@pumpkinspice-tanuki multifandom 2003 11 July Aroace-fictoromantic Demigirl recommended to be at least 16(I do sfw stories but they can be Dark sometimes, not the darkshipper type but not appropriate for kids) 🚫no proship/non-con/incest/pedophilia/kink🚫
Category: one shot/Dan x Leigh/Fluff and Hurt/comfort
Another fanfic ship haha... okay maybe next time I'll do something else but for now i writted this for fun. I ask you to be indulgent once again I'm not a professional writer
*Dan was playing video games with Sam. Sam noticed that Dan was less focused. Usually competitive, Dan was almost letting Sam win. Sam spoke.*
"Dan, is there anything wrong?"
*Sam asked. Dan took a few seconds to answer.*
"Huh? Oh yeah... no."
*Dan said; he was quieter than usual, and Sam asked:*
"Are you sure something is not wrong? You look somewhere else, and you didn't even make an effort in the game."
*Dan scratched the back of his head.*
"I... I do have something in mind... but no, no, no... you're going to mock me..."
*He said while slightly pouting. Sam shook his head.*
"Of course not. Come on, you don't trust me?"
*Sam said. Dan hesitated but then spoke.*
"Okay... but tell it to nobody..."
*Sam listened as Dan thought about his words and said:*
"I ... 'like-like' someone..."
*Dan said. He seemed very embarrassed about it, but Sam smiled. At first, Dan thought he was going to laugh, but then Sam said:*
"Aw Dan, that's amazing. Is it someone I know?"
*Sam asked. Dan added:*
"Yes... it's someone who lives here in the apartment... a woman... pretty special..."
*Sam thought about who it could be...*
"Is it Hellen?"
*Dan shook his head. Sam continued:*
"It's Audrey then?"
*Dan shook his head again and added:*
"Nope, you're freezing."
*At those words, Sam thought and chuckled. It couldn't be the one he was thinking about?*
"I might have an idea of who it is, but that's not her, right?"
*Dan was quiet and nodded.*
"Leigh, really?!"
*Sam said in surprise.*
"What? I think she's cool."
*Dan said while avoiding Sam's gaze.*
"I don't judge you, Dan... it's just... it's... unexpected. I didn't think someone like you would like a girl like Leigh... she's... well, her."
*Dan chuckled.*
"Yeah, she's impressive. Creepy sometimes... but that's what I like in her..."
*Dan said while rubbing his arm.*
"You think I have a chance with Leigh?"
*As Dan asked, Sam was quiet.*
"Well, I cannot guarantee anything... can't you just talk to her?"
*Sam suggested. Dan thought about it and added:*
"I'm a little nervous... what if I just mess up?"
*Sam put his hand on his shoulder.*
"Dan... don't only think about the worst-case scenario. Look, I'm not an expert in relationships... I'm even the worst guy ever for it... but I know that only thinking about the worst can't be good... so gather as much courage as you can and go tell her."
*Sam told Dan. The creep thought for a moment and got up from the couch with a determined look in his eyes.*
"You're right, Sam. I'm going to tell her I'll go see her and share what I have in my heart."
*Sam nods at his determination.*
"Good luck, Dan... (you're really going to need it...)"
[Later...]
*Leigh was examining a weapon, and Dan was looking at her. He took a breath and walked over to her.*
"Heeeeeyy... Leigh..."
*Dan called her name, and Leigh turned to him with a wide grin.*
"Hello... Dan..."
*Leigh replied. Dan was nervous, but he spoke.*
"Do you have a moment? There's something I want to talk to you about... unless you're too busy or it's not of interest to you."
*Dan said and laughed exaggeratedly.*
"You know what? That was stupid. Sorry for bothering you. Bye—"
*Dan spoke faster, but Leigh added:*
"Oh, I don't mind... go ahead."
*Leigh said. Dan really didn't expect she'd be willing to listen to him.*
"Okay, well... you're going to find this cheesy, but..."
*Dan anxiously looked at her.*
"I... I like you, Leigh..."
*Leigh slightly tilted her head, and Dan added:*
"I mean... 'like-like' you... I mean... I love you... I'm in love with you. I want to be your boyfriend."
*Dan said. Leigh looked at him. She was quiet, but it was an uncomfortable quietness; it was as if Dan's words had hit her.*
"So... what do you say?..."
Dan asked. Leigh approached him; her look was almost penetrative.
"You love me, Dan...? Well... I *don't*. You don't interest me. You will *never*."
Leigh's answer was short but sharp. Dan seemed hurt by her words.
"I see... I'm sorry for bothering you..."
Dan walked away from Leigh; he looked really hurt. Leigh got back to her activity, but her grin felt more forced. Was she angry? Sad? Hard to tell.
[Later]
Sam found Dan on the couch, his head buried in the pillow. Dan could be heard groaning.
"Dan?"
As Sam called his name, Dan nearly fell off and tried to take a nonchalant expression.
"H-hey, Sam."
Sam looked at Dan and could easily tell things didn't go well.
"Leigh rejected you?"
Sam asked, and Dan sighed.
"Yeah... how could you tell?"
Sam added, "Well first, you were clearly crying, and your eyes are red and swollen..."
Dan nodded; he wiped his eyes. Sam sat next to him.
"I didn't think it would hurt so much. Have you ever been rejected like that?"
Dan said. Sam nodded.
"Yeah... it did happen..."
Sam looked at Dan.
"Hey, it's okay, Dan... you'll get another chance next time," Sam said. Dan looked angry.
"Aw, come on... like you're the one to say that! Except for two freaks, nobody is interested in you."
"Dan!"
*Sam yelled. Dan covered his mouth.*
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean..."
*Dan said with guilt. Sam sighed.*
"It's okay, Dan... You're on edge... Maybe I should give you some time alone for now..."
*Dan nodded at Sam's response. Sam left the couch.*
"If you need to talk, I'm here..."
*Sam said before going back to his business.*
[Meanwhile with Leigh]
*She went out of the apartment to go to her former apartment. She looked around and sighed.*
"Why were you so cold with him?"
*Leigh spoke to herself. She sounded guilty about what happened with Dan...*
"Maybe it was better this way? It would've ended up like it did with him..."
*Leigh added. She was referring to her ex-boyfriend, Martin, who had hurt her in the past... She looked at the ring she wore and sighed.*
"Maybe I'm the idiot here..."
[Later]
*Leigh came back to the apartment. She saw Dan and called his name.*
"Dan?"
*Dan yelled and turned around to see Leigh; he was clearly nervous, especially after what happened earlier.*
"Ah, L-Leigh, what's up?"
*Dan trembled in his words. Leigh looked at him.*
"Did you cry?"
*Leigh asked. Dan puffed.*
"N-No, I just sweat from my eyes... Okay, I did..."
*Dan shamefully admitted. Leigh sighed.*
"Dan, I need to talk with you... somewhere else where nobody can listen to us."
"Okay..."
Dan replied. He and Leigh left the apartment to go to the janitor's room. They sat on the floor.
"Okay, Leigh. What you're going to tell me..."
Dan said, imagining the worst scenario. Leigh responded:
"I wanted to apologize for what I told you... it was harsh, and I didn't mean it..."
Dan tilted his head.
"Really?"
Leigh nodded at him. Dan asked:
"So... you actually wanted to date me?"
He asked, his eyes full of hope, but Leigh said:
"No, sorry."
Dan's expression changed.
"Oh..."
he expressed. But Leigh added:
"I'm not sure at least..."
Dan tilted his head.
"What do you mean?"
Leigh hesitated but spoke up.
"Do you remember Martin?"
Dan thought.
"The grasshopper monster?"
Leigh nodded.
"Yes, him..."
Dan replied:
"Do you still think about him?"
Leigh shook her head.
"No, I don't... At least the beast doesn't, but Leigh does sometimes. When you told her about your feelings, it reminded her of her and Martin... she'll never call their relationship 'good,' and they often argued with each other. Martin hurt Leigh in the past, and she broke up with him. Then she saw the letter. All she wanted was an apology... Martin was so stupid... I... She... she doesn't want to live through something like that again..."
Dan looked at her.
"Leigh... don't want to be hurt again..."
*Leigh said, taking Dan's hand.*
"Leigh... or Beast... I don't know which one I'm talking to right now, but it goes for both of you anyway. I understand... I was never in a relationship before, and I'm not going to pretend I'll be the 'perfect' boyfriend. But if you feel that way, I'm not going to force you. You deserve much better..."
*Dan sincerely said.*
"Over time, I get that all relationships are different. Even the healthiest can have their ups and downs. Dan, you're actually a cool guy. You can be a little annoying, yes, but I love how honest you are. If Leigh were brave enough, she'd give you a chance, but I guess she's just not ready yet..."
*Dan smiled and nodded.*
"Then I'll wait... I'll wait for her and for you."
*Leigh gently tightened her grip on Dan's hand.*
"I'll tell you once I am..."
*She said with a grin that looked sincere. The Creep and the Grinner looked at each other; Leigh spoke again.*
"Thank you for listening to me, Dan..."
*Dan nodded.*
"You're welcome, Leigh. I'm here if you need me."
[Leigh and Dan end their talk and went back to the apartment. It was unclear if she was going to be ready or not to get into a relationship again one day. Dan will wait for her, no matter how much time it takes.]
Category: One shot/Angst/Sam x Dan/bittersweet end
Words: 4,956
Summary: This take place during the flawed ritual ending. Sam isolated himself somewhere into the building. And Dan is sick worried
Disclaimer: I try to be accurate to the characters
The Rat child is referred as "she/her" and named "Ratelyn"
I apologies for the grammar mistakes and plot holes
I'm not a professional writer be indulgent please
(a few days passed after the failed ritual. Sam has turned into a horrible abomination. He isolated himself somewhere in the building; it was not clear if Sam was still himself or if he had gone crazy like the others. His friends were worried about him and even tried to find him, but the one who was most concerned was Dan. He seemed very troubled since what happened; he barely spoke at all. He hadn’t even touched video games or done any streams. He was just sitting next to Sam's place, staring into the void.)
*Dan was on the couch, deep in thought, until he felt a weight on his leg; it was Ratelyn (the rat child) seeking comfort. Like Dan, she was worried about Sam. Dan caressed her head as a comforting gesture.*
"You miss your old man? Me too..."
*Papineau, Ernest, Hellen, and Morton returned to the apartment, and Dan spoke.*
"Have you found Sam?"
*The four shook their heads.*
"Sorry, we still haven't found him,"
*Morton said. Dan looked disappointed but only replied.*
"Okay..."
*He sat back on the couch, both of his hands on his face. Hellen placed her hand on his back.*
"We'll find him..."
*Hellen said as Joel knocked at the door of Sam's room.*
"Xaria, -hhhh- Monty?"
*Joel spoke, and Xaria replied from behind the door.*
"Leave us alone, Joel..."
*Ernest tilted his head.*
"Is it just me, or is Xaria being more polite?"
*Morton replied.*
"Maybe Sam's disappearance has affected them too."
*Dan replied a little aggressively.*
"Oh please, like these two jerks ever cared about Sam!"
*Papineau retorted.*
"DAN!"
*Dan responded again.*
"Come on, don't pretend it's true. Other than being assholes and treating Sam like the maid, they never cared about him!!"
*Ratelyn curled her body and covered her face at Dan's aggressive tone. Dan noticed it and sighed.*
"I'm sorry... I didn't mean it..."
*Dan stands up and goes to the bathroom.*
"I need a moment..."
*He closes the door behind him, but he can hear the others speaking. He goes to the sink and turns on the water. He thinks about the whole situation and another thing he noticed: something odd about himself since the failed ritual. He was with Sam during the ritual, after all. He opened his mouth and saw his strange tongue. Dan covered his mouth in front of his reflection. He was also turning into a monster, but it seemed the effects were progressing more slowly for him.*
"Okay, don't panic... I'm sure it's not going to be severe... If I act normally, nobody will notice it... right?"
*Dan said to himself that he didn't even believe what he had told himself. He turned off the water and sat against the wall, lost in his thoughts until someone knocked at the door. It was Morton.*
"Dan, can you leave the bathroom? We're going to dinner. It's not because we're all stressed that we should allow ourselves to starve."
*As Morton spoke, Dan opened the door.*
"I'm coming..."
(Later...)
*The apartment was quiet; it was uncomfortable. Dan, usually a glutton, didn't seem to have an appetite tonight. Between Sam's disappearance and his mutation, he couldn't think about eating. Ratelyn went next to Dan as she finished her plate, and Dan handed her his.*
"You want to finish mine? I'm not really hungry..."
Ratelyn sniffed Dan's plate and then started to eat. Dan smiled a little.
"At least someone seems to enjoy my cooking," Papineau said.
"Sorry, Papineau... you cook well, but I can't really think about eating right now..." Dan said while caressing Ratelyn's head. Xaria and Monty left Sam's room to get food. Dan seemed mad at them, but he ignored them as soon as they got their food and went back into Sam's room. Dan relaxed. After dinner, everyone cleaned up, and soon it was time to sleep. Dan took the couch for the night. Ratelyn went next to Dan and curled against him. Dan looked at her and kissed her forehead. That was something Sam had a habit of doing every night with Ratelyn.
"Good night... little rat..." Dan murmured.
(5:40 AM)
Dan was the first to wake up. He left the couch but was careful not to wake the Rat Child. He went to the bathroom, and when he walked to the mirror, he noticed a kind of bulge under his shirt. When Dan lifted it, he saw what seemed to be extra hands or legs. Dan gasped, but he quickly quieted down to avoid attracting attention from others. He put his shirt back on and tried to disguise the extra limbs underneath. He attempted to position them in a way that they wouldn't be noticed; at least he hoped so. "Crap, crap... what am I going to do..." he thought repeatedly. He couldn't tell his friends about his mutation; what if they thought he was dangerous? Dan tried to shake off that thought from his mind and took a deep breath.*
"Okay, Dan... no need to panic... everything is going to be fine... I just need to hide it... wait... maybe Leigh can help?"
Dan said to himself, then thought about one problem: how would Leigh advise him without Dan telling her about his condition?
"Aaahh, why is it so hard..."
he said in quiet frustration. Dan looked at his reflection and opened his mouth, showing his strange tongue, which seemed to have changed; his expression was a mix of fear and sadness.
"Sam... if only you were here..."
Dan murmured. He then heard some people; it seemed the others were awake now.
"I should go now..."
Dan added. He checked if his new limbs were visible under his shirt; so far, they seemed okay. Dan left the bathroom. Most of the companions were there; the kids were still sleeping. Papineau, Hellen, Leigh, and Lyle were up.
"Hey guys..."
Dan said quietly; the others replied.
"Bonjour."
"Hey."
"Hey, Dan."
"Good morning."
*Dan takes a seat with the others. He has a hand on his head. Lyle asks:*
"You had a rough night?"
*Dan tilts his head.*
"Huh? Oh no... I'm just thinking about stuff..."
*Dan says. Leigh stares at him, and Dan feels creeped out.*
"L-Leigh?"
*Leigh keeps staring and adds:*
"You're kinda different, Dan..."
*Dan sweats at her words, then Leigh adds:*
"Never mind. Actually, you look the same—maybe less tired."
*Dan chuckles nervously.*
*The companions were discussing who would go on the expedition to find Sam today. Dan volunteered, along with Xaria, Monty, and Ratelyn. It seemed risky for her, but most knew she was strong enough to face danger. Still, Dan was determined to protect her; he'd never forgive himself if something happened to the Rat child. The four left the apartment and searched around. Dan was less mad at the two troublemakers but more annoyed to have them along with him. However, he had to be patient with them. Monty gave Ratelyn something—a shirt specifically—with Sam's smell on it, but she didn't seem to understand.*
"What are you doing, Monty?"
*Xaria asks.*
"I'm making her smell something from Sam; maybe it can help."
*Monty replied*
"That's useless... Ernest said he tried with the colonel, but he couldn't find anything... maybe he doesn't smell the same now."
*Dan added*
"Damn..."
*Xaria said. Ratelyn took the shirt with her mouth and rolled herself in it. Dan looked at the small child and picked her up.*
"Let's continue..."
*Dan said.*
(Several hours passed)
*Despite their efforts, they found nothing... nothing that could lead to Sam. They searched everywhere in the building... but no sign of Sam. Once more...*
"Where is he..."
*Dan murmured. The rat child ended up sleeping in Dan's arms. Xaria and Monty seemed worried.*
"I didn't think I'd say this... but... I'm worried about Sam... what if he left the building or worse?"
*Xaria said; that was really the first time she expressed such concern. They ended up giving up for the day, but then Dan gave the sleepy rat child to Xaria and Monty. Then he said:*
"I'll be back later... I need to do something... tell the others I won't be here for dinner..."
*Xaria looked at Dan and nodded.*
"'Kay... come on, Monty, let's go back."
The punk, the goth, and the rat child head back to the apartment. Dan goes as well, but somewhere else—more specifically, to his old apartment. For a moment, he hesitated. This is where he and Sam had to confront his mother. After a brief reflection, he entered. Inside, the apartment was left as it was during his last visit; there was the lifeless creature that used to be his mother. Dan couldn't look at her. He walked into the room—his old room—and then into his mother's room. He turned on the light; it was messy, just as he had left it. Dan walked to his bed and lay down. He thought about his current situation.
"What am I gonna do..."
Dan murmured to himself.
[Meanwhile in Apartment 33]
Ratelyn was playing with Joel and Sophie. Xaria and Monty were in Sam's room. Monty was making his cocktail while Juicebox played with his cards. Xaria seemed troubled.
"Monty..."
Monty tilted his head at Xaria.
"Yeah?"
Xaria paused for a few seconds before adding, "I don't think we can hide this... not for a long time..."
Monty replied, "Hide what?"
*Xaria adds*
"You know 'this.'"
*She said while tightening her wrist. Monty added,*
"Ah yeah... 'this'..."
*Juicebox looked at Monty and Xaria; he seemed to know something and showed a worried expression. Xaria then added,*
"They're going to find out someday... or even tomorrow..."
*Xaria said she was unusually worried.*
"You think they're gonna kill us if the others find out?"
*asked Monty.*
"Nah... if they don't want to kill Sam, they won't kill us. Right?"
*Xaria added while looking at Juicebox. He was quiet as usual, but his expression was clear: he was scared for his friends.*
"... I know, dude..."
*Monty said.*
*Monty removed his jacket; kind of bulges were visible in his back. Xaria looked at them.*
"This might be the only time I ever say it... Monty... I'm scared..."
*Xaria said, and Monty sat next to her.*
"Me too, Xaria... me too..."
*Juicebox walked to them and gave them a hug. Xaria didn't fight it back; she just accepted it. So did Monty.*
"Thanks, Juicebox..."
*Xaria said, and Juicebox nodded.*
(Later)
*Dan returned to the apartment; he seemed tired and nearly collapsed against the couch. The rat child climbed onto the couch and curled against Dan. Dan gently caressed her back. Ratelyn snuggled against him. Dan smiled a little at this gesture.*
"Thanks, I needed that, kid..."
*Dan stayed on the couch with Ratelyn. A bit later, she ended up falling asleep. Dan got up while taking care not to wake the little rat child. He went to the bathroom and knocked on the top of the door.*
"Ow..."
*he said while rubbing his forehead.*
"Dan, are you okay?"
*asked Hellen.*
"Yeah, yeah, I'm good... gotta go!"
*he said and quickly closed the door behind him. He rushed to the mirror and saw that he had changed further; new limbs had grown.*
"Holy shit..."
*Dan said. He took a deep breath, but he didn't seem to calm down. He could not hide this condition; he had to tell his friends now before it was too late. His transformation was already advanced—was it too late already? Dan exited the bathroom; everyone seemed troubled. He decided it was better to wait until tomorrow... he would go rest for the night.*
(The next day)
*Most of the companions were there. Dan looked at them while tightening his wrists nervously. He took a breath and started to speak.*
"Guys... I have something to confess..."
*The others looked at Dan; some seemed worried, while others were curious.*
"Y-you know... Xaria, Monty, and I were present during the ritual... and well..."
*Dan was about to say it, but then Morton arrived at the apartment and said:*
"We know where Sam is!"
*Everyone turned their heads toward Morton.*
"-Hhhhh- Really?"
Joel asked. Morton nodded and added,
"Yes, we think we are searching the whole building, but where haven't we looked?"
Hellen spoke up.
"The 4th floor."
Morton nodded.
"Exactly."
Dan thought for a moment, and now it was obvious.
"So what are we waiting for? Let's go!!"
Dan and the Rat child rushed toward the door, but Papineau caught them.
"Wait, Dan... I know you and Rat are impatient to see Sam again... but we must consider the possibility that he might have lost his mind..."
Morton said. Dan fell silent.
"But what if he hasn't?"
Morton hummed.
"That's also a possibility... that's why we must be careful. We can go, but it's better to be ready for any eventuality."
Dan nodded. They decided to go as a group of eight: Dan himself, Hellen, Leigh, Morton, Xaria, Monty, Papineau, and Lyle. As they were about to leave, Dan heard the skitter of little claws on the floor. It was Ratelyn. Dan picked her up.
"Sorry, Ratelyn, you can't come with us..."
*Ratelyn seems sad.*
"Hey, don't worry... if everything goes well, you should see your dad again. But for now, you have to stay. I won't forgive myself if you get hurt... can you behave?"
*Ratelyn seems to understand what Dan says and nods. Dan puts the rat child down and pats her head.*
"We'll be back later. Bye."
*He said before leaving the apartment.*
(In the elevator)
"Dan..."
*Xaria asks.*
"Yes, Xaria?"
*Dan replied.*
"You said you had something to tell us earlier... what was it?"
*Xaria asked. Dan hesitated, then said:*
"Oh... 'that'... well, it doesn't matter; it was a dumb thing, hehe..."
*He nervously replied. Xaria looked at him suspiciously, but she didn't insist and remained quiet all the way.*
(Arrived at the 4th floor)
"Here we are."
*Hellen said*
*The group walks. Even if they have been here before, they must be wary. Dan seems uneasy.*
"Guys... don't you feel like we're being watched...?"
*Monty nods.*
"Yeah..."
*Xaria speaks.*
"It might just be your imagination, guys... that floor is really weird anyway."
*Dan replies.*
"You're right..."
*They keep advancing. Dan looks around; he appears paranoid, but he tries to shake off that thought.*
"Hm ... guys... we won't kill Sam, right?"
*The group is quiet.*
"No ... at least I hope not."
*Morton says.*
"If Sam loses control, we'll have to kill him..."
*Hellen says, she was blunt but also worried in her tone. Dan looks down... he is hopeful they won't have to do it... they keep advancing on the floor. Eventually, they arrive at the metro and encounter hostile creatures. The eight people fight against these creatures and manage to handle them. Just when they think it's over, one last creature catches Dan. He struggles to free himself, then opens his mouth and attacks the creature's face with his tongue by biting it. The creature lets Dan go. Then he grabs his dagger and stabs the creature, successfully killing it. Dan is breathing hard.*
"Well... that was close..."
Dan said, exhausted. The others looked at him, horrified.
"What? You're impressed by the way I killed it? You should be used to it, especially with Leigh," Dan said. He then noticed they were looking at his abdomen. Dan looked down, and his expression showed panic. Morton added,
"Dan... you're..."
Dan forced a smile and tried to speak.
"G-guys... I... I have an explanation..." Dan said, but Papineau interrupted.
"You... how could you..." Papineau said.
"Why, Dan?" Lyle asked.
"So... that was that..." Xaria added. Dan sighed and spoke.
"Yes... I wanted to tell you guys really b... but..."
Hellen interrupted Dan.
"No, Dan... don't continue..."
Dan looked at his friends in disbelief.
"Guys..."
*Dan looked at them; only shame and guilt were evident in his expression. Monty and Xaria glanced at each other; they were quiet. Dan spoke.*
"I'm sorry... I should've... I really should've, but I was scared..."
*Leigh spoke.*
"Being sorry isn't enough, Dan,"
*she bluntly said. Dan remained silent. Xaria then mumbled something.*
"Ugh, shit."
*Xaria walked over to Dan.*
"If you're going to mind Dan for this, then you should do the same for Monty and me as well."
*The five others were confused as Monty approached Xaria and Dan.*
"Monty and I are also changing..."
*Monty removed his jacket and lifted his shirt to reveal his back adorned with small wings. Xaria had her shoulder covered with feathers.*
"Like Dan, we were... like... scared. With everything that happened with Sam..."
*Monty said.*
"All I see is that you three hid something serious..."
*Hellen added.*
"Huh... yeah..."
*said Monty, and Lyle chimed in.*
"Anyone else hiding something?"
*Dan sighs*
"We're sorry..."
*Everyone was quiet for a few seconds.*
"I think it's better if you three go back home..."
*Morton said. At those words, Xaria and Monty started to walk away. Dan walked alongside them, then stopped to look at his companions. Were they mad? Were they disappointed? That doesn't matter now...*
(Later)
"Since when did you two start to change?"
*asked Dan to The Goth and The Punk.*
"At least a few times after Sam got out... I've noticed that I lost feathers the next morning."
*replied Xaria.*
"And me? I had back pain."
*Monty said.*
"And you?"
*Xaria asked, and Dan replied.*
"Later than you two. First, it was my tongue that became... this."
*Dan replied and showed it. Monty added:*
"Sick, dude."
*Dan continued:*
"If you say so... then I grew limbs. I don't know what they're supposed to be; to me, they're arms, but they could be legs. And yesterday I started to get taller; I knocked my head on the door."
*Xaria sighed.*
"We heard yesterday... what do you think we’re going to turn into? And most importantly... would we be... like under control?"
*Dan thinks*
"I don't know; so far, I haven't shown aggressive behavior. But who knows... though I feel bad... I should have let them know... we all should have..."
*Xaria was quiet; Monty added*
"What would have changed? We’d just have been watched over or some crap like that."
*Dan and Xaria nod; for once, Monty was right. What says they would have been calm, unlike Sam...*
*They eventually arrived at the elevator, but Dan hesitated.*
"You won't come, Dan?"
*Xaria asked.*
"No... I don't want to go back as long as I didn't see Sam... I just want to make sure he's okay..."
*Dan added. Xaria nodded.*
"You're right..."
*Xaria stepped out of the elevator. Monty followed her.*
"Let's go."
*They all walked back to the floor. They could get back the way they came, but suddenly Montgomery almost fainted.*
"Monty!"
*Xaria rushes to him.*
"Xaria... I don't feel very good..."
*Xaria notices that Monty has grown horns and extra arms, and his wings are starting to show.*
"No, no... After Sam, Monty was the first to look at the visitor... his transformation must be faster..."
*Xaria says. Monty looks really unwell.*
"Dan... keep going without us... I don't want to leave Monty alone..."
*Xaria says.*
"But what about you?"
*Dan asks, and Xaria replies.*
"I'll be fine. Monty and I have faced worse... well, not compared to this, but I refuse to leave him... not like you don't want to leave Sam."
*Xaria says. It is true... Dan nods and adds:*
"Alright..."
*Dan starts to walk away and looks at them one last time.*
"Take care, you two."
*Dan says. Xaria holds Monty as she doesn't want to let him go.*
"I'll stay with you, bud... I'm not going to leave you behind..."
*Xaria says to Monty.*
(Later)
*Dan walks in the depths of floor 4. Dan starts to feel odd. He thinks he might have started to finish his transformation like Monty, but he perseveres. After a long time, he finally finds someone: a strange reptile-like creature with many eyes, mouths, and arms. It was him; it was Sam. Dan calls his name.*
"Sam..."
*The creature that was Sam tilted his head.*
"Dan..."
*Sam turned around and saw with horror what Dan had started to become. He saw six extra limbs, and his body had stretched out.*
"Dan, you're..."
*Sam said in disbelief; Dan nodded.*
"Yes... Monty and Xaria too..."
*Dan said. Sam approached Dan and put one of his odd fingers, which had hands at the end, on Dan's cheek. The guilt was present in his eyes.*
"Dan... I'm sssso... sssssorry... it'ssss all my fault..."
*Dan shook his head.*
"It's not..."
*he said, but Sam replied.*
"No... you know it'ssss true... if I had cared about it more, nothing would've happened... You, Xaria, and Monty wouldn't ssssstart to change like me... everything issss my fault... I'm the only ressssponsible here..."
*These words broke Dan's heart. Even though Sam was right, Dan hated to hear Sam putting himself down.*
"Then... who cares? You made a mistake... yes... anybody would have done it... or not... but all I know is we miss you, Sam... you're still our friend. I miss you. Ratelyn misses you. Lyle misses you. Hellen misses you. Even Xaria and Monty do, no matter how much you've changed... we want you to come back..."
*Dan was sincere in his words. Sam looked at him, showing a little sad expression...*
"I want to... I want to go back home. To see and hold Ratelyn again... to see you all, but... I'm not sure if I can... maybe I need some time to think... to make up my mind."
*Sam said. Dan nodded.*
"I understand, Sam... if you're not ready, I'm not going to force you... take the time you need... otherwise I'll see you with Ratelyn from time to time."
*Dan said. He was sad, but he was resilient about Sam's decision, and Sam nodded.*
"Goodbye, Sam... I'll check on you tomorrow."
*Sam brought his head near Dan's. So did Dan, and they snuggled against each other. Dan walked away. He had a heartache about leaving Sam, but he had to respect his choice...*
(Later)
Dan was halfway there now. His head was filled with many thoughts. He thought about Sam, but also about Monty and Xaria. They were like him, but had they remained sane or gone crazy? He hoped that they were sane and okay. At one time, Dan saw his other companions fighting the creatures who used to be the astronomers. Papineau, Lyle, and Morton tried to repel them as best they could. Hellen slashed at hundreds of maws (who used to be Beryl) heads, but it counterattacked. Leigh struggled against The Spine Taker (who used to be Aurelius) as the beast attacked. But it seemed to struggle as the Dream Eater (who used to be Aster) appeared as well. The creature that used to be Aster clearly didn't want to attack, but he seemed to struggle; he tapped his feet against the ground to prevent the others from falling asleep. Dan was horrified and decided to go help them.
"Guys!"
Lyle turned around.
"Dan?! I thought you went back home."
Dan ran toward them and confronted The Spine Taker.
"No, I didn't. I even found Sam. He's still sane. But I'll tell you later; for now, it's not the time!"
*Screamed Aster. Bubbles emerged from his trunk. Dan saw them and burst them to prevent his friends from being touched by them. Dan was attacked by Beryl while he was handling the bubble. He was hit hard, then it was Aurelius who attacked. Then Aster*
"Dan!!"
*shouted Lyle.*
"Leave him alone!!"
*Dan said while he handled Aurelius. Beryl bit him on his arms, but Dan didn't let go and bit back.*
"PLEASE DO SOMETHING! WHATEVER, I DON'T WANT TO EAT ANY OF YOU!"
Aster shouted and Morton ran toward the astronomers but was hit and sent against the wall. Hellen went to him as one of the creatures approached. Hellen was ready to attack. Dan got up despite his injuries. He bounced over to Aurelius and constricted him, but he wasn't strong enough and was beaten. The astronomers were about to counterattack when two giant creatures arrived: a Wyvern and a Pterodactyl. They slammed two of the astronomers to the ground, strong enough to knock them down. The two creatures approached the small group. Hellen, Leigh, and Papineau prepared to attack when the Pterodactyl spoke with a low but familiar voice.
"Did we scare you?"
As it spoke, the group looked shocked.
"X-Xaria?... M-Monty...?" Lyle said, and the Wyvern, aka Monty, laughed.
"Huhuhu... I think we did, Xaria," Monty added.
"Well, I didn't think you two would turn like that... and under control, as it seems," Morton said. Xaria grinned.
"Plus, we look cool."
*Xaria said*
"Boaster."
*Leigh said*
"And we're not done yet."
*Xaria said and stared at Aster. He panicked at her sight.*
"P-please, no."
*Aster said, feeling scared.*
"Hey, we didn't kill your pals. But we would if you mess with us,"
*Monty said.*
"Xaria, Monty, wait. Maybe there's another solution... If we can make Aster sane again. He has half of his mind; maybe it's possible,"
*Lyle said.*
"How exactly?"
*asked Xaria.*
"Huh..."
*Lyle added, then Aster spoke.*
"Maybe I just need to isolate myself for now... I still have many things in my head... but I think I can get over this..."
*The group looked at each other.*
"Sam wouldn't have wanted to kill him for sure..."
*Said Leigh.*
"So what? We don't kick Aster's caterpillar ass?"
*Ask Monty and Xaria to add.*
"No, we apparently don't... it's so not funny..."
*As Xaria said this, Aster let out a "hey." Dan slowly woke up; he seemed still dizzy from the fight. Lyle noticed that Dan had gained consciousness.*
"Dan, you're okay. Don't worry; everything is good now."
*Lyle said. Dan was quiet; he just looked at Lyle while drooling.*
"Hungry..."
*Dan said. The others seemed worried.*
"I guess you are; it was such a day... so we'll go back home and eat."
*Lyle spoke. Dan got up and bounced to Lyle, but Hellen caught him in time.*
"Dan..."
*Lyle said. The group saw Dan driven by his hunger. Xaria and Monty slammed him down. Dan struggled to get out of their grip. He hit them with his tail as he approached the group. Aster caught him.*
"Dan, please stop!"
*Dan kicked Aster, but Aster didn't give in. He did everything to stop Dan, but Dan was stronger and knocked Aster down. He turned to the others, his large maw open. Hellen, Leigh, Papineau, and Lyle were preparing themselves to attack when a familiar voice resonated.*
"Dan!"
*It was Sam who had arrived.*
"Sam, it's you! Be careful; Dan has lost his mind,"
*Morton said. Dan kept approaching, and Sam seized him. He held Dan with his many arms. Dan struggled without success.*
"Dan, please keep your mind; don't let the curse take over you,"
*Sam said while Dan continued to struggle. He bit Sam. It was painful, but Sam resisted; he wouldn't let Dan go.*
"You remember what I said? That day... I said that I would never leave you alone, that I would never leave you behind. And I intend to keep this promise, you hear me! I refuse to give up. No matter that you lose your mind, I'll do everything, even if it means dying because you matter to me!"
*Sam said, Dan suddenly loosened his jaws. He looked at Sam deeply; he was quiet for a few seconds. Then tears ran down his face as he nestled his head against Sam. Ugly sobs were heard.*
"I'm sorry... I'm so sorry... I didn't mean..."
*Sam loosened his grip on Dan and ran his hands on his cheeks, wiping his tears.*
"It's okay now... I'm here... to stay."
*The others looked at the two creatures.*
"So... Dan, you're not crazy anymore?"
*asked Monty. Dan sniffed before adding:*
"I think I'm sane enough now..."
*Dan replied with a smile.*
(Later...)
*The group was finally back with Sam. The apartment felt small with Sam, Dan, Xaria, and Monty, who had become cursed. But the important thing was that Sam was finally back. Ratelyn snuggled against one of her father's many faces; she seemed happy to see Sam again.*
"Yes, I know Papa missed you too."
*Sam said while holding the little rat child. Dan looked at them, feeling a mix of warmth but also guilt for earlier—for letting his curse take over him. Sam didn't mind him, but the feeling lingered. Dan tried not to think about it and instead enjoyed the presence of those he loved. Juicebox was reassured to see Xaria and Monty despite their changes; they probably planned to cause mischief. They were loyal to themselves. The astronomers eventually regained their sanity and lived in the basement. Aster sometimes visited Sam and the others.*
(Unfortunately, not everything went well. After 15 days passed, Sybil disappeared; her strange departure was eating at Sam—what had really become of her? The building was condemned, with the cursed described as "dangerous," along with the humans who hadn't looked outside. They were still here as well. It was unfair... the building itself could be a danger to them, but Sam became a protector within the building, making sure the dangerous cursed didn't come to the upper floors. Aster seemed to have resentment toward Sam; they were still friends, but he hadn't fully forgiven him for what happened. Hellen taught some of the humans to defend themselves. A few brave cursed and humans would leave the building to get medical supplies. Life wasn't easy away from the world... but at least they were together...)
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