Hidden In Plain Sight

II-Insanity

     Thomas and his Sides were standing in the living room, trying to work through another problem.

     However, while the Sides usually know exactly what the problem is, this time they're clueless. Roman looked around at everyone. "Um, Thomas? Why have you called a meeting? There doesn't seem to be any problem. At least, not one that comes to mind. You don't have any auditions, you're not dealing with a drifting apart of friendship... Your life is basically perfect right now."

     "I called a meeting because I'm curious," Thomas replied. "I talked to Deceit the other day, and some things he said have been bothering me."

     "Why would you talk to Deceit?!" Virgil asked. He had panicked. What if Deceit had told Thomas about him..?

     "Because I needed information about the Dark Sides," He responded. "And, well... He told me there are two more, and I'm curious as to who the other two could possibly be. And another thing... That would mean there are three Dark Sides and four Light Sides. Which I find pretty strange..."

     "Well kiddo, I guess that's just how it is!" Patton said. He smiled a bit.

     "Yeah, I guess so. Any of you know who the other Sides are?"

     "No," Logan replied simply. "We haven't met any others. The Mind Palace is pretty restricted. We have our own areas, and Dark Sides aren't allowed in the Light Side area and vice versa. And there are only a few areas that both groups can hang out in. One is a theater, which is pretty much the only way we know Deceit."

     "I don't know any others either!" Patton said.

     "I definitely don't know..." Roman looked at Virgil. Thomas thought nothing of it, seeing as ever since Roman and Virgil started dating two weeks ago, they had been staring at each other an awful lot.

     "Virgil? You've been awfully quiet" Thomas said.

     "...No. I don't have a clue who the other Dark Sides are," He said firmly.

     "Okay... Man, I had hoped this would be helpful! I just hate not knowing about parts of myself. I'd do anything just to know!"

     "What if you tried to summon one?" Patton blurted out.

     "...Patton, that's genius!" Thomas grinned and pointed at him.

     "Thomas! Patton! Do you realize how ridiculous that would be?" Logan demanded, eyes wide. "You're suggesting summoning a Dark Side! One of the worse parts of Thomas's mind! Besides, how would he even summon one without knowledge of who they are?"

     "Oh, excuse me Calculator Watch, but I think it's a splendid idea!" Roman declared. "He could find out more about himself!"

     "Roman!" He pushed up his glasses, starting to glare. "It's idiotic!"

     "Let the man learn about himself!"

     "Do you forget what the Dark Sides are like!?" He groaned. "I get it, you're only supporting the suggestion because I am against it!"

     "No! That's not why! I think he deserves to know!"

     "Things are just the way they always are! You're trying to spite me!"

     "I thought we were over that!"

     "I did too!"

     They were in a full blown argument by now, arguing about the best course of action. Patton frowned deeply. "Stop yelling, guys!" Patton shouted.

     "You're yelling too now!" Logan replied.

     "I have to to even be heard! You guys, quit it!" He crossed his arms.

     "No! We need to settle this argument! He's crossed the line even suggesting that summoning a Dark Side is a good idea!"

     "Well excuse me!" Patton glared. "It's not my fault everyone took to my suggestion! I was just saying the first thing that came to mind! Maybe if Roman hadn't been so quick to accept it, we wouldn't be yelling! Or maybe it's you taking the offense!"

     And with that, they were all yelling. Thomas and Virgil hung back, confused and surprised. What was happening to the others..? This wasn't like them!

     "I can't take this!" Virgil said. "Things are getting way too insane for me!" He stopped. "...Insane..." He repeated, eyes widening. "Oh, great! Just great! This is the best thing to ever happen! Get out here, you idiot!"

     Thomas was about to ask what Virgil was talking about before someone suddenly showed up. Another side. He had glasses, a white frilly shirt, green shorts and suspenders, knee high socks, and rainbow light up sneakers. He laughed a Mad Hatterish laugh.

     "Well, this has been quite entertaining!" He exclaimed. He looked around at everyone. The other three Sides had stopped fighting.

     "Who are you?" Logan demanded.

     "Insanity! Rival to Logic and the embodiment of intrusive thoughts." Insanity grinned like a madman. Which he was.

     "Would you just leave us alone?" Virgil asked.

     "Why? Not enjoying my company, Virg? Aw, you used to be so much more fun!" He pouted. "Do you want something? Maybe hot chocolate!" He waved his hand, and a mug of hot chocolate appeared in Virgil's hand.

     Virgil glared down at the drink. "I don't want anything you're giving, you moldy bag of marshmallows."

     "That actually hurt me..." Insanity muttered.

     "Good!" Virgil yelled. "Leave us alone! We don't want you around!"

     "...oh... I thought you actually enjoyed my company..." He whispered. He then disappeared.

     "Hold on, what was that about?" Thomas asked, eyes wide. "You said you didn't know about any other Dark Sides!"

     "Yeah. Well, I didn't want to talk about him yet. He's... Hard to even begin to explain." Virgil sighed. "I do know him well, though."

     Thomas tilted his head in intrigue. "How do you know him so well? Is there more you can say about him?"

     "I'm tired. I'm not talking about this right now, okay? Goodnight." He disappeared as well, leaving a very confused Thomas.

     "I will get the truth from him. No matter what I have to do."

~~~

     "Viiiiiiirgil~!"

     Virgil opened his eyes and looked over at the doorway. He had just been asleep, and the voice had woken him up. "Who is it?"

     "It's your old buddy Anatol!" It was Insanity.

     He groaned. "You're not allowed in here. I- I don't want to talk to you guys anymore. I have a place with Logan, Roman, and Patton now."

     "Oh, I know! I just wanted to know what it's like for you here? Derril and I have missed you so much! We wanna know what we're missing."

     "It's much better here. Roman loves me, Patton is like a dad, Logan's like a brother... I feel like I actually belong. I'm not the villain anymore."

     "...That may be true, but..." Anatol frowned. "Derril and I have been put in that spot. We've been cast for a role we never auditioned for. None of us were supposed to be the villains..."

     "I get it, Ana. But... I've moved on. I suggest you do the same."

     "Alright... Just- please think about what I said..." He closed the door softly, leaving Virgil to go back to bed.