9 RP Chapter 12

9 RP
Written by *pieface123 and *Tifa-the-Strange

All is Lost

0 had collapsed again on her bed, her shoulders shaking as she sobbing in her covers, her face hidden by her folded arms. It just wasn't fair, why did that poor girl have to suffer? She growled and punched her bed at the thought of their leader. Soon curling up smaller and crying out with small whimpers in between.
2 walked in and silently sat by her side, his arms around her, rocking her gently. "There, there..."
0 clutched her arms around him as if for dear life. Her eyes squeezed shut as she let out cries, "t-t-2... I-I..." she couldn't finish and just hid her face in his chest.
"Let everything out, 0." he whispered to her. "1 will never listen to us... Even if we tried he will never listen..."
0 yelled slightly, her sobbing voice muffled by her face still buried against him, "I-I h-h-hate him..... t-t- 2.... I-I don't w-want t-to.... I-I don't w-w-want to hate!!!"
He held her tightly, rubbing her back and comforting her. "Hatred is a bad thing... Yet it's difficult to let go..."
0's cries echoed through her room, she shivered slightly. Her voice was becoming hoarse; it fell apart when she spoke, "I-I d-d-don't want t-to h-hate... I-I f-feel so a-a-ashamed..."
"That hatred will go away... in time..." that was all he could say, even if he didn't know how to get rid of a feeling such as hatred.
0 cried and cried until all she could do was whimper softly. Feeling 2 hold her calmed her enough to reduce it to small hiccups. She held him tight and cried softly, not wanting him to let go.
He caressed her head, gently running his fingers on the thread on her head every now and then. 2 felt so at ease yet he knew 0 was in pain, he wished to get rid of her pain and replace it with something to make her feel better.
0's eyes were getting heavy as was her voice was horse and still whimpering quietly. She leaned against him and squeezed her eyes shut as one more hiccup escaped her mouth. She just wanted the pain and hatred to leave her and have the people she loved. But apparently 1 wasn't going to let her have it. "...I-I'm so pathetic.." 0 said suddenly.
"You are anything but pathetic..." he told her, "You're a wonderful woman who inspires many to not be afraid, to never step down or think badly about themselves... Calling yourself pathetic brings ruin to what you've done for everyone."
0 looked up at him with a small blush, she sighed "T-that may be true but... what is all of that if I can't even s-save her from... t-that... monster!!!" she cried out, staring at him with desperation and hurt.
2 groaned softly, looking down at her sadly. "Hey... Remember when the twins found those fairy tales?" he asked all of a sudden, "Somehow their hidden meaning relates to what is happening right now..." he fell silent for a moment before giving her a small smile. "Fairy tales are more than true... Not because they tell us dragons exist..." he held her chin up. "But because they tell us that dragons can be beaten..."
He kissed her forehead, "It means that somehow everything will be alright... Even if all hope is lost..."
0 seemed to ponder this for a minute. Sure, fairy tales were made up stories but the problem was they always had a villain yet once you think, they always got a happily ever after. 0 cocked her head at him as if studying his way of explaining. She raised her hand and gently ran the back of her knuckles across his cheek. She then smiled softly at him.
"I'm glad I made you smile... It upsets me when you're sad..."
0 smiled a little more, her hand cupping his cheek. "I-I'm... flattered that you care about me enough to be sad when I'm sad..."
"I want nothing more than to see you happy..." he rested his forehead on hers, holding her hand gently.
0 smiled warmly, her face burning slightly. She really didn't know what to say. "I-I... I'm touched...." she whispered.
2 kissed her forehead again, touching her cheek gently. "...We'll find a way to make everyone happy... I swear it..." he said after a moment of silence.
0 nodded slowly, holding his hand to her cheek for comfort. She sighed softly, "Thank you... f-for... everything... I appreciate everything you do..." she smiled at him.
He held her close to him, reigned in silence of her room, oblivious of their leader's next move.

As 0 slowly drifted off to sleep in the inventor's arms, 1 was up in his throne room, pacing. His staff leaned against his mighty chalice chair; he grumbled to himself and rubbed his chin in thought.
All that talk about 'love' got him thinking over it again and again, even though he called it pointless, he couldn't help but wonder what it truly was.
He shrugged it off and began to think another scheme... Involving the so called 'unlucky doll'.
If he combined these two problems together, he got one solution that seemed impossible and even sick. But yet why was he considering it. He thought back at what the female elder had said. "Love is a wonderful feeling" or "if you only knew how it felt you wouldn't be so unpleasant."
His plan and those words were tempting him. His newly formed plan was sickening enough in his mind, yet he didn't doubt that it would work. He knew it would work to perfection without any interventions if he got rid of everyone like he did before.
The leaders mouth twisted in somewhat of a devious grin, he looked back the metal box that held the girl prisoner, "We'll see how unlucky you are once I'm through with you," he whispered darkly, he then sneered towards the artist's drawing corner. He still heard faint whimpers but he only chuckled. "She will be mine."

"Better get up, you two..." 7 growled as she peeked her head inside 0's room once daybreak was upon them, "1 wants us on a scavenger hunt..."
0 groaned slightly as her optics swiveled open, "Hmm?" she turned to see 7 at the door way. 7 wave and sighed. "Be ready..." she then left, 0 blinked a few times before noticing she was in her bed instead of the floor where she last remembered being, in 2's arms. He must have picked her up and set her in bed.
2 rubbed his optics, groaning. "I'm up, I'm up..." he yawned, "We'll be right out..." he looked down at 0 in his arms, "Slept well?"
0 couldn't help but smile as she nodded, "How about you?"
"Of course I did, I had an angel with me." he hugged her gently.
0 chuckled and hugged back, "An angel?"
He nodded, "Yes, the most beautiful of all angels. Luckily she is still here in this very moment."
0 blushed and covered her mouth as she smiled. No one's ever called her an angel before. She giggled, "R-really now."
"Really," he leaned forward and stole a small kiss before taking her hand.
0 touched her lips with her other hand and smiled slowly.
"Is my angel a bashful one?" he chuckled, "Maybe I should do something about that." The inventor took her face gently in his grasp, kissing her fully.
"Mmph?" 0's optics opened up farther but soon fluttered closed as soon as their lips touched. She slowly placed her hands on his shoulders.
He smiled, "I love seeing that dreamy expression on your cute face."
0 still had that goofy grin on her face and laughed a little, "What, this silly face?"
2 nuzzled her forehead with his, "Your silliness is what makes you cute, my lovely 0." He helped her up, leading her outside, 5 waiting for them near the exit of the sanctuary.
5 smiled slightly when he saw them, "Hello, you two, did you sleep well?" he winked at 2 and 0 just playfully punched the mechanic's shoulder.
5 chuckled before his smile was replaced by a frown. "1 wants more supplies... 7 went to get the twins."
0 rolled her eyes, her mood already dying down. 2 sighed, "So we've heard..." there was a small silence when 0 said, "Someone's going to have to get 6... At least he will get to stay behind... I don't know if I have the heart to get that boy to even move..." she muttered as she left to get the poor artist up in his cold dark corner, heartbroken and defeated.

He lay lifeless on the floor, leaning on the wall. The jar next to him led to the large ink stain near his legs, the jar empty, as well as his blank pieces of paper.
0 could sense that he was just destroyed inside, just an empty shell. She understood that losing someone dear to you could eat you inside and out. If she was forbidden to see 2 she too would be very unhappy herself. 0 growled at 1 as she exited the elevator, he was watching the sky out the stain glass windows. "... So... you want us to go get supplies, huh? Or is that all a lie as well?!" 0 hissed.
"Of course not, 0. We indeed need more supplies," he pointed to his throne. "I need more cloth and we need an appropriate fire place. In the books humans used to read said that seasons change, winter could be any day, so we'll need all the wood we can get."
"How could you just go on as if nothing has happened?!?!" she placed her hands on her hips. "How can you be so cruel?!!?!"
"If one ponders within those thoughts, it will eventually turn to madness." he growled, "8 will accompany you in just a moment to make sure you're out. Now get going, you're wasting daylight."
0 glared at him once more before turning her face chafed to sadness as she heard 6 let out a cry. She slowly stepped toward the darkness, moving inside to see the stripped doll huddled up on the floor. "6?..."
"13... th-13... wh-where is m-my... b-beautiful th-13...?" he muttered, unaware of 0's presence.
0 was worried; he looked so depressed and lifeless, his voice shaking with every word. The female silently made her way to the muttering artist. "6... 6, look at me..." 0 sighed. Holding the artists shoulder.
"... th-th-13...?" he looked up to her; it was like he hadn't slept in years.
The sight just broke 0's heart. She shook her head sadly and rubbed the back of 6's head gently. "6, did you even get any sleep?" she asked softly.
He shook his head, looking away.
0 frowned as she heard him whimper and his shoulders shook slightly. She opened her arms to offer him a hug. "Oh, just come here," she said softly.
He hugged her tightly, he didn't make the slightest noise yet he trembled like mad. "... I m-miss her s-so m-m-much..."
0 nodded and rubbed his back gently, "I know, I know... we all do..." after the two sat in silence for what seemed like hours, 0 said. "I promise you'll see her again 6... We just have to be strong and keep her safe right now..." she squeezed him closer. "Alright?"
He nodded, "... o-1 wants e-e-everyone to g-get t-t-things..."
0 relaxed him from her hug and nodded, "Yes, he does..." she looked around before leaning over to whisper. "But we're on to him; we know he'll only threaten 13 again so someone is staying behind." 6 cocked his head. 0 smiled slightly, "Would you like to keep 13 safe?" 6 nodded timidly, "M-m-more than a-anything..."
"Then how would you like to stay behind until we return?"
He looked up to her; full of hope, like his energy instantly came back, nodding without hesitation.
0 smiled at his sudden burst of energy, "Great, but you'll have to pretend like your leaving with us and we'll show you how to sneak back in," she rose to her feet and helped him up. "Are you ready?"
A hopeful smile grew on his face as he walked out with her, down the elevator and reuniting with the rest of the stitchpunks. 7 helped 5 with his bag as he grabbed the map he used before, still unfinished yet he was glad they were going to explore again.
The twins chased each other, waiting for the others to get ready. 7 went to 0 and 6 as 2 followed, "Alright, everyone is here... after walking for a while 6 must be back inside."
"He can go in the back, there's a small hole in the wall that is sure he can squeeze through without a chance at being caught... he might have some stairs to climb but it's the safest way." 7 said, adjusting her skullmet.
2 nodded, "Let's head out..."

As 6 walked further and further away from the church, the eager he was to get back. He had to be there to save her! To hold her and be called a hero, for once. He shone with anticipation. 'I-I'll s-s-save you, 13... W-walls c-c-can't keep m-me away...'
6 ran to the back of the church, as fast as he could just as everyone had told him. He stopped at the back of the large church, clutching his key as he looked for the hole. He had to be brave for her.

13 rubbed her optics; she barely had any sleep last night. Her head rested on the cold hay inside the match box bed, the tattered sock being the only thing that provided little warmth. She stood up and shuddered, the cold wind blowing through her window.
13 rubbed her arms for warmth, the wind blowing fiercely though the small window. She wrapped the sock around her body, protecting herself from the cold.
1 had watched the rest of the stitchpunks disappear in the dust. He smirked but still unaware that the artist was here to witness everything.
13 jumped at the banging sound on her door, the lock being removed and the door sliding open. She crawled to the corner of her bed, nowhere to run as 8 come in. She shook her head, she knew what it meant if the big brute was in her 'room'. "No... n-n-no!"
8 grabbed her hand once again, dragging her across the floor until yanking her up in the air. He laughed as she dangled helplessly.

6 had finally found the hole, now all he had to do was squeeze through. The artist cocked his head and bent over to get a better look inside. He then squished himself inside, wiggling until he reached the other side, falling with a small thump.
6 scrambled down and up the halls of the cathedral, looking desperately for the stairs. "H-have t-to keep going, f-for 13..."
"A-ah stairs!!" 6 exclaimed as he ran to the big walls. He jumped a few times and finally caught the edge of one, grunting and whimpering slightly before pulling himself up and over, almost to the throne room.
6 was almost to the top, only two more steps. His breathing was heavy and ragged; he clutched his comforting key before throwing himself up another stair, all for 13.

"L-let m-me go!! P-please!!!" she cried before she met the floor, she rubbed her hand, shaking all over. The girl closed her optics shut, terrified of what might happen, remembering the horrible incident.
1 watched as she trembled in the middle of the throne room. His smirk growing ever so slightly, she was going to be his so easily. He craved for that feeling that 0 had called love, but not for the emotion...for the want and desire. He started to approach her with heavy footsteps so she would know he was there.
13 kept trembling, flinching every now and then from the leader's footsteps closing in.
1 stopped in front of her and tapped her chin a little roughly before demanding, "Stand up straight!!!"
13 whimpered, keeping her optics closed shut as she slowly straightened her back, still on the floor, her hands on her knees, clutching her blue clothing as she bit her lip.
1 looked her up and down. Her small form hidden from view from the blue dress but he still thought she looked beautiful... even for the unlucky one. He humphed and took his staff, hooking her with it around her waist and pulling her a little closer, his glare never left as he examined more of her.
13 yelped once she felt the hook of the staff pulling her, her eyes opened, nothing but fear empowering her. She quickly looked away, holding her hands up her chest.
1 growled at her, "Look at me, you curse!!!" he thrashed her about in his staff, only a small jerk, just enough to scare her.
13 was frightened. She stuttered before she obeyed his command, afraid that if she defied him, it would end terribly. The girl slowly turned to face him, slowly opening her eyes.

6 had to catch a breath at the top of the stairs, hugging his key and trying to calm himself. "I-I'm c-c-coming m-my love..."
6 had finally snuck behind a wall in the throne room he heard 1 and saw 13, he gasped and reached out to her. "N-no..."
1 made his glare more hateful as he pushed her with his staff, right in her stomach. He made her back up as he growled at her, "You... accursed siren!!! I warned you one more slip and you do this!?!? Why, you're such a fool?! Why protect 0 and leave your cage to put all of us in danger?!??" he spoke of what happened yesterday.
She had her hands on the hook of his staff, whimpering with every push. She was too frightened that she was speechless.
"Do you have any remorse?!?? Any remorse at all, you cursed doll?!?!" 1 had finally got her up against the wall, leaning in closer to glare deep within her innocent eyes, those beautiful big eyes. His glare only softened slightly as he gazed at her frightened face.
6 was now in his knees, trembling. He couldn't go out there, it would blow his cover and she would get thrown out. He whimpered, how could he rescue her?
13 desperately wished she could just run away, hide herself. She could do nothing but stare at his hateful expression, she wanted to weep, cry her lungs out from all the terror she was under.
1's voice now had a hint of huskiness but he kept his firm and hateful tone, he raised his hand to momentarily touch her cheek. He shook his head, "How can someone as cursed... be so beautiful...?"
13 trembled by his touch yet she looked at him, what did he just say?
1 then wasted no time for her to ask, his staff's hook wound itself around her neck to keep her still against the wall, he then crammed his lips over hers, his optics still glaring as he closed them.
6 almost yelped at what just happened, his whole body jerked and his heart seemed to pound with pain.
13's optics shot open in shock, feeling his lips, his hand holding her chin. She whimpered as he kept kissing her lips, she felt like he had her 'heart' in his grasp, any false move and it will be the end of her, the girl could do nothing but cry silently.
6 couldn't believe what was unfolding before his mismatched optics. Her first kiss... 1... he... 6's head hurt but it was nothing compared to the pain in his heart. He failed!!! He couldn't save her!!! Be her hero!!!! 6 shook all over, "N-no... no... p-please..." the poor artist covered his head and pulled at his hair, his heart shattering into a million prices.
1 exhaled softly once he parted his lips from hers, a devious look on his face as he caressed her chin with his metal fingers.
1 ran his claw like fingers down, feeling her neck and then moving down ward to the base of her chest.
13 whimpered as she quickly grabbed his hand before he touched her chest, stopping him. She let out a small gasp, what has she done?
1 grabbed his staff and pushed her up more against the wall with force, his anger bubbling over his lust. He pushed it into her neck slightly and whispered sinisterly in her hearing sensor, "I know your weaknesses, girl... I can take away all that you hold dear... 0 and 2, the fools you take comfort in..." he smirked, "And 6... That crazy artist will never see you again, my dear, because you belong to me now..." his hand ran itself down her face and pat her cheek. "Understood?"
13 didn't answer, her hands on the staff's hook, the metal on her neck. 1's threat was too great. She cried softly.
1 smirked and released her, backing away so she would fall to her knees in sobs. 1 was victorious, the battle had been won and she was his prize. Knowing that the others would be returning soon he called 8 to once again lock up his unlucky doll. 1 used his staff to lift 13's chin. He glared down at her, "Just remember my dear, you're mine... and if you refuse... 6, 2 and 0 will all suffer for you..." he smirked and pushed his staff to mess with her dress. "And I'm still not done with you..."
She held her dress instinctively, her expression full of defeat and heart break. 13 didn't budge or fight when 8 grabbed her, taking her back to her metal prison. The girl never cried so hard in her life, holding the sock close to her, her desperate sobs more intense than ever.

6 lay there on the floor, his whole world dead... gone... the love of his life needed him more than ever and he had failed her. 6 thought his heart would explode in fear and sadness. He lost her... to 1.

1 grinned throughout the day, victory was his. The girl was his. Everything was in the palm of his hand.

Outside 0, 2 and the others had waited outside for 6 to return. But the artist never came back to walk back in with them. 0 was starting to get worried, "What if he caught him?"
"We better go in while we still have the chance!" 7 said, running inside.
Everyone exchanged worried glances before taking everything and following the warrior inside. It seemed to be quiet enough, no yelling or 8 waiting to escort them upstairs. But where was 6?
7 went on ahead of them, skullmet in place as she quickly took the shortcut up the stairs. "6?" she called out quietly. "6? Where are you?"