Chained Puppet

In Need of a Break

Sean finished his breakfast but soon began to realize the tense air in the house. Getting up to take his plate back into the kitchen, he put it in the sink to soak, turning to Chase, Henrik and Jameson sitting at the table.

"You guys look like hell"

"Thanks man" Chase grunted.

"I mean it looks like you guys need to relax. All of you. When's the last time you've all been out?"

Henrik shook his head, "Going out is out of zhe question, Sean. Not with Puppeteer watching our every move."

"We don't know what he'll do next. Where he'll show up"

Sean bit his lip, thinking about that, "He wouldn't dare show up near me. If he's really a Septic, he knows that I can erase him."

'He's watching us through Henrik's eyes. Put a spell on him a while ago and we didn't know it.' Jameson signed, 'He could see when your back is turned and attack then'

"Ah yes" Henrik sighed, "And now we have zhat problem"

"Hm" Sean hummed in agreement, "That might be a problem, I guess"

They went quiet, deep in thought about their predicament.

Jackie watched as both Anti and Marvin were cuddled against each other. And then he looked over to Dark who had his eyes closed and arms crossed. He looked like a grumpy old man with children piled around him. It was sort of hilarious but Jackie kept his laughter in.

Dark seemed to sense Jackie's silent snicker, though and growled at him, "What?"

"Nothing, man" Jackie shook his head, "It's just . . . you look so much less intimidating than you've ever been. It's funny. You've gotten soft"

"Fuck off"

"Mmmm" Anti whined in his sleep and kicked Dark's stomach, making him grunt at the impact but he didn't shove him off.

Jackie just smirked at him, making the Iplier ego snarl, "Not a fucking word, hero"

But Jackie's attention was taken by Marvin who sleepily buried his face in Anti's hair. They had gotten so close over the last few days, it was nearly aggravating. Why did Anti trust being around him so much? Especially after he KNEW so much about his secret. It pissed Jackie off but Sean was right. They couldn't stay furious with one another at a time like this. They had to stick together.

Besides, it seemed like Marvin did regret what he did, after all. Whatever it was.

"Hey guys" Sean came back in and silent ushered Jackie and Dark to come into the kitchen with the rest of them.

Dark didn't look pleased but slowly removed himself from Anti and the couch, gracefully strutting past Jackie, running into him with a shove of his shoulder.

Jackie would normally be livid if it wasn't for the fact that he was just teasing him. He followed and entered back into the kitchen with the others.

"What's up?"

"You guys didn't tell me that the Puppeteer was watching everything through Henrik's eyes. A spell?"

"Right" Henrik confirmed, "That is vhat he said."

Jameson shrugged his shoulders, 'There's nothing we can do about that unless Marvin can counter it. But it looks like both him and Anti need rest'

"Right" Sean nodded, "I think we should-"