Soul and Krystal - Soul Harvester. (From the beginning.)

[Princess_Lorien]

Chapter Twenty Two

"Nice of Otaku to give us a lift," Soul said, pushing the door open and quickly pressing buttons on the alarm.
"He said, for anyone just tuning in."
"What?"
"Nothing." Krystal stepped into the kitchen, carefully carrying the long box containing her dress. Perched atop it was a smaller box containing the shoes that went with it. Soul dumped the bags on the floor.
"I'm exhausted." He said, slumping into his chair.
"Nice to meet you, Exhausted. I'm Krystal." Krystal replied, stepping into the room.
"Are you feeling alright? You're saying incredibly weird things."
"I'm in a good mood," she smiled, "didn't you have a good time?"
"It was alright, I guess. Hit the switch, would you?"
"Don't give me that shit, you loved it." She flipped the lever box open.
"Everytime I leave my house," he mused as his screen blinked on, "something really fucking bizarre occurs."
"Yeah?"
"Yeah...first time, I punched you in the head. Second time, I got into a fight with your ex boyfriend. Then, we found your house had been trashed. This time, I ended up drawing a crowd of onlookers and making the first friends I've made in years."
"Ahem."
"Apart from you, of course."
"Thank you. Well, I guess all those years of hiding in your house have led to a build up of weird shit."
"What?"
"Well, you stay in your house all the time, so all the weird shit that's supposed to happen to you can't. Then when you finally do leave the house, it all catches up with you at once." He stopped typing.
"That's possibly the worst explanation for anything I've ever heard."
"Go fuck yourself. I'm going to have a shower, I smell like..." She paused, her face thoughtful.
"Like me?" He suggested.
"Well, you'll have to wait your turn."
"Um, my bathroom might be missing certain supplies."
"Like what?"
"Like...soap." She sighed.
"Does it have water?"
"Oh, yeah, lots of water."
"Good. I bought a few things apart from food anyway, just in case this very situation aroused."
"Situation what?"
"Arose?"
"Better."
"Ok, I'll be back later." She turned around and left the room, and Soul sighed.
"Guess it's time to see what all my fellow geeks are up to." He'd been neglecting his friends a little, he admitted. He logged into IRC.

Connection to channel #FFF completed in 1 seconds.
Now talking in channel #FFF
Topic in #FFF is "Headline: Charisma kills teammate! Third time this week! Sentenced to play DiabloII for a week non-stop then write a 30 page essay on the intricacies of it's storyline." Topic set by Trance.

[cmorkc]: He lives!
[Gracchan]: So he does. About fucking time.
* SetMode -v for user boiledmoose by Trance
[Copper]: lol
[Soul]: Moose lost it again?
[Charisma]: Yeah, Trance had to mute him by the looks.
[Trance]: I had to mute him. Long time no see, Soul.
[Soul]: Hey Trance. How's shit?
[Trance]: Better for seeing you sweetheart. What's this I hear about you getting yourself a REAL woman?
[Soul]: Rumours of my dating have been greatly exaggerated. Is Moose alright?
[cmorkc]: No, he's flipped again.
[Soul]: Too much coffee?
[Charisma]: He's back into the green stuff, Soul.
[Soul]: Fuck, I thought he was in rehab for that shit.
[Trance]: They let him out.
[Copper]: Good call, as it turns out. He's only been out about three days.
[cmorkc]: That shit'll kill you, Soul.
[Soul]: Can I try and talk to him?
[Trance]: Ok...I think he's too far gone for the moment though.
* SetMode +v for user boiledmoose by Trance
[boiledmoose]: OH MY GOD! SOMEBODY PUT SHIT IN MY PANTS!!!!
* SetMode -v for user boiledmoose by Trance
[Charisma]: ROFL
[Copper]: lol
[Soul]: Ah shit.
[Trance]: Told ya.
[Arma]: Heya Soulman.
[Soul]: Eh up, Armarama.
[Arma]: What's this about you getting a woman? I think people are pulling my leg.
[Soul]: They are.
[Arma]: Thought so, ya fuckin ugly cunt.
[Soul]: Your wife mentioned me lately?
[Arma]: Yeah, she want's to know if you've managed to find your cock yet.
[Copper]: Stop flirting, you lot.
[Arma]: Go fuck yaself.
[Soul]: Go fuck yaself.
[Soul]: 0_o
[Arma]: argh
[Trance]: lol
[cmorkc]: So Soul...where is she?
[Soul]: ffs, you guys aren't going to let this go, are you?
[Copper]: Nah
[Charisma]: Nope
[cmorkc]: Never.
[Trance]: I want Soul pr0n.
[Arma]: Yuk
[Soul]: She's in the shower.
[cmorkc]: Go help her out.
[Copper]: Give her a hand!
[Charisma]: lol
* Soul sighs
[Soul]: Does anyone want to play summat? Or are we just going to talk about my almost non-existant sex life?
[Arma]: Almost?
[Soul]: I still got your wife, Arma.
[Arma]: Fuck you.
[Charisma]: I'm up for something.
[Trance]: Fuck you, team killing fuckshit.
[Charisma]: Are you still pissy about that, ya dyke?
[Copper]: I'm in, Soul.
[Trance]: Alright, I need to kill the fuck out of Charisma anyway.
[cmorkc]: Count me in.
[Arma]: Fuck you cunts, I got building and drinking I nede to do.
[Arma]: *need
[Soul]: FUCK
[Trance]: What?
[Charisma]: ???
[Copper]: What's wrong?
* YOU are now known as Soul|brb

Soul jumped out of his chair and ran. He hadn't imagined it...a scream had come from the bathroom. He flew around the corner into the kitchen and out into the hallway. He crashed through the bathroom door, and recoiled. He almost fell on his head as he attempted to turn around in midair. Gripping the doorframe, he swore. He'd almost crashed into Krystal, who was dripping wet and clothed only in a towel. The room was full of steam. He stood in the doorway, his back to her, bending over and leaning on the doorframe for support as he tried to get his breath back.
"What...the hell...is wrong?" He panted.
"What's wrong? What's wrong? You fucking pervert!" She screeched. Soul blinked.
"What?"
"What is that?" He turned around, trying not to look at Krystal. He looked where she was pointing instead. Oh shit.
"That's a...camera."
"A CAMERA?"
"It's not what it looks like!"
"Oh, that's fucking good! Here's me thinking you had a camera installed in your bathroom, where I'm showering!" She was pissed.
"I can explain that."
"This should be good." She pulled her towel up. "Don't look at me!" She yelled. He quickly averted his eyes.
"Stop yelling! It's there for security!"
"Security??"
"Yes! They're all through the house!"
"Oh, what, in case someone decides to get changed someplace else?"
"Krystal!"
"Why the fuck would you need security in your goddamn bathroom, you fucking pervert!"
"I'm not a damn pervert, for fuck's sake! I forgot!"
"You forgot."
"Yes."
"Dammit, you bastard! Get out! Out out out!" She yelled pushing him out the door. She slammed in it his face.
"Oh, for fuck's sake..." He muttered, walking away. He tried to think of a way to explain things, and gave up. It was a camera, in the bathroom. He could see her point. "Idiot!" He berated himself.

He sat down heavily, and carefully made sure he didn't turn on the top right screen...the screen that displayed everything from his cameras. He hadn't even thought of it...in a way, he wished he had. He didn't particularly want to violate Krystal's privacy, but...if he was going to take the shit for something, he generally preferred to have actually done it.
"Ah well," he sighed, "it was fun while it lasted." He very much doubted Krystal would want to stay with a guy who watched her shower via a remote camera.
"Oh, I bet it was." He jumped in his chair.
"Hi, Kryss." He sighed.
"Don't 'Hi Kryss' me. Take the fucking camera down."
"What?"
"Take it down, I want it gone. How the fuck am I supposed to...anything, with that damn camera pointing at me?"
"Ok ok, I'll take it down."
"I fucking know you will! I wasn't asking!" She stopped for breath. "So who was watching, eh? Just you? Or did you broadcast it to your internet buddies?" Now, that wasn't fucking fair.
"Hey, fuck you! I'm sorry, alright, but that's just...fucking rude!"
"So who was watching?"
"No one was fucking watching, you fucking moron! I told you, I forgot it was there! That would naturally preclude me from watching anything!"
"Don't call me a fucking moron!"
"Well then stop fucking acting like one! I'm not a fucking pervert! Shit, give me five minutes tops and I can have a video of some girl showering, and probably doing several other things at the same time!"
"What are you trying to say?"
"Why the hell would I watch you shower, when I can get the same shit off the internet?"
"Fuck you!"
"What?"
"I'm sorry I'm sub-par compared to those whores off the internet, but-"
"Oh, what the fuck!?"
"Isn't that what you're trying to say?"
"Fine, would you like to jump back in? I promise to actually watch this time."
"You little fucking-" Soul's computer beeped. Soul grunted in annoyance. "Shut that fucking thing up!"
"Why? It makes a fuckload more sense than-" The machine beeped again, "than you do!"
"Why are you-" Beep. "Why are you being such a cunt about this?" Another beep.
"Me??" Beep. "You're the one yelling and calling me a fucking pervert!" Beep beep.
"Stop that fucking thing beeping! Or I'll pull it to bits!"
"You fucking come near him, and I'll-" Beep. "ARGH! Shut the fuck up!" Soul spun to face his screen. A window of text had popped up. He glanced at it, and his blood froze. Beep.
"Shut it up! I'm-"
"Shut up, Krystal." He read over it again, and jumped up out of his seat. Some distant part of his mind noticed that she looked much better in her new clothes.
"What? How dare-"
"Not now, Krystal. I have to go."
"What!? Not you fucking don't, I'm not done with you yet." Soul grabbed his coat and pulled it on.
"Don't touch anything!" He yelled, slamming the door behind him.

Krystal just stared at the door.
"You piece of shit!" She muttered in disbelief. She turned to the computer. "Well, if you're going to be a fuckwit, I'm going to go through your machine...delete all your precious pornography. What do you think of that, asshole?" She sat down, but before she could start deleting things, the word 'rape' caught her eye.

[Grin_Raper]: You there, Soul?
[Grin_Raper]: Soul?
[Grin_Raper]: Man, I can't take this any more. I'm lonely, and I'm sick of this shit.
[Grin_Raper]: Just sick of being by myself all the time. I keep hearing this shit about you and Kry55...
[Grin_Raper]: I'm happy for you man, you should know that, but...I'm lonely, man. And I see you guys...all happy and shit...
[Grin_Raper]: Talon's got his wife and shit...and what do I got? I got fuck all, man, that's what. I'm tired of it.
[Grin_Raper]: Gonna end it, man. For serious this time. I just can't take it anymore.
[Grin_Raper]: It's been nice, man, it's been fun. I'll miss you, dude. Take care of her, and remember me, eh?
[Grin_Raper]: Tell the guys...I dunno, tell em some shit. Tell em my net died. They'll forget about me man, everyone does. Except you, and I'll never forget that.
[Grin_Raper]: Goodbye Soul.
* Grin_Raper has left IRC (Reason: Connection reset by peer.)

Krystal put her hands over her mouth and stared.
"Oh my God..."

Soul ran. Soul ran like the wind, his boots smashing down against the tar of the road. He could feel his ankles starting to give out, and he silently begged them to hold out a little longer. His breath came in short, ragged gasps, and he saw spots starting to appear on the edge of his vision. He ran some more.

Krystal just stared at the words on the screen. She read them again. She hadn't misunderstood...tears started to well up in her eyes. While you were yelling at him...you weren't even really angry! I wasn't...I was just...I don't know! While I was carrying on like a bitch...this guy somewhere was killing himself! He was trying to get Soul to help...if I hadn't been yelling at him...he could have stopped him...oh God... The guilt was too much...she started to cry. She couldn't think of anything else to do.

Soul leapt over the small fence and ran down the path, crashing into the front door. He started hammering at it with his fists.
"GRIN! YOU OPEN THIS FUCKING DOOR RIGHT NOW, GRIN! I MEAN IT! OPEN THE FUCKING DOOR!" He wasn't answering...Soul waited, his ear to the wood. There was no sound...he ran to the window and peered in. "Shit!" He could see the outline of a man, sprawled face down. "Shit shit shit!" He looked around himself frantically for something to open the window with. Nothing! Fuck! He made a fist and smashed it into the glass window as hard as he could. The window shattered, and he hauled himself thought, ignoring the glass that tore at his hands and legs. He ran to Grin's side.

Grins wrists had been torn open, a bloodied knife lay on ground next to his inert body. Grin had placed each of his bleeding wrists in a wide, low container of water, one for each wrist. They were overflowing as the blood poured out of him. Soul brushed them away quickly, and rolled the man over onto his back. Pulse! He put his fingers to Grin's neck, as he'd done to Krystal only a couple of nights ago. He couldn't feel anything.
"Don't be fucking dead, Grin. Don't you dare be fucking dead!" Blood was still dribbling out of him at a rapid rate. Bandages, bandages...where the fuck would he get some bandages! He cursed his own idiocy. Undoing the small clips, he tore the bandages off his own arms. He quickly wound one around Grin's wrist, pulling it tight. He did the same to the other. The veins on his arms began to stand out. Soul didn't know what else to do...he propped his friend up against the leg of his desk, in a sitting position. He kicked the knife away, then ducked into Grin's kitchen. He filled a glass with water, and ran back to his friend. He threw the water into Grin's face...he didn't react.
"If you're fucking dead, Grin, I'm going to rape your fucking corpse!" He threatened. Grin still didn't move. The bandages weren't staining, nor were they leaking, Soul noted with some relief. He wished he'd taken some first aid courses or something...he was sure there was something more he could be doing. Drawing his hand back wide, he slapped the man full across the face.
"WAKE UP!"

Krystal wiped her eyes, and silently prayed.
Whoever's listening...help! Make Soul run! Make him help! Make him...save Grin! Do it! Please! This is all my fault...please, take me instead!
She wiped her eyes again, and looked at Soul's screen. She closed the conversation window with Grin_Raper...she didn't want to read it again. There was another window open underneath it.

[Charisma]: So, I had no choice but to shoot her in the face.
[Trance]: That's total fucking bullshit.
[Charisma]: Nay!
[Copper]: I'm gonna choose to believe the op lol
[Charisma]: bah!
[Trance]: w00t!
[cmorkc]: lol
[Soul|brb]: help
[cmorkc]: Hey, Soul, you're back!
[Charisma]: Where'd you run off to?
[Trance]: What's the matter?
[Soul|brb]: it's grin raper
[Copper]: huh?
[Trance]: You're at Soul's?
[cmorkc]: What're you doing over there?
[Charisma]: I didn't know you two knew each other IRL.
[Soul|brb]: hes going to kill himself!
[Trance]: WHAT?
[Copper]: huh?
[Charisma]: wtf???
[Arma]: Eh?
[Trance]: Who the fuck is this?
[Soul|brb]: he was trying to tell soul but i was yelling at him
[Copper]: I'm fuckin' confused.
[Charisma]: Me too.
[Trance]: Kry55?
[Trance]: That you?
[Soul|brb]: yes
[cmorkc]: Holy shit!
[Trance]: Tell me what happened, sweety.
[Charisma]: I'm stil confused.
[cmorkc]: Shut up a second, Charisma.
[Soul|brb]: i was yelling at soul about the cameras, and someone was trying to talk to him but he couldn't reply because i was yelling at him and then eventually he did and then just ran out the door. i read his screen and it was grin_raper, saying he was lonely and going to kill himself.
[cmorkc]: Oh shit.
[Charisma]: FUCK
[Copper]: FUCK
[Arma]: We better call the fucking ambulance or summat.
[Copper]: Where's he live?
[Trance]: Don't you fucking dare!
[cmorkc]: What? Why?
[Trance]: You know the penalty for attempted suicide. He'll go to gaol.
[Arma]: SO FUCKING WHAT? He's gonna die otherwise!
[Trance]: Soul's got it.
[Charisma]: wtf soul? I love Soul too, but...a doctor he aint!
[Trance]: He'll handle it.
[Copper]: How the fuck do you know?
[Trance]: Because he has to!

Soul slapped him again.
"Wake the fuck up! W4K3 TH3 FUCK UP, GR1N!" The man groaned. Soul blinked, then started to laugh in relief.
"Whaaa? Hnuh?"
"Grin...Grin, you piece of shit, you scared the fuck outta me!" Grin blinked, and tried to focus his eyes on Soul.
"Am I...did I die?"
"No, you fucking didn't die! I saved your stupid ass!"
"Oh, thank God."
"No, thank me! Oh, you dopey mutherfucker, what the fuck's the matter with you? Hey, no, don't try and move. Just stay there."
"Soul...Soul..."
"It's alright man, I'm here. Wait, no, actually stay there for a second. I'll be right back." Soul jumped to his feet.
"Soul!"
"Hang on!" Soul darted into the kitchen and pulled Grin's fridge open. He scanned the fridge quickly, and found what he was looking for. He poured a glass of the orange juice and headed back to Grin.
"Soul...I gotta tell you..."
"Ssh, Grin, shut the fuck up. Here, drink this. Careful...careful."
"Huh?"
"It's just some juice...it'll make you feel better. You're gonna feel a little woozy...just focus on my voice, and try and drink some of that." Grin groggily lifted the glass to his lips, and took a sip. He held the glass out to Soul, who took it.
"Soul...Soul, I changed my mind."
"Good!"
"I don't wanna die now."
"You're not going to."
"Shut up. I was just so sad...you know? I was just...just..." His eyes started to droop. Soul grabbed him and shook him.
"Oh no, you fucking don't! Wake the fuck up!" Grin's eyes snapped back open.
"Soul! Stop it! I just want to...to have a little nap..."
"No, no fucking napping, ok? You have to stay awake. Tell me why you were sad."
"Sad? Oh...I was really sad. Lonely, you know?"
"Yeah, I know what you mean."
"Nah, man! You got...you got Kryss now! You're not...you're not lonely anymore...just me..."
"Hey! Don't give me that shit dude. You're still my man, you know that." Grin grinned weakly.
"I know, Soul, but...it's just...I bet she's real pretty, you know?"
"Hey, Grin man, it's not what you think!"
"It don't matter! She's there, man, you know? Like, with you all the time. I wish someone was with me...all the time. It's so quiet in here, with no one around ever." Soul looked at his friend worriedly. Keep him talking.
"Grin, dude, let me tell you a secret."
"Yah? Whassit?"
"Kryss...she doesn't like me much."
"What! Nah, man! You're just lying."
"I'm serious, Grin. She hates me. She thinks I'm spying on her with cameras and shit."
"Cameras?"
"Yeah!"
"You wouldn't do that, Soul. I know you man, you wouldn't."
"I know that man, but this girl...you know, she just likes to think bad shit about me."
"Aww, Soul, I'm sorry man."
"Hey, nah, it's cool, you know? I've got you to kick around, don't I?" Grin smiled and nodded, then blinked.
"Soul! I nearly died man!"
"I know, you fucking idiot! If you'd died, I would have been all by myself when Kryss fucked off!"
"Ah, shit...I didn't know..."
"Just don't do it again, man. I need you!"
"Really?"
"For sure! Who the fuck would I turn to without the Raper backing me up?"
"Thanks, Soul. I won't fuck up again man, I promise."
"Better fucking not." Grin smiled, and his started to droop again.
"Can I sleep now, Soul?"
"No! No fucking sleep! Stay awake. Hey, remember the time Charisma shot you in the back of the head, and we chased him around in jeeps for like three fucking hours?"
"Oh, yeah! I remember. Fucking team-killing shithead." Soul took a deep breath. Too fucking close. He looked down at his own hands, now without bandages. Too fucking close...

[Princess_Lorien]

Chapter Twenty Three

One by one, they'd logged off, or gone to sleep. Krystal was tired, but she refused to sleep until Soul returned, or at least she heard some news.

[Trance]: Just us now, girlie.
[Kry55]: Where the hell is he? It's been hours.
[Trance]: Probably a good sign.
[Kry55]: Why?
[Trance]: Well, would you sit in a house with a corpse for this long?

Krystal shuddered. It was true, though. The door crashed open to reveal Soul.
"I am returned!" He announced. Krystal jumped up out of the chair, and stopped. Soul was covered in blood, and he was swaying slightly. She hurried over to him.
"Soul! What happened?" She manouvered him gently through the door, pulling it closed behind him. He staggered before regaining his balance.
"I had to look in on a friend."
"Is he...he's alive, isn't he?" Soul blinked.
"How did you know about that?"
"I read your screen." He grunted.
"He lives. He should be fine now...I forbade him to sleep, and he's got fresh bandages."
"Oh, thank God. I was so worried..."
"What? Worried? Why should you care?" He took a wobbly step forward, then stopped.
"Soul...are you ok? You don't look real good- what the fuck!?" She noticed his hands weren't just bloodied...they were still bleeding. "What happened to you?"
"Me? Nothing. I'm fine."
"Your hands!"
"Oh, they always look like that." He explained without looking down.
"You're bleeding!"
"Really? I-" Very slowly, he fell over. Krystal rushed down beside him, her stomach churning. His face was white as a ghost. She grabbed his wrist, and let go hurriedly as she touched sticky blood. She lefted his arm carefully, pulling back his sleeve.

She clenched her teeth, dry-retching. Soul's arm was covered in tacky blood, and there were more cuts than skin. One angry red cut ran across his wrist...the skin around it was tinged an angry purple. She turned his hands over, and had to swallow. His knuckled were still oozing blood, and she saw several small pieces of glass lodged deep into the skin.
"Soul..." She paused, swallowing again, "Soul, why is there glass in your hand?"
"I had to open a window," he replied weakly, without opening his eyes. He clenched his hand into a fist, and she could actually see the skin splitting apart around one shard of glass. The blood began to trickle steadily. She gagged again.
"Soul, this is serious. We have to get you to a doctor."
"I'll be fine in a minute." She frowned angrily. Men!
"No, you won't. I'm not fucking around, Soul. You look like crap." His eyes opened a crack.
"You look pretty good."
"Soul, pay attention. I'm going to call a doctor, alright?"
"You took the ribbons out...I like the ribbons..." His eyes closed again. Krystal started to worry...he was in very bad shape. "No doctors." His voice was barely above a whisper.
"Soul...Soul, stay awake, ok?" He squeezed her hand gently, his head tipping to one side. "Oh shit...Soul, I'm calling a fucking ambulance. He protested weakly. "Sssh, don't move." She released his hand carefully. She hurried into the kitchen, and picked up the phone. Beep beep beep. The phone rang exactly once before being answered.

"Krystal? Is that you?" That took her by surprise.
"Um, yeah. It's Soul, he-"
"Is it Jack? Is anyone hurt?"
"No, no...it's Soul. He's collapsed...he's bleeding."
"Where are you?
"At Soul's house...he just fell over in the doorway. There's glass in his hand, and he's bleeding. He's been bleeding for a while."
"Ok Krystal...I've called for an ambulance. It should be there in a couple on minutes. I'll need to ask a few questions."
"Ok..."
"How did this happen?"
"He said he had to smash open a window."
"You weren't with him?"
"No, I was here...he just got back from- he just got back, and then he fell over."
"Where was he, Krystal?"
"I don't know," she lied.
"Ok, now don't try and remove the glass or anything...don't touch him at all. Does he have any other injuries you can see?" Krystal hurried back to the living room.
"Um...yeah, his arms have been cut up."
"Who did that?"
"I think...I think he did." The voice paused.
"He's attempted suicide?" Shit! Shit shit shit! Keep calm.
"No...no, he says it helps him sleep. The bleeding, I mean. It's not deep enough to kill him...I don't think, but it looks infected. It's kind of purple."
"Ok, sounds like he may have blood poisoning.
"Shit!"
"It's ok, Krystal. Just relax. He should be fine. We're going to help him. Is he concious?"
"I'll check." She knelt down beside him, putting the phone down. "Soul? Soul, can you hear me? Do something if you can hear me." He didn't move. She swallowed, and picked the phone back up. "He's not moving."
"Ok, stay calm. Is he breathing? Do you know how to check for a pulse?"
"His wrists are all torn up..."
"Press your fingers to the side of his neck, not too hard. Feel around for a pulse." She nodded, and put down the phone. She gingerly pressed two fingers to the side of his neck...she couldn't feel anything. She moved her fingers around...shit, still nothing. She started to worry. She screamed as Soul grabbed her wrist. He stared at her, his eyes out of focus.
"Don't take her from me. I'll kill you." He said calmly. His eyes rolled back into his head, and he slumped over. Krystal started to hyperventilate...he was still gripping her wrist, blood still running from his knuckles. She tried to pry his fingers away, but they were slick with blood, and his grip was like iron. She couldn't breathe...she scrambled around for the phone with her free hand.
"Krystal! Are you there? Hello? Answer if you can hear me, please!"
"He- he- he- he-"
Krystal! Thank God. Calm down, tell me what happened."
"He- he- he grabbed-" She struggled for breath.
"Calm down, Krystal. It's alright. Take deep breaths." She tried. A deep, slow breath...he was still latched onto her wrist.
"He...he won't let go."
"It's alright, Krystal. It's just a spasm, the paramedics will give him some sedatives to make him let go." Yes...the paramedics...ok. Deep breath, in, out. He breathing slowed. Soul's eyelids fluttered, but he didn't loosen his grip.
"Ok. I'm alright. How long?"
"They should arrive any second now. Has Soul changed at all?"
"He said something, and grabbed my wrist...he's alive."
"He might be hallucinating from the blood poisoning. Just stay calm, and try not to do anything to startle him."
"He's unconcious...his eyes have rolled over. They're all white."
"Don't worry about that, it's perfectly normal."
"Perfectly fucking normal? I never do this shit! How about you?!"
"Calm down, Krystal. He's going to be fine."
"All very well for you to-" Someone banged on the door.
"Hello! Open up!"
"Help!" She yelled. The door burst open, and Soul flew to his feet, staggering away from the noise. He released his grip on Krystal.
"Back!" He yelled at the paramedics in the doorway.
"Easy, Soul. We're here to help."
"You're not taking her away again. I'll fucking kill you. Not this time. Get away!"
"It's ok, Soul. We're friends." Krystal stared in horror at the scene before her.
"Not this time. You can't take her. I need her. Stay away."
"Shoot him." The paramedic said to his partner.
"What?" Krystal stared at the man in disbelief.
"Keep back, ma'am." His partner raised a rifle, pointed at Soul.
"You can't have her!"
"Stop!" Krystal shouted. The rifle went off with a bang. The projectile hit Soul in the chest with a thud. Krystal stared, shocked, as Soul pulled the dart out of his chest and stared at it.
"Motherfucker." He swore, before collapsing in a heap.

The paramedic was talking into the microphone on his shoulder, as his companion strapped Soul's arms and legs down to a gurney.
"Is it typical procedure to shoot patients with tranquilizers?" She asked him angrily.
"Only the dangerous ones, ma'am."
"What? Dangerous?"
"This is Soul, right? We've had problems with him before. A few years ago he almost ripped a nurse's arm off, and tore off his own face in the process."
"What the hell are you talking about?" The paramedic shot her an irritated glance.
"During facial reconstruction, he woke up and assaulted a nurse. He didn't have a face at the time...he could have killed himself. We take note of such cases, and make sure we don't have repeat performances."
"So you shot him."
"We're not going to take any chances, ma'am. He broke someone's arm...while sedated. It's for his own safety. He could easily injure himself." The other man wheeled Soul's inert form towards the ambulance. The paramedic went to follow him.
"Are you coming, or not?" He asked her over his shoulder. Krystal nodded.
"One second." She hurried to the front door and pulled it closed. She still had her phone with her.
"Come on, let's go!" The paramedic insisted, waving her into the back of the ambulance. He helped her clamber inside, then pulled the doors shut. He banged on the ceiling. "Let's roll!" The sirens blared into life, and they were off.

Krystal looked up as a doctor pushed through the swinging doors. She'd been sitting in the waiting room for hours...the doctor continued past her, and her head drooped. Still no word. She looked out the small window, and was surprised to see sunlight filtering through from outside. It was morning. Her body cried for sleep, but she couldn't. Her mind was moving too quickly, a million awful scenarios. She wasn't sure how she'd react if he was dead, or in a coma, or something...she couldn't face the prospect. She'd tried to be logical about it...she'd only known him a few days, after all. She'd get over it, surely...it wasn't working. Her brain refused to consider the idea.

Why? She couldn't understand it. Why would he do that to himself? Helping him sleep was bullshit. She didn't care what anyone said, tearing your skin apart would help you sleep. That was ridiculous. Why, then? The image of Soul being beaten almost to death by Jack rose unbidden in her mind. No...no, it couldn't be that. Please don't let it be that...she knew, though. He'd been traumatized. The paramedics words came back to her...facial reconstruction...he had no face at the time...could have killed himself...She queezed her eyes shut. This was a nightmare, and she was going to wake up. Soul was going to be fine...he'd shake her awake and ask her to go with him to the Mall. This was all just a bad dream.
"Miss Jemm?" She looked up. A man in a white coat.
"Krystal," she corrected him. A doctor.
"Krystal, umm, we've taken a look at Soul." She just looked at him expectantly. She couldn't summon the energy to ask anything...she was too tired. She couldn't even hope. She just looked at him, waiting. "He, uh, well...he's alive." Relief flooded her, but she was too tired to notice.
"Good," she managed.
"He's...well, he should be dead. He lost alot of blood, but...his previous wounds were badly infected. The cuts weren't clean to begin with...they were made with a jagged implement of some kind, possibly rusty. He, uh...well, he also seems to have tried to...remove the skin from his ankles. Were you aware of this?" She shook her head numbly. "Ok, well...he's also suffering malnutrition...his stomach's shrunk to about the size of a tennis ball. Most of the lining's gone as well, and we found three ulcers. He...he should be dead." The doctor scratched the back of his head with a pen, his face confused. "Umm, the lacerations cover his arms, his entire torso and uh, and his lower legs...we've given him a blood transfusion...we think the blood poisoning should be manageable. Basically, he's not really in any immediate danger...though it's a miracle he's, uh, he's alive. As I said. Um, sorry, how long have you known this man?"
"About three days." Krystal croaked. Her throat was very dry.
"Has he eaten anything in that time?"
"He only drinks coffee. He said he doesn't eat...I, I didn't believe him." Krystal tried to be angry at her inattention, but failed. She was too confused, and tired. It was too much to take in.
"Jesus Christ...coffee. We're going to have to keep him here, he should recover, and we're going to have to run some tests to find out, uh, find out how exactly he managed to survive. It's incredible...he's got dozens of hairline fractures in most of his joints. He should have been debilitated by pain, I just-" He stopped, glancing a Krystal, and cleared his throat. "Um, anyway. You needn't worry for now."
"Can I see him?" She asked. She just needed to see him, then she could sleep. Sleep.
"Uh, that should be fine. Follow me." She pulled herself up and forced her feet to move. She followed the doctor. "Um, he's been restrained for now, and he's sleeping. Don't be alarmed...the straps won't cause him any discomfort." They reached a ward, marked thirteen. Bad luck, Krystal noted. The doctor pushed the door open for her. She wandered inside. Nearly there. She saw him.

He was propped up on pillows. Numerous tubes surrounded him, some going up his nose. He wasn't wearing a shirt, but most of the exposed skin was covered in gauze, taped down. There were more tubes going into his chest, and arms. Some ended in needles, others in white, circular pads. A machine beeped slowly. His heartbeat. She noticed what she could see of his ribs were pressed alarmingly against his skin. She also noticed with a kind of clinical detachment that two of his ribs were missing. The skin sunk into the gaps. His eyes had dark circles under them...it looked like he'd been punched. Twice. He was also fixed to the bed by straps, two on each arm, and one around his neck. She assumed there were more under the blanket, holding his legs down.
"Don't be alarmed by the restraints, ma'am. They're there for his own safety." She ignored the doctor. She reached out gingerly, and brushed a lock of hair away from his face. His eyes snapped open, but she wasn't surprised. She was too tired to be surprised. She just smiled reassuringly. His eyes rolled around in his head for a moment, before coming to rest on Krystal. He whispered something. She leaned in closer, dimly aware the doctor was saying something. Warning her to be careful. She leaned in closer, until she could feel his skin on her cheek.
"Oh...oh shit. Oh shit." His voice was strangely calm for someone repeating 'oh shit', "remember...oh shit. Don't let them take Krystal. Don't let them hurt her. I need her." He slumped back against the pillows, his eyes closing.
"Um, don't get too close, ma'am!" The doctor warned, "he's supposed to be sedated, but, uh...he seems to have a resistance to it." The doctor made an embarrassed noise in his throat.
"I'll stay with him." Krystal said. She pulled a plastic chair next to the bed, and sat down. She took his hand gently, and rested her forehead on the edge of the mattress. The doctor said something, but it was too late. She was already asleep.

She was awoken by a hand shaking her. She looked down...a dark-skinned hand. She followed the arm up to a face. A bald man, with a short moustache. He smiled. He was beautiful.
"Don't worry, it's alright. You're dreaming." He assured her. She was relieved...she wasn't ready to wake up yet. He had a beautiful smile. "I know. Thank you." She frowned. She hadn't realised she'd said it out loud.
"I'm...I'm..."
"I know, you're Krystal. It's ok, Krystal, you just stay there. I need you to tell me something. You don't mind telling me something, do you?" She didn't...she was sad he was only a dream. He was so very handsome. She sighed. "Krystal, you know who hurt Soul, don't you?"
"Jack," she said, her lips pouting. She didn't like Jack. She liked this man, though. He was handsome. The man nodded.
"Very good, Krystal! Thank you very much. Now, only one more question. Are you ready?" She was ready.
"Yes." She said, proudly.
"Great!" He smiled again. It was a stunning smile. "Now, I just need to know where Jack lives." She frowned, trying to concentrate. That was a hard one. Her tongue poked out of her mouth as she concentrated. She smiled. She remembered! She was worried she wouldn't be able to help the nice man...she didn't want that. She wanted to help him. He was so handsome. "Krystal?" Oh! Oops. She giggled, and told him the address. "Thank you, Krystal." He said.
"What's your name?" She asked shyly. He smiled again.
"I don't have a name, I'm just a dream, Krystal. Now sleep." She wanted to ask him more questions, look at him some more, but she was suddenly very tired indeed. Checking to make sure she was stilling holding onto Soul's hand, she put her head back down and slept.

[Princess_Lorien]

Chapter Twenty Four

Krystal had slept for a full twenty-four hours. She would probably have slept longer, had Soul not woken her up.

"Krystal..." She blinked blearily, and looked around, startled. It took her a few seconds to remember where she was. "Krystal!" It was Soul.
"Soul! Are you alright?" She stood quickly, leaning over him.
"No. I'm dead." He said bitterly.
"You should be resting, Soul. Go to sleep."
"No! Krystal, I told you no doctors!" He looked grumpy.
"Soul...you're very sick. The doctors told me-"
"Pfft, doctors."
"Shut up, Soul." She touched his face gently, "you had blood poisoning. You were malnourished. Stomach ulcers...the doctor thought you should be dead."
"Oh, should I? Oh dear. I rest my case about doctors."
"Soul, I'm glad you're alright. You had me worried for a minute." He snorted, absently rubbing his face against her hand. She smiled.
"I am invincible," he said irritably.
"Of course you are." She said fondly.
"Now, I need to ask you something, Krystal. Something very important." She leaned closer.
"Anything."
"I've never asked anyone this before. Come closer." She leaned close to him, her heartbeat quickening.
"Could you please get these fucking straps off me??" She jumped away, and fixed him with a harsh glare. He returned it. This went on for about thirty seconds, before Soul looked away. "Sorry." He said miserably.
"Don't take it out on me, Soul. This is your fault, you bloody great idiot. I'm not kidding around, you nearly died."
"Me bollocks," he disagreed, "I was never in any danger."
"Fine! Believe what you like, but you're staying right there."
"The straps?"
"Are you going to stay there if I undo them?"
"Possibly..."
"Not good enough, Soul. I want your word." He stared at her glumly. Someone tapped on the door.
"Piss off!" Soul yelled. The door opened, to reveal two men in uniforms. Detective Claw and Officer Neb. Neb smiled at the two of them.
"Good to see you again, Krystal, Soul." Claw said, nodding to each in turn, "I have some...news."
"Good news," Neb corrected. Claw shot him an irritated glance, as a doctor stepped through the door behind them.
"Morning, Officers. Anything amiss here?"
"No," Claw said, "just need to speak with Miss Krystal here."
"Good. Soul isn't going anywhere."
"Fuck you!" Soul objected. Krystal took his hand and gave it a squeeze.
"Shut up a second, Soul. Go on, Detective." He nodded, with a concerned glance Soul's way.
"We went and checked out that address you gave us. We found Jack." Krystal's stomach lurched.
"And?" She said, trying to keep her voice calm.
"He's dead, Krystal. Bullet wound to the head. We found him sprawled on the floor of his living room." Soul blinked. She couldn't decide whether to be relieved or horrified. Soul's choice was pretty clear.
"About fucking time." He muttered, squeezing Krystal's hand.
"Amen." Officer Neb said, bringing another irritated glance from the Detective.
"Um, if I may..." the doctor began, "we'd like to run some more tests on Soul here."
"You stay the fuck away from me," Soul warned. Krystal shot him an angry glance.
"Of course, Doctor. Krystal, we know you probably want to stay near Soul, but we need you to come down to the station with us."
"What for? I was here all night!"
"I know, we verified that already. Don't worry, you and Soul are not suspects. We need you to I.D. the body for us." Krystal blinked, her stomach doing another flip. She didn't want to see the body.
"I'm coming." Soul said firmly. He struggled with his restraints.
"NO!" Krystal said, louder than she'd meant to. If Soul saw Jack... "No, Soul. You stay here. I won't be gone long."
"Don't you leave me here with these assholes, Kryss."
"I have to. I won't be long, I'll come straight back, I promise."
"We'll, uh, we'll meet you outside." Claw said uncomfortably. He and Neb stepped out into the corridor.
"Krystal, please. Don't leave me with these guys."
"I'm sorry, Soul. You have to be tested...there are more things wrong with you than I can count on both hands. Just stay here, ok?" He glared at her.
"I won't forget this." He said flatly.
"Soul, don't, please..." He turned away from her, pulling angrily against his restraints. She sighed sadly, and headed toward the door. She paused next to the doctor.
"Thank you, ma'am." He murmured.
"You hurt him," she said quietly, "and it'll be you in the bed next to him. In traction." She strode out the door.

"Now, we know this isn't the easiest thing," Claw was explaining as they walked quickly through the bustling police station, "but we need to be sure."
"I understand."
"The morgue's not far from here. Now, when we get there, just take your time. No need to rush. Just let us know when you're ready, take a look at the man's face, and we'll cover him up again. That's all you need do."
"Alright." Her stomach was still fluttering. It all seemed a bit surreal. Her and Soul aside, she couldn't help wondering who would want to murder Jack.
"Oh, one more thing. This might seem obvious, but we're very sure he's dead. Checked and double checked." Krystal gave him an odd look, eyebrow raised, and he coughed, "well, some people seem to worry about things like that. I was just letting you know, he's definately dead."
"He's dead, got it." Krystal replied, with one last concerned glance Claw's way. Neb chuckled.
"Ok, here we are. Remember, there's no rush, Krystal. Take all the time you need." He held the door open for her, then stepped in behind her. He let the door swing closed, hitting Officer Neb. Krystal stared at a table in the middle of the room. There were sharp implements everywhere, saws, scalpels, needles...she shuddered. Silently, she prayed that when she died there wouldn't be enough of her left to stick anything into. Or cut into pieces. She shuddered.
"Is that...?"
"Yes, that's him." Claw strode around the table, stopping at the head end of the body bag. "Just let me know when you're ready." Krystal took a deep breath, gathering her wits. Steeling herself, she nodded. Claw undid the zipper on the bag, and tugged it open.

Krystal took one look at the dead man's face, and screamed.

"His name is...was, Martin Cognitti." She said. She stared into the mug of black coffee Neb had made her. She hadn't drunk any. She couldn't get the image of Martin, lying there, pale and dead, out of her brain. She was sitting in Detective Claws office...she couldn't quite recall how she'd got there.
"I see," Claw said, "how did you know him? Was he a friend?"
"He lived with my friend Jenny...they were roomies...I met him through her." She couldn't believe it.
"Did he and Jack ever interact?"
"Not much...maybe three times all together, when I was around. Jack didn't like him...he was a really nice guy, Martin...he didn't like the way Jack treated me." She smiled fondly, remembering. She looked up.
"Was it Jack?" She asked. Claw took a breath.
"Krystal, this is now a homicide investigation. I'm afraid I can't tell you anything."
"What? Detective, I-" He raised his hand, cutting her off.
"I'm sorry, Krystal. Rules are rules. I can't comment." She stared at him in disbelief.
"Martin was my friend!"
"I appreciate that, Krystal, but I can't." She shook her head in amazement.
"Fucking hell," she muttered in disgust, "take me back to the hospital, then." The Detective sighed sadly.
"Alright, Krystal. I'll have Neb drive you. I'm sorry." Krystal didn't bother to reply. She stood and followed Neb out the door.

Officer Neb tried to engage Krystal in conversation during the drive back to the hospital, but after several failed attempts, he gave up and they drove on in silence. Krystal was afraid...if Jack had really killed Martin, that was...but why? She didn't understand...he and Martin had never got on, but that was years ago. Why would Jack...kill him, now? It didn't make any sense. One thing was certain, however...if Jack was a murderer now, instead of just an asshole, she didn't intend to let Soul out of her sight. In his condition, he was in no position to defend himself. They arrived at the hospital, finally, and Krystal hurried inside, Neb trailing along behind her.

She stopped in the corridor. Something was wrong. Outside Soul's room, were two men in dark suits and glasses. They stood on either side of the door to Soul's ward, their faces impassive. This wasn't right. They looked government...had their been any other patients in Soul's ward? She couldn't remember. She strode up to the two men. They weren't particularly impressive, build-wise. They were both medium in size, and only an inch or so taller than Krystal herself. She looked them in the sunglasses, and went to walk past them. They both raised a hand, palm up, to bar her path.
"No entry." They said simply by way of an explanation. She frowned angrily.
"Let-" The door opened with startling quickness. The man who stepped out was tall, at least as tall as Soul, who stood six foot from head to toe. He was also well-built. He looked down at Krystal, his face far from the impassiveness of the other two. He also wore a dark suit and sunglasses like the two guarding the door. Officer Neb caught up to her.
"Who are you lot?" He demanded, looking over the three men. The tall one glanced at him, the pulled something out of his coat. He handed it to Neb. Neb glanced at it for a moment, then closed his eyes.
"Sheee-it." He swore.
"What? What the hell's going on?" Krystal demanded.
"They're D.C.C.T." He muttered.
"What the fuck does that mean?"
"Department of Cyberspace Counter-Terrorism." Krystal heart missed a beat.
"Are you...Krystal Jemm?" The tall one asked her in a deep voice. She nodded. One of the men guarding the door grabbed her arm roughly.
"What the fuck-"
"You're under arrest." The tall one explained.
"What the fuck! I haven't done-"
"You have the right to remain silent-"
"Anything you do or say may be used against you," he continued.
"Fuck you!"
"You have the right to an attorney."
"Go fuck yourself!"
"Yeah, fuck it." The tall man said, "cuff her." Krystal looked desperately at Neb, who raised his hands apoligetically.
"Sorry, Krystal. Out of my hands."
"Return to your precinct," the tall man ordered Neb, "speak of this to no one." Neb shot a furious glance at the tall man, but did as he was told, shaking his head angrily. One of the door guards roughly cuffed Krystal's hands together in front of her.
"What's this-"
"Shut up." The tall man cut her off, "you two, get him unhooked from those machines, and bring him out here. Anything you can't unhook, just bring with us. Let's move this along...we've got what we came for." The two shorter men stepped wordlessly into Soul's ward, shutting the door behind them. The tall man turned his sunglasses on Krystal, who stared back defiantly. She wondered if they'd let her and Soul share a cell. At least, she told herself, in gaol, they'd be safe from Jack.
"I've never heard of the D.C.C.T." She accused.
"That's a really sad story."
"Undo these handcuffs, and I'll beat the living shit out of you." This brought a slightly amused expression.
"I look forward to putting that theory to the test."
"What are you going to do with Soul?"
"The usual."
"What's the usual?"
"I don't want to ruin the surprise."
"You're a fucking asshole, you know that?"
"As soon as someone who gives a shit comes by, I'll be sure to let them know." He sneered. Krystal returned the sneer with one of her own. The tall man chuckled. The door opened, and the other two suits came out, wheeling Soul's bed between them. He was unconcious.
"Got him." One of them said.
"Let's go."

Krystal tried to shrug his grip off her shoulder, but he refused to be moved. Eventually, he got tired of it and crunched her shoulder in his grip. She saw red dots. The left the hospital via the front door, and she was shoved into the back of a black van. Soul's bed was rolled in after her, the legs folding under. The tall one jumped into the back, sitting across from Krystal, looking at her over the top of the inert Soul. He looked angry. The two shorter men shut the back doors of the van, then walked around the outside to jump in the front. The one in the drivers seat keyed the ignition.
"Undo the cuffs." The one in the passenger seat ordered. Krystal blinked in surprise. The man across from her grabbed her arm roughly, and removed the cuffs. She massaged her wrists.
"How is he?" Asked the driver. The tall man, having thrown his sunglasses on the floor of the can and put the handcuffs in his pocket, inspected Soul.
"Take your fucking hands off him!" She said angrily. He turned slowly to regard her. She froze, as he pulled out a gun and pointed it at her forehead.
"Put that away!" Both men in the front said, at the exact same time. The other man grunted and shoved it back into it's holster at his hip. He returned to his inspection of Soul.
"The doctors were correct. He's definately malnourished," he pulled the blanket down, "and if these bandages are any indication, he's more scars than skin."
"You guys aren't really cops, are you?" Krystal asked.
"Very perceptive, princess. Now shut your yap."
"That's enough." Said the driver.
"No, we're not." The passenger said.
"We're friends," the driver assured her.
"Speak for yourself." The man across from Krystal grunted.
"We apologise for-"
"Our friend." Krystal blinked.
"He seems to be taking-"
"Soul's condition personally."
"Why..." she paused, "are you two finishing each others sentences?" She asked.
"Nothing gets past this one," the taller man said in disgust.
"Enough, Jayson!" They both said. Krystal stared at the tall man.
"Anyway, it's a pleasure,"
"Krystal. We are Robert."

[Princess_Lorien]

Chapter Twenty Five

"Leet Master Jayson?" Krystal asked incredulously. He growled.
"I see he's just telling anyone he comes across about us."
"Don't be so paranoid." Robert...Roberts...The Roberts said.
"It's my paranoia that keeps us from gaol."
"We already live in the gaol." They...he...whatever, replied. Krystal blinked.
"Get the straps off him." One of the Roberts said. Jayson pulled a bunch of keys from his coat, and sorted through them. He picked one and applied it to the strap around Soul's neck. He wiggled it until it came undone. Soul didn't move. He started on the arm closest to him. Jayson flicked a glance at Krystal.
"Why did they strap him down?" He asked.
"They said he assaulted a nurse a few years ago. Broke her arm...he was supposed to be sedated at the time." Jayson just grunted. He did something that might have been considered a smile, or so she thought...it was gone the next second, and he was back to the usual scowl. His face didn't change as, the last strap having been undone, Soul's hand shot out and took hold of his neck. He didn't even blink as he punched Soul hard in the side of the face. Soul's entire body went limp and he slumped back down against the bed. Krystal yelped, throwing herself across his body. Jayson scowled.
"He's fragile, Jayson." Robert said, without turning around.
"Don't be too rough." Other Robert added. Krystal glared balefully at Jayson, who didn't look particularly worried. He just shrugged, and held the keys up in front of her face.
"Get the other arm, if you think you can do better."

"We're here." Robert announced. It occured to Krystal she didn't know where 'here' was. The two Roberts got out of the van. A few seconds later, the back opened, and Soul rolled out. They caught him, setting the legs out. Jayson was gone...she hadn't even seen him leave the van. She clambered out, looking worriedly at Soul. The events were too much for her to think about for the moment, so she satisfied herself with keeping an eye on Soul. The Roberts and 'Leet Master' Jayson could wait.
"Get the door." Jayson commanded, from the middle of the lawn. She blinked.
"Asshole," she muttered, heading to the door. She stopped, realising she didn't have a key.
"Krystal," Robert said.
"You'll need this." Robert continued. He threw...that is, one of them threw a wallet to her. She opened it, and a key fell out into her hand. She nodded, and headed for the door. She slid the key into the lock, and paused.

Oh shit...remember...oh shit. She frowned, and turned the key. The door opened, and she ran straight to Soul's computer. She found what she was looking for...she hit the key labelled 'oh shit'. The screens died instantly, all the lights went out. Robert turned the light on as she was pulling the lever on the wall into the upright position. Jayson was already in the room, looking at her with an amused scowl. She wasn't sure how he managed to scowl in an amused way, but he did.
"At least she's loyal." The Roberts said.
"She is a fool. I'll have this back on in five minutes." The Roberts nodded in tandem. Krystal glared. Between them, Robert hoisted Soul out of the bed and set him on his feet.
"Be careful!" Krystal warned. She was grateful to notice he was wearing pants. Jayson sat down at the computer, cracking his knuckled unpleasantly. The Roberts set Soul down carefully on the couch. Wait, what? "Where'd that couch come from?" She asked.
"It's always been there," the Roberts said. She frowned. Soul didn't show any sign of reacting, but his face was developing a dark colouring where Jayson had hit him. Jayson, meanwhile, had grunted in irritation and headed to the large switch on the wall, which he flipped. He sat down again.
"So what do you lot actually want?"
"We're helping a friend!" Robert said innocently, as if stealing someone from a hospital and punching them in the face in the back of a van was the sort of thing friends do for each other on a daily basis.
"Wait, let me guess," she said, "you're all part of some secret organization who experiments on people genetically. Soul's some kind of cyborg, which explains why he rarely sleeps and lives on coffee, and has survived for so long despite the fact he should have died of poor lifestyle a long time ago. You showed up to get him from the hospital, because you were worried the doctors would find out he's been tinkered with and spill the beans. That explains the cameras all over the house...you monitor your little experiment constantly. It also explains his affinity for computers, and his impressive reaction times...which in turn explains why he's so good at Dance Dance Revolution. It would also explain why he has metal plates in his face and ankles...they're implants of some kind. Now I think about it, that would also explain why he mutilates himself...the procedure has left him mentally scarred." Robert just stared at her.
"You figured all this-"
"Out by yourself?" They asked finally. She nodded smugly.
"We'll have to kill her." They said to Jayson, who just nodded, standing up. Krystal took a step back. Robert and Jayson exchanged a look. Then the Roberts burst out laughing. Even Jayson smiled.
"Ha ha ha!" Robert chuckled, "that's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard!"
"Girl watches too many bad movies." Jason said, sitting back down. He was concealing a smile behind his hand. Krystal flushed angrily. Well, it had made alot of sense! Robert got themselves under control.
"The simplest explanation is-"
"Usually the best one," they said.
"Well, fine then. What's the-" She was cut off by an air raid siren blaring. She covered her ears. Red lights strobed, and the sirens continued wailing. Jayson hit the switch, and the sirens stopped. Krystal smirked. Robert raised an eyebrow each.
"Problem?" They asked. Jayson just grunted.
"Where's Soul?" Krystal asked, suddenly noticing he was no longer on the couch. Robert just smiled.
"You guys scared the shit out of me." Krystal jumped at the voice behind her. She turned.
"Soul!" She squealed. She'd never been more relieved in her life! She grabbed him in a massive hug.

Soul's brain was moving around too quickly. Still woozy from the drugs, he'd managed to gather than Jayson and Robert were here, and he was at home. His alarms had gone off...he assumed that was Jayson trying to access his hard drive. He'd put a stop to that in a moment. For now, though, the biggest surprise was hanging around his neck.
"Kryss...hey..." He said, bemused.
"Soul, help me. The house is full of strange men." She explained. He smiled, holding his arms wide. He wasn't sure what else he should do with them. Returning the hug didn't occur to him.
"It's alright, Kryss. They're friends."
"That's quite an assumption on your part." Jayson said, without bothering to turn around. Soul's face blanched.
"Master," he replied. Krystal finally released him, and he gave her a reassuring smile.
"Good to see you're alive and well." Robert said. Soul turned to him, smiling genuinely. He walked over to them, shaking both their hands simultaneously. "Please, sit down." He said, indicating the couch. They did so.
"You had us worried, Soul."
"What were you thinking!" Jayson said furiously, before Soul could answer. He strode towards, looking him in the eyes. "Going to a hospital!"
"I was sick." Soul replied flatly.
"Did she put you up to this?"
"Leave her out of this."
"That's a bit rich coming from you."
"I'm your apprentice, not your slave."
"You are no apprentice of mine!"
"Am I such an embarrassment to you?"
"You are beyond an embarassment! What of this girl?"
"You will use her name when you speak to me."
"She is a woman. She has no name."
"You are in my house. You will respect my rules."
"Apostropheforwardslashzeroopenbracketunderscoreclosebracketfourbartwothreefourbarequalszerozeroone!" Krystal blinked.
"Oneonezerobackslashforwardslashthreebardashbarthreebartwo." Soul replied calmly. Krystal blinked again.
"You know nothing!" Jayson spat. He swung at Soul's face with the back of his hand. Soul was ready for it, and ducked. He punched Jayson in the stomach, but of course he hit nothing. He raised his arms to cover his face, and Jayson's fist crashed into his forearms. He took a few steps back, and he and his master glared at each other across the small space. Robert sighed, and stood up in tandem.
"Krystal, perhaps we should-"
"Leave these two to their games?" They suggested, smiling. With one last worried glance at the two other men, she led them into the kitchen.
"He won't hurt Soul, will he?"
"Could he? Most definately."
"Will he? Most likely not."

There was only one chair at the kitchen table, and all of the assembled were too polite to take it, so they all stood around the table.
"Can I get you anything?" Krystal asked. The Roberts...ugh, she decided to just call them Robert. Robert shook their heads. Argh!
"I see you're confused." Robert said.
"Very perceptive. I mean, I've talked to you on the phone, and Soul's mentioned Jayson before, but..." She gave them a helpless look. They smiled, and raised their hands for calm.
"Don't concern yourself too much."
"We are friends of Soul, and-"
"By extension, you."
"What about Jayson, then? He's definately not my friend." She winced at a crash from the ajoining room.
"He's eccentric, that's all." They began speaking at the same time. "When we took Soul in, originally it was to help him recover, and send him on his way. He took an interest in computers, however, and Jayson tought him a few things. He showed some talent, so Jayson continued to train him. Around this time, Soul began referring to him as 'Master', and to himself as the apprentice. Too much Star Wars perhaps. Regardless, they eventually began to fall out. They had a great many professional disagreements, the major one being that Soul didn't want to learn about combat."
"Combat? As in, hitting people?"
"Indeed. Soul wanted no-"
"Part of it. He flatly refused to-"
"Learn how to hurt people."
"I see."
"Eventually, Jayson got frustrated and sent him away."
"He came here to live."
"So why are you guys...I mean, why do you..." She floundered. Robert just smiled indulgently.
"We're twins."
"I've never met twins who act like you guys do."
"We're a little unusual. Think of it as a birth defect, if it helps. To all intents and purposes, however, we are the same person. We are, quite literally, Robert."
"You have the same thoughts?"
"We only have one mind." She frowned.
"That's impossible."
"Is it!" Robert's eyes widened.
"We'd best stop it, then." Krystal blushed, and Robert laughed.
"Sorry, just sort of slipped out."
"Think nothing of it." They began speaking in tandem again. It was quite creepy, actually...but it did make them easier to listen to. "I know this is very hard to...accept. I appreciate my appearance is bizarre to you, but I assure there's nothing unusual about me."
"What about Jayson, then? What's his story?"
"Well, I don't really know. I know he trains in some strange form of martial arts, and programs as a hobby. As I said earlier, though...he has some eccentricities. One of them being he holds no respect for women." She raised an eyebrow.
"Really? I hadn't noticed." Another loud smashing sound from the living room.
"It was him who originally insisted we come here. He was horrified to hear Soul was 'cavorting with a female', as he himself put it."
"What a charming fellow."
"He has rough edges, I admit."
"And Soul?"
"What of him?"
"Why didn't he die? He's in really bad shape, and yet he's in there with the weirdo doing laps of the living room."
"Ah. That's the training. I don't fully understand it-"
"Myself, but it seems to involve denying pain-"
"In some way. As in, ignoring pain will somehow-"
"Make you invincible." Krystal wasn't quite sure what to make of that.
"Soul said something...the other day. Please don't be mad at him for telling me...I sort of made him."
"He told you about his...work." Robert said.
"Yes. Please don't be angry at him." Robert shrugged.
"I think we can safely-"
"Trust you. I've observed you are-"
"Unwilling to let Soul come to-"
"Any harm. In this, we are very-"
"Much on the same side."
"So he does do illegal things?"
"In a word, yes." She frowned. That bothered her.
"Why does he cut himself up?"
"He was...assaulted several years ago, as I-"
"Told you on the phone. You already knew that-"
"Though, didn't you?" Robert fixed her with a piercing gaze. She flushed.
"Look...I, please don't tell him. Please. I'm going to tell him, I really am, just...not yet." Robert raised an eyebrow. Each. "Wait...how did you know about that?" She asked.
"I have no idea what-"
"You're talking about." Robert confessed. Krystal cursed her own stupidity.
"Fuck..." She muttered.
"Why don't you explain that?" Robert suggested.
"It's not important."
"A little late for that-"
"I'm afraid." Krystal swore again, lowering her voice.
"I was there...when Soul was attacked. I tried to stop it, but...but I couldn't. I've been meaning to tell him, but you said not to mention it, and..." She trailed off. Robert was just looking at her.
"Do you ever wear black ribbons in your hair?" Robert asked her, his face serious.
"Well...yes, I always have. Why?" Robert's eyes widened. He glanced sideways as Soul and Jayson appeared in the doorway. Soul flopped down into the chair.
"You are soft!" Jayson said in disgust.
"Fuck your mother, Master." Soul replied.
"How many times must I tell-"
"You two not to have your little-"
"Squabbles in front of me?" Robert said sternly.
"Sorry, Robert." Jayson and Soul said. They glared at each other. Jayson turned stiffly to Krystal.
"Woman," he addressed her, "Soul, the one blight on my existence, the single imperfect aspect of my life that he is, has insisted I treat you with proper courtesy. Normally, I would snap his spine for such impudence, but seeing as I am under his roof, which he assures me is also your's, I will tolerate his disrespect in suggesting I treat a mere woman with equality." Krystal blinked, taken by surprise at the abrupt speech.
"Um, thank you." She said. Jayson bobbed his head ever-so-slightly in response.
"Now, on to important matters. This worthless child's security has not been breached. This woman-"
"Krystal." Soul growled. Jayson's scowl deepened.
"This Krystal, has not accessed any sensitive information. Because of this, I will not kill them both." Krystal blinked again. Soul rolled his eyes, as did Robert.
"Jayson, we didn't come here to kill-"
"Anyone. Curb your homicidal tendencies."
"As you wish." Jayson replied stiffly, "as I was saying before being rudely interrupted, Soul required medical attention. In my infinite generosity, I will provide it." He assumed a somewhat pious scowl. Soul winced.
"I can look after him," Krystal offered. Jayson's face reddened.
"She dares disrespect me to my face! I challenge you to mortal-"
"Quiet, Master," Soul interrupted, "she means no disprespect. She's just trying to help."
"I do not need the help of a woman!"
"Master..."
"I do not need the help of this Krystal!"
"Thank you." He looked to Krystal, "I'll be alright, Kryss." She raised an eyebrow.
"Really? How does you face feel?"
"It feels fine!" Jayson said, "and do you know why? Because of what I taught him! Me! I must be the greatest teacher on Earth, to have imparted anything of use into the thick skull!" He cuffed Soul across the back of the head. Krystal frowned.
"Enough!" Robert insisted.
"It is time for sleep." Robert added. Soul nodded.
"Bed's where it's always been." Robert nodded.
"Thank you, Soul. I'll see you later."
"I will keep watch." Jayson announced, "and you! You keep your hands off him!" Krystal's eyes widened.
"Master!" Soul snapped. Jayson just grunted, and turned to follow Robert into the hallway. As soon as they were gone, Soul slumped against the table.
"You have some fucked up friends, do you know that, Soul?"
"I'm aware."

[Soul_Harvester]

Ugh, this chapter is in dire need of editing.

[WickedGT]

heheheheh. I loved it. "If You Were Here" is one of my favorite DDR songs, too, so props on that one. For some reason, this kind of makes me want to rent Area 51 and play it. Oh wait, I already wanted to.

[SevTiZ]

ARGH!!!!!!! YOU HOOKED ME AGAIN! I NEED MY FIX!!!!!!!!

Damn you, Soul, why'd you have to be such a bitchin' wordsmith?

[Princess_Lorien]

http://www.livejournal.com/users/nicotenefuelled/

[SevTiZ]

<3 linkage

happy birthday to me!

[Frialuna]

First of all this is excellant. I think I just killed my retinas sitting here too long reading it. Second, why did you stop? Will you ever continue? I want more of the story ! It's lovely, I just got a friend hooked too, before I read the thing that said your not planning on writing more for a while.

[minsx]

Oh . . MY . . .

I have to tell you - this is not the type of fiction I normally read. But I LOVE this peice. The characters aren't perfect. I LOVE it. The relationship is far from normal, or even what normal people would call healthy. I LOVE it. It takes every convention and turns it on its head. *SWOON*
I think I'm gonna go cry now at the thought of there NOT being more story.

[Princess_Lorien]

This has continued slowly on the livejournal link.
Soul hasnt felt motivated to continue as yet, but I'll update you readers when he manages another chapter. It will eventually be edited and put into one word document.