All Will Fade to Black ... (Garry X Reader - Ib)

Chapter 17

       It hurt. 

       It hurt so badly you didn't want to move or breathe or anything. You were even afraid to open your eyes, because you were afraid to see how bad the wound was. But the banging on the door had stopped at least fifteen minutes ago, and you could hear Ib shuffling impatiently next to you. It was time to go, while the Lady in Red was still distracted.

        Drawing in a long sigh, you found the will to open your eyes. You couldn't help but quickly glance down at your side. The blood had seeped well into your shirt and down your shorts, likely staining them thoroughly. You didn't dare move your arm to see the actual wound, though.

       With a hiss through gritted teeth, you started to lean forward, surprising Ib enough she jumped slightly. "C'mon," you grunted, "Let's go."

       Getting up sent fire down your leg, but you tried to ignore it as you limped towards the door. You were so steadfastly determined to get to the door without crying that you didn't notice Ib's worried looks until you felt a tiny hand wrap around yours. Instantly, you stopped, turning to look at the brunette. Her eyes were slightly teary, free hand clutching the key to her chest. She didn't say anything, just nodded at you, a look of determination visible around the girl's tears. 

       Summoning up the best smile you could muster, you nodded back and gave her hand a little squeeze before turning the knob. 

       Now to run.

       You knew it was only a matter of time before the Lady in Red noticed you. Ignoring the searing pain ripping up your side, you gripped Ib's hand in yours and took off. The two of you moved as quickly as Ib's short legs and your injury would allow. You were just over halfway across the room before the Lady in Red noticed you, seeming to have gone back to her original hanging place. She let out a fierce roar and dragged herself towards you.

       Luckily, Ib was faster, and was able to get the door open. The two of you were, once again, able to get beyond the red door and slammed the door on her. The banging resumed, but this time the door was, mercifully, different.

      The room beyond was a tiny room with four rows of bookshelves stocked full of books, and another red door on the other side. Not wanting to waste the burst of adrenaline that was currently dulling your pain,  you hobbled over to the second door and tried the knob. 

       'Locked. Again. Why am I not surprised?' you lamented, resting your forehead against the door. For the first time since you arrived in this strange world, you felt hot tears pricking your eyelids. Your breath became shaky, quiet sobs wracking your body as the pain from your wounds slowly crept back into full focus.'Why couldn't things be easy for once?'  you wondered. You weren't sure how long you stayed there like that, just crying and clutching the doorknob. Part of you wan't sure you cared.

      "_______?" 

        Hurriedly, you wiped the tears from your eyes and looked at Ib. "Yes, Ib?" You tried your best to smile, but Ib didn't look very convinced. 

       "Um, I found a book that moves."

       "A book that ... what?" 

       "Come here, I'll show you," she said, gently removing your hand from the doorknob and pulling you towards the bookshelf immediately to your left. She walked slowly along the length, slowly scanning the middle shelf. "It's right next to ... there!" With a proud smile, the brunette pointed at a book.

       "Carrie Careless and the Galette des Rois?" you murmured, hesitantly prying the book from the shelf. Slowly, you opened it. It was a picture book drawn in crude crayon, but the pictures were animated. 

       There was a tug on your sleeve and you looked down to see Ib standing on her tiptoes. "I wanna see," she said, "I waited for you so we could read it together."

       Extending your arm as far below your waist as you could seemed to be the best option, since you didn't want to bend over. Ib seemed to understand this, and didn't complain, despite the fact that she had to watch between your arm and uninjured side.

       After a while, though, you began to regret letting Ib see the book. It was absolutely disturbing, and you immediately knew where it was going. Come the climax, you were subconsciously squeezing your arm and side together to inhibit Ib's view. 

       "I found the key! Now open the door!" 

       Your heart skipped a beat as a metal clatter sounded between your feet. Looking down, you caught sight of a key, coated in red paint. "Oh, for the love of ..." you growled, unceremoniously shoving the book back on the bookcase before leaning down to grab the key. 

       That was a mistake.

        Immediately, you let out a pained gasp, stars dancing across your vision as you fell forward. You only just managed to catch yourself on the bookcase with a groan, panting and gritting your teeth. "Dammit!" 

       Ib was initially startled by your outburst, though the surprise was quickly replaced by sorrow once she realized what was happening. Slowly, she knelt down to pick the key up herself, holding it by index and thumb initially before shaking the paint off, and wiping the rest off on her skirt. You had initially intended to stop her, but the color was so identical you could hardly notice. "Sorry," she said softly, "I'd just wanted to help you feel happier again. Books always make me happy, so ..."

       Despite your pain, you were able to smile, this time genuinely. "Aw, Ib ..." you said through your panting, "thank you ... You're so sweet ..."

       The brunette gave you a sad little smile before holding out the key to you. You took it, finding yourself even more grateful to have Ib by your side (if that were possible) before turning to unlock the door.