BatIM AU: Henry's Path (OLD - rewrite in progress/consideration)

Act 2, Scene 11: Descent Into Hell

Sammy Lawrence

"No."

"Please?"

"No!"

Henry and Sammy were arguing on whether Norman could come with them or not. Henry seemed very reluctant to be with the predatory projectionist.

"So," Linda said to Norman, who watched them from the corner of the elevator, "how's life for ya?"

"We can't hold another person in our group. When we get Wally back, another will just slow us down." Henry made a frustrated sigh and gave Norman a very angry look. Norman hissed at him in return.

"If we get him back," Sammy said to himself. Henry raised his eyebrow. "We could use Norman. Nothing gets past him; not with that mammoth of a light."

Norman whined.

"No offense," Sammy added quickly to avoid being cuffed on the head.

"Sure. You only want him for personal needs," Henry huffed.

"Shut up. You know that's not the only reason."

"Ha! See? You admit it!" Henry poked a finger to Sammy's chest. "You really do like him."

In the corner of his eye, Sammy saw Norman shake his head. Linda whispered something to him, then he straightened up and stood proud.

"So? It's no secret." Linda went to pull Henry aside and speak to him, their angry voices dropped to a low whisper.

Sammy didn't notice Norman come up behind him. He nearly screamed when he felt his hand on his shoulder. Jerking around, he let out his breath in relief. Too jumpy. Some first impression.

Norman tilted his head in confusion, probably wondering why Sammy was on edge.

You have no idea.

"I wish you could talk," Sammy admitted. "I really do."

For some reason, Norman made a loud screech. Everyone jumped and stepped back. Norman gripped his chest in pain and howled again.

"Told you!" Henry shouted over Norman. "I knew he was going to be a problem!"

Sammy made no reply. He was terrified, and not for his safety, but for Norman's. He was doubled over in pain, shaking the lift with his spasms. Sammy refrained from covering his ears to muffle the Projectionist's screams in attempt to show that he wasn't worried, but couldn't help but take a few steps towards his friend. He wanted to ask what was wrong, but he only opened and closed his mouth in confusion.

Don't just stand there! he yelled to himself, throwing himself onto Norman to hold him back. He was surprisingly cold, like deathly cold, and shaking violently.

"Sammy, what the hell are you doing?" Linda gasped. Henry stopped her from going any closer.

Sammy didn't reply. He was more focused on not being bucked off. When the lift finally stopped on Level 9, Norman stopped, his tense muscles relaxing. His light flickered for a moment in exhaust.

"Get off," he rasped. His voice came out clear, unlike the last time Sammy heard it.

"Did you just—"

"Get off."

Sammy let go of Norman's arms, staring dumbstruck at him. Henry and Lina glanced at Sammy, then at Norman. Linda was more terrified, unlike Henry, who's good eye gleamed mischievously.