It’s the same day but night has overtook the two cities. Outside of Detroit, a pair of white vehicles were approaching the city from the main highway. One looked like a typical white van, the other was a white car along with the three others. The last vehicle looked like something that the Pope would ride in, a long limousine truck hybrid. Inside that strange vehicle that stood out, a man, elegant, hair bleached blonde, and a tuxedo suit hybrid of holiness and virtue. He sat in silence, his outfit had gold prints that reflected off the passing lights of the approaching city. He reached beneath his shirt, pulling out an ancient stone cross necklace, looking at it with his holy eyes of golden hazel.
His phone rang, tucking the necklace away and answered his phone. “Yes? Don’t be so stingy, Mathew, we’ll be there any moment now. Patience.” he said, his voice sounding British but a mixture of modern and that of the dark ages.
He let Mathew talk some more and brought his golden eyes to the building they were calling home. “Tell me Mathew, what is this Jack fellow like? His appearance, the nature of his being, and mental state.”
Mathew explained, but was nervous over the phone. After hearing a brief synopsis of the young man, the holy man grinned. He quietly hung up and nodded to his passenger who sat across him, who wore a hooded robe and had brown hazelish eyes. They looked really suspicious and ominous. Just who are these people Mathew hired coming within city limits? Where did they come from and most of all, just who are they? The group of vehicles continued driving through the highway roads, fastly approaching the city, things were about to get more hectic for everyone, a new foe was upon them.
Mathew and Dr. Cato meanwhile were discussing their plans. Dr. Cato’s just sitting, frustrated as always. Mathew’s biting his nails, nervous of the arrival of the people he hired. A few minutes later, their office door was knocked on. Dr. Cato didn’t remember asking any of his employees for something or expecting any visitors. Actually he never intended to, which made him jump out of seat. Mathew grew a smile on his face, but a nervous one and walked over to the door and opened it. The moment the door opened wide, a huge shine of light burst through, blasting Dr. Cato’s vision, which made him cover his eyes from the intense brightness. As the light died down, a group of men walked in with weird outfits. One guy, a very tall one, wore a hooded robe with gold imprint designs of biblically accurate Angels with Mary and Jesus over the sides. Two men who walked beside him appeared to be priests. They all stopped and stepped aside, letting a guy, the same height as the hooded man wearing a white tuxedo-like suit walk forward with an oddly shaped cross cane.
Upon first glance, he gave Dr.Cato the creeps because of his odd yet calm face. “Who the hell are these people?” Dr. Cato muttered.
The holy man stopped in front of Dr. Cato, towering over him with his tremendous height. He stared deep into his soul with those Godly golden eyes of hazel. Dr. Cato swallowed and the holy man blinked. Matthew also swallowed and watched what his dear friend might say.
Dr. Cato played it cool and cleared his throat. “So? Mathew, I take that this is your friend?”
The holy man grinned. “And you must be Mr. Catholic! Am I correct ol Mathew?” He said as he hovered his cane near his chest. “You also mention he was a new founder of God! Himself, right?”
Mathew came right over and pats Dr. Cato’s back. “That’s-That’s right! He wasn’t a believer before but ever since I showed him the path of Christ, he’s now a full on believer!”
The holy man grabbed his chin and nodded. “That’s splendid indeed. Well now, my new brother! Where are my manners Ahem!” He bows with his cane, “Salutations my new found brother, the name’s William H. Christ the sixth! It’s a pleasure to be of service to you…”
He stands straight again and slams the tip of his cane on the ground. “Now then, what’s this Jack fellow like again? How shall I make him a child of God and cleanse his wretched soul from the devilment that you’ve mentioned my dear friend Mathew.”
Mathew clears his throat. “My friend here and I need your help to get a girl who desperately needs aid. You see, she has some sort of Demon inside of her!”
William gets ecstatic and gasps with excitement. “A demon you say?! Absolutely wonderful! It’s been awhile since I’ve dealt with one I do say.” He chuckles and sighs. “My my my, what type of demon does this child possess inside her poor soul?” He turns to his hooded companion and nods to him.
“It’s an evil demon, a demon among demons! This thing’s already killed thousands of people during a two year span!” Mathew said.
William abruptly turns to Mathew in a creepy manner, which startled the two men. “What was that again, my dear friend?”
“Uhh, like I said she’s killed almost a thousand people in their—sleep.”
William brought up his cane and stared at its pure cold nature and rotated it. “I see, huh.” he narrows his eyes and slowly lowers his cane. “We’re dealing with something far worse than I imagined.”
His hooded companion walked up to the two. “A demonic spirit is dangerous rightfully so, but a thousand people killed in their sleep? That’s something unheard of, what have you gotten us into Mr. Mathew? And why didn’t you tell us sooner?” The hooded man's voice was deep, angry, yet sad.
William walks next to his partner and pats his shoulder. “Relax my dear partner. I do say that this is rather troublesome, But! When it comes to the glory of God, then we shouldn’t worry at all my brothers!”
Dr. Cato bursts in with an angry look set on his face now. “Can you guys just stop already! This isn’t about spirits or whatever! We’re dealing with a sick murderer here, that’s who you should worry about.”
Both William and his partner glared at Dr.Cato, which made him gasp. William slowly approaches Dr. Cato as he dragged his cane on the ground. He stopped and took a long deep breath. Dr. Cato stepped back feeling uncomfortable. William kept staring him down, taking more deep breaths.
William suddenly places his hand on Dr. Cato’s chest. “A murderer you say? That’s more important than the many thousand innocent lives taken by this supposed demon?”
His voice grew heavier, more serious, and that made Dr. Cato feels intimidated. Dr. Cato didn’t want to reply and kept his mouth shut.
“Don’t you worry Catholic, I have a way to deal with someone as sinful as this Jack fellow. Trust us, we’ll deal with him too.”
Dr. Cato ground his teeth, growing tired of this intense atmosphere and intimidation being put on him. “I-I… don’t care how you deal with him!” He grits his teeth and steps away from William. “I’m warning you, he’s a bigger threat than the girl himself.”
William stays quiet for a moment. Everyone waits for what he’ll do next and surprisingly, he begins walking out, his group quickly following behind. Before he could take his leave, he wanted to say one last thing.
William looked over his shoulder and looked serious. “I told you, dear Catholic, you can trust us. There’s absolutely nothing to worry about… my dear brother.” He leaves and the last guy closes the door behind them.
Mathew sighs with disappointment and pats Dr. Cato’s back to relieve him. “You gotta relax my friend, see what you did, you pissed him off.”
Dr. Cato politely slaps Mathews hand off of him. “This isn’t the time to discuss your guys' supernatural hoopla, Mathew. This is about retrieving Angela back and curing her of that… thing!”
“And that’s why he’s going to help us deal with our buddie Jack, along with the rest of his buddies that attacked our new location those years ago.”
Dr. Cato grows tired of all this supernatural mystery men charade and decides to sit down and drink a glass of water to cool off while Mathew steps out into the hall to catch and talk to William again.
Dr. Cato drank calmly but set the cup down aggressively. “Absolutely ridiculous… I can’t believe he hired a bunch of con artists. Notably, that William guy. He looks like a pastor who takes money from the poor and spends it on himself, hmph.”
Mathew managed to catch up to his hired associate right before they were going to enter an elevator. They discussed how they’ll get rid of the girl, but William was more curious about the victims of her doing. Mathew gave him the full details about their deaths from drone footage his men managed to capture throughout the years along with photos of the victims bodies. This disgust William and Mathew saw him clench his cane with anger.
“Uh, are you okay, sir William?” Mathew asked, backing away.
William tucked the photos into his front pocket and pressed the elevator door to open it again. “Yes. No need to worry about my emotions, I’ll see you tomorrow.” He walked into the elevator and his group followed.
***
It’s the next day. The sun's shining, more than yesterday, which was unusual for Michigahn. Chilly winds cooled the sun's rays, making everything around feel like the coolest spring, although it was nearing fall. The highschool that all three girls attended too had just rung its bell, bringing the school day to an end. The entrance doors opened and a wave of young adults and teenagers flowed out into the beautifly day. The girls were amongst the crowd and made a short walk to the edge of the bus lane where parents waited for their creations of life and teens that owned cars went to hop inside their vehicles. They sat down on a bench and waited for Jack to come by to pick them up. Anna had texted him earlier to do so and he replied with a yes. Thirty minutes went by and he hasn’t shown up.
“Where could he be? Darn it Jack.” Anna said.
Sarah’s currently enjoying the breeze, and had her eyes closed. “Ah, I’m feeling darker by the minute, but this, this is a beautiful day I must say.”
Veronica turned to Sarah and poked her cheek. “Weirdo, but you’re so adorable.”
Sarah let Veronica poke her cheek as she embraced the day. “Aren’t you forgetting something, smart one?”
Veronica blinked to think about Sarah’s question. Then, she suddenly remembered, she had to go to her first date. “Damn, I forgot!”
Anna raised her brows. “Woah, you cussed. Holy—”
“Yeah yeah, love you too Anna. But I gotta go wait for Rodney, I’ll see you guys later.”
Sarah collapsed onto Anna’s thighs and raised a single arm to wave to her friend. “Bye bye, text us how you fuck things up, Veronica.” Veronica shook her head but smiled and walked off to where she’ll wait for Rodney.
Veronica watched the last of the students leave the school on foot as she walked off the school's perimeter. While walking, she thought about her feelings now, feeling conflicted on whether she should go on this date or not. Danny suddenly walked past Veronica, not saying a single word to her. She turned around and watched as he walked off, his stomping showed he’s still angry about yesterday. She’s surprised he didn't bother to talk to her as he passed.
“You’re such a fool, Danny.” Veronica muttered.
Rodney finally showed up, tapping her shoulder. She turned round and he stood there with a big smile on his face. “You ready, Veronica?”
Veronica forced a soft grin. “Mm, I am.”
The two walked side by side and were off to enjoy their first date.
***
Two hours have passed, Jack forgot to pick up the girls earlier but texted them why he wasn’t able to, lying to them. He’s currently sitting by Angela’s bedside, keeping watch of his sister while Candy went out to get some deserving air. The young man’s laying back on the chair, looking out to the city view as the sun was beginning to set. The day’s coming to an end.
Jack groaned. “I wonder if they’re around. I could just text them, but I don’t want to be a bother.”
Jack wanted to make up for forgetting to pick them up from school. Instead of calling them or texting, Jack got up and called Candy instead, informing him he’ll be leaving for now to apologise to his friends. Candy didn’t argue and told him to hangout with them as much as he wanted.
Jack hung up and stared at his sleeping sister. “I’ll be back Angela, I gotta go make it up to my friends. I know someday you’ll be able to wake up and hopefully if your brain’s still functioning; talk and see them.” Jack lay his hand on her cheek, rubbing it.
Jack walks off and makes his way out of the room and out of the hospital. He got into Eric’s car that he’s still bowering and drove off. The first place that came to mind for him that he thought they might be was the lavishing town closeby just ten miles away. Traffic was not too bad so it only took him fifteen minutes to arrive at the calm, peaceful, loving town. As he drove around time to potentially spot and surprise them, he unexpectedly spotted Veronica getting inside another car with some guy just down the street.
“Veronica? What’s she doing going sinde some dude's car—wait. Ah, I think I recognise him from yesterday.” Jack wondered why they were hanging out, it made him feel curious.
Could it be that they’re on that ‘date?’ The others laughed at me about? Jack thought.
“Whatever it is, I wanna find out why it’s different than hanging out. I’ll just keep an eye and keep my distance.”
Jack waited and as soon as he drove, he followed them. As he followed them, they parked, got out, went to an eatery, walked to the park to burn the calories they ate, and Jack drove around to make himself less inconspicuous. At first Jack was beginning to question something, but it was about if he was being a stalking creep, eyeing their personal life. The longer this date went on, the more it bored the living hell outta Jack. To his eyes, all he saw was him having the time of his life while Veronica seemed rather bored to death just like how he is currently inside the car. Jack’s parked right now but he couldn’t bear it any more and pulled out a pack of cigarettes to pull a stick out to smoke his boredom away. His face hung as he smoked his cigarette, waiting for their next move.
“This… is a date? It’s just them hanging out?! What’s so different, I’m wasting my fucking time watching these two, Jesus.”
Groaning loudly, he saw them hop back in the car and drove off rather quickly. It made the young man raise an eyebrow and feel curious as to why Rodney drove off like that. Jack shrugged and tossed the cigarette and followed them. After a short drive they finally stopped in front of someone’s front yard, which happened to be Rodney’s front lawn. They stayed inside the car for a couple of minutes, talking to each other from Jack's perspective. Daylight was almost vanquished and night wanted to triumph.
Jack laid back, was parked some distance away, watching what the next move was. “Okay, they’re still just talking… so, what's next?”
Inside his car given by his rich parents, Rodney yawned and stretched, attempting a cliche move to wrap his arm around Veronica’s shoulder. Once she sighed, he eased his arm closer, but she quickly shut him down, gently pushing it away by forcely giggling. Rodney was a known ladies man, but the fact she rejected his move hurt his ego. He didn’t like that, it actually irritated him a bit but he wanted this night to go his way and felt confident it will.
“So, Veronica, what do you want to do now? We ate, hung around, talked, what’s the next move, beautiful?”
Veronica scratched her cheek. “Could you drive me home, hehe…”
“Awe, why now? Didn’t you have fun and still want this date to go on?” Rodney asked, suspiciously.
“No no no! I did I did, it’s just that… well I kinda wanna go home now. School’s tomorrow so it’s best we end it here, you know?”
Rodney eased closer to Veronica’s personal space. “Come one, just a little longer. Maybe like, back inside my house, in my room? Don’t you want to get more comfortable?” A suspicious and creepy smile grew on his face, which made Veronica feel uncomfortable.
Rodney kept his eyes on Veronica’s, trying to hypnotise her with his blue eyes. She looked away and scooted further away.
Rodney chuckled. “I’m not trying to say it, but, have you ever, you know… mhm, yeah.” he said as he raised his eyebrows, bouncing them.
Veronica seemed confused at first and thought about it for a second. She finally recognised what he meant and cringed. “No! I’ve never done anything inappropriate, how dare you. What a rude and perverted question to ask!”
Rodney laughed. “Awe, come on now! Aren’t you curious though? I can… teach you a few things you know?” He was invading her personal space, getting close enough to lay one of his hands on her thigh.
Veronica slapped his hand, and pushed away. “Stop, the hells your—”
Rodney suddenly grabbed her arm, feeling annoyed and his ego shattered. “Look here Veronica! You may be playing hard to get, but I’m one of the hottest fucking guys in our school! We’re doing this, I didn’t just take you on a date without getting something in return, stingy bitch.”
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Veronica looked disgusted and had enough, she slapped him hard enough to let go. She furiously tried opening the door but he quickly locked it.
“Le-Let me out! What’s wrong with you?!”
Rodney massages his cheek and smiles manic like. “I do like things a little rough, this oughta be fun!” He unbuckles his seat belt and attacks Veronica, trying to violate her.
Jack on the other hand seemed bored out of his mind and noticed the car bouncing. “Huh… what could they be doing now?” he wondered.
The bouncing grew more erratic, almost like they were wrestling in the car. Jack leaned in closer to see what was going on. He saw Rodney, and Veronica’s arms trying to push him off, and suddenly grabbed Veronica by her neck.
Jack’s eyes explode, having a flashback of his mother that night she was taken away from him. The scene he was witnessing gave him PTSD and made him react with anger, hopping out of the car, running towards them.
Rodney, who had his hands around her neck, had a huge creepy smile on his face. “Relax… We’re going to have so much fun, Veronica! You don’t have to worry, I won’t hurt you, I promise to be gentle.”
Veronica tried breaking free but he’s too strong. She tried screaming for help, but he quickly covered her mouth and started undressing her shirt at the same time. Veronica’s eyes watered as she kept trying to fight but the strength difference was too significant. As tears began flowing out of her eyes, seeming as if she was about to lose faith, she saw someone behind his window. Her eyes shined with hope, once she realised it was Jack.
Rodney noticed her expression changed and tilted his head. “Are you giving me consent now? Oh yeah!”
Veronica saw Jack extend his arm and shot it towards the window behind Rodney, breaking the glass with his fist. Glass scattered everywhere, Rodney hunched forward and Veronica turned her head to avoid the oncoming glass. Rodney panicked and looked back and was met by Jack’s long arm.
“Gagh!” Jack wrapped his arm around Rodney’s neck and pulled him out of his car through the shattered window. Veronica was catching her breath as Jack slammed Rodney on the ground. Rodney was afraid, he quickly pushed Jack off and tried running but Jack grabbed him again, lifting him up and slamming him ferociously on the cold hard ground.
Veronica caught her breath, coughed a lot, and finally unlocked the doors and hopped out. “Ja-Jack!” she shouted, but saw Jack on top of him, pounding on Rodney’s face.
Jack pounded, and pounded. Rodeny’s face was covered in huge bruises with blood running out his nose and lip. “How dare you hurt my friend, you’ll regret this!” Jack said, but in a vengeful tone, one that sent chills to Veronica.
Jack kept pounding his fist on his face as blood continued flying onto Jack’s face and clothing. He wasn’t stopping, which worried the rich girl.
“Jack! Stop it, please! I think he’s learned his lesson.” Veronica said, looking scared.
Being scared was an understatement, Veronica looked horrified by the site she was witnessing. Her feelings have never felt so conflicted now up until this moment. Was this the same Jack she once knew as a kid? The very same one that always had a smile, was caring, her knight in shining armour, and had the brightest eyes she’s ever seen. Yet ever since yesterday, she didn’t see any of those characteristics like before, questioning if this truly was Jack. The Jack she once knew would never retaliate with such disgusting violence and potentially murder…
Veronica rushed in and tried intervening but was too afraid. “Jack! Enough! Stop it, stop it!” She begged him to stop but he ignored her.
Veronica mustered enough courage to try to reach Jack, but as she was about to stop him herself, he finally stopped. Veronica backed off and hurd Rodney’s gargles, and his soft whimpering that trickled moans of pain. Jack calmly stands up and stares down at a bloodied pulp Rodney. Veronica reached her hand to Jack but saw Jack reach into his coat and pull a gun out, cocking it gently. Veronica gasped loudly, she’s petrified.
Jack slowly pointed the gun at him, with the coldest stare. “This is what happens—when someone hurts a friend of mine…”
Rodney had passed out and was unconscious, unable to respond. Jack gently placed pressure on the trigger, Veronica quickly took action and rushed Jack. As he was finally close to pulling the trigger, she pushed his arm away just in time as he fired the gun last second, causing the bullet to ricochet off the ground next to his ear.
The gunfire echoes throughout this calm suburban neighbourhood. The two stood still, and Jack snapped out of his rage. He placed his hand on his forehead and breathed deeply. The gun going off made people walk out of their homes to see where the sound was coming from. Jack with the gun still in his hand, smoke coming out of the barrel seemed confused but rather shocked. Veronica was trembling so horribly she couldn’t bear but stay near Jack after preventing a murder.
Jack lowered the gun and moaned. “Veronica?” he said as he turned to her, seeing her terrified face. “Oh no…”
Veronica slowly backed away from him as her eyes quivered with fear. “St-Stay away from me…”
Jack put the gun away, frustrated at himself. “No, Veronica, I’m sorry… you weren’t supposed—!”
She kept walking backwards as she shook her head. “You’re not Jack… you’re an-an imposter.”
Jack proceeded forward towards her, trying to approach her. “Veronica, I’m—!”
“Stay away, monster!” Veronica yelled, pausing Jack.
Jack’s face stayed still, but he’s worried and felt deeply ashamed. Again, the young man continued to approach his old childhood friend, but she threw her bag at him aggressively to finally show him that she didn’t want him anywhere near her.
Jack finally decides to stop, and looks sad. “I’m sorry…” The young man walks away, ashamed and tucking his hands in his pockets.
Jack leaves the scene at a slow walking shameful pace, leaving Rodney to bleed and Veronica left stunned. He reaches the car and hops in. Before leaving and turning the car on, he took one last glance at Veronica and grit his teeth, and drove away.
Veronica watches as he drives away at the speed limit and the car disappears at the next turn. Some nearby residents came and saw the aftermath, asking what happened. She let her eyes overflow and stayed still, paralysed. Neighbours asked for an ambulance, others called, and two tried snapping Veronica back into reality as she stood still like a silent crying statue. After an hour, an ambulance arrived along with police. They took Rodney up to the hospital while Veronica informed the police the details of what happened between them. She told them everything, including the sexual assault, but she lied to them about who got him into this broken state. The police weren’t too sure they believed her story on who was his attacker. But Veronica couldn’t bring herself to tell them about Jack, only that someone came by to help her and beat him up. They were still suspicious of her, but had to go to another call, thanking her for her cooperation and mentioning they’ll give her a call about the charges and shortly left.
Veronica sat on a curb, softly crying and hugged herself, shivering from the cold with her mind flashing images of the scenes she witnessed today. The faces of Jack’s calm cold nature and Rodney’s twisted perverted smile. She didn’t know who seemed more frightening, but soon came to a conclusion that Jack was the scarier individuel. She stood up and grabbed her bag, and proceeded to walk home, alone in the dark. Veronica walked for almost an hour, reflecting over tonight and what to do tomorrow, asking herself if she should tell her other two friends of his ruthless actions. Yet again though, conflictions ensued, half of her said he deserved it, the other said it could’ve been resolved without violence.
Veronica came to a stop, staring up into the night sky and felt the conflictions battling each other. More notably the bad side of Jack. She questioned why she’s having more flashes that side of Jack more than anything else. She was scared during the entire ordeal, but why didn’t she stop him sooner? Veronica wondered why she watched, wondered why she allowed the violence to continue when she’s so against it.
Veronica’s face turned red and she hung her head. “What’s… wrong with me? Why didn’t I stop Jack sooner… I wanted to, but something inside me told me to watch, but why?”
When Veronica brought her eyes to the street in front of her, she spotted someone standing in the middle of the dark barely lit street.
“Huh… who’s standing there? At this time?” Veronica muttered.
Veronica walked a little closer and saw a clearer picture. It made the rich girl squint. She saw a girl in a white gothic romantic dress, standing in the middle of the road. It creeped her out, and she felt worried. But Veronica soon realised the girl's eyes glowed within the darkness around them, illuminating a deep purple. Those eyes stared at Veronica with intensity. Veronica quickly looked away and turned around but the road behind her was gone. There was only an abyss of smokey black gas. She turned back around and the girl was still standing there, menacingly. Veronica panicked and tried to run but froze in fear.
“What’s happening?!” Veronica shouted, getting on her knees. “God, please let this all be a dream!”
Veronica closed her eyes and started praying, water leaked through her closed eyelids. The moment she began, that girl disappeared out of thin air. The road ahead of Veronica quickly extended to nothingness, leaving nothing but a void. The sky above her still emitted the night sky, but all around her was nothing but pure darkness.
The girl appears behind Veronica, she leans over her shoulder and whispers. “Hey there… V-e-r-o-n-i-c-a.”
Veronica loudly yelps, her eyes wide open now, jumping out of fear and falls forward.
Veronica sat up and looked behind. The girl had her bright beautiful yet haunting eyes locked onto the rich girl. She grew a frown, one that reeked of murderous intent and anger. It made Veronica sweat in fear, making her entire body tremble before her.
The girl was angry yet calm. She walked up to Veronica and grabbed her wet cheeks. “You’ve upset him… I don’t like greedy, self centred people who hurt the one I love, but you’ve done it before… haven’t you?” She continues placing pressure, hurting Veronica.
Veronica shrieked from the amount of pressure she was placing, it felt as if her head was about to be crushed. “Stop-Stop! You’re hurting me… it-it hurts!”
Veronica tried breaking free from her grip but the girl dug her long nails into Veronica’s cheeks, penetrating her flesh. They grew and were embedded inside, making the rich girl let out a terrifying scream into the night.
The girl's made a circular motion on Veronica’s face, creating more pain and making Veronica scream louder. “What’s the matter? Do you hate the fact that you’re in pain? Yet you don’t mind hurting the ones you supposedly love?” She began to giggle without a smile or grin. “You’ve never deserved someone like him, that’s why he’ll be mine… Mine alone and to keep!” She started laughing with a frown as she looked into Veronica’s shaking eyes with murderous intent.
Veronica’s cheeks were bleeding, and she began to cry out of immense fear.
The girl stopped her childish behaviour and nuzzled her nose on Veronica’s. “It’s okay to cry! Let it out Veronica! Let it all out! It’ll be over soon… As painfully, physically, and emotionally—as possible.”
The girl ripped her nails out of one cheek and reeled her arm back. Veronica saw her glistening blood drip off the tips of her black nails and grow long, longer than the spikes of a pitch fork. Just when she was about to stab Veronica, the sky above started to shine with intensity, making the girl look abruptly.
“What in the—?” the girl in white muttered, her eyes growing wide and angrier.
The skies above lit up, split the darkness in two, and a curtain of white clouds swept down below. A sudden barrage of electricity shot out, flickering the darkness and creating chaos. The black split sky twirled as the curtains stayed still, creating a vortex from where it came. The scene looked like an Angel was about to descend from the heavens. The clouds twirled, roaring with calm claps of thunder. Both girls were left speechless. Veronica with tears still running down her cut face, couldn’t help but feel calm now. The girl in white didn’t like what was happening, she saw the twirling clouds started to open up, forming a halo opening in the once dark sky. She lets go of Veronica, her nails going back to normal and the rich girl grabs her bleeding stinging face. The girl in white seems afraid, but confident at the same time. Suddenly, someone began to descend down from the heavens, bringing a huge illuminescent along with him. It was a hooded robed person wearing white, having gold designed prints that glistened of Mary, Jesus, and biblically accurate Angels with giant eyes and wings. Beneath the shadow of his hood, once bringing his gaze up to the two, showed his glowing hazel-like eyes that illuminated the same colour as the virgin Mary’s holy light.
The girl in white was left frightened, stunned. She tried to fade away but couldn’t do so? He brought up his palm and aimed it at her as he gently landed on his feet. The hooded man slowly approached the girl with his palm out. She screamed bloody murder. Her eyes turning from purple to murderous black! But from the ground beneath her, gold chains erupted and slowly wrapped around her, forcing her to her knees. They glowed bright like the sky itself. The man got to Veronica and held his hand out to her. He doesn't say a word and she instinctively grabs his hand like a damsel in distress. He pulls her up, closes his palm and the girl is held tightly in place by the gold chains.
She tried breaking free, but the tightness of these chains was overwhelming. It annoyed her, made her grow more ravenous by the second.
The hooded robed man reaches into Veronica’s pocket and pulls the cross out she would wear on occasion. “I scensed this from afar, knowing you’d be in trouble, my child.” The cross grew hot and glowed, he gently placed it back into her pocket. “Go now child of God, rest easy now that God has blessed thee to live to see the light of day once again, sleep now.”
Veronica’s wounds healed and she shut her eyes from his deep soothing voice that sounded sad. She began to fade and then turned into gold sparkles.
The hooded man glared at the girl in white. “You must be the one behind those deceased souls, told to us by our hirer. How shameful, torturing the souls of innocence to feed your lustful, greedy, hunger!” He slams his hands together, making the chains around her to tighten even more.
She let out a blood curdling scream because of the pure holiness that burned her pale skin. He saw steam, heard her flesh being burned horrendously, making her scream in agony.
She continued screaming until that screaming faded away into laughter. “How dare you… Fool, you’d think chains blessed by your stupid God?! Can easily harm me?! The only thing that can bring me harm—Is nothing!”
She breaks the chains and lunges towards the guy. They collide palms and the force of their collison breaks the dimension around them, causing the colours of darkness and yellow to fade away into nothing. Everything turned to white. The two supernatural forces fade away, slowly and soundly as if nothing happened.
***
The same night at a different location, notably inside of Dr. Cato’s office, the hooded man awakes from his slumber. He was on the couch, and looked calm. He sat up and saw his boss, standing and staring out at the city lights.
“Sir William, I found her,” he said, sounding monotone.
William glared out into the city lights, “Excellent. To think a child of God would lead her towards that thing. We’ve already been here for just a day and a half and already found the root cause of the disturbance we found back at home. Absolutely wonderful.”
Mathew was also present, sitting on Dr. Cato’s chair with his partner standing beside him. “I told you we’d find her buddy!” He pats Dr. Cato’s back, “the trail of God’s children led us towards her, now all we have to do is find Angela and we’ll be ready to take her back with ease!”
The hooded man stands up, “I felt the presence of that demon when she decided to target a child of God. Of course I’d find her faster than you two could have.”
That struck a nerve onto Dr. Cato, which made him raise the edge of his lip. “Freakin weirdo…” he muttered as well.
The hooded man stared at the two. “The good thing was that girl had a cross of such pureness that led me to find her, but there’s a problem.”
Mathew gulps, “So… what is it?” He pulls a cigarette out and lights it to ease his growing worry.
The hooded man walked over to his boss and also looked out into the city. “Even with the powers of God bestowed upon me, even I will have trouble dealing with this demon. But rest assured, I already came up with a plan to deal with this thing.”
Dr. Cato sighs deeply, “So what are we going to do now? How are you going to track down the girl in white to find Angela?”
William chuckles, “My dear Catholic! That’s a task we can do with our eyes shut. My partner here has already tracked down the scent of this being, tell them where this awful stench is leading to, my dear partner!”
The hooded man indulged his bosses compliments, bringing out a soft smile. “Yes, of course, Sir William.” He turned back to the two other men, “By the way, my name’s Archard, apologies for late introductions. What he said was true, the trail leads back to that in which you spoke of, Cato.”
Dr. Cato dramatically slams his hands on his desk. “Wait, hold up! You mean—?!”
Mathew cracks his knuckles, “Oh don’t tell me!”
Archard stares at the two with self ease, “Yes, it leads back to the one that you mentioned, the kid, Jack Samr.”
Both Dr. Cato and Mathew felt relieved. They both shook hands and
William got their attention again, tapping his cane. “Sorry to interrupt, but my fellow brothers, let me tell you this…” He turned his mysterious gaze onto the two men, “...as long as God’s on our side, we have not a thing to worry about, my brethren.”
“So how should we approach this?” Dr. Cato asked, abruptly.
William quickly changes his personality to something more serious and sinister like. “You leave that… to us, dear Catholic. This is something far out of yours, all the world's military power combined, or any Beings league…”
***
Three days have passed since the incident with Veronica and Rodney. Jack stayed in Angela’s room for those three whole days, feeling awful for having Veronica bear witness his brutal nature. His mind blacked out at that moment, making him forget that he’s changed so much, and forgetting how his friends would react to his ways of dealing with pests like Rodney. What’s worse is the fact that the night Rodney returned home from the hospital of his injuries he died the next day in his sleep. They found his corpse burnt to a crisp. Nobody knew how his body burned so awfully when his entire room and bed were intact, but Jack knew what happened, because he was the one at fault or more so it was Mallory’s. Mallory’s been quite different too, being paranoid these past days. Everytime she would pop up unsuspectingly or conveniently, she would stay silent and hang her head. Jack knew something was wrong with her, he tried asking her what was wrong a couple of times but she would fade away instead of answering.
Jack’s holding Angela’s hand and the young man couldn’t help but feel frustrated over this entire situation. He’s been ignoring all his friends and barely spoke to his self adopted uncle and Candy.
“What in the world’s going on? Was it really a great idea to introduce myself back into their lives? Damn… I feel like all of this’s my doing, or should I say your’s…” He looked at an empty chair at the corner of the room. “...what’s gotten into you, Mallory? Why won’t you answer me?”
Jack stared at Angela, patting her head as he held her hand.
“Angela… if you can hear me, please, please wake up, I need you. I need someone to comfort me at this difficult time.” He clenched her hand, “Tell me, Angela, is it really my fault? Am I that much of a worthless piece of shit? Tch, Angela, please forgive me for becoming worse over the years.”
Jack wanted to cry, but he couldn’t. It was the exact same feeling he had three years ago. Jack laid his head on her chest, hearing her beating heart, which calmed his emotions. He sighs deeply, laying on her chest as she continues fighting for her life. Just when Jack felt like the world around him was fading away and everything was falling apart, he felt something trying to reply to his clenched hand. Jack quickly stood straight, looking at Angela. He took a look at his hand and saw her fingers slightly move. Jack with pure excitement grabbed her hand, hoping she would react to his touch.
Jack shook it softly, “Angela! Can you hear me?!” Jack said with a sad yet gentle smile. “Come on baby sis! Wake up, I know you can!” He continues shaking her hand, hoping to get some sort of reaction. “Angela… please, I need you. Wake up, wake… up.”
Jack stopped when there were no more signs of movement. He closes his eyes, hoping to cry, but even then, he still couldn’t bring himself to do it. Jack slowly lowered her hand, thinking she would never wake up when another miracle happened; her fingers began to move again. He still had his eyes shut, even though she was showing more movement. When he lost all hope of her ever waking up again, she replied to his sadness when she slowly closed those fingers to hold Jack’s hand. Jack opened his eyes again and saw it, her hand holding tight to his, bringing life back into his dead fish eyes. Even though she didn’t wake up, at least she finally noticed his presence; now it was a matter of time when she’ll awake.
Jack slowly stands up, as he was about to let go of her hand she didn’t let go of his clutch. Jack’s eyes quivered with joy, “So you can hear me huh?” he muttered.
At first he stood silently, waiting for more reactions. He did so for at least three minutes, but nothing else was happening.
Jack’s face turns sadder and he slowly approaches her face and whispers into her ear. “Don’t give up… I know you’ll wake up, take your time, Angela.” He set a gentle kiss on her cheek and collapsed his hands on her tiny snow-white hand. “I’ll be back tomorrow, I promise, wait for me baby sis.”
At last she let go and that made Jack smile even more, but he witnessed something that brought him more relief yet pure unimaginable sadness. Jack sees tears leaking through her eyelids. His guilt was now permanent. The young man wipes her eyes and apologises, and he walks out of the room with the burdens of his past that’ll never go away.
As soon as Jack walked out of the room, Mallory was standing at the edge of the hallway, leading to the elevators. She appeared to be extremely paranoid, erratic, and scared.
Jack approached her and went up to her face. “What’s wrong, Mallory?” he asked, seriously.
She didn’t respond again, instead she went inside him by surprise by transforming into a cloud of smoke, consuming Jack and going into every pores of his body. This made Jack cough violently and his eyes water. That annoyed him, but at the same time he was getting used to it at this point.
“Damn-Damn… so you’re separating yourself from Angela? But why now?”
He walks and gets into an elevator without noticing a group of men going inside Angela’s room, men disguised as doctors and nurses. One man watched the elevator gate shut as the young man caught his final breath. His eyes glowed into the light of god and he walked into Angela’s room.
Jack steps out of the elevator and spots Candy coming inside the hospital. Candy heard his throat clearing and saw the gentle smile on Jack’s face.
Candy greets Jack with a hug. “Oh boo, why do you look so happy yet sound like you’ve been sucking di—?”
Jack pats Candy’s shoulder, “Stop, you nasty fruit cup. I have good news my friend.”
Candy smiles as well. “Let it out then boo boo! Let's hear this good news about your sugar!”
“Angela… she-she moved! She finally held my hand and didn’t let go.”
Candy smiled so intensely he couldn’t help but jump onto Jack with excitement. “Oh my Goddess! Really, no way boo boo!” Candy let’s go and begin to cry softly, “thank goodness… I’m so glad mini boo’s showing signs of life.”
Jack’s smile simmered and became a soft grin. “Not only that my friend, she also cried.”
“Cried?! Sh-she’s alive!” Candy hugs Jack again, Jack for once hugged him back and that made Candy giggle like mad. “Pretty soon boo boo, she’ll finally wake up! I knew she wouldn’t leave us.”
Jack gently pushes Candy off of him, wiping off his tears. “And it’s all thanks to you my friend, thank you for being there. No, for staying with Angela when I was at my worst.”
Candy grabs Jack’s hands and tries leaning in for a kiss, but Jack quickly pushes his face away. “Awe! That was a perfect opportunity for us to finally confess our love boo!” He sighs sarcastically, “Well, at least I tried honey!”
Jack chuckles, “You’re such a weird man! You wanna get something to eat?”
Candy puffs his chest out and imitates Jack’s voice. “Yeah let’s kill a couple of people while we’re at it!”
Jack laughs at first but then thinks about Veronica and the night she almost saw him kill someone. He frowned momentarily but to not worry Candy he shook his head and wrapped his arm around the girl looking guy's shoulders and forced the two to walk. Candy liked it and wrapped his arms around the young man's waist, blushing. Jack and Candy walked out of the hospital doors bringing them to the outside world.
Jack stopped and let go. “Say, where’s Eric?”
Candy tapped his chin and snapped his fingers. “Ah, that’s right. I think if my memories are correct sugar; he had to discuss things with his gang so he’ll be back by tomorrow.”
Jack wondered why Eric’s been so active again with the old crew, but he remembers Eric’s still the leader so it makes sense. The two walk side by side, Jack accidentally bumps into someone. At first it was nothing more than a bump until Jack felt a horrid burning sensation coming from his shoulder for some odd reason? Jack held his shoulder and turned to the guy he bumped into. He was much taller than him, around 6’7 and wore a white tuxedo-like suit with gold designs, mixes of black accents, and an oddly cross-like cane made out of the purest gold.
The man also turned to Jack, bowing to him with his cane. “I’m sincerely sorry my friend! Can you forgive my clumsy self, my good man?” He had a smile on his face, sounded British, and gave Jack all types of awful vibes just by one simple greeting.
Jack took a step back, massaging his arm. “It’s fine… just watch…”
Something was wrong. Jack gasped and felt a sensation from him, similar to Sarah, not as intense, but as pure as Mathews. It made the young man slowly back away, and sweat. Jack continued staring at the guy as he backed away, then it finally clicked to him.
Jack’s eyes explode and he turns to Candy and grabs his arm. “We gotta go, now!”
Candy looked worried and raised a brow. “What’s wrong boo?! That hurts you know!”
The well dressed man kept his eyes on Jack and spoke softly. “Why the hurry, my dear child? Would you like to take the time to discuss our lord?” He taps his cane and leans on it. “Come thee child. Let me bless your day with the pureness of my words, the wisdom that’ll bestow upon you will surely brighten those cold eyes of yours my dear…” The man eerily lowered his head, creating a shadow of suspicion around his eyes as a small glint grew within them. “…Jack, Samr.”
Jack loudly gasped, sweat started flowing down his face, but Candy wasn’t having it. He confronts the man and gets in his face. “Listen here you sperm looking clown! Don’t be trying to hit on my boo boo and creep him out with your weirdly attractive accent and charms. Also how do you even know his name, weirdo?!” Candy places his hands on his hips, “by the way, fuck your God bitch! Even if he existed he couldn't handle this sexiness!”
Candy poses sexually, secretly disgusting the guy but he remained serious.
Jack grabs Candy’s arm again but this time he dragged him away. “Candy we gotta go, now!” they ran, Candy had never seen Jack so freaked and scared before.
Candy looked over his shoulder and saw the guy with a huge smile on his face. He looks back at Jack, “Boo, boo?”
Jack finally reaches the car. He unlocks the doors for the two and they both hop in. Candy asked Jack again what was wrong, but Jack didn’t respond. He was nervous as he tried inserting the key to turn it on. He dropped them and quickly got them back into his grip and managed to insert them, turning the car on and driving away in a hurry. Jack took one last glimpse at the guy who stood there with a smile still on his face. Jack heard Mallory making quiet frightened noises in his mind.
Jack spoke in his mind. “Mallory, is that why you couldn’t answer me?! Who’s that guy… Please tell me so I can help you!”
Mallory stops whining and calms herself. “That man—is an Exorcist…”
Jack grits his teeth with a frightened look on his face, scaring Candy for a moment. “Wh-What? An Exorcist?!”
Inside Jack’s mind she was sitting on her knees with a calm frightened look, she looked up and stared at nothing. “Yes… and he isn’t the only one.”