!”

The others are fueled by their little brother’s passion and start to join him in his cries, increasing their voices above the panicked screaming of the fandom.

Marvin’s magic falters, his fingers trembling as he tries to keep the spell steady. But there’s a very loud scream behind him that’s threatening to break his concentration.

Jack is also screaming in agony as Marvin’s magic destroys what he’s created.

“Shut up! You’re fine!” Marvin growls to the Youtuber, “This is for your own good! For all of our good!”

Then, Marvin is hit with a wave of screaming voices- hearing the fandom’s panic all at once and it leaves him breathless. His eyes flicker more with blue at the sound and he tries to drown it out, closing his eyes and increasing the spell.

“No no no! C’mon I-I’m so close…!” He grunts to himself through gritted teeth.

Then, he hears them- the sounds of his brother’s voices. And- Jamie… Jameson is the loudest.

Orange, red, teal and white light dances in his eyes, trying to fight back against the purple corruption. He winces and holds a hand against his head, the voices becoming too much. It feels like his head is gonna explode!

“Marvin please!!” Henrik pleads.

“C’mon Marv! You’re better than this!” Chase urges.

“You’re not alone anymore Marvin! We’ll never let Anti hurt you again!” Jackie promises.

“Marvin, please! Fight back! WAKE UP!” Jameson encourages.

Something inside him snaps. And… it feels like Marvin is waking up from the deepest dream he’s ever been in.

He gasps and instantly ends the spell, waving his hand away to get rid of the spirals.

The boys all crumble to the floor as they’re released.

Anti is practically passed out and dead weight on the ground, his entire body covered in purple magic veins that spark with glitches and pixels. Henrik rushes to check his pulse or- whatever you’d check to make sure the glitch wasn’t dead.

Jackie staggers to his feet and goes to help up Chase and Jameson. He smiles warmly at Jamie and claps a hand on his shoulder.

“Nice shouting in there, buddy! You were incredible! A true septic voice, just like the rest of us!” He pulls Jamie in and gives him a slightly noogie. “Always knew you had it in ya, baby bro!”

Jameson blushes bashfully and hides slightly behind his hands.

Then, They all turn back to the screen, and see Marvin hyperventilating.

He looks desperately at the camera, tears in his bright blue eyes as he whimpers out, “I’m sorry- I-I’m so sorry everyone! I… I… d-don’t understand what… I.. I never wanted this to happen…!”

He suddenly falls forward towards the desk, gripping at his sides as he yells out in pain. The veins of magic are still stark on his skin and they start to glow brighter, the skin around them starting to darken and look like it’s covered in ash.

Jackie recognizes the sight of this and he panics, pressing up against the screen. “N-No!”

He looks desperately to Jamie, “J! W-We gotta get to Marvin! I think the magic is killing him!”

Jameson’s eyes widen and he nods, trying to concentrate on a spell to get them to Marvin. It seems like his magic isn’t blocked anymore… but he is a bit drained from the projection he used. Still he focuses as hard as he can, sweat blooming on his brow.

Marvin looks at his corrupting hands and skin with fear, stumbling out of the chair and shaking his head. “No…n-no no no no! W-What’s happening? I-I-!” He shouts out in pain again and this time, grips at the area around one of his eyes, falling to his knees. When he lets go and looks at his shaking hand, blood and black gunk are there- the substances now leaking from his eye. He coughs, black sludge falling from his mouth and he nearly falls over. He heaves and tries to drag himself back to the desk-

His brothers were watching right? They had to be… otherwise they wouldn’t have reached him like they did!

He claws his way back up the desk and looks back at the camera one last time. He looks panicked and scared as he reaches out towards the screen- as if he can reach his brothers through it.

“H-Help me!!” Marvin sobs, dark smoke leaking out of both corners of his mouth, his entire face cover in pulsing magic.

And then, there’s a flicker of purple power- and the camera gets destroyed, shutting off the livestream.

“No!” Chase shouts, trying to see if he can get the stream back up again. But it’s gone- it’s offline.

“J! C’mon how’s that spell coming??” Jackie cries. Jameson’s knees are shaking as he tries to finish the spell.

Then, something grabs his leg, startling him. Anti is grabbing him, gritting his teeth as he supplies the gentleman with some of his own power.

“Grab onto the oldtimer, now!” He calls out, “Let’s go save Kit Kat before he kills all of us!”

The others rush to grab onto Jamie as Anti glitches them away to Jack’s studio.

Marvin has collapsed to the ground, holding himself up on his elbows as he coughs and shakes, the corruption still trying to eat him alive.

He sobs, gripping his fingers into the floor, “I-I didn’t want this…! I-I’m a monster- i-i hurt so many people…!” He closes his eyes and breaks down, “I’m no better than he is…!”

A dark voice giggles in his ear though. It doesn’t sound like the glitch though… it sounds like him- just wrong.

“𝔹𝕦𝕥 𝕝𝕠𝕠𝕜 𝕙𝕠𝕨 𝕡𝕠𝕨𝕖𝕣𝕗𝕦𝕝 𝕪𝕠𝕦’𝕧𝕖 𝕓𝕖𝕔𝕠𝕞𝕖…! ℍ𝕠𝕨 𝕡𝕠𝕨𝕖𝕣𝕗𝕦𝕝 𝕨𝕖’𝕧𝕖 𝕓𝕖𝕔𝕠𝕞𝕖… 𝔼𝕧𝕖𝕟 𝔸𝕟𝕥𝕚 𝕔𝕠𝕦𝕝𝕕𝕟’𝕥 𝕔𝕠𝕟𝕥𝕣𝕠𝕝 𝕒𝕝𝕝 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕡𝕖𝕠𝕡𝕝𝕖 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕕𝕚𝕕! 𝕐𝕠𝕦 𝕕𝕠𝕟’𝕥 𝕟𝕖𝕖𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕞… 𝕒𝕟𝕪 𝕠𝕗 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕞. 𝕐𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕓𝕣𝕠𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕤, 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕘𝕝𝕚𝕥𝕔𝕙- 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕔𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕥𝕠𝕣. 𝕐𝕠𝕦 𝕔𝕒𝕟 𝕗𝕒𝕣 𝕤𝕦𝕣𝕡𝕒𝕤𝕤 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕞 𝕒𝕝𝕝!”

Marvin shudders, trying to shake off the voice. But, it’s echoing all around him, fogging up his thoughts in black smoke.

“N-No! No I… I don’t-”

The voice shushes him, it’s voice charismatic and smooth. Easy to listen to.

“𝔻𝕠𝕟’𝕥 𝕨𝕠𝕣𝕣𝕪 𝕒𝕓𝕠𝕦𝕥 𝕒 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕘, 𝕄𝕒𝕣𝕧𝕪… 𝕛𝕦𝕤𝕥 𝕝𝕖𝕥 𝕘𝕠. 𝕁𝕦𝕤𝕥 𝕘𝕚𝕧𝕖 𝕚𝕟… 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕀’𝕝𝕝 𝕥𝕒𝕜𝕖 𝕔𝕒𝕣𝕖 𝕠𝕗 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕣𝕖𝕤𝕥~!”

Marvin feels his heart drop- and then his body starts to feel numb and disconnected from his core. Just like- just like when Anti tried to steal his body. Back in Phantom’s warehouse.

The reality of all of this falls on him like a ton of bricks. All this power… it never was his, was it? It was using him the whole time… just like Anti did. Just like Phantom did.

He was never taking control of his story… he just let himself become a toy once again. Something to be played with and then tossed aside.

Hopeless tears fall down his face as he hangs his head.

“...i-i’m so sorry… Jackie… j-Jamie… hen.. C-chase… i… I never wanted to hurt you…” He whispers heartbrokenly. “I… I just wanted to keep us safe…”

Energy cracks in the air around him as the force of magic inside him takes over more of his body. This… was how he was gonna die? Losing his body to a dark force of magic he helped create…

If he fought harder against Anti… if he never opened that stupid book all those years ago…Maybe- Maybe none of this would have happened…

Marvin can’t feel his legs now and he starts to panic. He looks around the room for something- anything!

His eyes land on Jack’s bed.

The magician quickly tries to drag himself closer to his creator, even if his legs drag behind him- the floor turning black and charred beneath him. He reaches out desperately.

“J-Jack please…!” Marvin sobs, “J-Just this once… h-help me…!” More of his body gets numb as he tries to pull forward and then he crashes onto the floor, wailing. “I-I just wanted to protect my family…! I wanted to make everything right…!” He looks up at Jack’s sleeping face and feels the numbness spread into his heart as it all crashes down on him. Everything he did…

“I… I shouldn’t have been made…!” He whispers, voice choked with tears.

The voice chuckles in his head and whispers like a siren song, “𝕆𝕙 𝕔’𝕞𝕠𝕟 𝕄𝕒𝕣𝕧𝕪… 𝕕𝕠𝕟’𝕥 𝕤𝕒𝕪 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥! 𝕀, 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕠𝕟𝕖, 𝕒𝕞 𝕤𝕠𝕠𝕠 𝕘𝕝𝕒𝕕 𝕨𝕖 𝕨𝕖𝕣𝕖 𝕞𝕒𝕕𝕖! 𝕀’𝕞 𝕘𝕠𝕟𝕟𝕒 𝕕𝕠 𝕨𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕔𝕠𝕦𝕝𝕕 𝕟𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕣 𝕕𝕠… 𝕨𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕡𝕒𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕥𝕚𝕔 𝕔𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕥𝕠𝕣 𝕔𝕠𝕦𝕝𝕕 𝕟𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕣 𝕕𝕠…𝕀 𝕨𝕚𝕝𝕝 𝕞𝕒𝕜𝕖 𝕦𝕤 𝕞𝕠𝕣𝕖 𝕡𝕠𝕨𝕖𝕣𝕗𝕦𝕝 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕟 𝕒𝕟𝕪𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕣 𝕔𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕥𝕖𝕕. 𝕎𝕙𝕠 𝕜𝕟𝕠𝕨𝕤 𝕨𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕀’𝕝𝕝 𝕕𝕠…! 𝔹𝕦𝕥… 𝕚𝕥 𝕨𝕚𝕝𝕝 𝕓𝕖 𝕓𝕖𝕥𝕥𝕖𝕣 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕟 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕔𝕠𝕦𝕝𝕕 𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕣 𝕓𝕖~”

Marvin closes his eyes and sobs, curling up on himself.

If he was gonna die… why couldn’t it just be over with already…? …maybe this is what he deserved.

He feels his body start to twitch as the magic takes over- he feels his cheeks start to move without his permission, his mouth grinning without his say so- a mad haunting laughter escaping his lips that’s not his.

But- his hand- it seems to be curling around something in his pocket. Using the last of his strength and a lot of effort fighting through the numbness, he brings it towards his face.

It’s… its the jack doll.

Something then occurs to Marvin.

He lashes out to grab the doll with his other hand- and he starts to push all of his magic into it. No… not just his magic- his life force too.

The voice in his head stops laughing- and now sounds panicked. “𝕎𝕒𝕚𝕥 𝕟𝕠- 𝕨-𝕨𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕒𝕣𝕖 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕕𝕠𝕚𝕟𝕘?!”

“I-I can’t let you take over my body and u-use my magic…!” Marvin grunts out, trying to push his energy out faster. “B-But I can’t die… I can’t let us reform so you can do this again so-!”

His eyes flare blue green as he yells and puts more magic in- his body really starting to lose color- even the veins fading to gray. “I-I’ll give my life b-back to Jack…! He can start over… h-he can make someone new…! Someone better…! And I c-can make sure you won’t hurt anyone ever AGAIN!”

“𝕐-𝕐𝕠𝕦 𝕚𝕕𝕚𝕠𝕥!” The voice cries, “𝕐𝕠𝕦 𝕕𝕠𝕟’𝕥 𝕜𝕟𝕠𝕨 𝕚𝕗 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕨𝕚𝕝𝕝 𝕨𝕠𝕣𝕜! 𝕐𝕠𝕦 𝕞𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥 𝕛𝕦𝕤𝕥 𝕜𝕚𝕝𝕝 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕣𝕤𝕖𝕝𝕗 𝕒𝕟𝕪𝕨𝕒𝕪𝕤!”

Marvin laughs bitterly and shakes his head, “m-maybe you’re right… but o-on the off chance this will stop you… s-stop us… then… i-it’s a risk i’m willing to take…!”

He yells as he pushes the last of his life force and magic into the doll- hoping the connection to Jack is enough… maybe it’ll wake him up too. He… he doesn’t know.

But the voice is gone- one last weak scream echoing in his ears before falling silent.

He pants, his whole body trembling as it loses all its color, his eyes starting to turn milky white and glassy. He laughs quietly, bowing his head.

“...make someone good for me… won’t you, Jack?” He whispers, closing his eyes and holding the doll close to his forehead.

Then- the door bursts open.

Jackie, Schneep, Chase and Jameson all pile through the door, looking at Marvin desperately.

“M-Marvin!” Jackie cries out, tears in his eyes.

Marvin stares at disbelief and tries to smile at them, black smoke leaking out of his mouth again- the floor around him looking like a crater hit it.

But then- the light in his eyes fades. And he crashes to the floor with a hollow thud.

The jack doll tumbles out of his hands and stills, blue green magic pulsing in its core.

#hufflewriting #readcktc #cktc #curiosity killed the cat #marvin the magnificent #antisepticeye #jacksepticeye #jacksepticeye fanfiction #jackieboy man #jameson jackson #henrik von schneeplestein #chase brody #black magic #corruption #mind control #tagging stuff is hard #ive been soooo nervous to get here for some reason even tho this is the climax!! this is what ive wanted to write for SO LONG #so immm gonna finish this fic i swear to GOD #i hope you guys enjoy :')

[huffle-dork]

Alt. Exe Corrupted Chapter 3

Previous chapter | Masterpost

Blitz is carefully licking his wounds in a darkly lit cellar. In front of him is a prisoner his master wanted him to watch. The tiger didn’t understand why but it gave him a chance to try to clean himself up.

Dr. Jameson Jackson watches the tiger with a mixed expression of terror and worry. He no longer had a voice- how was he supposed to warn Alt of the fate Magnificent had for him? He tried signing but… it’s like Alt had forgotten how to understand it.

Words weren’t working either- he tried to write on the semi soft ground of his cell but… he guesses being turned into a tiger also messes with your ability to read.

He has no idea what Magnificent has done to him… but he knows the boy hadn’t been here nearly as long as him. Maybe a little over a month… since Mag said he needed to wait for the next full moon. Jameson has lost count on how long he’s been here… but that doesn’t matter. Alt doesn’t deserve the fate Magnificent has planned for him. No one does.

He taps on the ground and tries to think of how to get a message to him… He starts to draw some figures on the ground before him- upside down so maybe Alt can understand them better.

The tiger is too busy licking at his cuts to pay attention to what Jameson is up to.

Eventually, Jameson coughs slightly to get the tiger to look up and when the feline does, the doctor starts to tap the crude pictures he made on the ground.

Blitz tilted his head and looked at the figures. One was a thing that- looked like the panthers but with stripes. That was… him… right? The way the human was staring at him made him think so. And the other one… it was a man with a cape and a mask. He looked just like his master. Blitz chuffed a bit and laid down his head, his tail flicking in admiration.

Jameson shuddered at this act of affection. Magnificent has Alt down good… but… maybe this can still warn him. Dr. J made sure the tiger was still watching as he drew an arrow from Mag to Alt, then drew an x over the tiger. Blitz raised his head at this and cocked it curiously. Jameson shakily drew what he could remember the vestige looked like… even though it brought tears to his eyes and made him feel sick. He drew the spirit seeming to come off of the crossed out Alt, trying to hint at his fate.

He looked up to meet Blitz’s eyes, which were slowly starting to widen- his pupils looking more circular.

Jameson gasped quietly and scribbled to try to write something- if he was beginning to remember then…!

Alt! Please you need to wake up You’re in danger!

Blitz looked at the words almost like he could comprehend them and starts to back pedal, chest rising and falling fast like he’s close to panicking. Jameson watched with bated breath.

Then- the door to the cellar flew open, startling both the tiger and the doctor. Magnificent stood in the shadowed hallway, his glowing eyes the easiest thing to see.

“Blitz! We need to have a chat, my pet. Come.” He hissed, showing his fangs.

Any clarity Alt was getting was snapped out of him at the command and the tiger stood up straight, expression falling back to something inhuman as he slunk out the door to follow his master.

Magnificent looked down at Jameson and at his crude attempts to communicate. He chuckled and threw out a hand, letting magic erase all the evidence. The doctor gaped then looked angry and tried to get up to charge at him but was stopped by the chains keeping him to the wall.

Magnificent laughed again and grinned at Jameson, “A valiant attempt, Jackson. But, it will prove useless, I can assure you. After all- you can’t warn anyone without a voice~”

Magnificent’s laugh echoes down the hall and echoes in Jameson’s mind once he leaves. The doctor attempts to make a noise of frustration but nothing much comes out. He holds his head against his knees and tries to bite back tears. He… he hopes the others will find Alt in time…

———

Magnificent leads Blitz to his main warehouse space, the cat following after him loyally. All seems to be fine until-

Wham!

The mad magician throws a green tinted slap across Blitz’s face, making the tiger skid back with a yelp of pain. Magnificent’s eyes glow with anger as he growls out, “You miserable excuse for a cub! You couldn’t find better than this at that magic shop?!”

He grips one of the trinkets Blitz managed to find and clenches it tight in his hands, the gem of the locket cracking and magic energy flowing up Mag’s arm, lighting up his veins. The magic reaches up his arm and crawls up to just below his neck before disappearing. He cracks his neck and then bares his teeth at the cowering tiger.

“hm… fine- it will suffice… but- I fear you may have alerted that bumbling hero to us…” Magnificent sighs dramatically and circles Blitz for a second before appearing in front of him and grabbing his chin to make the cat look him in the eyes.

“My pet… you mustn’t let these heroes and that doctor lead you astray…! They feed you nothing but lies. Because I know your truth- I know you better than any of them. And I need you, Blitz.” Magnificent almost pleads to the tiger. The tiger blinks loyally at him, chuffing slightly. Magnificent peered into his eyes and studied them. The longer the spell went on…. The more that green ring in Alt’s eyes grew, overtaking the blue. Soon… he wouldn’t even be recognizable. And that’s just what Magnificent needed.

He smiled at the tiger and scratched his chin, cooing to him in a soft voice. “Don’t let those silly humans tell you any different, kitten. You have been my loyal pet your entire life~ and that will never change, right?”

Blitz chuffed again in agreement and licked at Mag’s hand, tail flicking happily.

Magnificent smiled and got to his feet, wiping himself off then patting Blitz on the head. “Get some rest out here, Blitz. That doctor isn’t going anywhere… and well- we both need to be well rested for tomorrow, don’t we?”

Blitz huffed a bit and went back up licking his wounds, now licking at the slightly green tinted fur from Mag’s magic. Magnificent nodded in approval and gathered up the rest of the stolen items from that witch’s shop and headed off to his room. He had much to do…

——

The rest of the morning goes smoothly for Blitz. He grooms- he naps- he plays with his panther siblings. They were such great fun! And they all loved him the second he was brought back into Mag’s little family. Why did he ever leave? That was Too much to think about though so he just focused on the fun!

He glitched around his siblings’ attacks, earning roars of protest that made him snicker. He pounces on the back of one of them- Lucky? Why did a human name come to him when he looked at them? and the panther tries to spin around but Blitz keeps them pinned down. He playfully grabs at their ear and tugs, the panther below playfully biting at his face.

Then- there’s a distant sound of something being knocked over in the warehouse.

All the cats’ ears perk up as they look around. Blitz gets off his sibling and sniffs at the air, starting to growl and buzz with glitches. Something wasn’t right here… something smelled off. An intruder?

Bro had just barely caught what almost gave them away, his other hand holding a squirming Glitches. He carefully tried to set down the box he caught and held Glitches closer in both his hands, trying to calm her down.

“Why did you think bringing Glitches was a good idea, again?” Jackie hisses quietly to the hero.

Chase narrows his eyes at Jackie and whispers back, “I told you! We need all the help we can get to spark Alt’s memories… maybe he’ll see Glitches and it’ll kick start something!”

“What if she gets hurt…?” Henrik asks, eyeing the now patrolling panthers as they start to fan out.

“…she won’t. I know my brother- he wouldn’t hurt her.” Chase replies back with certainty.

He then looks back at Henrik, “Hen- you ready with the distraction?”

Henrik nods, teal light flashing in his eyes as he holds his pocket watch tight.

Chase looks at Jackie and notices the father has a good hold on the rope leading to the door. Now… to get rid of the panthers…

“Okay… now!”

Thrusting out a teal covered hand, Henrik flicks open his pocket watch and clicks down the pin. A collection of huge warehouse boxes he suspended outside

all fall at once, creating a huge crash.

All the panthers and Blitz look towards the noise and roar- charging outside to investigate.

Chase and Jackie watch the mass carefully- finally noting that Blitz is right at the edge of the pack. They wait- wait- then…!

“Now!” Chase yells and Jackie let’s go of the rope. The sliding bay door that lead to outside quickly clunks down and stops Blitz in his tracks before he can get outside. Blitz roars at the door and bats at it with his claws then prowls in front of it, roaring in anger.

Henrik and Jackie suck in breath as the watch the beast.

“That… that’s Alt?” Jackie asks in disbelief.

Chase nods sadly. “Yeah…” But then he narrows his eyes in determination and takes off towards him. “But not for long…!”

The other boys exchange warily looks before following after the hero.

Bro touches to the ground a safe distance from Blitz- but close enough he’d be in trouble if the tiger charged. But still he called out to him. “Alt!”

Blitz looks back at the sound and looks at Chase with a bit of confusion. Then he snarls and growls ferally, digging his huge claws into the floor at the sight of his enemy.

Chase backs up slightly and holds out a hand towards the tiger, the other one holding Glitches as best as he can. Jackie and Henrik go to stand next to Chase, though they eye the tiger with a bit of fear.

“R-Relax..! Relax baby bro… it’s us! Your friends- and your brother and-“ The hero then yelps as Glitches scratches him and escapes his grasp, heading towards the tiger. “F-Fuck! Glitches!”

The small cat bounds straight up to Blitz and then stops in front of him. The tiger growls deeply and starts to raise a paw to bat this tiny annoyance away.

But, Glitches starts to meow and mewl at Blitz and the tiger blinks slowly and tilts his head in confusion. His paw lowers and he blinks slowly at the kitten.

Why… does she feel so familiar…?

Blitz suddenly roars in pain and ducks down his head, stumbling back some. Flashes of things he doesn’t understand are appearing before his eyes.

Human hands holding a small beaten up kitten. His hands feeding her fries. Her purring and curled up by his side on his bed in his old rundown apartment. He can feel the smile curling up on my lips and-

No no! That- that wasn’t right- he’s not a human…!

“W-What’s happening?” Jackie whispers in slight panic.

“Alt!” Henrik cries out in fear at hearing the cry of pain.

The tiger looks up at the three men and more images flash: the cafe- Jackie stealing his phone to put in all their numbers. Henrik’s kind smile over their first shared drinks. Chase’s unsure but earnest smile as he took off his mask for him. That same smile on a child- that held him close at night and told him everything was okay.

That same face is looking at him- with tears in his eyes… but the same amount of love.

Blitz’s heart is pounding- his chest heavy, his breathing picking up speed. This isn’t right…. This isn’t…!

Why- why does this feel so wrong?

Human light comes back to Alt’s eyes as he stumbles back and whines. He trips slightly over himself and then- looks down at his paws, as if just seeing them for the first time.

He starts to panic- making deep sounds like he’s trying to talk but they just sound animal. He looks to the others and flattens his ears, rowaring at them as he starts to back up and curl in on himself.

Glitches mewls in distress and tries to rub up against Alt’s massive paws. The tiger whines in response.

Chase tries to approach, holding up his hands, “Alt alt! It’s okay… it’s okay buddy… I-I know it’s scary right now but… w-we’ll figure this out together okay?”

“Will you now?” An amused voice laughs from the rafters. Glitches ears stick up then she hisses fiercely and backs up into Alt’s paw with hackles raised- as if she can protect him.

Magnificent looks down at the scene with an amused smile up from the catwalk he’s sprawled upon.

Chase bares his teeth and shouts up, “okay you Cheshire Cat motherfucker! This has gone on long enough! We broke your stupid memory spell so- let Alt go!”

At this- the mad magician frowns, a dangerous glint in his eyes. In a swish of color and static he suddenly appears in front of Alt and grabs his chin. The glitch yelps out and looks at Magnificent with clear fear in his eyes. That’s all he needs to confirm it.

His eyes flare in rage as he grabs Alt by the collar and bites out, “you fucking pathetic mistake! Who said you could wake up?!” He throws Alt back in a wave of magic before turning enraged eyes to the other boys. Chase backs up and puts his arm out in front of Hen and Jackie protectively.

“You will pay for breaking my cub, you useless wastes of space!” Magnificent snarls.

He thrusts out magic at the boys and suddenly, Henrik launches in front of Chase and Jackie and throws out a teal tinted hand- seemingly freezing Mag’s magic in mid air, like it was paused.

“What?!” Magnificent roars in anger.

“I’ll hold him off! Try to get to Alt!” Henrik shouts back to the other boys.

The magic suddenly flickers and just barely misses Henrik as he gets out of the way. He pants and then narrows his eyes at Magnificent in defiance.

Jackie and Chase exchange looks then try to book it over to help Alt.

Magnificent laughs as he cocks his head at Henrik, showing off his fangs. “My my… does the puppet think himself brave now? Does he think he’s a magician now? With your little… party tricks, hm?”

The normally happy go lucky actor bares his teeth in rage, his eyes glowing teal as he bites back. “I am just as much magic as you! But I will use mein for good!”

The dark magician thrusts out a hand and grabs one of Henrik’s arms in a green string, suspending the gentleman’s hand in the air. Henrik yelps out and tries to shake it off but Mag quickly grabs his other hand and grabs it in the same way, leaving Henrik semi dangling in the air. Henny stares to panic, trying to fight off the strings.

In a smear of color Mag is in front of Henrik and harshly grabbing his cheeks with his claws, really digging them into the flesh. He looks enraged as he whispers darkly to the trapped actor, “You are not magic- you don’t have an ounce of power on your own! If it wasn’t for that watch of yours- you’d be melting in my power the same as your pathetic friends! At least my cub will have a purpose but you…”

Magnificent holds out his other hand, thick claws sharpening and looking like he’s ready to carve out Henrik’s stomach.

“…you have long outlived your usefulness, Henrik~”

He laughs madly and Henrik feels his blood go cold as he tries to shout and fight in the magic.

The other boys reach Alt as he’s whining and pawing at his face, panting heavily. His irises can’t seem to pick which size to be- slitted or circles and the constant flux is making him dizzy and unable to see. Plus- all the noise and confusion and thoughts inside his head! It’s too much… too much…!

He barely feels Glitches trying to paw at him- hardly hears Jackie trying to call his name. He just barely feels the hands on his cheeks as Bro enters his line of sight. Alt looks desperately at his brother and tries to say his name, but all that comes out in a scared sounding growl.

Chase looks back at him with concern but reassured him, “It’s okay Alt- we’re gonna get you out of here and find a way to change you back! Just- focus on us, okay? Try to remember all the awful things Mag has done to you! You can’t listen to him, okay?”

Alt growls back with a hushed whimper and tries to nod.

That’s when they hear Henrik scream.

Magnificent’s hand has been thrust into Henrik’s stomach and the actor screams out in agony.

Alt feels anger explode in his chest, burning hot. His eyes glow as he roars loudly then charges at Magnificent, claws ready to tear into flesh.

Magnificent freezes at hearing the roar- momentarily paralyzed by something akin to fear. But then he turns around just in time to catch Alt in his magic, his hand still dripping blood. He crushes his hand and magic swarms Alt’s form-

And then… a tiny white tiger cub crashes to the floor. It shakes its head out in confusion and then looks up at Mag with conflicted eyes- more magic messing with his head.

Magnificent tilts his head at his cub, studying him quietly with a calculating eye. It was a shame he was awoken from his spell but… it seems whatever his friends were doing wasn’t holding up that well either. Perhaps… he had time to play a little game with them… a game that would crush them all even more when he won.

He snaps and the strings holding up Henrik disappear. The actor falls to the floor with a pained moan, curling up to hold his stomach.

“H-Henrik!” Jackie cries out and rushes over to help him, quickly taking off his jacket to help with the blood.

Chase hesitates then scoops up the now tinier Alt as Glitches climbs up onto his back. He narrows his eyes at Magnificent.

“W-What are you playing at, Mag? Are you just… toying with us?”

“Oh yes- very much so~,” Magnificent replies, grinning wolfishly at Bro. He flicks his cape and slinks around the hero and his cub. “I mean- my puppet annoyed me but… I suppose I can continue to let him live… for now. Im sure he’d also love to see how this alll plays out~! And well… I certainly made is easier for you to transport our precious cub, didnt I?”

Bro holds Alt closer and bares his teeth at Mag. “Just stop being a cryptic asshole and say what you wanna say!”

Magnificent frowns and straightens up and then sighs dramatically.

“Fine… if you must take away all my fun…”

He eyes all the boys and then meets Chase’s.

“I want to see who will win, in this game of tug of war. Who has the most pull over our dear sweet Alt~ I have my magic and you have your… ‘love’ or whatever. I’m very curious to see… if this is where it will all end~”

“Of course it won’t be, you-!” Bro tries to interrupt but Mag snaps and a flicker of static sticks over Bro’s mouth, silencing him.

“Let me finish, hero.” He snaps.

“Your dearest brother has had quite a time with me… and I’m very confident in my hold. And now looking at the time…” He looks through the crumbling walls of the warehouse and smirks at the rising moon before addressing Bro again. “You have about 24 hours…”

Bro startles and mumbles against the magic keeping him quiet, gripping Alt tighter. Alt is cowering in Chase’s grip- his eyes flickering between human and feline again.

Magnificent laughs madly and grins, holding out his arms, “Tomorrow night! When the moon is full and risen- if Alt returns here, still in his rightful form, then you all will have lost. There will be no saving him again… he will forever belong to me~

However… if by some miracle- you all figure out how to turn him human again and break my spell. Then… I will admit defeat.” He eyes Henrik, “You all seem to be more… confident in your magic. I’m sure you all will figure something out~” He teases sinisterly.

“In fact! It’ll be such a miracle that perhaps…” He snaps his fingers again and then tugs at the air- pulling something out of a collection of static. He grips a dirty mop of brown hair in his claws as he cackles out, “Mayhaps I may return your doctor to you all as well.”

Jameson looks up and around the warehouse with wide eyes. Magic is tight around his mouth like a gag and is keeping his arms bound behind his back. Once he sees his friends he tries to make sounds against the gag and fight against Mag some- but he looks awful and sickly. He’s so pale- so fragilely thin. His hair is long overgrown and in his eyes, his glasses cracked and filthy. And there’s a heavy iron collar around his neck like he’s a sick pet. He can hardly seem to make any noise loud enough for them to hear.

All of them gasp. Tears come to Henrik’s eyes as he struggles to get up, wanting to fight to get their friend. “J-Jameson!”

Bro looks enraged and tries to charge but Magnificent quickly tugs on Dr. J’s hair and in another burst of static he’s gone.

“Nuh uh uh heroes~! You can’t get that prize without beating me first!” He laughs and then lifts up into the air in a cloud of colored static, grinning manically down at the crowd below him.

“And with that! I believe our stage is set, gentlemen! I’m so looking forward to the performance tomorrow~!”

He grabs his cape then makes sure to meet Alt’s eyes, his eyes the only thing Alt can make out in his shadowed form. He grins at him and announces.

“Don’t be late, kittens.”

And in a dramatic pull of his cape, he disappears into static- leaving his threats to weigh heavily on the boys as the sky grew dark.

The clock was now ticking…

#im gonna finish this soon I swear to godddd #and work more on villain arc #I’m in such a writing mood so let’s fucking gooo #swapboys #readswapboys #alt.exe corrupted #hufflewriting #alt anti #Dr. jj #swap magnificent #bro fantastic #Jackie mann #jackieb01 #Henny von schneeplestein #silent film schneep #I love writing Mag like the dramatic theater kid he is jghvb #he’s so dramatic and for what? XD l #I’m also nervous cuz I haven’t posted a fic in a hot minute but eeee #I’m trying now!!

[huffle-dork]

Switch Swap Crossover (Swapboys AU/Switch AU)

AN: Hello all! You know how much I adore @crystalninjaphoenix ‘s aus- especially Switch! And since they did a crossover for Inverted and Swap- I thought it was my turn to do a crossover! And it’s also their birthday present! Happy birthday Cry! Expect more in the future cuz I got ideas >:3c hope y’all enjoy!

Read Switch | Read Swapboys | Read Cry’s Crossover Series

Chapter 1: Here we go Again?

The room was spinning even with his eyes closed. Ringing was so loud in his ears it made everything spin twice as fast. He felt weak and spent and- was he laying on the floor? Sure felt like it.

Jameson Jackson groaned as the world came back to him with a painful jolt. Taking a pained gasp in- the world came back into full color and noise in an explosion of the senses. He felt panic gripping his heart as he tried to remember how he got here.

They were in the Aspen Street House- facing off with Distorter. He had gotten Marvin again… but Jackie had just managed to pull him out of it. The gentleman was seriously losing blood from his eyes and he was weak from the influence. Meanwhile- Anti and Volt weren’t letting the fucker go anywhere without a fight. Jameson too… and this time he brought help. A magic amplifying stone from Aoife- though neither of them were quite sure what it was meant to do. But, now seemed as good a time as any.

He has channeled his magic into the stone, ready to send out a blast towards Distorter. But then… the walls of the house started to glow and hum with power. The air started to swell with magic- pressure settling down on everyone. Then, each of the people present in the house started to glow like the walls.

“Jackson, what did you do?!” Anti tries to call out, sounding alarmed.

But that was the last thing JJ heard before everything went completely blue.

Now… all he can see is blue again. But- it’s more blue-green… buzzing with electricity. And… glitching? It sounded like a computer.

Speaking of sounds- he can hear familiar shouting to his left.

“Oh you fuckers just wait! I got several knives with your names on them!” Anti was spitting.

Volt was trying to keep his voice level and quiet- but he had that hero tone in his voice. “Anti- stand down… we do not know-“

“You keep threatening us and the shield ain’t going anywhere, bitch!” A new voice called out- sounding raked with the same glitches that buzzed around the magic in air.

Jj pulled himself up right and tried to focus. Through the blue-green magic- it looks like they are in… an office? Or a very corporate looking loft space at the very least. a huge L shaped couch was taking up most of the space. There’s what sounds like a TV behind them, playing parts of a movie. Popcorn is littered on the ground in front of them.

But most importantly- there’s a group of men standing right outside the shield.

The most prominent one is whoever is making the magic it seems. He seems- younger almost. Scrawny build that’s hidden behind clothes that are too big for him. A bandana with a stitched smiley face sits around his neck. He has his hand outstretched to keep the magic going but he himself seems to be glitching too. But… most striking of all…

He looks exactly like Anti. Well… minus the freckles and completely brown hair.

Jameson looks at his companion to his side- where he heard his voice and balks at seeing Anti here in the shield with him… then- who the hell?

The boy with the magic is looking more enraged by the second, but- his eyes give away fear.

“I-I ain’t fucking around so- you guys better tell us who the fuck you are and why you’re here or-!”

“Or what? You gotta throw more shields at us?” Anti snarks, crossing his arms. “Oh yeah I’m soooo scared! Face me like a real man, motherfucker- I’ll even give you a knife to borrow so it’s fair!”

“F-Friends, please! There is no need for violences!” A thick German accented voice calls out. But… that’s not Volt- the hero would never sound so meek and unsure.

And sure enough, Volt is here in the bubble, trying to hold Anti back from attacking the shield.

But- back on the other side… Jameson can see the call came from a tall tealed-haired gentleman in a bright blue suit. He- has the same vibe as Marvin… but he looks exactly like Schneep.

What was going on?

“I’m with Hen you guys- I do not need more blood on this carpet- you and Bro already drive my cleaning bill through the roof, Alt.” Another voice joins in. Jameson looks and jumps- seeing it’s the spitting image of Jackie! But- boy this one looks even more tired then the doctor… and a lot more casual- wearing a red hoodie with the YouTube logo on it and no glasses. Superhero parkour… what was that?

Jameson looks around and can’t help but jump again as he sees the actual Jackie- Dr. Parker- quietly taking all this in to his right. The doctor waves slightly at Jameson with a tight smile before looking back at the chaos.

The magician- Alt, if Jameson had to guess, blushed at the other Jackie’s remark. “S-Shut up! Fuck, where is he anyways?”

There’s a quiet cough to announce someone new. Alt glances their way-

“He was in the bathroom before this began I believe…” Came a signed reply.

Jameson’s stomach dropped as he looked towards the signing hands and- stared back at himself. But- this guy was… more put together in a sense. He was smartly dressed- like a therapist almost. He had round glasses and a kind face- and even though he looked extremely tired, was unusually calm despite all of this.

Jameson’s head spun… what was going on?? He gripped at his hair.

Volt and Anti looked towards the movement. Volt seemed to relax slightly, “Oh good you’re okay…”

“Jackson! Show this bitch real fucking magic!” Anti hissed, still glaring down his doppelgänger. “He looks like one good blast can knock him over!”

Alt grits his teeth, his hair flying up in an unseen wind as his eyes light up brighter. “I wouldn’t underestimate me if I were you, imposter.”

“You’re the fucking imposter!” Anti snapped, fighting against Volt again. Volt gritted his teeth and tried to keep the programmer back.

“Anti- ver damnit! Take a second to calm down!”

The magic in the shield sputters as the kid suddenly and physically glitches- the image of him almost splitting apart before snapping back together. He looks pale.

“W-What did you just call him?” He seems to whisper in dawning horror.

Volt is slow to respond, “Anti… that is his name.”

“Y-You’re lying-“

Anti grits his teeth, “that’s my fucking name, asshole! What’s it to you?! You got a problem with that?”

Alt’s magic increases- the air tasting like metal as he glitches more.

“T-That can’t be your name- that’s my name!” The boy shouts, hand shaking.

Jameson’s eyes widen- and he sees Anti and Volt’s do the same. It’d be something else entirely if they had a more common name… but they both go by Anti- and look almost identical.

Anti frowns, “didn’t that guy just call you Alt-“

The magic suddenly shrinks around them, the air getting darker and more swamped with glitches.

“S-Shut up! All of you shut up!!” Alt screeches, looking more and more unhinged. “N-None of you are going anywhere-!”

“Y-You can’t just keep us here!” Dr. Parker finally speaks, “in fact- you- you have to let us out. One of our friends is missing and he’s injured!”

Jameson’s stomach drops. Oh god…

Where was Marvin?

The other Jackie braved through some of the chaotic magic to get to Alt’s side and puts a hand on his shoulder. “A-Alt! I know what this looks like- but please- you gotta calm down! We have no idea if it’s like last time!”

“I don’t want to take any fucking chances-“ Alt barked, eyes alive with sparking electrcity. “I won’t be tricked- not again!”

“Alt please- we should be giving them the benefit of the doubt, yes?” The teal haired gentleman offered.

Alt grit his teeth, “that’s what happened last time- and I’m not putting any of us through that again!”

He looked really really scared under all that rage.

Jameson looked towards the sparking magic of the shield. He presses light fingers to the surface. Despite its pulsing chaotic nature- it actually felt quite fragile. It was not magically sound. An unpracticed display hardly kept together by its own chaotic nature. Jameson carefully came forward- then pushed his own magic against the barrier.

The shield shattered like glass in an instant. But before all hell broke loose, Jameson got to his feet and sent out a blast of cold air to stop everyone in their tracks and get their attention. He coughed then signed.

“First, let’s even the playing field, shall we?”

Tensions rose- especially between the two Antis as both parties tried to keep them from going at each other.

One figure though seemed absolutely delighted by Jameson’s statement.

The tealed-haired gentleman sprung forward, his eyes aglow with what can only be described as childhood wonder. “Mein gott! You also know sign!”

He quickly signed to Jameson, effectively putting himself between the feud but- calming it somehow. Probably because he seemed to have no malicious intent.

“Hello, new friend! My name is Henrik von Schneeplestein! It is nice to meet you! I very much like your mask!”

Jameson gasps and hears another one join him. He looks to Volt- who seems to have paled. He looks to Jamie and mouths, “Did I read that correctly?” Jameson gives him a hesitant nod.

Volt coughs then points to himself. “Ah…I… I should probably not give out my identity but… given the circumstances… I am also Henrik von Schneeplestein.”

The other Henrik gasps, “Another Henrik? Oh it is so rare to meet others!” The gentleman seems to study his face for a second, “… you have an accent- it is also German?”

Volt seems to stiffen slightly, and looks a bit confused. “Ja?” He replies shortly.

The other Jameson steps up and clears his throat, placing his hand on the other Henrik’s shoulder before starting to sign too. “Please excuse my friend if he seemed rude. He’s hard of hearing- he’s gotten better with his hearing aid but- these things often escape him.”

The kindly man then looks and meets eyes with Jameson again, and smiles.

“I’m assuming… you also go by Jameson? Jameson Jackson?”

Jj slowly nods, then smiles and goes to bow slightly with his cape. “Unless I’m on stage- then it’s the Jaunty Jackson!”

The other jameson laughs quietly and nods with a smile. “A fine stage name! If that’s the case- you all can refer to me as Dr.J.”

“Are we really just- introducing ourselves right now?!” Anti growls, but Volt just keeps him in his arms, studying the groups with a calculating eye.

His Jackie stands up- and makes eye contact with the other one holding back Alt.

“Are you… also Jackie then? Jackie Parker?”

The other Jackie blinks then shakes his head with a smile, “Jackie Mann. Close though!” As he says this- The doctor can see the flash of something gold on his finger- similar to a matching band on his own hand.

“You’re married- does your partner… call you Jackieboy?”

The other Jackie’s eyes widen, “w-whoa- how did you-?”

“My partner does too.” The doctor smiles.

“That’s also the nickname of my YouTube persona- thanks to my wife.” Jackie Mann grins with a laugh, looking proud.

Then- suddenly there’s a snap like a power cable is cut and Alt glitches out of Jackie’s grip and in front of Jameson.

“Okay enough! This ain’t just a casual-meet-up-feel-good-time! I need fucking answers!”

Alt grabs Jameson by his collar and drags him forward. “Who are you people? And why are you here? Are you here to fuck with our minds? Kill us and replace us?”

Jameson quickly shakes his head and waves his hands before signing. “We want to do no such thing, I promise! We- we have no idea how we got here! I just used something new with my magic and- next thing we know I woke up here! That’s all!”

Anti cried out and tried to charge at Alt and Volt was having a hard time keeping him back down, “f-fucking bitch! Let him go!”

And Alt did- almost instantly. But he still glitched back and eyed the others down with a skeptic eye.

“…how do I know you’re not lying?”

“Maybe cuz this is all fucking insane? Why would we lie about something like this?” Anti spit.

Alt glares at Anti then sighs, looking behind them. “…I want Bro’s opinion- where the fuck is he?”

Bro Fantastic was stuck in a nightmare. A horrible nightmare he couldn’t seem to wake up from.

And the nightmare was staring back at him- an unshakable grin on its face as it approached Chase. Tilting its head like a curious animal.

“Well… isn’t this interesting?” The monster laughed, blood dripping down its face. Chase felt like he couldn’t breathe.

“What… are you?” Chase whispered, shakily trying to find something to hold- he couldn’t feel his knees.

Because… even though his mind was starting to fuzz over with gray and it was hard to concentrate…

He knew his own face- especially when it was staring right back at him.

“Mmm scared to speak the truth out loud, Chaser?” The bleeding copy giggled, getting up in Chase’s face, dripping blood on his shirt.

“N-No! Stop it!” Bro shouted, scrambling backwards- he didn’t wanna touch this thing.

The monstrous doppelgänger laughed cruelly, “Wowww! Who’d have thought you’d be such a coward? Kinda pathetic really? What? you scared of me~?” He stepped up and then cracked his neck loudly, tilting it at an unnatural angle. And that’s when Chase can see the blood cascading down the side of his head.

“I-I’m not scared!” Bro tries to argue, but his shaking hands are giving him away. He- he can’t even summon his powers- the edges of his vision are graying out, the room around him looking fuzzy. Ringing is overtaking his ears.

“There’s no reason to be scared…” The copy cooed out in a suddenly calm and smooth voice. He got close to Bro again and the hero was running out of places to run. “In fact… I think the two of us could be great friends.”

The gray figure shot out its hand and grabbed Chase’s neck, pulling him close. Were his nails always so sharp? Chase tries to pull away as the gray takes over more and more of his vision.

“I think… we could get to know each other real well~” the creature whispered, its impossibly wide grin getting even wider.

Chase’s blood was pounding in his ears. He felt something heavy in his hands. Something he never ever tries to use.

The gun feels wrong- yet he finds himself gripping it tighter.

The figure is no longer in front of him- and now Chase is facing the mirror. He meets his reflection’s wide gray eyes, streams of blood falling from them. His hand shakingly starts to rise. The cool feeling of metal hits the side of his head before he even registers the sight of it in the mirror. His hands are trembling and he’s hyperventilating- yet his reflection stares at him stoically. Then- its eyes turn black and the reflection grins wide as it whispers. “Do it.”

The sound of a gunshot goes off.

And then- Chase opens his eyes with a cry, springing back and hitting his head against the bathroom wall. He pants, quickly feeling his head and- oh god oh god did he just-?!

But… there’s no blood there. There’s- no sign that anything he just saw was real… he swallows shakily and then goes to splash water on his face.

What the fuck was that? He… can’t get that creature’s face out of his mind…

He hears the commotion outside and shakes it off- quickly rushing back out towards his friends.

And his reflection watches him go, grinning ear to ear.

Bro bursts into the room, looking pale like he’s seen a ghost. He’s panting like he just ran a marathon.

“Woah Chase! Are you okay?” Jackie calls out, going to put a hand on Bro’s shoulder. The hero shakes himself out and nods.

“Y-Yeah fine…” He takes in that there’s double the people in here now- all looking at him. He blinks and then looks back at the room he just came from. “…Jesus, how long was I in there?”

“Too long man, what the hell were you doing?” Alt growls.

Bro rubs the back of his head. “Uh… well you know-“

Alt pinches the bridge of his nose and sighs, “okay let’s just- catch you up…”

He points at the others and explains, “We got doppelgängers again- another Anti- a Schneep, a Jj and a Jackie.” Alt points to each respective person and they all react in kind, either waving or just acknowledging the hero.

Bro blinks, “well- hi there! Uhh welcome? I’m Bro Fantastic- but… you guys can call me Chase.”

Alt elbows Chase and gives him a ‘wtf’ look. Chase blinks and gives Alt a confused look back.

“What the hell are you doing?”

“Introducing myself?”

“And giving away your name to complete strangers?”

“…who are clearly your guys’ doppelgängers-“

“Yeah! They could be evil like those last guys!”

Chase looks at the relatively calm group of guys- except the goth looking one. He’s kinda scary but- doesn’t look evil.

“…I don’t think they are Alt-“

“I thought the same thing last time and they fucked with my mind, remember?!” Alt explains in exasperation.

“Only cuz you were too stubborn to listen to the first person who actually wanted to help you.” Chase retorted, crossing his arms and raising an eyebrow down at Alt. Alt sputters and then turns away, his face bright red. He quickly hides it under his mask.

Bro looks at the others with an apologetic smile, “Sorry about my brother. He’s… a bit paranoid about these things.”

The others look at their Anti with wide eyes. Anti shakes his head. “D-Don’t look at me! I don’t have a brother!”

Jj looks back at the hero and signs, “I’m guessing this isn’t the first time something like this has happened?”

Bro laughs, “It’s never happened in our town no… but we’ve been in a similar situation.”

Jackie sighed and crossed his arms, “Still not sure how it happened but- we blinked and suddenly we were in another city where there was like… inverted versions of us. All of them were fuckers- except that Anti dude. He was chill.”

Alt mutters from under his mask, “My… former boss is also obsessed with the concept of the ‘multiverse’. Guess it was only a matter of time until something freaky like this happened…”

Volt knits his eyebrows together in confusion, “I guess it is not impossible… but very improbable.”

“Not if there’s magic involved!” Jameson adds with a smile. But then- his smile falls. Magic-

“Wait, we still need to figure out where Marvin is! He was hurt, wasn’t he?”

Dr. Jackie nodded, looking anxious as he adjusted his glasses. “Yeah he was delirious and losing blood from Distorter’s control…”

“Dis…tor-ter?” The other Henrik asked, sounding out the word carefully, having trouble reading the doctor’s lips, “Who is that?”

“This mother fucking… thing that’s been tormenting us for god knows how long-“ Anti muttered. “A fucking gray and bleeding eyed motherfucker- who messes with your head and makes you see things.”

Bro paled, feeling a chill run up his spine. Just like… what he saw in the bathroom, right? Why was it suddenly so hard to remember it exactly? All except… that face.

“I’m sorry-“ Jackie’s voice breaks Chase out of his thoughts, “Did you guys say your friend’s name was Marvin?”

Jameson nods.

Jackie bites his lip and looks around, “oh boy… okay so- if you all ended up here in front of us… and… Chase- nobody just appeared next to you did they?”

“N-No!” Chase blurts out- probably too fast. His ears turn pink. “I… I didn’t see anyone no-“

“Huh… strange- guess their universe doesn’t have a Chase…”

“But anyways- if that’s the case… I think your Marvin might be… with ours.”

“And…why do you sound so nervous about that?” Jameson asks with hesitation.

Jackie and Alt exchange looks before Alt explains slowly.

“Let’s just say… Magnificent isn’t the best bitch to be stuck with. If this Distorter guy is the one who tortures you guys… then ours would be him. Ours is Magnificent.”

———

Marvin goes flying across the warehouse floor, tumbling and skidding against the concrete like roadkill. He coughs and tries to struggle up- god… where was his cane?

The bitch that threw him loomed over him and laughed wildly, multicolored static flickering behind him in a burst of power.

“Pathetic! Are you truly my counterpart? I would have expected another me to have more fight in him!”

Marvin spit out blood and wiped at his face, trying to catch his breath.

“Yer not really givin’ me a chance to, are ya?” He growls, shakily trying to get to his feet.

The mad magician scoffs, looking his copy up and down with distaste plain on his face. Like he was looking at a bug or gum on the bottom of his shoe.

“I could tell by just looking at you. You’re not even worth my time… not an ounce of magic in you.” He sighs dramatically and throws out his hands, turning from the other and flaring out his cape. “The universe is a cruel mistress! Finally, she brings me something I’ve been searching for- but it falls just short!”

Marvin laughs as he holds himself up against the wall, “Maybe if ya played nicer, the universe would have rewarded ya. Sounds like you just decided to be a bitch t’ough-“

The magician sighs and shakes his head. He turns a glowing eye to look back at the pathetic copy. Then, he teleports so he’s right in front of him and grabs him by the lapel before slamming him back against the wall. Marvin cries out and tries to struggle. The magician’s gaze makes him feel like a cornered creature being studied for science.

“You’d be useless as a puppet to me…” The mad man muses, lifting up Marvin’s chin and twisting it with his claws. “I can feel someone has already laid claim to your mind anyways… too messy to destroy right now.”

His cat-like eyes spark with mischief and he grins, showing sharp canines. “However… you might make a fine addition to my… feline collection~”

“T-the hell I won’t! I ain’t bein’ a part of anyone's collection! And I already have a cat, t’ank you very much!” Marvin protests, fighting in the magician’s grip even harder.

The magician laughs and forces Marvin to look up at him. Then, he snaps and a spiral of purple and green appears in front of Marvin’s eyes. The gentleman’s breath hitches, his body trying to tense up. But it just as easily starts to fall limp, hands slipping off the magician’s and falling to his side. His head falls back against the wall behind him, lips parting to exhale softly as his eyes fall to half mast.

The magician giggles softly before cooing to Marvin, “Very good, pet. Just let it take you… down… down… down…no more pesky thoughts, Hm? There’s no need for any more of those… human thoughts just get in the way… wouldn’t you agree?”

Marvin finds himself numbly nodding.

The magician grins, madness alight in those spiraling eyes. “Mmm yes… much too messy. Too easy for someone else to grab… I’m going to make your life so much better, Marvin… as my pet, you’ll be free. Free from this weak body of yours… free from the limitations put on you. You’ll even have two more good legs! Now… doesn’t that sound nice?”

Marvin finds himself slurring out a sloppy, “yes…”, eyelids fluttering.

The mad man chuckles. “Use your words, kitten, and ask properly. My name should already be on your tongue…

Let your last spoken words sing my praises. Tell me this is what you want, puppet~ Would you like to live out the rest of your days as my simple little kitty pet?”

Marvin’s mind is completely blank. His eyes start to shift to something slitted- something purely feline. It’s hard to get his lips to move- words already seem so hard and unnecessary.

“Yessss Magnificenttt…” Marvin purrs, eyes nearly shut as a blissful smile curls on his lips.

Magnificent grins, “Excellent kitten… let’s get your body to match your mind now, shall we?”

The mad magician then pumps Marvin’s body full of magic. Marvin screams- bones cracking and being rearranged by the burning heat of the magic. It feels agonizing- like being compressed into a tight space.

If Marvin could think- he’d probably be terrified. But, luckily, only his body reacted to the pain. His mind was blank still, untouched.

The transformation ends and out of the sparking magic- is a large brown and cream Norwegian forest cat. It’s soft blue eyes blink up at its master and it meows softly, before going to lick its paw.

Magnificent tsks, “Damnit. Too much personality left in tact. Well… they’re not all winners at the start.” He sighs. He then scoops up the cat and starts to pet it kindly. The cat stares out, as if trying to process something- trying to fire off some kind of thought in its head. But- Magnificent’s soft pets seem to drive off those thoughts and it starts to purr, slumping in his arms.

“Trying to get those human thoughts back, Hm? A valiant effort I’ll say~” Magnificent hummed in amusement. It was always so fun to see them attempt to struggle. “Worry not, kitten… I’ll get you trained… and we’ll get you into a proper appearance in no time~ just like my other lovely pets!”

The madman looks behind him and grins at the dozens of obedient green eyes that grin back at him from the dark.

He then looks back at the cat in his arms and thinks out loud, “or perhaps… keeping you like this could be like a trophy of sorts… like how I planned to keep my cub.” He hummed, the feeling of defeat still stark in his mouth. But- that feeling did remind him.

“Oh yes! Before we do anything more… we must get rid of that awful name of yours. In fact… I’ll be glad to never hear that name again-“ Magnificent growls. He snaps his fingers- and creates another spiral in front of the kitten that instantly captures its attention. It sits up straight, slitted eyes transfixed on the magic, mind completely blanking again.

“Now then… what shall your new name be…?”

“Marvin!” A voice suddenly shouted.

Magnificent turns around to growl, eyes bright with magic. “Who dares to-?!”

A bullet rips through the magician’s shoulder, throwing him back and knocking the cat out of his grasp. The kitten skips like a rock before stilling, staring out blankly. Then- light seems to come back to its eyes. Human light. It quickly gets back to its feet and shakes itself off. That’s… when he starts to panic- taking in his paws and smaller appearance. He starts to turn around in disbelief, yowling in distress. He doesn’t fully step down on his back leg though.

Anti steps into the warehouse and glares at Magnificent, keeping his gun aimed at the magician. “Alright freakshow- where the fuck is our friend?!”

Magnificent clutches at his shot shoulder- the air around him bending and shifting like hot summer air. He laughs, sounding unhinged. “Haha! A new face in my lair… how amusing!” He studies Anti and then teleports in front of him, eyes sparking with intrigue. “But… somehow still a familiar face… you look just like my favorite cub, puppet.”

Anti’s aim falters as he scrambles back, resting his hand at the butt of the gun to keep it steady. “B-Back off! We just want our friend back then we’ll be out of your freaky hair!”

“Is that all?” Magnificent chuckles with amusement. “You’ve come a long way from home… why don’t you stick with me and I’ll make you all feel so welcomed! …just like I did with Marvin~”

“I fucking knew it! Where is he, cocksucker? What did you do to him?!”

Magnificent's eyes flashed dangerously, “The same thing I’m about to do to you.”

He shoots out a hand towards Anti- purple and green electricity heading straight for him.

When suddenly, a shield shoots up and blocks the magic, chipping like it’s made of ice.

The newcomer, Jameson, looks to Anti and gestures to where that cat is still freaking out. Anti gives Jameson a look. Jameson rolls his eyes and signs something quick to Anti. Finally, the other boy seems to nod- but he looks super weirded out by the whole situation.

Magnificent’s eyes light up hungrily at the sight of the new magician. He grins, approaching the barrier with practiced grace, his walk like that of an actor on stage.

“A fresh magician too! Mayhaps the universe has decided to be kind to me after all!” He laughs.

Jameson glares at the other magician with burning blue eyes.

“Ohhh the silent type…” Magnificent observes with a crooked smile. “How rare that is in these parts…”

He teleports behind Jameson- then pushes the other magician up against the icy shield, grinning like a predator over him.

“What refined magic you have!” Magnificent giggles with glee, “What a marvel it is to see such… careful practice put back into magic~” The mad man leans in, hungry for just a taste of this boy’s magic- his fingers light up with purple.

Jameson quickly shoves a hand in Magnificent’s face and sends a blast of ice at him. A thick chunk freezes with Mag’s head inside. He yells in rage and tries to claw it off- he can’t see!

“Now!” Jameson yells hoarsely, pushing away from the magician and running towards the exit, “Run!!”

Anti uses the mad magician’s confusion to scoop up the cat and rushes towards the door after Jameson.

“I hope you’re right about this, Jackson! Or this will be real awkward to patch up later!”

The last thing they hear before reaching the others is the sound of Magnificent’s wild cry of rage.

Magnificent breaks off the ice and slams his fist into the wall, cursing in Latin. But, soon he takes a deep breath and calms down. That magician…

Oh it’s gonna be so fun to make him his.

[To be Continued~]

#Switch swap crossover #hufflewriting #swapboys au #switch au #septicswitchau #swapboys #readswapboys #alt anti #bro fantastic #jackieb01 #jackie mann #dr. jj #henny schneeplestein #silent film schneep #swap magnificent #dr. Jackie Parker #Von voltage #actor Marvin #distorter #the jaunty jackson #anti mcloughlin #programmer anti #animal transformation #aka Mag can’t go one series without turning someone into a cat #don’t look at me like that it’s really fun to write okay?! #i really wanna start the next chapter but tbh I gotta get farther in alt.exe for it to make sense |D #so guess I’m working on that next! jhhhj

[huffle-dork]

Greetings! I’m not sure how this works, but I wish you would write about the first time Jackie met Zara please. P.S. I think that your art and writings are amazing. - The Cinnamon Roll Anon

(God like 2 years later way to go me |D but I’m trying to get back into writing so I’m doing older requests! I wish I knew who to tag for this one- I hope they can find it 😭)

Jackie nervously picked at his gi as he studied the others in his class. God- did he pick the right sports bra? Were people staring at him? He had just decided before coming to Uni he was gonna try passing more… he started taking T as soon as he turned 18. Still- it felt like someone would be able to see through him… He felt eyes on him while he tried not to panic.

He really wanted to take this class though! He used to be in a dojo when he was younger. It’d be nice to connect back to the sport he loved- even if parkour had become his bigger love as of late. Still, that means he’d be good at this right?

Jackie snapped out of his thoughts as the class began, his sensei started the class and introduced himself. Jackie looked at the teacher with starry eyes. What a cool dude… could he look like that someday?

After going through warmups, Sensei asked how many of them had been in a martial arts class before. Jackie slowly raised his hand and saw one other hand shoot up. He met eyes with a girl with short cropped hair and violet eyes that smirked at him. Jackie felt his cheeks flush.

Sensei wanted to see what their level was- so while his teaching assistant led the rest of the class through the first lesson, Sensei took the two aside.

“Alright, why don’t you two show me what you can do?” He asked, watching as Jackie and the girl eased into fighting stances.

Jackie felt more nerves creeping up his chest, thick in his throat. He shouldn’t have said anything! He hasn’t been in classes since like primary school! But… men don’t show weakness like that. He had to prove himself… right?

He squared up his chest and smirked at the girl.

“Promise I’ll go easy on you,” He boasted, even though he was screaming at himself for saying that right after.

Especially when the girl’s eyes flash with anger. She takes the first jab, punching near Jackie’s chest. Luckily, Jackie remembers how to block and side steps away with a hushed, “Woah!” escaping his mouth.

Jackie steps back and tries to aim a flat hand strike to her collarbone. But she side steps and grabs his arm and shoulder, yanking him towards her. He’s immediately thrown off balance and cries out. She goes past him and hooks her leg around his and then scoops and pushes down, driving him hard into the ground onto his back with her on top of him, still gripping his sleeve while her fist hits solidly on the mat next to his face.

Jackie has to blink stars out of his eyes as the girl smirks down at him. The lights of the practice room backlit her like an Angel. Jackie could hear his heart beat in his ears as his chest and stomach seemed to fill with butterflies, leaving him even more breathless.

Then she bursts into laughter and Jackie feels his face turn bright red.

“God! The look on your face was priceless!” She giggled.

Sensei’s voice drawled disapprovingly from behind them, “That might have been too much, Zara.”

She glances at their teacher then groans, “c’mon teach! He was begging for a humbling moment!”

“H-Hey!” Jackie squirms, feeling more and more ashamed. Plus… she was very close to his chest…. She couldn’t tell could she?

Sensei raised his eyebrow, “Be that as it may, your humbling moment didn’t give me enough time to see his skill set.”

The girl, Zara it seems, blows hair out of her face and sighs. “Alrightttt-“ She lets go of Jackie and hops to her feet, offering Jackie a hand. Jackie hesitates but then takes the hand as he’s unsteadily pulled to his feet.

The girl takes the opportunity to shake Jackie’s hand and smiles. “Sorry about that… cocky guys get on my nerves here. But… that wasn’t fair of me. I’m actually another student assistant here… cuz I frequent Sensei's dojo. Or- I used to… got caught up the past summer so… Sensei wanted to see if I was still sharp. Wasn’t cool of me to do that to you though… you’re a bit stiff for someone who’s done this before.”

Jackie blushes again, looking away. “I… might have fudged my knowledge… I haven’t really been since I finished primary school…”

He cringes, like he’s expecting to hear the girl’s cruel laughter at him. But instead she beams. “Well hey! You got a pretty great start for being so rusty! Still loads better than the beginners here! I can give you some tips, if you’re okay with trying again?”

Jackie blinks in surprise but Zara does look a bit more apologetic. He grumbles and looks away, wishing his cheeks would stop turning so red. “…as long as you don’t make fun of me…”

“I won’t. Promise! Now… show me your stance again!”

After a while, their session ended as the rest of the class packed up. Sensei said he’d probably give them a few more one on one sessions until they got the rest of class up to speed.

Jackie watched as Zara grabbed her shoes and bag as he carefully went over and coughed slightly, getting her attention.

She blinks and cocks her head at him, “Yes..? Did we forget something?”

“N-No! No I… I just…” Jackie played with the back of his hair as he tried to work up the nerve to say, “…m’sorry… for earlier. I… I didn’t mean to come off like that and I… I just want you to know I… I’m not that kinda guy… you know?” His cheeks flushed red again as he avoided her gaze.

Zara is quiet for a moment before she smiles warmly. “Well, clearly.” She replies bluntly.

“Huh?” Jackie looks at her in surprise.

She laughs, “A cocky guy would never admit he was wrong! They’re all tough and macho and big headed! Total meat heads I tell ya.” She slips on one of her shoes as they talk, “That’s why I stuck with martial arts for so long. Ain’t nothing sweeter than knocking a meat head down a peg for underestimating a girl.”

She straightens and gives Jackie a slight knowing look, briefly glancing down before meeting his eyes. “…you get that- right?”

Jackie doesn’t quite get what she’s hinting at though. But he quickly blurts out, “Y-Yeah totally! That’s why I… I didn’t want you to think of me like that… cuz I’m not- I swear!”

Zara finishes slipping on her other shoe as she giggles and lightly punches Jackie’s shoulder. “Well, you didn’t need to but… thanks… uh-“ Now it’s her turn to blush as she nervously laughs. “God I- I totally forgot to ask your name!”

Jackie laughs, “it’s Jackie… Jackie Mann.”

Zara seems to laugh a bit loud at that and claps a hand over her mouth as Jackie looks at her in confusion. She quickly tries to recover. “S-Sorry! Just… wasn’t expecting that last name.”

“Yeah it’s- kinda weird.” Jackie admits with a laugh.

“Sounds like a superhero name!” Zara chuckles.

“Oh huh… guess it does.” Jackie blushes, feeling his superhero nerd wanting to come out but he eagerly pushes it down. He was trying to make a good impression, not scare her away. “And you’re… Zara, right?”

Zara nods with a smile and holds out her hand, “Zara Caley, aspiring marine biologist and certified ass kicker.”

Jackie feels his chest and stomach flutter again as he takes her hand and shakes it. “…nice to meet you officially then, Zara.”

She grins, “You as well, Mr. Jackie Mann.”

She then grabs her bag and looks down at his still bare feet. “I dunno if you have another class soon but- this room is about to be filled again, I think. And I got a lecture halfway across campus.”

“O-Oh! Right right I… I won’t keep you then.” Jackie stammers quickly, going to grab his shoes and jam them on.

Zara giggles and waves at him. “See you next class, Jackie!” She then hurries out the door.

And Jackie can’t help but stare at her as she leaves, his breath taken away again.

#and what’s this?? #trans Jackie?? in swap boys? #HELL YEAH TRANS JACKIE IN SWAP BOYS #I couldn’t not have trans Jackie it’s such a good headcanon! #and him and alt can bond over it later :) #I actually have a Drabble of that but I need to write one other story first for it to make sense hfggb #why do I write like this? just total chaos gfgfg #hufflewriting #SwapBoys #jackie mann #Zara caley #jack1eboi #meet cute #fluff #I wrote fluff y’all!! are you proud?? #…it’s totally not cuz the next request I’m gonna work on is whump nooo whattt?? #*runs* #readswapboys

[huffle-dork]

even if seeing villain alt breaks my heart, could we get 17. “This is stupid. Goodnight.”? I don't have a scenario in mind but I hope it's enough!

(Oops I got super carried away with this but- also introducing some new swaps! But- not JSE swaps :3c it’s the Googles! this is actually a huge throwback to some of my original fics I used to do inspired by @reverseblackholeofwords !! Hope y’all don’t mind the break from angst to actually establish a doctor for the boys to visit XD )

Alt had gotten careless. He managed to get into a fight with Bro after a day of not eating well- affecting his glitches. And he didn’t know Bro had like- this ability to channel his energy into his fingertips. Which he could then fire off like an electric bullet. And… he had scarily good aim.

While trying to glitch away, the bolt had knicked Alt’s leg causing him to yell out and skid across the ground. He gripped at his leg and stared at the gushing blood- it had taken out a big chunk.

Bro still wasn’t used to fighting Alt- all of this still felt so foreign. So when he saw he had really hurt him- the hero paled and tried to rush over. “O-Oh fuck! Are you okay??”

The glitch just bared his teeth at Bro like a cornered animal. He looked over to find the shit he was trying to steal that fell out of his hands and his mask- reached out desperately to grab them- then glitched away before Bro could fully get to him.

He didn’t need Chase’s fucking pity.

He managed to glitch to Mag’s latest lair (he often switched between a few in the city to keep trails off him) and almost passed out. One of Mag’s panthers, a smaller one that has a pink and black freckled nose, nudged Alt a bit as she found him before grabbing him by the scruff of his jacket. She started to trot off with him to see Magnificent. Usually Alt wouldn’t mind and would just let it happen- but sadly he wasn’t a kitten and being dragged was scraping his injured leg on the ground.

“Ow ow lucky! I-I’m okay girl just- let go!”

He glitched weakly out of her grip and fought to catch his breath. Lucky sat down and cocked her head at Alt in confusion and let out a concerned rumble. She nudges her nose against Alt’s hurt leg.

“I-I know girl I’m gonna fix it just-“

The sounds of dress shoes clicking on the concrete floor has Alt stiffening. He whirls around and sees Magnificent approaching. The cat masked magician cocks his head at Alt, much like his panthers.

“Is there a problem, kitten?” He purrs.

Alt grits his teeth and then throws the bag of goods at Mag’s feet. A couple jewels fall out and clink on the floor.

“No trouble. Fantastic got the jump on me but I got the shit.” Alt mumbles, trying to hide his bleeding leg.

Lucky however presses up against his leg with a tiny roar and the pressure is enough to make Alt cry out.

Magnificent pauses in studying the stolen goods. “You’re injured-“ he observes.

Alt thinks back to his previous mistakes while employed by Magnificent and stammers out, “I-It’s fine. It’s nothing I can’t handle. It won’t stop me from working, I promise you.”

The cat masked villain gets back to his feet and approaches Alt. Alt can’t help but want to stumble back but Lucky keeps him from moving.

Magnificent eyes the injury the best he can then shoos Lucky away so he can kneel down and take a look at it. Alt’s heart is in his throat.

But Magnificent merely hums in thought before getting up.

“It will be troublesome to you to not get that treated, Alt. And I can’t have my apprentice going around hurting himself unnecessarily.”

He flicks up his hand and in a flash of green magic Alt’s phone is yoinked out of his pocket. Alt yelps and tries to grab it only for the magic to drop it in his hands easily. Alt blinks slowly and looks up at Magnificent.

He waves his hand, “Look up a nearby clinic and get that taken care of. The longer it’s left alone- the worst it will heal.” He starts to turn away.

Alt is confused. Mag… hadn't been this understanding to him with injuries before. Well… maybe he hadn’t gotten this injured… but- mistakes were usually met with harsh punishment. guess… things really were different now that he was his apprentice. Alt felt a bloom of warmth he didn’t understand in his chest.

He bit his lip and shakily asked, “Hey- you’re magic though… you don’t… have any healing spells?”

Mag stops to look back at Alt and then chuckles.

“A fair question but… no. I can’t heal. That’s not something a dark magician can do.”

Alt narrows his eyes, seeming more confused. Mag sighs. “I’ll teach you the difference between light and dark magic when you’re not bleeding out.”

He throws something out at Alt and the glitch struggles to catch it. Luckily- lucky does and she proudly drops it into Alt’s hand. It’s a black credit card.

“Do not glitch around. Use that to get help, feed yourself and for the physician's bill.” Magnificent instructs before teleporting away in a wave of tv static.

Alt looks down at the now slightly slobbery card. This was… most likely stolen. But- he didn’t care right now. His leg was fucking killing him.

——

The closest clinic Alt could find was… odd. In big red letters its side read: DOOM URGENT CARE AND CLINIC.

“Well that’s not fucking ominous…” Alt mutters under his breath. Sounds like a place that a sketchy doctor would lure patients in to kill them…

Still though- Alt didn’t have time to be picky- as much as he wanted to be. Now that he was working as a criminal… going to a high end hospital was out of the question. He hated those fucking places anyways.

He swallows shakily then starts to limp into the clinic, pulling his normal smiley face mask over his face.

The door chimed slightly to alert his presence. Alt was surprised- this place was way more colorful than any hospital he’d been to before.

The large waiting room had a long stripe of color on the main wall showing off blue, yellow, green and red. A bright blue desk that slightly glowed was waiting in the middle. In front of the area was a collection of chairs, the same bright colors as the stripes. And there was even bean bag chairs and toys for kids from the looks of it. A tv quickly played from where it was hung on the opposite wall. It was so pleasant in here for a place with the word ‘doom’ on the outside…

An older bearded gentleman was sitting behind the desk, idly watching the tv. He blinked as he saw Alt out of the corner of his eye then perked up.

“Hello! Welcome to Doom urgent care!” He greeted cheerfully.

“Uh… hi?” Alt muttered back, shifting uncomfortably. He was gonna get blood on those nice chairs wasn’t he-

“What can I help you with, sir?”

Alt limped to the desk and anxiously played with his scarf. “I uh… got injured on my leg. I need someone to look at it.”

“Oh of course! Lemme call one of the nurses to get you all checked in.” He pressed a button on the phone behind the desk. “Ollie? We got a patient- can you get him set up?”

It didn’t take more than 20 seconds for the double doors leading further into the practice to spring open. A cheerful younger male in yellow scrubs and glasses raised his hand and smiled. “Here, dad!”

Alt blinked in surprise. Dad? Guess this was a family business… huh. And woah… this guy not only had the same name as Jackie’s kid but.. if you squinted they almost looked the same. Alt felt a pang in his chest he quickly tried to ignore.

The receptionist winced with a laugh. “Not at work Oliver- we gotta keep it professional looking remember?”

The younger boy, Oliver, blushed and gave him an embarrassed smile. “R-Right…” He turns to Alt, “Sorry I’m really new… just came out of nursing school- still getting used to this… but-! Let’s get you helped out, alright?”

Alt felt uneasy- especially with how nice everyone was here and how eager they were to help. God- if they knew they were helping a criminal…

“I uh… t-this is stupid. I shouldn’t be here… g-goodnight-!“ Alt quickly stammers out- trying to back out. He could solve this on his own- he always had.

Oliver and the receptionist looked confused. Alt almost tried to glitch out but- he was so low on energy. He hadn’t eaten anything before coming here… the effort alone of trying to glitch had him seizing up and starting to see spots. He stumbled back, gripping at his dizzy head. His leg slipped on one of the loose kids toys and he toppled back- hitting his head hard on the tile below. The last thing he heard was strangled cries of concern.

Alt came to later with a low groan, blinking his eyes open blearily to try to figure out where he was. He was in a small white room that had a band of yellow at the top of the walls. The table and other equipment had accents of yellow too. This place was so colorful it almost hurt his eyes…

Wait- that’s right! He went to that weird clinic then… he- he passed out? What happened?

He tried to get up and yelped slightly as he tugged on an Iv drip in his arm. …why is there a fucking Iv drip in his arm??

He almost tries to yank it out- but a frantic voice stops him.

“W-Wait! Don’t do that!”

Another man stumbles in, not the same guy as before. This one looks slightly older, with different octagonal glasses and green scrubs. The name tag on his uniform reads “Dr. Jayden Doom, PN”

Alt stops his action but glares slightly at this new ‘doctor’. The doctor seemed to gulp before calling out into the hallway. “O-Oliver! Your mystery patient is awake!”

Rapid footsteps come down the hall before the yellow scrubbed man from before practically slides in. He beams at Alt. “You’re awake!”

He claps the other man on the shoulder with a smile, “Thanks, Jays!” The doctor nods and wanders off, muttering for Oliver to keep a close eye.

Alt bristles like a cornered cat. He hated going to the doctors… this whole thing set his nerves on fire.

Oliver’s face falls slightly before he tries to laugh. “Ha… not a cheery waker huh? I get it… I’d be pretty crabby too after waking up from hitting my head…”

“Why do I have an Iv?” Alt growled.

The nurse perks his head up, “oh! You had an extremely low blood sugar! Usually we’d give you juice and crackers and monitor it but… well… you did faint. So this is just a precaution. Let’s see if your levels are better.”

After going though the usual procedure (although Alt was squirmy the whole time) Ollie finally steps back and nods.

“Well- it’s not great but you did lose a lot of blood. Once the doctor’s done checking your wound we can get you some snacks to help build it back up!” Oliver beams, keeping his cheery composure.

Alt makes a face but nods. Oliver makes quick work on removing the IV and patching Alt up.

While he’s finishing another similar looking man peeks his head in, wearing red scrubs. His hair was slightly messed and more spiked than the last guy’s was. He looks way more tired to- like he’d been awake for a day or so.

“Yo Ols- I’m heading home… you need anything?”

Oliver had just finished bandaging up Alt and smiles to the other man. “I’m good Rhett- get some good rest!”

The man simply nods and heads down the hall.

Alt observes quietly before speaking up, “You guys are all… really friendly to each other for doctors…”

Oliver laughs, “That’s cuz we’re all family! All the doctors here are my older brothers. Our step dad, Dr. Iplier is the one you saw at the front desk. He helps keep the clinic running!”

“Woah, really?” Alt asks, eyebrows shooting up in surprise.

“Yup! All of us really love helping people… so we all worked together to keep this clinic strong. We have some other staff but- this clinic is our pride and joy. We live close by so me and my brothers often switch shifts around so we can be open whenever.” His brown eyes twinkle with excitement, “That’s why I’m so excited to get through this and earn my doctorate too! That way my brothers won’t have to keep an eye on me and we can all work to help as many people as we can! ” He chuckles nervously though, his ears reddening. “I’m… just a nurse for now though… but I’m glad I can support everybody here.”

There’s a cough in the doorway that has both Alt and Oliver looking up. Another man, a bit older than the other two, stands in the door. He has deep blue scrubs and a white coat with an embroidered G on the lapel.

“Is our patient awake enough for an examination?” He asks, his voice borderline monotone. But, he has a soft look in his eyes as he looks at Ollie.

Oliver blushes more but smiles, looking to Alt. “Oops- sorry to ramble at ya but.. thanks for listening! Uh… before i go, what’s your name? I forgot to ask…”

Now it’s Alt’s turn to blush slightly. “Uh… it’s Alt. Alt B-Brennan.” He muttered, making sure to use one of his alisies he’s accumulated over the years.

The nurse smiles brighter. “Alt huh? What a cool name! Well- it was nice to meet ya Alt! I hope Google can help you feel better!” The doctor opens his mouth with a scowl at Oliver but the boy quickly springs away, making the doctor sigh.

“…Google?”

“That’s… my brothers’ nickname for me. It’s been a joke since we were kids…” He sighs, “it’s a long story so I won’t bore you with the details but. Anyways.” The doctor straightens up to look more professional, holding his clipboard close to his chest.

“Hello Mr. Brennan. I’m Dr. Griffith Doom and I’ll be taking care of you today. Now…” he checks Alt’s chart. “It looks like we got your wound patched up to try to stop the bleeding while you were unconscious. However, we didn’t want to assess the damage fully until you were awake. Do you mind if we look at it now?”

“Uh… no that’s- go ahead…” Alt shifted uncomfortably, trying to resist the urge to glitch.

Dr. Doom nods his thanks and shifts to move Alt into a better position before unwrapping his leg. The doctor pulls out some tools and studies the wound with a critical eye.

Eventually he asks, “What was the cause of the wound? Bullet? Or perhaps- something superpowered?”

This made Alt jolt, looking at the doctor with wide eyes. “H-Huh?? How- how did you know that?”

The doctor’s lip just barely went up in a smirk. “You’d be surprised how often those injured by supernatural forces come to see small clinics, Mr. Brennan. Since we’re out of the general public’s eye we can treat those kinds of injuries with more…discretion.”

He flips through a few pages on his clipboard before addressing Alt again. “I have my suspicions but- who caused the injury?”

Alt grits his teeth and looks away, curling his hands into fists. Should he say… and risk being treated as the criminal he really was?

Google seems to notice Alt’s hesitantation. He places a gentle hand on Alt’s knee and adds in a soft voice. “I ask only for treatment purposes, not to judge or incriminate you. We have an oath at this clinic to treat anyone who comes through our doors to the treatment they deserve. And we believe everyone deserves to not be in pain. That’s why we're here…”

Alt feels tears in his eyes that he quickly tries to blink away. He tugs on his jacket like it was weighed down with his sins.

“And well- we’ll try to keep your identity a secret as well. We’ve dealt with enough to do our job on that pretty well. I know it’s hard to trust a stranger, but this is information needed to get you back on your feet.”

Alt finally sighs and just barely glances at the doctor before answering. “…it was Bro Fantastic.”

He expected a raised eyebrow or a judgmental glance from the doctor. But Dr. Doom just simply nods and walks over to his computer and types some stuff in. Eventually he nods again and starts to grab supplies.

He comes back over and sets out burn cream and bandages and gets to work cleaning the wound with fresh water. Huh- Alt can barely feel it… maybe they put numbing cream on it earlier.

While he works the doctor explains, “Bro Fantastic usually only gives us impact patients from the forces of his blows. However he does create injuries like this- similar to a bullet wound but with no metal to extract, and slightly burned skin around the exit wound from the heat of his energy. If not properly treated and just covered it would take longer to heal so… we need to treat it like a burn until that skin is healed enough to close the wound.”

Alt slowly nods. That makes sense but.. he would have never thought of that. “You sure do know your stuff, Doc…” He mumbles.

Dr. Doom chuckles lightly. “That’s why they pay me the big bucks.” He works quickly and expertly to apply to burn treatment and wrap Alt up. Alt tests his leg and wow- it hardly even felt like the wound was there.

“Better?” Dr. Doom asked with a hidden smile.

“Much,” Alt sighed with relief.

“Good.” The doctor turned and gathered up some materials in a bag for Alt. “Here’s some small packs of that cream and bandages. Try to change them regularly and check on the wound. Keep activity on your leg light for a few days to really help it heal. Any other questions for me?”

Alt looked at the bag of supplies with surprised wonder. Didnt doctors usually expect you to get your own supplies? Jesus these guys were so nice-

The pickpocket shakes his head and pockets the bag, trying to get a more stoic look back. “N-No I think I’m good…”

Dr. Doom smiles just barely. “Good. Don’t be afraid to come back if you have any more trouble. Oh and-“ He leans over to his desk then gives Alt a card. “Here’s our business card. We try to be open as much as we can be so… if you need any assistance day or night, give us a call.”

Alt blinks at the card then pockets it too. “Uh yeah… thanks Doc.”

The doctor shakes his head, “it’s no problem. Now let’s get you some snacks from Ollie- and I’m giving you some doctors orders to go get some real food after this.” He gently puts his hand on Alt’s back to lead him out.

Alt chuckles, “you don’t have to tell me twice… I’m starving.”

Huh… maybe Alt would start trying to visit this clinic more often…

#swapboys #alt anti #impulse alt #bro fantastic #dr Google doom and the Google bros #googleplier #google red #google green #google Oliver #dr. iplier #writing requests #taunting enemies prompts #except I made it cute and wholesome for once Oops #whump #doctor visit #i did so much research for this Cuz I got hyper fixated on this idea #long post #I’ll add a read more soon eeeee #hufflewriting #readswapboys

[huffle-dork]

Acting on Impulse (SwapBoys AU)

Previous Story| SwapBoys masterpost

(Hello Friends! New Swapboys chapter that actually continues the story! But uh... yall might be mad at me for this one- let's just sayyy Alt is gonna be making a bad decision ;3)

“Thank you for inviting me to do the ‘hanging out’ with you all!” Henrik beamed at the others.

Jackie laughed and waved him off before quickly going back to the match him and Bro were playing. 

“It’s nothing Hen! Besides- now we can get you more accustomed to modern things- OH YOU FUCKING BITCH-?!” Jackie suddenly screeched as Bro’s character on the screen threw a projectile at Jackie’s car and sent him careening off screen. The hero had a shit-eating grin on his face as he just briefly glanced Jackie’s way. The father looked ready to strangle him. 

“Oh- that was a bad move, yes?” Henrik asked timidly. 

“For Jackie, yeah!” Bro laughed. Jackie quickly elbowed him and Bro had to fumble to keep his controller in his hands. 

Jameson looked up from the top of his book and tsked quietly, “Don’t get physically violent over a game, you two.” 

Jackie pouted, “Don’t use the dad voice, jayyy!” 

“Maybe I wouldn’t have to if you didn’t act like a child~” The therapist teased light-heartedly. 

The others laugh as Jackie grumbles and tries to focus on getting his lead back. He’s jerking the controller back and forth like he’s actually racing while Bro is leaned up against the couch, still and chill.

“Oh- did you all invite Alt over today as well?” Schneep asks. 

“I believe so,” Jameson responded. 

“Yeah I texted him- he said he’d be by after checking out a new venue-“ Bro responded, easily skirting the competition in the race, frustrating Jackie further. 

Jackie quickly glances the hero’s way, “You gonna put your mask back on before he gets here?” 

Bro fumbles with his controller again and reaches into his pocket. “Oh fuck- right!” 

Henrik cocks his head to the side, “why must you do that? Alt is our friend now, is he not?” 

Jackie shrugs, “he is but- Bro’s being weird about it-“ 

“It’s not being weird,” Bro mutters, “it’s being cautious.” 

Little did they know… Alt hasn’t glitched to the office this time- he stood right outside the door as he heard the tail end of their conversation. His stomach dropped painfully- then he felt anger burst up in his chest. He slammed open the door and strode in, glitches dancing wildly around his frame. 

“Being cautious about ‘what’ exactly?” Alt growled, his eyes sparking dangerously. 

Jackie yelled and threw his controller down like he got caught doing something he shouldn’t. The game paused itself. Henrik and Jameson exchanged nervous glances towards each other. 

Bro jumped to his feet, his mask on crooked as he looked to Alt in surprise. “A-Alt! You’re here! we uh- we didn’t hear you come in-!” 

“Answer the fucking question, hero!” Alt spit, glitching closer. “You’re hiding your secret identity from me but- what? Henrik doesn’t count? He’s just as new as I am here!” 

“It is n-no problems Alt! I do not even know his name yet!” Henrik tries to speak up with a shaky smile. 

Alt doesn’t acknowledge Henrik’s input, staring Bro down. The hero rubs the back of his head as he stumbles over his words. 

“It’s nothing Alt really! I just feel- more comfortable-“ 

“Bullishit!” Alt shouts, “why can’t you just come out and say it huh? You don’t trust me. That’s what it is, isn’t it?”

The room falls silent except for the sound of Alt’s glitching. Finally, Bro sighs and seems to drop his facade, his face becoming more serious and stoic. 

“…you’re right. I don’t trust you. Not yet.” 

Alt feels like he’s gotten the air punched out of him. 

“…why?” He chokes out, hating out weak his voice sounds. 

Bro grips his hands into fists at his side. “Alt… I know you mean well- and I’ve loved getting to know you but… you are… a criminal in some ways- and… Magnificent-“ 

“Magnificent has just as much a hold on Schneep as he does over me!” Alt argues, throwing his hand out towards the gentleman, who seems like he’s trying to hide his face so he can’t understand the argument. “But you’re okay with him knowing!” 

“The… circumstances are different Alt-“ Bro tries to explain. 

Alt’s glitches are now affecting the lights and electronics around them, making them flash with green and blue light as they flicker on and off. 

“We’ve both been puppeted by that fucking cat bitch and you all agreed to help us! To be both of our friends… to trust us! But… you all just want to baby weak pathetic Henrik! You don’t know how to handle anyone else who you can’t coddle, is that it?!” Alt hisses. 

“Alt, that’s not it!” Jackie tries to speak up. 

“Please Alt just- try to take a deep breath.” Dr.J pleads. 

Bro can’t look Alt in the eye as the glitch tries to hold back tears. 

“…just- give it to me straight.” He pleads to the hero. 

Bro sighs, going to hold his arms. 

“…it’s how you both reacted… to Magnificent’s control.” Bro starts, “It’s… hard to explain but- when Henrik was under he… was more robotic and emotionless. It seemed like he was not himself at all. But you… you were… more wild and erratic. But- you seemed-“ Bro grits his teeth and then grunts in frustration. “I don’t know how to say it nicely! Just… all the things you said at the cafe… the way you acted just… how- how can I trust you after all of that?!” 

Alt is shocked into silence. But then- the glitching reaches a crescendo and a high pitched whine fills the air along with the sharp sounds of static. 

His eyes glow brightly as he snarls, “Say no more. I’ll get out of your fucking hair then.” 

The electronics all snap and fizzle as Alt glitches away, leaving the air feeling charged and tasting of hot metal. 

As he tries to leave though, Dr.J tries to push past Bro and reach out for Alt, “Wait! Alt!” 

Once he’s gone Jameson whirls around and smacks Bro hard on the arm. The hero jumps. “Ow! J??” 

“How could you say all of that to him, Chase?!” The normally kindly doctor shouts in anger, “He needs people now more than ever! And now all you’ve done is driven him away!” 

“I… I never meant it in a way that we couldn’t be friends!” Chase tries to argue back shakily, “just… that I need time!” 

“Then you should have just said ‘I need time’ and left it at that! All the things you’re holding against him aren’t even his fault!” 

Chase looks lost and looks to Jackie for reassurance. The father shakes his head, “…I agree bro… I think you took it too far…” 

There’s a sound of slight sniffling as Henrik looks up to the others, tears in his eyes, “I… I do not want special treatment! I do not want us to be broken apart…!” 

Chase feels his stomach sink. Jackie goes over to comfort Henrik as Jameson gazes up to the hero. 

“…I think you know what you need to do, Chase.” 

The hero sighs and grabs his stuff. 

“I’ll go find him and make this right, I promise.”

——

Alt yelled as he threw the scrap metal over his head and watched as it clang heavily against the hanger doors. He was in a scrap yard he liked to frequent for goods. But, he didn’t care about any of that right now. He just needed to break things. 

He grabbed another piece and chuckled it and watched as it shattered against the ground. He then yelled again and pulled at his hair as a painful round of glitches overtook his body. 

He hated this… he hated all of this! He hated that bro couldn’t trust him- he hated that he ran away! He hated being the odd one out! But most of all…

He hated that Bro was right. 

He shouldn’t trust him. Alt knew this… Alt knew he was one of the most untrustworthy people ever. He was a pickpocket for fuck’s sake! Of course he couldn’t be trusted! 

But… for a bit he thought… he thought things could be different. He’d always been the one left out of things. All his life people saw him as different… they excluded him. He thought that wouldn’t happen this time. He was really starting to trust them… so why couldn’t Bro trust him back? 

Alt cries out in frustration and- a ripple of purple and green magic rockets out from him and explodes a couple piles around him. He backs up with a fearful expression and looks at his hands as they glitch green and purple. 

That… was the other problem. After their last encounter… Magnificent had done something to Alt. He could hardly remember what but… his already unstable powers were even more so. He was getting headaches and hot flashes, visions of swirling eyes and constant deep laughter echoing in his head. The feeling of shadows looming over him constantly.

Magnificent may have let them all go after last time… but he wasn’t finished. 

Alt wanted to cry. He didn’t know what was wrong with him… he couldn’t control what was happening to him. He almost blew up everything in Jackie’s office- he could have hurt them! How… can he let himself stay beside them when he was so… dangerous? 

But- they promised to help him. They said they were friends and they’d help him get away from Magnificent! He’s tried a couple sessions with Dr. J but… he didn’t have the heart to tell the doc that nothing was working. In fact- it felt like it was getting worse. 

Another sharp headache assaulted Alt’s head and it was enough to send him reeling. He leaned against the big iron doors to the storage hanger and closed his eyes. He felt hot and shaky again- like his blood was getting replaced with static. Laughter echoed loudly and painfully in his head. Little did he know, his eyes were flickering with purple light. 

There was sudden movement around the corner- the slinking of something in the shadows. If it was one of Magnificent’s damn panthers again-! 

Alt whirled around, holding out a charged green hand towards the movement. “G-Get the fuck away from me you-!”

His retort died down in his mouth as he saw the shadow though. 

“Bro…?” 

Bro Fantastic was standing in the flickering street light that illuminated the small space around the hanger, hands up in a hurried symbol of peace. 

“H-Hi Alt,” The hero tried to laugh. 

The glitch narrowed his eyes, “What are you doing here? How did you find me?” 

“To be honest- your glitching is really easy to see from above if you know what to look for…” The hero admitted, rubbing his neck. “I also… came to apologize.” 

Alt looks skeptical and raises an eyebrow at the hero, crossing his arms. Trying to put on a good show that his hands arent shaking like crazy and his head isn’t killing him. 

“I… shouldn’t have been so…brash-“ The hero starts, looking uncomfortable. “Even if it’s true I… shouldn’t have said it like that. Cuz… none of that is your fault. It’s… a me thing… you know?”

Alt grips arm tight, nails digging into the skin though the fabric. He grits his teeth and looks away. 

“It’s… fine, hero. I get it. I know I’m… I'm not someone people can just trust. I’m… im used to it- being the odd one out. So just… just drop it-“ 

“No!” Bro shouts, surprising the glitch. The hero looks at him with determination burning in his eyes. “Just because you’re used to it doesn’t mean it’s okay! In fact… no- I was wrong… we’re all friends- we’re all equals so…” 

He seems to brace himself before he lifts up his hands to remove his mask. 

Alt starts, holding out a hand. 

“W-Wait!”

But Bro easily removes his pink mask. As he does his vibrant yellow green hair fades to brown and he looks up to Alt, his eyes a bit paler and more natural looking. He gives Alt an uneasy smile. 

But, much to his surprise, The second Alt registered Bro’s face- the collection of freckles on his cheeks, the brown hair, his face shape, his pale blue eyes- Alt knew exactly who he was. 

He stumbled back like he’s seen a ghost, face turning pale and glitches starting to build up around him wildly. 

“N-No way… C-Chase?” 

Bro’s eyes widen, taking a cautious step back, “woah woah what?! You- knew my name already? Who told you?!” 

Alt’s mind was reeling- he was spiraling. All these years- and… 

He just shakes his head, trying to form words but only hushed exclamations of confusion leave his mouth. He stumbles back before disappearing yet again in another barrage of glitches. 

“Wait! Alt??” Bro tries to call after him then he curses, “That fucking kid…” 

He looks down at his mask, gripping the fabric tight in his fingers. How did Alt know…? 

———

Alt hardly cared that he glitched in some random patch of forest he didn’t recognize. He immediately went to punch at whatever was in sight. A tree ended up being his first victim. 

He didn’t even try to use his magic- but his punch sent a pulse of green electricity that dented the wood and made lichtenberg figures that danced along the bark. He screamed in anger then started to hit the tree again, then turned around and kicked another. He clawed and tore at anything he could get his hands on- energy burning hot in the air. His eyes glowed neon and toxic with overflowing magic before he stumbled back and looked at the smoking carnage he left. 

He heaved, chest tight as he tried to catch his breath. He didn’t even know what he was doing. He never… let his powers go out of control like that. He still didn’t know how they worked really.

The thought of that had him gnashing his teeth in rage. He yelled and sent another powerful punch into another tree trunk before starting to rant to himself. 

“I bet ‘Chase’ has his powers all figured out. He always was Mr. Perfect…” 

The pickpocket scoffed then kicked at the ground. “Perfect grades, perfect friends, perfect actual correct body… and now? He has fucking superpowers?!” 

He roars again in rage and tears into the bark like a wild animal, green and purple electricity flying. 

“Meanwhile what do I fucking get?! A shitty fucking life! Fucking powers I can’t control! No friends- no family- nothing! While he got FUCKING EVERYTHING!” 

The glitch screams at the end, a sonic burst erupting around him. He covers his mouth in shock then shakily looks down at his glitching hands. He laughs- but it sounds like he’s about to cry. 

“Just a fucking freak…. That’s all I’ve ever been…” He curls his hands into fists. “While my superstar brother got it all…” 

Alt yells and then grabs at his head, trying to hold back the tears that want to flow. “I… I get fucking kidnapped and he gets the world?! He abandoned me!! They… they never cared about me!! They were probably glad a-a messed up freak like me was gone from their lives! N-Nothing to hold him back right?! No freak show brother slowing him down! Tarnishing his perfect fucking name!” 

He sinks to the ground and feels himself hiccup, curling up into a small glitching ball. 

“He… doesn’t even recognize me…” 

How could he? It’s been almost 9 years… 9 years since Alt disappeared-since Anti disappeared. He has changed a lot… his life had to change him. While Chase lived the glamorous life of a superhero, Alt lived on the streets, hunting for scraps. Alone and abandoned… afraid to come home with these new dangerous powers. How come Chase had to get powers too? The one thing Alt thought he finally beat Chase at… and he’s still ended up beneath him. 

Alt chokes on a sob, gritting his teeth to try not to make a sound. It was pathetic to cry. He knew better- crying doesn’t fix anything. 

Alt sighs and leans his head back, resting against the ruined tree and looking at the brief glimpse of stars in between its leaves. 

“…I wonder… if I had tried to find my way back home…if I could have changed something, anything from back then…  could things have been… different?” He whispers- wishing the stars could answer. Could Alt actually have had that brotherly bond he wanted with Chase? Grew up together- made friends together? Become heroes together? 

…no… Alt was too far gone to be a hero. All of this was just wistful thinking. After all- he fucked up. He ruined the only group of people who actually wanted him around… he’d never be more than a loner thief. 

Suddenly, Alt’s ears pick up the tell-tale sound of static in the air. He jumps to his feet and pulls out his pocketknife, eyeing the approaching shadows that were forming into sleek feline bodies. Green and purple eyes blinked out from the darkness and the glitch growled. 

“Magnificent. The fuck do you want? Or do you always slink around the forest in the middle of the night like the feral cat you are?” 

There’s the sound of laughter above Alt- and when he turns he can see the cat masked magician lounging up in the tree’s branches, Cheshire-cat-like. 

“My my kitten… you sure are testy tonight~!” Magnificent sings, smirking down at Alt as his panthers surrounded him. “Shouldn’t a master keep a close eye on his apprentice?” 

“I ain’t your anything, cat bitch! Fuck off!” Alt screeched at the villain, power zipping around his body like a live wire. 

Magnificent sighs and swings off the tree branch, landing on his feet with feline grace. He wipes himself off and starts to approach Alt. 

“I think you’re failing to realize just how much I can offer you, Anti. How much I’ve already given you. And… How much I can help you… your so called friends can’t teach you how to use your magic.” He eyes the carnage Alt has caused with a smirk before looking back to address the boy. 

“But I can~ I’m one of the only people who can help you.” 

Alt looks away, biting his lip as he looks at his green and purple glitches around his hands. Then, he feels another sharp pulse in his temples and his eyes widen. He growls and turns around on Magnificent, spitting in his face. 

“Fuck off with that bullshit, Mag! I know you’ve been fucking with my powers! Don’t act like you’re not the one giving me these fucking headaches!” 

Magnificent blinks a bit surprised then smirks, impressed. 

Alt snarls at the magician, glitches building wildly around him and splitting bits of his body in different directions. 

“You really think I’m gonna believe a single word you say after all the fucking shit you put me through? What you made me believe? You gave me more powerful magic, sure, but I don’t know what the hell it is! You could be poisoning me for all I know! You just see me as a fucking tool- a shitty little puppet to use! So stop with this ‘pretending to care’ about me crap and wanting to ‘apprentice’ me cuz I know it’s all fucking lies!” 

He then turns away from Magnificent and wipes at his face, muttering to himself. “I know I’m nothing but a mistake. I don’t need you to remind me how fucking useless I am. So just… fuck off, alright?”

There’s silence lingering after Alt is done but- Mag doesn’t leave. 

Magnificent prowls closer, petting the heads of his panthers non-chantanently as he approaches Alt. His voice is buttery sweet. 

“Alt… I don’t think that about you at all~! Why… I’ve been trying to keep such a tight hold on you because of your potential. I mean… look around you.” 

The dark magician gestures to the magical blasts and radius of destruction around them. 

“…I didn’t give you the power to do any of this. I merely gave you a power boost. And that… should have only lasted for that day. All these advancements… those are all organically you. You are finding your own strength.” 

Alt blinks and looks at Magnificent in surprise.

“…really?” He asks, raising a skeptical eyebrow. 

Magnificent nods. 

“I never gave you specific powers. Like that sound blast? I couldn’t have given you that. That was all you, kitten.” 

Alt stiffens. Just how long had Magnificent been lurking? 

He bares his teeth again, stepping back from Mag. “You’ve been spying on me! See- how am I supposed to… to want to learn from you or whatever if you stalk me relentlessly! I’m not… some zoo animal you can study!” 

Magnificent cocks his head to the side at this, looking confused. 

Then, he sighs, dropping his shoulders. 

“My apologizes, Alt. I fear that is… a part of my own past. A… fear- that lingers with me.” 

Alt looks taken back. Was… Mag being- vulnerable? 

Magnificent makes eye contact with Alt then nods towards him, turning and beckoning him to follow. 

“Walk with me.”

The pickpocket watches his back warily before making his way through Mag’s panthers, who cleared the way. He followed a few steps back from Magnificent, studying the magician with a calculated eye. If this fucker tried anything… 

After a few minutes of walking, Magnificent stops and turns to look at Alt. There’s none of his usual smirky cocky nature in his eyes. No, instead he looks… almost wistful. 

“I see myself in you a great deal, Anti.” Magnificent spoke softly. Alt shivered and held his shoulders. 

“You’ve said that before… is that just how you want to butter me up?” 

Magnificent chuckles and shakes his head. “No. It’s actually the truth.”

The dark magician looks to the sky, crossing his arms behind his back. 

“I wasn’t always… this, you know. I was once like you. Human… frail and weak and… underestimated. No one saw me for my true potential. For who I truly was.” 

Alt looks away, grabbing slightly at his chest. 

“I had… one friend. I struggled to make them because of my gifts. They all called me a freak. They all doubted me. And eventually… in the end… my only friend betrayed me. Left me in the dust like I was nothing. I was… abandoned. Alone and lost.” 

He looks back to Alt and raises an eyebrow. “A story I think you could relate to… yes?” 

Alt grips his hands into fists and looks at the ground. It- unnerved him. How similar Magnificent and him were. But… maybe- that didn’t have to be a bad thing?

He shook his head and looked back at Mag. 

“Big whoop. You have the same sob story as me. That doesn’t make it okay. How you treated me… how you’re stalking me… it’s wrong! You’re treating me… more like property than a person!” 

Magnificent hums at this, slowly nodding. 

“I…see. Truthfully- I have only worked with my cats and… puppets.”

He sighs and looks down at Alt with a hint of sincerity. 

“…forgive me, Alt. I… did not want to lose such a bright shining star like you. I feared if I was soft… you’d slip away from me. And your potential would be gone forever- eaten up by this cruel world that labels its brightest stars as ‘freaks’.” 

Alt feels his chest get a bit lighter. Was… he really that special? Did he have the potential to be.. something great? Someone powerful? Like… chase? 

Alt hides his flushed face with his mask and turns away. 

“…those are pretty words, Mag. But- I doubt they mean anything. After all… there’s no changing the past.” 

The air around them seems to spark with excitement. 

“About that… I couldn’t help but overhear earlier… You had such a desire, didn’t you? Regarding your… brother?” 

Alt freezes, his blood running cold. Shit-! He knew about Chase-! 

He turns to shout at Mag but- He’s suddenly right behind Alt. He grabs one of his arms and whispers next to his ear like a seductress. 

“What if I told you… that’s possible. That I know a way to do exactly that…? To change the past?” 

Alt jumps away from the prowling villain and eyes him with a cautious glare. 

“…it’s possible? How?” 

The mad magician chuckles and plays with magic in his hands casually. “Anything is possible with magic, my naive kitten. Did you forget how my darling deaf mouse got here? If you stick with me… once we get your magic strong enough… I can send you back~!” 

Alt hesitates. That again… he was really trying to get him to come back to his side. But… something did feel different this time. “…you’d… use such a spell on someone like me? Why?” 

Magnificent smirks. “I wouldn’t be doing the spell myself. I’d just be giving you the tools and training to get you there. It would be a joint effort, not a hand out.” 

“…what would I have to do?” 

Magnificent shrugs, “More of what you’ve been doing… just including more magic training along with it. The targets would probably be on a higher scale however. Complicated spells need high quality materials… You may get more and more tangled with the law… and Mr. Fantastic.” 

Alt’s eyes flash angrily as he grits his teeth and grips his hands into fists. “…that won’t be a problem.” 

If he changes the past… Chase wouldn’t become Bro… at least-not this Bro. Alt would… get to stay with him. Maybe actually have a chance at a better life… a normal one. Is it worth it to keep working for Magnificent though…? And… the others- 

As if reading his thoughts, Magnificent throws out his arms and laughs, “And it won’t matter if any of your friends get in the way! Because we will undo it all… so really- you don’t have to pick a side in the end. You just have to work with me for a little while longer…” 

Alt narrows his eyes, “If the spell would just redo it all… what’s the point of getting me stronger? Just to… do the spell and hit the reset button right afterwards?” Alt stuffs his hands in his pockets. “That seems like an awful big waste on your part- especially after you’ve been blabbering on and on about my potential.” 

Magnificent chuckles with a shake of his head. “A clever thought. However, just because time would be set back- doesn’t mean you would be. Even if you go back to live as your younger self… your magic would stay the same- in theory. I haven’t tried such a thing myself but- magic is etched in the soul. Souls don’t change like the body does. If trained- it will stay stronger than it was. So, Your soul and your current memories as well should stay intact if you choose to return and try again…” 

The glitch contemplates this. He’d… be stronger. He wouldn’t have to hide anymore. Everything Mag once promised him could be his. He’d be able to control his own future… he could make sure his awful past never happened. He’d be able to go in with the knowledge to avoid everything- his kidnapping… he’d have his magic to protect himself. And if the others got hurt in the meantime well… you have to crack a few eggs to get an omelet after all… It wouldn’t matter. They didn’t trust him anyways… with this- He’d be able to become a better person… someone they all could trust. All he had to do was go back… 

“If you had this power all along… why didn’t you use it on yourself?” Alt asks, eyeing the magician. 

Magnificent shrugs. “I never want to go back to who I was. That weakling isn’t who I want to be anymore. I’ve changed too much. But… if you desire to restart Alt, I can give it to you.” He holds out a hand. “All you need is a guide, and stronger magic under your belt. Those friends of yours will only hold you back… especially if they can’t see just how special you truly are.” 

Alt is quiet for a long time before he speaks up again, “…if I work for you again… this time it’s as an equal. No more brainwashing or puppeting me. Got it? I get to help call some of the shots.” 

The mad magician grins, offering Alt a bright fire lit hand. “It’s a deal.” 

Alt stares at the fire and Mag’s hand.

Another thought occurs to him and he blurts out. “Also- you can’t use Glitches against me! She… and the others- they stay out of this.”

Magnificent face hardly changes as he nods. “Consider it done.”

Alt stammers out one more demand. “And! You can’t… you can’t use Henrik anymore. He goes free.” 

Magnificent ‘tsks’ at this, his hand curling up slightly. He’s quiet for a second before he sighs dramatically. “Oh alright. It’s a shame to lose such a good puppet but… It’s done. I will let Schneeplestein go…Now, come on… let’s make it official, apprentice of mine?”

The glitch nods at this, feeling a bit lighter. At least… if he’s signing his soul to the devil- he did one good thing before going down. Schneep didn’t deserve any of this. 

Alt sets his expression before finally reaching out and shaking Mag’s hand firmly. The fire travels up Alt’s hand and then circles around his wrist, leaving a thin purple mark that wraps all the way around. 

Alt brings up his wrist and studies it. 

“What is this…?” 

Magnificent smirks. “Proof of our deal. Evidence that I will not go back on my word of getting you to your goal.” 

Alt stares at his wrist again before looking back to Magnificent and nodding. 

“…alright. What do I need to do first?”

“I think… we should begin by sending Mr.Fantastic a message.” 

——

Bro Fantastic checked his tracker device for what felt like the hundredth time that night. This message… It was so strange. 

Being a hero for as long as he had meant he wasn’t a stranger to villain calling cards. Some minor villains wanted to face a big hero to prove they had the stuff. Most didn’t. Usually it was an easy arrest for Bro- a minor inconvenience. Sometimes it was funny. 

But this one… it felt like it had real weight behind it. A legitimate threat. Which made the hero uneasy. Magnificent was already a new looming threat he was getting used to… could this one be on that level? 

It had come to Chase right as he prepared for his usual patrol. A buzz on his phone- a video message from an encrypted number. That had Chase’s heart dropping. Usually, it was a spooky static-y message that came through his crime radio. That was easy enough for a novice villain to tap into… but this one- it was on his personal phone. 

With his heart in his throat, wondering what the hell he was getting himself into, Bro opened the message. 

The video crackled with static before a warped shadowed silhouette glitched onto the screen. It was hard to tell what features were what but… parts of its head seemed to be pointed like animal ears. 

An obviously shifted voice spoke. 

“Hello Bro Fantastic. Apologizes for reaching you at home but… I have an important message for you. One that needs us meeting face to face. Downtown Abbey Street. The train station. 30 minutes from now. Don’t be late.” 

The video cut off, leaving Bro staring at the blank screen in disbelief. What… the fuck?! 

The hero’s mind was racing as he flew down to the Abbey Train station. How had this villain gotten his phone number? Was it leaked? Was he careless? Or… did this new villain know his identity? Part of him is saying not to worry though. No matter what traps or setups these villains made- almost none of them really worked. He’d get this creep behind bars and learn the truth… 

He touches down near the platform and looks around, carefully building up energy in his hands in case of a surprise attack. 

He heard a crunch of gravel and spun around, opening his palm only to see- 

“…Jackie?!”

The father in question had immediately put his hands in the air, looking at Bro with equal surprise. 

The hero couldn’t believe it though… 

“…what are you doing here? Did you leave this cryptic message?” 

Jackie’s eyes widen. 

“You got a creepy message too?” He breathed. 

Chase lowered his arm and gave Jackie a confused look. Jackie pulled out his phone and walked over to show the hero the message.

“I was just about to call you… JJ and Hen got the same kind of message… all saying to meet here.” 

Bro looked up to see Henrik and Dr. J walking towards them from the parking lot, looking around in dread. Chase swallowed and looked down at the video. Sure enough- it was the same creepy silhouette Chase got in his video. 

Chase looked up to his friends with increasing fear. This villain wasn’t just targeting him… they were targeting his friends too. 

“What could this guy want with all of us?” Bro whispered. 

“Why don’t you ask him?” A warped robotic sounding voice called out. 

The boys all jumped and spun around to look up. Sitting on the large roof of the train platform in front of a huge clock was a masked figure. They wore a cat shaped mask that was two toned in color, with a shiny green visor in the middle. They had an overly large purple and green jacket that fell off their shoulder, showing a skin tight turtleneck tank that concealed their neck. Gloved hands tapped on the concrete they sat on before they spoke again, a distorted chuckle sounding out.

“Color me surprised. Didn’t expect you to actually beat me here. Given your track records…” 

Bro felt his cheeks heat up as he growls out, “The hell is that supposed to mean? Who the fuck are you anyways? If you’re a new villain, fine! But… t-this is too far! What the hell do you want with normal civilians?!” 

Jackie grabbed Hen and Dr.J’s hands and pushed them to stand behind him, standing in front of them protectively. He wasn’t a great fighter like Bro… but if need be he can keep them from getting hurt. 

The villain chuckles again before getting up to his feet and brushing himself off. He looks down at the assembly and Bro can almost feel the smirk in his voice. 

“You really are bad at connecting the dots, aren’t ya Fantastic? I thought I was being rather obvious.” 

They sigh and shake their head. 

“I have nothing against the ‘civilians’ here. But, they are close to you… and well… I’d like to only say this once.” 

“…Do I know you?” Bro asked hesitantly. 

The villain laughs and then in a flash of green has teleported down to their level, bits of pixels lingering in the air.

“In a sense~”  

Bro’s blood turned cold. There’s… there’s no way- He shifted to be in front of the others, who stared at the villain with wide eyes. 

The villain seems to stare at the group before sighing. 

“You know what- hold on this isn’t fair…” 

He reaches up and unstraps his mask. He laughs- and with the voice filter gone… the four recognize it instantly. 

“No…” Dr. J whispers.

The mask falls and a freckled face grins at them with malice sparking in his green blue eyes. 

“I shouldn’t be hiding my face, after you showed me yours… right, Chase?” Alt chuckles darkly. 

Chase feels disconnected from his body from the shock. Was this a dream? A horrible dream or…? 

Henrik covers his mouth in surprise, muttering German curses. Jackie’s jaw drops, staring at their friend in disbelief. 

“Alt?” The hero chokes out in confusion. 

Alt laughs cruelly, holding his stomach. He then wipes at his eyes and grins, taking in everyone’s shocked faces. 

“Damn, Mag was right, that was priceless to see!”

Bro bristles and then charges at Alt, yelling in rage. He grabs him by the jacket and hoists the smaller man up to his eyes, baring his teeth. 

“The fuck?! Is this… just some kind of a joke to you?!” 

Alt’s smile and joking demeanor drops on a dime as he stares Chase in the face. Hatred seems to burn strong in his eyes. He snorts then glitches out of Bro’s hold, going back to his perch on top of the platform. He stares down at the group coldly. 

“‘Fraid not, Fantastic. But, thanks for reminding me to get back on track.” The glitch spit his way.

He stuffs his hands in his pockets and begins, letting his voice echo across the empty train station. 

“You all are familiar with my… boss. In fact, he has eyes on every one of you. Some… twisted sense of curiosity, you could say. However, he’s allowing me to extend a warning…” 

His eyes glow as he looks down to Jackie, Henrik and Dr.J. 

“Stay out of my and Magnificent’s way… and you’ll be spared. Interfere… and well…” He grins wolfishly. “I guess you’ll share Bro Fantastic’s fate.” 

“What?! Are- are you planning to kill him?!” Jackie shouts out, pushing to be closer to the glitch. 

Alt throws his head back with laughter. 

“Kill him? Where’s the fun in that? No… I plan to give the hero exactly what he deserves.” 

Chase can feel a hole burning into his chest from where Alt is staring. The hero tries to move his mouth to speak but- nothing wants to come. 

Alt sees this and ‘tsks’, rolling his eyes. 

“Honestly, I expected a bigger response from such a hot headed oaf like you.” 

Finally, Chase finds his voice. And he hates how broken it sounds. 

“Alt… why…I thought- you were trying to get away from Magnificent! …why are you doing this?” 

Alt looks back down and locks eyes with the hero. The glitch bares his teeth and growls, his blue green eyes sparking with electricity. 

“…I’ll let you figure that out on your own, Chase Brody.” 

Glitches start to build up on his shoulders as Alt turns and prepares to leave. However, he turns back to the others as he puts on his new mask once more, his voice becoming robotic and sinister. 

“Oh and from now on… you will call me Impulse.”

With his message given, Alt then turns into green and blue pixels and glitches away into the night. Leaving the others to stare at each other in dread and disbelief. 

Chase feels his knees shake and he crumbles to the ground, the others gathering around him to try to comfort him. But, no one can quite find the words. 

#swapboys au #swapboys #hufflewriting #alt anti #bro fantastic #dr. jj #henny schneeplestein #silent film schneep #swap magnificent #manipulation #villain arc #oops- spoilers ;3c #alt's villain arc #acting on impulse #impulse alt #readswapboys

[huffle-dork]

Another Birthday

(I’m gonna draw something for this for whumptober but I’m also finishing up another story while I got the writing mojo and didn’t wanna miss Anti’s birthday! So take a drabble!)

It was a nice fall night. The heat of summer was finally starting to wane- a cool breeze tussled Alt’s mousey locks as he surveyed the city landscape below him. He reached into his jacket and pulled out Glitches, giving the black kitten chin scratches before setting her on his shoulder.

He then knelt down and reached into his bag, pulling out a single cupcake in a clear container. The frosting has long since caked up on the sides and top from being jostled. He goes to set it down on the building’s edge then digs back inside the backpack for something else as he gets comfortable next to it. Finally- he pulls out a single blue candle. Alt sticks into the cupcake then brings the prize into his lap. Glitches mewls curiously and tries to bat at it.

Alt laughs and reaches to push her back. “Not just yet, girl. I gotta try something first!”

He then looks back down at the cupcake and places both hands on either side of the candle. Magnificent had been trying to teach him basic spells… spells he should have known by now- he says. It’s not Alt’s fault he went the majority of his life not knowing he was magic…

Alt sighs then concentrates, reciting the word.

“Inflammatio.”

There’s sparks between his hands, green blue like his magic. At first it seems like nothing is gonna spark- but then the particles of his magic finally find the wick and it bursts into a tiny blue-green flame.

Alt’s eyes sparkle and he laughs, proud of himself. The old school magic Mag was teaching him was really hard for him to grasp- and the mad magician said only amateurs still needed to call upon spells to do such primitive magic. But Alt didn’t care… he had done a spell.

He holds out the cupcake, ducking Glitches swipes at it with a giggle. Then, he watches the gentle flame and his smile drops. He sighs and lowers the cupcake, looking out at the city landscape.

“…happy Birthday to me…” He whispers to the air, wishing, not for the first time, that someone was here to hear it.

He thoughtfully trails a finger down on the sticky cupcake wrapper. “Another birthday alone…”

Glitches meows and bats Alt’s face and the glitch laughs. “Well- except for you Glitches~” He swipes off some frosting and offers it to the kitten, who happily licks it off.

Alt then goes back to his cupcake and carefully blows out the flame. As he thinks of a wish… his friends pop in his head. His chest clenches and he has to close his eyes to get rid of their faces.

Soon… soon he’d have that spell… and he’d make it all worth it… soon- he’ll have birthdays he can enjoy again.

Just a little bit longer…

Meanwhile- across town in a dark apartment, another silent and solemn celebration is taking place.

Chase Brody is sitting at his kitchen counter, staring at the cup of whiskey he’s poured for himself. He swishes the amber liquid around as he picks up a batch of photos. Old photos his Aunties sent him… that still hurt his heart to look at.

Picture of him and his little brother… when things were simpler. When things were… easy. His brother wasn’t always the most approachable as they got older but… Chase always loved seeing him smile and laugh. Even now… he can hear it through the pictures. The pure high pitched laughter of a child- happy and safe.

Tears already fill up his eyes as he looks at the past, the pang of missing him even stronger today than it usually was. Like a part of his heart had been torn away.

He’d give anything to see him again… just to know he was okay. But, Chase knew better than that now…

He’s been dead for almost a decade after all.

He wipes at his eyes, then grabs his cup, lifting it up to the air in a silent toast.

“…happy birthday Anti…” The hero whispered, wishing now more than ever that he was here to hear it.

He threw back the finger of whiskey in one gulp then set the cup down, letting the alcohol burn the back of his throat. He quickly poured himself another-

The way he was feeling tonight… he might need another bottle.

#swapboys #readswapboys #hufflewriting #alt anti #bro fantastic #angst #happy birthday anti! #jacksepticeye #glitches the cat

[huffle-dork]

ERROR: File Alt.Exe Corrupted Interlude (Part 1)

Becoming A Vestige

Alt.Exe: Chapter 1 | Chapter 2

Swapboys Masterpost

AN: hi guys I’m working on getting the next Alt.exe chapters out but I gotta focus on some other stories real quick to establish some stuff that happens before chapter 3 :) we’ll have one more interlude after this before then! And uh fair warning- this is gonna get rough-

Jameson is dragged into the main warehouse in a burst of magic, struggling against his binds as he looks around for that madman-

“Alright Magnificent- what magic act are you gonna show me this time? And is it a specific reason it’s in the middle of the night? Or do cats just not sleep-?” He growls tiredly, his glasses slipping off his nose slightly and the night time shadows making the bags under his eyes seem even darker.

The familiar laughter Jameson was expecting echoed around the space and the therapist all but rolled his eyes.

But then, a streak of black came from the shadows and tacked Jameson to the ground. Jamie screeched as his chest is crushed into the concrete, thick claws digging into his skin. He looked up in fear at his assailant, only to meet the glowing green eyes of a panther. He swallowed thickly.

Magnificent stepped out into the moonlight, giggling as he snapped- lighting candles on the ground in an instant.

“Really Jackson… haven’t we beaten that sass out of you yet?” He hummed in amusement. Jameson bared his teeth weakly. He opened his mouth to retort but the panther cut him off, pushing into his face to growl loudly, spit dripping onto his cheeks.

The dark magician laughed then whistled, getting the panther’s attention. “That’s enough, assistant. Lift him back up so he can watch, won’t you?”

The panther looked back to Jamie with a slight snarl before getting down to lift him up by the back of his shirt with its teeth. It plopped JJ down onto his knees then snorted in his face, finally flicking it’s tail at him as it prowled back towards Magnificent and curled around his legs. It brushed up against him with its snout, purring. Magnificent chuckles and pets it’s head.

“Ah such attitude- that’s why you’re one of my favorites~” The panther chuffed and nudged more against his hand.

Magnificent looked down to Jameson with a smirk. “Mmm probably shouldn’t keep the audience waiting huh?” He mused. Jameson gave him a hard stare. But he didn’t want a repeat of what just happened, his chest still aching. So he kept his mouth shut.

The magician didn’t seem to mind, or care, as he slipped into his showman like voice. He acted like he was back on a stage- and he kinda was. He was on a platform the warehouse had, with a large staircase leading to it. A hole in the roof had the moon right over him, bathing him in the cold light.

The sight almost reminded Jameson of.. someone else. A man similar to Magnificent that owned the stage, loving to bask in the spotlight. One he would watch, captivated. Someone with a kinder smile and eyes full of light.

But, that man was long since dead.

“Let’s get on with tonight’s show!” Magnificent’s voice boomed in the empty warehouse. More of Magnificent’s other pets prowled out of the shadows to sit around Jameson and watch. Like an actual audience. “Tonight, pets, all watch and be amazed! As we help one of our loyal assistants ascend to her rightful role! As another one of you becomes a magnificent vestige!” The other cats all roared and mewled like a raging crowd, hurting Jameson’s ears and making him curl onto himself.

Vestige… that name set off alarms in the doctor’s head.

Magnificent grinned, watching as shadows seemed to curl from the darkness around him- echoed voices laughing and cheering. Jameson wondered if the moonlight was messing with his eyes- cuz he saw images of cats and panthers dancing through the air with the laughter.

The magician turned to the panther behind him, sitting up and watching him loyally. Mag outstretched a hand over it, his fingers lighting up green. Soon, the panther’s eyes echoed the glow- and its body shone as ripples of green and purple magic curled off its body, beginning to change its shape.

Jameson’s eyes widened as the panther before him morphed into a human form. But not just any human form- it’s… its-!

“E-Emily!” He finally chokes, his voice cracking from staying quiet for so long. But, also from the tears escaping his eyes in rivers. “No- no! Emily!!”

Magnificent looks back to his captive with a mild shock. Then, slowly, his grin widens.

“Ohhh that’s right!” He laughs, approaching Jameson, “You knew this one didn’t you? She’s the girl you dated in our good old college days…” He goes to twirl around her and play with her hair, kiss her hand, touch her shoulders- earning no reaction from the girl but making Jamie squirm. “She’s the one you married right? And had your little… ‘angel’ with. ...the one who left you-

Completely broke your heart.”

Suddenly, Mag is before Jameson again in a flash of static, tilting his head like a curious cat. “Why call out for her, Jackson? Do you honestly believe she still has any love in her heart for you??”

Jameson weeps, bending over with hardly any strength to lift himself up. When he doesn’t answer, Mag gets up and snaps, drawing Emily’s attention back to him. She slinks over, still very cat-like, and rubs up against him with a slight purr. Her eyes still look feline- showing no human quality. It sends chills down the doctor’s spine.

“If you really believe that Jameson,” Magnificent purrs, rubbing a finger down his pet’s face. “Try it. See if you can reach her- with your so called ‘power of love’.”

Emily tilts her head down to Jameson curiously and Jameson swallows, trying to find his voice.

“E-Emily…” He whispers, trying to drag himself forward despite the magic holding him in place. “Emily, love, please- you have to remember me… remember our family- your daughter Alice-! It has to be in there somewhere… please Emily!!” He all but shouts at her at the end, his voice choked with emotion.

But, the puppet just blinks at him. No spark, no light of recognition. Just an empty stare.

And the doctor’s heart shatters.

Magnificent watches his prisoner shrink in defeat, hiding his face as he sobs. He giggles then bends down in front of Jamie again, grabbing his chin and squishing his cheeks.

“Oh come now, Jameson~,” He chuckles darkly, his voice a cheap mockery of sympathy, “don’t feel too bad! Unlike some of my other cubs, she’s very well trained. And besides… doesn’t some part of you deep down want this? I mean- she left you. She left you all alone to care for a baby by yourself- while she frolicked and flirted and fucked with guys left and right. She never thought of you. So… don’t you think she deserves this?”

“W-what?! No you lunati-!”

Mag rolls his eyes and forces a thumb over Jamie’s mouth. “Yeah yeah- you’re a ‘good’ guy- so of course you don’t let yourself think that. But- you’ll see in time, my pet. I’m doing you the ultimate favor~” He gets back up and steers Emily back to her place, making her kneel on the platform while she looks up devotedly to her master. “We’ll just consider this- a gift from an old friend, hm?”

Jameson felt like he was dropping into a deep pit as he watched, struggling weakly against the magic. “w-wait no-! No please!!”

“Relax, Doc! She hasn’t had a human thought for a longgg time!!” The madman cackles, “She won’t feel a thing~!”

The dark magician started to chant in a strange tongue, purple and green runes appearing in the air around him. The room started to fill with the sound of static, and the pressure increased tenfold. Magic licked at Jameson’s skin, burning hot, leaving his trapped arms stinging. He watched in horror as strange light entered Emily’s eyes, eating up any last trace of humanity left in her. Magnificent waved his hands in the air, the runes gathering in his palms as he lifted them up- as if showing them to the full moon above. In a swift whisper- the candles around them blew out- leaving the space lit up only by the magic humming in the air.

Magnificent took one of his hands and shoved it into Emily’s chest- the other hand took the runes and placed them on her forehead. His own eyes filled to the brim with burning purple magic as he said one final word of power.

Then, Emily began to scream.

Jameson cried out and tried to move again but he couldn’t- it’s like the force of magic was keeping him frozen. The runes started to crawl across Emily’s skin like a disease- spreading like veins and eating up the color. From where Mag’s hand laid on her chest, whips of colors started to flow from her body into the magician’s hold. Like broken china- her skin started to crack behind the glowing runes, breaking into bits and leaving behind the impression of where she was kneeling. Except, it was a form filled with dark shadows and colored static. Her hair burned away- her clothes, as more of her broke away to the force stealing from her body. Magnificent cackled madly as his veins burned almost blindly purple with power- all of the life force that once made up Emily was now flowing into him.

It felt like an eternity- or maybe just a few seconds- but soon… There was nothing left of the assistant. Nothing human. Instead stood a human like mass of dark static, head bowed as what was once her hair flowed in an unseen wind. Magnificent pulled his hand away, shaking off the magic and wiping blood from his eyes. He grinned like a madman as he looked over the being.

“Rise! My new vestige.”

The shadow raised its head, showing pits of swirling purple and green that now replaced its eyes. A grin spread across its face as it rose around Magnificent and cackled. It’s voice echoed the one she had in life- but now also filled with static and corruption. A twisted mockery of what once was. She twisted around her master, her form changing to a panther, a small house cat then back to her new shadowed form. She stands by Magnificent once she’s done and curtises.

“Ready to serve the Magnificent, master!” She whispers in glee. Magnificent pets her cheek, and she purrs, changing back into a cat form to lay across his shoulders and enjoy his touch.

Jameson… can’t look away. But he’s numb- he can’t think, can’t breathe. Can’t feel…

He’s broken.

Magnificent purrs to the shadow, curling his finger under its chin. “You need a name worthy of your station now, pet. From now on, you’ll be Circe.”

Circe purrs with affection in her eyes, “Yes Master! What a perfect name! Thank you!”

Hearing this- something dawns on him. He looks up to Magnificent with panic, whispering, “A-Alt-“ The doctor had already seen what Mag had recently done to Alt. The madman made sure to parade him around so Jameson could see. He felt even more sick to his stomach, his heart thumping wildly in his chest as dread settled in like lead. “Y-You’re planning to do this to Alt.. aren’t you?!”

Magnificent hummed, an impressed spark in his eye. “Your intellect always seems to surprise me, Jackson!”

He continues to pet his vestige with a finger, “Yes- his destiny is to become a vestige like this. But greater… he should become my masterpiece~!” His eyes fill with a lustful hunger that sends shivers down JJ’s spine. “Even after all this time… his magic is such a mystery to me. I wish to harness it all for myself- uncover its mysteries to the fullest! The power he could hold… what we could uncover by removing his human limits! Why he might be the greatest of all my pets!” He studied the static cat on his shoulder with what seems like disapproval- that strange hunger lingering in his expression. Then, he shrugged.

“He’s still a bit untrained… prone to moments of human clarity. I can’t have that so… in time. I must wait for the next full moon as well. But soon, he’ll be mine~” Magnificent sings, laughing madly and leaving Jameson shivering.

But Despite his fear, Jameson calls out, a dangerous spark of anger in his eyes. “Y-You’re sick… I… I used to believe there wasn’t anyone that couldn’t be redeemed but you-! You’re a fucking monster! No one can save your rotting corrupted corpse!!”

A Blume of power cracks against Jameson’s face and sends him flying backwards, skidding on the ground painfully. He hardly gets a chance to blink or breathe before claws are gripping at his neck and hoisting him up. Pale blue eyes meet angry corrupted ones as Magnificent snarls in the good doctor’s face.

“That mouth of yours has insulted me for the last fucking time, Dr.Jackson.”

Jameson doesn’t even get a second to process his grief before he’s plunged into darkness- a new horrible round of torture beginning.

#ever wondered what happened to dr.J’s ex wife? #welp here’s your answer :3 #hufflewriting #swapboys #swap magnificent #dr. jj #Emily briar-Jackson #corruption #animal transformation #black magic transformation #implied character death #dr. J’s 9 months #readswapboys

[huffle-dork]

Curiosity Killed the Cat: Chapter 11

Breaking the Mold 

Chapter 10: [x] Read from the Beginning: [x]

In a sleepy haze, Jameson walks down the street, his eyes glassy and glowing green. Anti keeps his strings on his puppet tight- He didn't want him remembering the way here… could be dangerous. For him obviously- he didn’t care about Jameson. Not at all. 

Soon, the puppet finds himself in front of what looks like a fortune teller’s shop. He doesn’t hesitate before breaching through the doors, hardly shivering as the cold of the interior hits him. He walks briskly to the middle of the candlelit room and stands stiffly at attention, gaze still clouded.

 Then, slowly his eyes lose their glow and they widen. He gasps like a man waking from a dream then looks around frantically. Last he remembered, he was with the others leaving Phantom’s shop! He- he doesn’t recognize this place at all! 

…or… does he? 

A low feminine chuckle echoes around Jameson and he stiffens. 

“Well- Antisepticeye’s puppet returns… and yet- this time you are awake?” It says. 

Jameson shivers. He- he had been here before. When Anti used him… is that why he’s here again? Was Anti planning on using him? Was he going to hurt Marvin? A barely audible whimper escapes the gentleman’s mouth as he tries to back up.

Yet- he feels a spark of his bravery return. He straightens and stands tall before addressing the room, signing boldly. “My name is Jameson Jackson. I am my own- no one else’s.”  

He can feel his phone in his pocket vibrate and glitch slightly as if agitated by his words. He ignores it though. 

But- a glitchy whisper echoes in his ears. U̴s̵e̴ ̴t̶h̷a̴t̸ ̷b̵i̸g̴ ̵b̶r̸a̸i̸n̴ ̵o̵f̸ ̷y̸o̵u̴r̴s̵,̵ ̸O̸l̸d̵t̶i̴m̵e̸r̴.̴ ̵I̵ ̸b̴r̴o̷u̷g̷h̸t̴ ̴y̵o̷u̶ ̷h̴e̴r̴e̸ ̵f̷o̵r̸ ̸a̵ ̶r̴e̵a̵s̸o̵n̵.̷ ̴D̴o̶n̷’̵t̵ ̶w̵a̵s̴t̶e̶ ̵w̶h̵a̴t̵ ̶l̸i̸t̴t̷l̵e̶ ̷t̵i̷m̷e̵ ̷w̵e̷ ̵h̵a̶v̶e̸.̶ Suddenly, multiple pearl white glassy eyes open up on the mirrors’ surfaces that line every wall, and all their gazes seem to hone in on Jamie. The gentleman backs up again, trying to hide his shaking. 

“Does the puppet grow a spine? How… peculiar-” 

A wisp of white flows from one of the mirrors- taking the images of the eyes with it and suddenly goes to appear in front of Jameson. A ghostly figure of a woman with short ebony hair, a veil and a dress and shawl made of stars. She grins predatorily down at Jamie and moves into his face- close enough he should feel her breath. But- there’s nothing- except the presence of powerful magic. “I see… you are here to break from your part as well… just like your brother.” 

It feels like a shock has gone up his spine- Jameson's eyes widen. Then, he’s frantically signing back at the ghostly figure. “My brother? Marvin? Was Marvin here?” 

Then, his eyes darken and faintly spark with teal light. 

“You- are you the reason he’s acting the way he is? Who are you?” The ghost seems to blink then chuckles lightly behind her hand. “Ah- I forget sometimes how strong a master’s hold can be-” “He is not my master!” Jameson angrily signs as his magic also projects his words in front of the ghost on a slide. She’s quiet for a second before her head dips in apology, but the smirk on her face gives off an air of insincerity. 

“My apologies… I can answer your questions, Mr. Jackson. For one, my name is Celine.” She floats back and then gestures to the rest of the room- the candlelight glows brighter- then begins to flicker red and blue- then black and white and then back again. Tinting the room in an ever-changing eerie light. Her pearl-like eyes seem to glow as she regards Jameson again. “I am an avatar of black magic in this world. I slip through the cracks and whisper corruption to the souls that seek it. The power-hungry, the twisted, the trodden on, the curious- I bring them here to find what they seek.” She goes to walk up to a bigger mirror on the wall and touches light fingers to it. The surface ripples like water before an image starts to form. It looks like…. Marvin! The day they found him- “Your brother was such a soul. Beaten and curious- seeking answers to questions left unsaid. Anger burning in his heart-” 

“Y-You’re lying!” Jameson tries to say, “My brother is… Marvin isn’t anything like that! He’s not power-hungry or twisted!” Celine’s head seems to snap towards Jameson- how she’s understanding him without looking his way he wouldn’t understand. She doesn’t blink as she regards him. Then she looks back towards the mirror and touches it again, the image of Marvin starting to move. “You need to be convinced… listen well, child. See the truth-” In the mirror Marvin suddenly shouts out with anger, turning away from the large window in front of him. “Jackie replaced me  with that no good, immature, hardly magic wannabe?! With JAMIE?!”

Jameson winces and goes to hold his arm, rubbing it lightly. This… must be how he found out about his hero work. Oh.. no wonder he had been so angry. To find out so soon after being kidnapped? 

He continues to watch as Marvin’s magic backfires and purple flames destroy Jackie’s tv. Marvin looks at the magic in horror and tries to shake off the flame. He seems distraught by his magic- wondering if Anti had corrupted it. Jamie would give anything to reach in there to quell his brother’s fear… Then, Marvin starts to laugh unstably as he leans back against the window, fists trembling beside him. 

“This is all just one big joke…” He scoffs, “T-the universe just loves to mess with me. Loves to fuck with me.” He bares his teeth and grips his fist harder before he slams it against the window behind him. 

“Well I'm sick of it!” Marvin screams to no one, “I’m sick of being the one to fuck with, you hear me?! I refuse to be the plaything anymore!”

Tears rise up in his eyes and he shakes them away as he continues to shout at the sky, “Give me some goddamn answers! A fucking chance to fight back! I don’t want to pushed around anymore! Let me be the one with power for ONCE!” 

Jameson’s mouth falls open slightly, his eyes widening. He shakes his head minutely. He sympathized but… he had no idea Marvin felt that way! But… it’s not like his brothers gave him any chance to talk. They should have stayed by his side… Jamie should have stayed by his side- instead of trying to play hero! Celine looks back to Jameson with a soft smirk on her lips. “Now you know the truth, Jameson Jackson. Marvin’s thirst for answers were heard by the darkness- and brought him here.” Jameson felt tears in his eyes as he shakes his head. “He… He could have- he could have talked- we could have-” His fingers fumble over his words before he drops them in defeat. 

Celine chuckles darkly, “He sought to break out of his mold. No longer satisfied by playing his part- no longer wanting to wait for his chance to be strong. No longer wanting to be subjected to the will of others.” Once again, in a blink of an eye, she’s back up in Jameson’s face, the candles all tinting red. “Don’t you feel the same, Jameson Jackson? Aren’t you wanting to break from your role? To no longer be the puppet? Wanting to be a hero? To be in control?” Jameson can’t help but shake as he tries to move away- but Celine suddenly lashes out with strong hands- grabbing his collar and holding him close to her face. “Don’t deny it- your actions here speak enough! So, I’ll ask once again, little puppet… Are you here to seek power from the dark as well?” 

Jameson swallows thickly and looks away, blinking confused tears from his eyes. But- even though he’s scared and unsure- the answer seems so clear- bright and bold in his heart while the rest is clouded by darkness. He lifts Celine’s hand off his collar and then brushes himself off before addressing the spirit, his eyes set in determination, despite how his hands shake. “...I know I’m breaking from the role Jack wants me to play… But- I think he would be proud. I may not know him well… but he’s not Anti. He doesn’t control us in absolutes… he’s given us the freedom to think and choose for ourselves. And… so does his fans.

It’s… scary. To have that. Especially when my role is to be controlled. But… My brothers know better than anyone how to live and they’ve taught me so much. Jackie has taught me to be brave. Chase has taught me to have fun. Henrik has taught me to be kind and compassionate… and Marvin-” He looks to the image in the mirror- stuck on Marvin's moment of anger- his moment of being so lost and scared and feeling alone. Jameson’s eyes flare teal again as he looks back to Celine. “He taught me that I’m more than what I was made to be! That I can be whoever I want to be- dispute the powers working against us- despite what the world thinks of us! He’s taught me to love every flaw and mistake that was made when I was created- to create a new version of myself that’s of my own choosing! Sure he’s broken his mold- but only because he felt alone and scared! And… I never want him to feel like that again- and if.. If this darkness consumes him- I’ll never have the chance to let him know that! He’s not alone- he never has to be alone- because we’ll be here for him no matter what! Even if Jack abandons us- or Anti corrupts us- I want to stand by my brother’s side no matter what!” 

Thick passionate tears drip down his face as he pushes forward, closer to Celine in desperation. Teal magic whips around him like a strong wind, echoing his conviction. “I know you helped him embrace this darkness but- I must have been brought here for a reason! So, please… I know this darkness isn’t my brother! Sure he’s angry and scared- but if he was in his right mind I know he wouldn’t want to hurt us! So please… forget this light and darkness talk- I just… I want to save my brother! Please! Help me save him!” 

The magic bursts around him in a shower of teal stardust- falling like snow. He hardly seems to notice as he keeps eye contact with Celine. 

Celine watches the magic fall with a strange wide eyed expression. Then, she seems to jerk and gasps as if in pain. She goes to hold her middle and leans against the wall. She holds herself as her form seems to distort and jitter- as if it’s attempting to break apart. Jameson startles back then tries to reach out a hand towards her, “Miss Celine?” Celine’s eyes snap back up to meet Jamie’s. Then, she grabs his hand before jerking it to go and touch one of the mirrors on the wall. But- not just any mirror… the big wooden framed mirror in the center. The one with the giant crack. Jameson is too shocked to resist and soon, his fingers splay across the cracked surface and- When he next blinks open his eyes, he’s somewhere new. Half the space seems to be a log cabin with a stone fireplace- but the flame has long since been snuffed out. In fact- the floor- there’s water gently lapping at Jameson’s thighs. He lifts up his feet in confusion. It’s freezing- he can see his breath puff out of his mouth. In front of him is a large pane of cracked glass- so large he can’t see where it ends. If he squints- it looks just like the crack that was on that mirror. But- it seems like where this water came from- it broke through most of the surface. Leaving a large gap where water leaks. Celine sits against the cracked glass but… she’s dressed differently. She looks like a survivalist- wearing mountain gear with her hair pulled back into a tight ponytail. Yet- her body is covered with frost- and she sits surrounded by the water that’s trickling through the cracks. She looked like she was asleep before her red-tinted eyes opened up and regarded Jameson. 

Jameson tries to step forward, “Miss Celine?” “I was just like your brother once… in another life,” Celine’s voice echoes off the icy surfaces. She sounds tired. “I let my… curiosity and hunt for power cloud my judgment. I let my anger drive me forward. My confidence in my power, in the arcane and the occult…it blinded me. I wanted to hurt those who hurt me and my family so bad…I didn’t care if I sold my soul to the dark.” She closes her eyes and takes a deep shaky breath. “My baby brother… Damien… I wanted to protect him. Everything I did… the secrets I kept- the power I sought. It was all to keep him safe… I never wanted anything to hurt him.” A single tear tries to fall down her face before freezing in its path. “Perhaps that’s why Marvin too went in alone… I could tell how much he loves his family. How much he wanted to protect you all from the glitch. Perhaps that’s why I was drawn to him as well… or well… my darkness was.” 

She chuckles tiredly, meeting Jameson’s fearful eyes.

 “My curiosity… it killed us. Me and my brother. The darkness won us over and claimed us as its own. Our souls are mashed together… stuck in a being fueled by my darkness and his rage. In a broken body that wasn’t even our own. And what remained…” She gestures to herself. “Is trapped in this mirror. In this dimension where only reflections of our souls remain…” 

She slumps more against the glass, sighing and watching her breath cloud in front of her face. “For the longest time… I kept him in the dark. Wanting to preserve his mind… his kindness. If I was careful… I could keep him from becoming what he wanted him to be.” 

“Let me help you!” A bearded man’s face shows up on the glass’s surface, shouting as his voice echoes even more thinly then Celine's, like an echo of a memory. Celine smiles, “He was always so stubborn…” Celine gets to her feet with some effort, using the broken glass behind her to help her up. She walks up to Jameson with a gentle and kind smile. Nothing like the ghostly figure of her outside. 

“Much like you. You… remind me so much of my brother, Jameson Jackson. Loyal to a fault… wanting to help others- despite the cost.” His voice, Damien’s voice, echoes again, “ If you let me help you… then maybe together… we can start to set things right.”

“It takes a lot of courage… to break the role our stories write for us.” She begins, taking Jamie’s hand in her own. Her hand is freezing cold- yet… there’s a tiny hint of warmth. “That courage… it’s rare to find. Marvin is so lucky… to have a brother like you by his side.” Jameson’s hiccups slightly, more tears gathering in his eyes. He shakily produces a slide to Celine, “Please- can you help me save him?” She sighs and looks away, back at the past reflecting in the glass. “... you must try to reach him beyond his corruption. Appeal back to his core- what he wants to fight for. Dig through his rage and confusion.” She holds Jameson’s hand tighter and cups it with her other. “What happened to me… to us… was because I was too stubborn and I was too far gone to save completely. By the time Damien helped… we had already fallen too far into darkness. And… his help could only do so much. I needed to change… but it was too late. I was corrupted far before I saw my brother that night.” “How do I know he’s not there yet? What if we’re too late?” Jameson pleads.

Celine smiles, “It’s not too late. Even now… I can still feel his light. If he was truly gone… I would know.”

“Then how? What do we need to do?” Jameson’s slide projects once again. “You must convince him to relinquish his darkness- to let go of his black magic. Remind him of how powerful his light can be. And- you must have him seal his corruption here- in the mirror dimension.” She lets go of Jameson’s hands and in them, a block of ice starts to grow from where they’re cupped to form the shape of an ornate handheld mirror. Jameson blinks at the surface, confused on why he could barely see his own reflection. 

“The mirror dimension is an inverse of your world. Where black magic is strong yet… contained. Through the cracks, it can slip through and corrupt- which is what it does with my own image outside.” She sighs, “I have barely any power left to control it. It controls my husk to draw more to its side. Like it will drive Marvin to do as well.” Jameson shivers. That’s what Phantom warned them about. Celine leans in and holds the back of Jameson’s hands to draw his attention again. She smiles. “However, Jameson Jackson. You have the courage and light to fight back his doubts. You and your brothers. Remind him that he is not alone and the darkness is not his friend. Remind him of what he wants to protect. Of who he truly is. Only then will he start to separate from it enough for him to trap it away where it cannot control him. But, he must do it himself… or he will never be truly free.” She reaches over and touches light fingers to the surface of the mirror, then speaks in a foreign tongue. Red runes seem to etch themselves on the surface before disappearing. “...when he is ready- the spell will come to him.” She looks to meet the gentleman’s eyes again, then goes to cup his cheek like an older sister would. She gently thumbs away his tears. “... Marvin will not share our fate, Jameson. Not with you and your brothers there to guide him. Thank you… for fighting so hard for him. And reminding me once again of… how strong the light can be.” She giggles a bit wetly, tears in her eyes. “You and Damien… would have gotten along so well…” Jameson's eyes fill with tears again but now he pushes forward to wrap Celine up in a tight hug. His slides are almost too hard to read but Celine can just barely make out, “Thank you! Thank you so much, Miss Celine! Thank you…” Celine laughs and hugs him back briefly before letting go. She steps back with a shaky smile. “Good luck, Jameson.” Then, there’s the sound of breaking glass and cracking ice- When Jameson opens his eyes again, he’s back in Celine’s parlor. He’s lying on his back, and hovering over him is Anti’s glitching form. It may be his imagination… but it seems like the glitch relaxes slightly before he’s angrily shouting back down at him. “About goddamn time! I don’t know what that witch did but- I can’t believe she knocked out both me and my goddamn puppet! Get up, you useless sack of shit!” Jameson blinks then smiles slightly. He pushes himself up, seemingly unbothered by Anti’s abuse. “Whatcha so smiley about?! The fuck happened-” Jameson holds up a hand then feels under his vest- and soon produces the light blue mirror for Anti to see. The glitch’s eyes widened slightly. “...son of a bitch- did she actually- that will stop Marvin?” Jameson nods determinedly, eyes shining with hope. Anti glitches more wildly and starts to try to push Jameson towards the door. “Whatcha standin’ there for then?! Let’s go stop that bastard before we all-!” Jameson pauses as he suddenly feels a vibration in his pocket. He pulls out his cellular phone and looks at the surface curiously. Chase’s face is up on the screen with a green button to swipe. Oh- Jameson still wasn’t very good with these things- how does he answer again? “For Christ’s sake-” Anti rolls his eyes then unlocks the call. “Jays!” Chase’s voice is frantic on the facetime call, looking panicked. He seems to relax ever so slightly once he sees Jamie is okay. “...t-thank god- Anti didn’t hurt you… W-Where are you?” Anti pushes into the frame and grumbles out at Chase, “Yeah yeah- I wasn’t gonna hurt him- he… ran an errand for me.” “That would explain why no calls were going through…” Chase sighs back. Jamie taps at the phone’s surface and tries to wave the mirror to Chase. He quickly tries to finger sign, “Got help! To save Marvin!” Chase’s eyes light up and he laughs in a relieved yet nervous way. “Oh- y-your timing couldn’t be better jays… We need you here quick then-” Jameson raises an eyebrow and tilts his head. Chase’s face turns pale as he pans the camera back to where it seems Jackie and Schneep are leaning up next to Jackie’s desktop. On it is a Youtube video pulled up- a livestream. 

It’s on Jack’s channel… and a familiar figure is on the screen. But- not who you expect. It’s Marvin but… he looks- normal. All the corruption from before seems to be gone? He smiles in a seemingly innocent way. Chase looks back into the call. “... I dunno what’s gonna happen but- you both should get back here quick.” Anti and Jameson exchange glances- then Anti grabs Jameson and glitches them back through the phone.

#readcktc #cktc #curiosity killed the cat #jse fanfic #jameson jackson #marvin the magnificent #antisepticeye #celine the seer #damien the mayor #explaining my bullshit #i think i did a good job of tying in my random celine idea into actually helping the story ahbjg #that's what i was so nervous about when writing this chapter |D #but! im stoked to keep going! #maybe i'll finally finish this! #hufflewriting

[huffle-dork]

Number nine with scenarios? 👀

9. We used to be friends, what happened to us? Why do we always have to fight?

(Sorry this took so long y’all brain/body has been so weird to me lately! Requests are still open!)

Henrik wasn’t really a fighter. He tried not to be. He knew stage fighting- he knew how to put on a convincing fight. But, he didn’t like hurting people if he didn’t need to.

Especially friends.

And yet- here he was… facing off with Alt. Or… he said to call him Impulse.

He didn’t really get into Bro’s business. He wasn’t a hero. He knew this… he was a deaf actor. He was a liability to have around. He wasn’t good at parkour and fighting like Jackie. He couldn’t heal the mind from Magnificent’s tricks like Dr.J. And he certainly didn’t have powers like Bro and Alt… and yet- he couldn’t sit idly by.

Bro asked them to stay away… for their own safety. Jackie had refused. Saying if he ever needed backup he’d be there. Dr. J and Henrik knew they couldn’t do much but they’d be there for their friends too. Chase smiled and thanked them… but assured them he’d be alright.

Why do heroes always lie?

Why do friends lie?

Why does… everyone lie…?

He never expected to be here. standing in front of passed out Bro Fantastic, fists shaking as he held them up towards his opponent.

They had been doing a late night scene at an old museum downtown… it was supposed to be quick. Easy. Until a certain villain decided to steal artifacts from their vaults- drawing a hero to try to stop him.

It was an intense scene… the main character Schneep was playing was studying the museum’s cases- putting together clues to solve his own mystery. He was supposed to have a slow realization then frantically turn away- as if ready to sprint into action.

Well- if he could hear… he would have gotten the perfect shot as Bro Fantastic cracked through the wall behind him, startling the camera men and crew enough to cause Henrik to see the hero fall like a star into the glass cases below.

Glass shot everywhere as the hero skidded across the room. He weakly tried to push himself up, only to slump over, injures catching up to him.

The crew and Henrik’s coworkers started to flee and run in a panic. The teal haired actor stood frozen- watching his friend succumb to his injuries with horror. Then… out of the corner of his eye… he sees that robotic cat mask rise above the ruined rubble of the wall. Impulse stands atop it, surveying the chaos below. His eyes look onto the prone form of Bro and he starts to glitch his way over.

Henrik jolts to stop him, hands out and standing protectively in front of his friend.

Impulse stops just a foot shy of Henrik. He cocks his head slightly and… Henrik can’t tell if he’s talking or not. He can’t read his lips. Impulse seems to realize this and slumps before lifting up his mask, enough that only Henrik can see his face.

The shock of seeing his face again is enough to send pangs of sorrow throughout Henrik’s body. Alt glares at him and slowly mutters, “I said… step aside Schneep. I told you not to get involved.”

The actor bravely lifted up his chin in defiance. “No. I will not allow you to harm him further!”

Alt’s eyes flash green as he growls and bares his canines. “This has nothing to do with you! Get lost before I make you!”

To this… the actor lifted up his fists and prepared a fighting stance- staring Alt down hard.

Alt sighed and shook his head. “Really Schneep?”

Tears prick in Henrik’s eyes as he warbles out, “Alt… I-I still do not understand. Why are you doing this? We are… were your friends, were we not? I do not understand why you wish to hurt us so!”

Alt grits his teeth then roars in anger and glitches- sending Henrik crashing into the wall with Alt’s hand around his throat. The glitch leans in and snarls. “Yeah- you don’t understand. And you won’t, ever, got it?”

He lets go and Henrik coughs and slides down the wall, holding his neck. Alt mutters something and Henrik just barely is able to read his lips as he turns away.

“…not if I can help it.”

He looks down at the two of them then snorts, tossing out the jewels he stole and studying them in the light. He seems satisfied before he turns to Henrik and narrows his eyes.

“Consider yourself lucky this is all Mag wants tonight. Get in my way again and… I won’t be so merciful.”

He slips back on his mask then glitches away into the night.

Help soon comes and assists Bro and a few come to check on Henrik, who has just sat back against the wall, rubbing his throat with a far off look on his eyes.

The most pressing question in his head is just… why?

Why did Alt lie?

Why do… friends lie and lie and lie…?

#swapboys #hufflewriting #taunting enemies prompts #requests #writing requests #alt anti #silent film schneep #henny schneeplestein #bro fantastic #whump #angst #readswapboys

[huffle-dork]

Do you take requests? If you do can I get a swap Henrik (Silent actor Henrik) sickfic? Thank you!

Hey guys just to let y’all know! I am getting your requests! Tumblr is not eating them Whoo!

Unfortunately it is the holidays and I am a working adult 😭 but!! My job is pretty laid back so I might try to take some time to get some requests done soon!

I’ve really been wanting to plan a better writing schedule cuz I do wanna finish stories and move others forward! So I’m planning to go through all my old requests and these new ones! Just stick around!!

but it’s so nice to see them again so feel free to keep them coming! Just- don’t expect them right away my writing motivation is as slippery as a snake I swear- and please don’t send repeats because I am getting them! 🥰 /nm /gen

This has been a huffle writing PSA and update! Love all of you so much!! 💚💚💚

#Huffle talks #hufflewriting #requests #I might not sound it but I am so excited to have requests! #I just- I try to make grand stories and connect stuff when I should make requests simpler 😭

[huffle-dork]

Curiosity Killed the Cat: Chapter 10

What Swallows the Light 

Chapter 9: [x] Read from the beginning: [x]

(AN: IM SO SORRY THIS TOOK SO LONG I HATE THAT WRITING IS SO HARD FOR ME RN AHHH I LOVE Y’ALL THANKS FOR STICKING WITH THIS- THE END IS NEAR!! LIkE MAYBE 3-4 MORE CHAPTERS!! EEEEE!!) 

The boys regrouped at Chase’s studio- exhausted and spent but determined to look for Marvin using any means necessary. Well… most of them.

Jackie was desperate- desperate to do anything but resort to Jameson’s suggestion… he was not ready to face Phantom again.

His limbs still ached from the abuse he suffered at the hand of the mad conman. But, he wasn’t scared. Superheroes don’t get scared.

Chase groaned loudly and flopped his weight onto the back of the couch. “Jackie, c’monnn! We’re getting nowhere with all this!” He gestures to the collection of trackers and electronic devices Jackie’s collected- all beeping or malfunctioning. “Marvin knows you too well man! He’s probably using some freaky magic shit to block himself!”

Jackie grumbled and refused to acknowledge Chase, stubbornly tapping on the tablet he was trying to program. When it refuses to work, he suddenly yells in frustration and throws the thing hard against the wall. It cracks through the surface- the screen shattered and sparking. The hero then grips his hair and suppresses an even louder yell.

Schneep and Jameson exchange worried looks with each other. The doctor tries to speak up,” Jackie-”

“Shut up! I know!” The hero hisses through clenched teeth. “I know this isn’t working! But there has to be something! Something we’re missing.. Something that doesn’t involve-!” He seems to choke slightly, swallowing thickly.

A static laced laugh breaks the tense silence as Anti- who’s splayed across one of the couches like a lazy cat- finally speaks. “Woowww Spandex- it’s so rare to see you so scared shitless-”

Jackie turns to shout at the glitch, his eyes burning with blue power. “Shut the fuck up, you lazy bitch! I ain’t scared-”

“Righttt and the refusal to just- go do the easy thing and see the guy who might actually have the answers to whiskers’ problem is…? What? A super secret strategy of yours? Stubbornness? Stupidity? You are good at that last one-”

Chase has to grab Jackie and hold him back as the hero almost throws himself at the glitch to strangle him. Anti laughs madly, the air around him fizzling with glitches and static.

“Someone’s gotta length your fuse big guy! Hate to see what’ll happen when you finally explode~” Anti’s eyes darken to pits. “Then again… maybe it’ll be fun to watch~!”

“Anti for the love of god- stop antagonizing him!” Jameson huffs in exasperation, making sure his speech slide appears in right in front of Anti’s face so he can’t ignore it. Anti simply laughs and pushes it away- but luckily he doesn’t push the hero anymore.

The others look to Jackie with sympathetic faces. The hero shoves Chase off him with his elbow before looking away, clearly conflicted.

Schneep coughs then carefully walks up to Jackie, using his quiet bedside manner voice, “Jackie… we all know you are… hesitant. About seeing Phantom again. But we also cannot waste our time… we do not know what Marvin could be doing to Jack right of now.” Jackie cringes slightly at this, anxiously starting to pick at the skin beneath his gloves. Schneep looks to his brother with kind and worried eyes. He steps closer and gently places a hand on his then whispers to him low. “It is okay to be scared, you know.” The doctor’s eyes shift to the lounging glitch and Jackie can see the spark of fear in his eyes. “We all understand… but- you cannot let your fears keep you from moving forward, yes?” He squeezes the older brother’s hand tighter, “We all need to work together to stop this… you will not face this alone. And we do not think lesser of you for it.”

Jackie is quiet for a beat- but slowly he nods. He meets Schneep’s eyes and smiles softly. “Thanks Hen…”

Then he sighs and squares his chest before addressing the rest of the room.

“Alright… time to go pay Phantom a visit.” 

The door to the tackily clad Phantom’s emporium opened effortlessly with a little bell. The egos all walk in-and are greeted with a dark and abandoned shop. 

“It’s awful dark in here…” Jameson comments, his speech slide adding a small burst of light. 

Chase squints and whistles under his breath, “Yeah- jesus… you’d think the guy could afford more lights in this creepy-as-fuck shop-”

He then shouts and suddenly falls to the floor.

There’s the sound of glitchy laughter from Jameson’s phone while Schneep digs out his and turns on the flashlight.

“Mein gott Chase- are you okay?”

There’s a groan as Chase pushes himself up and rubs at his head,” Y-Yeah- Yeah I’m okay- I  just stepped on something-”

Suddenly there’s the sound of muffled yelling that has all the boys turning to look at the floor. “N-No way…” Jackie gasps as he goes to inspect the object, then he brings it up for the other boys to see. It’s one of phantom’s crystal orbs- only it’s occupied by the con artist himself and his brother, Mare. Mare is kneeling, one hand knocking against the glass while the other cradles a pale and spent looking Phantom.

Schneep’s eyes widen, “wh- how… how did this happen?” He whispers in disbelief. Jameson is covering up his mouth. Chase is massaging his calf before he looks up and yells, “Woah!” 

Mare inside the orb scowls and knocks against the glass again. There’s a large crack on its side- like it might have been smashed against a corner of something. “Would you stop gawking and help us?!”

Jackie’s face falls slightly. Even if these guys were villains… this wasn’t right. So he nods and goes to try to smash the orb on the ground.

But quickly, Schneep yelps and goes to stop Jackie. “Wait!”

Jackie blinks in confusion and Schneep breathes before whispering to his brother, “Let’s… let's think this through, Jackieboy- if we free them now… we might not get the information we need.”

The doctor raises an eyebrow at Jackie and it slowly dawns on the hero. Jackie hisses back low to Henrik, “You want us to use their imprisonment to get info on Marvin?” His eyes glow slightly, “That’s not right, Schneep!”

Schneep pushes back against Jackie and whispers back, “If we do not- they will just poof away and will not get the info we need to save Marvin! Do you want to help him or not?!”

Jackie’s mouth opens and closes before he scowls and looks away. Schneep tries to hide a triumphant smirk. He then takes the orb from Jackie’s palm and holds it out before announcing, “We will release you… but only if you swear to tell us everything you know about what is happening to Marvin. If you do not and try to escape… we will treat you as the criminals you are and take the actions necessary to put you both back in jail.” Mare rolled his eyes, “Yeah yeah, stiff- whatever! Just get us out of here! My brother is fucking dying!”

Jackie and Schneep make eye contact before the doctor gives the okay. Jackie readies to smash the orb on the floor-But Jamie quickly stops him. He then signs, “Perhaps I can offer some assistance?”

The hero looks confused but he offers the ball to Jameson regardless. The gentleman smiles in appreciation then holds both his hands over the glass. He closes his eyes and focuses- teal light travels up the glass and coats the orb. Then, a flash of teal light rockets across to the empty space in the room and from the light forms Mare and Phantom in the same position they were in inside the orb.

Chase whistles, “Nice work J! ...now we won’t have to step on broken glass!”

Mare takes in a deep breath and looks over his extremely pale brother, who is breathing heavily and can barely keep open his dull eyes. He then shoots up to his feet and tries to make it to the back rooms of the shop.

Jackie beats him though and holds out his arms to stop him, his eyes flaring blue. “Where do you think you’re going?”

The dark ego bares his teeth ferally and pushes into Jackie’s face. “Out of my fucking way. Hero! You might not care but we were in there for a week! And those orbs absorb magic- it’s been sucking my brother dry for days! So- if you’ll excuse me I’m gonna get him something to make sure he’s alive for your fucking interrogation- is that okay with you?!”

The red hooded hero stands speechless and just steps aside, letting his arms fall as he nods. Mare doesn’t waste a second to rush past him.

There’s the sound of rustling and glass bottles hitting the floor before NateMare rushes back out and skids on his knees to be back by Phantom’s side. He cradles the other figment’s head and gently lowers a bright red glowing potion to his lips. The second the liquid meets his lips, Phantom’s eyes shoot open and glow red as he gasps. His back arches and he almost seems like he’s in pain but Mare just holds on tighter and dumps the rest of the potion into his mouth.

“I know…” He whispers, “Just- hold on, okay Phan? This will help, I promise…”

The other egos watch with bated breath.

Eventually the last drop falls into Phantom’s mouth and Mare takes the bottle away. Phantom pants like a man dehydrated finally offered a drink. His eyes burn red and for a second it seems like nothing happened. Then, the red blooms on his skin- in his veins, and travels across his body. The demon shudders and grits his teeth but as the magic flows, his pallor returning to normal. Finally, he sags in Mare’s grip and starts to breathe at a more regular pace. He weakly smiles up to his brother. They don’t exchange words, just simple nods but… it seems like Phantom was trying to say thank you. Phantom then turns and seems to remember they have company. He sighs and groans as he pushes himself up. He’s a bit unsteady but soon he’s standing tall again. He opens up his palm and from the ground, his staff comes rushing out and into his grip. He spins it then slams it to the ground to lean on. He eyes the company of Septic egos as he pushes back his hair.

“Forgive my… haggard appearance. Your brother… managed to do quite a number on me.”

“So, you know what happened to him? He was here?” Jackie asks eagerly. Phantom raises a hand to silence him.

“I will answer all your questions… but only if you let Mare go to rest. He does not have any answers for you and... He hasn’t been able to eat or drink since we were imprisoned… I did what I could but.. I survive on magic. He does not.”

The egos look at each other before nodding in understanding. Phantom nods to his brother, “Go. I’ll check up on you later.”

Mare seems hesitant to leave- but after a stern look from his brother he purses his lips but retreats to the back rooms regardless.

Jackie quickly pipes back up as soon as the curtains close behind him, “So- Marvin? He was here?”

Phantom nods, “Yes, he was here. He was the one who trapped us.” He then looks to Jackie and raises an eyebrow, “Said the act was… what you would call Justice.” He then shrugs and sighs, going to fall against one of the armchairs in the room. “Which I guess is fair-”

The hero’s gaze hardens as he hisses, “He doesn’t speak for me. I wouldn’t have done something like that.”

The red demon raises his head in slight surprise, then he smirks, “Oh~ I sense a bit of in-fighting?”

The air in the room gets tense as all the egos shuffle and cough. “Uh.. you could definitely say that-” Chase mutters.

Phantom hums and goes to lean forward in his chair, tapping his fingers against his orb. “...I already had my suspicions… and since you all are here for answers… why don’t you fill me in on what mischief my darling little apprentice has gotten himself into?”

“Don’t call him that-” A speech slide darts in front of Phantom’s vision followed by a serious looking Jameson. He frowns and pops up another slide once he’s gotten Phantom’s attention, “He is not yours. Not anymore.”

The demon blinks then chuckles and shakes his head, “I suppose you’re right, Jackson.”

Suddenly, the air turns electric as a groan of annoyance sounds from Jameson’s phone. Glitches fly out of his pocket and soon Anti’s fizzly form splays across one of the couches as he throws out his limbs in exasperation. “Jesus christ yall can blabber! Can we get on with this already?! Or need I remind you kitten whiskers literally has all our lives on the line?!”

Phantom jumps and somewhat curls up in his chair, trying to hide the fear in his eyes. “...w...what is he doing here?”

Anti blinks then grins wolfishly at Phantom, “Well hello to you too pretty boy- still not over our last encounter I see?” He laughs madly.

Jackie sighs then points to Anti with his thumb, “He’s the start of this whole thing. Plus… Marvin is targeting him.”

This peaks the con-man’s interest. He knits his eyebrows together and gathers his composure, leaning all his weight on his staff and linking his fingers. “...Enlighten me.”

The Septic egos then take their time to explain everything: Anti’s kidnapping of Marvin. The state of Jack. Marvin’s memory loss- his behavior after being rescued. How all that changed suddenly. His manipulation of Jameson. The book- the nighttime encounter in Jackie’s apartment. Jackie and Marvin’s fight. The criminals he killed. The veins and purple magic and eyes- the smoke that seemed to coat everything black. The hospital… how Marvin took Jack. Phantom listens intently. After they’re done he sighs and brushes back in his hair, looking towards the bookshelf behind him. “..it’s as I feared.”

He looks over the boys then stands up to address them, “... this time I am not the source of Marvin’s problem. In fact… I fear the problem may have sprouted from inside him.”

“What?” Henrik asks, “What does that mean?”

“Yeah- this… this doesn’t seem like Marvin’s magic at all! He.. he’s good! That’s how Jack made him- so how could this come from him?” Jackie shouts, looking angry.

Phantom holds up a hand to silence them. “I’m not saying this just happened randomly… but you must know this. Magic deals in absolutes.”

He then holds his hand over his orb and starts to dance his fingers in the air over it. White light comes from the orb and starts to dance in the air.

“In our world- Light magic is the prominent force. All magic stems from it. Because typically, magic is used to help or heal. Like… superpowers. They are a form of light magic. When magic first began… it was only used for good. However, humanity is selfish. And with selfishness comes the other side of magic… dark magic… black magic. Black magic is an invader- it was not made to exist here. But- through selfish desires and evil intentions it entered into our world. And… black magic is not like the light. It is constantly hungry- because it knows it does not belong here. It seeks to devour all sources of light and life. Even it’s users… it either devours them whole- or uses them to draw more people into darkness.”

Anti rolls his eyes, “Alright Merlin, thanks for the magic lesson. What’s all this bullshit gotta do with this?”

Phantom huffs and grips his staff, “I’m getting to that. But since you so kindly interrupted me, I’ll be blunt with you.” He points his staff at Anti. “You, glitch, are the catalyst for Marvin’s transformation.”

The glitch sputters, his form buzzing with static as he sits up, “What the fuck?! How is this my fault- I didn’t do anything to whisker’s magic! I’m not even magic myself!”

Phantom laughs and shakes his head, “All figments are filled with some form of magic. Or we wouldn’t exist.

But that’s besides the point for now. Remind me again, Anti, what is it you had Marvin do while in your capture?”

All the egos turn cold eyes on Anti. The glitch almost looks guilty as he crosses his arms and looks away from his audience. “I… forced him to put Jack to sleep.” Then he shakes his head and throws out his hands, “But that’s it! I didn’t touch him- I didn’t possess him or corrupt him or anything!”

Phantom nods and floats fingers through the white light still floating in the air. “Perhaps you didn’t… but you provided the spark.”

He opens his arms to the light, “Pretend if you will- this is Marvin’s core. His center of magic- his soul. Jackie mentioned earlier- your creator made Marvin to be good. So- that’s what his core is. A source of light magic.”

He then snaps and a pure black flame ignites on his fingertip. “Now- if I add a spark of black magic…” He lowers the black flame into the white light.

The light almost instantly begins to be eaten by the black. The black spears through the light like a hungry predator until all that’s left floating in the air in a bubble of black, sparking with purple power.

The septics watch with horror.

“...that’s... what's happening to Marvin?” Chase asks in a small voice.

“...it is a slower process but yes.” Phantom nods. He leans back into his chair and snaps the magic out of the air.

“Since Marvin’s core is good, any type of spell that goes against his nature could possibly change his entire magical alignment. What most likely happened is… whatever spell he used on Jack was enough to spark a dark magic takeover.”

“...But- Marvin has used darker magic before.” Jameson points out, “**Like when he’s been possessed by Antisepticeye- or… his last encounter with you. How come that didn’t trigger his magic to change?” **

Phantom hums with a smile, “A good question, Jackson. While under possession, Marvin’s magic is not entirely his own. When under my control- I fueled him with my own magic. It’s like… dye in water. It can leave the water stained sure- but eventually it will return to what it was because of the constant flow. Magic is fueled by the soul- so as long as Marvin is alive, his magic refuels itself. So even if it was changed momentarily by an outside source- it should go back to what his core was.”

“...the community-” Anti suddenly mumbles. Everyone looks to him with curiosity.

“...yes, Anti?” Phantom raises an eyebrow.

The glitch scowls then turns to face the other demon. “Jack’s community. Does that count as an outside source? Because I swear that Magician’s purpose has been flip-flopping around so much because they can’t make up their goddamn minds on what side he should be on. All this magic bullshit- does it really matter when Jack and the community has so much pull on our characters?”

The air is silent while the room takes in this information. Phantom smiles and leans back. “Hm- I can’t say for certain… though me and Mare are influenced by our community as well- each figments story is different. Me and Mare were made to be evil so… there’s not much we can do to change that.”

He then points his staff at some of the septics, partially Jameson and Schneep. “However- that is why I’ve found you septics so… fascinating. Even if Jack made you one way… the fandom can change you. Like how our beloved Doctor was once considered to be on the Glitch’s side… or how Mr. Jackson seemed to be free of corruption because of the fandom’s love… until it was revealed he was a puppet all along.”

Schneep nervously rubs his neck and looks away, shuddering at the memories from that time. “...that… I..I do remember… being changed by them. Forced to be someone else… until Jack set the record straight.”

Jamie is silent, playing with his hands and looking at the ground. His wrists hidden under his sleeves- his strings out of sight. Phantom smiles to himself, “That’s why I’ve always been so fascinated by my Magnificent… he’s so easily swayed. His alignment is so back and forth. He could be anything. He could become anyone.” 

“Okay so- why isn’t this they’re fault, magic man?” Anti suddenly sneers, “Why isn’t this debacle their fault?! They almost have as much power as Jack does! Why aren’t they responsible?”

Phantom scratches his chin and taps his specter thoughtfully, “...I don’t think we can rule out their influence entirely. But… Marvin hasn’t been the star of the show for a quite a long time, yes? So… a change this sudden could only be explained by new lore from Jack. and… since he’s asleep.” The demon looks pointedly at Anti and raises an eyebrow. Anti grumbles and folds his arms again, sinking into the couch.

Jackie sighs and sits down, holding out his hands, “Okay so- let’s recap… because Anti made Marvin put Jack to sleep- that magic he used started to change his core. It went from light magic to black magic because black magic is a greedy bastard- so it’s changing Marvin… which is why he… he did all the things he did… right?”

The red clad demon nods, “Correct. Since the magic is an invader… one could say it’s possessing your brother. But- it won’t take much for it to grab control and change him permanently. He was already starting… what he was doing to those thugs is classic black magic. Feeding off life forces helps to fuel the black magic even faster. There’s nothing more selfish or evil than taking a life. ...Marvin’s actions might not entirely be his own- this all could be the black magic working to take over Marvin’s core faster. Especially since he did not choose to use that magic that sparked this in the first place… It’s manipulating him.”

Jackie seems to light up slightly. He smiles to himself and whispers, “...i..I knew it- I knew this couldn’t be Marvin… not really.”

“So what can we do to stop this? To save him?” Chase brings up. “We gotta stop him before this thing eats him- or Jack!”

Phantom is quiet for a second before sighing, “...that.. I do not know.”

“What?!” Jackie exclaims as he jumps to his feet, eyes burning. “You- You know all of this but you don’t know how to save him?! What the fuck?!”

The demon just raises an eyebrow, “Hero. I collect souls to survive. My core thrives off dark magic. I may know how it works… but I don’t know how to stop the process.” He then sighs and looks around. “I can give you advice though… that book. He stole it from me. It is a source of black magic itself- and it reacts to the user. It will do anything in its power to keep Marvin reliant on its spells. It will only hasten his corruption so… try to keep it away from him. Seal it away… it can’t be destroyed except by the purest of light magic.

Also- beware him collecting a large group of people. The magic inside him is going to be looking for the largest amount of souls it can corrupt. And… if he succeeds…. It will be too late. Your brother will be consumed. And they’ll be no going back.”

The air grows heavy at this news and the others exchange worried glances. The con-man watches before rising to his feet. “I’ve given you all the information I can… I would use it quickly if you want to save Marvin. Every second wasted is him getting closer to being consumed.”

The others look at each other then nod. “Alright… thank you Phantom.”

“As promised… we will not bother you and Natemare.” Schneep adds, adjusting his coat as he gets to his feet. He gestures to the others and starts to head for the door. Anti watches from the couch, seeming to be deep in thought.

Before Jackie can join the others however, Phantom lightly grabs his wrist to stop him. The hero looks back with confusion. The dark magician looks… almost bashful. He opens and closes his mouth several times before whispering out in sincerity, “... I know there is a lot at stake but… please Jackieboy… save my Magnificent.”

Jackie balks at this- then slowly his eyes start to burn with anger. He throws Phantom’s hand off him and grabs the figment by his vest and throws him against one of the pillars making up the walls.

“Are you fucking serious?! Your magnificent?! He isn’t your property asshole! After all of this- after all he’s been through you still think you get to stand here and be selfish?! To think about how you’re going to use him next?! If you so much as breathe near him again I swear to god i’ll-!”

Phantom just sits there and takes it- looking Jackie in the face. Jackie pants and growls, pushing Phantom more up against the wall when words fail him. The demon winces then opens one eye to look at Jackie.

“Are you done? Can i say my piece now?”

Jackie bares his teeth, ‘What could you possibly have to say to that? Gonna manipulate me with your fucking smoke to make me think you were in the right all this time? That you were helping him? That you ever cared for him at all as an apprentice?!”

“I DID CARE!” Phantom suddenly shouts, pushing back in Jackie’s face and blasting out enough magic to get Jackie to let go. Jackie stumbles back and narrows his eyes at Phantom as the demon dusts himself off and straightens his vest.

“...or… I do care. ...I think-” He sighs and lowers his gaze to the hero. “...I’m not like you and your family, Jackie. I wasn’t made to be good. I was made to manipulate and to steal. To trick. So… of course that was my purpose when I first took your brother in all those years ago…

However, despite my nature… i believe I developed a… soft spot for him. I… didn’t know how to interpret those feelings. I thought it was a need to fully control him- to make him mine. But… even that wasn’t enough. I couldn’t understand.”

He then sighs and picks his specter off the ground, going to twist it thoughtfully between his fingers. “But… all that time spent in that orb… enduring the same thing I made him endure… I was able to think. ...to maybe realize it was more than that need of control. That… maybe- the very small part of me that’s human… maybe that part actually cared for him. ...like how I care for Mare.”

Jackie’s hard expression softens slightly, looking to Phantom in confusion. The demon doesn’t meet his eyes as he chuckles bitterly.

“...I fought it for a while but… he was different than my other cons. He was… the first one just like me. A fellow figment just...looking for a place in the world. Of course… my purpose had to be fulfilled… a creation can’t deny its reason for existing. But… for a while… I couldn’t. Not to him. Maybe that’s why it took me so many years to finally hunt him down…”

He shakes his head then ventures to his bookshelf, going to open a small ornate chest. He digs inside then pulls out a white object and holds it in his hands while turned away from Jackie, rubbing his fingers against the surface.

“You know… there’s one thing I know about light magic… why you heroes and goody-two-shoes always best us in the end.” He laughs and turns to Jackie, handing the item to him.

It’s a blank white cat mask.

Jackie’s eyes widen as he takes it and then he looks to Phantom, who’s smiling bitterly.

“...it’s your ability to be positive. To believe in each other. To have things and memories that… keep the darkness away. ...perhaps that can help you.”

The demon looks to the ceiling almost wistfully, “I know… anything involved with me is tainted now. And… Marvin will never want anything to do with me again. I’m.. okay with that. But… maybe that mask… can remind him of when magic was good to him. When his love for magic was pure and child-like… perhaps it can save him from the dark.”

Jackie is speechless once again. He looks down at the mask and rubs his thumb against the edge. He can imagine Marvin when he first met him- when he first took off his distrustful shell and started to open up. How happy and mischievous and carefree he was. Did he actually feel that way with Phantom once?

“...you really do care about him..” Jackie pipes up quietly. Phantom smiles and shrugs.

“...I can’t say for sure. But… i do hope you save him. Really…” He sighs and looks back to Jackie seriously, “If he survives… I will leave him be. I will not hunt him down again… I will consider all his debts paid.”

Jackie’s eyebrows raise in surprise. Then, he laughs slightly and puts the mask in his backpack. He straightens the straps and turns to go- but not before giving one last look to Phantom.

“Hey- maybe there’s a little light in you after all Phantom.”

Phantom snorts, “Don’t get mushy on me, hero. You’ll make me more sick than I already am.”

Jackie laughs and shrugs, “Fair enough. Well… thanks.”

“Just get out of here, Jackieboy- don’t waste what little time you have with pleasantries.” Phantom grumbles, going to head towards the back room. “And… good luck.”

The hero nods and grins before hurrying out of the store and back into daylight.

However, he’s quickly met with a panicking Schneep and Chase who are on him in a second.

“Jackie! Oh god- oh shit this is bad!” Chase whimpers.

“What? What happened? What’s wrong??”

Schneep meets Jackie’s eyes, his own filled with fear.

“...Anti has disappeared. And he took Jameson with him.”

“...son of a bitch-?!”

#curiosity killed the cat #readcktc #cktc #hufflewriting #explaining my bullshit #phantom nate #natemare #Jameson Jackson #jackieboy man #henrik von schneeplestein #chase brody #antisepticeye #marvin the magnificent #even tho he's not in this chapter oops gjbhak #we'll get back to him sooon~ #corruption #black magic #lore/world building #mentions of the jse community #FINALLY I HATE THAT IT TAKES ME A YEAR TO WRITE THESE I NEVER MEAN FOR IT TO BE THAT LONG IM JUST BAD AT MAKING MYSELF WRITE AHHHHHHH