Copy, Paste, Cut

Chapter 8: Too Far

"ANTI! YOU LYING SON OF A BITCH!!!" 

Chase's screaming rang from the halls.

Marvin stared Anti down, just as much in horror as him and the sudden realization.

"Anti . . . . Infect . .  he . . . did he?"

Anti's face suddenly turned steel. The red streaks of dried tears in his eyes stained there but his soul behind them hardened. Breathing out, Anti snarled and quickly wiped his face and sniffled so there was no trace of his pain.

"I'm gonna fucking kill the bastard"

Marvin was surprised by his sudden change in mood but gripped his shoulder, "Anti, now think first. You don't stand a chance against Infect and you TOLD us as much. Remember? I know that look in your eyes just as I see it in any of the others when they're pushed enough, especially Jackie. . . . . . You can't do this alone."

Marvin shoved one of Jackie's shirts in his chest, "Change. . . . then we'll talk to Chase CALMLY. . .and take down this clone. Okay?"

Anti didn't like this plan, "That's stupid. We'd be wasting time"

"You'd lose if you went after him now and you know it. I feel your longing to save the kids . . . as mind-blowing as that is- but it's fine! Great, even!. . . . but we also need a plan. Or else Infect will kill you AND our niece and nephew"

Anti scoffed and looked away but he knew Marvin was right, "Fine . . .  you'll keep Chase from shooting me?"

"I mean, I'll try- I mean yes. Yes, of course"

Anti gave him a look before the magician bolted out of the bathroom.

Chase was just on the other end of the hall with the others behind him but he saw Marvin quickly bolt out of the bathroom.

The father stormed closer, "He's in there, isn't he!? I'm gonna blow his fucking brains out!"

"Chase, now calm down-"

Chase pulled out one of his guns and aimed it at the door, "On the count of three, motherfucker! Tell me where they are!! One-"

"Chase, stop it!" Jackie stood in front of the gun, "This isn't helping and you're wrong! Just lower your gun and let him talk!"

Chase didn't lower the gun and he took the safety off, "TWO!"

"For fucks sake" Henrik pushed up his glasses, "Chase, there are more pressing matters at hand. We've all been through a lot already today! Now stop acting out and just listening with a sound mind!"

"THREE-" Chase shoved Jackie out of the way and was about to shoot the door.

But Anti suddenly glitched in front of him with the gun on his chest. It surprised Chase so he didn't pull the trigger but his gaze dug into him, "You got some nerve"

"Sam's dead" 

" . . . . what?"

Anti looked away, ashamed, "Sam's dead. Infect killed him. . . . I was a mess and I came here. And after he killed Sam and wiped his corpse off on me . . . he did say he wanted to make you all hurt and he was going to bring the kids into it. . . . I  . . . I wasn't myself and I forgot. . ..  I wasted time with my own selfish and stupid emotions. We need to find them NOW"

"Anti" Jackie sighed, "Your emotions are NOT stupid . . . should you have told us? Yeah. But you were in pain, too, man"

Anti refused to acknowledge him but Chase's shoulders dropped, just staring at him.