using you // dandy's world

ruby/ziggy

(Sam and Kalamari)

Chapter 3

Ziggy

Floor 3

              I've never been big on Dandy's little supply runs. I've never been big on Dandy either, (except for his fucking adorable dog-) but that's pretty much a given among all the mains. For me, supply runs are more of a fun, somewhat risky adventure, where I could hang out with my friends and hopefully go to sleep feeling accomplished.

                I'm on the elevator, standing next to Ruby, waiting for the next floor. Ruby was fidgeting with her shirt, her head making little clicking sounds. Ruby and I have been friends forever, probably because Dandy recruited us at the same time, and he... tested with us at the same time.

                 I feel a flash of hot anger every time I think about it. It's unfair that Dandy is allowed to corrupt anyone he wants, and gets away with it every time. Astro has it the worst. Ruby and I don't talk to Dandy anymore, though. I tell myself to calm down. Dandy was very clear that if any of the main characters told the toons what happened, there would be consequences. I don't tell anyone anything, build my life and personality out of lies, just so I don't let something slip.

                 I take a deep breath, trying to clear my head. The floor is about to open, and everyone else in the elevator is as relaxed as one can be before a possible suicide mission. Bonnie and Shrimp are arguing again. It's not really "arguing" per se, more like "loving banter." I've always been good at telling if two people are right for each other, and I have to say, Bonnie and Shrimpo wouldn't make a bad couple. Not that I would ever say that to either of them, not unless I want to get my jaw broken.

                   There is also Goob, Vee, Glisten, (whom I tried to say hi too, but got a "I don't want fur on my face, deer.") and... Scraps. I don't know how I feel about Scraps. It's confusing. I'm like water, the way I can avoid any topic and change conversation with a stupid joke seamlessly. However, Scraps pins me down, and counters all my stupid things with aggravatingly true statements. I love her for that.

                      The creaking sound of the elevator door opening brings me back to reality. Goob says something to Bonnie before racing off to distract. I don't exactly remember who invented the idea of "distracting" the twisteds, but it was a good idea. My ability made it so I am a good distractor, but Goob was really bored today, and wanted to distract. I love distracting. It makes me feel useful, and lowers the probability of toons dying.

Don't think about it. You might get stuck again.

                   Ruby speeds off, probably definitely finding a machine. I decide to follow her, as I have nothing better to do. Ruby and I stand in comfortable silence for a second, the only sound being made is the trickling of the ichor, when Bonnie walks up to us.

"Oh, hello Bonnie!" Ruby says, not taking her eyes off the machine.

                  "Heyy," I say, looking at the younger toon. "I heard about you and Goob saving Shrimpo or something. How did that go?" Shrimpo was... something. He probably wouldn't take being rescued very well. I don't blame him though. Pride is a precious thing, but too much of it is dangerous. I know first-hand. Goddamnit, don't let yourself fall, don't let yourself-

Ruby

                     I begin to walk towards another machine, my footsteps echoing through the empty halls of Gardenview. I see a crimson red light flashing in the distance, catching my eye. Finally. I run over, not even caring about my stamina. I begin to get to work on it. Ziggy watches me, listening to the trickling of the ichor. Normally I would feel awkward with this kind of silence, but it's kind of nice. Suddenly, I hear footsteps behind me. I get ready to abandon ship and run for my life, but it's just Bonnie. No reason to get so worked up, I suppose. Goob has it under control, and I still have all my hearts. I smile kindly at Bonnie, trying to comfort her if she's in need of comfort

"Oh, hello Bonnie!" I say to her, not quite looking at her or paying attention.

                     "Heyyy," Ziggy pipes up, squinting her eyes a little. "I heard about you and Goob saving Shrimpo or something. How did that go?

                     "Ehh," Bonnie replies, "he was running away from a twisted so I scared it off and Goob pulled him away." Ziggy raises her eyebrows a little. It's a small detail, but I can tell they're impressed. I am too, to be honest. I would mention it if I wasn't so focused on this machine. Not like I really need the focus. A baby could do this. IN IT'S SLEEP.

                       "Could you tell Goob to stop hogging the twisteds? Not much for another distractor to do now." Ziggy adds. I shoot her a bit of a look. She could stand to be a little less rude to people now and then. But Bonnie doesn't seem to notice. She simply shrugs, gives them a "sure" and walks off, a bit of pep in her step. Wish I could be like that.

                         I hear the cries of Glisten. Ugh, him. Egotistical. I used to feel bad for him, but at this point it's just kind of annoying. I would keep an eye on him, but Vee seemed to have elected Shrimpo for the job. Whatever. I'll stay in my lane and do more machines, I suppose.

                          Panic mode begins the second I complete my machine. That was...too easy. Especially with what happened on the last floor. Ziggy's ability makes her really fast, so she was well ahead of me, almost at the elevator. Shrimpo runs up next to me, a twisted chasing after him sorrowfully (does make me feel a little bad for them). He managed to get off without any injuries. Now that I mention it though, I might not have minded if he didn't.

"WHERE'S THAT TREE HUGGER??! ISN'T HE SUPPOSED TO DISTRACT THESE GUYS??!!"

                            "Don't blame him!" I scold, knowing very well it goes in one ear and comes out the other. It's not like I ever expect anything else from him. Suddenly, I hear a gut-wrenching scream. It sounds like Ziggy, so I run faster, despite my aching legs. One of my life rules is to stay positive, but my happy expression disintegrates into one of horror as I watch the terrifying scene going on in front of me. The entire world seems to go quiet as I see what Bonnie has in her arms. It's Goob, but with the state he's in you might not be able to tell. A colossal bite mark was in the middle of his face, ichor oozing all over it. The stench of it was almost unbearable. His once joyful eyes had become a void, completely devoid of any spark.

                                The whole world seemed to go silent for me. I watch Ziggy's jaw unhinge. I see them drop to her knees, pulling out a medkit. Maybe they think if they try hard enough, then she can bring him back. I open my mouth, feeling like I might scream as well, but no noise comes out. All I hear is this excruciating ringing noise. It seems to get louder, and louder, and louder. I cover my mouth so that I don't throw up. I don't. But none of that seems to matter anymore. I stare at Bonnie now. She has this strange expression, one that I've never seen on her face before. It seems empty, almost like Goob's but the only thing I can discern is different from the two is that Bonnie wants it to be on her face. Stray ichor has covered her dress and her face.

                                 He can't be dead. This can't be real. He's supposed to live. That's how it's supposed to be. Why is this happening? I don't understand. I can't understand. Why are they screaming? What are we going to do??

Shrimpo: three hearts

Bonnie: three hearts

Goob: dead

Ziggy: two hearts

Ruby: two hearts

Vee: two hearts

Glisten: three hearts