Markiplier x Reader | The Promised Land

Chapter 19: Pasadena

You stared at Mark and Sean for a long while, trying to fathom what they said. You blinked after a moment and then asked, "So... does that mean your... 'contacts' could be...?"

Mark nodded grimly, "It could very well-"

"It could have been a coincidence too, Mark." Sean interrupted, "Don't be a pessimist."

"I'm not a pessimist, I'm thinking logically," Mark said, frowning, "Tell me, have you seen that many Skull Breakers in one place before? They're getting more confident."

Sean looked off as if he were remembering something from his past, and he spoke in a low voice that you barely caught, "I haven't seen that many... not since they first arrived at least..."

Mark must've realized he said the wrong thing, making you feel confused, "I- I'm sorry Sean I didn't mean to-"

Sean stood up, "We need to get moving," he pulled Mark up with him, "the sooner we get there, the better."

The rest of the walk was in uncomfortable silence. While there was no visible tension, everyone in the group was well aware that something had gone wrong in Pasadena. It wasn't until you passed the sign that said "Pasadena" did you realize that, at some point most of the group had their weapons drawn.

The silence dragged on, only the sound of footsteps echoed through the empty streets. After a little ways, Imane, who was walking beside you, jogged forward to speak with Sean in whispers, pointing up at the rooftop buildings. Sean nodded. When he spoke to Rob and Barney, who were in front, you all suddenly changed your route, heading down another street.

"Get ready," Sean said in a low voice, "we might have guests."

Imane slowed her pacing to get back beside you, and she pulled out a familiar pistol, "I found this a ways away from a parking lot. Is it yours?"

Your eyes glistened, and you responded whispering, "Yes! How did you-?"

"Chica." was all Imane said, winking. You nodded, understanding. You just wished you had this with you when... when it all happened.

Your thoughts were interrupted with the sound of someone in a nearby building, talking to themselves in a high-pitched, pained voice. Everyone heard it. You waited behind with everyone else as Rob and Barney approached the building silently, guns at the ready.

When they looked in, their expressions changed immediately, "Ethan!?" they both said at the same time.

Mark's eyes widened next to you as he ripped away from Sean and stumbled towards the building. You followed him, ready to help in case he fell down again. He clawed his way inside, and you gasped.

The building was ruined from the inside. Burned, cut in places, it was very unsettling. In the corner was a small, thin boy with dark brown hair and pale skin. His knees were tucked up against his chest. He was staring blankly at the wall in front of him. He didn't appear to have any physical trauma to his body. There wasn't any blood, but the look on his face told you and Mark he had seen something he didn't want to see.

Everyone entered the building slowly, and you stood a ways away. Standing near the back you watched the kid who didn't look much older than you with an uneasy feeling. Those blank, hazel eyes, the slight rocking motion of his body while he sat there... he looked like he's seen some shit.

Mark sat down slowly, beside him, watching with utmost concern, "Ethan? Ethan look at me, it's over now, please look at me..."

Ethan was mumbling, you could barely make out any words, but from what you could make out, was enough to make you understand, "So many dead... They wanted to play a game..." He grabbed his own face, gripping it so hard it made his knuckles turn white, "Tore apart! Played a game of jigsaw- GOT ME!"

He thrashed when Mark grabbed his shoulder, smacking him hard in the face. Retaliating, Mark grabbed him as firm as he could and shook him, "Ethan! Listen to me! You're safe now! They're gone!"

Ethan stopped, and turned to look at Mark, with cold, dead eyes. He stared for a long while, and everyone seemed to hold their breath. Mark stared just as intensely back at Ethan, until Ethan blinked a few times. His eyes twitched and his expression changed from shock to fear, "M-M... M-Mar-" his voice was shaking so much, you felt horrible for him... what had he seen to get like this? And 'cut apart?' What did he mean?

Ethan looked up at everyone else around them and he blinked a few more times, "Has- d-did they get a-away?" He looked around, "Is the L-Light Ring still...?"

Sean approached Ethan, kneeling down beside him and Mark, "We just arrived in Pasadena, Ethan. We have no idea what's happened here. Do you want us to escort you back to Haven?"

Ethan sheepishly nodded, fear lingering in his body language. He was shakier than even you were when you were trying to help Mark... speaking of...

"Mark?" you asked in a small voice as Sean helped the kid up, "How's your arm?"

Mark looked up to you, and tried to force a smile, "It's- it could be better."

"Is it a bad time to ask what is going on?" you questioned, helping him up, "I'll help you walk since Sean has his hands full with... what's his name again?"

"Ethan," Mark grunted as you slung his arm over your shoulder. Oof, he was heavier than you anticipated, but at least he still had a working leg, "and yeah, it kind of is a bad time. Ask me once we get to Have- our safehouse."

"If there is a safehouse left to get to," you mumbled under your breath, trying to forget the still-fresh memories in your head from the past few days. You felt the need to focus on more pressing matters, but as soon as you got to the safehouse... if you got to the safehouse, you could finally start processing everything that happened.

Now with an extra member to the party, you all began the trek to this so called "safehouse." You already felt yourself growing tired from helping Mark, and your hurt shoulder was aching because that arm was the one helping Mark stay upright.

You were surprised when Sean said, "We're here," because all you saw was a large pile of rubble and smoldering ruins of a building.