This Inky Hell (A Multipath BatIM Fanfiction) [Completed]

(Norman's Path) 5 - Didn't Have To Die

His P.O.V

He'd had to drag her away once, that feisty woman, now he had to drag her along again. They'd ended up in a little town full of lost ones, Sammy was there. Natalie was currently disputing with Sammy, of course they'd have their differences in opinion. Sammy viewed them as traitors for abandoning their own kind, he always was contradictive. Norman hoped his poetic vengeance wouldn't be directed to the wrong side. Natalie on the other hand, was too hot headed for her own good, saying Henry would save them, free them. He hoped they wouldn't have to fight him, though it was more than likely. He'd just keep watch for now, and hopefully keep the two from tearing each other apart.

His light swept over the surrounding area, and a few lost ones scrambled to get away from his gaze, they were afraid. He did look rather intimidating, no surprise. It had been a few days since they'd split from Henry and Buddy, those few days seemed to have set Natalie on edge. Tom didn't seem the most welcoming when they'd interacted, he almost seemed suspicious. He didn't care. Natalie had done him the favor of pointing out how similar we were on the way here. Protective, loyal, headstrong. She had fallen asleep now, she wore herself out by disputing with Sammy.

He dimmed his light, turning to face her sleeping form and mulling over her. She'd need fresh bandages soon, the scar the ink demon had given her was mending nicely, despite nearly killing her. What a survivor, she never stopped fighting, and he couldn't determine whether is was more annoying or inspiring. Carefully, he pulled her up onto his lap, cradling her inky form and slowly drifting off...

"Betrayed, abandoned! I trusted you, I gave you everything, and you left me to rot. Why, why?!" he snapped to attention at the sound of a very angry Sammy, and quickly peeked out to examine. Henry was here, and Sammy was chasing him around the clearing like a maniac. He quickly shook Natalie awake, making her groan in complaint as her glowing emerald eyes snapped to attention. She sat up, taking a look at the action in the clearing, and springing into her own action. She grabbed her bat, maintaining the continuity of the motion by turning on her heel and helping him up, before calling out to Sammy.

"Stop this, Sam, no one has to die!" Sammy ignored her call, only throwing a flurry of swings at Henry, all of which missed. Henry was quick to reciprocate a swing, bringing a pipe down on Sammy's head, and making him grunt. Natalie shrieked in defiance, making a run for them, and pushing herself right in the middle of the two men. He panicked, screeching after her as he bolted for her. He pulled her back just in time, Sammy's axe cut through the air where she had been standing mere seconds ago as he continued chasing Henry down.

"Stop running, and put your face in my axe!" he held back a screeching Natalie to the best of his ability, doing his best to soothe her distressed mind by running his fingers through her inky hair. She didn't want to see them fight, he knew she knew things neither side didn't. Things she'd never get to share with them because they won't stop tearing each other apart. She squirmed, a quiet whimper leaving her as he wrapped his arms around her tighter, bringing her close and cooing quietly. Eventually she ran out of strength to fight his grip, leaning into him with a shaky sigh. Something in her must have snapped, she never gave up so easily. He took his little victory for granted, sitting down and locking his arms around her in a vice grip as they watched Henry and Sammy perform their dance.

"Why won't you just die?!" no sooner did the words slip, did Henry hit him across the head, knocking his mask off. It went clattering to the side, and Sammy covered his face impulsively, running off to the center of the clearing dramatically. "No! Don't look at me, stay away!" Henry took a moment to breath, panting quietly as he checked the surroundings. The lost ones watched on silently, as if waiting for something to happen. Natalie slipped from his grip, grabbing her bat and ushering him to stay. What was she up to? Henry called out, slowly approaching Sammy.