Fugitive

I am a refugee now. I must be constantly on the move. I know what they will try and I can avoid it, but if I linger in one place too long they WILL find me.

I can also see an impossible canine whom she will use to seek me in the months to come.

I can no longer update this blog, or they WILL discover my location. Being otherworldly beings they have unfathomable methods of travel and could be on top of me in seconds.

I'm only taking the time to post this knowing she is still repairing herself with the leftover parts in my father's shop.

I know what is to come, how things must be. And what her next plans are. Until then, farewell, dear readers.

Oh, how nice it is to be free again. This body is so very useful.

What Happened Today

Today I didn't think I was safe anymore, so I decided to go on the move. I grabbed the knife (I had cleaned it after my injury, of course) and tucked it into my belt. Just in case.

Soon I stood before the fridge, contemplating taking some food with me, since I didn't know when my next meal might come. But then I realized I didn't know how old a lot of the food was, and last night my stomach had felt queasy, giving me a fitful night with little sleep.

I did, however, pack my backpack full of clothes. Then I went back to my dad's doll-repair shop, where I had hidden the eye.

I hid it there, because I knew the Witch may have been reading this blog, and she would never expect me to be so "foolish" as to hide it in such an obvious place.

It turns out that it was a good idea, since it was still there when I arrived.

I ducked under the "do not cross" tape the police had put up. I wasn't sure why it was still there. I thought they'd have cleared up the crime scene by now. It's been awhile.

I stepped through the doorway and into the store. Near the shelves, some still standing after the fight, lay the body. It looked horrible. I turned away and pushed the image from my mind so I wouldn't throw up again.

I made my way to the workroom behind the counter, where there were many damaged and half-finished dolls lying willy nilly all over the place.

I dug behind a heap of the dolls and found a head with no body, in which I had hidden the eye. TO get it in there in the first place, I had to partially tear the face open.

I reached my hand in and pulled out the eye, making sure it was safe.

I was pocketing it and getting ready to put the doll head down when its single eye (the other had fallen out when I tore open the face) turned to look at me and it moved like it was trying to bite me.

I threw it down and ran out to the main area of the store.

There she stood, her lackeys in tow. That POS Percy and his friend the Skin-Taker, along with Horace Horrible and the Laughingstock.

"You really think I would just leave you alone after all you've seen? And even knowing I probably read your pitiful blog and knew about the Eye? I had Horace here keep an eye on you until we could follow you to its location. I can sense its power even now. It's most certainly the Eye of Fate. One of the fabled 2538 objects of old."

"What are you talking about?" I sputtered.

"It is said that when these objects are brought together (and they almost inevitably will be) the End will come. But with this Eye in my possession, I will not only control my puppets, willing and otherwise, but also Fate itself. I can avert the End and use my army to claim this whole pathetic world as my domain. And once again become your Queen."

She looked wistfully into the distance. "Of course the Others won't be happy about that." Then she added, as though a curse, "The Quiet claim them."

She turned her gaze back onto me.

"Now, then, Evan, give me the Eye and die a painless death, or suffer the cruelest tortures at the hands of the Skin-Taker and my beloved Horace and die a lasting, agonizing death knowing that I will acquire it anyway."

I stood there with a blank face, silent. I wasn't sure what to do.

Acting on impulse, I grabbed my knife and held it threateningly toward the demon woman and her spawn.

Then a police officer burst through the door, aiming his gun right at me.

"Put the weapon down, son, or I'll be forced to shoot."

I turned to him, confused. "But don't you see her? She's right there! She's going to kill me!"

"Of course I see her. You two had a deal. You backed out of it." He turned to the Witch. "And you. You promised not to take what's mine."

Trembling, I felt my instincts take over. I ripped off the bandages from my right eye and slid the glowing orb from my pocket. Before I knew what I was doing, I found myself placing it into the empty and unhealed socket. It was a snug fit.

Blue. Light. Intense.

Slowly my awareness swam back to the situation at hand.

My injury seemed to immediately heal. And I could see everything. Past. Present. Future. It was mine to know, and mine to control. It no longer held sway over me.

"No! You insolent brat!"

The policeman still had the barrel of the firearm trained on me, but he seemed a bit more uneasy.

That's when all the dolls in the shop started moving.

All those that were in a completed condition on the still-intact shelves stood up and climbed down to the floor, creating a formation as though they were going to battle.

The other dolls beneath the smashed casings and shelves, whole or broken, missing half their bodies, or even mangled--it didn't matter their condition--they, too, joined the march. Right toward me.

Even though I controlled Fate, I could still be overcome if I failed to act.

I retreated to the workroom and shut and locked the door. The army of dolls beat on the door. I heard some cracks as they slowly began breaking through. I think I heard some of them slamming into the door at high velocities.

Knowing that she would utilize the dolls in there with me, I began smashing them to pieces. If they were broken enough they would either be unusable or she wouldn't bother.

Of course, plastic is hard to break, so I used the hunting knife to slice through those pieces.

I stomped, I twisted, I smashed. Soon I had dismantled any further convenient weapons. But the dolls on the other side kept coming, kept battering down the door. They weren't human, and neither was she. They could be as patient as necessary.

With my new powers, I also saw the policeman for what he was. He was Death incarnate, taker of souls. I knew also why the place hadn't been touched since the investigation began: he had taken the entire police force, one by one, and could now wear the faces of whomever he chose.

I also knew what he would try next, seeing as the Witch's tactics were currently ineffective.

He would try getting at me with guilt over everything I'd done. He clearly didn't get the memo (or read my blog).

My little brother appeared beside me, no older than he was when he died.

"Evan, why'd you let me die? Why'd you let the ride take me?"

I faced him, stoic. "I was unable to move, thanks to the Witch out there. I could do nothing."

His flesh then melted off, revealing the terrible sight I'd witnessed so long ago and worked so long to suppress. But I had prepared myself. I staved off my nausea.

Next was my mother, then father. They each accused me of letting them die. I told them they weren't real. And that I felt no guilt. I was incapable of it.


Soon Death resumed the form of the police officer from before.

He raised his gun and was about to shoot when the door broke open behind him and a flood of manufactured limbs and faces overwhelmed him. Though he was not human, like her, he was still in a physical form.

I took the opportunity to escape through the window.

As I ran, I looked back and saw a man in a gas mask pointing an old rifle at me, occasionally taking a wild shot as he ran after me.

I knew this was more or less his true form. In truth, he has no "true form" but seeing everything as I do, I knew this was for one reason or another (the motives of these entities escape me, even now) his favored appearance.

I also knew that he was trying to lead me into a trap, to corner me. I wasn't sure, and still am not, whether he was trying to help her obtain the Eye or was using her to gain it for himself.

Soon enough we arrived in an alleyway that ended in a high brick wall. The Witch was awaiting our arrival.

She tried to put her stinging whips into me again, to make me an unwilling slave. But I controlled Fate now. She could not gain power over me again, no matter how hard she tried.

I dove out of the way as a shot rang out and I looked up in time to see half of her face blown off by the ammunition meant for me.

I ran. I haven't stopped running. I will run for a long time.

My Eye

She came again today. I think she still wants to use me, though probably in a different capacity, since I am no longer a Willing Doll.

"I will give you one last chance, brat," she said. "Join me willingly or you will be my puppet."

"Really? After what you've done to my parents? After what you've done to ME!? You ruined my life!"

This was taking place in my bedroom, and I moved toward my nightstand, reaching toward the drawer where I had placed Stephen's hunting knife.

She drew closer, hands outstretched, taking on her motherly characteristics again.

"Honey, it's all right. Just come home and all will be forgiven."

That's when I struck.

I sliced at her fingers,which surprisingly came off with ease. I was hoping this would prevent her from controlling anyone.

I was wrong.

She morphed into her most hideous form agan as she began to inject her hooks beneath my skin. I slashed at the strings around her body. I felt myself start to come free.

She grunted and swung a wooden stump at my stomach. I reeled backward, dropping the knife. The Witch shot out some strings from her body and pulled the blade to her. She clutched it in her right hand, the one that was still whole.

The Witch shot the knife at me, and before I could move, it got me in the eye. The knife fell out of the socket, but what was left of my eye came with it. I clutched my socket in pain and slid to the floor whimpering.

With my good eye, I saw her standing over me, grinning at me with her broken, rotted, wooden teeth and chipped, almost pupil-less glass eyes.

"I guess I'll leave you to bleed to death. Pity. I had such high hopes for you." She cackled.

Then she left.

I've bandaged it the best I can. I don't want to go to a hospital; they'll never believe what happened.

It still hurts. I've taken some ibuprofen. I hope it doesn't get infected.

God, it hurts.

I Tried

Today I was idly rolling the false eye back and forth in my hands, thinking about recent events.

I thought about what I've done and how it's ruined my life. I want to die. Nothing will ever be the same.

I have no one to take care of me, no one to assuage my boredom.

And I still hate the Witch for what she's done to me.

Since Stephen cut the strings she hadn't returned. I wanted to find her, to confront her.

I thought of an idea and whispered aloud that I wished I could return to that city. Suddenly a door appeared in the room, like the ones she took me through before.

I placed the eye on my desk and walked toward the door, cautiously opening it to ensure it wasn't some trick on her part. No one was on the other side.

So I wandered inside, made my along the empty streets and eventually found what I was looking for: the building where that elevator was housed.

I went down. Without her aid, this time the sudden stop did cause me to reel forward. I was again in that weird, rundown lab-type place. I decided to wait for her there, since we had come here before and the Choir and worked with her at least once since.

Oh, yeah. One more thing: I brought a lighter and some kerosene I found in the garage.

I waited for several hours, but she finally showed up. With the school principal. I guess he was next in line for the position of General.

I hid around a corner and waited for her to walk by. As she did, I drenched her in kerosene and lit her up. She burned quickly, but showed no sign of pain. Instead, she just laughed, as she withered away to ashes.

The flames died down and there was silence. The principal opened his mouth to say something, but before he could, he was cut off. His skin began to harden. His limbs shook. Horror clouded his eyes.

The distinct texture of wood burst from his flesh, replacing the skin that was now falling to the floor. Soon he had become her, the Witch, but in the form I originally saw her with. She laughed at me.

"I cannot die." She tried out her new body. "Even if you get rid of any of us, we will eventually return. There is no stopping us."

I turned and dashed toward the elevator. I looked back and I saw the body of the man from before just lying there. The two people in the other cell were dead also.

As I watched, they began to rise, not as a human rises, but as a marionette is pulled to a standing position. They turned their faces toward me, leering with the smiles of death. I ran.

I got on the elevator, but it began going down instead of up.

The doors opened and I could see every floor we passed. There was level upon level of those glass cells, all filled with people and the gray fungus.

The Choir was capturing countless innocents. But for what purpose? The Witch seemed to have control of at least some of them now. But she could do that anyway. Why was the Choir needed?

I knew that soon this thing was gaining momentum and would not stop until it had smashed me to bits. I had to escape--but how?

I saw one of the doors in the ceiling and hurriedly climbed through. I was on one of the sidewalks next to one of the streets. A flock of birds were flying along, like some giant stormcould--the only life I'd seen on the surface. After a few minutes of catching my breath, however, I heard someone climbing up after me. I ran and hid in a nearby alleyway. I heard footsteps and then saw a man running after the birds. Another few moments, then silence.

I came out in time to see a humongous door disappear. I wandered aimlessly for awhile until I found another door of my own, regular size. I was back in my house. But was I safe? Am I safe?

I just realized--it's not Monday anymore. It was Monday morning when I went through the door, but now it's Tuesday afternoon!?

Terrible Realization

I realized today that I'm a bit of a sociopath.

I mean, when Nick died at the Land of Make Believe, I threw up all right. But it was because it was a disgusting sight, not because I'd lost a family member.

Again with my parents' deaths.

I was thrilled with my harming of other people at her behest, whether they deserved it or not.

Sure, I've missed Nick. But it's because I had fun messing with him, you know. Picking on him. Roughing him up. Also, he was a convenient second player so I didn't have to play video games alone.

I went along with what the Witch wanted. I only doubted her and got mad at her and refused to do what she wanted anymore because she had lied to me, used me for her own ends. I even KILLED for her. In fact, my anger is the only reason I've been calling her the "Witch."

Something's wrong with me. Something is very, very wrong.

I see that now, but I don't know if there's anything I can do.

You know, I haven't even given much thought to the plight of my teachers and classmates! Only myself. And I used Stephen's inner humanity to free me from her grasp.

I only expressed regret in that post about my torture about what I'd done during the chaos caused by the Choir because I knew objectively it was bad. But I didn't and still don't really feel bad about it.

And I lied about why I flunked out of so many schools. It was mostly because I was bored.

I'm a terrible, terrible person.

What do I do!?

Maybe I am insane.

I've decided to say what the object is. I'm hiding the text, though, so she doesn't see easily.


I'm telling you readers because I feel it is important. Maybe someone can give me more information.


It is a glowing false eye. I don't have any idea what it's for or why my father would possess it, but I felt that it had some strong connection to control. That's why I thought she would like it.

The Plan

I don't remember seeing Stephen all day. It was kind of a blur with all that fighting and there were so many people there.

But now he's done it.

He did what I asked.

Yesterday when I asked him for help, his inner humanity kicked in and he agreed (though it was no doubt partly on account of the danger to his own life).

After I told him my idea, I told him to keep beating me up so she wouldn't suspect.


This evening he came over, ostensibly to apologize. We had to wait awhile, though, the Witch wasn't there.

When she did show up, he said sorry and I said I accepted.

Then Stephen took out his hunting knife (he goes after deer with his dad) and began to try to cut through the strings. I got the idea from that blog proxiehunter told me about. I knew it had ended in death for the previous Percy, but Janice had gotten away intact, so I thought there might be a possibilty, however small.

The Witch laughed.

"That won't help you. That reminds me of when I got the last Janice. Unlike Jodie Silver, I actually acquired a girl named Janice. Anyway--get this--her teacher actually came to try and save her!" She cackled some more. "He, of course, was killed along the way. And, as I said before, poor Janice was worked to death. Unfortunately the cameras weren't rolling at the time. What an episode that would have been! Anyway, the teacher actually tried to cut Percy free!"

She cackled. I felt sick.

Stephen continued to cut through the invisible strings. Though he couldn't see them, he could feel them. As he did so, he said, "I'm sorry for pushing you around. You know, the new kid and all." I've flunked out of several schools previously because of not being able to deal with Nick's death. My parents couldn't afford a counselor.

I felt my arms drop to my sides. I couldn't use them. They seemed dead.

Soon my neck drooped likewise, then I was on my knees. I fell onto my face, unable to pick myself up.

"I had such plans for you, boy. Pity." She pulled some of the strings from her clothing and strangled him with them.

I hate her.

Fortunately, a little while ago she left and I regained feeling in my limbs.

Today was a bad day

All day today I was tortured.

I guess I now know where those screams were coming from. I wasn't the only one in that room in the tower today.

Yes, I said tower. THere was a single window to the outside. I saw a loooooong way down. I think there were some decomposing bodies hanging on the outer walls. And there were sort of patchwork birds flying around, kind of like vultures. That description sounds almost like something out of an Oz book, but believe me, if you saw these you would feel nothing but terror.

My--our--torture was part of the training for the soldiers. I'm guessing the others there were previous disobedient "children". Actually, some of them were children.

A few didn't make it to the end of the day.

I'm lucky I survived myself.

The day started out reasonably enough (given the situation), with my whole school (students AND faculty) coming in for training. Mostly against their will. They beat me and the other prisoners to a bloody pulp. For round two, the Witch lent us some strength. Still didn't help much, since she favored the others over me now.

Many of the younger children screamed and cried uncontrollably.

It only made me angrier.

But things started getting insane when us victims stopped being injured by our unwilling oppressors and we started threatening each other.

I'd rather not talk about some of the things said and done during this time, but I had to fight back. It was the only way to stay alive. I did it out of instinct (and maybe her control). I shouldn't have. I shouldn't have.

Oh God what have I done!

It all became chaos and when all the yelling and insults and attempted beatings and successful attacks were over, the place was stained red.

Well, more red than it already was.

We weren't the only ones crying. The teachers and students and others were crying too. They didn't want to be there.

Some of them seemed to start hallucinating and tried to escape. The Witch strung them up to the inner walls. I guess she has no tolerance for even the slightest hesitation now.

The remainder of the soldiers also attacked each other and trash talked. It was a very strange thing to see. She said all of this was for gauging how well they could do in various combative situations.

I did notice that gross gray stuff amongst the mold.

Eventually the Skin-Taker and Horace Horrible came in, stabbing random people, to, as she put it, "test their threshold of pain" so she could know how much extra control to exert on the cowards.

I couldn't bear to watch. It was horrible.

I hate the Witch.

I am now all bruised and bloody with cuts all over. But I fared better than some. My whole right side aches. I think a rib or two could be broken. I don't think she'll let me see a doctor.

"well," she said to those of us who survived being punching bags, "looks like I might just give you another chance."

She smiled and her beauty almost returned to her face for a second. But not quite.

I think she was creating a sort of special team (or, like she says, army) for "the End" and seeing how we would work together and stuff. But it can only be for some evil purpose.

I'm home now, resting. I won't be surprised if I die of internal bleeding or something. I feel horribel.

A Replacement

I guess I should tell you what happened. Even if the only ones who read this are one of the Witch's servants and another horrid body snatcher.

Anyone else who might be reading this who can help?

Yesterday and today I went to school again, like before. Again no one could do anything about it. This time, however, they saw her.

I was getting lunch in the cafeteria, the lunch ladies' arms jerking about like the marionettes that they were, and their eyes widened. The whole room went quiet. She stood there, in the middle, where everyone could see.

But she was no longer beautiful. No, she was a hag. A hideous, shriveled corpse of rotting wood. Her stringy hair and cracked glass eyes made it all the worse to look upon her.

"I will make puppets of you all," she declared. "You will join my army."

I stepped forward. "Stop it."

She smirked. "And how will you stop me, little pissant?"

I was angry. "You've done nothing but lie to me, manipulate me, use me! You've ruined my life! I want answers! NOW!!!"

"All in good time."
"Why me?"

"I said, 'All in good time,' you insolent little wretch!"

"NO!"

I felt myself pulled into the air and thrown backward into a wall.

"You will keep your mouth shut or die!"

I could no longer open my mouth.

"Well, looks like your opportunity has shut and locked the door behind you. You see, Evan here was to be one of the generals, presiding over you. I find that a little leeway free-will-wise allows them to think of things I might not. Unfortunately for him, he broke our agreement. He will be severely punished. Now for a test: which of you will make a good replacement? Evan will be your target practice. I will lend you strength and agility, but you will decide the actions."

Everyone was unceremoniously pulled from their seats to a standing position. They were made to march into neat rows. She instructed each of them to go against me one at a time.

I couldn't do anything on my own. I was at the mercy of the Witch and her skills. I believe she intenionally left me vulnerable several times, as payback.

A few try-outs in, it was Stephen's turn. He looked all too happy to have the chance to pummel me in response to what I'd done to him and his friends.

He punched me in the gut a few times, he missed a few times as I was made to dance out of range.

I looked up at him, tears and desperation in my eyes. "Please. Help me."

He hesitated and drew back a moment.

"Please," I continued, "I'm sorry for what I've done. I've made a mess of things.I just wanted to be able to fight back against all my problems. I only created more."

A moment later, he was back to beating me up again. My lip was bleeding, I had bruises all over, and I felt like throwing up after he was done.

"Well. I think I've found my replacement."

I was hoping she would leave me alone with my injuries and pain once we got home, but she refuses to let go. I think she's going to make me her soldier whether I like it or not.

I guess I'm getting what I deserve.

Today I made my last stand against the Witch.

I gave her my ultimatum: no more. No more of this madness, no more of this killing, no more of ruining my life!!!!

Although I guess it's too late for that last one.

It's too late for anything now.

Today I made my last stand against the Witch.

Today the Witch won.

I Meet Candle Cove

I had to move the object. I think she was beginning to suspect its location.

I wish it was as easy to hide as it would be in that weird city.

Speaking of which, we went back this evening. I went willingly, figuring I didn't have much choice. This time, though, we didn't get on that weird elevator and go to that creepy dirty place where people were imprisoned.

"Sometimes," she said, "I utilize the City's unique properties as a shortcut."

Eventually we came to a door in the road and went through.

We found ourselves in an strange, dimly lit room with walls made of stone. It seemed mold grew in some patches.

The room was largely empty, save for a really strange eyeball-looking camera and some other unsettlingly organic-looking equipment.

"Hmm. They've not arrived yet. We should only have to wait a few minutes, though. They understand the consequences. Far worse than the Dying Man could ever dish out."

Those few moments were unbearable. There was nothing to do and the overwhelming silence was at times punctuated by intermittent screaming coming from somewhere above.

Then several instantly recognizable figures entered: Pirate Percy (with his trademark eyepatch), the Laughingstock, Horace Horrible, and of course, the Skin-Taker. His cape was absurdly long.

"Where's Janice?" I asked, realizing this must be where Candle Cove was filmed.

"The last Janice died. Couldn't cope with the extremely difficult working conditions, apparently."

I didn't say anything else.

"This is our newest recruit," she said, introducing me. "His name is Evan Marsden. Soon, so very soon, you will be showing him the ropes. The upcoming Candle Cove hiatus is for this purpose, the training of new recruits. We will succeed; there is no other option."

I had no idea what she was talking about.

"Does the new blood bruise easy?" asked Horace.

"Oh, no. He's quite my tough little man."

We made introductions (I hope the Skin-Taker noticed my glare). Percy whispered something to me before she and I went back to the house. Something frightening:

"I'm so sorry. I can't help you this time. You have to do this. It's the only way. Or we all perish."

The Return

Today I went back to school and apologized. I think the principal wanted to kick me off the premises, but every time he tried to say something, his mouth wouldn't open and he couldn't move.

I went to classes as I usually would. My teachers were unable to do anything about it. If they tried, their arms and legs went limp and their wide eyes looked ready to release a torrent of tears.

I only went along with it because I wanted things to be like they were before she came. Kinda futile, I guess.

None of the bigger boys or bullies bothered me today. I think they're afraid of me now. But no one else came near or spoke to me either. They're all afraid.

I thought I could make something of myself, be some kind of hero. But I've become the bad guy.

In the middle of P.E. I couldn't take it anymore and I ran out of the school and hid in the nearby trees, crying for awhile. On one of the trees was carved that weird symbol that was an O and X together.

Finally the "Queen" came and picked me up. She got out of the vehicle and helped me put my heavy backpack in the trunk (like I need to worry about homework anymore). Before we climbed in, she embraced me and told me she loves me and only wants the best for me.

All the way home she wouldn't shut up about how she just wanted me to reach my true potential.

"It's why I chose you a year and a half ago," she said. "I saw you would be the perfect son."

Once we got home, she told me again that she was proud of me.

She seems to be trying to coax me back into that cooperative state. I think she genuinely likes something about me. I don't think she wants to force me to be under her sway, but will if she has no other choice.

I am confused.

I Hate My Life!! >:O

Some one found the body in the shop, so the police were knocking at my door.

To my surprise, my dad came downstairs and answered. He told them that he hadn't gone to work for a few days because he had the flu. He said he would cooperate to the fullest extent of the law.

The police tried to get him to come down to the station, but he didn't want to. He walked out the door to talk to them in private. I went to the window to watch and try to listen, but by the time I got there, Dad (or whoever/whatever he was) and one of the officers were gone. The other officer simply walked back to his vehicle and drove away.

My dad disappeared and never returned. Did I see a ghost? Was I hallucinating?

It only serves to remind me that she has killed my parents and has turned me into a murderer. I don't care if my victims are the scum of society! This is wrong! I want to stop being under her control, but I fear that it's too late.

Yesterday I also noticed my blog's address is not what I originally intended it to be. It was the same as the title of the blog: I Am Not Insane. But now it says "she will make puppets of us all." She's been manipulating me from the beginning, luring me into her trap.

I'm sure now that this is all some long game that began with Nicky's death.

I hate her.

Back to School

No one knows my parents are dead.

No one knows how depressed I am. I think this is all my fault. If I hadn't let my guilt and sadness and frustration and low self-esteem get to me so much...maybe none of this would have happened. Maybe I wouldn't have chosen to work for her.

Today Stephen seemed to steer clear of me, like he was afraid to get too close. Good. Maybe this wasn't all bad. But I don't think I want to work for her anymore.

Stephen may have been timid, but at lunch he got several of his buddies to come after me. I know I shouldn't have let her have control again, but I had no choice. I had to defend myself.

This was the last time. I swear.

This group of bullies came after me and harassed me while I sat trying to eat. I told them to leave me alone, but they wouldn't. None of the teachers were paying any attention.

They pulled me out of my seat, dragging me to the floor. I found myself floating inches off the floor, my limbs hanging limply. Then my whole body swung toward them.

Three of them were knocked to the floor. I spun around and my arms stretched out, socking the other two in the face. I descended.

My feet firmly on the floor again, I ran out of the cafeteria, with everyone else staring at me in surprise.

I've been expelled. Ironically enough, for bullying.

The Queen picked me up, driving my mother's vehicle. No one knew the difference.

We're home again. I think she knows that I am beginning to resist. Whenever she speaks to me now, it's in a flat, curt tone, rather than a sweet, motherly one.

A little while ago I felt the pull on the strings tighten a little. She's definitely mad at me. I don't know what she'll do if I tell her I want out of this mess. I don't think she'll let me go.

Mother's Day

I went back to Dad's doll repair shop today. It stunk badly. The man's corpse looked like a dog had gotten to it or something.

I went behind the counter and opened a secret compartment underneath the cash register. I saw Dad open it once; he never found out I knew. Now he'll never know.

I never did know what he was hiding in there. I was thinking this morning about what the man was doing. If he worked for the Queen, why would he be stealing money? She doesn't need money. So I figured he was looking for whatever was important enough to make a secret compartment and never tell anyone.

Anyway, I found the object. I thought it would be a great gift to give the Queen for Mother's Day, since she's the closest thing I have.

That is, until I got home and saw her talking to Pirate Percy and the Skin-Taker in more or less a friendly tone. They departed and I quietly sneaked to my bedroom. I hid the object and never gave it to her. I'm not even saying what it is in case she decides to read this.

I'm beginning to doubt her. She has made me commit murder. I justified that by telling myself he was a petty criminal. But now it turns out she likely lied about her relationship to the Skin-Taker and my parents' deaths!!!

I learn how to use my new abilities

"I've got a little job for you," the Queen said.

"What is it?"

"Kill the man I tell you to."

"Can't you just make me do it like you have before?"

"You're my little man now. I want to teach you a bit of independence, to see how willing and loyal you really are."

That was an hour ago. I'm now standing outside my dad's doll-repair business. I'm waiting for a criminal. She told me a burglar was coming here.

For some reason there's a big circle with an X in the middle graffitid (is that even a word?) on the wall.

I'm writing this on my phone. I've got to stop now. I hear someone.

Okay, so I did it. I've killed him. I don't feel so good.

I think she was here with me. She gave me my strength.

So here's what happened: I quietly followed the guy (I had been hiding around the corner) and saw him break a window to get in. Dad hadn't had the money yet to afford a security system.

I watched as he rummaged behind the counter, presumably looking for the money.

He looked up at me as I came forward, and he pulled out a gun. "And who do you think you are, kid?"

"I can't let you steal that money."

"Really? Try to stop me then."

He fired a couple of shots at me, and I dodged them with ease (to him, it no doubt looked like I was being pulled around). Then, approaching his wide-gaping face, I pulled the gun from his hand and punched him in the gut. I grabbed his arm and threw him across the store, a few shelves' worth of dolls falling over on him.

"You...you...She's got you, doesn't she?"

"I am her willing servant," I said.

"You'll learn to hate it," he told me. "I should've known this would happen, that traitorous--"

I couldn't take his disrespect of my Queen any longer. I grabbed his head by the hair and pounded it against the wall until blood poured out all over. He groaned and tried to scream, but I picked him up and tossed him back across the store, ending with my shoe smashing his face. He took no more breaths.

I'm home again. The Queen told me she lent me some agility and strength, even though the actions were my own.

I asked her why he knew her. She said, "Oh, he was a servant once. Until recently. He became uncooperative." Smiling, she looked me in the eyes and said, "But you did good, honey. I am proud of you."

I didn't feel so good after taking a life like that, but I'm feeling better about it now. Just think--with these abilities she's granted me, I can clear all sorts of criminals off the street! The world could be a better place. Maybe that's why she told me I'd be helping the world. If that guy used to be like me, though, there could be more of us. She could have a whole army of us. Bad guys don't stand a chance.

The Queen Arrives

All day yesterday I was depressed and didn't feel like doing anything. I wanted to die. I thought I could never feel normal again, that the memory was too much to take.

Then she showed up again today. She looked oddly a bit older. She comforted me and told me everything was all right; she would take care of me.

She started by making breakfast for me.

There is something regal about her. I think I'll call her the Queen. :)

Anyway, she's made me feel a lot better and I'm glad I have someone who cares about me in the wake of the loss of my parents.

She's been good to me all day, like a surrogate mother. She assured me that the Skin-Taker was not her associate and that her associate would be punished for not protecting Mom and Dad.

I still feel bad about putting them in the basement in the first place. I know that she was exercising hr new power over me, and that my parents wouldn't understand, but still. It seems like my fault.

She says she's going to have me kill someone tomorrow.

Not Sure What I Should Do

I still feel terrible about what happened this morning. My faith in the Lady is shaken.

I suppose it's too late to back out now, she already has me in her grasp. Then again, even if I'd refused the offer she may have taken control anyway.

My thoughts and emotions are speeding all over the place. I feel like I should cry and feel despair, but it's like something is keeping me from it.

I've thought about recent days. Was the Skin-Taker perhaps the associate she was referring to? I really didn't think about how my decision might effect those around me. But I couldn't have possibly known the characters from Candle Cove were real! It's not my fault!

Then again, what happened to Nicky...I really should've known.

An Interesting Escapade

Today my Lady took me to some weird city. After, of course, she made my mother call the school to tell them I was so sick I'd miss the rest of the week. To enter the city, all we had to do was walk through a door that appeared out of thin air.

As we walked along, I noticed that the place was constantly shifting around us.

We finally entered an old dilapidated building that had pieces of wall lying around everywhere and got onto an elevator.

It went up for a while, then rocketed downward. I would have been afraid, if my Lady weren't in control. When the elevator reached its destination it stopped abruptly, and would have tossed me to the floor were it not for the strings.

We got off and found ourselves in a strange underground place that reminded me of supervillain lairs from comic books. The place was huge, with all sorts of scientific equipment, containers filled with chemicals (mostly just some weird gray stuff--yech) and two cells.

For a second I thought I saw an eyeball on one wall, but when I looked back, it was gone.

The cells were both clear glass rectangular things and had people inside. One had a guy alone with a huge table piled high with food (it looked like it was getting old, though) yet he was starving. I saw him sittng against a wall, his stomach bloated. There was a lot of the gray stuff all over the cell with him.

The other cell housed two people, an older man and a younger woman, who occasionally got up and pounded on the unbreakable glass wall where the two cells met, yelling at him to eat the food before it's too late. He ignored them.

"What is going on here?" I asked.

"We are preparing for the End,"she said, beaming. "This is a method of forcefully recruiting servants for my colleague, known colloquially as 'the Choir' to you humans. To sow more chaos in preparation of His coming."


I, of course, had no idea what she was talking about. "So you keep these people captive? Why's that starving guy not eating any of that food?"

"It is a result of the Choir's abilities. I believe you may have seen a glimpse of It in your house yesterday, on your television."

"So you're going to make me do things that will cause chaos? What's the End?"

"All in good time, Evan, dear."

We moved closer to the cell that housed the man and I saw that he was turning gray, kinda like the stuff around him.

"I've been called here to make him eat; even servants of otherworldly monstrosities need to keep their strength up."

As I watched, the man, eyes wide, stood and walked toward the table. I knew she had him. She forced him to scarf down lots of food, and he looked very perplexed. He was soon a mess, covered in gross stuff.

He relaxed suddenly, no longer under her sway. We were headed back toward the elevator when I heard the sound of a plate being smashed. I looked back and saw the man holding one of the shards, slowly bringing it toward his throat. His arm was trembling, like he was trying to hold back, but the sharp edge inched closer, and closer still. I closed my eyes and heard the sound of flesh being ripped open.

"He must not have been able to take it anymore," the Lady remarked.

We got back onto the elevator and I was soon home again.

She left a short time ago, telling me that I had been allowed to see all this so that I can eventually serve my purpose.



Oh God. I just went into the basement to check on my parents and found both of them alone. No "associate". No one else but them and me. They were dead. Skinned alive like Nicky was. I have to go throw up again.

I am her servant

All day I was bored at school, waiting for the Lady to return. It was such a long day!!!



Finally at home this afternoon she arrived. My mom wasn't home, since she comes home later than me. I always use my key to get in.



The Lady appeared in my living room. She was gazing at me with her beautiful glassy eyes. She wore a long black dress that emphasized her curves. Behind her I could've sworn the TV flickered on for a minute, with the host and guests on some talk show staring straight at me, smiling.



I forgot about it when the next thing happened: I couldn't see them, but I could sense something coming out of her hands--invisible strings.



I know I mentioned something like that before, but I was sort of guessing. I knew she was controlling me, so I imagined it as kind of like a puppet. I was more right than I realized.



I felt the strings pierce my skin all over, especially my arms and legs. She had me in her grasp. It hurt very badly, but only for a second.



I guess brief intense pain is better than having all your skin pulled off and you dying because of it.



She walked me around the room awhile, showing me what I could now do under her control. I tossed some porcelain cats from the bookshelf into the air and was fast enough to catch them before they broke. I was able to punch straight through a wall.



I felt the strings slide out and she grinned at me. "You've seen what I can do for you. So, what's your decision?"



I scarcely hesitated. "I accept. I am willing to be under your control."

The sting returned as she resumed control.



That's when Mom walked in.



"Who are you!?" she demanded.



"I will be replacing you," the Lady said, "soon enough."



"What are you talking about? Get out of my house! What are you doing with my son!?"



I felt myself walking over to my mother.



"What are you doing, Evan?"



I picked her up and threw her across the living room. As I walked toward my mom, the Lady used her strings to open the door leading to the basement. Then I picked Mom up again and threw her down the steps, the Lady closing the door behind her.



I faced her again. I noticed her dress was made of strings, many strings tightly woven together.



"Now," she said, "We will await your father."

He finally arrived a few minutes ago. BEfore he could say aything about this mysterious intruder, she was controlling him. He'd been given no choice, unlike me.

"I can tell you want to struggle," she taunted him. "I'm sorry, no one can break free of my control."

"Evan!" he cried. "Evan, can you get away? Get out of here if you can!"

I smiled back at him and his eyes went wide with terror.

"I'll tell you what," the Lady continued, "I'll have you and Evan fight each other."

And so we did. Me being her willing servant, however, I was of course the winner. She forced his bruised and bleeding almost-corpse to walk down the steps into the basement.

When the door was closed again, the Lady turned to me. "My associate will be taking care of them shortly."

She disappeared.

I am getting a little scared now. I hope she's not going to hurt or kill my parents. I love them.

I hear noises downstairs in the basement. Muffled voices. Screams.

Did I just hear...

The Skin-Taker? I could swear I just heard the Skin-Taker down there with my parents, saying "I'm going to grind your skin."

I hope the Lady's associate gets here soon to help them. The Lady and the Skin-Taker are both sort of like puppets, so maybe they're enemies? That guy going by the name Pirate Percy did suggest a connection.

Oh, yeah. One more thing: before  my mom walked in, the Lady told me that with these new abilities I would be furthering her cause and "helping the world."

I just realized something: if the Skin-Taker is real, then...could that be the "real" Pirate Percy in the comments? I'm so confused right now.

WEird stuff happening.

My dad is home from work. He has his own small business, repairing people's dolls. It's part of the reason we came to Texas: something about taxes. I didn't completely understand.

He said someone with a big scar on his neck came in today, asking if he'd seen any puppets lately. Dad of course said no. He specializes in dolls. After some more prying questions the guy just left.

Anyway, I think I'm gonna say yes to the Lady. She seems nice. She might be planning on making me do bad things I don't wanna do, but it's better than being skinned alive. Is being under her control what a "Willing Doll" is, proxiehunter or whoever you are?

I feel I have to do it. I can finally be strong. I can finally do great things. And I can hurt whoever I want to cope with my recurring grief. I say it's definitely worth it.

The Lady Returns

I saw her again at school. This time in the restroom.

Don't worry, nothing creepy or weird happened. We just talked.

She smiled at me and said that she could protect me from the Skin Taker. That she would keep me from suffering the same fate as my brother. I know Candle Cove's just supposed to be this show, but I believed her.

I'm so confused and scared. Should I trust her? Should I give in and let her control me?

If it means protection and strength and being able to work through my grief, it will be worth it, right?

But if she's controlling me against my will, who knows what she may force me to do? What if she's responsible for Nick's death?

Wait. Controlling me against my will and Nick's death. Was she the one...?

I just don't know.

She says I have until tomorrow to decide.

Scared

I can't go back to sleep, because of a dream I had. At least, I think it was a dream.

I hope to God it was a dream!

In the dream, or in reality, or whatever, I woke up to a tapping noise at my window. I sat up, looked over and saw the Skin Taker looking in at me, silently grinding his teeth.

I turned the lamp on, and he was gone.

The main reason it so terrifies me? I saw Nicky's eyeless face sown into the fabric of his hat.

The Weekend

It has been a quiet weekend, with me getting done with most of my homework... (I'm a lazy middle schooler, what do you expect?)

It's been weird, I've sort of been craving that feeling of power she gave me on Friday. I know it's wrong, harming other people, being selfish and all that, but it's really helping me cope with the loss of my brother.

To take the pain and rage out on other people... It's amazing.

The fact that I'm thinking this way terrifies me. I'm too afraid to tell my parents.

First Things First

Let me start by saying this: I am not insane.

I swear to you I'm not insane.

But she's after me. This creepy woman.

I am 13 years old.

That sounds worse than it actually is. Or maybe it's worse than it sounds?

You see, she's made of wood and she can control people. With invisible strings.

I didn't know about her at first. Until recently. Well, this morning to be exact. Dad and Mom were yelling again (they've done that a lot since the accident) and out of nowhere I stood up from my cereal bowl and punched my dad in the face.

I swear I didn't do it. It surprised me and freaked me out as much as it did my dad.

But, I...kind of liked it. It was fascinating and exhilirating and cathartic all at the same time. I, of course, apologized, but I was sent to school with the stipulation that videogames were off limits when I got home.

Like I play those much anymore. Reminds me too much of Nicky.

At school I was confronted by Stephen, who likes to pick on me. I tried to ignore it, as usual. He just shoves me through the halls anyway. That's all he'd done to me this year, as well as call me stupid names.

But as I rounded the corner, I saw her at the other end of the hallway, smiling at me, sympathetically. Before I reached the door to my math class, Stephen shoved me to the ground, my backpack and books scattering everywhere. She took a step toward me. I don't think anyone else noticed her. Even though she looked wooden, I thought she was beautiful. She was still smiling.

I was angry at Stephen; I wanted to punch him in the mouth.

And it happened. Again, out of my control.

I liked it. I liked it a lot.

Then I seemed to have super strength as I grabbed him by the collar and tossed him across the hall. His body dented some lockers.

After he ran away and the kids who had been watching and laughing at the excitement went to class (fortunately no teachers saw; I hope it's not on the security camera), I was alone with the woman. She told me that if I let her control me, I'd be able to do amazing things like this and more.

I hesitated and told her I'd think about it. I stooped to pick up my things. After I looked up, she had disappeared.

Of course I haven't told my parents, but I felt I had to tell somebody, even if they don't believe me.