”... GIMME THE LAPTOP!”
Lisa shouted, chasing after Ella with her hands outstretched.
"NO, IT’S MINE!"
Ella yelled back, jumping between the beds with the laptop in her arms. It was playing some anime, which Ella seemed to be trying to watch while running away from Lisa.
Saskia watched all of this from the desk chair, feeling her remaining sanity quickly slipping away. She couldn’t handle this. Lisa had been chasing Ella around for at least five minutes! But it felt like a century! Her head hurt.
"I’m going out," Saskia said, standing abruptly. "For snacks. Want anything?"
"Ooo, some sweetheart candy, and lollipops!" Ella said cheerfully, still running away from Lisa.
”... Don’t make me get out the spiders!” Lisa shouted.
"Not the spiders!" Ella screamed.
Saskia rolled their eyes. Whatever. She’d just buy a bunch of chocolate, and whatever was most pink from the vending machine, with the ten dollar bill she had in her pocket. She quietly left the room… without a keycard, but eh, they’d probably let her in. There wasn’t a vending machine on their floor, which was annoying… but meant she could be out for longer. She hummed to herself as she walked down the corridor towards the elevator- swiveling around it and going down the stairs instead.
She didn’t like feeling trapped. And it was nice and quiet here.
Down on the ground floor, it wasn’t that long of a walk to a vending machine. It had pitiful options, and absolutely nothing that would fit Ella’s cuteness criteria, but whatever. She pulled out the crumpled ten dollar note (haha British) as she thought about what to get.
A woman—a tall Caucasian lady with long brown hair—wearing jeans and a white button-up—walked up and seemingly walked by…
… However, Saskia felt what had to be a pistol press against the back of her head as the woman came to a stop. “Saskia Otten,” She said, “You are going to follow my instructions to the letter, or I will blow your head off, then your friends are next.”
She pressed the pistol harder against the back of her head, then said, “… Are we clear?”
"... Clear," Saskia said without any change in expression, slowly putting her hands up. Her gaze stayed fixed on the vending machine, and the chocolate she wasn’t going to get to eat. She felt a little sad. "I’m very obedient."
The woman stuck her hand out, “Jewelry, accessories, whatever, put them all in my hand.”
Saskia sighed, because it was an absolute pain. They took off their four rings, multiple bracelets (including their channeler), and a chain necklace. They then gestured to their four piercings. "Do you want my earrings too?"
She pressed the pistol even harder against her head. “All of it.”
"Alright," Saskia rolled her eyes, reaching up to take out the four earrings and put them in her hand. "There you go."
The mysterious lady put it all in her pocket, “… Your channeler is in there, right?”
"Yeah, it's the death note bracelet," they said as if she'd know which one that was.
The woman quickly shuffled through her pocket until she found it. However, with the bracelet around her finger, she patted Saskia down. The first thing she pulled out was Saskia’s knife, and the next thing she pulled out was Saskia’s phone. She dropped them both to the ground and kicked them under the vending machine.
“... You can get those back later,” She softly said. “Now you are going to to turn to the left, and walk down the stairs until we get to the ground level. Then we are going out through a side door, where a car will be waiting for us.”
She explained,
“That meeting you interrupted the other day… Those people want to have a talk with you.”
”Oh, how nice," was all Saskia said. It made sense. The other group, Dollhouse, was dangerous. Of course they wouldn't be happy about them interrupting.
Saskia did exactly as the woman had said, going back to the stairwell and walking down the stairs to the ground floor. She pushed through the side door and took a deep breath of the outdoor air it felt like she'd not felt in a long time. Being stuck in a room with Ella and Lisa had that effect. She then squinted, looking for the car she was going to be shoved into.
A black Cadillac Escalade pulled up, and the woman stepped in front of Saskia, keeping the pistol aimed at her, and threw the door open.
“Get in.”
”I'm not going to run, you can put the gun down," Saskia rolled their eyes. After all… this was the most fun she'd had since laying low again. Should she be scared? Definitely. Was she? Not right now.
She got in the car very calmly, immediately going to do her seatbelt. Safety was very important. ”So… what torture methods are you planning to use on me?"
“… Hopefully none,” Shayton sat in the front seat, with both hands on the wheel.
“What do we think we are?” The woman asked as she got in next to Saskia. Still aiming the gun at her. “Animals?”
The woman’s body changed, changing shape as if she was a liquid. When she finished the transformation she looked the exact same as that woman who accompanied the Dollhouse leadership in the meeting.
“We’re better than that,” Shayton said.
The woman smiled, “… Are we?”
“Boss isn’t that pissed anyway,” Shayton shrugged as he hit the gas pedal and started driving. “So that’s one thing you have in your favor.”
”Aw, I was looking forward to it," Saskia said in a tone that made it really difficult to tell if they were joking or not. They looked out the window for a moment, then back at the gun. ”Is that for intimidation? I'm already in the car. I'm not jumping out without my channeller. Do you know how hard it is to find that bracelet now?"
She paused. ”Shouldn't you blindfold me so I don't know where we're going?"
“One, you can use magic without a channeler, so we’re making sure you don’t try anything funny, and two, it doesn’t matter either way,” The woman kept her eyes on Saskia. “Now, I have a question for you, Saskia Otten…”
She narrowed her eyes and asked.
“SO GA, does that ring a bell at all?” She raised an eyebrow.
”No," Saskia tilted their head, eyes narrowing slightly. SO GA… was it some kind of code? SO were her initials, but why? ”Should it?"
“… That’s your name on their little memorial,” The woman said. “I have always been interested in the work of the Sycamore Tree Coven… I personally confirmed the deaths of every name on that memorial, including your three litle friends. So...”
She tilted her head, “... Why are you here? Are you just a shapeshifter assuming Saskia Otten’s identity?”
Oh. Of course, there was a memorial. If this woman could connect that to her specifically… she must know quite a lot. Why even bother kidnapping her?
”No shapeshifter could replicate my incredible wit," Saskia said in an incredibly dull tone. ”I’m the same Saskia on that memorial and I'm here because I really love killing shitty bastards."
They then pointed a finger at the woman, very bluntly saying, ”But who are you? I don't recognise you."
“You wouldn’t,” the woman answered. "My name is Shaquita Walker. I am a Green-Lux user just like you.”
She paused, “Green-Lux doesn't let you come back to life and the Hound gets pissy about resurrections. So how did you come back?”
"The Hound himself brought me back," Saskia shrugged. There weren't exactly any other reasons she could give or come up with, especially to another Green-Lux user. From what she remembered, even Black-Lux couldn't properly resurrect someone. ”He wouldn't get pissed at himself. That's all I know."
“Bullshit,” Shaquita said.
“... I have a feeling she’s not lying.”
“Stay out of this, Shayton,” Shaquita answered, looking to the front seat.
“Fine.” Shayton shrugged.
“... Why did the Hound bring you back?” Shaquita asked. “I did extensive research on your Coven, and there were far better options for him to revive than you.” She narrowed her eyes.
"Wow, that hurts," Saskia said, holding a hand to her chest. She didn’t look particularly upset. "You’re right, we weren’t the best. Someone called in a favour. He wouldn’t say anymore, believe me or not. Feel free to torture me to prove it."
“I might,” Shaquita said.
The car eventually, seemingly, left the bounds of Mirage Springs and drove into the Nevada desert. However, the SUV pulled into the parking lot of an abandoned gas station.
“Can you get the door, Shayton?” Shaquita asked as she pulled out her phone with her free hand. As asked, Shayton got out of the car and opened it, staring at Saskia as he said,
“... Get out.”
”Ohh, are there any vending machines here?" Saskia asked as she got out, hands stuffed into her trouser pockets. She looked around and grimaced. The desert was not for her. "I hope you’re not planning to leave me here."
“Shut up,” Shaquita said as she got out of the car and pulled out her cell phone. She lowered her pistol…
“... You’re not getting away from Shayton if you try anything funny,” Shaquita said as she put the cell phone to her ear. “We’re at the spot.”
Then hung up the phone. A few moments later, a swirling purple portal opened up in front of them. Shaquita pointed at it.
Wow, these guys were really boring. Maybe this wasn’t going to be the fun break from their two friends fighting that Saskia thought it was. They shrugged, and stepped through the portal. They were greeted to a dark room… The portal closed behind them.
The light switched on.
The first thing Saskia saw was Luis and Henrich.
”... HOWDY, MOTHERFUCKER!”
Natalie screamed as she bashed Saskia in the face with the butt of an AK-47, knocking her out completely.
“... I had the situation under control,” Shaquita could be heard saying. “There was no need to do that.”
“‘Under control’?” Natalie snorted. “Bitch had free reign to do whatever she wanted to!”
“She was cooperating,” Shayton said.
“Again. She. Has. Magic.” Natalie said, “What is this? Amateur hour?”
“... Is that also why you felt the need to strip her naked?” Shayton said.
“Motherfucker you saw that other bitch!” Natalie shouted. “You know! The one that had the fire demon sealed in her panties!? I’m not taking chances.”
“... She’s waking up,” Saskia heard the cold whisper of Heinrich.
“Ooooooooooh!” Natalie laughed, as she turned towards Saskia, “Rise n’ shine, lil’ bitch!”
Saskia was, like they said, completely nude, with their hands binded by chains - which were hanging them from the ceiling. Natalie walked over to Saskia and said, “... How’s it hangin’?” She laughed.
Saskia slowly opened their eyes, squinting. Fuck, their head hurt. Didn’t seem to be bleeding. They were much more bothered by their lack of clothes than anything else- a hint of discomfort crossed their cold eyes.
”It’s just great," they intoned, twisting their wrists to check the chains. Of course, they could actually get out of them if they really wanted to by breaking their wrists… But that wasn’t worth it. ”Shame is an interesting form of torture. Effective. What else do you have planned?"
They almost seemed… excited?
“Well,” Natalie laughed, putting her hands in front of her and smiling like she was containing laughter. “For starters, we’re going to figure out why the fuck you thought it was cute to interrupt our million-dollar deal!”
“Then we’re going to figure out what you can do to make it up to us,” Luis said, leaning against a nightstand with his arms crossed.
“That too,” Natalie said, before she walked over to Saskia, grabbed her side, and gave her a little spin. “So… let’s get to know each other…”
”Righhhhhtttt," Saskia said, voice elongated with the spin. They winced slightly. It would be more fun if they got out really torture devices… ah well. ”Well, my name’s Saskia Otten. I was dead for ten years. Bled to death, really fun. I’d honestly recommend it if you want a once in a lifetime experience."
“Been there, done that,” Luis rolled his eyes.
They shrugged as best they could. ”It was less about you, more about the other side."
“Oh, you mean those Society retards?” Natalie laughed. “I mean, I don’t like them either, but they got money and resources. So we make due.”
“I’m still trying to figure out why you’re back,” Shaquita said, narrowing her eyes and putting a hand on her hip.
Luis smiled.
“... Even if she doesn’t tell us, time will tell,” He answered.
“Not important!” Natalie said as she walked up to Saskia, and squeezed her lips with her thumb and index finger. “Lemme tell you about us, sweetheart.” She laughed, raising a finger to her face.
“Dollhouse? Unlike those Society dumbasses, we don’t fuck around!” Natalie laughed. “Oh! Let me ask ya’ a question! Take a guess on how we found you so easily?”
”He," Saskia looked at Shayton, ”injected one of my friends with a tracker. Or maybe both- it’s not something that’ll kill them, is it?"
“Bingo!” Natalie laughed, then her expression went flat. “... Sort of.” She shrugged.
“... I slipped it in your two little girlfriends' pockets,” Shayton piped up. “Neither of you noticed.”
”They’re too busy fighting over a laptop," Saskia muttered. It wasn't like she'd felt up Lisa and Ella since the fight.
Luis pushed off the nightstand, and folded his arms behind his back, “But, we can forget about this… It's not like we can’t meet the Society later.” He spoke as he walked over to Saskia.
“How about we make a deal?” He said before he spun Saskia.
“... That's weirdly fun, right?!” Natalie laughed.
“Will this deal involve putting her clothes back on?” Shayton tilted his head.
“Why are you acting like you ain't seen a naked bitch?” Natalie laughed.
”I would appreciate clothes being part of the deal," Saskia said drily. ”Even a sheet. But sure, let me hear this deal."
“Maybe if you accept,” Natalie scoffed.
Luis clapped both of his hands together.
“We assist you…” Luis grinned. “... In your fight against the Society.”
”Oh?" Saskia tilted their head. That did sound like a good deal, on the surface. She was sure Ella would take it immediately if offered. ”And what do I do in return?"
They were silent.
“Eliminate Morningstar!” Natalie shouted. “It's that easy.”
”... Huh?" Saskia's eyes widened just slightly. That seemed too easy. ”What’s the catch."
“Well, how do I say there is no catch?” Natalie tilted her head. “Baaaaaaaaasically, Morningstar? He’s bad news. And while we are scumbags: at least we won’t lie to your face.”
"He is awful," Saskia agreed. She didn't really trust them - she wasn't the trusting sort. But they needed help with Morningstar, and if they didn't kill him they'd be dead again anyway. Plus this lot could've very easily killed her. "We plan to kill him anyway, so that's an easy deal to agree with- assuming there's no catches. And you keep my friends out of it."
Her lips then twisted down into an almost mournful look. "I lost the drawing of what we plan to do to Morningstar, it was very good… Maybe I can recreate it?"
“Whatever you plan on doing,” Shayton said. “Make sure it is solid.”
“We have something that can turn the tide in your little fight,” Natalie said, nodding her head at Shaquita - who walked out of the room for a moment, and then came back with a suitcase, which she opened and Natalie put on a thick leather glove, before she pulled out a orange gem wrapped in a necklace, and held it with her thumb and index finger. “This is just a random ass rock. Nothing important about it. It’s definitely not the incredibly powerful and dangerous Orange Stone.”
”Right, so normal you need a thick glove to hold it," Saskia said drily. They narrowed their eyes at it. Whatever it was, they'd take it and use it because they needed to… but they definitely wouldn't let Ella or Lisa touch it. For their safety. "Orange Stone as in orange lux, abstraction boosting? Or does it do something else?"
“It makes your abstraction sooooooo much stronger, like you might be able to topple buildings,” Natalie said. “Except… if you use it too much, you’ll become consumed by your abstraction.”
She grinned, “So, use it wisely. Lest you want to become a rampaging monster.”
”I see, sounds fun, I've always wanted to be a monster," Saskia said nonchalantly. She planned to use it very carefully, though. And she definitely wasn’t going to give it to the other two. If anyone was going to risk their sanity, it should be her. ”But of course, I’ll use it wisely… to kill Morningstar."
They then looked up at the chains still around their wrists. ”Since we’ve made a deal, can I get out of these? And get some clothes. Ah, if you want to see something fun, I can get out myself."
“We got you,” Natalie said, before turning to her bodyguard. “... Shaquita!”
The silent woman stuck her hand out, and a bladed tendril made out of flesh came out of her hand, and sliced through the chains, letting Saskia drop to the ground. Shayton walked over, holding her clothes neatly folded, and presented it to them.
“I'm sorry about that,” Shayton said. :The bosses wanted to make sure you weren’t hiding any artifacts.”
Natalie spun the Orange Stone around her finger. “Before we give this to you, two things!”
She raised one finger, “One, this conversation never happened. You never got this from us. Where would you have gotten this from? Who the fuck knows! Figure it out.”
Then she raised a second finger, “And two, when Morningstar is defeated. You return this to us… we’ll find you.” She smiled.
”You better be quick about it, the Hound might want us back right after," Saskia shrugged. They very quickly got dressed, immediately feeling more comfortable… if a bit disappointed that this talk had been more boring than they expected. The only cool thing was the bladed flesh tendril at the end. ”Agreed. Making something up is easy… ah, do I get my Channeler back too?"
Shaquita dug into her pocket and threw the Death Note bracelet at Saskia.
Saskia caught it and put it on. They twirled it around their wrist a couple of times. All good, still their Channeler. ”It was nice meeting you all, even if you could do with better methods of torture. If you'd been trying to get me to talk you wouldn't have gotten anywhere."
Natalie laughed as she glanced at Heinrich.
“Oh, we could have gotten you to talk, sugar,” Natalie laughed. As a swirling purple portal appeared behind Saskia, Luis scribbled something on a notepad. Then he shoved it into Saskia’s hand. Then Natalie handed her The Orange Stone.
Then Natalie shoved Saskia through the portal.
“... Hugs and kisses!” Natalie shouted. Before the portal closed, and Saskia was right outside the Holiday Inn where they took them.
Saskia sighed. She put the necklace around her neck and under her shirt, and looked at the note. An address… with a handy note that it was Morningstar's lair. Handy, but a bit of a pain to explain. She shoved it back in her pocket and headed inside. She went to the vending machine first, collecting her phone and knife. Then… she bought the chocolate bar she'd been really craving. Munching it, she went back up to her floor. Ah. She didn't have a key card.
With another sigh, Saskia loudly knocked on the door.
Lisa opened the door… the laptop in one hand. And Ella bonded and gagged with spiderwebs in the background. Lisa smiled.
”... Where were you! We were worried sick! Did you get lost?! Did you cut yourself on all that edge again?!”
Saskia looked past Lisa to the bound Ella, then back at her as if it was nothing strange, stepping into the room. "Yes, I lost so much blood that I got dizzy and fell over near the vending machine. When I came too I had this mysterious stone and handy note on me."
She pulled out the address and showed the Orange Stone.
”Oooooooooooooooh!” Lisa looked on with wonder. ”... What is it?”
"Well I feel stronger with it on, so an abstraction booster, maybe," Saskia shrugged. "Finders keepers, so it's mine."
”Well, sure!” Lisa shrugged, before she grinned, looking over her shoulder at Ella. ”Let’s watch anime alllllllllllllllll night long! But with our headphones on, so Ella can’t hear it!”
Saskia nodded with a small, evil smile. "Perfect, I know just the one… it's got loads of gore. Very fun."
Ella struggled in the background, eyes filled with despair.
