I Care {Darkiplier}

(Chapter 11)

Before shutting things down for the night, as it was around 8:45 pm at that point, you find a way to contact the archive channel you discovered earlier. You were going to find out if there were any more recordings from the Jim News. You chose to message the account owner through their Twitter, DMing them.

You type out the following: Hello - I was wondering if you have found any more video footage of the Jim News. The history surrounding the Manor intrigued me, so I wanted to find answers. You seem like you may have more information, and if so it will be greatly appreciated. If you reply, thank you for your time. I hope you have an amazing day/ night.

Once content with what you typed off, it was sent. You proceeded to move from the couch and migrate everything back to your room. Luckily you were able to do so swiftly, thankfully not having many belongings over in that area. You decided to be responsible and grab a quick dinner before going to bed, and head down. While waiting for the elevator you reflect again on the information you presently had. After you returned to uncovering the 'truth' you found a couple more things. For starters the man who owned the manor was in fact named Mark with the last name Iplier. He had taken the career in film, more specifically the branch involving acting. He was also as well known as the mayor and district attorney, obviously with the fact he owned such a place. Mark as well was friends with Damien and the DA. After starring in some major roles at the time and making something grand of himself for a few years he suddenly went quiet, both supposedly with other celebrities, friends and the public eye. He apparently was going through a divorce with his spouse, Celine during that time but no one was aware for the reason why. It is fairly expected with the provided context given that the divorce is what made the actor go dark. Another interesting thing is that it was speculated at the time that his late-wife was related to the mayor. This would make sense as she shared a similar look to Damien, and Mark meeting her through him when asked about it after making the relationship public. Something that caught your attention with the whole situation is that the date of which both the DA and Mayor left were nearly a year or so after when Mark had the divorce. Everything was odd to you, especially when also considering the footage found as well. The whole gathering had gone astray because of something horrible that took place over that weekend. Something from that mansion caused the creation of Dark. With the pieces you have gathered, the people missing, the host going silent, the sudden invitation, AND the murder that most likely took place that week? You could only infer, perhaps it all had something to do with the entity. A sudden ding from the elevator breaks you from your jumbled thoughts. You step in, clicking the button that leads to your destination in mind.

Surprisingly, your friend still lingered downstairs, talking to someone. You let your lips tug up to a smile, proud of them. You check in on the two after watching them both converse for a while after buying and waiting for your meal. You exchange pleasantries and move your friend out of earshot from the guy, creating a quick excuse.

"Who is he?" You whispered, curious.

They fill you in, simply a person they met while relaxing at the bar.

You inquire again, "Got the guys number?" They nod their head with joy.

"Yep! He's pretty cool, not too bad of a guy."

You are about to continue the conversation when you are cut off, your order called and complete. You grab it and let your friend go back to befriending the person. When you finished eating your friend coincidentally began to wrap up their talk with the bar patron before meeting you over by the elevator where you stood waiting for it once more. You talk with them, picking up the conversation from the small meetup you had with them prior, seeing how the rest of their evening was. When asked what you did for the rest of the day, you continued with your story on research on L.A. When returned to your room with (BF/N) in tow, you chose to call in early, seeing as you would have a lot to discuss with Dark. They are cool with it and wish you goodnight before going off to watch their favorite show and do whatever else. You made sure everything was neat before smothering yourself under the bedding to go to sleep.

When the familiar unease settled within you, you cracked open your eyes. Again, in the abyss you were summoned. Upon awakening you are easily able to find the entity this time around after your blurred vision begins to clear up some. He is stood in front of your view. He is still a ways away from you, however this immediately changing as he noted your movement, again as last time. You stand up, making your way to him as did him.

"I...Received your note." You for the first time, sparked the conversation. "T-The apology..it was appreciated."

A small hint of a smile graced his lips with a short nod in agreement, "I'd think so. On that matter, I am truly sorry for any confusion that you may have encountered. Everything that occurred...It is truly unfathomable."

"It is." You sighed before running a hand through your hair, a habit of yours when stressed. As per usual, you'd both eventually walk through the empty void with you explaining your findings to him.

"I honestly find it strange how the mayor and DA went missing. The detective that possibly met a similar fate? It's all strange really." You ramble on about your discoveries, Dark taking in everything as you speak. At certain moments, you would notice him tense up, jaw clenched and all. The heaviness in your upper torso would intensify with each slight indication of anger. Whatever that happened, he must have had some familiarity with it all to provoke such a reaction. You refused to comment on his body language, or question the pangs of dejection you'd face. After finishing your explanation on the research, Dark hums in response before speaking, the same echoey glitch with his words.

"I will admit...I am quite surprised at the abundance of information laid out there. What occurred.." He hesitated, seemingly debating whether to finish his sentence or not, before continuing, "Was disastrous. Events happened that should have not." When he finished talking, you swore you could hear a hint of sorrow, but it was quickly covered up with him clearing his throat. "Anyhow now that you understand certain...circumstances, I should let you be aware of why I need your..assistance."

"Alright.." you respond with a shaky exhale, a bit nervous. You have been waiting for this, and you had no clue what this would do. He stopped walking, giving you no chance to find some distraction to settle your anxiety. You locked eyes with him when he answered the question.

"I need you to keep an eye on Mark."