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It'd been a week now. A full week and she hadn't left her room. A full week of doing nothing but laying around, staring at the walls, or sleeping. She'd been repremanded for not eating numerous times.

Finally, she'd taken only enough food and water to keep herself alive. As much as she comtemplated it though...she realized, she wasn't ready to go just yet. Maybe some would think she was a coward, but to be honest...she just wasn't ready to go yet. She still had things to do here. So...no dying yet. Maybe later...but not yet.

She couldn't even think straight for days. The first three, she'd been in a sort of stunned daze, unable to speak or even think. She'd crawled into bed as soon as the guards brought her back to her room from her uncle's office and stayed there until they realized she wasn't eating any of the food they were bringing to her room.

As it was, she was still half-starving. It'd taken a full week, but she'd made her decision. She'd live...for now...and more than that, she'd get better, stronger...not sure what for just yet, but who knew? Maybe she'd need to be one day. She wasn't worried for herself anymore, but if they'd done this to her...what could they have planned for the others?

The thought was instantly sobering. She climbed to her feet from the bed, shuffling around weakly to wash up a bit and find fresh clothes. No sense in being a slob if she was going out in public again, eh? But she had to warn someone. Even if she wasn't sure what she was warning them about just yet. But still, at least now, she had some new information about what was going on here. At least what was happening to her...

And the others? Who knew if the lab had plans for them as well. Why else would they be keeping all those people here against their will?

And Shawn.

Oh God...Shawn...he had wanted to go with her and she'd taken off without a word...then effectively disappeared for a week. The poor boy had to be worried sick! She felt ashamed that she hadn't even thought of anyone else for this past week. Her movements seemed more hurried as she tossed on fresh clothes and got ready to go. Granted, she was still weak from lack of food, but the promise of nourishment as well as feeling the sudden need to see someone again filled her with what had to be her last energy reserve.

Without glancing back, she headed into the hall and towards the cafeteria. She'd seen enough of that damn room for a lifetime at this point anyway. She was a bit wobbly at times, but made it to the cafeteria without incident. Okay, food first for energy, then she'd worry about what to do next.

She went through the motions, automatically grabbing food and various drinks, including water and some fruit juice to rehydrate herself, then headed for an empty table. She didn't even look around the room to see who might be in the cafeteria right now; she was rather single-minded at the moment. Health first, then business. Taking care not to make herself sick after so long without sustinance, she forced herself to eat and drink slowly, else she see it all again very soon...

Even Samantha had to suppress the chill that raced down her spine at the eerie tone of Shawn's voice. This...hadn't been what she'd expected...not at all. Far from it in fact.

Already in a weakened state, both physically and emotionally, every cutting word from Shawn's lips felt like a dagger being plunged deeper and deeper into her chest. As if she didn't already feel bad enough about what she'd done, here was the one person in this cursed place she thought cared about her, accusing her of the most horrible deeds. Did he really think she was capable of such a despicable thing?

One thing was for sure. This was not the same, sweet boy who had fallen asleep in her lap only a week ago. Strange to think that it had been such a short time ago. It seemed like forever.

"Scared? Maybe a bit...but not by what you apparently think," she finally bit back quietly. "But scared doesn't cover the half of it. Scared, shocked, devistated...at least after the first three days of numbness. But heaven forbid I make a dramatic scene over it all," she snapped, practically dripping ironic sarcasm.

"And maybe it IS my fault! I'm f#$&&#xin;g sorry, okay?!? If you were so worried though, how come you apparently didn't care enough to maybe come check on me in my room? 'Cause I can tell you, I certainly haven't gone anywhere lately! I didn't miss any convenient visits!"

Then, as if she wasn't seething enough...

"EXCUSE ME?!?!" Breathing heavily, a spark of her old fire in her eyes, she picked up her tray a few inches just to drop it again loudly on the table. Food and drink splattered carelessly over the table as she shoved her chair back roughly to stand, despite her lingering wooziness. "I'm pretty sure you noticed at the time," she shot back icily," But I didn't exactly have any sleeves, or anywhere else, to hide anything on me that day, let alone effing sleeping gas! And I don't wear purfume. Now, I'm sure it doesn't mean anything to you at this point, but I'm insulted that you would think I'd sink so low...do something so...so...despicable...like that f#$*ing monster..." She trailed off, still fuming, but unwittingly steering her hatred and fury towards her uncle into the conversation. No, stay on topic. She was clenching her fists at her side tightly enough that her nails were starting to dig into her skin, bordering on drawing blood.

Fortunately, Shawn's retreat beneath the table gave her enough time to take a few deep breaths and calm herself enough that she wasn't ready to break the table in half before her. Or throw the tray. Either one. Something violent would feel good about now, but likely, they'd drawn enough attention to themselves as is. Quietly, she stalked over to Shawn's table and crouched down to get a good look at the boy. It was a good thing for Shawn that, though Samantha's temper was legendary for taking the least little fuel and flaring out of control...it also burned brightly and quickly...and dimmed almost as swiftly.

Especially when she acknowledged that she was genuinely at fault.

"Shawn..." Her voice was lower now, hoping to keep the rest of their conversation from other people in the cafeteria if possible. She tried to stay where she was, but realizing her own weakness, she knew she couldn't balance on her toes like this for long. Instead, she sighed and crawled under the table as well, mindful of her head and the edge of the table, to sit opposite Shawn. "Alright...so technically, I did. Not the best way to build trust, I know," she explained hurriedly, trying to get out what she wanted to say before he could interrupt her. "But you have to believe I had reasons for what I did." She frowned, pausing and hesitating only a moment before reaching up to rest her hand on his cheek, lowering her voice again.

"I did stay that afternoon. I didn't leave the yard. I promised that much...and stuck to it. When the sun set, you were still sleeping so soundly, I couldn't find the heart to wake you. The guards came to make us go back to our rooms, but I wouldn't let them touch you. I carried you back to your room myself. You were still sleeping when I left. I thought you'd be safe there."

She swallowed hard, pausing briefly again. "I...I know I should have waited for you to wake up, but...I couldn't. I couldn't let you go with me. Something about what you had said earlier... I couldn't let you get in trouble for what I was about to do. I wouldn't risk you getting hurt too." Her eyes were burning with the telltale signs...but no, she wouldn't let herself. Not here. She had to look strong...much stronger than she felt right now.

"I meant to come back and see you when I got back," she continued, a note of sadness and regret creeping strongly into her voice. "But...there was so much to absorb...to deal with...I couldn't cope...I couldn't think...I was a zombie for three days afterwards..." She closed her eyes, pulling away and dropping her hand to her side. "So fine...hate me if you must. Can't say I'd blame you at this point. I just wanted you to know that I had your well-being in mind when I made my decision."

Shaken, weak, and self-loathing, she withdrew further from the boy, drawing her knees up to her chest and looking all the world like a repremanded child.

Time... to say the least, was different around here. She couldn't tell if it was slow, or quick, or not moving at all. This place, the people here, the condition... It was maddening. After being brought here, Tara couldn't help but feel like nothing. Each day repetative and worthless.

Running her tongue over her lips, Tara strode into the cafateris, silver tipped black locks lacing around her shoulders. Steel grey eyes were pressed straight foreward, no longer catching on the things in the room that seemed to be there every passing day.

But something was different about this day. It was obvious from the get-go.

As the boy across the room shouted, Tara glanced over. Raven black hair brusing over the bandages that covered a quarter of her face. She instantly recognized the girl. The niece of the devil of a doctor himself. Hakan.

There was something different about her, though. Not just her appearance, but her composure. Almost traumatized. From the conversation, it was obvious that something indeed had happened.

Tara sat down at a table after snatching an apple to eat. Her good eye traced over each different color as she subtly listened in to the conversing three. It would be nice to get some answers around here...

Kowagaru waited patiently for an answer. A trace of annoyance never passed across his face, until suddenly he felt a hand on his shoulder.

Naturally the man about jumped out of his skin as he whirled, hopping away from the other person that he had yet to identify in his slight panic. In all honesty, he wasn't sure what he was expecting- A person, a guard, or the Shinigami(1) himself?

Azriel Zagarith

"Maybe you should wait a few seconds? At least until they're calmed down a bit."

It was at this point that a muscle in the upper part of his nose twitched, and for a brief moment a snarl came onto his face. But, realizing that he had been rather rash in his decision and that he would likely not get answers out of two crying and obviously demented children, he took about four steps back.

Whether you actually count that as backing off or just moving out of striking range is your opinion. Either way, the man crossed his arms silently, as though waiting for their attention to shift to him.

But who was this mysterious new stranger among strangers? He acted as though he knew these people. Had they met before? Was this one just as loony as the other two?

((1) Shinigami: The Japanese name for the Grim Reaper, or just a God of Death in general.)

The defensive snarl of the obviously demented girl did little to Kowagaru but make his scalp move back a centimeter or two. Getting snapped at was nothing to him- He simply told himself that the snapper didn't know just how corrupt they really were, and went on.

He half-expected her to make a scene, this time involving him, but thankfully the other man intervened. Kowagaru simply watched the two with mild interest- They seemed to know each other. That could be very useful later, if the opportunity called for it..

For a moment, the man thought that they had forgotten he was even there, and considered returning to his room to escape the strangeness of this situation. But the he saw the girl, seeming a bit more calm, turn her eyes to him and speak.



Kowagaru had already thought of his reply.

"Everyone who is being held here against their will. You, I, that strange red-headed girl that calls me Mr. Scarecrow. Everyone."

((So sorry I took so long, guys! crying School's been killing me! I'm glad to see this has been moving along in the meantime, though. heart You guys are awesome. Lol...I didn't realize Shawn's outburst would cause so much of a disturbance. ^^; *snickers at the reactions to his cursing* It's so awesome to meet new characters and see some old ones again! XD heart *hugs them all*

Hey, Shinigami! X3 *is reminded of Death Note* That's so cool...))


"I wanted to," the boy replied timidly, his dark bangs falling across his eyes. "I wanted to check on you, but...there was this problem..." He fell silent again for a time, reluctant to continue, as if his shaking voice would betray him even further if he went on. Yet fear was unmistakable.

Shawn twisted as if to turn away from her as Sam crouched beside the table. He wouldn't let her see him like this. He couldn't. But he listened to her explaination intently. His eyes squeezed shut. He snuck into the folds of his over-sized clothes so they appeared to nearly swallow him in shadow.

"No, you were wearing perfume...I remember..." he mumbled. "I remember it smelled good...I remember when you...nevermind." Running a hand through his hair, he did nothing more than flinch in surprise as the young woman rested a hand upon his cheek. Shawn looked at her. He had never truly been able to convince himself of it. No, Sam would never use sleeping gas on him. She just wouldn't.

"Don't do that to me again, Sam...please. You're related to that f#$*ing monster, remember? And I know that shouldn't make it any harder to trust you. But Hayden, that stupid guard...and that moronic theif...!" A strange, maliciously giddy laughter siezed him. "I just don't know who to trust on the goddamn island anymore."

Shawn glanced down at his sneakers. She had carried him? As Samantha withdrew, he hesitated before leaning over to whisper into her ear. "Oh Sam..." His weakness was as evident as in his queaking speech. "Sam...I never hated you. I thought I would...but you've always been there for me before. And I could only think how you had never let me down. I thought for a time it might be something like that. Like you wanted to protect me from getting hurt or whatever." He shook his head and leaned forward to place a hand on her shoulder.

"We could have faced him together, Sam. Whatever it was you went through, we could have gotten through it together. It wasn't your responsibility to protect me. And besides, it's not like I've never gotten hurt before. I lived on the streets as a homeless kid, remember? I can take a hit."

"But no matter what they could have done, Sam, it hurt the most when I realized you left on your own. That's what changed my mind in the end. I realized there was no reason you could have that was good enough for you to decide to leave me behind." He hugged her closer and heaved another shuddering sigh.

"I was so worried when you didn't come back. And, Lugia! How much I wanted to check on you! But - but while you were gone, I've had an unexpected guest come to stay with me in my room. And it hasn't really let me leave. At least, I didn't want to try while it was on the floor staring up at me on my table." He swallowed. "I only just decided to dare an escape tonight since it's so late that I was sure it was sleeping. It's the first time I've been out of my own room since last week. Thought I'd snatch some food to appease the little beast." He decided not to mention his own aching hunger, though his rumbling stomach soon spoke out for him.

He groaned. "Speaking of which..." he added, turning to glance at her huddled form, "What are you doing out here so late? Midnight snack? Avoiding someone?" He brushed a strand of hair away from her face casually. "Wanna tell me how it went, your trial with your uncle? By the state of you, I'm almost reluctant to know the details."

Before he could expect an answer, however, a pale, black-haired man with a thin frame approached Sam. Darrow sat there silently, looking away.



Perhaps the man was an aquaintance of hers. If so, the conversation was no business of his...except for the fact that the unfamiliar newcomer seemed to have the same exact questions that Shawn had been pondering since his arrival on the island. He kept his mouth shut and his eyes fixed on the floor.

Before the boy knew it, there was nearly a crowd about the table. He was almost too tired to care but for the fact that he would be noticed by the guards and sent back to his room. Suddenly Shawn wanted nothing more than to disappear. He shut his eyes tight until he heard a familiar voice and glanced up, nearly bumping his head against the table's underside as he did so.

"You!" It was the silver-haired theif from before. The one from whom he'd stolen the new exclaimation of 'Lugia' from, though he still failed to even have an inkling of what it ment. "Get away from me!"

Furiously, Shawn shoved the young man aside, feeling his cheeks grow hot as he became all too aware of the few tears still wet on his face. Once again he wiped them with his sleeve. He wanted so badly to reach out and grab Azriel by his shackles and throw him against the table for finding him in such a state. Somehow he felt the whole wild goose chase had been the theif's fault. It was his paper that had hinted at Dr. Hakan in the first place.

But Darrow was far too weak and weary to do anything about it now. The worst of it was his mind was growing cloudier by the second. He grew disoriented as he tried to crawl away from the others. There was a sudden sensation in his pounding temples that made him feel very giddy. He began to snicker.

Maybe if he and Sam could get away they could make it back to his room and she could deal with the little beastie there. But Sam, in his room...? He'd never had a room to consider before, but a girl and him in his room? His snickers developed into chuckles and strange giggles. The very thought was becoming unbeable! It was so funny that it wasn't. How could he think of such a thing in such a time?! Am I losing my mind?

This sudden logic brought him back to earth like a stone from the sky. What the heck was happening to him?! Sam was tired, hungry, and had been through enough. If he was going to get them out of there, he'd have to do it soon. They couldn't go to his room anyway - not with the beast-thing sleeping in there.



Sam's reply to the theif was enough to set Shawn off the deep end once again. Sam and her humor. "Met pony-tail boy yet, Sammy? He was the one who found the mystery paper in that magic pocket of his after all." This time he laughed so hard he collapsed in mid-crawl, rolling out from under the table at the grey-eyed man's feet. His own wild gaze met the serious adult's breifly - enough to recognize the sanity in them and remember to call back his own.

Those thoughts weren't his. Those were the demented thoughts of an insane being. They couldn't even be human. Something was invading his mind - influencing it. Scrambling up what was what. Shawn felt as if he were fighting posession of his own consiousness.

Little did he know that chaos and disorder had slowly been unravelling within his head since he had been injected upon his arrival at SPLICED. It was only now that it had really been able to take hold; to sieze his mind when it was so overcome with conflict and torment of physical, mental, and emotional levels.

Mr. Scarecrow? Samantha shook her head and shoved that thought aside for later. Odd as it seemed, that wasn't important now. She was already distracted enough as it was.

In fact, it should never have taken her this long to notice Tara. She cringed internally, remembering the near-hostility of their first meeting and said a silent prayer that none of that would come up in the current situation. There wasn't time to be fighting over something as stupid as Samantha's horrible family tree...

"I don't know," she answered the other female honestly. "I've heard a lot of odd terms being thrown around, which is all the more suspicious, of course. Not that we needed any more reasons to be... So whether patients, guests, or whatever the hell, I have little faith that we've heard an accurate term used yet." Her eyes were narrowed dangerously and her voice low, though it was obvious she was working hard to keep at least semi-calm and rational. It wouldn't do anyone any good to go flying off the handle now.

She was still trying to process her own experiences as of late...though it seemed that Shawn had been rather 'busy' as well. She wasn't sure what to make of what he'd told her, but as much as she wanted to ask him some more questions, it would have to wait since they'd drawn such a crowd now. Perhaps she could talk to him alone later.

Not that she was quite sure how to deal with these odd new laughing fits the boy seemed prone to.

She was still trying to figure out what she made of this guy Shawn dubbed 'pony-tail boy.' She'd been initially concerned by the handcuffs...but now? Something about the guy made her wonder if it wasn't that he was dangerous...but perhaps annoying in the eyes of the lab.

The thought seemed likely at the moment.

"Right. Of course. Well, I like the island existant while I'm still on it, so I suppose I have to agree with the guards."

Turning back to the group at a whole, Samantha realized just what a crowd they had now. Yes, it was only five people...but that was a lot for the cafeteria at this time of night.

"Alright, before we get any further, how about we grab a quiet table in the corner to talk? We're gathering too much unwanted attention out here shouting and hitting things." She crossed her arms, looking serious and logical now...completely in contrast to the state she was in mere minutes ago. Even if she didn't feel quite so sturdy inside.

Without waiting for anyone else to answer, she turned and headed for a medium-sized table, tucked into a quiet corner. If they all wanted information so badly, she trusted they would follow. Not that she had much to offer...but it was something, wasn't it?

Halfway to the table, she paused and looked back at Shawn in concern. He was still on the floor, laughing at something or other. To be completely honest, she was starting to get seriously concerned. Maybe there was something wrong with him...maybe they were slipping some kind of drugs into his room. She hated to even consider the ponytailed man's question after pointedly avoiding answering it. Though, Shawn had said something about a gas from the air vents once...

"Err...Shawn?" she spoke hesitantly, still eying the boy with some concern and a frown on her face. "Need a hand?" She held out a hand, not sure if he would take the offer or not. She wasn't sure about much right now, the poor kid's state of mind not being the least by far. He'd seemed fine the last time they'd talked, if tired. But now?

As much as she had worried about what CRONUS might do to the others...she'd wasted an entire week moping in her room. What if, in that week, she'd given the lab time to...

No...the thought was too horrible to consider. Shawn was fine...he had to be...same for the others.

Maybe together, they could find the answers that seemed to elude them individually.

Upon eye-contact with Kowagaru, Shawn, a sudden look of horror upon his face, immediately sat up - quite aware of what must have seemed the absurdity of his little scene. He couldn't be going crazy. Not now! Especially in this vital time when every person on the island in SPLICED with suspiciouns toward their imprisonment seemed to be in this room. This wasn't the time to be messing around or holding personal grudges. This was the time to find out what they each knew and get some answers. How long had he sought such answers?! Looking around, Darrow realized they alone were the few patients who had any idea that Dr. Hakan might be up to no good. Or, at least, those who had enough mistrust to believe so.

Feeling himself burn up in shame, he scrambled to his feet and dusted himself off before the unfamiliar man. He could feel the dark-gray eyes upon him and guessed at the man's thoughts. After all, hadn't Shawn thought the same of many other patients who seemed a little out of place around here? Hadn't he often questioned each one's sanity? Never did he think he would give he or anyone else reason to question his own.

"Um...sorry you had to see that, sir. I don't know what came over me." He regarded the man through his own sepia gaze, tilting his head. He couldn't recall the arrival of this newcomer. Perhaps the new guest had been introduced when Shawn had been trapped in his room with the little monster. Or perhaps the adult had simply been inhabiting the island the whole time. He didn't seem confused by his surroundings as most newcomers did.

"Er...if you don't mind me asking...where did you come from?" Scratching the back of his head nervously, he suddenly realized the thin man probably wouldn't be comfortable telling the strangley-behaving boy who was probably insane anything about himself. "Uh...I mean, I don't want to be nosy, but I just don't remember seeing you around before."

Scuffing his worn sneakers on the tiles, the street kid grinned sheepishly. His giddiness threatened almost to envelop him again, but he bit down his laughter. "You must have met Anya, though. That red-haired girl you mentioned. She likes giving weird nicknames to people she meets," Shawn explained through gritted teeth. "Heh...silly kid...never been afraid of nobody..."

Swallowing an anxious gulp, the street boy shrugged and turned to look up at Samantha, who had called his name. "Coming, Sam! Sorry..." Taking a seat beside her, he nudged her gently and nodded in Azriel's direction.

"Psst...that guy...I can't remember his name, but he helped me break into a few of the files earlier....just before you went to see Hakan," he whispered urgently. "I think he's been snooping where Cronus doesn't want him to be. That's the only reason. Um...other than the guy has a serious problem with those theiving hands of his. Um...kleptomania, I think it's called?" He frowned at Azriel, as if he could read the name of the older teen's affliction in his face. "I've seen some kleptomaniacl kids back home on the streets, but never anything as bad as him. Better watch your stuff. Otherwise, I think he's alright."

Glancing at the only other female in the room out of the corner of his eye, Shawn considered what she would do. He was pretty certain he had been aquainted with the young lady once before, though he couldn't quite recall where. She seemed to be on rather unfriendly terms with Sam, no doubt due to Sam's relationship with the doctor.

The exercise yard! That's where he'd seen her before! There and... Shawn paused. He really preferred not to recall the other time he'd briefly glimpsed the young woman. It had been far too tramutizing a situation and he hoped not to ring it up in front of Sam. What was the lady's name again...? Tara...?