We meet again

-15-

(completely ignores the mall dude, lol. Don't expect him to come up again)

(Ima edit later)
(2-10-22
Time to edit!)

I smiled as my techs finished the newest set pieces we were building, one's for the play Wizard of Oz our production was doing. I glance over at Manny who was currently being taught about shop safety, making me happy to see him actually smiling for once. So far we've had quite a few serious discussions about what happened, how we feel, and what we should do. Since I don't want the kid to be alone at home he now comes with me to work, which he doesn't mind since he doesn't want to be away from me. I immediately frowned when I heard someone chuckle near me, glancing to see a Fox woman watching me.

"Sorry, I found it cute that you were happy at seeing your son happy."She said, making me smile.

"It's okay. He's not my son though."I said, her nodded as she came closer.

"Is he your little brother then?"She asked, making me shrug.

"He is..... He was my partner's foster kid. I'm taking care of him now."I said, her looking away.

"Sorry about your partner."She said, making me smile as I shook my head.

"It's okay."I said as I lightly gasped at being hugged, Manny grinning up at me.

"This place is fun!"He said, making me grin as I hugged him back.

"I know, right? Now, I need you to sit in the audience so we can run act 1 real quick."I said, him nodding as he headed offstage past the apron. I ignore the Fox's stare as I chuckled before yelling out 'places', everyone setting up and running the show before heading home.

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I chuckled as Manny slurped loudly, opening the door before my eyes narrowed. Immediately I set my smoothie on the counter as I reached for my knife, it now having a holster on my hip for it.

"Val, what are you-" Tony questioned before jumping back, avoiding my swinging knife.

"Get the fuck away from him!"I growled, swinging again. Manny ran and hid behind the kitchen's Island, watching us.

"Val, please calm down-"

"Why should I?! You knew they were going to disappear! You knew those teachers were coming. You knew what they were going to do to us!"I yelled, staying in the kitchen as he backed up into the dining room.
"You and that damn virus put me to bed when Harry disappeared. You knew he was leaving and you..... You didn't stop him....."I lowly said, tearing up. I refuse to cry cause of them.
"Give me one reason why I shouldn't be killing you and the other two shits."I demanded, glaring at him. He gulped, staring at the knife.

"...... We can help you. I'm done sitting by and letting him hurt you two. I'm sorry for letting things go this far but I refuse to sit back and see him take you too."He said, making me hesitate.

"..... Let them stay."I heard, making me look at Manny.
"I believe him."He said, making me frown before sighing. I put away my knife and slowly walk up to him, the clock shaking as I hovered over him.

"If you or the others touch me or Manny, I will tear you apart till no one can tell you what you originally were."I softly said, looking down at him. What a perfect day to wear my small pupil contacts. Tony nodded furiously, making me turn as he rushed into the other room.

"You hungry Manny?"I asked, the child hesitating before nodding. I smiled as I ruffled his hair, crossing my arms.

"How about pizza with a side of salad."I offered, him nodding. I immediately dialed the pizza company, quietly making the order as the three teachers talked about what to do. If their planning on something, I'll stop them.

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I watch Manny finish his third pizza slice, declining any attempts at making me eat.

"Come on Val, you need to eat."He said, making me smile.

"I had salad, bud. I'm fine."I said, him still frowning. I sighed and ate a pizza slice, satisfying him before he headed upstairs. I tried to keep the chewed slice in my mouth before I couldn't anymore, spitting the last bite out into the trash.

"..... Are you okay?"Colin asked, making me frown.

"..... No."I bluntly answered, glancing to him. I turned and put away the pizza, grazing my hand across the gash on the fridge.
"My boyfriend is gone, Robin is dead, the kid is more traumatized, and I am mentally dying in a decaying host....."I said, turning and started washing the dishes.
"I have half a mind to kill you all...  Be lucky Manny still has a heart."I finished, drying my hands.

"..... Harry kissed your head goodbye before he was forced to leave."Colin said, making me freeze.
"He was trying his best to call you but the new teachers knew how to stop him from reaching you fully."He added as I slowly looked at him.
"I'm sorry this had to happen. I find no enjoyment in bringing you pain..... If we don't follow our orders the next teachers will, whether it's to torment you or kill you."He said, my small pupils digging into him.

"..... Who gives you your orders?"I asked, watching his screen light up before a conflicted face showed.

"He's a man. He never told us his name bit he is our creator."He said, my chest feeling tight. I turn fully, looking at him.

".... Why aren't you and the others following your orders. Why stop now."I asked, him staring at me.

"You. Your the reason." he answered, puzzling me before I steeled myself.

"What do you mean."I asked, him smiling slightly which scared me.

"After meeting you we wanted to spend more time with you. I'm not sure if Sketchbook feels the same but me and Tony enjoy talking to you. We regretted helping our creator but that stops now. We'll help you, no matter what."He said, still smiling before leaving the room. I gulped, my hand relaxing to allow it to shake. I understand that was suppose to make me feel better but honestly, I'm just scared and even more wary. I slowly make my way to the next two rooms, glancing at the three teachers before going upstairs. I check on Manny to see him knocked out in Harry's room, making me smile. I had moved most of my stuff in Harry's due to grief and still holding on that maybe, just maybe, he'll come back. I set up my tablet to start drawing when I heard a knock on my door, immediately standing to see Tony.

"Val-"

"Out."I interrupted, glancing to Manny as I rushed outside the room. I closed the door and stood in front of it, staring down at Tony.
"What is it."I bluntly asked, the clock frowning as he cleared his voice.

"We want to discuss what we think will happen next and who'll..... Disappear."He said, my eyes wide.

"..... Thank you."I smiled, nodding to him. He smiled back and led me downstairs, the teachers slowly informing me of all the horrors that may happen to me and this poor precious boy.

(Edited 2-10-22)