Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Jon
Good morning, Martin!
(kiss)

Martin
(happy noises)

(knocking)

Jon
Hmm?
(static)
(chuckles) Whoops, we slept in late today
(getting out of bed)
(footsteps)
(opening door)
Hi Sasha!

Sasha
Oh great, you’re awake! I was wondering, what with all the snoring coming through the wall.

Jon
(snort of laughter) That likely wasn’t me… I snore quietly.
I Know this.

Martin
(from other room) HEY! Looks like Somebody isn’t getting a Fluffy Sweater today!

Jon
(static)
(chuckles) He doesn’t mean it

Sasha
(chuckles)

…

Georgie
So, what are we playing today?

Martin
Hmm… Something Jon can’t cheat at, ideally

Jon
(archly) Hey! I would Never!

Sasha
So, maybe a game of pure chance?

Helen
Sounds good to me. Maybe… cards?

Jon
Not pure chance but I won’t count cards.

Michael
Well, any of us could count cards technically

Sasha
(snort of laughter) I think Basira and I are the only ones here good enough at math to do that

(general sounds of amused agreement)

Melanie
… Um, hi?

Martin
Oh, that reminds me.
(departing and returning footsteps)
These arrived this week - three dimensional cards.

Melanie
Nice!

Jon
So… what are we playing?

Martin
(long pause)
(to others) I like to keep him guessing. It’s fun

Everyone except Jon
(laughing)

Jon
(snarky, laughing) Nice, Martin. Nice.

…

(banging on door)

Jon
(half-asleep) Huh?
(static) It’s two in the morning…

(continued banging on door)

Jon
(sliding out of bed, walking to door)
(opening door)

Helen and Michael
(absolutely panicked, rushing into house)

Helen
CLOSE THE DOOR! CLOSE THE DOOR!

Michael
(shushing sounds) We don’t want them to HEAR us!

Jon
(concerned, still partially asleep) What… what is going on?
(static) Oh…
(thumps down on floor where he’s sitting, accidentally sends cane sprawling across the floor)

(footsteps)

Martin
(half-asleep) What’s going on?

Jon
(trembling, in shock) Close all the curtains.
(passes out)

…

Helen
(sobbing) I don’t know, we’re just… we’re all connected, all us Distortion avatars. We like to have monthly meet-ups - share our exploits, discuss the latest most interesting things people have seen, etc. Which isn’t relevant but what is is Why we’re able to do that - we all can Sense each other. At all times, if we look. And…
(breaks down sobbing)

Michael
(softly) And one of the Distortion Avatars in the US just… vanished.

Sasha
… Like… died?

Michael
No - that would feel different. We’ve had members technically die and have to be resuscitated before from age or other reasons. This was… like they just… disappeared. Ceased to exist. Out of nowhere.

Helen
(sobbing) It left a HOLE, a huge GAPING HOLE and I DON’T KNOW WHAT TO DO!

Michael
Helen… she’s worried that there’s something erasing Distortion Avatars from existence and thought we’d be safer… indoors. But we wanted to ask Jon if he had any insight since… he would know if anyone would.

Jon
(groans)

Martin
(concerned) Jon? How are you feeling?

(rustling fabric)

Jon
… I see you’ve bundled me up

Martin
Of course, couldn’t have you just lying on that hard floor now could I? Also it’s cold.

Jon
… I feel like a bug in a spider’s web

Martin
(chuckles) I mean… you’re snug.
(kisses Jon’s forehead)
(softly) I… I didn’t like how pitiful you looked just lying there. I had to do Something

(knocking)
(general sounds of anxious tension)

(through door)

Melanie
It’s just Georgie and I

(general sighs of relief)

Michael
(standing up, opening door, footsteps entering, quickly closing door)

Georgie
So… what’s going on? We just got the “Danger!” Alert but no real info

Basira
We were waiting on Jon to revive to see if he had any info but he literally just came to as you arrived

Melanie
(incredulous, amused) … He passed out again?

Jon
(archly, weak) Yes, I did but… it’s because I… I Saw something. It’s bad.
… Martin, do you mind making us all some tea?

…

Melanie
So… Avatars are being… kidnapped?

Jon
Yes… I don’t know how, or by who… that… that part is somehow blurred. You might remember… and Georgie… for sure Martin though… Martin, you remember the camera?

Martin
Oh, yah. It stopped your powers, made like a blank spot.

Jon
Exactly. It’s… it’s like that again. Except it’s Avatars… getting snatched. By presumably people… and being taken away to… I’m not sure? There’s a building… but once they cross a threshold I can’t… I can’t See anything anymore.

Helen
(panicked) Where is it?

Michael
(soothingly runs his fingers through Helen’s hair and gently pulls her back against him)

Jon
The US.

(general sighs of relief)

Martin
Oh, so we’re good then?

Jon
I don’t think so… from what I can tell they’ve been taking Avatars for the past few months… since the Change back when we stopped… being human, I guess? But while they’re based in the US… their victims are global. Yes, it’s mostly in the US, around the DC area in the North East but it’s really everywhere.

Helen
(hyperventilating)

Michael
How? Do you know How they’re catching Avatars? How they even know?

Jon
Not Exactly but it seems… it seems like through research. Scouring the internet. Zeroing in on strange happenings and the like.

Michael
(horrified) I… I really should have been more careful with my doors… I’m… I’m sure some kid probably has me on camera somewhere.

Helen
(sobbing)

Sasha
… What about people like me? I was never technically an Avatar and I have no powers as far as I can tell… but I was technically taken

Jon
(hesitantly) … Sasha, you were the only one to come back from the Not!Them so there aren’t any exactly like you to compare to but… I think you’re probably safe. I wouldn’t go about advertising the fact but it Looks like they’re only going after those with actual established powers.

Sasha
(sigh of relief)

Basira
And… like me? Am I Avatar enough after with Daisy? Or Martin?

Martin
(panicked sound)

Jon
… I think you’re both fine. No, I think the only ones in this room who need to be concerned are Helen, Michael, and… myself. I mean, Melanie, you stopped short of becoming full Slaughter Avatar and… as far as I can tell you haven’t gone back?

Melanie
Heh, no.

Jon
(sigh of relief) And Georgie… you’re not scared of anything but that’s… that’s not the sort of draw these people seem to be going to.
(exhausted) No, I think it’s just us three. And… we should probably be Very Concerned.

Chapter Text

Helen
I’m… I’m scared.

Michael
(reassuringly) It’ll be okay, we’ll just pretend to be normal humans for a bit.
(chuckles) Annoying but not the end of the world. Which we’ve come out the other side of so… nothing can hurt us.

Helen
(nervous chuckle)

Michael
(kisses Helen’s forehead) I won’t leave you alone, don’t worry.

…

Helen
Sorry for making you come with… I just… didn’t feel safe.

Basira
Oh I get it - I’m pretty sure I’m the only person in the group who actually Knows how to use a gun and Melanie and I are the only one skilled with knives… we really need to work on our weapons training if we’re going to be under attack like this.

Helen
Yah… you’re right.

Michael
We can work on that in the evenings after work maybe?

Basira
That works for me.

Helen
(nervous) You don’t think someone will get us at work, right?

Michael
I… I don’t Think so? I mean I hope not…
(nervous chuckle) I don’t feel super great about going back Monday now

(general nervous sighs)

Helen
(panicked gasp)

Michael, Basira
What is it?

Helen
… I have a showing tonight.

…

Michael
Are you sure you don’t want me to come with you? I can pretend to be another client

Helen
I mean… that wouldn’t look professional and I really need to close on this one… we’re so close to being able to put a downpayment on a house.

Michael
True.
(rueful chuckle) And my expertise in the paranormal isn’t exactly much of a resume booster in terms of high pay

Helen, Michael
(light chuckles)

Michael
I’ll be waiting for you, good luck
(kiss)

…

Martin
So, what do you want for dinner?

Jon
Hmm, pasta maybe?

Martin
Sounds good to me, I’ll get on it
(footsteps)

Jon
Thanks, Martin. I’ll get started on the laundry
(footsteps)

(phone buzzing on table)

Martin
Hmm
(footsteps)
(anxious) Jon?

Jon
(footsteps) What is it?

Martin
(stressed) Michael just messaged the group that Helen didn’t come home tonight.

Jon
She… she didn’t Vanish, did she?

Martin
No… but this isn’t like her

Jon
(static) OH G, Martin, it’s Bad
(hurrying footsteps to door)

…

Helen
(somewhat annoyed, trying to appear professional) So, you seem to like the place. Any thoughts on setting up a second viewing maybe?

Client 1
I mean… maybe? Can we view the main bedroom again?

Helen
(kept in sigh) Sure

Client 2
Thank you - I know it’s late, we just really want to make sure we make the right decision.

Helen
(footsteps) This way

(rushed footsteps)

Helen
(screams)

(sounds of struggle)

…

[in back of a moving van]

Helen
(crying) Please, let me GO! I’m just a realtor, I don’t know what you want!

Military Person 1
(gently) We know you’re not just a realtor, Helen Richardson. But there’s no reason to be afraid - we’re not going to hurt you. We just want to… enlist your unique talents.

Helen
(crying) Please, Please just let me go! I have… I have family and friends who will be missing me!

Military Person 2
Please shut up, I have a headache

Military Person 1
(softly chiding) Come on, be nice to the new “recruits” or you won’t be able to come to the onboarding meetings anymore. Remember, these people aren’t the Enemy-

Military Person 2
They’re just future colleagues, blah blah blah

Military Person 1
And they’re also mostly going to be terrified. So… there is that.
(to Helen) Ms. Richardson, we aren’t going to hurt you. If you just follow our directives you’ll end up just fine.

Helen
(sobs in terror)

Chapter Text

Michael
(devastated) They TOOK HER?

Jon
(horrified, in shock) Yes… she’s… I can still See her now… but she’s with some of the people I can’t See…

Martin
Oh G, Oh G
(hyperventilating)

Georgie
(trying to calm the group) Okay, so we know that Helen’s been taken. And Jon can still see her. We need a PLAN, people.

Sasha
(sniffling) Maybe… maybe we should send people after them?

Basira
I’ll go - I’ve got the best fighting skills of all of us.

Michael
(tearfully) And I’ll go - I can get us out of there and… I have to get Helen

Jon
(steeling himself) I’ll… I’ll go. We’re going to need the Beholding on our side.

Martin
(horrified) Jon -

Jon
(softly) Martin, if you insist I don’t go I won’t - I won’t do that to you. But I really do think this is our best chance.
(humorless chuckle) Besides, if they’ve already got Helen they’re already in our area. It’s only a matter of time before they find out about Michael and me, assuming they don’t already know. And I’d personally rather start on the offensive.

(general uneasy murmurs)

Martin
(getting up, checking locks on door, sitting back down)

Sasha
(getting up, checking blackout curtains on windows, sitting back down)

Michael
(crying quietly)

Basira
(reassuringly) It’s okay, Michael. We’ll get her back.

Georgie
And the rest of us can hold the fort back home - Sasha, Melanie, Martin - we need to be ready to do damage control should this go south.

Sasha
I’ll start looking into making us all new identities - hard copies, hacking, etc.

Melanie
I’ll work on my knifing skills - I’m admittedly out of practice.

Martin
(sniffles) I’ll… I’ll help Sasha with the research.
(to Jon, tearfully) Jon… if you truly think it’s the right thing to do, you… you should do it. I won’t hold you back and… and you’re right… they’re going to find us regardless. I just… I just thought we had more time before we had to face this. Please, be careful.

Jon
(tearfully) Of course, Martin. I’ll be as careful as non-humanly possible.

Martin, Jon
(sad chuckles)

…

Basira
So. Do we follow by car, by door, or by a mix of both?

Jon
(static) They’re currently on a plane out to the US so… we’re probably going to want to use a door and meet them somewhere. So we get there fast enough but don’t necessarily give up our positions. Personally I'm hoping that they don't realize that we're Avatars until it's too late.

Michael
Where do we need to meet them?

Jon
(static) They'll be going into…wait…that can't be…
(horrified) They're going into a military airport.

Basira
… Well, I'm going to hazard a guess that we probably don't want to show up right in the middle of a military airport.
(humorless chuckle) And my gun will clearly be all but useless

Jon
(muttering to himself) Think, Sims, think…
(static) Um… we might… we might be able to meet them at their facility itself. From within. Wait until Helen is already… situated… then open a door right next to her and drag her in before they can do anything. Michael - you and I, unless they get a direct hit, we won't be killed by guns and I think that us going after her like that is our best bet.

Basira
And what about me?

Jon
You stay right behind the door and spot us. We have a door that can go anywhere - I'm sure we can get you some better ammunition.

…

Basira
Are you two ready?

Jon
(humorless chuckle) As ready as I’m ever going to be.
(whispers to Basira) I’m not entirely sure of this plan but… it’s all we’ve got.

Basira
I know what you mean… going up against the US military was not on my bucket list, that’s for sure.

Michael
(approaching footsteps) Okay… now we just wait for the signal.

Jon
(static) I’ll let you know.

…

Helen
Please, just let me go!

Military person 1
We are truly sorry but we can’t do that. But I promise, you’ll be fine if you just follow our directives.

Helen
(crying softly)

Military person 1
Do you have the mittens?

Helen
(sniffling, confused) mittens?

Military person 2
Yep.

Military person 1
What size are you, a medium?

Helen
What? In mittens?

Military person 1
You look like a medium, here
(fabric rustling)

Helen
Let go of me!
(sounds of struggle)

Military person 1
(calmly) Please don’t make this difficult.

Helen
… What is the meaning of this?

Military person 1
Can’t have you opening doors, can we?

Helen
Seriously? Mittens? You think that… wait…

Military person 1
Exactly. You should count yourself lucky - you agents of the Distortion are very easy Avatars to subdue.
… And I wouldn’t keep trying to remove them. They aren’t ordinary mittens

Helen
(panicked, incredulous) What, they’ll cut off my hands or something?

Military person 1
(light chuckle) No, of course not. Goodness, we’re not supervillains. Just that they won’t let you remove them and you’ll only end up wasting your time. They were made specifically in our research labs for Distortion Avatars and they render you human while you wear them.
Ah, and here we enter the areas of the facility we can’t have you seeing.
(rustling fabric) We’re going to put this blindfold on you, okay?

Helen
What?

Military person 1
Nothing personal, you just don’t have clearance.

Helen
… I’m a prisoner, of COURSE I don’t have CLEARANCE! But I didn’t ask to BE HERE!

Military person 2
Watch yourself!

Military person 1
(gently chiding) Again, stop harassing the new recruits. She’s not wrong - she didn’t ask to be here - so we should be accommodating. She is, after all, currently our guest.

Helen
(under her breath) …Victim

…

Jon
(static) Okay, I think… she’s just entered an individual cell. And the people I can’t See aren’t in there… they locked her in… and they’re walking away.

(pause while everyone waits with bated breath)

Basira
Are we good to go?

Jon
(static) (extremely nervous) It… it seems like it. Michael, get ready. Basira… you ready?

Basira
(prepping gun) Yep

Michael
(forced bravery) For Helen

Jon
(forced bravery, exhausted) For Helen

(door opens silently)

Michael
(whispering) Helen, don’t say anything, just come in

Helen
(shocked gasp of happy surprise)
(hurried soft footsteps)
(diving into Michael’s arms)

(footsteps towards door)
(thump as Helen can’t go through)

Michael
Helen?

Helen
(panicked) I think… I think it’s these gloves… he said they stopped Distortion Avatars

Jon
(static) (keeping calm) Okay. Basira, you got a knife?

Basira
Of course, here

Jon
Thanks.
(kneels down, starts cutting at mittens)
(sound of cutting fabric)
(alarm goes off)
(muffled curse)

(yells from behind)

Military person 2
HEY! The prisoner is escaping!

Jon
(hurriedly cutting through mittens)
(sound of last thread on mitten one coming off)
(moving to second mitten)

(sound of key in door of cell)
(sound of second mitten cutting)
(sound of cell door opening)
(sound of last thread on second mitten coming off)
(racing footsteps towards the three)
(panicked shouts)

Helen
(screams) LET GO OF ME!

Jon
(attacking Military Person 2 with knife) GET BACK! GET BACK!

Military person 2
(shriek of surprise)

(sound of Helen being dropped)

Jon
You two, RUN! I’ll follow you

(racing footsteps)

Jon
(slowly making his way backwards, one hand on his cane, the other on his knife)
(threatening) Don’t make me hurt you

Military person 2
(incredulous) We have Guns, you know?

Jon
(static) No, you don’t.

Military person 1
Ah, so he’s an Avatar of the Beholding. Good to know

Jon
(threateningly) Don’t come any closer. I Will stab you.

Military person 2
Okay, I know this is pretty low but you’re just the perfect height…
(shoves bed in cell right at Jon’s waist and sends him flipping over it onto his face)

Jon
Oof!

Military person 1
(holds Jon down)

Military person 2
And now for you others -

Jon
(muffled) CLOSE THE DOOR!

Basira, Michael, Helen
(horrified sounds)
(door dematerializes)

Chapter Text

Jon
(static) (panicked) (muffled) Let me go! Let ME GO!
(struggling)

Military person 1
(chuckles softly) That isn't going to work on us you know.
(lifting Jon to his feet)
(to other military person) Okay, get him blindfolded. We need to head to the Eye wing.

Jon
(indignant) HEY! You can’t Do that!
(struggling)
(trying to sound threatening) I’m an Avatar of the EYE! You will BE SORRY FOR THIS!

Military person 2
(bored, he’s heard it all before) Just hold still, it'll be easier. We wouldn’t want to accidentally poke your eyes out.

Jon
(struggling)

(door opening)

Military person 1
… You won’t attack us with your cane, right?

Jon
(innocently) No

Military person 1
(handing over cane) Okay, now we’re going to start walking this way -

(thwacking sound)

Military person 1
OW!

(thwacking sound)

Military person 2
AH! What’s he got in the end of that thing, a retractable KNIFE!?!?

Jon
(muttering) Thank you Sasha for last minute gerry-rigging prep
(rustling fabric sounds as he tries in a panic to remove the blindfold with one hand)

Military person 2
You little…
(pouncing)
(crashes to the floor on top of Jon)

Jon
(struggles)

Military person 2
(somewhat annoyed, somewhat bemused) I don’t think I believe you now.
(to Military person 1) Can you take his cane before he attacks us with it again? I think I can probably just walk him in myself - he’s pretty small. Also Remove the Knife?

Jon
(indignant sound)

(walking and half-stumbling, half-dragging sounds, struggling)
(door opening and closing, more struggling)

Military person 1
(snort of laughter) This knife is pretty stuck in there, what is this, superglue?

Jon
(struggles)

Military person 2
(annoyed sigh) Could you Stop?

Military person 1
(chuckles) Feisty, isn't he? Just get him on the scale

Jon
What?
(struggling)

Military person 2
(somewhat exasperated, bored) Please stop struggling, we just don't want to accidentally kill you

Jon
WHAT?
(panicked sounds)

Military person 1
(softly chiding) You're scaring him!
(to Jon) don't worry, we will try Not to kill you. And if you just hold still you'll be just fine - we just need to make sure we get an accurate measurement.

Jon
(panicked) This…this is the room I can’t… I can't Sense...
(struggling)

Military person 1
(somewhat soft, reassuring) Hey…it's okay. It’s just the Eye Avatar room. Now hold Still!

Jon
(struggling)

Military person 1
Okay, so we do this the angry cat way then.
(sound of stepping onto scale, zeroing it out, and picking up Jon)
(soft chuckle) 140… wow you are tiny…okay, let’s get him in

Jon
(frantic static) Let go of me!
(struggling)
What are you doing?

Military person 1
(soothingly) It'll be okay, just try to relax

Jon
(indignant, trying to sound brave) Because that Always works on people!

(rustling sounds)

Jon
What are you DOING!?!!
(static)
(even more panic) (static) LET ME GO!
(struggling)

Military person 1
(calmly) Let’s stop with the ‘Beholding’ okay? I’ve already told you it isn’t going to work on us and you’re only going to hurt yourself. Please just hold still

(struggling sounds become muffled, like the person struggling is being pinned down)

Military person 2
Need any help?

Military person 1
I’ll hold him still if you can get him

(more muffled struggling)

Jon
(panicked sounds)
(squeak)

Military person 1
Now just relax okay?
(to other military personnel) Okay it's in, just give it thirty seconds or so

Jon
Please, why are you doing this… please just…
(weak struggling)
Why… …
(trails off into a mumble)

Military person 1
There we go.

….

Jon
(quietly stirs)

Military person 1
Welcome back, um, Jonathan Sims.

Jon
(weakly, confused) How… how do you know my name?

Military person 1
… Your ID? That you had in your pocket.

Jon
(exasperated sigh)

Military person 1
(chuckles softly) For once, nothing special or top secret about it. You really shouldn’t have brought it with you if you wanted to remain anonymous.

Jon
(weak, getting frustrated) Give me back my cane!

Military person 1
(sympathetic) As soon as we know you won't use it to attack us, sure… but I doubt it'll do you much good.

Jon
(weak, confused, frustrated) What?

Military person 1
… Do you go by Jonathan or Jon or…?

Jon
(weak, exasperated sigh) Jon

Military person 1
(gently) Jon… can you Feel your Beholding right now?

Jon
… no?
(panicked) Wait, what’s… what’s going on?

Military person 1
(gently) It’s because we’ve blocked it temporarily. But we ran your medical records and some scans while you were out and I would be very surprised if you were able to get around with just a cane right now. Your Beholding was a temporary fix but since it’s gone…

Jon
(frustrated sigh) Why?

Military person 1
Pardon?

Jon
Why? Why are you Doing this?

Military person 1
We’re recruiting Avatars for the US military

Jon
(sigh of exasperation) Of course you are. Well in case you haven’t Noticed, I’m from the UK. I don’t even LIVE HERE!

Military person 1
Yes, as am I

Jon
Then Why did you Join Them?

Military person 1
… Personal matters.

Jon
That is just…
(scoffs)

Military person 1
Look, go ahead and scoff if you want. I understand - we did, after all, kidnap you. But if at any point you’d like to cooperate let me know. I’ll be in to check on you in a few hours to bring some food.

Jon
… So you’re just going to leave me here?

Military person 1
Are you cold?

Jon
(incredulous) WHAT?

Military person 1
I asked, are you cold. Because I’m about to leave you alone for a few hours and I don’t want you freezing.

Jon
… You are a very confusing man.

Military person 1
So you’re not then?

Jon
(frustrated) Of COURSE I’m cold! You have me in this ridiculous hospital gown and this room is like, what, 10 degrees Celcius?

Military person 1
About - we have a lot of computer equipment here that needs to be kept cool. Unfortunately the Eye room is in just the wrong location in regards to temperature… unless you like the cold of course.

Jon
Which I DO NOT!

Military person 1
Also, not a hospital gown. You might notice it actually does provide full coverage.

Jon
(groan of frustration)
Well it is THIN and COLD!

Military person 1
Fair enough.
(departing footsteps)
Here, this was with your things. We washed it for sanitation reasons.

Jon
… You know, I Would take that hoodie if I weren’t RESTRAINED!

Military person 1
Ah, fair.
(gently drapes hoodie over Jon’s shoulders)
Better?

Jon
(sighs)

Military person 1
… Does that belong to someone else? It really doesn’t fit you.

Jon
… No, it’s… it’s mine. I’ve… lost a lot of weight.

Military person 1
… Hmm

Jon
… And gotten shorter.

Military person 1
Um…

Jon
By like a foot. It’s weird Eye stuff, you wouldn’t understand.

Military person 1
You are a really terrible liar. You know, if you have a boyfriend I’m not homophobic, right?

Jon
(inward groan)

Military person 1
… So you’re protecting a fellow Avatar then?

Jon
Actually, no. Maybe I just don’t want your Military People coming after my LOVED ONES!

Military person 1
Well, I hope it brings you some comfort. Sorry we’ve got you restrained… we just don’t want you… you know.

Jon
(sighs and falls back against hospital bed) I really hate you

Military person 1
I know
(departing footsteps)
(door opening and closing)

Jon
(sitting up) Hmm… so the room seems to be about… 5 meters by 5 meters… rather sparse set up, just… this bed, a couple other empty ones… (shudder) I guess I’m their only Eye victim so far. Seems… sterile. Though I can’t reach the Beholding… ugh. And… (shudder) I… I can’t think about that… no… I can’t…
(queasy sounds)
(falling back against cot)
Sims, steel yourself. This isn’t the time to get queasy and faint.
(whimpering sounds) I really… really don’t feel great…
(retches) Thank goodness… I haven’t eaten anything…
Ugh… okay so I need a plan. Maybe I can… work through these restraints?
(struggling sounds)
(thoughtful) Do I Really need to get them off though… I mean, they’re likely there for One reason and… if I can stop That… I wonder if I’d reach the Beholding…
(straining, struggling sounds)
(strained) So… close… ughhhhhh!
(falls back against bed) Okay so… that didn’t work…
Wonder if I can flip the bed.
(rocking back and forth, harder and harder)
(Thud)
Ow, ow, ow, ow, ow ow OW! But… okay this ow… could be ow… promising
(sounds of struggle)
(squeak)
(muffled curses)
Well… that’s probably going to leave a scar but it’s out… I guess I just… wait then.
… if I don’t pass out first
(thud)

Chapter Text

Martin
HE GOT TAKEN???????

Michael
(softly) I’m so sorry

Martin
(breaks down in sobs) What are they even going to DO TO HIM?
(falls to ground and continues to sob)

…
Georgie
So… we need another plan.

Helen
If it’s anything like with me, they’re going to have him cut off from the Eye in some way

Melanie
(horrified sound, choked sob)

Martin
(absolutely panicked) … OH G, they’re not… they didn’t… OH JON!
(hysterical sobs)

Helen
(hurriedly) Not permanently! They were talking about getting me to join them. They’re not going to want to do anything that would mess with that in the long term.

Martin
(calming himself down) Okay… I… I hope you’re right…

…

Jon
(groaning) Ugh… I think…
(tiny bit of static) I Know… it’s coming back
(sitting up, with effort) Okay so… where was that cane? Ah
(struggling sounds)
Got it
(straining sounds)
Darn they took out the knife… it’ll still work as originally intended though
(slow hesitant wobbly footsteps)
(wryly) He was right, I’m not back to my normal level of stability… I’ll need to be careful.
… Now what?

…

Martin
(clicking lighter on and off)

Georgie
What are you doing?

Martin
Trying not to think
(continues clicking lighter on and off)

Georgie
… Planning to pick up smoking?

Martin
(snort of bitter laughter) No, that was Jon’s thing.

Georgie
… Then…?

Martin
I don’t know
(sighs wistfully) I… I just wish things were simple, back like in the Archive days. When I could just distract Elias by burning statements… I felt so powerful then. Like I actually had influence over my own life. Now I’m just… back to being pushed around again. Jon is a prisoner and they’re doing who knows what awful things to him and he’s terrified and I’m… I’m his boyfriend and I can’t even do the slightest thing for him.
(sobs)

Georgie
(reassuringly) We’ll figure it out, Martin. Don’t worry, we won’t leave him there.

…

Michael
(hesitant) I don’t know… they already know of us now, I’m not sure we could sneak in again.

Martin
But we have to TRY!

Basira
(gently) We don’t want to get anyone else captured though

Martin
BUT IT’S JON! He SACRIFICED himself to save you and you won’t, what, risk anything for HIM?
(storms out of room, slamming door)

…

Martin
(angrily muttering to himself) They don’t even Care, they’ll just happily leave him to Suffer and possibly Die even though he willingly threw himself into danger for Them.
(clicks lighter on and off)
How COULD THEY?
(throws lighter at a bin)
(huge explosion)
Oh… oh… that’s… that’s not good… what did they have in there…??? An oxygen tank?
(fleeing footsteps)
(another explosion)
(turns around quickly)
(in awe) Huh, it is rather pretty…
(slow footsteps towards fire)
(another explosion)
Such… such rage… the fire isn’t helpless. It consumes all.
(more slow footsteps towards fire)
(another explosion)

…

Jon
Hmm… so I need to figure this out… maybe…
(static) Nope, the air vents go nowhere. Plus too small to fit in.
(static) That door is armed.
(static) And… there’s someone coming… or at least I think so… an empty space.
(muffled curses)
(stumbling back to bed and sitting on it, hiding cane under him)
(muffled curses) Oh, the… the rest…
(rustling sounds of trying to make things look the same as before)
(muttering) Okay… just tape that here… got it…

(door opens)

Military person 2
Hmm, you okay? I heard some sounds in here earlier.

Jon
(innocently) Oh? I didn’t hear anything

Military person 2
(suspicious) Hmm

Jon
Have you finally decided to let me go?

Military person 2
Um, no?

Jon
Darn it. Thought I’d ask.

Military person 2
(suspicious) You seem… awfully calm.

Jon
(trying to sound scared) Oh, please don’t kill me. I want to go home!

Military person 2
(dubious) Hmm
(approaching footsteps)

Jon
(actually nervous sounds)

Military person 2
Hmm… are you sitting on your cane?

Jon
… No?

Military person 2
(audible eyeroll) It’s literally sticking right out from under you? Like… if you’re going to lie at least make it a believable one. Just some advice.
(snort of laughter) So I’m going to guess that you’re not actually hooked up anymore?

Jon
(panicked) I… I don’t know what you’re talking about…

Military person 2
… Um, your hand is bleeding? Like, a lot?

Jon
(quickly sitting on his hand) Whatever do you mean?

Military person 2
Okay this is just getting sad.

Jon
(static)
(quickly getting up, holding bed with one hand and brandishing the cane threateningly with the other) GET BACK!

Military person 2
Did your Eye tell you that would work?

Jon
(defeated but not accepting it yet) … It told me it was the most likely plan to succeed… with a 1.5% success rate.

Military person 2
(chuckles) Hmm
(shoves bed at Jon)

Jon
Ah!
(falls on his back and hits his head)
(groans)

Military person 2
… oh… that was probably a bad idea… are you… okay?

Jon
(sitting up with effort)
(struggling to get cane)
(pushing himself back to his feet shakily)
It will take more than that to take down the ARCHIVIST!

Military person 1
(from behind) Yes, I suppose it would

Jon
WHAT?

Military person 1
Who are you going to go after now, Jon?

Jon
(static) (sighs)
(sits down hopelessly on floor)
(puts his head in his hands)

Military person 2
Okay, I was wrong earlier. This… This is sad.

Jon
(whimpering) Please… please don’t hurt me

Military person 1
(sympathetic) It’ll be over quickly

Jon
(sobs)

…

Sasha
… Is someone grilling outside?
(opens door)
It’s coming from… next door?
(footsteps)
(knocking)

(door opens)

Martin
Hello, Sasha

Sasha
MARTIN???

Martin
I think I might have joined the Desolation
(clicks lighter on and off)

…

(rustling sounds)

Jon
(whimpering, struggling weakly)

Military person 2
I thought you were giving up

Jon
(sniffles) (panicked, desperate) I changed my mind
(static)
(thwack!)

Military person 2
OW, my ankle!

Jon
(static)
(thwack!)

Military person 1
Ow? You know that didn’t work last time and this time you don’t even have a knife

Jon
(static) Let me go!

Military person 2
That also didn’t work, or did you forget?

Jon
(lunging and pouncing)

Military person 2
Ah!
(sounds of struggle)

Jon
I… think… it’s… these… sunglasses!
(yanking off sunglasses)
(static) NOW LET ME GO!

Military person 2
…

Jon
(static) (snarls) NOW!

Military person 1
I’m sorry, Jon, but there were two of us-
(sudden wrenching sound)

Jon
(sudden whimper)
(terrified, furious) NO!
(sounds of struggle)

Military person 1
(straining) You’re not going anywhere, Jon. You might as well just let it happen

Jon
(panicked) No…
(sounds of struggle)

Military person 1
Could you get the bed set back up? We're going to need it in a minute

Jon
(pitiful whimpers) Please, just… just let me go

Military person 1
(soothingly) It'll all be fine really soon, just relax okay?

Jon
Please…
(slumps to the ground, whimpering softly)
(fades to silence)

Military person 1
Okay, he's out. We should bandage up that hand and get him re-situated. Wow…he is ice cold. We should bring in some more blankets as well.

…

Basira
So… you joined the desolation?

Martin
It certainly seems so
(clicks lighter on and off)

Georgie
Could you stop that? You're freaking me out

Martin
Ah, sorry.
(pockets lighter)

Melanie
Why would you do that? Now they'll be after you as well!

Martin
I'm going after Jon. And Nothing is going to stop me.

(knocking)

(general confused sounds)

Martin
(hesitant footsteps)
Oh… it's her?
(opens door)

Annabelle
Hello, Martin, others. I thought you could use some assistance.

…

Military person 1
Do you think this is secure?

Military person 2
Seems good to me - I don't think he's going anywhere.

Military person 1
(rustling sounds of checking restraints)
Nope, I don't think he is either.

Jon
(moans softly)

Military person 2
How much did you give him?

Military person 1
Not as much as last time - I don't want him to OD. Just enough to let him sleep while we got him situated and hopefully keep him calm for a bit
(rustling of fabric, shaking out and spreading of blankets)
Here… that should keep him a bit warmer.
Oh, and this
(fabric rustling)
I'll just tuck this in right here so he can snuggle it if he wants… perfect.

Military person 2
A hoodie?

Military person 1
It seemed to bring him comfort and it's harmless enough. I'm hoping it'll calm him down a bit maybe

Military person 2
(snort of laughter) He is rather high-strung

Military person 1
Well, to be fair we Did kidnap him and we're keeping him locked up and drugged like this is some sort of torture dungeon.

Military person 2
True

…

Jon
(groans softly)

Military person 1
(gently) Jon?

Jon
(dazed) I… I… I…

Military person 1
(gently) I adjusted some things, hopefully you'll have a bit of an easier time now with the… situation…that you've found yourself in. When you're ready, just give it some thought okay? We really don't want to be your enemies

Jon
(dazed, somewhat annoyed) What?

Military person 1
(humorless chuckle) I know that probably doesn't sound very believable right now but it's the truth

Jon
(light exasperated sigh)

Military person 1
When you're ready
(departing footsteps)
(opening and closing door)

Jon
(soft sigh)

Chapter Text

Annabelle
So… you all don't look thrilled to see me

Basira
To be fair, you Are a creepy manipulative spider person

Annabelle
(soft chuckle) True, but I'm currently a creepy manipulative spider person who is on your side.

Melanie
What do you want?

Annabelle
Same as you - to avoid being captured by those obnoxious US military people. And I reckoned on my own it was just a matter of time so I thought I'd join up with some others to increase my chances.

Martin
(somewhat impressed) You've gotten more open

Annabelle
Thank you - I've been working on it
So, I've heard that you've lost your Jon

(general sad sounds)

Annabelle
I figured I might be able to be of some assistance.

Georgie
(dubious) And why exactly do you care?

Annabelle
(soft sigh) Well I'm not entirely heartless

Georgie
(dubious sound)

Annabelle
(soft chuckle) But mostly because I figure we're all safer with an agent of the Beholding on our side to keep watch for trouble.
Besides, I have a bit of a fondness for Jon - we've been through a lot together over the years, even if he didn't know it, and for some reason I don't particularly like the idea of him being kept prisoner somewhere like a pitiful fly in a spider’s web. Makes me… uncomfortable? Sad? I'm not entirely sure.

Sasha
(far more open and gentle than the others) And how do you figure you might help?

Annabelle
I don't believe we've met, hi, I'm Annabelle

Sasha
… Hi Annabelle, I'm Sasha?

Annabelle
Nice to meet you.
As for your question, I can wrap people in webbing, bite them, and fill them with spiders. Plus I'm Very good at the whole manipulation thing.
But my main thought in coming here… was more about offering you something.

Helen
What?

Annabelle
… You're no longer evil, right?

Basira
(scoffs) Coming from You

Helen
(chuckles softly) No, I'm not the distortion anymore or, well, I am door wise but I'm me in terms of who I am as a person. Same with Michael

Annabelle
I thought so, just making sure.
But what I bring is actually an offer…for Martin

Martin
(who, me?) What do you mean, an offer for Martin?

Annabelle
I thought you might appreciate the chance to increase your odds of rescuing your boyfriend. I'm offering you a chance to join the Web

Sasha
(snort of humorless laughter) You're just a little too late - he joined the Desolation yesterday.

Annabelle
Oh, I know. But I get the feeling that the rules have changed. I don't think he's limited to Just the Desolation if he doesn't want to be.

Martin
(hesitantly) What exactly do you mean?

Annabelle
I mean that I'm assuming you could use all the help you can get right now and some extra Web powers would perhaps prove quite useful

Basira
(suspicious) But what's in it for you?

Annabelle
As I said, I think we're all safer with an avatar of the Beholding on our side and I don't like the idea of Jon being kept there in general. Plus, Martin, I've told you before that I thought you might be good for the Web and I would appreciate a fellow Weaver to talk to on occasion.

Martin
(shaky sigh) What would I have to do?

(general nervous gasps)

Basira
Martin, you don't have to do this

Georgie
I'm not so sure this is a good idea

Annabelle
Nothing much - I'd just have to bite you.

Martin
Huh?

Annabelle
When you're part of the Web you get this second set of retractable fangs. I bite you with those, you become part of the Web.

Martin
(dubious) That sounds too simple

Annabelle
(non-chalant) Well, you do die in the process

Melanie
This is a BAD idea, Martin don't -

Martin
(soft chuckle) Well I already died once this week, twice if you count my emotional stability, so okay. Let's do this.

…

Martin
(groans)

Sasha
How are you feeling?

Martin
(dazed) … Tingly…

Annabelle
That would be the spiders

(general sounds of disgust and horror)

Chapter Text

Jon
So… you're here again. Planning to try to tempt me to join you in your ridiculous military schemes?

Military person 1
Well, I -

Jon
Because I won't. I refuse to kill or hurt people
(sad sigh) I've done more than enough damage in my lifetime
(stronger) So you might as well either let me go or just kill me

Military person 1
You'll change your mind

Jon
(humorless chuckle) Oh, I won't.

Military person 1
(sigh) (sitting down) Look, Jon… please don't make this difficult. My superiors… they are way harsher than me. You really Don't want to have to deal with them but they're going to get involved if I can't win you over.

Jon
(nervous but determined) Well then I guess things are about to get worse then

Military person 1
(sigh) Jon, just -

(knocking)

Jon, military person 1
(nervous surprised gasps)

Military person 1
If you'll excuse me-
(standing up, footsteps, opening door)

Military person 3 (Military person 1’s boss)
(marching into room)
Stoker? How is the subject?

Jon
(muttered to himself) Stoker?

Military person 1 (Stoker)
Um, he recently came to, Sir

Military person 3
(marching over to Jon)

Jon
(nervous sound)

Military person 3
And you're saying that this man can… do things with his Eye powers?
(dubious) He doesn't look very imposing. Does he even know how to use a gun?

Jon
(somewhat insulted) Hey, I -

Military person 3
You will Speak when Requested To, subject Eye

Jon
(affronted) Excuse me?

Military person 3
(threatening) Stoker, you need to teach your new recruits some decent respect… or do you want me to relieve you of your duties?

Stoker
No, sir. I'll teach him respect, sir.

Military person 3
You'd better.
(to Jon) And you'd better listen to him

Jon
(scoffing) And what are you even going to do? Make me do pushups or run laps? I literally cannot do those things

Military person 3
(restraining himself, very angry) Perhaps we need to show you we're serious, subject Eye

Stoker
(extremely nervous) Um, no Sir, I don't think that's necessary, Sir, I'll fix this, Sir..

Military person 3
(dubious) I'll give you a chance but if you don't fix this Promptly I will be taking over this case.
(to Jon) And it will be a Lot worse than “pushups and running laps."
(stalks out of room, opening and closing door)

Stoker
(long sigh)
(sits back down)

Jon
… So…

Stoker
You have got to learn some respect, Jon.

Jon
You as well? I mean -

Stoker
That man has a Gun, Jon. And is way more cruel than anyone you've come into contact with so far. If you think this is bad… this is the softest part of the entire project. If you don't want to be in a situation ten times worse than the one you've currently found yourself in, you'll at least pretend to respect the other people here

Jon
(exasperated sigh)
(changing the subject) “Stoker…” you wouldn't happen to be related to a Timothy Stoker, would you?

Stoker
As a matter of fact, yes. He was my brother

Jon
… Danny?

Danny Stoker
The one and the same

Jon
… How? You…you were dead…

Danny
(sighs) And I'd greatly appreciate it if you Didn't tell anybody that. I came back with the Change, well the initial Change with the end of the Apocalypse.

Jon
(perplexed) Well that means you've only been around for…what, months? How are you Here? And Why?

Danny
(bitter laugh) I'm rather good at hacking and faking credentials, Jon. I… I got the feeling a while back that it would be in my best interest to keep an eye on things, here.

Jon
… So they what, just let you in?

Danny
Yes…well, not exactly.
(sighs) I'm… when I came back, I didn't know where I was or what was going on. I found out Tim was deceased and…I kind of just fell apart for a while. Then, some months back, came the second Change. And things were… different.

Jon
You were afraid of being retaken by the Unknowing?

Danny
(sighs) Not exactly…
I Am part of the Unknowing.

Jon
(incredulous) So you're telling me that you're Also an Avatar?

Danny
(hissing) Be QUIET!

Jon
(incredulous) So you've just been, what, capturing and torturing your fellow Avatars because, what, you want us to join you on your brand new misguided mission? Like I'm sorry, I'm sure it must have been traumatic being taken by the Unknowing, but this… this is just wrong. Surely you see that!

Danny
(quietly, harsh) Look, you Need to be Quiet! I'll explain things but if they hear you…things will get a lot worse for Both of us!

Jon
(sighs) Carry on

Danny
Thank you.
As I was saying, I… I realized I was part of the Unknowing. Which was strange but I was getting the hang of finally understanding it when I started hearing rumors. Of other Avatars getting kidnapped.
Now I'm sure you've noticed that since the Change, Avatars aren't exactly the terrifying monsters of death that they often used to be - I don't know if it's because there is a greater distance from the Fears now that grants us some more autonomy or what, but I'd found myself quite at home in a group of other Avatars. All fellow victims of the Unknowing like me. But… we didn't know. We didn't know of this new group, didn't know that we needed to keep a low profile…one night they attacked. They… they took everyone… some of us didn't make it. I managed to escape through changing my appearance a few times so that by the time it was morning they had no idea who or what I was. I was scared and remained in hiding for a day or so…but then I felt my fellow Unknowing Avatars start to vanish. Not like death vanishing (sniffles) I'd felt enough of that the day before to know the difference - but simply ceasing to exist vanishing. And, being once again entirely alone in the world, traumatized, and desperate, I decided to attempt a rescue mission.
(bitter chuckle) Either get them out or die trying. Honestly either way would have suited me - I was in a massive pit of despair. And… I succeeded. Somewhat. I managed to impersonate a series of guards and set them most of them free though we (sniffle) lost a couple - they were still new to Avatars at that point and never knew what hit them. But I knew, I just Knew that this wasn't the end. That they'd go after more, for this ridiculous military scheme. And… Jon, the way they had been treated… I just knew I had to come up with a long term solution.
So, you see me here today. New face, kept the name because it's not uncommon and I didn't trust myself to actually learn and always stick with a new one. Impersonated a military member and managed to manipulate my way into this position. Benefits of being with the Unknowing, I guess. I can just Be anyone. I… I don't pick the Avatars, they send us out. I tried, at first, to just not bring them in. To join them in their denial, claim they were human. But by the time they zero in on someone… they already know beyond a shadow of a doubt. And I realized that if I didn't go along with their plans I would lose my position.
So I improvised.
(chuckles) As an agent of the Unknowing I'm actually rather good at that. I started bringing people in but… treating them as kindly as I could. I've been trying to come up with an actual solution to all this but it is Way bigger than anything I can do on my own so I've just been treading water. Keeping the Avatars alive and as comfortable as I can. Biding my time. Waiting for an opening.

Jon
…Wow. That's a lot.

Danny
(musing) It really is.
(serious) And I really do mean it when I say you Need to respect the others… they will very likely kill you or make you wish that they had. They've…they've done it before. Back when I was still figuring out how to make this work… I've managed to keep you safe so far because at this point I've had more practice both of my Unknowing skills and of dealing with these people but you are making this Very difficult. I know - you don't want to be here, obviously, and I am deeply apologetic for that - but I really would appreciate it if you didn't keep trying to get yourself killed.

Jon
If you're really on our side, why do you keep insisting on drugging me?

Danny
(bitter chuckle) Because it's required, to keep you from your Eye until we have convinced you to join us. I didn't want you to get yourself killed… I've tried that with others, just pretended that they were cut off from their powers, allowed them to “surprisingly escape" …and it ended… badly. Very badly in some cases.
(stifled sob)
Apologies, I try not to think about these things too often since I honestly don't have the time for reflection.
But I really am sorry - I know it's been awful for you and I can tell… well you're clearly not a fan of exactly How we keep Eye Avatars from their Eye

Jon
(bitter chuckle)

Danny
But I admittedly thought it was still better than you ending up dead. Hoped that at some point maybe I could explain things. That, possibly, you'd maybe even be able to help with a plan to possibly end this thing for good. I mean, when I saw that you were an Eye Avatar, and one involved in a rescue mission no less, I admit I got hopeful. That maybe, for once, I'd have an ally who would Know things and be able to help plan more effectively than the mess I've been doing.

And, also, it became more personal with the whole hoodie situation… I lost my boyfriend in my initial raid on this place and… I just couldn't allow that to happen to anyone else. Knowing that out there somewhere someone was crying for you, probably assuming but never knowing with absolute certainty that you were never coming home… I just… I couldn't let that happen. So I did what I thought was safest. I hope you can eventually forgive me

Jon
… wow. I’m going to need to think on this.
(lays down with a heavy thud)

Chapter Text

Jon
(muttering to himself) I am so tired… but I don’t know anymore if that’s even Real…
(frustrated sigh) Oh, look. A spider.
(chuckles softly, incredulously to himself) And I’m not even scared. I… I simply don’t Care. What Have they done to me?

…

Annabelle
Okay, we’ve got intel on Jon’s location.

…

Martin
Ready?

Michael
Yes, I suppose… so the plan…

Martin
You all stay in the doorway with weapons drawn. I go in. I rescue Jon and wreck up the place.

Helen
Seems… um…

Martin
(firm, determined) Like a decent plan. Let’s go.

(sounds of door trying to materialize and failing)

Michael
… What’s going on?

Sasha
I’m going to hazard a guess that they figured out how to stop us from just materializing in there.

Basira
What do we do now?

Martin
We materialize on the outside and I go in.

(anxious sounds)

Martin
Alone. I’m not risking anybody else. I go in and I either rescue Jon or we’re both stuck but you all stay safe.

Georgie
You are beginning to sound like him

Martin
Good.

Basira
I’m sure that wasn’t meant to be a Compliment

Georgie
It definitely wasn’t

Martin
Well I’m taking it as one anyway.

…

(materializing door)

Sasha
So… you just want to… walk into the military complex?

Martin
(bitter chuckle) No, not really. But as this is the first successful attempt we have had I say we go for it.

Michael
Got it. Are you ready?

Martin
(determined) Yes. Remember, at the first sign of trouble you de-materialize. Nobody else is getting captured.

Basira
Got it. I still disagree with this plan -

Martin
(angry sound)

Basira
But I’ll go with it.

Martin
Good.

Michael
Good luck
(opening door)

Martin
(footsteps)
(closing door)
(footsteps)
(muttering) Okay… so this is going to be… tricky.

(shouts, running footsteps)

Martin
Welp, they’ve seen me. Here goes nothing.
(sound of hefting flame thrower and adjusting cane)
(threatening) STAND BACK!

Soldier 1
HEY! STAND DOWN!

Martin
Nope!
(shoots jet of flame)

Soldier 1
(dives out of the way with a shriek)

Martin
That was just a WARNING. Now everybody, STAND BACK!

(gunfire)
(jets of flame)
(screams)

Soldier 2
MY HANDS! MY HANDS!

Martin
I warned you. Everybody, DROP YOUR WEAPONS!
Or I will melt them from your hands.

(gunfire)
(jets of flame)
(screams)
(hurried footsteps)
(more gunfire)
(more jets of flame)
(opening and slamming door)

Martin
(gasping, panting, leaning against door)
Ow… ow… but somehow… I’m fine… wow this Avatar business is really convenient, Jon was underselling it.

(shouting, running footsteps)
(alarm starting)

Martin
(shoulders his flame thrower)
(exhausted) Here we go again
CHARGE!!!!!

…

(alarm)

Jon
(jolting awake)
(panic) What’s…. What’s going on?
(struggling to sit up)
Is… is that smoke? Is there a FIRE?
(struggling sounds)
Oh G, Oh G, am I going to DIE HERE IN A FIRE?
(frantic struggling sounds)
(screaming) SOMEONE COME GET ME OUT OF HERE!

…

(roaring inferno, alarm, screams, general panic)

Martin
(calling) JON! JON! WHERE ARE YOU?
(blasting door with fire) Jon, you in there?
(continued footsteps)
(blasting door with fire) Jon?
(continued footsteps)

…

Jon
Oh G, OH G THERE’S SMOKE GETTING IN!
HELP! HELP! SOMEBODY HELP ME!
(cough) HELP!
(coughing, gagging, choking that gets progressively worse)
Somebody (cough) please (cough choke gasp) Help (cough) me!
(collapses into choking)

…

Martin
… Do I hear Jon?
(burning down door) Jon?

Jon
MARTIN?
(collapses into fit of coughing)

Martin
I’m coming!
(racing footsteps)
(horrified) What did they DO to you?
(rustling sounds)

Jon
(coughing)

Martin
Fair point…
(Throws Jon over his flame-thrower shoulder)
(stuffs Jon’s hoodie and cane into his shoulder bag)
Hold on, Jon

Jon
(coughing, choking)

Martin
(desperate) Just hold on

(roaring inferno, screams, alarm, general panic)

Martin
(hurried footsteps)

Soldier
STAND DOWN!

Martin
No!
(hefts flame thrower)

Soldier
We don’t have to kill you - we only have to wait for him to finish dying.

Martin
(concerned, confused)

Jon
(shuddering choking gasp followed by silence)

Martin
JON!

Soldier
He’s not wearing a breathing apparatus. You’re killing him. Humans cannot breathe this.

Martin
(pure panic) NO no no no no no no Jon no OH G I’m so sorry no no no please
(frantic CPR)

Soldier
Stand down and we’ll take him to our medics. Fail to do so… and we’ll just stand here and wait for him to die. Assuming he’s not already dead.

Martin
(sobbing) Jon, please, wake up, OH G I’M SO SORRY!

(approaching footsteps)

Danny
Excuse me, do you mind if I take him to our medic?

Martin
(sobbing, panicked) … what?

Military person 2
(firm, threatening) And hand over the flame thrower.

Danny
(firm) Follow me.

Chapter Text

Martin
(sniffling) Oh… Jon… I’ve… I’ve killed him
(breaks down sobbing)

(opening door)
(footsteps)

Danny
He made it through

Martin
(relieved, shocked) What, really?

Danny
He’s not doing Well but he’s alive. He’s currently on a transfusion to clear out the Anti-Avatar medication so he’ll heal faster… hopefully that will help.

Martin
Anti-Avatar…?

Danny
(sighs) He’s with the Eye and that’s… honestly our toughest one to stop because it’s so… widespread. Seeing things, Knowing things… there’s no simple physical fix for that. For you, we just take away all fire sources. And potentially flammable objects. So… sorry about the bare tile floor but… cots and sheets are flammable.
(wryly) But I suppose you won’t freeze.

Martin
(realization) Because I’m with the Desolation…

Danny
Yes

Martin
… Is that why you had me change into… whatever this is?

Danny
Yes. Completely non-flammable.

Martin
And uncomfortable

Danny
Sorry

Martin
(sighs) Well can I see him?

Danny
(somewhat incredulous) This isn’t a hospital visiting room, it’s a military base. You’re both prisoners here…

Martin
Yes, and…?

Danny
(sighs) I’ll see about what I can do, okay? But for now just hold tight.

…

Danny
Okay. So… two things. One, Jon’s better and… re-subdued. Two, I managed to convince them to accept a sort of… unusual… arrangement. The room will be both Desolation and Eye avatar proof… with the understanding that if either of you mess with it you’ll be separated. Think of it as a show of good faith. I convinced them under the reasoning that you are both flight risks and hopefully the threat of losing each other will keep you docile.

Martin
… Thank you…?

Danny
This way
(footsteps)
(opening and closing door)

Jon
(soft snoring)

Martin
JON?
(hurried footsteps)

Danny
As you can see, we’ve made you both a sort of mattress of non-flammable materials on an elevated non-flammable platform - we assumed you’d share but can provide two singles if you’d rather. It’s stuffed with soil so I wouldn’t bother trying to rip it open.

Jon
(stirring)

Martin
Jon!

Jon
(dazed) What… Martin?

Danny
Well, I’ll leave you two to it.
(departing footsteps)
(opening and closing door)

Martin
(snuggling in next to Jon)
(concerned) Aw, you’re freezing… thankfully I can help with that.

Jon
(contented noises) So… warm…
(snuggling into Martin)
(contented sigh)
(peaceful snoring)

Martin
(relieved) I’m so glad you’re okay
(kisses Jon’s forehead)

…

Jon
(yawn) (confused) Where… where am I?

Martin
(rolling over) Same place but you’ve got me now
(kisses Jon’s forehead and gently ruffles his hair)

Jon
(sitting up with effort, Martin helps)
What… you got captured too? How? Why?

Martin
Oh… you really don’t Know, do you?

Jon
(annoyed sound) I mean… no. They’ve got me cut off from the Eye currently.
(quiet) And I really don’t like to think about How…
(woozy) it makes me feel…not great…
(lays back down with a thud)
(softly) Can you get it out for me?

Martin
(apologetic, sympathetic) Sorry Jon… they said if either of us did anything that stopped their “preventative measures” then they’d separate us… and I’m inclined to listen to the people with the guns. Especially as you are currently rendered human and I seriously doubt my ability to get us both out of here safely.

Jon
(miserable sigh)

Martin
(reassuringly) It’ll be okay, I’ll distract you
(kiss)

Jon
(light chuckle) Oh, you will?

Martin
Yes
(kiss)

Jon
But… why are you here?

Martin
(snort of laughter) I came to rescue you, of course

Jon
(bemused) … I’m going to guess that your rescue attempt failed?

Martin
… Do you really not remember?

Jon
(pondering) I… I remember a fire… wait, that was REAL?

Martin
Yep

Jon
… There was so much fire… and you were… you were fine…
(groan) Don’t tell me…

Martin
I joined the Desolation

Jon
… Which also answers my second question, why you’re a prisoner.

Martin
(sigh) Yah… funny thing is they actually saved you… I just about killed you from smoke inhalation.

Jon
(incredulous laugh) Wow, Martin! Congrats!

Martin
(embarrassed) Yah… not my proudest moment.
(brightly) But I was doing pretty well before that. It was all intense, I had them running and screaming from flames.

Jon
(chuckles) Nice. I threatened them with a knife and my cane. And Tried to compel them. I think I got pretty close to compelling one at one point but… the other got me.

Martin
Aw, so threatening

Jon
Hey! I can’t make FIRE like Some people

Martin
I know
(kisses Jon’s forehead, pulls him in against his chest)
But now that I can I won’t let anyone hurt you like that again

Jon
(dubious) I mean… seeing as we are quite literally prisoners sitting in our cell right now and I’m…
(woozy) um… cut off from the Eye
(falling over)

Martin
Whoa, whoa, let’s not think about that.
(gently lays Jon down and kisses his forehead)
(soothingly) Here, let’s give you something else to focus on
(slow kissing)

…

(opening and closing door)

Danny
(pleasantly surprised) Well, you certainly look better now, Jon

Jon
(somewhat annoyed) Um, thanks?

Martin
(getting between Jon and Danny)
(protectively) You’re not here to hurt him again, are you?

Danny
(half sigh, half chuckle) No, no I’m actually just here to check in on both of you.

Jon
(annoyed mutter) To make sure your current torture is enough?

Martin
(sympathetic sound) (ruffles Jon’s hair)

Jon
(small happy sound)

Danny
(sighs) Look, I don’t want to do this either -

Martin
THE H YOU DON’T!

Jon
… Martin, there are some things you should know.

…

Martin
So. You’re supposedly on our side?

Danny
(sighs) Yes. Why do you think I worked so hard to get you a shared room? It’s not protocol and… well, with the military Everything is protocol.

Martin
(dubious sound)

Jon
… He’s not lying.

Martin
(sighs)

Jon
But that Doesn’t mean I’m going to Stop Complaining!

Danny
… Fair enough.

…

Melanie
(panicked) So now they're both taken?

Basira
It certainly appears that way - neither of them ever came out of the building. It looked like Martin put up a good fight - there was a Lot of fire - but it seems that he lost in the end.

(general cries of dismay)

Annabelle
I'll send some spiders to check and report back

…

Jon
(sad sigh)
(flops on bed)
(sad sigh)

Martin
Hmm…
(chuckles softly) Jon, may I have this dance?

Jon
Hmm?

Martin
(chuckles) May I have this dance?

Jon
… Are you losing your mind?

Martin
(pulls Jon to his feet)
(teasing) It’s just you, me, and this huge empty room.

Jon
… You mean this prison cell?

Martin
Looks like a dance floor to Me.

Jon
(chuckles) Okay, I’ll play

Martin
Perfect
(kiss)

(sounds of footsteps and tapping)

Martin
(hums something out of tune)

Jon
(snort of laughter) Beautiful

Martin
I’m with the Desolation, not something musical!
(teasing) If anything, you probably Know all the songs out there somewhere in that head of yours. You come up with something

Jon
(incredulous laugh) I do not!
(quiet) And even if I Did I can’t sing.

Martin
Hmm, sure.
(wicked cackle)

Jon
HEY!
(laughing) Stop, stop, STOP!
(laughing)

Martin
Sing or I keep tickling

Jon
(gasp) Okay, fine
(starts humming some love song, for the most part in tune)

Martin
Awww
(kisses Jon’s forehead)

Jon
(happy noises)

Chapter Text

Martin
So. How many of us Avatars do you have here currently? I've only seen Jon and me but it's a huge building and I seriously doubt that it's just us.

Danny
A handful of Spiral Avatars - they're actually quite common with how many victims the Spiral took over the years. One Avatar of the End, one Avatar of the Spiral, one Avatar of the corruption, a couple avatars of the Slaughter, and of course you two, one Eye and one Desolation.

Jon
(musingly) And yet no Avatars of the Hunt? Strange - you'd think they'd like it here

Danny
Oh, that's precisely the point. We've brought in several Hunt Avatars but they always pretty much immediately join up so they're not really prisoners anymore. In terms of numbers… I'm really not sure. We've also had a handful of Slaughter Avatars fully join - the couple holdouts want to kill, just not for the US military. Moral issues of some sort.

Martin
Understandable - one may be an indiscriminately murderous killing machine of bloodthirsty death and mayhem but draw the line at serving the US military.

Danny
Exactly. So that's our current list of Avatars.

Jon
Just wondering - your Avatar of the End doesn't happen to be an
(short chuckle) Antonio Blake, does it?

Danny
As a matter of fact it does, why do you ask?

Jon
I know him

Martin
(perplexed) You know two Avatars of death?

Jon
(teasing) No, just the one you're jealous of.
(leans over and whispers) He just uses a fake name frequently and I rightly assumed he'd use it here as well

Danny
Well, you’ll get to know them all soon enough - get ready for your first class

Jon
(dubiously) Class?

Danny
Yes… you were deemed too much of a flight risk before but now that you’ve got your… incentive… to behave they’re going to let you participate.

Martin
(annoyed) So… US military propaganda?

Danny
Yah pretty much, I’m sorry.

Jon, Martin
(frustrated sighs)

…

Jon
(whispered to Martin) I feel a Little nervous

Slaughter Avatar 1
Hello, Eyeball. I’ve heard you like to watch

Jon
(flustered, embarrassed) Not… not like That

Slaughter Avatar 2
(laughs, cruel) You were right, he will be an easy target

Martin
(calmly) I wouldn’t threaten him if I were you

Slaughter Avatar 2
And why not?

Martin
(calmly) Because his boyfriend is an Avatar of the Desolation

Slaughter Avatar 1
(somewhat nervous) Ah… thanks for the warning.

Martin
You’re welcome.

Slaughter Avatar 2
I bet we could take him still

Martin
You could not.

Jon
I Know this.

Martin, Jon
(high-five)

François
(nervous) Hi..?

Jon
Are you… Are you François Deschamps?

François
(nervous) I…

Jon
Ah…
(faint static) Okay I’ve got some Eye attachment thank goodness.
(walks to pads of paper on table on side of room, picks up pad and pencil, walks back to François)
(warmly, comfortingly) Here

François
(audible slightly relieved sigh)
(scratching pencil)

Oliver
(vaguely interested) Oh, you two are familiar faces.

Jon
Hi Ol- Antonio

Oliver
Hi Jon, Martin. So how come you got captured?

Jon
Rescue mission from here… it half failed. She got rescued… I got captured.

Martin
Totally failed rescue mission trying to get Jon out of here.

Oliver
I just happened to say the wrong thing to the wrong person. Though in all honesty it’s been nice - I’m finally getting some decent sleep these days. If I’d known I’d have turned myself in long ago

Martin
(curious) How do they stop you from having the dreams or seeing the vines?

Oliver
They have this wristband that puts off an electrical signal that stops the vines from showing to my eyes… maybe it’s a vibrating signal? I’m not all too clear. All I know is they’re gone. And that is
(leans back in chair with deep relaxed sigh) heavenly

Jon
(grumbling) Jealous

Oliver
(curious) Why? What’d they do to you

Jon
(uncomfortable sound)

Martin
(hurriedly, quietly) I’ll tell you later

Slaughter Avatar 1
Well, for us it’s So Obnoxious! No access to knives or sharp objects of Any Kind! Plus if we get too aggressive they make us take this medication. Ugh.

Martin
(in frustrated comradery) I’m not allowed to have anything flammable!

Slaughter Avatar 1
… So I’m going to guess you’re the boyfriend?

Martin
(cooly) Yes.

Jon
(leans into Martin with a happy sigh)

Slaughter Avatar 1
(light chuckle) Okay, we won’t bother you.

François
(gently taps Jon on the shoulder with the notepad)

Jon
(rustling paper)
Hmm….
(flipping page, pencil scratching, handing back notepad)

François
(rustling paper)
(appreciative sound)

(opening and closing door)
(heavy footsteps)

Military Instructor
Hello, class.

Slaughter Avatar 1
You Really expect us to greet you? You’re holding us prisoner!

Military Instructor
Do you want to go back to your room?

Slaughter Avatar 1
(frustrated sigh)

Military Instructor
So, do you all know why you’re here?
(somewhat annoyed groan) What is it?

Jon
Could you provide a translator? For François over there.

Military instructor
Huh?

Jon
(somewhat frustrated) Well he only speaks French and everyone here has only been speaking to him in English - he doesn't even know why he's here.

Military instructor
Ah… that can be arranged.

(rustling sound of Jon turning to Francois and giving a thumbs up)

Francois
(relieved sound)

Spiral Avatar 1
(extremely nervous) I… I really don't like it here… Can I please leave? I miss my mom

Military instructor
You ask that every day and each time what is the answer?

Spiral Avatar 1
(breaks down sobbing)

Jon
(incredulous) That person can't be older than twelve!

Military instructor
We know, what of it?

Jon
Well don't you have to be eighteen to enlist?

Military instructor
We're breaking quite a few rules for this project.

Jon
(venomously) We can tell.

Military instructor
(somewhat threateningly) Are you going to cause issues, Mr. Sims?

Jon
(exasperated sigh) I know I can't. Just expressing my… incredulous disdain for your general lack of human decency.

Military instructor
(scoffing) From the man who used to eat people's fears

(general sounds of intrigue from the Spiral Avatars and light chuckles from the Slaughter ones)

Jon
(frustrated sigh) I don't anymore and regardless, I never fed on the fears of Children

Military instructor
(getting huffy, threatening) Well even as that May Be, Mr. Sims -

Martin
(nervous chuckle) Jon, um, how about we don't make the military person with a gun angry?

Jon
(getting fed up, standing) I don't care, I'm currently with the Eye and -

(door opens)

Military person 2
(somewhat amused) Do you care to rethink your little tantrum? We can… change the arrangement we currently have for your living situation and quite easily remove your connection with said Eye.

Jon
(defeated, frustrated sigh, sitting back down)

Martin
(hugging Jon comfortingly)

Military instructor
Thank you. Now, as I was Saying…

…

Jon
(pacing back and forth, making extra frustrated tapping sounds with his cane) I don't know Why they thought they should take a literal Child, I mean…this is beyond immoral -

Martin
(soothingly) I know, it really is horrible

Jon
(fervently) I just need a way to make this stop… maybe…
(static) Hmm that might work…

Martin
(getting somewhat concerned) Jon, what are you thinking about?

Jon
(fervently, determined) We can't just keep waiting around, we have to do Something.

(opening and closing door)
(footsteps)

Military person 2
Hello Mr. Sims, I'm here to remove your connection to your Eye.

Jon
(sound of frustration and fear)

Martin
(soothingly) Here, I'll hold you

…

Jon
(sniffling pitifully)

Martin
(soothingly) It'll be okay Jon, we'll figure something out. We just need more time
(gently kisses the top of Jon's head)

Jon
(snuggling in, somewhat desperate, soft whimpering)

Martin
(soothing hushing sounds, gently running his fingers through Jon's hair) I promise it'll all be okay, just get some rest for now

Chapter Text

[Jon and Martin’s room]

Jon
So. What’s the plan?

Danny
We need to get some more of the others on our side - you two see who’s most likely to be swayed and I’ll see about setting you up some time together.

Jon
Got it.

…

Martin
Hi

Slaughter Avatar 1
Hi Desolation boyfriend
(light chuckle)

Martin
I have a name you know

Slaughter Avatar 1
Fair enough I suppose. Mine’s Sabrina, what’s yours?

Martin
Martin

Sabrina
Well nice to meet you I suppose.
(mischievous) Any good fire stories? I heard some of the guards saying that you went totally intense in your attempt to rescue your boyfriend and almost burned the place to the ground.

Martin
(somewhat proud, somewhat shy) I did. It was…
(wicked cackle) It was AWESOME!

Sabrina
(impressed) Nice!
(light chuckle) They’re scared of you, you know. I’ve even caught some of them shuddering when they see you coming.
(sigh) Jealous, honestly.

Martin
(surprised, somewhat pleased) Nice, they’re actually intimidated. By me, Martin.

Sabrina
I know - you don’t exactly Look intimidating. More like… a good hugger?

(approaching footsteps)

Jon
Well he IS a good hugger
(happy snuggling sounds)

Martin
(happy snuggling sounds)

Sabrina
(snort of laughter) Wow. So we’ve got Eyeball and Desolation.

Jon
(detaching himself from Martin for just a second) My name’s Jon
(back to snuggling)

Sabrina
Well, hello Jon. I’m Sabrina

Martin
He’s also quite terrifying when he’s not cut off from his Eye. He used to smite people in our old dimension.

Sabrina
(stunned) … SMITE PEOPLE?!?!

Jon
(somewhat annoyed) Yep.
Martin, I’d appreciate it if you didn’t keep telling people that… it’s somewhat… embarrassing?

Sabrina
(laughs, impressed) Embarrassing? Jon you’re darn AWESOME! I wish I could smite people!

Jon
(somewhat embarrassed) Well, I can’t anymore. The Eye doesn’t have full power here. But when I have my connection I can Compel people to do and tell me things. And put things in people’s minds.

Martin
And he’s also gone into the Buried and the Lonely and come out the other side

Sabrina
(impressed) Wow. So how on Earth did you even get yourself captured?

Jon
They’ve got these sunglasses that somehow block my Compelling. I almost managed to get through to one at one point but he had an accomplice so… it failed.

Sabrina
Darn, that sucks. I'm sorry

Jon
(rueful) Thanks

…

[Avatar exercise room]

Jon
(muttered, somewhat annoyed, somewhat amused) Wow, it’s amazing what amenities we have access to when we’re not constantly trying to escape

Martin
I know, a whole entire exercise room

Spiral Avatar 1 (the 12 year old)
(quiet, shy) … Um, hi

Jon
(gently) Hi, I’m Jon. What’s your name?

Spiral Avatar 1
Star

Jon
(gently) Hi Star, it’s nice to meet you.

Star
(sniffling) I really don’t like it here… it’s really scary and I miss my mom

Jon
(stifling a sniffle) (sits down on the floor next to Star)
(gently) I know, I’m sorry.

Martin
(sits down next to Jon and Star)
(conversationally) What’s she like?

Star
What?

Martin
Your mom

Star
(opening up) She’s really nice… she loves gardening.
(sniffles) I used to be able to get her whatever kinds of plants and seeds she wanted with my doors… it was amazing… but now
(sniffles)

Jon
(quietly) We’re actually trying to think of a plan to escape, if you’d be interested in joining us.

Star
(hopeful) Oh, definitely!

Jon
(quietly) You just need to be really quiet about it okay? We don’t want to be found out.

Star
(snarky chuckle) Wow, shocker. I know That - what do you think middle school is?

Martin
… Middle school?

Jon
It’s an American thing - seventh through ninth year.

Martin
Ah

Jon
(returned snarky chuckle) And yes, that’s a very good comparison
(thoughtful sigh) I guess I’m lucky that even though we’re Here, we’re not in those years again

Martin
(snort of laughter) You were not a very popular preteen?

Jon
(audible stare, incredulous laughter) Did you think I WAS? Martin, I’m a Huge Nerd and I’ve always Been a Huge Nerd! And that wasn’t exactly a Good thing back when we were in school.

Star
(quiet chuckle)

Military person 5
Hey! If you’re going to be in the exercise room, please exercise!

Star
(nervous sound) Oops, sorry!

Jon, Martin
(snorts of laughter)

Martin
I’m sure you’ve never heard That before, Jon!

Jon
(Hey!) Rude!
(to Star and Martin) So… what do we want to do then?

Star
I like treadmills - you just walk and they have handles to hold onto - plus we can talk on them

Jon
I like your thinking though I do have my Concerns about what happens if I fall… I’m not exactly Super steady on my legs

Star
They automatically shut off

Jon
(sigh of relief) Okay I like that

…

[cafeteria]

Martin
So…

Spiral Avatar 2
Hi.

Martin
Hi.

Spiral Avatar 2
Did you want something? I’m kind of in the middle of something.

Jon
(dubious) In the middle of what?

Spiral Avatar 2
Sulking.

Jon
Fair - I really need get back to that myself -
(starts standing up)

Martin
(teasing) Jon!
(gently pulls Jon back into chair)
(to Spiral Avatar 2, quietly) Would you be interested in… trying to escape?

Spiral Avatar 2
(fervently) YES so much

Jon
Well… we’re trying to form a plan.

Spiral Avatar 2
I definitely want to join.

Francois
(walking over, tapping Jon on the shoulder with notepad)

Jon
(pencil scratching)
(handing back notepad)

Francois
(rustling of reading paper)
(fervent nod)

…

[Jon and Martin's room]

Danny
(sympathetic, concerned) So… I'm headed out on a mission to get another Avatar.

Jon
(so judgmental) Wow.

Danny
(somewhat miffed) Look, I don't Want to. I'm only telling you and Martin because, well, you're going to be looked after by someone else for the next few days while I'm gone. And she is…not as nice as me. I just wanted to give you a heads up.

Martin
(hopeful) Any chance she'd be on our side?

Danny
(bitter chuckle) Um, no. Honestly you two better be careful - she's quite driven to the mission and… cruel.

Jon
So. That sounds… not ideal.

Danny
It really isn't and I'm very sorry.

Chapter Text

[Jon and Martin's room]

Martin
(yawning) Well…I wonder how This will go

Jon
(half-asleep) No clue
(rolls over from being little spoon to snuggle into Martin's chest)

(opening and closing door)

Military person 4
(marching footsteps)

Martin
(hesitant) Um… hi?

Military person 4
(roughly drags Jon out of bed and onto the ground)

Martin
(indignant) HEY!

Jon
(stressed confused sounds, jolted awake)
(soft sounds of struggle)

Military person 4
Stop that!
(harsh slap)

Jon
(shocked pained whimper)

Martin
(furious) HEY! Leave him ALONE!
(getting out of bed after Jon)

Military person
(cruel) I wouldn't come any further - I can really hurt your boyfriend here if I want to. It would be in both of your best interests if you just
Sat Back Down.

Martin
(angry exhale, stops walking over but still standing)

Jon
(shaky panicked breathing)
(sudden yelp)

Military person 4
Whoops. Missed

Martin
(panicked, angry) Okay okay!
(sits down)

Jon
(shaky panicked breathing)
(sudden yelp)

Military person 4
Whoops again.

Martin
(furious, barely holding himself back) Stop hurting him! I did what you asked!

Jon
(quietly sobbing)
(sudden whimper)

Military person 4
I'm done now, happy?
And if you try Anything again I will have more “mistakes" next time. You got off EASY

Jon
(quietly sobbing)

(departing footsteps)

Martin
(very angry sounds)
(enveloping Jon in a comforting hug)
(shushing sounds, kisses)

…

[cafeteria]

Sabrina
(somewhat disturbed) What happened to you?

Jon
(frustrated) … Our new… person.

Martin
The new person who runs this place… she’s really quite cruel. We managed to cross her and it didn’t go super well.

Sabrina
Well, darn. If you’d like some help, I’m really good at applying bandages.
(snort of laughter) A detriment of being with the Slaughter - sometimes you get carried away so you learn to be quite adept at bandaging.

Jon
(quietly) That… that would be nice actually, thanks.

Sabrina
Of course, come on
(departing footsteps)

…

Star
(crying quietly in a corner)

Sabrina
(somewhat gentle) Hey, what’s up kid?

Star
The… the new lady in charge…

Martin
(horrified) Oh… your wrists are all bruised up

Star
(sniffling) She wasn’t very nice with the mittens

Sabrina
(getting angry) I’m with the Slaughter - I’m normally a rage-filled bloodthirsty killing machine by all respects - but even I’d draw the line at this.

Martin
(somewhat perplexed) At… bruising someone?

Sabrina
(short chuckle) At hurting a child. Personally I tend to like to go after creepy men - they’re my targets of choice. It’s fun to watch them squirm for a change when you get the knife in them…
(remembering her audience includes a twelve year old)
(awkward) Ah, sorry kid… but you’ll get it someday… if you don’t already.

(approaching footsteps)

Slaughter Avatar 2
Hey, Sabrina, what’s up?

Sabrina
Basil, meet Star, Jon, and Martin

Basil
Ah, hi. Finally have names to the faces

Jon
… Yes.

Basil
(light chuckle) Don’t worry, I won’t hurt you - Sabrina told me you’re
(whispering) trying to help us get out of here. Us Avatars need to stick together
(noticing, concerned) Speaking of, what happened to you?

Jon
(resigned) The new person temporarily in charge of the Avatar unit. She’s… evil.

Basil
(impressed) Clearly.

Sabrina
Oh, yah, thanks for reminding me.
(rustling sounds)
Okay this will definitely sting a little… maybe hold Martin’s hand with your other hand…

Martin
(reassuringly grabbing Jon’s hand, kissing his forehead)

Jon
(audible wince)

Sabrina
(rustling sounds of prepping and applying bandage)
(satisfied) There we go, all done.

Jon
(quietly) Thanks

Sabrina
(soft laugh) What can I say, I support my comrades. Besides - you don’t really strike me as a creep.

…

[Sabrina and Basil’s room]

Sabrina
(yawning) I’m tired

Basil
Same here… but also somewhat nervous. When do you think we’ll meet this mysterious new Avatar caretaker? It doesn’t look like anyone she’s dealt with made it out unscathed.

Sabrina
(light chuckle) Oh, she can try

(opening and closing door)
(footsteps)

Military Person 4
Hello, slaughter Avatars.

Sabrina
(annoyed sigh) Can’t you see we’re trying to go to sleep?

Military Person 4
You don’t Talk to me that way!
(roughly jabs Sabrina in the chest with her finger)

Sabrina
(harsh chuckle) Oh, yes. Now we PLAY!
(pounces)

(scuffling sounds of struggle and fighting)

Sabrina
DIE VILE THING, DIE!

Basil
(cheering, pounding fists in the air) Go Sabrina! Go Sabrina!

(gunshot)

Sabrina
(screams)

Basil
(horrified, panicked) SABRINA?!?!

Sabrina
(sobbing hysterically)

Military Person 4
Don’t cross me again or it won’t just be a flesh wound.
(getting up, stalking out of room, opening and slamming door)

…

Martin
What Happened?!?!

Sabrina
(pained) She… she shot me.

Jon
This… this is ridiculous.
(standing up) We have to do something about this!

Martin
(gently grabbing Jon’s injured hand to remind him) Jon… think about this.

Jon
(exasperated sigh) But…

Martin
(gently) Wait until you’ve got your Eye back and have healed. Then…
(to group, determined)
Then we attack.

Chapter Text

[cafeteria]

Martin
So. Who here is willing to kill and who isn’t? We’ve got to get that straight now.

Star
(nervous, quietly) I… I don’t really want to kill anyone…

Martin
(gently) To the left side, please

Sabrina
I’ll kill. I’d Love to kill.

Basil
Same. Here.

Martin
Right side

Sabrina
Got it

Jon
… I’d… I’d Rather not kill…
(joins Star on the left)

Star
(grateful sound)

Jon
(scratches with pencil on pad, proffers it to Francois)
(Francois joins Star and Jon)

(rustling sounds as other Avatars make their way to the two sides)

Oliver
Hmm…

Martin
(soft chuckle) And what do you choose, End Avatar?

Oliver
I’m rather indifferent to death. I also kind of like it here without the dreams but I can just take the wristband.
(walks to right side)

…

Jon
So… what’d you end up going with?

Martin
Depends - does anyone hurt my Archivist? If not, I won’t. If someone Does… I’ll probably go full murderous rage.
Nobody hurts my Archivist.
(kisses Jon’s forehead)

Star
(nervous) I’m… I’m scared.

Jon
(reassuring) It’s okay - just stay with Martin and me. I’ll See them coming and he can protect us with fire
… Remind me again, how exactly are you planning to get access to fire?

Martin
(wicked cackle)
(gently takes Jon’s glasses off and tilts them in the light towards a table cloth which ignites)

(general gasps of shock and awe)

Martin
(slides Jon’s glasses back on gently)
(somewhat embarrassed) Being with the Desolation means knowing every potential fire starter and exactly what angles to use.

Sabrina
(coughing slightly) So… do you have breathing apparatuses for us?

Spiral Avatar 2
Yep, I have them.
(slips off mittens which have been clearly ripped and put back on to Look undamaged)
Thank you, Francois. Your bugs proved most helpful in eating through these.
(creates and opens door, walks in, grabs breathing apparatuses, walks back out)
(passes out masks)

(sounds of putting them on)

Star
(sounds of struggling)

Martin
(gently) Here
(helping Star)

…

Star
So the doors won’t get us out of the complex but they can get us to other places within it?

Spiral Avatar 2
Exactly. So we’re going to have to walk out. From there we can go through the doors but we can’t use them within the walls. Which…

Jon
Makes this difficult.

Spiral Avatar 2
Quite.

Jon
I can Watch for people coming but with those sunglasses on I can’t Compel them - I’ll need help getting them off.

Spiral Avatar 2
(wicked chuckle) Oh, I can help with that.
(creepy bone cracking sounds)
My fingers can get very long Indeed!

Jon
(impressed) Nice

Martin
So, is everybody ready?

(chorus of nervous agreement)

…

Jon
(static) The next hall is clear, come on
(soft footsteps)
(lots more footsteps)
(static) Sabrina, Basil. To your left - that door. There are sharps in there.

Sabrina
(excited squeal) YES!

Basil
(wicked cackle)

(opening door)
(sounds of grabbing weapons)

Jon
Does anyone else want any weapons? Not sure how useful these items would be for those not with the Slaughter but they’re better than nothing I suppose if you know how to use them.
(silence)
Okay, let’s continue.
(large group of footsteps)

…

Jon
(static)
(scared, sudden) Stop… I… sense something…
(whispered) Everyone, get your backs against the left wall - your other left, Basil…

(soft nervous footsteps)
(heavy footsteps coming up hall)

Jon
(whispered) Okay, Martin, Sabrina, Basil… you’re about to be up. Star, get behind me.

(soft footsteps moving into position)

Martin
And everyone else who wants to fight, remember. You’re the second line. Throw people in your doors, feed them to your bugs, whatever. Just make sure that you hold the line. The second that gets broken they’ve won.

(heavy footsteps coming closer)

Jon
(whispered) Now

Sabrina
(yelled) CHARGE!
(running footsteps, surprised yells, crackling flames)
(screaming, gunshots, crying)

Star
(sobbing hysterically)

Jon
(reassuringly) Hey, it’ll be okay
(static) Why don’t you go into your door and wait this next part out?

Star
(sniffles) I want to help

Jon
(gently) And you will - you watch for anyone injured and drag them in with you. Do you think you can do that? I can help Watch for injured and can help you drag them in there

Star
(sniffles and nods)

(door materializes, opens, and closes)

Jon
(taps door, peephole appears)

Star
(muffled, from within door) (very impressed) Nice!

(rushing footsteps from behind)

Military person 2
(furious, venomous) EYE AVATAR!

Jon
(resigned sigh) Oh goodie. Looks like I’m up.
(soft chuckle) Hope I’m not the first one dragged into Star’s door.

(gunshots)

Jon
(static) (falls to the ground, purposefully)

Military person 2
(annoyed) You are obnoxious

(more gunshots)

Jon
(static) (rolls out of the way)
(snarky) But very good at dodgeball - we all take what we can get

(more gunshots)

Jon
(static) (dodging)
(somewhat annoyed) Are you Trying to kill me?

Military person 2
Personally, I don’t CARE!

(more gunshots)

Jon
(static) (diving out of the way)

…

Sabrina
DIE! DIE! DIE!

(slashing sounds, screaming, triumphant cries)

Basil
(euphoric) Ah, the feel of BLOOD!
(slashing sounds)
It’s so WARM!

(screaming)

Martin
(ominous, threatening) FEEL THE FLAME!

(screams, diving out of the way)

(sounds of bugs crawling all over soldiers as they scream for mercy)

Francois
(satisfied sound)

Oliver
(somewhat bored) Down, Martin.

Martin
(dives for the floor just as gunshots begin)

…

Jon
(panting, exhausted) I can keep this up forever, you know

Military person 2
(dubious) Really?

(gunshots)

Jon
(shriek of pain)
(collapsing to floor)

Martin
(panicked) JON!

Jon
(groaning, trying to sit up) I’m… I’ll be okay… I just need… to rest a bit
(collapses)

(door materializing and opening, Jon being dragged in, something being shoved out)
(door slamming shut and dematerializing)

Martin
(so grateful) Thank you, Star!

Military person 2
(stunned) Um… what?

Martin
(wicked cackle) Looks like Star found me a FLAMETHROWER!
(jet of flame)

Military person 2
(SCREAMS)

…

Basil
Come on! We’ve cleared a path!

(racing footsteps)

Sabrina
(concerned) Where are Star and Jon?

Martin
They’re in her door - Jon got hurt and she’s keeping watch for the injured.

Sabrina
Good idea

(staticy sounds from Star’s door)
Stop!

(racing footsteps halt)

(staticy sounds from Star’s door, more clearly simply a very weak Jon now)
Turn right. Now RUN

(racing footsteps)
(heavy racing footsteps behind them)

(staticy sounds from Star’s door)
We’re close - about fifty yards from the door.

(racing footsteps)
(flinging open door)
(racing footsteps)

(panicked staticy sounds from Star’s door)
STOP! STOP!

(gunshots)
(screams, panic)

(door fully materializes, Jon stumbles out)

Jon
(panicked shouting, at Star) Stay inside and lock the door!

(door dematerializes)

(gunshots)

(screams, panic)

Sabrina
DIE DIE DIE!!!!!!

(gunshots)

Sabrina
(screams, collapses)

Basil
SABRINA!
(slashing sounds)

(screams)

Jon
(static) We’re so close… grab the injured, it’s only about twenty yards to the left

Martin
(hefting up Jon)

Basil
(hefting up Sabrina)

Jon
RUN!

(racing footsteps)

(gunshots)

(screams, whimpers, cries)

Martin
One second -
(sits down Jon)
(torrent of flame)

(screams of terror and pain)

Martin
Good, now keep going.

Spiral Avatar 2
Spiral Avatars, Through That Door!

(racing footsteps)
(doors materializing and opening)
(racing footsteps)

Star
Hurry, hurry!

(gunshots)

Jon
(gasps, falls)

Star
(panicked) JON!

Jon
(choking gasps, coughing)

Martin
JON! OH G, OH G!

Sabrina
(deeply concerned) That’s… that’s not good.
Martin, grab him. We’ve gotta go

Military Person 2
Oh no you Don’t!

(gunshot)

(Jon goes silent)

Chapter Text

Martin
(sobbing hysterically) Oh G, Oh G, JON! JON!
(sounds of struggle)

Military Person 4
Bad Desolation Avatar
(spraying fire extinguisher in Martin’s face)

Martin
(scream of absolute soul-rending agony)

…

[desolation Avatar room]

Martin
(coughing, gasping) What… Jon… where…?
(struggling to sit up)

Danny
Hello, Martin.

Martin
… Danny? You’re back?

Danny
Yes.
I heard that you led an escape attempt

Martin
(struggling to get his thoughts in order) Um… where… where’s Jon?

Danny
Jon’s in the infirmary.

Martin
(concerned sound)

Danny
Because in your brilliantly planned escape attempt one of our equally brilliant soldiers thought it’d be a good idea to shoot him in the head to curtail it.

Martin
(absolutely panicked) WHAT????

Danny
(sighs) He’ll be fine, I think. He’s an Avatar and they’re definitely keeping him fully Avatar at the moment. And it missed everywhere… essential for survival… But it might be a bit before he wakes up.

Martin
(sobs)

Danny
I Really wish you hadn’t tried something like that without me.
(gentler) Look, he’ll most likely be fine. I’ll keep you updated okay?

Martin
(sniffles)

…

Danny
(gently) Jon? Can you hear me?

Jon
(slight murmur, fidgeting in sleep)

Danny
(muttered to self) That’s a good sign

…

Martin
Can I see him?

Danny
(snort of incredulous laughter) You led an escape attempt with him and want to see him?

Martin
(tearfully) Yes

Danny
(long sigh) I’ll… I’ll see if there’s anything I can do.

…

Danny
Okay… if you wear this fire-proof outfit… equipped with a fire-extingisher like shocking collar… they’ll let you sit in with Jon.

Martin
What?

Danny
(sighs) If it senses anything hot, like fire hot, or smoke, it will send out fire extinguishing material. Which, if I understand, you got to experience on the day of the attack.

Martin
(audible shudder) Yes… that was excruciating.

Danny
(softly) Yah. I’m sorry about that.
Now come on, he’s right this way.

…

Martin
(softly) Jon? Please wake up

Jon
(mumbles and twitches in sleep)

Martin
(gently strokes Jon’s hand and kisses it)

Jon
(mumbles in sleep)

…

Sabrina
(extremely frustrated) I can’t believe we got captured again.

Basil
I know.

Sabrina
You could have made it, you know. You didn’t have to stay for me.

Basil
(gently) You know I did.

Sabrina
(sad sigh) I know.

…

Star
(excited) MOM! MOM! MOM!

Star’s mom
STAR! YOU MADE IT HOME!

Star
(seriously) Mom, we have to move. Throw everything in the door.

…

(opening door)
(thousands of skittering sounds)

François
(happy loving gasp)

(stepping inside)
(closing door)

…

Martin
(sobbing) Jon, please wake up

Jon
(twitches, stirs) … Martin?

Martin
JON!!!!

Chapter Text

[Two and a half years ago]

Katrina
(baby babbling) Kitty!

Katrina’s mom
(proud, chuckling) Yes, kitty!

Katrina
(baby babbling) Kitty!

Katrina’s dad
(thrilled) Did… did she just say her first word?!?!

Katrina’s mom
YES!!!! We should get this on video!

…

[Two years ago]

Katrina
Kitty! Kitty! I want to see kitties!

Katrina’s mom
(chuckling) Okay, okay we can get the books on kitties.

…

[Eighteen months ago]

Katrina
More kitties!

Katrina’s mom
(chuckling) Okay, I’ll get more books on kitties.

Katrina
Kitty Sounds Too!

Katrina’s mom
(chuckling) Okay I’ll also get the kitty tapes
(footsteps)

Exhausted librarian
(muttered) Are these kids tapes? Meh, they’re about cats. I’m sure it’ll be fine.
(shoving tapes onto shelf)
(leaving footsteps)

Katrina’s mom
Oh, look! A long series of tapes on Kitties, Katrina!

Katrina
YAY!

…

[One year ago]

Katrina
Kitty! Kitty! I want to see Kitty!

Katrina’s mom
Honey, yes those are Big kitties. Can you say “Lion?”

Katrina
Kitty! Kitty! I want to pet the kitty!

Katrina’s mom
(chuckling) You don’t want to pet That kitty, it’s not very friendly.

Katrina’s dad
Very grouchy kitty!

Katrina
(static) Bring me Kitty!

(forced footsteps, climbing over fence, screaming, crunching, screaming cut off)

Katrina
MOMMY?!?! DADDY?!?!
(hysterical sobbing)

…

[One week ago]

Military Leader
So, Danny. We’ve found another Avatar. Of the Beholding.

Danny
(surprised) Really?

Military Leader
This one is… considerably younger than our other Avatars though.

Danny
(somewhat concerned) How young?

Military Leader
It is not your place to question.

Danny
Of course, sorry sir.

Military Leader
But if you must know, she’s four. And I want you to go bring her to us.
(light chuckle) If it helps, her family is already dead. She’s in an orphanage.

…

[Today]

Jon
(sighing) I miss Martin. I wish we hadn’t been separated after our escape attempt.
(snort of laughter) Though I suppose it could be worse, considering.
(rubs at his head, wincing audibly)

(door opens and closes)

Danny
Um, Jon. You have a new roommate.

Jon
(hopeful, turning around)
Martin?
… When did he get so Small????
Wait…
(hesitant footsteps)
Who… who is this? She’s the spitting image of Martin. Just like… very very tiny.

Danny
Our newest Avatar of the Beholding.

…

[Jon sitting on floor next to Katrina]

Jon
(somewhat amused) So. Shall I call you Baby Beholding? It has a certain ring to it.

Katrina
(curious) Where am I?

Jon
(somewhat amused) You’ve been captured by an evil military organization that likes to trap Avatars like us.
(exaggerated playful sigh) They’re such meanies

Katrina
Do you have any kitties?

Jon
(soft chuckle) No, but I like them too. I love cats.

Katrina
I used to have a kitty. Before… before the big kitty ate my mommy and daddy.

Jon
(splutters, shocked) Wait what?

Katrina
Oh, yes. I asked mommy and daddy to bring me the big kitty at the zoo… and it ate them.

Jon
Ah… I see.
(light bitter chuckle) Well, you don’t have to worry about that with Me.

Katrina
(hopeful) Why?

Jon
Because I am Also an Avatar of the Beholding. So I’ll be able to withstand a simple compelling.

Katrina
(excited) Yay!
(hugs Jon)

Jon
(shocked sound)

Katrina
(thrilled) Maybe I can have a grown up now who won’t leave me!

Jon
(sniffles)

…

[class]

Martin
(thrilled) Jon! It’s been Weeks! How are you feeling?

Jon
(light chuckle) Much better - they’ve had me in recovery. But you’ll never guess what happened - I got a new roommate.
(gently pushes Katrina forward)

Martin
(shocked gasp) Oh. My. Word.
You-are-so-cute!!!!!!!!
(crouches down to Katrina’s level)
Hi, I’m Martin. What’s your name?

Katrina
I’m Katrina!
This is Jon. He’s my new grown-up

Jon
(audible blush)

Martin
(questioning sound)

Jon
She’s the new Avatar - of the Beholding. And she lost her parents years ago due to a… tragic compelling accident. So she was stolen from an orphanage. Or
(chuckles grimly) possibly fraudulently adopted.

Martin
(sad sound)

Katrina
(happy) It’s okay, I like it here. I have my Very Own Grownup! I don’t have to share him with Anyone! And he’s so Nice and…

(footsteps as instructor walks into room)

Instructor
Quiet, everyone. Please sit at your desks.

Jon
(scoops Katrina up onto his lap and gives her some paper and crayons)

Martin
(adoring sound, scoots in next to Jon)

…

Sabrina
(cooing) Well aren’t You the cutest little Eyeball ever?!?!

Katrina
(confused) Why do you call me Eyeball? My name is Katrina.

Sabrina
(laughs) Because you’re of the Beholding.

Katrina
… Be-hold-ing?

Jon
(gently) The thing that we’re both part of. With the Eye.

Katrina
Oh, yah. Like the nickname you gave me!

Sabrina
(questioning sound)

Jon
(somewhat embarrassed) Baby Beholding.

Martin
(guffaws) Okay, that is just adorable

…

Katrina
Can you tell me another bedtime story?

Jon
(snort of laughter) Okay what topic tonight?

Katrina
… Kitties!

Jon
I Knew it!
(scoops Katrina up into the air and hugs her)

Katrina
(giggles)

Jon
I Know Everything!

Katrina
But do you know…
(mischievous) that I’m going to TICKLE YOU?!?!

Jon
(gasps, laughter) Careful! I don’t want to drop you!
(gently sits Katrina down)

Katrina
(hugs Jon’s legs) I love you

Jon
(happy sound, tearful)

Chapter Text

[cafeteria]

Jon
I’ve missed you

Martin
I’ve missed you too
(kiss)

Katrina
(confused) Why can’t you be together?

Jon
Because the government meanies won’t let us. We only get to see each other during shared activities, like eating and class.

Martin
(crestfallen) But no snuggles.

Katrina
(horrified) No snuggles????

Martin
(teasing, suspicious) Hey, am I the only one forgoing snuggles?

Katrina
(pleased) I get All the snuggles I want

Martin
(teasing) Hmph!

Jon
(kisses Martin)
(chuckling) Martin, you know I wish you were there too

Martin
(wrapping Jon in a hug)

Jon
(humming softly, peacefully, leaning into Martin)

Katrina
(thoughtfully) They really Should let you be together.

Martin
I know, Right?!?!
(audible smirk, to Jon) Maybe she should Compel them?

Jon
(guffaws) No, Martin.
(more serious, quiet) I’m actually… trying to keep her from using the Beholding too much. So far they’ve not deemed her enough of a risk to… stop her connection… and I don’t want that to change.

Martin
Ah, that makes sense.

Katrina
(curious) What are you talking about?

Martin
Just about the government meanies and what they do to poor Jon to stop him from accessing the Eye.

Katrina
Ah, yes. I’m not supposed to do Eyeball stuff so they don’t hurt me too

Jon
(proud, relieved) Exactly! Leave that to the grownups - it’s just not safe here.

Katrina
I think it’s safe
(hugs Jon’s legs)

Jon
(melts)

Martin
(kisses Jon’s forehead)

Jon
(melts further)

Martin
(to Katrina) Let’s give Jon Lots of snuggles!

Katrina
Yay!

(snuggle puddle)
(happy sounds all around)

…

[Beholding Avatar room]

Danny
So, how goes it, Beholding Avatars?

Jon
(somewhat suspicious) Why?
(steps between Katrina and Danny)

Danny
(nervous chuckles, puts his hands up) Jon, I’m not going to do anything to her! How many times do I have to tell you?

Jon
(suspicious) Hmm…

Danny
(gently) You might want to lie down though…

Jon
(nervous sound, shaky breathing)

Katrina
(reassuring) It’ll be okay
(holds Jon’s other hand with both of hers)
(kisses it)

Jon
(sniffles with adoration)
(whimpers softly)

Katrina
(to Danny) He won’t go to sleep, will he?

Danny
(reassuringly) Oh, no. We trust Jon at this point… we just don’t want him to have full access to his Eye.

Jon
(audible eye-roll)

…

Katrina
I learned the alphabet today!

Martin
(impressed) Wow, you’re learning like… normal kid stuff? In This place?!?!

Jon
(chuckles softly) Benefits of the Beholding. She just knows to limit it to innocent things the military people won’t mind.
(whispers) Plus, if there’s too much static and they ask questions I just say it was me. It’s… unpleasant… but that’s what you do.

Martin
(sympathetic sound)
(kisses the top of Jon’s head)

Jon
(melts into Martin, snuggling into his chest)

Katrina
(runs over to join in on the snuggles)

(happy sounds all around)

…

Katrina
It’s my birthday next week

Jon
(surprised) Oh?

Katrina
Yep! I Know this

Jon
(chuckles)

Katrina
(clambering up on Jon’s lap) See? I can make jokes too

Jon
(adoringly) Yes, yes you can
(kisses the top of Katrina’s head)

Katrina
(snuggles into Jon)

Jon, Katrina
(happy sounds)

Katrina
(pulling back) So… what are we going to do?

Jon
Hmm… what do you want to do… that we can, here?

Katrina
(somewhat concerned) Do… do you think I won’t get presents?

Jon
(determined) I’ll make sure you get presents.

…

Jon
So. I have a request

Danny
(audibly raised eyebrow) A request?

Jon
Yes, it’s Katrina’s birthday next week. And we need presents.

Danny
(incredulous sigh) … You do realize you’re locked in a secret military base, right?

Jon
(somewhat threateningly) And…?

Danny
(nervous chuckle) Look, I would… I would try, I swear… but I’ll be out again next week. Getting a new Avatar.

Jon
… So we’re going to be stuck with…

Danny
With Natalie, yes.

Jon
So she Has a name then

Danny
(perplexed) Yes?

Jon
I kind of assumed she was like one of the Fears and just had this set of terrifying monikers she went by but no Actual name. Like, The Beholding or The Slaughter. Or The Desolation
(chuckles fondly) Ah, Martin.

Danny
(rueful chuckle) I can see why you’d Think that but she’s actually one hundred percent human. Just… humans aren’t always great, you know?

Jon
Oh, don’t I Know it.

…

[arts and crafts room]

Jon
So go color over there okay? Martin and I need some secret time to work on top secret present stuff!

Katrina
Okay!
(happily racing away)

Martin
So…

Jon
She likes cats. I’m thinking we make her some little paper doll cats maybe? I can also make origami cats if I can reach the Eye enough… though my Eye reach has been rather… limited… as of late since I keep ‘taking one for the team’ as it were.
(chuckles softly) I remember the early days of Beholding though - the constant thirst for knowledge even before it became a physical need. I hope she’s enjoying them

Martin
(fondly) You’re so sweet
(kisses Jon)

Jon
(kisses Martin)
(breaks apart, chuckling) We have… a task to do

Martin
(snort of laughter) Oh, right.

(coloring sounds)
(scissors)

…

[Eye Avatar room]

Katrina
(jumping up and down, shrieking with joy) It’s my birthday! It’s my birthday!

Jon
(groaning sleepily) What time is it?

Katrina
(static) 4:30 AM!

Jon
(muffled groan) Whhyyyyyy

Katrina
Ah, grownups don’t like getting up this early?

Jon
Nope!

Katrina
(resigned sigh) Aw man

Jon
(chuckles softly) Can we sleep in until morning please?

Katrina
(static) It IS morning

Jon
(half chuckles, half sighs) You Know what I mean

Katrina
(giggles) Yes, I do.

…

Jon
(soft snoring)

(door opens, closes)

Natalie
Hello Eye Avatars.

Katrina
(nervous) Um… hi?

Jon
(stirring) Wha-?

Katrina
(nervously stepping backwards away from Natalie and towards Jon)

Jon
(yawning, sitting up)
(noticing)
(stumbles quickly out of bed to get between Katrina and Natalie, reaches for and misses his cane and instead hits the floor)
Oof!

Natalie
Hello little Eyeball… have you been Beholding? They’ve been telling me you haven’t but I find that hard to believe.

Jon
No. No, she hasn’t.

Katrina
(nervous) No… nope

Natalie
(suspicious) Do you know what we do to little lying children?

Jon
(struggling sounds of trying to get up and slipping on the floor)
(yanking off his socks as fast as he can)

Natalie
(advancing on a cowering Katrina) Do you Know what we Do?

Katrina
(tiny bit of static) … Yes

Jon
(frustrated groan)
(stumbling to his feet) Leave her alone, she’s harmless

Natalie
(shoves Jon to the floor so he hits his head)

Jon
(groans)

Katrina
JON!

Natalie
(wicked cackle) Oh, little Eyeball, it is YOU that you should be worried about
(advances on Katrina)

Jon
(moaning dazedly, trying to regain his senses)

Natalie
(pounces)

Katrina
(shrieks in terror and pain)

Jon
(sits up with a start)
(absolutely FERAL SNARL)
(makes his way on all fours to Natalie and Pounces, yanking her away from Katrina)

(biting, punching, kicking, screaming, clawing, attempts at Compelling, howls of fury)

Jon
YOU LEAVE HER ALONE!

Katrina
(gasping pathetically on the floor, terrified)

Jon
(to Katrina, as reassuringly as he can manage mid-fight) It’ll… it’ll be okay.

Natalie
Oh ARCHIVIST you will PAY FOR THAT!

Jon
(feral snarl) Oh, I will, will I?
(scuffle continues, general sounds of struggle)

Katrina
(soft snoring)

Jon
(noticing Katrina’s current state)
(shriek of utter demonic fury) WHAT DID YOU DO TO HER?!?! SHE IS FIVE!
(scuffling sounds)

Natalie
(screams)

Jon
(howl of fury)

(banging on door)

(scuffle stops as Jon and Natalie stop fighting to both stare at the door)

(muffled from other side of door)
Is everything okay in there?

Natalie
(triumphant) No! The Eye Avatar is attacking me

(muffled from other side of door)
Oh, I see. I’ll be right in

Jon
(tiny bit of static)
(lightly chuckles to himself)

Natalie
What?

Jon
(innocently) Oh, nothing.

(door opens and closes)

Sabrina
Hey Jon, thought we heard a fight.

Basil
And you Know we can’t turn down a fight

Jon
(venomous) Get. Her.

Sabrina, Basil
(shrieks of murderous joy)

Natalie
(shriek of fear)

Jon
(crawls on all fours over to Katrina, gently cradling her and carrying her to bed)
(tucks her in, strokes her hair, kisses her forehead)
(whispers tearfully) It’ll be okay, I promise it’ll be okay

(running footsteps in hall)

Jon
(static) Uh oh, we’ve got company
(shoves cot almost to wall, places Katrina on the ground against the wall and tilts the cot so that it is covering her)
(makes his way to the opposite side of the room

(door bursts open)
(gunshots into the air)

Military person 2
GET DOWN! GET DOWN!

Jon
(lets himself fall forward)

Sabrina
(exasperated sigh) Seriously? They’re spoiling our fun Again?

Basil
(ready for a challenge) Oh, we will get you

Jon
(static) Please stop fighting - they have guns and Katrina is currently human.

Sabrina
(disappointed) Oh. That… good point. I’m not getting little Eyeball hurt.
(to Military members, annoyed) Okay, I surrender.
(puts hands up with a wry grin) Just know I could have taken you

Basil
(light chuckle) She definitely could have. But I guess I
(snort of laughter) surrender as well.

Sabrina, Basil
(light chuckles)

(sounds of Sabrina and Basil being dragged out roughly while they guffaw in obvious amusement at the whole situation)

Natalie
(victorious, cruel) So. Jon.

Jon
(tries to make a sound but his mouth is Just too dry)

Natalie
You Will pay for that.

…

[cafeteria]

Martin
(shocked, horrified) … Jon…? What Happened to you?

Jon
(groan) I don’t really want to talk about it. Not right now.
(slumps forward in chair)

Katrina
He attacked the mean lady and she got revenge.

Martin
… Ah.
(concerned) Jon, why would go and do a thing like that?

Katrina
She attacked me first

Martin
Ah.
(kisses Jon)
It’ll be okay.

Jon
(muffled groan) I feel like I did back in the tunnels… with the worms
(muttered) G it hurts so much and they don’t even give you ibuprofen here.

Martin
(sympathetic sigh)

Chapter Text

Martin
(furious) How could you let this HAPPEN?!?!

Danny
Look, I… I didn’t know that -

Martin
(furious) You are her COLLEAGUE! You MUST have known!

Jon
(static) (calmly) Martin, he didn’t know.

Martin
(furious) Well that’s just… PERFECT then, ISN’T IT?!?! You keep running your little MILITARY GAME while us other Avatars get ATTACKED and just, what, DEAL WITH IT?!?!

Danny
(long sigh) No… you’re right, Martin. I… I didn’t know but I should have reasoned.
We need to take this place out once and for all.

…

[arts and crafts room]

Sabrina
(twirling a Very sharp colored pencil in her fingers) So… we’re going all out then?

Jon
Yep.

Oliver
(bored) Okay, sure.

Martin
… I didn’t even know you were still here.

Oliver
That’s because I didn’t really cause any issues. I don’t bother them, they don’t bother me. They don’t even seem scared of me - I mean, all I do is see when people will die. And that’s only if they remove the wristband.
(adjusts in his chair, stretches) but to be completely honest I could stand to get out of this place. So sure.

Newest Avatar
(extremely nervous) So… hi… I guess?

Sabrina
(curious) And what are you an Avatar of?

Newest Avatar
The Buried.

(sounds of approval)

Martin
Now That sounds like a useful power to have on our side

Buried Avatar
Um… thanks… I just… uh…
I-prefer-the-company-of-dead-people-because-they-aren’t-as-intimidating

Oliver
Fair

Katrina
Hi!

Buried Avatar
(noticing Katrina for the first time) Oh, okay. You're not very intimidating

Katrina
Nope! What's your name?

Buried Avatar
I'm Stone. What's yours?

Katrina
Katrina!

Sabrina
So. We've got how many of us this time?
Two Slaughter
One Desolation
One End
One Buried
Technically two Beholdings but (light chuckle)
I can't help but feel we're even less prepared than last time

Danny
You've also got me

(shocked gasps from everyone except for Jon, Martin, and Katrina but mostly because she's not paying attention)

Sabrina
And…what are you exactly?

Danny
Unknowing

Sabrina
(incredulous) So… you’ve just been tormenting your fellow Avatars?
(stands threateningly with colored pencil)

Jon
(static) Sabrina, please don’t kill him.

Sabrina
(frustrated) Eyeball, Why?

Jon
We need him. Also
(light chuckle) There are Plenty of other people to kill.

Sabrina
(satisfied) That is true at least

…

Martin
So the plan…

Sabrina
We Slaughter Avatars go forward with you at first, like last time

Stone
But this time you have me and I’ll start sinking people into the Earth

Jon
(expectant) Ahem…

Stone
(light chuckle) Only up to their necks so they don’t die. Don’t want to traumatize our youngest member.

Jon
Thank you.

Oliver
(bored) I’ll let you know if you’re about to, you know, die.

Jon
We have no Spiral Avatars this time so we’ll need to have someone on the outside… Martin, have you done your part?

(curious sounds)

Martin
Yes, I have. Annabelle should get the message and relay it to the others.

Jon
(satisfied) Great.
And I’ll keep watch for the other side to see which directions are safe. Katrina can help me
(concerned) Martin - I’m going to need you to spot us, okay? My attention is going to be… rather divided.

Martin
(gently) Of course

Danny
(determined) And I’ll get them from within.

Chapter Text

Jon
Are you completely sure about this? It will definitely blow your cover

Danny
As sure as I can be - it’s now or never.

Martin
I’m ready
(clicks lighter)

…

Jon
(static) (whispered) They’ve got guards posted outside, two at each door, three in the courtyard, and two in each vehicle. There are… five vehicles.

Danny
(frustrated groan) I was hoping that there wouldn’t be so many.

Jon
… Yah, I’m not really liking our chances here.

Sabrina
I could take out a few soldiers, as could Basil… but not vehicles.

Martin
What we need is a distraction.
(wicked cackle) And That I can Provide

Jon
(concerned) Martin, are you sure? They… they have guns

Martin
(chuckles) And I have my flame thrower.
Danny
(wry chuckle) And I Still don’t know how they didn’t notice that I managed to hide that this whole time

Sabrina
(wicked cackle) Oh, Please take out the tires so they can’t escape

Martin
(snort of laughter) Who do you take me for, a fool? Of Course I’m going to take out the tires. Or ‘useless puddles of rubber’ as we’ll soon be calling them.

Sabrina, Basil
(cheers)

Jon
(bitter chuckle) I guess… I just don’t… I don’t like it.

Martin
Now you know how I always feel when you run off into trouble.
(kisses Jon and kisses Katrina’s forehead)
You three, sit tight. Sabrina, Basil, Stone… let’s go.
(departing footsteps)

Danny
What’s the signal?

Martin
(snort of laughter) Probably the fire alarm and screaming
(departing footsteps)

Danny
(snort of laughter) I mean for Me. You know, the one who’s going to be behind enemy lines?

Martin
Ah. Hmm…

Jon
I’ll beam you a message, Eye-style.

(general snorts of amusement)

Danny
Works for me
(departing footsteps)

Oliver
(somewhat bored) So… we just wait then.

Jon
I guess so…
(sigh) I’m… I’m just worried.

…

Martin
(quiet chuckling) Oh, this is going to be Easy

(liquid pouring)
(clicking lighter)
(Whoosh of flame)

Martin
(wicked cackle) Wow, you think they’d have better fire safety measures!

(EXPLOSION)

Martin
(hysterical laughter)

….

Soldier 1
What was THAT?

Soldier 2
I smell smoke

Soldier 3
Oh, I really hope that Desolation Avatar hasn’t escaped.

Soldier 2
I don’t know, I personally would Love the chance to get back at him.

(hurried footsteps)

Soldier 1
Look! It’s him!

(gunshots)

Jon
(heavy static) Stone!

Soldier 1
(screaming, pulled underground)

Soldier 2
WHAT THE?!?!
(frantic running footsteps)
(falling into soil)

Soldier 3
AHHHHHH! THE SOIL IS EATING ME!
(screaming, pulled underground)

Katrina
(static) (laughing uproariously) This is SO FUNNY!

Oliver
… This is strange viewing entertainment for a child of her age, isn’t it?

Jon
(audible shrug) What can I say, it’s the Beholding. Honestly it’s probably what’s developmentally appropriate, considering.
(static, to stone) Remember, don’t KILL THEM! Katrina is Watching.

Stone
(yelled) Got it!

…

Martin
(wicked cackle) Okay to take out those tires…
(spurts of flame, screams, melting tires)

Sabrina
YAY!

Basil
STABBY STABS, HERE WE COME!

Jon
(static) Remember, no Killing! Katrina is Watching!

Sabrina
(snort of laughter) We Remember, Jon. It’s not like you’re leaving us any room to forget.
No, we’ll resort to carefully orchestrated maiming.

Jon
Thank you.

…

Natalie
(grumbling) They’ve escaped again… I’ll need to take out their Beholding Avatars… the one seems to be calling most the shots, based on the ‘static radio’ and the other… well everyone will just fall over themselves to rescue Her. And taking out both
(wicked chuckle) Would take the wild card, that Desolation Avatar, completely down.
(footsteps)

…

Katrina
(static) (clapping) Yay! Get them Sabrina! So much BLOOD!

Jon
(uncomfortable) … You know, Oliver, maybe you were right…
Uh, Katrina, maybe… maybe don’t watch the brutal maimings

Katrina
(Very disappointed, pouting) Aw, Really? Do I Have to stop?

Jon
(sigh of resignation) Okay, I guess you can watch them but only if you Promise not to re-enact them okay?

Katrina
(brightly) Okay!
(static) (giggling)

Jon
(adoring sigh) Aw, my little Baby Beholding

Oliver
(concerned) Um, Jon…

Jon
(static) (absolute panic) KATRINA GET DOWN!
(pounces on Katrina to shield her, sending both flat to the floor as gunshots go off over their heads)

Katrina
(sobbing) This… this isn’t fun anymore

Jon
(soothingly) I know, I know
(static) (panicked, trying to Know where the gunshots came from)

Oliver
Again, Jon

Jon
(static) (turns slightly to the right)

(gunshots)

Jon
(scream of pain)

Katrina
(sobbing)

Jon
(pained) It’s… it’s okay… I’m not going to die from that…
(gasping, pained) right, Oliver?

Oliver
(a bit frazzled) Right
… But I think we should get out of here. Because there are vines coming for all three of us now…

Jon
RUN!

(running footsteps)

Oliver
(trips, falls to the floor)
(panicked) The… the vines… they got me…

Jon
(frantic static) Katrina, get behind that desk

(rushing footsteps)

Jon
(pounces at Natalie, sending them both tumbling to the ground)

Oliver
(gasps, getting to his feet) Thank you, Jon

Jon
(panicked, gasping, struggling) Get Katrina out of here!

Oliver
Of course
(scooping up Katrina) Come on little Eyeball

Katrina
(crying out) Jon!

Jon
(panicked, gasping, struggling) I’ll… I’ll be okay, just go with Oliver. Find Martin!

(frantic footsteps)

Natalie
(audible smirk) So it’s just us two then again. I’ve got to say, you’re my favorite Avatar to torment

Jon
Why?

Natalie
Because. You’re just so… pathetic.

Jon
Ah, yes. That jab again.

Natalie
(chuckles cruelly) Well it’s true

Jon
Fair, I suppose
(headbutts Natalie)

Natalie
(gasps in pain and surprise)

Jon
(yanks off Natalie’s sunglasses)
(static) Leave us alone. Get in your car and go home.

Natalie
(flustered, frantic) No, no I -

Jon
(static) Go now.

Natalie
(departing footsteps)

Jon
(sigh of relief)
(static)
(hurriedly departing footsteps)

…

Soldier 5
(gasping) Danny, have you got an angle on the Desolation Avatar?

Danny
Yah

Soldier 5
Then take him out

Danny
Hmm… I could… but I could also… not?

Soldier 5
What?

Danny
(knocking out soldier 5 with his gun)
(gasping) Well… I’ve done it now.
(departing footsteps)

…

Soldier 6
I see them!

(gunshots)

Jon
(static) (panicked) KATRINA, OLIVER, GET DOWN!

Oliver
(over his shoulder) We’re good, Jon. I already saw it coming

Jon
(relieved sigh)

Martin
(racing footsteps) Jon? Katrina? Oliver? What are you doing out here?

Jon
We were attacked by Natalie… though I did send her away

Soldier 7
Aim for the Archivist

Martin
HEY!

Jon
Well… I guess I’m not taking Katrina then… should we… scatter?

Oliver
JON, DOWN!

Jon
(diving for ground)

(gunshots)

Jon
(muffled) or should we crawl and hope for the best?

Martin
Neither.
(shoots jet of flame at soldiers 6 and 7)
(screams and fleeing footsteps)
(yelling after them) And that’s what you GET for MESSING WITH MY FAMILY!
(shoots extra jet of flame for good measure)

Sabrina
(running over, cackling wildly over her shoulder) Haha, I’ve got your arm, I’ve got your arm!

(screams in distance)

Jon
(disgusted sound) Sabrina… can we… not? In front of the child?

Katrina
(jumping up and down, clapping and giggling)

Martin
I guess the Eye likes it

Jon
Well, he certainly IS scared

Sabrina
You like that, huh? I can go take some more arms if you want!

Katrina
Do it again! Do it again!

Jon
(exasperated sigh) This… this is inappropriate.

Basil
I mean, yah… but it’s fun.

Oliver
EVERYBODY, DOWN!

(sounds of all of them hitting the ground, Jon covering Katrina protectively and Martin covering the both of them)

(gunshots)

Jon
Okay you can take that one’s arms
(static) He’s up and to the left, on top of that vehicle

Katrina
YAY!

Sabrina
YESSSS!
(racing footsteps)

(slicing sounds, screaming)

Sabrina
(satisfied yell)

Katrina
(static) YAY!
(clapping, cheering, dancing)
I CAN FEEL THE BLOOD LIKE RAINDROPS!

Jon
(shaking his head) … This is going to traumatize her for sure.

Martin
For sure

Sabrina
(from on top of vehicle) Hey, there’s a clear path that way
(pointing) Let’s go!

(racing footsteps)

Oliver
Um, I see vines… people I SEE VINES!

Jon
(static) OH G!

Katrina
(scolding) WOW Jon, you shouldn’t talk like that!

Jon
(scooping up Katrina hurriedly) EVERYONE BACK! BACK! THE GROUND IS ARMED!

(terrified gasps, quick backtracking)

Sabrina
Uh, sorry everyone
(nervous chuckle) I guess it only Looked safe

Jon
(shaking his head) No, it’s on me… I should have verified…

Basil
(reassuringly) Regardless, we’re all fine so…

Martin
(frustrated groan) Now why did you have to go and say THAT?

Jon
Now we’re all DOOMED!

(general chuckles)

Stone
So… I might be able to deal with that dirt problem. Maybe.

(hopeful sounds)

Stone
By blowing it all up Now. Everyone, get behind something big

Jon
… Is this really the Best idea?
(static) Nope it is in fact a Terrible idea and we’ll probably all die.
Oliver?

Oliver
Oh, yah. As soon as they said that we All sprouted vines.

(nervous chuckles all around)

Stone
So... maybe we Don’t do that then.

Martin
Agreed!

Jon
(static) Regardless, we need to absolutely destroy this place so they can't just bring more Avatars even if we do escape.

Danny
Agreed.

Martin
(wicked cackle) I'm up for the task. Sabrina, Basil, want to keep destroying people's psyches?

Sabrina
You bet ya!

Stone
(chuckles) And I can help with their terraforming - it seems rather uninspired, don’t you think?

(general sounds of amused agreement)

…

Martin
(laughing, setting things alight with his flame thrower)

(screams, running)

Sabrina
Hi running soldier! Care to have some FUN?!?!
(draws knife)

…

Stone
(humming) Hmm, I think we could use a pit right about Here…
(rumbling of earth as massive pit forms)

Martin
(impressed) NICE!

Sabrina
(impressed) Can you take out the whole building?

Stone
I can certainly Try
(crumbling, rumbling, crashing)

(screaming, running soldiers)

(impressed sounds from Avatars)

Martin
(shooting flames in arcs above the wreckage)

(oohing and ahhing)

Katrina
(amazed) Are these fireworks?

Martin
(snickers) I mean, Technically?

Katrina
(amazed) They’re so Pretty!

Jon
(lifting Katrina onto his shoulders)

Katrina
(cheers)

(racing footsteps)

Danny
RUN!

Chapter Text

Danny
RUN!

(hurried footsteps)

Soldier 8
Freeze!

Martin
(threatening) Get out of my way. You really want to face the wrath of my flamethrower?

Soldier 8
No.
(spray bottle sound)

Jon
(yelps)

Katrina
(shrieks as Jon almost loses his balance)

Martin
(shoots jet of flame at soldier)

Soldier 8
(cursing, jumping out of the way)

Jon
(sputtering)

Martin
(concerned) Jon?

Jon
(sputtering) What the - Why - they just squirt me in the face with what seems like a water gun!

Danny
(concerned) Martin, grab Jon. We have to get out of here

Martin
Um, okay?
(gently lifts Katrina and sits her on the ground)
(throws Jon over his shoulder)
Can someone take Katrina?

Danny
I’ve got her
(concerned) You didn’t get anything on you, right?

Katrina
No?

Danny
(frantically checking)
(sigh of relief) Okay, you’re good
(scoops her up)

Soldier 8
Not so fast
(gunshots)

(screams of panic)

Oliver
DOWN, MARTIN!

Martin
(diving for ground)

(gunshots)

Jon
(audible wince as he hits the ground)

Martin
Sorry!
(gently sits Jon down) I’ll be right back

(more footsteps)

Sabrina
Um… people, we’re surrounded.

Basil
And I’m not sure I can fight them all off…

…

Danny
(gently sitting Katrina down) (whispered) Go sit with Jon

(racing footsteps)

(rumbling earth as ground beneath soldiers starts to collapse)
(screaming)

Sabrina
(impressed) Go Stone!

(gunshots)

Basil
(yell of pain)

Sabrina
BASIL!

(scrambling sounds of someone climbing up the slope)
(more gunshots)

Soldier 9
Everybody STOP!

Jon
(gasps)

Martin
JON! KATRINA!

Soldier 9
Everybody just STOP. Or your Beholding Avatars get it.
(pushing Jon and Katrina to edge of newly formed pit)

Jon
Let her go!
(struggling sounds)

Soldier 9
(spray bottle) No, bad Archivist
(spray bottle) Bad
(spray bottle)

Danny
(uncomfortable sound, audible wince)

Jon
(coughing, spluttering)
(so very annoyed, incredulous) Again, what is with the water??? Stop spraying water in my eyes!

Katrina
(crying in fear)

Jon
(furious) Let Her Go!
(pouncing, sounds of struggle)

Sabrina
(panicked) Jon, you're too close to the edge for that!

Jon
(panicked) Martin, get Katrina!

Martin
(rushed footsteps)
(quickly scooping up the crying Katrina and running her over to others)

Jon
(sounds of struggle)

Soldier 9
(frustrated) Wow you are Obnoxious!
(pinning down Jon)
(unscrewing spray bottle)
(dumping it in Jon's eyes)

Jon
(spluttering) Please could you STOP?!?!

Soldier 9
(to others) Now. All of you surrender, Right Now, or he gets it.
(pushes Jon to edge)

Jon
(audible eye roll) You Know that won't kill me, right? It'll hurt, sure, but I'm an Avatar and that's just not enough.

Soldier 9
(wicked chuckle) I wouldn't be so sure

Jon
(audible eye roll) I Know this
(absentmindedly scratches cheek) You should really be aware of my Beholding connection by now.

Soldier 9
Okay, if you're so sure then up you go. Jump in
(prodding with gun)

Jon
(flustered) I Did say it would Hurt though and I'm in no mood for That

Soldier 9
Up you go

Jon
(audible eye roll) (standing up shakily, balancing precariously with cane on the edge)
(small sound of annoyance and discomfort)
(absentmindedly rubs at his eyes)

Soldier 9
(soft cruel chuckle)
Jump. In.

Jon
(exasperated sigh) But what if I don't Want to?
(rubbing furiously at eyes) (distracted, annoyed) Ugh!

Soldier 9
(prodding Jon with gun)

Jon
(furiously rubbing at eyes) (distracted) Give me a minute, can't you see I'm busy?

Sabrina
(quietly) Shouldn't one of us Do something?

Soldier 9
(cruel chuckle) If any one of you takes so much as a step forward, he gets it
(raises gun threateningly)
And I'm sure even as an Avatar, point blank wouldn't end so well for him

Jon
(furiously rubbing at eyes making uncomfortable sounds)

Martin
(concerned) What's wrong with Jon?

Soldier 9
Okay so.
(long exasperated sigh) Again. All of you surrender or Jon here goes over the edge

Jon
(furiously rubbing at eyes, clearly not paying any attention)

Stone
Um… he already said it wouldn't kill him so why exactly would we do that? I mean, yah it would suck but I'm sure he'd rather be in temporary pain than stuck here

Jon
(furiously rubbing at eyes, half-paying attention, brief sound of agreement)

Soldier 9
(getting really really exasperated, this shouldn't be so difficult but these people just aren't Getting it)
Fine!
(begins shoving Jon over edge)

Jon
(keeps rubbing furiously at eyes, not really paying attention)

Oliver
Um… Jon just sprouted a vine…

Martin
(panicked) WHAT?!?!

Soldier 9
(satisfied) Finally! Yes, now will you all Please surrender?

Basil
(threateningly) We can attack you

Soldier 9
And I'll shoot him. I already told you. Which is even faster than going over the edge.

Katrina
(static) (speaking up) Um… what are bullets? Because his gun doesn't have any

Sabrina
(incredulous chuckle) Oh, you're going to GET IT!
(leaps forward)

Soldier 9
(audible eye-roll) (holds Jon over edge) If you get me I’ll let go.

Jon
(furiously rubbing at eyes, paying absolutely no attention)

Martin, Katrina
(panicked) JON!

Martin
(sudden thought, audible smirk) Okay then
(webbing sounds)
(dragging sounds)

Soldier 9
(sputtering, confused)

(general sounds of shock and confusion)

Martin
(triumphant) Okay, Sabrina, Basil - have your fun.
(gently scoops up Jon)

Sabrina
… You…

Martin
I’m also with the Web, yes.

Sabrina
… We had no idea.

Martin
Fairly typical, you’d think.

Sabrina
(short chuckle) Okay
(dives for soldier 9)

Soldier 9
(muffled screams)

Basil
(snort of laughter) Okay fair

Jon
(furiously rubbing at his eyes)

Danny
You should probably, um, stop him. It’ll only make it worse.

Martin
(concerned) Um, okay
(webbing sounds)
(gently wrapping sounds)

Jon
(frustrated) Martin! Why!

Martin
You have little mittens now so you don’t keep rubbing at your eyes

Jon
BUT THEY ITCH!
(very frustrated sounds)

Danny
We should get going, come on everyone

Sabrina
Aw man, okay
(getting up)

Soldier 9
(whimpering)

(departing footsteps)

…

[in woods next to a small gas station]

Martin
(to Danny) So, talk. What’s going on with Jon?

Danny
They… they sprayed his eyes with poison ivy oil.

Martin
… What? Also that was… so much?

Danny
It’s mixed with a synthetic agent - they formulated it specifically for Eye Avatars… to “temporarily cut them off from the Eye” when they couldn’t… couldn’t physically restrain them. As Jon is the first Eye Avatar we’ve caught I don’t exactly Know what it will do… but I do know it won’t be good.

Katrina
(dubious sound) Am I safe?

Danny
(reassuringly) As long as you weren’t hit you’ll be fine

Martin
Well… I mean, maybe Jon isn’t allergic to poison ivy? I mean, Jon, do you know?

Jon
(very distracted, trying to focus) Um, I’m not sure. I don’t think it grows in the UK

Danny
… I’m sorry Jon… but you most definitely are. They… they made sure of that when they first brought you in.
(somewhat wry look) Also, everything else aside, the way you’re rubbing at your eyes makes that rather apparent.

Jon
(annoyed, distracted) You mean when you brought me in

Danny
I… I wasn’t part of it. Didn’t even know about it until much later… But they ran an allergy test and that tested positive. But I never thought they got that project off the ground… I forgot all about it until just now when you got hit… I am so so sorry.

Stone
(concerned sound)

Sabrina
So… they decided to make him itchy. That sounds, well, sucky but not Dangerous?

Danny
(long sigh) It is, for Eye Avatars, in their Eyes. It renders them human. Eventually.

Jon
… Do you think the fact that I’m still currently an Avatar is a good or bad thing in this instance? Since allergies come from… from your own immune response…
Noooo it itches so much
(sobbing)
(rubbing at eyes with Web mittens)

Martin
… This feels cruel

Danny
Honestly, it might be better if he keeps crying? If it works on the same principles as pepper spray that also makes you cry… ah… baby soap. We need baby soap. Here - you all stay here. I’m going to shift and get some.
(sounds of shifting skin)

Martin
Ewwwww
(catches himself) Um, sorry

Danny
(soft chuckle) No, that’s… that’s fair. You watch Jon, I’ll be back as soon as I can
(rapidly departing footsteps)

Jon
(sobbing) It ITCHES

Martin
(shushing sounds) We can’t let them find us

Jon
(quieter sobbing)

…

Danny
Sorry it took so long - here

Jon
What - what are you doing?

Danny
(to Martin) Hold him still and try to keep his eyes open - he probably won’t like this
(to Jon) Try to hold still if you can

Jon
(muffled sounds of protest)

Danny
(soothingly) It’s tear-free, it just might feel unpleasant since everything feels unpleasant on the eyes

Jon
(sputtering) ACK, ACK!

(sound of pouring water jug)

Jon
(sputtering)

Danny
… Hopefully we got it out. I mean… some already set in but… maybe it won’t be as bad. Here, I picked up some antihistamines as well… Jon, take these

Jon
(swallowing) (panting)

Danny
I guess now we wait… we should get somewhere more covered. Where did you say your friends were supposed to meet us?

Jon
I… I think… wait…
I.. I don't Know.
(scared) I… I can't feel them… I've been mostly cut off from the Eye

Martin
(reassuring) I'm sure it'll get better
(nervous, to Danny) Right?

Danny
(kneeling down to look closely at Jon)
I mean, presumably as soon as the swelling goes down but… that won't happen anytime soon if it all without treatment…and with Jon being an Avatar… I'm really not sure how this will go.
(to Jon) How are you holding up? I mean aside from the lack of the Eye.

Jon
… Not…not well.
(cough)

Danny
Can you see right now?

Jon
(strained) You mean like Eye wise or… (cough)
(sighs) Actually it doesn't matter. Either way the answer is no.
(cough)

Martin
(panicked) What?!?!

Danny
His eyes are just swollen shut - he should be good as new whenever the swelling goes down.
(sighs) But we've got to find a place to lay low for now - we're very unsafe here in the open

Sabrina
(looking around) I don’t See anyone but you’re probably right. Basil, you want to circle?

Basil
Yep
(departing footsteps)

Jon
(groans)
(collapses into wheezing)

Martin
Jon?

Jon
(collapses)

Martin
JON!

Katrina
(panicked) Jon?!?!

Oliver
… The vines are back.

…

(choking sounds)

Danny
(muttering) Come on, come on, swallow

Martin
(frantic) Will he be okay?

Danny
I'm hoping as soon as we get more of these antihistamines into him, yes…
(to Jon) Now come on, Jon, you can do this

(more choking sounds)

Martin
(frantic) Are you sure you're not killing him?

Danny
I'm sure, he's just not entirely conscious right now
…
(sigh of relief) Okay that should be good for now. We'll just see what happens

(coughing, wheezing sounds)

Martin
I’m really concerned - are you sure there isn’t anything we can do?

Danny
(trying to hold back panic) Not unless we can get him to a hospital.

Katrina
(speaking up, small) What do we need to do?

Martin
What?

Katrina
I’m a Be-hold-ing Avatar too. What do we need to Know?

Danny
Um…

Martin
(gently) We need to let our friends, Michael and Helen, know where we are so they can come get us. Have you learned to send messages to people yet?

Katrina
Hmm… I don’t Think so but I can see if I can Know how
(static)
(pleased) Ah, I think I can do it! Can you think of Helen and Michael so I know who I’m looking for?

Martin
Got it.

Katrina
(static) Okay…
(muttering) Come on, come on… Please help us…

(materializing door)

Helen
(somewhat surprised) I thought you sounded different this time, Jon.

Katrina
(nervous) Are… are you Helen?

Martin
(so relieved) Yes, yes she is. Thank you so much Katrina.
(to Helen) We need to get Jon some medical attention.

Chapter Text

[inside a bedroom in the Distortion, Jon lying in bed, Martin sitting on it]

Jon
(miserable sounds, weak coughing)

Martin
Aw, it’ll be okay… Helen’s out getting you some meds. Your eyes will be able to open again in no time!

Jon
Where… where’s Katrina?

Martin
(gently) She’s sleeping in her own room. The poor thing just conked out as soon as we got in here.

Jon
(relieved sigh)

(footsteps)

Helen
Just poking my head in, how are you two doing? Not getting lost, right?

Martin
(chuckle) Well this place IS the distortion… but so far we’re good.

Helen
Yah… Michael and I have been trying to keep things safe for all of you but it gets hard to keep you all… not lost… sometimes. Hence the little room set ups. There’s actually a bathroom through that curtain over there but just like… don’t leave this room and associated bathroom. Other than to go directly across the hall to the room blocked with a baby-gate. That would be Katrina’s room. Michael or I can bring you anything you need or walk you places within the halls. And for the love of all that is holy, above all do NOT open any doors you find. They keep… randomly appearing places? Nowhere that you need to get has doors. We had to spend quite a while looking for Georgie a couple days ago. Found her but… she was none too pleased.

Jon
(chuckles weakly) Glad it was her and not someone who could actually feel fear

Helen
(chuckles) Yah, she was just MAD
(remembering) Oh, Jon, here. I broke into a hospital for you.

Jon
… I can’t see you

Martin
(nervous chuckle) Yah… give that to me, Helen. Thank you

Helen
No problem, do you two need anything else?

Martin
Nope, I think we’re good

Helen
Just text if you need me for anything!
(departing footsteps)

Martin
(soft footsteps, climbing up onto bed beside Jon)
(gently) Hi

Jon
(hopeful) You bring snuggles?

Martin
(snuggling sounds)

Jon
(happy contented noises)

(soft rustle of unbuttoning and sliding off shirt)

Jon
(chuckles mischievously) Oh, Martin!

Martin
(snuggle sounds)

Jon
(happy contented noises)

Martin
(soft, quick) Sorry

Jon
(confused chuckle) What - ow!

Martin
(kiss)

Jon
(half irritated, half amused) You tricked me

Martin
Not entirely - I really do want snuggles
(snuggling sounds)

Jon
… Can I trust these snuggles?

Martin
(kiss) Yes
(snuggling and nuzzling noises)

Jon
(contented happy noises)
(somewhat miffed) You really have gotten worse about these things again since joining the Web

Martin
(crestfallen sigh) Oh… sorry…

Jon
(soft sigh) It's just something we'll have to work on
(snuggling in) But later. Right now I am in need of some serious snuggles and I trust you can provide?

Martin
(gently) Of course
(snuggling noises)

Jon
(contented sigh)

…

Katrina
(calling out) Jon! Martin! Where are you?

Jon
(soft chuckle) We’re in here, across the hall
(to Martin) Could you bring her over? I’m still feeling a bit weak

Martin
(groaning slightly getting out of bed) Of course
(kisses the top of Jon’s head)
(departing footsteps)
(to Katrina) I’m coming!

Katrina
Yay!

(sound of Martin scooping Katrina up and carrying her across the hall)
(gently sitting her down inside room)

Katrina
JON!
(racing footsteps, clambering up on bed)

Jon
(chuckles lightly) Hi Katrina
Ow, ow ow…

Martin
(gently) Now, be careful with him okay? He’s still getting better from earlier

Katrina
Oops, sorry!
(hugs Jon)

Jon
(happy sounds)

Martin
(snuggling in)
(happy sounds)

…

Georgie
Jon! Martin! Welcome back!
(hugs)
(surprised) And… who is this?

Katrina
(shy) Hi… I’m Katrina

Melanie
(so very confused) Do I hear… a small child?

Jon
(light chuckle) Yep, our little Baby Beholding.

Katrina
(excited, proud) That’s me!

Sasha
(stunned) So… we’ve got another Archivist?

Jon
In training, yes.

Katrina
I still have to learn to read though…

(general chuckles)

Daisy
Well, hello tiny Archivist.
(teasing) I trust You won’t compel me to do anything, right?

Katrina
(shy) Well..

Daisy
Because I will Eat You Up!
(playful growl, pulling Katrina into a hug)

Basira
(soft contented, adoring sigh)

Georgie
… Well. This is certainly… interesting.

Melanie
(forces a yawn) I think I’m going to go lay down, nice seeing you all.

Georgie
Good idea, I’ll come with.

(departing footsteps)

Martin
So…

Daisy
Georgie and Melanie aren’t big fans of children.

Jon
(snort of laughter) I can tell

Katrina
(somewhat disappointed) Aw

Jon
Hey, how about we go exploring with Aunt Helen? Does that sound fun?

Katrina
Yay!

Helen
Let’s go!

…

[Corridors of the Distortion]

Katrina
(running footsteps, shrieks of joy) This corridor goes on FOREVER AND EVER!

Martin
I’m going to Catch You!
(running footsteps)
(catching up, picking up Katrina and swooping her through the air)

Katrina
WHEEEEEE!
(giggles, shrieks of laughter)

Helen
(fondly) Aw this is adorable

Jon
(fondly) It is, isn’t it?

Katrina
(calling over Martin’s shoulder) Hey! Can we get something to EAT?

…

[dining room in Distortion]

Helen
So… the menu is whatever you want.

Michael
(chuckles)

Katrina
(awed) WOW REALLY?!?!

Helen
Yep! We’ve got access to quite literally the entire world except for one small area we now know as the “Terraformed Fire Pit”

Michael
Aka the old Military Avatar base

(general chuckles)

Jon
I like the name

Stone
I helped come up with it

Martin
As did I

Basira
(chuckling) We could tell

…

Jon
(thoughtfully) So… what exactly is the plan? Are we living in the Distortion forever?

Sasha
(chuckles lightly) Oh, no. I’ve been monitoring the military’s computers and they have stopped going after Avatars. I think we’re safe to go back now… I just wanted to give it a week or so to make sure.

Jon
(relieved) Oh, thank goodness. No offense to Helen and Michael… I just… I’m getting rather stir-crazy here.
I miss the Eye.

Katrina
(running footsteps) Did you mention the Eye? Will we get to see the Glorious Eye?

Sasha
(snort of laughter) Jon, have you started a mini CULT?

Jon
(archly) I’ll have you know, many families raise their children with religious views
(realizing what he just said) (stunned silence)

Sasha
(excited gasp)

Chapter Text

[courthouse]

Martin
So… here goes nothing. Jon, Katrina… are you ready with your Beholdings?

Jon
Of course

Katrina
Yep!

Martin
After you then
(opens door)

(footsteps)

Jon
Hello, we’re here about setting up an adoption.

Clerk
Ah, yes. Let me see
(rifling through paperwork) Martin Blackwood and Jonathan Sims?

Jon
Yes

Clerk
And Katrina… Blackwood?

Martin
(soft chuckle) Oh, that’s my last name.

Clerk
Yes, and also hers.

Katrina
(brightly) Oh yah, I forgot about that.

…

[office]

Clerk
(pleasantly surprised) Well this is really quite fortuitous
(dropping folder on desk, rifling through it)
Mr. Blackwood, were you aware that you had a half-sister on your father’s side before she passed away a year ago?

Martin
… No?

Katrina
(coloring, not paying much attention)

Clerk
You did. Katrina is actually her daughter and you were supposed to be notified when she passed as her next of kin but… for some reason your records were all messed up.
(pushing over paperwork)

Martin
(in shock) That… would be because of my mom I suspect.
(flipping through paperwork)
Yes… that’s… that’s my father…

Jon
(reassuring hand squeeze)

Katrina
(playing with jar of pens on the desk)

Clerk
Well, as it is you are Katrina’s next of kin and if you’d like we can get this adoption process started.

Jon, Martin
(happy sounds)

Jon
Katrina, did you just hear?

Katrina
(distracted, putting down pens) No, what?

Martin
We’re going to be able to adopt you!

Katrina
(shocked, overjoyed) I GET MY VERY OWN GROWNUPS?!?!

Jon
(overjoyed) YES!

Katrina
YAYYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAAYY!
(jumping up and down, shrieking with joy)

Martin
(tearfully, happy) Jon, I have a… proposal for you.

Jon
(static) (sound of absolute joy)

…

[courthouse, another room]

Justice
Do you, Martin Blackwood, take Jonathan Sims as your lawfully wedded husband?

Martin
(tearfully, happy) Yes

Justice
And do you, Jonathan Sims, take Martin Blackwood as your lawfully wedded husband?

Jon
(tearfully, happy) Yes

Justice
Then I pronounce you wed

Martin, Jon
(kiss)
(happy noises)

Katrina
YAY!
(jumping up and down with excitement)

Martin
(kissing the top of Jon’s head) And don’t worry - we’ll have an actual ceremony later. I just thought it made more sense from a legal perspective to do this now.

Katrina (yelling over Martin)
(racing down the hall, shrieking with laughter and joy) I’ve got my own grownups! I’ve got my own grownups!

Jon
(happy sounds)