Who's the real Monster?

~ Ed

Walking down the hall my mind was going a mile a minute.

Things have been going by so fast.

I still can't believe all of us are free now.

That name Hannah mentioned 'Ripley'? I saw the way Z reacted to it. They looked a little worried. I haven't seen them look at way ever since Z was brought here. They took on the Director, Colonel, and Edgar.

Z hated that man more than anything. All of us did and I'm glad that they put that asshole in his place.

After all they've done I'd follow Z into Hell if they asked me to. I know for a fact that they would be right there with me.

When I looked into their eyes I saw this fierce force I'd never seen before. I knew Z was tough. I didn't know by how much until they came back after their visit with Nurse Ratchet. Oh, that's right Z wants all of us from now on to her Emilia. I'm surprised that she isn't in a Solitary cell right now with the other two. Looks like Z is still keeping things close to their chest.

With the thought Gotta hurry and get this list done I ran outside to see Josh coming into the building. Confused I asked as he ran past me "What's going on?" He almost knocked me over.

Josh replied "Following orders."

Even more confused I turned to see Eric and Shelly coming into the building.

"Orders?" I asked.

"Z sent me a thought to get Josh into the surveillance room" Eric replied.

"We were going to ask if you knew why" Shelly said.

Looking in between both of them I replied with a shrug "Beats me. I actually am following Z's orders right now. I need to get a list of demands."

"Demands?" they both asked.

"Z told me to get a list of demands while they talk with Ripley. Who happens to be the boss of both Armstrong and Anderson" I said.

Eric and Shelly took a look at each other before she grabbed the clipboard and pen I was holding to write a few things down. I watched Eric's eyes light up when she was done. It was the first time I saw his face beam in a very long time. Eric was always the brooding type between us. The only person whoever made him happy aside from me and our family occasionally is Shelly. I've never been more happy to be alive then this moment now.

He took the paper off the clipboard to give me before saying "Make sure to get Shelly and my requests done". I was about to ask when I felt a headache hit me out of nowhere. I heard Z's voice urging me to hurry. Looking around to see where they came from all I saw was Eric and Shelly in front of me.

They both looked at me worried. Shelly asked "What did Z tell you?" With the question on my tongue I was about to ask when Eric commented "Is that what I look like when Z sends me thoughts." Shelly cut me off and answered Eric in the same response "Z has sent Eric some thoughts and I've seen the way they affect him. Let's just get the list done. I'm sure Z said to 'move it'."

I nodded my head warily. Eric and Shelly ran out of the building yelling "Everyone come back to the yard."

I called out "Matt get everyone to the yard. We've got big news."

~

Ripley reluctantly nodded her head only once.

"Good. Now I can think of a few things off the top of my head"

Ripley was about to say something as I cut her off "A full livestock, all except for horses and donkeys. Seeds for grains and fruits plus vegetables, clothing, sewing machines, and footwear for all of us here."

She took a moment to think before asking "Is that really everything?"

"Not by a long shot. I've got people making a list right now."

"I don't like my time being wasted" Ripley said with a bite in her tone.

I was about to respond when I heard the faint sound of the door beeping open. With a smirk I responded "Neither do I."

Returning the bite I added "You are the reason why I waisted half my life on the streets. You are the reason why everyone here has suffered horrible unspeakable things that all of us will have to live with. You are lucky that I don't return the favor tenfold." Tilting my head slightly before whispering loud enough for only her to hear me "At least for now."

Hearing Ed outside of the door I got up from the chair. Still facing the screen I walked backward to the entryway. With my hand out stretched Ed was about to speak when I shook my finger. Flexing my fingers they handed me the list.

Walking back to the desk I said playfully to Ripley "I'm going to need a minute. Don't leave that chair." As I turned off the screen and muted the mic I heard her making demanding about the screen being turned back on.

Averting my eyes to Anderson I ordered "Go to the corner and plug your ears."

Watching her do so I told Nightmare Make sure she doesn't move or hear anything. Nightmare replied With pleasure.

Reading the list I said for Ed to hear "Good ones." They peaked into the room. Noticing that the list had livestock along with other self sustaining things I was glad that it was the first demand I made. Ed got closer to say with an outstretched hand that had a folded piece of paper "Eric and Shelly said this was priority."

Taking the paper in hand I unfolded it to see a small list 'engagement and wedding wrings, tuxedos, wedding dress, and a priest'. I raised an eyebrow while saying "Why the extra tux and no bridesmaid dresses?" Ed looked a little confused before reading the list themselves. A sweet smile gracing his lips as they said "Looks like I'm going to be a best man and I'm going to finally have a sister."

Looking up at them I smiled in response "I'm going to make sure they get everything on this list."

Watching a blush fill their cheeks as they nodded their head. Looking into his beautiful brown eyes I told them "Tell Eric and Shelly to get pictures of the rings and clothing for the big day."

Ed wrapped his arm around my waist to pull me into a tight hug. He kissed the top of my head whispering "Thank you".

Feeling a blush of my own creep onto my face I felt the moment being ruined by Nightmare again I don't know any priests that would represent you Spawn. Closing my eyes tightly I sighed.

Ed pulled away to look down at me. Seeing the recognition in their eyes he said "Nightmare bugging you again?" I nodded my head before replying "All the time." Ed leaned down to whisper into my ear "Nightmare be nice."

Nightmare stirred in response. I was thankful not to get a verbal remark or threat.

Taking a moment to send Eric a message Got your list, bring me pictures. Waiting for a few seconds I heard him reply You got it. Meeting Ed's eyes I said "Go help Eric pick out the tuxedos and a make sure he gets a big rock for Shelly."

Ed chuckled slightly "I don't think Eric and Shelly would care about the rock. My brother is very sentimental. Shelly would wear a string ring if it came from Eric."

Knowing that brought a smile to my face. Their love is what romance movies should be made out of.

Ed returned the smile while cupping my face before leaving the room.

Rereading the list I saw that all the demands are within reason. Thinking to myself Time to finish this. Releasing Anderson from the corner I watched her turn around and glare at me. "If you leave this room I'll severe your Achilles tendons" I told her in a leveled tone. Her glare only intensified.

Sitting down in the chair I saw that Ripley had not moved from hers. Turning the mic on I broke radio silence "Ready to make a deal?" The camera was next to be turned on.