WARNING: bl00d, violence, scary ~~~ In a little over an hour, Seven had reached the pizza place ruins. “*c00lkidd!*” he shouted, looking around frantically. There was no response. But then Seven heard a voice behind him. “Seven, Seven, Seven… What a wonderful surprise.” He spun around, seeing Elliot for the first time since his death. Behind him, bound and gagged, with a few minor injuries, was c00lkidd. “Let him go,” Seven said, his voice simultaneously shaky and firm. “And why should I do that?” Elliot grinned menacingly. “After all, now that you're here, I can make *both* of you suffer.” He grabbed c00lkidd's sword, inspecting it with malevolent interest. “This will do nicely. Thank you, c00lkidd.” c00lkidd made a muffled sound, and Elliot turned towards him and removed the gag. “Now, who do you want to go first?” c00lkidd’s visible terror became mixed with confusion. “Wh–what?..” “Kiddo.” c00lkidd looked towards Seven, whose expression was a brittle attempt at bravery. “Don't listen to him. I– You don't want to go first.” Elliot’s grin didn't waver. “It was my turn earlier, Seven. I think we should let the kid go next.” “No. Let me go next.” “Playing the hero, are we?” Elliot *tsk*ed. “How unfortunate that this little monster is the only one you'll do that for.” Seven flinched, the word *monster* hitting him like a physical blow. “He is *not* a monster.” Elliot cocked his head to the side, still grinning. “And that's where you're mistaken… Unless, of course, you hated me *so* much that you *wanted* him to kill me.” His glowing red eye pulsed with a newfound anger. “You know, I think I *will* have you go first. You do so want to play the hero. But no one's a hero without an audience to perform for, hm?” Before either Seven or c00lkidd could register what was happening, Elliot lunged for c00lkidd—not to hurt him, but instead to bring him to sit in front of his father. Elliot took c00lkidd's chin in his clawed hand with an almost gentle touch and forced his eyes up to look at his father. “Don't blink, kid,” he whispered, grinning wickedly. “This is the best part.” Elliot stepped back, twirling the sword with casual ease that he'd never had before. “And Seven…” Elliot paused. Then he grinned. “Let's see how long you can play the hero.” ~~~ no music because I'm in class I *really* hope I don't get cancelled gng
