A/N;

Well, here it is, the final chapter. And will there be a sequel? That's up to you guys as usual lol XD Thank you everyone for the support, the fan art, the comments and help, all of it. Thank you so much! XD It's been a pleasure writing this for all of you.

"Good boy, Jack, I'm so happy you came back to me."

The boy half sobbed, doubled over on his knees as the black ooze poured from his eyes, "You said you wouldn't leave me alone, I had to come back." He ran a hand over his neck, the unbearable pain of having his brand exterminated throbbing uneasily, "Y-You'll keep your promise won't you?"

The demon sneered, putting a hand on Jack's shoulder, "Of course my boy… After all you did so well."

"I failed though." He shuddered, "I couldn't kill them like you asked. They were too strong. I… I don't even remember trying to hurt them; only being… angry."

"I know, my boy, I know. And you had every right to be angry. After all they did to you… They took your sight. They took your family. They forced you to kill. Let you feast on the remains of your victims like an animal. And then they leave you to deal with your crimes all on your own without a word of comfort. Anger and fear are exactly what you should be feeling."

"I… I don't want to feel like this anymore… I don't know what to do. H-Help me, Zalgo… Please!

Zalgo smiled, letting his charred lips peel back to reveal the gleaming fangs behind, "Why, Jack, all you needed to do was ask."

Jack sobbed again as he sank to the floor. Zalgo's hand on his shoulder started to burn, claws denting into the skin savagely. Jack exhaled in pain, trying to turn his head to get a sense of what was happening. Why was he hurting him? Wasn't he meant to help him? Was the pain helping? He didn't know anymore. He just wanted to get away from all of this! The pain seared through his skin, coursed into his blood and seared through the blackness of his eyes. The small strands of sanity that webbed across his mind started to snap and dissolve as the agony burned around them. What is happening? he mentally asked weakly, I don't remember what… Where am… I don't…

Zalgo moved around to grasp the boys chin, forcing him to look upwards. He grinned sadistically, "Such a good boy… Now, go join the others."

Jack nodded languidly, barely conscious. Struggling to his feet and trudged heavily away to stand in line with two humanoid figures somewhat taller than him. Of course he could not see them, but it was as if he could not sense them either. All he could feel was Zalgo's Sickness turning molten in his being. But, he couldn't bring himself to fight it. It was making him forget, taking away all feeling… It was perfect… The two lined with him found themselves in an identical state. One stood straight, his thin but strong looking frame covered by a faded yellow jacket, his face concealed by a white plastic mask, the eyes and mouth layered with blackened ink, a mess of coffee-coloured hair hanging over the top. The second was on the bulkier side, made to look stronger by the oversized amber hooded jacket; the hood pulled high to hold the black veil in place over his face. The only signs of features that were present, were the red stitches to portray eyes and a mouth. Should Jack be aware of his surroundings, he would have known them. All proxies did. They were Slender's two favourites after all.

"I understand that when all of this foolishness began, you were not so happy to join me." Zalgo chuckled, striding back and fore as if to mock them, "I believe your words were something along the lines of it being a disgrace to Slender and you would rather be consumed by the Sickness than follow me. Well, it seems you have had your wish. And now, here you are. I admit it was more fun than dear Jack here who willingly came to me… But I admire his cooperative nature and plan to reward it." He paused for a moment, enjoying the peace and quiet before continuing, "And as you know, poor Slender is under the illusion that he has fooled me. Yes, I admit the increase of souls is a bonus, but that does not mean that I so not know his plan. He thinks that he can keep an eye on me, observe me like a human degenerate! He underestimated me… Greatly. I am simply biding my time."

Zalgo grabbed a fistful of the masked mans hair, forcing him to look upwards as he yanked harshly. No reaction was given. They were lifeless unless he said so. Like wise he moved over to the hooded figure, slapping his hidden face with the back of his hand so the figure recoiled, but instantly resumed position. The pain didn't even register. Zalgo released him and resumed his pacing.

"Slender gave away valuable information, not intentionally but he always was foolish. It seems that he has grown attached to his Proxies, more so than expected, I laugh at the idea that he thinks of them as his own spawn… But that is his mistake. You are my experiments, my stolen Proxies. And how well you are working out. I must say I'm proud." He clapped condescendingly, "But you're not enough I'm afraid. I need all of Slender's Proxies if I really want to take away all that he has. No Proxies, no souls, and no souls, no strength. And no strength… He will be perfect for me to dispose of." He sighed and looked at his three puppets, "It'll take time if I want you ready to lure them here. But when the time comes; I'll be unstoppable."

He turned away from his minions, grinning openly to the darkness around him. This was going to be perfect. All he had to do was bide his time.

"Slender… I'm waiting…"

Trixie stood in the crisp night air, closing her eyes a moment to inhale deeply before opening them to take in the sight of the house before her. Her house. The number 6 had been fixed back into place and everything looked as it should be. You could barely tell it apart from the other homes on the street. Only one thing made it different. And that was the For Sale sign standing mockingly in the front yard. She sighed, wanting to rip it from the ground and toss it. But instead she glared at it for a moment before turning back to the house. She wanted to go in and… she didn't know, just feel at some again. But she couldn't. It wasn't her home anymore. It was no ones. It was difficult to sell a house where a family had been murdered brutally by a psychopathic girl who had escaped from her metal facility and hasn't been found. Or so the story goes… But here she was. And she'd made her choice.

"I miss you." She whispered, images of her parents and brother clear in her mind, knowing they could not hear her but not caring, "And I'm not turning my back on you; weirdly enough doing this is the best way to stay sane… Kind of ironic really but… it's true. I'm sorry, about everything. And… I miss you so much."

She flinched as she felt a hand on her shoulder, I do not wish to hurry you, Beatrix, I know this is difficult for you… It is not too late to change your mind…

"No, I know." She nodded, looking up at the ivory faced demon standing behind her. She knew that he was nearby, but felt a little embarrassed at having him listen to her, "I'm not changing my mind…" Giving one last look to her previous home, she smiled, "I'm ready to go back now. If, you know, if you're still needing a Passive Proxy."

Slender patted her shoulder with a faint sense of humour before holding his arm out for her to lead the way, After you, Beatrix…

Trixie obeyed, pulling the hood of her jacket up over her head so she didn't have to see her old life fading from her as they walked, "Do you… Do you think I'm crazy for staying?"

Not at all… Slender assured, Although the life I offer is not perfect or in fact stable, I suppose you would think it better than a life on the run from a judgment you don't deserve…

Although he didn't have any spite or passive aggression in his tone at all, she still felt guilty, "I'm not choosing it because of that."

Oh…?

"I'm choosing it because, in some twisted sense I don't understand, I feel safer as a Proxy."

Even through your artwork will be used to locate those lined up for death…?

"You say it's to stop them hurting other people, or because they've done something unforgivable… I admit I'm still getting used to the idea and no I don't fully agree but, it's how things work so I'll have to get used to it. I understand."

I admire your understanding, Beatrix, and appreciate it…

She didn't know how to reply to that, so instead gave a small not of acknowledgment, "Are you surprised that the others stayed too?"

Honestly, no… They may say that their reasons to stay is based on their love of the kill and do not want to end up on my list as a result, but I know the truth… Like you, they seek security and a purpose… Although I would appreciate you don't tell them that I am aware of this…

"They'd only call me a liar anyway." She said with a small laugh, but it was short lived. Her eyes tore away from the ground and peered up at her mentor, "Do you think you'll ever find Jack?"

There was a pause. That was a difficult question. Of course he had his theory, but a theory didn't count as a solution. When his voice finally projected through her mind, it spoke with the only answer he could give; I will keep searching until I do…

At that, her eyes lowered back to the ground as they continued their way. He was worried, she could tell. But he was also honest. Trixie had a feeling that he hadn't given a definite 'yes' as an answer because he didn't want to build his own hopes up as well as hers and the others. It was still odd for her to think a demon could show a sense of compassion for beings lesser than him. But it was a something she was grateful for. They didn't talk much on the way back after that. What else was there to say?

Yes, she knew that the outside world was now going to be a privilege that would not come often. And most of the people who she would be sharing her life with were not exactly who she would have considered. But Slender had a point, they were all in the same position as her. They had been thrown together through horrific circumstances and they had to battle through it. She recalled what she had been told when she had first been dropped into this world. There's little room for fear, and to survive you need to fight.

"Finished yet newbie?"

Trixie jumped a little at the sudden sneer in her ear. It was still taking some time to get used to Jeff and his impatient demands for her sketches. She gave one more glance over her drawing before tearing it from the sketchpad and holding it out, "Here. You know I'm not the only one who can give jobs, right?"

"Yeah well Ben's a lazy ass." He returned, snatching the paper from her.

"I beg to differ." Ben interjected coolly, "My work simply takes a little longer to get results."

Alice rolled her eyes from the sofa, "Excuses, excuses…"

Jeff turned on her, "Look who's talking!"

"I'm an Active, Jeffy-boy, my reasons for work or lack thereof is the same as yours."

"Hey don't forget about me!" Toby announced, but he gave a grin Trixie's way as he sat on the floor play-wrestling with Smile, "But I don't want to work just yet so no worries, Trix."

Trixie gave a smile in thanks as she closed the sketchbook and only half listened to the bickering between Jeff and Alice. She was used to it by now anyway. It was almost off putting how used to all of this she had become. But she found that she wasn't complaining. Jeff still gave her a sense of dread when he raised his voice. Alice was till intimidating in her own right. Toby was, confusing but she still found him oddly harmless. Shad she still saw as a guardian of sorts. And as for Ben, she was still trying to pick between patronizing or simply cocky; the fact that he was living dead didn't really come into the equation anymore.

She licked the side of her pinkie finger then rubbed it on her jeans to erase a pencil smudge as she thought. Jack was still lost, and Zalgo was still out there. But at least Slender was prepared with time. The thought of that evil, power hungry demon being fed and free was terrifying, and made her skin scrawl. And the fact that he could possibly be keeping one of them captive, well it made her sick. But Slender had promised not to give up until Jack was found. And after all that had happened, she had no reason not to trust him.

"Huh?" she jumped as she became aware of a pair of blackened eyes with embers for pupils looking curiously at her.

Ben smirked, "Figured I'd drag you back to reality before you get too lost in thought."

"Yeah, thanks for that." She answered. He nudged her, delivering a static shock in the process. She flinched and gave him a quizzical look. What had she done to deserve this one but her only answer was a smirk. She sighed, "Are you guys ever going to stop seeing me as the newbie to toy with?"

"Honestly, Trix, probably not," he shrugged, "But you earned some brownie points by sticking around so only time will tell."

"You like your riddles don't you?"

"Maybe…"

"And I'm going to have to put up with this daily aren't I?"

"Everyone else does, you're not getting special treatment unless you ask for it."

"I… don't want to know." She answered with a little bemusement.

"Hey kid," Alice announced suddenly, "So when's my next job coming?"

"Oh now you're interested in work." Jeff huffed sarcastically.

Toby shrugged pointedly, "Technically she never said she wasn't…"

Ben rolled his eyes and gave Trixie a musing look, "I'll handle that one."

Trixie gave him a look, but figured if he wanted the work then she wasn't complaining. She didn't feel like drawing more dead anyway. He returned to his laptop, ready to keep his word. Yes, she still had no idea what to think of that one. But she figured there was no point trying, it wasn't like she was going anywhere. At that thought, she hesitated. She really wasn't going anywhere now. This was how things were. And although it was no where near ideal, it was safe and secure for the most part. And she supposed being a Proxy wasn't that bad. It was… interesting to say the least. And she kind of liked interesting…

Shad peered trough the gap in the door, observing the group from the Informer. He had to admit that he held some respect to them for choosing to stay. It was not something he foresaw. In fact he almost expected the majority of them to run. Yet there they were, and he was almost proud even though he was in the same position as them. He too had been given the offer, but he had stopped Slender before he finished. He was not going to leave after all that had happened. It was his duty to be loyal to his mentor and he kept it high in his priority. He gave one last glance at the others, listening to their bickers, their laughter and even the insults, and couldn't help but give an approving smile before turning back to Slender. There was still so much to discuss. And so much that had been kept secret. He needed to know why.

"Sir, why aren't you telling them about the other disappearances? Hoody and Masky," he paused, he still found those cover names ridiculous but then again they were simple in their endeavours so he supposed it fit, "We both know that they have not been working all these years. Why did you not tell the others this?"

Slender turned his head, almost ashamed for his secrecy. But he had his reasons, I could not worry them… And they are not lost as such, like Jack I know where they might be…

"But it's not definite, Sir. I mean no disrespect but should something be done about this?"

Something is being done about this… I am simply waiting for the opportune moment… Too soon will alert Zalgo that we are onto him…

"But too late could cost three innocent lives, Sir. I stand by your choices, Sir as always, but I don't always understand them."

And I respect your honesty and curiosity… And yes, I'm aware of the risks… But I assure you, I know what I am doing…

Shad was still unsure, but he had never been given a reason to distrust his leader before, and he wouldn't start now. He nodded, "Yes Sir…"

Oh, and Shadow Lurker…?

"Yes Sir?"

Slender gave an air of understanding, a nod of encouragement, You have my permission to visit your Emily whenever you wish… Just promise you shall be careful…

Shad looked up at him in awe. This was against regulation, a rule he had been breaking with some regret since the start and now Slender was giving him his blessing? He breathed slowly, taking it in. He knew he would not be able to talk to Emily, or even have her know him like he knew her. But, to see her, was the world to him, "Th-Thank you, Sir. That… Thank you."

Slender nodded, and patted his shoulder approvingly. His proxies were what made his choice to remain among the humans much more worth while. He turned away in thought. Shad was right in the fact that acting too late would be risky, but he had to trust his instincts. Things were not over by a long shot and he accepted it. But at least he knew that his Proxies were safe. And he would get all of them back once again. It would just be a matter of biding his time. Biding his time… and a hell of a lot of luck.

Zalgo… I'm waiting…

A/N:

The End…?

That's up to you guys remember!

Thanks again guys! I've loved writing this and I've loved hearing what you all thought of it, it's been amazing! And yes I'll admit I kinda ship Ben and Trixie, so sue me, I'm broke haha! Thank you again guys! XD