Art is mine :) You can view more on my Tumblr. My account is graphic-hawk

It had been nearly a week since the Actor had been living with the rest of the Iplier Egos. Those who didn't know the Actor from before, felt that he was indeed narcissistic and egotistical but very suave and somewhat charming. Yet he had kept to his word and no harm had been dealt yet.

Wilford gave him a job as the Jims' assistant. He wasn't happy about it but let his anger burn on the inside. There were a few times already that Dark had nearly caught Actor lose control of his anger. He couldn't count the times he wished he had. 

He had caught Actor trying to manipulate King to try and give the squirrels chocolate instead of peanut butter but Dark had caught it in time so he didn't accidentally poison the animals he loved so much. Although Dark knew he was at fault, he couldn't proclaim that Actor did it on purpose or knew of the consequences. He was sly that way.

And just yesterday he caught the Jims trying to stalk Amy because they said Actor said it would make for a good story if they proved she might be cheating on Mark. Of course she wasn't but the Jims were just so oblivious and gullible, they took Actor's words to action. Dark couldn't account Actor for that because technically the Jims were the ones at fault.

It was a series of things one after another that Dark was getting irritated about and there was nothing he could do about it! 

'Dammit, why can't he just slip up already so I can strangle him again?' he thought.

Dark massaged his temples as he went through Wilford's paperwork of 'unfortunate accidents'. Thankfully there were some egos that wouldn't fall prey to Actor's games like Wilford, Google, Yandere and Dr. Iplier. They were either too smart to fall for it or too caught up in their own misdeeds to take Actor's 'advice' on anything.

Unfortunately for Dark, Thanksgiving was coming up around the corner there in America and Mark had suggested that they all celebrate it together like one big happy family. Dark expressed his concerns to Mark about celebrating with the Actor but his worries were shrugged off.

"It'll be fine, Dark." Mark had told him, "You'll be there with us as will I. We can handle it if he tries anything."

He rolled his eyes at the memory. 'Mark' he thought, 'Forever the naive one looking for the good in everybody.'

Deciding to take a small break, Dark took off his glasses and stretched his arms out a bit. When he opened his eyes, he flinched back a little seeing Actor in his room with a smug smirk on his face as usual, "Dark" he chuckled, "Have I interrupted a little catnap?"

Dark snarled at him, "I wasn't napping. What do you want that you had to barge into my room without asking?"

Actor looked around with his arms crossed as if judging Dark's living environment, "I heard Mark is having everyone over for Thanksgiving next Thursday. Since you're obviously the head-honcho of this house, I thought it best to ask you what you think I would need to bring."

Dark huffed, "I'd rather you save your money. The sooner you get all you need, the better. What is it that you needed to raise for yourself again? A hundred thousand dollars?"

Actor hummed, "Yes but surely I can be polite and get napkins at least?"

Dark held his glare steady, "Dr. Iplier is providing napkins and paper plates. Eric is making deviled eggs. Mark and Amy are providing a ham. Google, Bing are dealing with the music and lights for at night. Bim and Tyler are setting up entertainment and games. Ethan, his girlfriend and Kathryn are bringing a vegetable tray, cheese, and appetizers. And Yandere and King are providing the sweets. Wilford and the Jims are bringing SOME alcohol. And Host and I are bringing the trash bags and helping cleaning up when the fiasco is over. You don't need to do a damn thing and we don't need anything from you."

Actor had a sneer on his face, "I'm impressed. You really are quite the organizer, Dark. Just like Damien was."

"I am nothing like him" Dark's aura pulsed a little but he tried to keep it in check. He couldn't let Actor know he got to him.

"And what's wrong with being similar to Damien? He was a great man. Kind, smart, trusting. There's a reason people trusted him to be mayor. But then again I guess you were created to be the opposite of him, weren't you?" with that, before Dark could say anything, Actor started to walk out. Dark soothed down his aura, shivering in anger but Actor turned back again.

"Oh but you didn't take that too harshly, did you? I meant no disrespect" he closed the door behind him with a smug grin.

Dark broke a pencil in his hand and his eyes flashed red, 'Damn bastard'.

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It was Thanksgiving day and Mark decided he was going to host everyone at his place. Dark tried to make him reconsider but his creator did make a good argument about them not being able to get out much. They held a 'spell' around them so if they were to get stopped by someone, they wouldn't recognize them as Markiplier or an ego. It was handy but Dark always cautious. Best to be safe than sorry.

Fortunately, the Actor didn't bring anything and decided he would just lounge in Mark's living room on his couch and watch TV. Meanwhile, everyone else was set to work on prepping for the big meal and games. 

Everything was going smoothly until Dark let his eyes wander away from Actor, making sure everyone else was doing fine and helping them if they needed it.

This is where Actor started his mischief. While Dark was outside with Bim, Google, Bing and Tyler helping them set up a small volleyball court, Actor snuck over to the fridge and grinned as he started his master plan.

Dark drove the second pole for the volleyball net into the ground with a snarl almost further down than it needed to be. Tyler gulped, "Y-you okay there buddy?" 

Dark shrugged, "I'll be fine."

"Actor getting on your nerves?" Tyler may be the strong goof of the group but he was really smart and intuitive as well.

"Driving me over the edge with every word he says. I swear he's just trying to get me to snap on him"

"Maybe he is?" Tyler pat his shoulder, "Don't let him get to you, man. I may not know that much about him but Mark has said he's cunning and willing to do anything to get what HE wants. And right now he wants all eyes on him with everyone pitying him." he laughed, "Look, what I'm trying to say is that he's like a child. Treat him like one. You can handle Yandere, right?"

"Yandere is a blessing compared to him. At least they know how to show respect and actually feel pity and guilt." Dark rolled his eyes, "But I do understand what you're saying, Scheid. I'll try and think more calmly"

Back in the house, Eric was making his deviled eggs. Everyone seemed to love them the last time he made them on Easter and since Amy asked for them, he couldn't say no. He was mushing the egg yolks in a plastic bag when Actor came over. Eric tensed at his presence but tried to be polite. He could never be rude to anyone.

"H-hello Actor. How are you doing?"

Actor gave a smile, it actually seemed genuine, "Hello Eric! I'm doing well, thank you for asking"

Eric seemed a bit more at ease at his nice demeanor although still a bit shaky, "Ca-can I help you with anything?"

Actor hummed, "Oh not at all! You see, I was wondering if you needed some help. Dark and Mark didn't have anything for me to do so I figured I'd offer some assistance."

"Oh" Eric deflated a bit, "Sorry but it's really not necessary. I'm almost done"

"Ah" Actor nodded, "I see. I guess you did have the easy job, after all. Perhaps I should go see if Dr. Iplier needs help setting up the table or if the boys outside need help setting up the games. That's a lot of work for them, after all"

Eric bit his lip, feeling insecure about his work load, "Oh . . .o-okay."

"Oh don't feel bad, Eric." Actor smiled, "I'm sure Dark gave you this job for good reasons. Someone has to make this appetizer. I mean Ethan, Mika and Kathryn could have since they were bringing appetizers but I'm SURE you do these quite good, right?"

Eric was silent and Actor pat his shoulder, "Poor baby chicks though. Sad they had to be  boiled before they were even born only to be eaten as delicious snacks for us" with that, Actor walked away, his work there done with Eric shedding some tears.

Some time later

Mark was just finishing editing a video in his office and talking with Amy, Kathryn and Ethan about a project coming up. Mika, Ethan's girlfriend, was on the side on her phone when she suddenly smelt something strange, "Uh guys?"

They all turned to her, "Do you smell that?"

Mark sniffed the air only to suddenly panic, "The ham!" he ran downstairs with the others close behind. As he got to the kitchen, Wilford and the Jims were on their tails to see what all the fuss was about. They were hoping for a good story this Thanksgiving and they were about to get it.

Mark opened the oven only for black smoke to blow out, "Fuck!" he got his potholders and pulled out the ham, "Everyone open doors and turn on the fans! Shut up you stupid smoke alarm!"

Luckily the dogs were outside but started to whine as the house started to get rowdy. Dark knew something was wrong immediately and told King and Yandere to stay outside as he rushed in, keeping the dogs out as well with the door open but leaving the screen door closed. He saw the smoke and thought the worst but instead came in the kitchen to see Mark seething in front of a black and charred ham. He turned to Eric, "Did you change the temperature on the ham, Eric?"

Eric looked terrified, "N-no, Mark. I never touched the oven!"

He hummed and was about to accuse one of the Jims when Dark stepped in, "Mark, it's fine. We don't NEED the ham. Whoever did it must have done it by accident. No one would have ruined it on purpose."

Mark nodded, "Right. You're right. Sorry guys. It's fine!" he shook it off, "We're good on the other stuff, aren't we? We still have appetizers and dessert!"

Wilford was looking in the fridge, "Uh. . .you may want to rethink that, buddy."

"What?" Mark walked over to his fridge to find the appetizers and desserts just GONE, "What the? Where did they go? Guys, this isn't funny."

"No one's laughing, Mark" Amy tried consoling him, "It's okay. We could just order out?"

Wilford snorted, "For this big lot? Sweetheart no decent place will cater for this many people at a time as this. Ah and look at that! All the booze is gone, too! What the hell, guys!? Who did it?!" he took out his gun with a pissy look in his eyes but Dark was watching him carefully just so he didn't shoot one of Mark's friends.

"Are we going to starve!?" One of the Jims shouted dramatically and the other Jim gasped.

King and Yandere wandered in along with Google, Bing and Tyler. Yandere heard the jist, "We still have Eric's deviled eggs, right? He was just making those earlier."

Eric looked mortified as everyone stared at him. Actor played innocent, "Yes, Eric, I just saw you making them a little bit ago. You were almost finished with them, you said."

"I . . . I .. ." he started to tear up and Dark's protectiveness took over and strut over to him with a hand on his shoulder, "It's alright. You can tell us. We won't be mad. What happened, Eric?"

Eric wiped a few tears away, "I. . . I felt bad. They. . . they're little babies and they died to be eaten like that. I'm sorry. I buried them in the front yard under the bushes."

Mark face palmed himself and Actor mumbled so everyone could hear him, "The raccoons are gonna be happy tonight"

Dark grimaced at the sound of Actor's voice, "Eric, you loved making them for Easter. You weren't bothered by it before. What changed? You can tell me."

Eric was about to say something, still unsure but merely glanced over at Actor.

Actor tried 'lifting the mood', "How about we all go outside and enjoy the weather and some games? I just ordered food for everyone on this catering app. Should be here in about an hour. All good. See?"

Mark gave a relieved sigh and nodded, "O-okay. Good. That's Great! Thanks Actor! You're a lifesaver!"

Everyone seemed to agree and everyone was happy again but Dark was still holding Eric with him. Eric had the same mistrusting look in his eye as Dark did and that's where he knew something was off. Letting him go, Dark stayed alert, watching Actor like a hawk.

When they got outside, they were about to split into teams for Volleyball and turn on some music only to find the Volleyball had a hole in it and had deflated.

Wilford came up by Dark, "Something fishy's going on here. What say you, old chap?"

Dark growled, "I think we both know who's behind this"

"Ah yes" Wil nodded, "The Jims. I always suspected they were heathens."

He sighed, "Wil, no. I mean Actor"

"Ah. . . yes, I suppose that's the better pick of evil-doers. Probably never tried summoning a demon but whatever"

"Wil" Dark warned, "Look just keep a close eye on him, will you?"

"Yes sir" he saluted and Dark rolled his eyes.

Actor soon suggested everyone just enjoy the pool instead and they all seemed to agree with the idea. Thank goodness the music was still working thanks for Google and Bing.

Dark stood at the edge of the water walking around the pool playing lifeguard as the others were either enjoying themselves in the water or sunbathing.

Suddenly a large splash of water covered him, soaking him completely. In his shock and anger, he cursed, "Fucking hell! God dammit!"

A few of the egos seemed surprised and Mark tried calming him down, "Hey there, Dark. It's okay, buddy. It was an accident. Actor didn't mean it"

'Of fucking course it was him' Dark sent death glares his way through his wet fringe.

"Whatever" he walked back inside to dry off. 

As he got to the bathroom, Dark grabbed a towel only to turn around and see Amy there, "Geez! Amy, you surprised me"

"Sorry, Dark" she giggled, "I thought you might need some help. You'll need a new change of clothes, right? Don't want to get chaffed."

Dark blushed but nodded, "Right. Thank you Amy."

She left to Mark's room and came back with some of his clothes, "I picked out some dark colors that he has for you. Oh wait" she grabbed the towel from him and fluffed his hair dry with it, making him grin a little.

"There we go! Now go ahead and change." before she left the bathroom, he stopped her.

"Thank you Ms. Nelson. You're a good friend."

"No problem" she merely smiled, "And don't let Actor get to you. The day will pass. All will be fine. See you outside" she left.

Closing the door with a sigh, Dark changed his clothes only to see Amy gave him a 'Who Killed Markiplier' shirt. He laughed out loud at Amy's humor and left the room in a better mood.

When he came back outside by Amy, however, his sights set immediately on Actor who was coming over to him, "Well there you are" he spoke loudly, "What were you and Amy doing alone inside? Something naughty?"

Dark was about to punch him when Amy came up and slapped him instead. Actor looked surprised and everyone stopped and stared at the spectacle. Amy crossed her arms, "You may think that's funny but it's not. Be more respectful and keep your crude humor to yourself."

Mark came over to them, "You guys okay over here? Actor I know you're new around here but you can't say things like that. Amy and Dark have become great friends just like he is with everyone now and you'll just have to accept that. I know you're jealous, but-"

Actor had a look of pure outrage in his eyes, "I am NOT jealous! I was your first ego, or have you forgotten?! I know where I stand and who I am! . . . I've known the both of you the longest" he let his sudden rage dissipate, "It's fine! It's fine . . . it was just a joke but I see my humor is not welcome. Oh look! It seems that the food has arrived!"

Everyone let the episode fade as they barged back inside for food. Apparently Actor had ordered enough food for a lion pride and boy, did they eat like one! Everyone seemed to be enjoying it but it left Dark questioning. All this food HAD to have cost a lot of money and he paid for all of it. It was like he was trying to spite Dark.

He made conversation, "Actor" he interrupted a conversation he was having with Mark about his job with Wilford and the Jims. Actor smiled but Dark knew it was fake, "Yes, Dark?"

"If you don't mind me asking. How did you pay for all of this?"

"Oh come now, Dark. Surely a little splurge once in a while won't hurt? I mean it's Thanksgiving after all. Aren't you glad to be eating this meal?"

Dark sensed the Actor's egotistical nature seeping through, "You're supposed to be saving your money. You know, for the sharks. And actually about them" Dark paused, "You never even gave a name of who they were. . .  I've been thinking. Perhaps it would be easier if I had Wilford and Google patch things up for you instead"

Actor looked angry for some reason, "Oh no! No need to get yourselves wrapped up in my mess. I assure you, this is probably the better way to go about things rather than violence, Dark."

Mark stepped in, "I mean, he IS right, Dark. I wouldn't want you guys getting into more trouble."

"I never mentioned violence. Google can transaction money straight to your account now that I think about it"

"They'd want it cash."

"Then we could cash it with Bim's help. Simple." Bim nodded with a grin and a thumbs up.

Actor saw where Dark was going and hummed, "Still illegal, Dark. Rather callous of you actually. I thought you were trying to be the 'good guy'?"

Dark faltered and flinched a tad at that stab but King spoke out, "Dark IS a good guy. You just haven't known him for long"

"Haven't known him" Actor scoffed, "You don't know what you're talking about"

Yandere snarled at him, "No, you don't know! Dark has been there for us since the beginning. Well. . .my beginning, anyways. And even more so NOW than ever"

The others nodded in agreement and Eric gained confidence, "Dark has always been a good guy. You're the one who told me about the baby chickies being boiled and stuff"

Ethan hummed, "Thought something weird was going on there"

Actor huffed, "So? It genuinely bothered me. Thought you knew about life and whatnot. You're not a child!"

Tyler grunted, "Okay can we all calm down?! Listen guys, it's Thanksgiving. We have a good meal in front of us, good friends. That's all that matters. Right? Can we just enjoy it?"

Listening to all the blabber, Wilford sipped his glass of water before speaking, "If Eric's a child then what does that make you?"

Actor sneered at him, "Oh what are you blithering about now?"

"Just saying" Wilford played with his mustache, "Eric takes care of his own wounds or goes to a doctor. You ran home to Raspy Hill like a scared child looking for their mother. Pretty childish if you ask me"

"I was bleeding out and had broken bones!"

Dark carried the conversation, "Yes and they seemed to have healed quite quickly, haven't they?"

"Dark" Mark stopped him, "Enough of this bickering. It's not going to get anyone anywhere. Tyler's right. Just enjoy the rest of the day, okay?"

Dark was going to give up the conversation when Actor spoke, "Accusing me. . .Suggesting illegal maneuvers. My, my. What would Celine think"

Dark suddenly slammed his hands against the table and stood from his chair, staring him down like a fucking wolf, "Don't. . ." his darkness pulsed around him, "Don't you fucking dare invoke her name you bastard"

Actor smirked, "Well. . .looks like I struck a nerve."

"Actor, shut up" Mark told him but he kept baiting Dark.

"Why should I? Celine is my wife. I can talk about her if I please."

"Ex-wife" Dark snarled.

"Still had her. And what's it to you? You're not Damien anymore. She's is of no relation to you! You don't really know a damn thing about her! Hell, you probably even barely remember her at all."

"Actor" Mark tried shoving at him to make him stop but Actor just stood up as well. 

Dark shook in rage, barely aware of anyone else in the room anymore.

"She was Damien's sister. Don't you remember anything in the void? Of how you even came to be? Celine tried her best to save Damien but sadly she was too weak after so long of keeping up the illusion. Poor Damien was so naive and stupid! And then you came to be. You pushed Celine into the deep sleep. I doubt she'll ever wake up at all! You know what? She's probably dead inside of you! You killed her!"

Dark suddenly screamed and blasted him across the room into a wall. He teleported over to him and gripped his throat hard, pushing him up against the wall nearly cracking the plaster.

Actor merely held a grin on his face, "Look at you now." he choked out, "You always act so proper and nice like HE was. But you were right. You're nothing like him. You never will be. You're a Monster"

Dark was about to rip his head off his body when Wilford took his shoulder, "Dark. Calm down now. Take a breathe. This is not how you want things to go, old boy. Remember?"

As if snapping him from his rage-induced trance, Dark looked away from Actor's taunting eyes and stared across the room. Darkness. The whole room was enveloped in Dark's void and red and blue zapped off of him like static. Everyone had an electronic device on for light and Dark took a breathe to reel in the void once more, letting go of Actor's throat, dropping him to the ground. Oddly, the sound of his struggled breathing calmed him knowing he suffered a little. 

However when Dark reopened his eyes into the re-lit room, he was terrified of what he saw. Everyone had a look of fear in their eyes and it wasn't for the Actor.

They were all afraid of Dark.

He ran out of the house and teleported to Raspy Hill in his panic, leaving everyone in shock and silence at what just happened.

.

.

.

.

"Little did everyone know that Host was standing in the corners in the dimly lit shadows. He had witnessed and heard everything, keeping out of sight and mind from everyone, not really fond of social gatherings." the Host narrated to himself in Mark's garage.

"The Host didn't say anything because he knew it would make for a great plot and for the story to go along properly, there needed to be conflict. The Actor's plan had worked."