Permanent Blood, Temporary Smoke

Eleven

It took Xana a couple of days to revert back to her normal self again. Offenderman had been ripped a new one after what he did when Slender caught wind of his little stunt. The house was on high alert in case X's condition got worse. Even Sally was ready to tell Marionette about his sister.

It was just a normal day in the mansion until it was mission time. Xana stayed behind to look after any little kids while Marionette set out. He was told to find a person that was roaming around in the woods near an abandoned toy store. X had mentioned that the toy store was just outside of town that they lived near back when they stayed in the old cabin.

"Why can't I find it?" He groaned, kicking at the ground, stirring up dust.

That's when he heard a commotion coming from just in front of him. He raised his foot and hit the ground, opening a portal up. He jumps in and pops out where he heard the noise. There were several boys circling a girl no older than X like a pack of wolves.

'That's the one I was sent to find! I have to help her.' Marionette thought to himself.

He appeared behind the girl and told her to cover her ears. She looked confused at first but did as he told her.

"Aww, little girl got a hero? Fuck off, bastard!" One of the males said.

Marionette was still, a scream building up inside him like bubbling mud. Then, he opened his mouth and released a howl that was so loud, it made anyone go deaf. The boys tried to cover their ears but it was already too late. They fell to the ground in crumpled, bloody heaps. The girl unclamped her ears and looked at the boy, only to find him near the trees. He looked tired, sad and angry all at once.

"Let's go before you're found." He growled out, terrifying her.

"Why would I go with someone who has a scream like that?" She said.

"Look, I'm not in the mood. Let's go now!" He said, turning around and grabbing the girl by the wrist and pulled.

She tried struggling free but gave up. They stayed silent until they arrived at a large, gorgeous house that sat in the middle of a clearing. Marionette let go of the girl's wrist, walking towards the front door. He stopped, turned around and told the girl in red to come on. That's when she saw him wiping blood from his mouth with a grimace.