Tempus Fugit {Who Killed Markiplier}

~Madness Within~

Time crept along and soon enough there were only two weeks to Christmas. The library closed as the employees could take time to go visit their families. Once more I had plenty of time to myself since I had no living relatives to visit out of state. Unsurprisingly Damien and Celine were my most frequent visitors. Abe came around every once in a while for a drink and a little chit-chat as well. But one cold Tuesday morning, an unexpected visitor showed up on my doorstep. It was quite early; I hadn't even gotten out of bed yet. When the knock came I irritably rolled out of the covers and clomped down the stairs. I swung open the door, prepared to tell my lover it was far too early for him to be over, but instead I was greeted with the chipper face of the Colonel. I rubbed my eyes and sighed, but managed to smile. "Good morning Colonel." I murmured from my chapped lips.

"Morning Iris!" he boomed, "Hope I didn't wake you. Mind if I come in?" Without waiting for my response, he stepped inside. I shut the door behind him, exasperatedly shaking my head. "No, I'm just drowsy." I lied as I joined him in the living room. He sat down heavily on the old couch with a sigh.

My sleepy disoriented mind faintly told me to ask what the hell he was doing at my house so early, but instead I decided to ask; "How's Celine?" He shrugged. "She's alright. How's Damien?"

I found it rather odd that he didn't go on and on about my wonderful sister as he usually would, but I decided against asking. "He's pretty busy, as I would expect around this time of year. I sadly don't get to see him very often."

"Bully. I know how that feels."

I chuckled. "Has my sister found herself a job yet?"

The eccentric shook his head. "I don't thinking working for someone would suit her anyhow. She's too free spirited. Besides, she's too used to being her own boss.

I nodded, rubbing my eyes again. "I agree."

~*~*~

We chatted for quite a while and thankfully his boisterous energy began to rub off on me, as it didn't take long for me to fully awaken. But as my senses began rushing to me, I at last noticed how odd his behavior really was. He wasn't nearly as flamboyant as he normally would be. "Colonel are you alright?" I asked quizzically. He straightened his posture and faintly smiled under his bushy black mustache. "I'm fine, of course! Why do you ask?" he asked, promptly putting forth more energy into his voice. "You look down, and your voice is softer and much less boyserous than normal." I observed. He chuckled lowly. "I must say, you are an excellent judge of character Iris." he paused and let out a sigh, "Which, I suppose, is why I can't keep anything from you. I came here because Celine and I got in a fight. I couldn't be alone because when such things happen, my thoughts aren't exactly kind to me. You're one of my dearest friends and I can always depend on you to give me a good laugh, so I came to see you."

My demeanor saddened. "Oh Colonel I'm so sorry. It's humbling that you feel you can come to me to lift your spirits. But might I ask what transpired?"

"I erm.. I said some things about Mark. Celine didn't like it."

"She defended that bastard?"

"That's what I was saying! But, yes; and though I don't like it, I understand why. She was in love with him. They were married for some three years. I still try to remember that we've been friends for a lifetime, yet now that he's become the person that he has.. Bully. I shouldn't speak ill  of him again. I know he's a good man. I did grow up with him after all."

I chewed hard on my bottom lip as Mark's harsh words rippled through my mind once again;  "Maybe I want to kill her poor excuse of a lover too." I was quiet, unsure of what to do. I knew I shouldn't be withholding this information from him, but at the same time I didn't want to cause any trouble.

The Colonel leaned in close, tilting his head ever so slightly so he could meet my lowered gaze. "Iris?" he asked worriedly. I blinked rapidly, snapping out of my little daze. "Colonel," I started, "there's something I need to tell you."

~*~*~

As I retold the events of the terrible night that Mark, I couldn't look the Colonel in the eyes. I couldn't bear to see the expression of anger and pain I knew was there.

I finished repeated my former friend's horrid words, I watched the Colonel's hands ball into tight fists, his knuckles rapidly turning white. My eyes traveled up to his reddening face, his snarl like anything I had ever seen. "I'll kill him." he growled, "I'll kill that son of a bitch if he comes within a mile of me. I-"

He stood abruptly, pulling his gun from his belt. To my horror he strode heavily towards the door. "Colonel!" I called, jumping to my feet. He didn't answer; instead he proceeded to swing open the door. "Colonel!!" I yelled, running after him.

Already out on the sidewalk, he turned, a terrifying fury in his narrowed eyes. "I'm going to kill him Iris." he seethed, "I'm going up to that damned house and shoot him between the eyes. He's no match for me. I'm a better shot than he could ever hope to be."

I rushed down the steps. "Colonel for God's sake just be civil!" I hissed. "How the fuck do you expect me to be civil when he's threatening to kill both me and Celine?!" he roared, waving around his infernal pistol. Desperate and scared, I grabbed for it, attempting to rip it out of his hand, but he resisted. Then, as if in slow motion, the gun fired. The deafening bang painfully rang in my ears. I screamed as the Colonel jumped back, the gun at last falling to the ground. My entire body was shaking and my ears were obnoxiously ringing. I looked down and my heart felt as though it had ceased beating. There was a bullet hole in the pavement- not two inches from my foot.

The Colonel at last looked at me, his face paled and his mouth agape. "Holy shit.. Iris.. I didn't.. I don't know what came over me." he whispered. I tried to speak, swallowing thickly. But my head began to spin, and I stumbled backwards, landing hard on the steps behind me. "Iris!" My friend rushed to me, grabbing my arms to gently pull me to my feet. He whisked my skating form inside the house and the two of us sat on the couch. "Bully Iris, I'm so sorry. Are you hurt?" he stuttered. I swallowed again and shook my head. "Just.. shocked... I guess." I muttered. He placed his hand on the back of my head and pulled me against his chest. "I'm so sorry.. I'm so sorry.

~*~*~

I soon calmed down from my bout of shock. I wasn't angry at the Colonel, as it was an accident, but I never knew the extent of the madness inside my dear friend. I knew he had a wilder side to him, but this... I decided I needed to brush it off for the time being. We had to stick together. Things could not go any more arye than they already were.

"Colonel, you know we can't tell my sister about any of this right?" I said. He looked at me quizzically. "Why? She needs to know, does she not?"

I sighed. "She.. She won't take it well. Damien already knows about it, so I trust the two of you can keep her safe."

"I'd think Damien would be protecting you. In fact, I expect him to."

"I'm not worried about my safety as much as I am for the rest of you. I want all of you to be protected before me. Besides, you boys underestimate me. I can handle myself just fine."

The Colonel let out a laugh. "I wouldn't doubt that for a second. But if you ever do need assistance-"

"I'll be just fine Colonel." I interrupted with a smile. He nodded. "I'd best be on my way. It's high time I made up with Celine." he said. I chuckled. "Be patient with her. She'll probably snap at you a few times."

"I'll keep that in mind. We'll talk soon, alright?"

He smiled as he started walking towards the door. "Colonel!"

"Hm?"

I paused. "Please be safe."

He gave me a sad smile.

"You too Iris. You too.

a/n: hey guys!! as of right now, i am in boston and will be attending pax east tomorrow!! gahhh i'm so excited to meet everyone! but i'm super exhausted aha

-🦋