Sarah’s backyard that had their small garden of eden, the single big oak tree that shone one of nature's most precious creations, and the perfect green grass, both Sarah and Jack were present. They were having practice sessions on hand to hand combat, more for Sarah’s sake since she wants to learn more about fist combat. She has been learning about her father’s fighting style, but he felt like she would be better off using her legs since they were strong and letting her know more about the human body when it comes to submissions. With her size, and weight, she can easily maneuver around any large person and beat them into submission or combine it with her mana. Although, he wants her to not rely on her mana skills too much.
Sarah again was losing control and began to just throw punches again.
“Ey, ey ey. Slow down, you’ll tire yourself out.” Jack said as Sarah laid a punch on his palm.
She huffed and puffed, gritting her teeth and threw another hook. Jack blocked it and grabbed her fist.
“No no, you’re just throwing more without utilising your body.”
She backed off and bent down, grabbing her knees.
“Wh-what do you mean by that?”
Jack raised his right arm, and then his left. He was in a basic boxing pose, and furrowed his brows.
“You gotta use your hips more when you're swinging. Relying on your arms alone will tire you out. See?”
He demonstrated what he was talking about, and as she watched, she also saw him moving his foot, but just the tip forward.
“You move in and out with your hip, adding speed and shooting the adrenaline from the force of your feet.”
He showed more throws, and she was surprised as to how fast he was. It was actually really cool to Sarah, seeing Jack throw his hands and that fact that he knew how to fight really added more to his machoness.
She smiled and stretched, trying to regain her stamina and relax her muscles.
“Jeez, that’s a lot to take in and learn.”
“No, it’s easy once you get the hang of it. Look… rotate back, foot forward, swing hip with arm, bam. Rotate back, foot forward, swing with arm, bam!”
Sarah imitated Jack’s stance, and chuckled. “Swing hip, shoot arm, bam!”
She mocked his voice while intentionally mocking his teachings. At first he was annoyed by it, but she looked so adorable he couldn’t bring himself to be cold. Instead of expressing a grimace as one would when they’re mocked, he put his arms in the air, and swung his hair, as if he were a woman with very long hair.
“Hail to the booty holes of the earth, I bind thee to suck the air dry and make my ass crack into a cratered euphoria!”
Sarah turned red, and rolled her eyes, covering her face.
“Stop… you make it look so lame and why reference a butt?”
Jack smirked and walked up to Sarah. “Hmph, serves you right, mocking me you tiny goth girl.”
She dropped her hand, and slammed her hand on his arm, pushing him.
“Damn it, not you too, dick.”
“What? Don’t like being called a goth girl?”
Sarah crossed her arms, and raised one in a sassy manner.
“Look, I’m fine with Anna and Veronica calling me that at this point, but when your sister calls me that it's more of—poking fun at me. So I’d rather you call me something else.”
Jack too crossed his arms. “Mmm…”
“You’re really thinking?”
“Yeah, wait, should I? Hold up, why am I? This is weird. Okay, Sarah stays.”
Sarah shook her head but had an adorable grin.
“You’re stupid…”
Jack chuckled a bit, but as he stopped and looked into those crimson eyes, his world slowed down. Their glistening mysterious nature made his heart race, his stomach tingle. As his gaze elevated down, taking a glance at her glistened soft pink lips, her amazing figure, Jack’s eyes grew big and he gasped. Sarah wondered why he was reacting this way, and stepped closer.
No! Stop Sarah! Jack thought.
Her outfit, today she was wearing black leggings that really showed off her slim, curvy figure, and the tight band shirt she wore really demonstrated how no woman can come close in matching Sarah’s perfect body. Jack could see the full extent of how wide her hips were, her thighs were really thick as Anna claimed, and it made him swallow. He even saw that she wasn’t flat chested since her clothes normally don’t reveal too much. Yet he questioned why she dressed like this for this occasion? He didn’t think too much about it since they were being physical and her clothes do get in the way. But what added more was this is the first time she wore her hair up in a ponytail, and seeing her bare neck really made him rub an eye to ease his out of nowhere lusting thoughts.
“You alright, Jack?” she asked while taking another step closer.
Jack then got her auroma, her scent and it made it just as worse. Finally, the young man could feel his cheeks get red. Sarah saw and wondered why? Unfortunately, she also started to experience something similar now. She saw his scar that expressed his battle history, his smooth silky brown hair, his broad shoulders, and dead fish eyes, it made her stomach tingle just as worse.
Wh…at’s going on? Sarah wondered.
She could see his rough hands up close, his tall stature that told her female nature that he could protect her from danger, and she knew beneath that jacket hid an array of toned muscles from his chest sticking out his shirt.
The two looked at each other dumbfounded, gasping, and eyes shaking.
Why am I feeling like this?! The two thought in unison.
Jack rubbed the back of his neck, and let out a chuckle. Sarah covered her eyes, and also chuckled. They both laughed and didn’t think much afterwards. As the two took deep breaths, Sarah shaking her wrists, Jack walked backwards, getting back into a fighting pose.
“You ready, for round three?” Jack said.
Sarah shrugged one shoulder, cracking her fingers and doing some yoga stretching.
“Hmph, more like are you, tough guy?”
“Heh, suit yourself!”
Jack suddenly rushed Sarah, forcing her to get into a defensive pose. She dashed to the side, but he quickly caught her, but let go. She panted, and remembered what he taught her. She got into a quick swinging position which allowed her to throw a nice straight jab. It forced him to take a step back. She threw a left, right hook. Jack caught the left, dodged the right, but she caught him by surprise with a low kick. He was struck, and she saw his face squint.
Now’s my chance. She thought.
Sarah threw a high kick that her father taught her, and Jack grabbed her leg. She gasped, and the young man grew his clutch.
“Ouch!”
“Aha! Not too shabby there, Sarah. Lets see if you got what it takes too—”
Suddenly, Sarah spun her other leg around his entire arm, getting Jack’s arm caught in the middle of her thighs. She grabbed his wrist, and forced him down to the ground. She had him locked into an armbar, and he fought, resisting her growing tension.
“I bet you didn’t see that coming!” She exclaimed.
Jack grunted, and began to lift her, catching her by surprise.
“Neither did you, huh?!”
“Uh oh!”
Sarah saw the ground disappear next to her, and saw the sky instead. Jack had her over his head, and pummeled her down, which made her scream.
“It’s a good thing—you’re light!”
She almost kissed the ground but Jack had good upper body strength, preventing her from making contact with the grass. At first, she wanted to growl, but couldn’t contain her enjoyment. She laughed and Jack let go, which did make her kiss the ground.
“Damn! You couldn’t give me a heads up, dumbo?”
Jack rolled his right arm, and winked at her. “Don’t underestimate your opponent my friend. But we’re both guilty of that, aren’t we?”
Sarah got back on her feet, although, the way she did sent a mixed signal to the young man. The way she was bending upwards, looking at him, he could sense that strange feeling again. As she was standing straight, brushing some loose hair behind her ear, the way she blinked made it look more erotic.
This… feeling, again! It-it can’t be Sarah doing it, right? Although, I’m not mad at it. Jack thought.
Jack shook his head, and Sarah again wondered what he was dozing off about. She appeared normal, and just adjusted her collar.
“What’s gotten into him?”
To Jack’s eyes, she was doing more than just adjusting her collar. The way she teasingly opened it, fluttered her eyes at him, and especially the way he could hear her moans, he knew this wasn’t her.
“Wh…at’s going on?” Jack muttered.
“Uh, Jack, you look zombified, you okay?”
He repeatedly blinked, and grew his eyes big.
“Uh, I think so, I-I don’t know?”
She tilted her head, and began to approach him. The way she was coming at him, it made it much worse. She swayed her way to him. Her nice wide hips swinging as she took each step forward, and her eyes twinkling, Jack closed his eyes.
“Hey, what are you younglings up to?” Leon said as he stood near the slide door.
Sarah looked at him, and shrugged. “Somethings wrong with Jack.”
“Really?” He said, starting to walk to them. “What’s wrong with the fool?”
“I don’t know. He was giving me fighting lessons and then suddenly, he’s like this, acting all weird.”
“Mmm…”
Leon approached the young man, and snapped his fingers. Jack opened his eyes, and let out a sigh.
“Holy crap, I’m saved.”
“Stand still.”
Leon grabbed his face, and looked into his eyes. Jack nervously let out a chuckle as Leon observed his pupils. He saw red, and could sense lust coming from his eyes.
“That damn teasing bitch.” Leon murmured.
“Huh?”
Leon let go of Jack’s face, and the young man gently smacked the side of his face.
“I’m-I’m okay now.”
He then leaned over to Jack’s left ear. “If you’re feeling mesmerized by my daughter, ignore it. That’s my wifes damn doing.” he whispered.
Jack nodded. “Huh, alright…”
“You sound—dissatisfied when I said that? What, are you actually falling for my daughter?”
Jack squinted an eye, and thought about it.
“Mmm, I don’t know. Am I? Hmm…”
Leon patted his shoulder and turned to his daughter.
“So, what has he taught you so far? Sarah.”
Sarah tapped her chin, and got in Jack’s fighting pose.
“Basic straight punches, jabs, some hooks… uh, utilising my body by twisting my hips and legs, etc.”
Leon nodded in approval. He patted Jack’s shoulder again, but he suddenly twisted his arm, which made Jack grunt in pain.
“Not good enough.”
Leon twisted again, did a leg sweep and jumped into an arm bar on Jack’s arm. The young man screamed and tapped multiple times. Sarah’s eyes were sparkling as she saw the demonstration. Leon let go, and Jack got on fours, but he quickly jumped on his back, grabbing his other arm, and pulling it until it popped out of its socket. Jack collapsed and passed out from the pain. Leon let his noodly arm fall, and he placed his hand on his back. He shot out a gravitational blast that awoke the young man, resulting in him grunting, screaming as his arm was dislocated.
“Get up, don’t back down.” Leon said as he was back on his feet.
“Dad, aren’t you being a little too rough on Jack?” Sarah said as she looked concerned.
Jack smacked his palm against the grass, and ground his teeth.
“No! Don’t worry about me, Sarah!”
Sarah was surprised but seeing, sounding how determined Jack was made her eyes shake.
Jack stood back on his feet, his left arm dangling, but Leon quickly rushed him, putting it back in place and backing off. Jack grunted, swirling it and getting back to his pose. Leon grinned, rose a brow, and again, dashed at Jack. The young man could see him, waited, and once he was about to do another one of his fancy moves, Jack grinned. This caught Leon by surprise, and in turn, he shot a straight jab. Jack swooped beneath his arm, wrapped his arms around his thrusted punch, and tried sweeping Leon off his feet. But, it only proved to be trivial against someone like him.
Jack moaned, grunting as he tried getting him off the ground to slam him, giving him a taste of his own medicine. Leon wrapped that straight arm behind Jack’s neck, and spun the two, seeping him off the ground and slamming him instead on the grass.
“Woah…” Sarah said.
Leon sat on top of Jack, retracted his arm and shot it at Jack’s face, but missed intentionally, striking the dirt instead. The young man was left breathless as Leon’s cold eyes stared down at him. Leon again stood, patted himself and waited for Jack to get back up too. Jack rubbed his face, but once his hands were off his face, he had a smile. He got back on his feet and also patted himself, and put his hand out to Leon.
“You’re so goddamn awesome.” Jack said.
Leon lightly gasped, but quickly grinned. He went to the young man, and shook his hand.
“Don’t praise me too much Jack, you’ll only ignite my old ego.”
“What do you mean by that?”
The two let go, and Sarah stood next to her father to listen in on their conversation.
“If you knew who I really was and what I did, then you’d never look and respect me the same as you currently do.”
No matter how many times Leon has said this, and no matter Jack’s response, the young man wonders what he truly means by that. The only hint he has is those Witch cultists referring him to Bolverkr the destroyer. Leon knows of Jack’s past and the awful things he’s done, the lives he’s taken, but compared to Leon’s unknown background, Jack wonders what horrors he's done to dehumanise himself that much. The young man didn’t care, he respects him too much and seeing him grow this much from what he’s seen, and what Sarah said about him proves that not every evil person can be hopeless. On the other hand, depending on what they’ve done, whatever crimes it may be, some can’t be overlooked and forgiven, and Jack’s hoping that isn’t the case.
As the young man was about to say something, Sarah jumped in, and she looked battle ready.
“Dad, let me test the same moves Jack has taught me, onto you.”
Leon got in his fighting pose, and Jack immediately backed off. He ran to the bench, sitting down and was eager to see if his small training would at least give Sarah a chance of landing a scratch on her father. They stood in silence, the winds howled, the blue sky above filled with blankets of white clouds, their clothes lightly fluttered, the two waited to see who would make the first move. Sarah furrowed her brows, and approached her father in a calm manner with her fists raised. He dropped his fists, and when he did, Sarah did too. He narrowed his eyes, and she made her body loose.
When he blinked, she abruptly twisted her hip, and body, shooting a beautiful right super kick to his face. The oncoming sound it made was that of a passing fighter jet, creating a sonic boom. It forces Leon to dodge in the blink of an eye. The force, the intensity sent a shockwave, gusts of wind around them, and behind her foot that aimed to the sky, cleared, evaporated all the clouds in the sky.
Leon’s eyes were wide, and Sarah’s leg hovered above his head.
H…uh? Leon thought.
Sarah fell back onto her left hand, using her falling weight to shoot her other leg onto his face, which almost made contact to his jaw as he dodge upwards. Sarah jumped back, and got back in Jack’s boxing pose. Leon squinted his eyes, and a wrinkle formed between his brows.
She’s learning as she watches me. And in the instant she attacks she uses her mana in an instant without being detected to give that extra drive to reach to my level.
Sarah’s eyes were serious, and Jack couldn’t believe his eyes as he saw the rest of the sky being wiped clean of all the white fluff.
She’s not necessarily causing too much disruption with reality when she attacks, which in return gives her the right to use such attacks for a sparring session.
Sarah jolted, and let out a barrage of kicks that had Leon’s forearms being pummeled as he blocked her tiny shins. He did his best to not allow them to reach any side of his face. With each kick, punt, front face shot, it sounded like sonic booms going off on how fast she was attacking. Every kick kept growing in speed, surpassing sound, greater than, until it reached light speed which forced Leon to go on the offensive. He grabbed one leg, and spun Sarah, but she used her own father’s technique, that being the arm bar, which had her catch it. Having her full body wrapped around his arm had him go ballistic and slam her on the ground with anger. An impact occurred, dirt flew everywhere, and dust fogged the area.
Leon gasped and realised what he had done.
“Oh no, Sarah!” He smacked away the fogged area, but saw Sarah on her feet, her fists clenched.
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“Father…” she said in a tone he had never heard being made by someone as sweet as her.
Leon saw her determination, her tensed arms to the sides, quaking with eagerness to throw it down. He then sensed something coming out of her, one he could only determine that would be created by a—
“...I’ll do whatever It’ll take to not only show you that I can handle myself, but to one day embrace and show you my affection.”
Jack couldn’t believe his eyes. Never has seen Sarah so serious and so battle hungry. Yet despite that, there was some odd glow starting to form around her. Her hair fluttered, her hair tie had burned away, allowing her raven hair to bellow. Her eyes, around the corneas a glow of gold began to form around them. A golden light fadely began to erupt, and this made Leon’s eyes grow as big as they ever did. Once Sarah felt ready to attack again, the slide door slammed open, and this brought an end to their spar.
Sarah’s mother stood there, and she looked displeased and disgruntled.
“Sarah, no more.” she said.
Sarah didn’t say a word, and the light faded out, and she passed out, falling to the ground. Jack went to her, and grabbed her. Leon brought his gaze to Samantha, and he looked as mad as he ever has been. Samantha smacked her hands together, and jolted her head at Jack.
“Jack, please take Sarah to her room and make sure she’s okay.”
Jack also looked angry at Samantha but didn’t say anything. He picked Sarah off the ground and carefully carried her to where she stood. Samantha stepped aside, and before walking in, Jack glanced at her, and shook his head in disappointment. He walked in, and Samantha sighed as Leon’s anger began to swell.
“We gotta talk, but downstairs so they don’t hear us, Leon.”
Leon shook his head, and grinned with annoyance.
“No, we’re not. We’re talking here, outside.”
“The neighbours, Leon—”
“Fuck—that! You get your ass over here and tell me as to why, why in the name of mother earth did my daughter just emit a glow to that of the same caliber of—”
“Leon, please. I-I can explain this at a later time, right now we have other matters to discuss.”
Leon placed his hands on his hips, and nodded with his head down before looking back up with a forced grin.
“At a—later time, you say? Huh, later time. Hmm, I don’t know about that sweetheart. Time is of the essence and right now, we both know that we can’t risk any of it at the moment. So let's cut the bullshit, and tell me why my daughter was about to use a form of energy from a certain someone.”
Samantha slid the door closed behind her, and eased her hands at him.
“Leon, stop. Please, I know I’ve been cruel to you for the past almost two decades, but you have to listen to me, this once.”
“Listen to you? Listen—to you?! Hmm, let's see what has happened when I did listen to you. First time, you tricked me into thinking you actually loved me, second time, you said Mandy wasn’t interested in me because she was sleeping around campus and known as the act of whores, thirdly, you fooled me into thinking you’re the only person in existence who understands me, and fourthly, besides numerous others, I was played into your marriage proposal and look where it has led me! Nighteen fucking years of misery, mistreatment, and a goddamn tool for your stupid ambition only you wanted to achieve!”
Samantha was about to say what she needed to until he heard him bring up a burden of her past: The barricade that was in her way of achieving her goal.
“Mandy… Mandy?! Why are you bringing her up all of a sudden?”
Leon chuckled. “Why do you care! It was just an example, you bitch!”
“Stop calling me that, Leon!”
“What, b-i-t-c-h! Can’t bear to hear what you are, a horrific being that happens to take the shape of a woman and a fucking undesirable bitch!”
“Stop…”
“I’m not going to stop because you are what you have made yourself to be, and that's a stupid, fucking—unforgivable, miserable BIT—”
“FUCK YOU!”
Leon shut up, and saw Samantha’s eyes glistening. Never has he heard her yell with such sadness and hurt. She grabbed her chest, grit her teeth, and turned away. She opened the slide door, and stepped inside halfway, but paused.
“When you’re ready to talk again… then you know where to find me.”
Leon couldn’t believe his ears, and again, that feeling of guilt hit him.
“Samantha, wait…”
She walked inside, and Leon wanted to reach a handout but prevented himself from doing something cliched. Instead he remained still and composed. He gazed up at the clear sky and wondered why she'd been acting differently all of a sudden.
“First it was speaking to me again, then teasing, and now having discussions. Just what is she up to?”
Inside the kitchen, Samantha softly giggled but it transitioned to a quick whimper, which she quickly covered her mouth. A small tear managed to slip its way out of her eye, sliding down her cheek. She ran to the basement door, and opened it, going downstairs and snapped her fingers. The room lit up and there was a chair and desk that used to belong to Leon. He stored it down here and she managed to turn this room to a reading and research sanction throughout the years. In a panic, she collapsed onto the seat, clutched her head, and held back her emotions.
Laying her elbows on the desk, she took breaths to ease herself. Once she gathered her feelings, and felt more relaxed, again, she giggled for no apparent reason.
“Mandy… why did he bring her up.”
She quickly gasped, and her eyes rattled.
“Unless, unless… wait, no. Why-Why am I feeling like this? What’s gotten into me as of lately…”
She let go of her head, and rested her arms on the table. Her jaw mildly dropped, her eyes bagging, she appeared zoned out in a state of anger, and envy.”
“I can’t let her… take him away.”
She brought one of her hands up, and dragged it across her eyes. Once it fell off her face, her eyes were back to crimson, and she saw Jack attending to her daughter. He was sitting and heard his voice.
“Sarah, you’re awake. You alright?”
Sarah’s eyes move around, and Abyzou can see her whole room. She eerily sat up like a doll, and scanned the room. Jack looked confused as to why Sarah was acting strange.
“Sarah?”
She brought her hand up, and repeatedly opened, closed it.
“Hmm…” Sarah groaned.
Abyzou wiped her eyes again, and her platinum eyes returned. Sarah shut her eyes, and her eyelids exploded open again. She felt a migraine growing and moaned, grabbing her head.
“Sarah, hello?”
She panned to Jack, and squinted an eye.
“H-How did I end up here?”
Jack quickly shrugged. “I carried you here.”
“Hm, did you now? Weird. I can’t remember the last five minutes or so. Eh, whatever.”
Back downstairs, Abyzou had a sinister grin, and knitted her brows in a sadistic nature.
“It’s been, awhile—since I’ve done that.”
She massaged her hand, and her grin grew thinner, and wider.
“As I said, my dearest daughter… we are but one, and I will use my old eyes to see if that wretched girl has returned. And once I do—”
She covered half her face, and when some of her fingers spread, a glow of violet erupted on the covered eye.
“I’ll make sure she’ll be eradicated and erased from this world!”
Abyzou laughed in enjoyment, and her hair began to discolour, and float. Her body colour began to fade, and she let out an envious scream that silenced the room, and brought it back to darkness.
***
Later in the day, Anna and Angela were unexpectedly hanging out. The two were waiting for Sarah and Veronica who were supposed to meet up with them at the park. Due to some circumstances, Veronica couldn’t make it, but Sarah said she was running late. They were both seated on a park bench, waiting and watching the view of kids playing, families enjoying their time, bystanders strolling, going on their afternoon run, and some beggars who were asking for money.
Angela had her drawing tablet with her, drawing the scene in front of her and adding her own twists to it. Anna watched as the young teen was creating a new alternate world and working her magic. She was leaning close and Angela could smell her pheromones which made her nervous. Anna also could smell Angela’s scent which also made her anxious in hugging her to death.
I can’t concentrate with this damn succubus next to me… Angela thought.
I can’t resist the urge but embrace this tiny emo goth girl to death! Anna thought.
While the two were fighting their inner demons, a tall bystander came up to them, and had a dozen posters beneath his arm. He saluted them, and the two brought their gaze up to him. He had a long brown coat, a top hat, and he looked straight out of the great depression given his outfit style. This made Angela’s eyes grow wide with curiosity and open her mouth. Anna scanned him head to toe and softly clapped at his odd outfit choice.
“I see that I’ve gotten your attention, ladies.”
Even his voice sounded to that era and it made them clap.
“Now now, no need to make me blush, ladies.”
Angela raised her digital pen, and pointed it at him. “Hey mister, you wouldn’t happen to be a cosplayer?”
He shook his head, “heavens no. This is just what I like to wear, madam.”
“Really?! Huh, that’s a disappointment. Either way, I think you’d make a wonderful actor given your golden voice!”
He chuckled, “stop, you’re embarrassing me. Oh, do mind my manners, allow me to introduce myself.”
He bowed, and removed his top hat, revealing his black hair and dark eyes.
“My name’s Shaman, Herold Shaman.”
“Ooo, fancy name!” Angela exclaimed.
Anna stood up, and reciprocated the same gesture.
“The name’s Annabelle! Annabelle or as my friends like to refer to me as Annabelly the kung fu wonder.”
Herold laughed and grabbed Anna’s hand, kissing it.
“The pleasures are all mine, Ms. Annabelle.”
Angela placed her pad down, and wanted to take part in the play. She grabbed the edges of her skirt, and did a cursty.
“Angela Samr, at your service.”
He reached his hand out to her, she was hesitant at first, but allowed him to kiss her hand, and that made his eyes quake in fear. He was breathless and outstanded. They saw his gaped mouth slowly turn into an odd open mouth smile, a sadistic one at that. This made Angela grab her hand and look at him in disgust. Anna grabbed Angela and held her, but Shaman quickly recognised his odd behaviour and cleared his throat. He adjusted his hat and rubbed his face.
“Sorry about that, I have a condition, let me just take my medication.”
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a seemingly convincing bottle of pills and opened it, tapping it to have two slide out. He threw them in his mouth and swallowed them.
“Sorry again, didn’t mean to frighten you two.”
Anna let out a sigh of relief, “Jesus, for a second I thought you were getting turned on by just touching my adorable little buddy here. I was going to call the police or kick you right in the balls.”
Herold let out a nervous chuckle, “wow… quick to action I see.”
Angela remained on edge and clinged onto Anna which didn’t bother her in the slightest.
Herold reached for one of the posters, and before pulling it out, he went into a trans.
That girl… she has a lurking darkness that’s both worrisome yet fascinating. It feels oddly close to that of the young man affiliated with the supposed look alike. Shaman thought.
He had the poster in hand, and before opening it to show what he had, he paused again to take a quick glance at Angela as she and Anna were distracted in their conversation.
Whatever’s inside, it’s so faint that no one could notice if not experienced. I have to know what’s lurking in her.
He cleared his throat and got their attention again.
“To not waste your time anymore than I already have, let me show you some art pieces that I’m selling.”
Angela collapsed her hands together, and closed the distance between them.
“Ooo! Please, show us!”
Anna came behind, and wrapped her arm around her neck.
“Go on, show us, stranger.”
He spread the poster open, and when Angela’s eyes saw the full picture, they sparkled and quivered.
“It’s… beautiful!”
Even Anna was impressed and nodded in approval.
“I gotta say, it is—artful.”
While the two were glued to the poster’s picture, someone tapped their shoulders. They both moved aside, and once Shaman saw who got their attention, he almost fainted in a state of both overjoyment and fulfillment.
“Aby…Aby—zou…” he muttered.
Sarah stood there, and appeared dazed. “Wh-where’s Veronica? And who’s this?”
Angela put her hands out and had a twinkle in her eye while doing so.
“This is Herold, a local artist selling his extravagant paintings!”
Sarah raised a brow as she shook her head to shake off her headache.
“Really? Artist? Show me.”
“Yes ma’am!” he shouted.
All girls turned their heads at him, confused and startled from the way he said it so formally. To Sarah’s ears it sounded close to a worshipper, to Anna’s it sounded perverted, to Angela’s it sounded polite.
He rolled open the poster again and Sarah gasped and was wowed by the display.
“This is… extraordinary. What is it?” she asked while stepping closer.
Shaman grew nervous as Sarah’s big crimson eyes were scanning his portrait.
“It’s a showcase of a white haired woman in a gothic romantic dress… overlooking the edge of a waterfall. With the surrounding nature, it’s all up to the viewer to figure out what she’s thinking about as she’s gazing out of the extraordinary view.”
Anna rubbed her chin, trying to figure out the meaning of the poster.
“Mmm, she appears to be thinking.”
Angela stood beside Sarah, “no, she’s trying to figure out something as she gazes upon the wonderful spectrum.
Sarah appeared at a loss for words. Her mouth half open, she calmly placed her hand on it, and a sudden flash of unknown memories spewed into her mind. She was in place of the woman, and felt the air, nature's cries, and her whispers tickle her skin. The scent of dread, loneliness struck her, and cemented a new ambition as she saw a flock of geese flying overhead. Down on the waterfall, she saw a pack of wolves coming for a drink, and two swans arching their heads together to form a heart. This brought a tear to her eye, and once she was back in reality, all of them saw the single strand falling off her cheek.
“She’s figuring out what she wants… and questioning her identity…” Sarah said, which made everyone speechless.
Shaman, especially, was more than just surprised, but she was indeed correct.
That’s because it’s a portrait of you, Abyzou… I drew you from a distance when you were alone, basking in your sorrow as the world came in unity to take you down. Shaman thought.
Sarah stared at the poster as her eyes trembled.
How come… I feel like that this woman—is me? But… white hair? The dress? Why does it all feel so relative… Sarah thought.
She backed away and appeared sad. Angela caught on and grabbed her hand, catching her off guard. Even Anna was surprised that the sassy sister of Jack Samr would grab a rival's hand.
“You alright, Sarah? You look really depressed all of a sudden?”
Sarah gazed upon Angela, and quietly gasped.
“You know, if something’s bothering you, you could tell me before my brother.”
“Why… are you being so nice to me?”
Angela swung their hands back and forth.
“I’ve done a lot of thinking and—if I had to choose anyone who can take care of my brother besides me! But most of all, understand what he’s going through, then it would have to be you.”
This made Sarah’s heart expand and race tenfold. She blushed and gave Angela an adorable smile, patting her head.
“Jack’s lucky to have such a sweet overprotective sister like you.”
Angela brushed her hand off and crossed her arms.
“Don’t get too carried away, goth girl. I still see you as a rival! But over the years, I’ve grown to respect who you are and you’re kinda badass too.”
She-she really thinks this way of me?! Sarah wondered.
She smiled more and hugged Angela.
“You deserve a hug, at least, emo girl.”
“Hmph, whatever. You’re better for Jack then that weird stalkerish rich girl.”
Despite this being an alternate timeline, I don’t care. I’m kinda hoping we don’t go back to our original flow because Angela’s disabled and scary. Sarah thought.
Anna jumped in their hug, and embraced the two.
“Aw, let me join in this acceptance!”
Shaman watched as the supposed doppelganger expressed her affection and care, much differently than originally described. The stories he’s been told about her, her being ruthless, quiet, yet ambitious, and twisted. Yet what he’s seeing displayed is the complete opposite. It actually made him appreciate this supposed copy more. The last encounter he had of her and only was the drawing when he saw her. The minute she felt her space violated she screamed and Shaman felt something invisible punch him away, and he was met with a barrage of lightning bolts that almost took his life.
Remembering that moment suddenly made him wonder why he sees her so high.
Huh, what’s this strange feeling of guilt I’m sensing? Shaman thought.
“Mr. Herold?” Sarah asked.
“Huh?”
She grabbed the poster out of his hands, and tapped it.
“Do you have more to show? I’d love to see them.” she said.
Angela raised her hand, “me too! I need to discover more about unique terrains and learn the complexities of them!”
He moaned and genuinely smiled. “Sure, follow me. I have a shop that I’m actually opening up tomorrow.”
The girls nodded and he took the lead. They followed him and were on their way to his new art shop. They walked for only ten minutes until they reached his small vacant shop. The windows were empty, no signs, but from what they saw from the inside he was indeed trying to set things up and into place. He unlocked the front door and all three walked in, checking out the dark half lit place. Angela hurried to what looked to be a drawing stand and uncovered it. She was jaw dropped by the display and artwork and began analyzing the work. Anna tagged along with her, checking out the piece while Sarah stayed where she was at, seeing anything that’ll catch her eyes.
“What type of workshop are you exactly trying to open up?” she asked.
Herold placed the posters he had under his arm near a table, and uncovered another drawing stand. This time it had a wondrous landscape coloured with water painting. This caught Sarah’s attention and she wanted to know the story behind this piece.
“You really are great, aren’t you?” she said while smiling at the painting.
Shaman can’t believe that he's already convinced the girl that he isn’t suspicious but hearing her praise his work while everyone else called it a waste of time made him feel grateful. Although, his loyalty to the cult that worships her or the actual entity of Abyzou was beginning to make him question sudden thoughts he never had before. He’s never quick to change character or whenever he’s made up his mind. Yet, just this small first impression has him quickly changing his mind and seeing where this can all lead up to.
He blinked uncontrollably and squinted his neck. “What’s this?” he muttered.
What’s with these strange feelings…? he thought.
Sarah placed the tip of her finger on it and could feel nature's soul through it.
“This piece is calling out to me. Whatever the meaning behind it, it’s gotta be about inner peace.”
Shaman went to Sarah, and pointed to the big tree and flicked it.
“You got that right, madam. The tree, think of it as you, alone in a field of vacancy, skies brimming with clarity, and a breeze of mother earth's gentle blows blowing the branches, that being your hair. With you being the tree, you begin to wonder why you feel isolated from everyone else, such as other trees, the forests they call homes, the small communities aligned towards buildings and next to give a sense of what we lost as people: That being our touch with what created us in the first place, nature.”
Sarah dragged her finger to the flowing river in the painting, and grinned.
“And the river of thoughts flowing in front of you, giving you a sense of regret, love, guilt, and amongst other things that question your existence. What has led you up to this point in life? What forced you to be alone, and what made you feel this way, and that can only be answered if you had another beside you, listening to what could’ve brought you there: Or what being planted you there as a helpless acorn, and left you to scold alone in your own field of sorrow.”
Shaman gasped again, and knew what she meant by that. The times when he drew alone back in the academy, everyone tried to ruin his peace, disallowing him to never complete a piece of his art. All this led up to a day he’ll never forget when someone tried ripping up his drawing, but it resulted in their death by his hand. He was scolded for retaliating in such a heinous way and almost banned until a gorgeous girl stopped him. She had long black hair, a black turtleneck, and a plaid skirt, it was Samantha. Beside her was Leon, and the two helped convince the board to not ban him and to give him another chance by showing him his artistic nature, convincing them just how in touch he was with nature. This helped his case and they allowed him to stay. When he laid his eyes on Samantha, he fell in love, but knew she had a thing for Leon so he didn’t bother to chase after her. After that day, they would be good friends and she’d applaud his work as well as Leon who always liked watching him since the guy was a walking time bomb. Adequately, after some time, Samantha disappeared and was never seen again, and rumours began to emerge that she was in fact Abyzou. Although they were never thought to be true since nobody bothered investigating. Supposedly only a small handful of people knew what happened to her, and one of them happened to be Leon.
Yet I couldn’t get an answer since the guy went berserk and almost destroyed the world… until she reappeared again, and then—the two vanished once she calmed him down. Shaman thought.
Shaman could almost feel that day being yesterday. He couldn’t even remember how he got affiliated with the cult and how he became such a high ranking leader out of a thousand or so. This made his head hurt and felt stressful. He backed away and went to the back area, but Sarah stopped him by saying “Hey,” which made him pause.
“I just need a drink of water, I’ll be right back.”
“Oh, okay.” Sarah reached into her pocket as he disappeared into the back area. “Jack texted, uh… yes, I am feeling better and yes, your sister is still a little sassy emo, sent!”
“I heard that!” Angela shouted.
Sarah giggled and so did Anna. In the back, Shaman got his glass of water and before walking back out, he saw his hanging necklace, and seeing it made him grunt. He scratched the back of his neck, and came back out.
“Hey, I got a suggestion for you all.”
The three panned their attention to him, and he raised his finger.
“Who wants to help me set up my drawing shop tomorrow? I’ll gladly compensate for your time.”
Angela quickly raised her hand, and her eyes were furrowed with determination.
“Only if you teach me basic landscape sir!’
Sarah placed her hand on her hip, “Sure, but could I bring someone?”
“The more the better, madam!”
Anna looked at Sarah, “good because I can’t. I got stuff to do with my grandparents. I’m guessing you’re bringing Jack?”
Sarah nodded. “Yup. I guess it’s us three then, Angela.”
Angela quickly pulled out her phone and called her brother.
“Jack, whatever you’re planning tomorrow forget about it! We have a date with the goth girl!”
He moaned and groaned, grunted and she replied with laughter.
Sarah shook her head, “that Angela—”
“Always so sassy.” The two girls said in unison.
Herold laughed and so did the other two. Angela blushed but kept her confident smile as their laughter continued.
***
Late at night, inside a local coffee brewery, two past friends have reunited and were in the middle of catching up. With giggles, and brief chuckles coming from both, the two happened to be Mandy and Leon who were sitting across each other. Mandy had her legs crossed towards him, their eye contact was strong, it’s almost as if they were never separated from each other. Despite what happened between them, they’ve managed to pick up where they last communicated.
“Tell me, Leon, throughout the years, how have you been able to manage putting up with that insufferable monster.”
Leon rolled his eyes, “it wasn’t easy. But to make a long story short, I just did what she forced me into with that dreaded contract: To never speak, touch, nor communicate with her or our daughter.”
“Yet it’s been breached without repercussion?”
“Rightfully so in part of me being able to get to know my own flesh and blood.”
Mandy squinted her eyes, and took a quick sip of her drink.
“About that. Excuse on what I’m about to say next, but did you really have sex with that creature? And forced to create life just to fulfil her selfish desires?”
Leon rested one arm on the table, and tapped it.
“Funny thing is… Mandy…”
His grin faded, and a frown appeared as his face grew still.
“We never engaged in any sexual activity…”
This made Mandy come to a stop. She couldn’t believe what she just heard. This made her scrunch her face in confusion, look away, and her anger towards Abyzou grew more than it ever has. This raised more questions than ones that haven’t been answered, stacking up the mount Everest of mysteries behind her. No sexual activity? Throughout the years? To Mandy she wondered how his daughter was created or are the rumours about her being a doppelganger coming into light? That’s the only explanation she has for now, and she has to tell Linnea. When she brought her gaze back to Leon, he looked more vivid than her.
“Samantha… you vile bitch…”
His scowl face told Mandy all. His years of torment, isolation, and being used as a tool for her pleasure gave her more motivation to end her life.
“Leon… so Sarah—isn’t your biological daughter?”
Leon slowly blinked, “That’s what I thought at first, until recently.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“As we began to speak, and hangout, I slowly began to realise she definitely has my dna. From the mana flowing inside her, her attitude, she’s in fact my flesh and blood.”
“Then, how did she create her if you guys never engaged in any sexual activity?”
Leon rubbed the top of his head, and sighed.
“I… still don’t know, not to this day I’ve come close to figuring out how Sarah was created. But today, something else happened and it’s making me question if I’m the only one she used to create her.”
Mandy grew a sweat gland, and placed her arms on the table.
“What-what do you mean by that? Are you implying she used someone else to create Sarah?”
Leon’s head was tilted, towards his chest, and he looked dismayed.
“That wasn’t the implementation I had until I witnessed it today.”
“Leon, you’re killing me here with the suspense. Tell me, what did you sense that has brought this concern?”
Leon sat straight, and deeply knitted his brows.
“I sensed… the power of divinity in her. The same power that both William and Archard bear.”
Mandy was in disbelief and quaked in her boots.
“How… How could that be? That-that doesn’t make any sense. It-It’s unnatural, and fabricated.”
Mandy gently slammed her hands on the table.
“Are you sure it isn’t that? Couldn’t it just be the same energy that Exorcist’s use?”
Leon shook his head. “No, Mandy. Exorcist’s, the ones you and I fought, the ones under William all use energy and some use mana, magic like the rest of us. But William uses a sense of energy that accolades him as a God: The power of divinity only thought to be true for William, that woman with the umbrella… and unfortunately, now Archard shares the same type of power after an unfortunate bump in.”
Mandy pulled her arms back, and lay back on the chair, gasping repeatedly. Leon’s face transitioned back to sulking but his brows stayed knitted.
“Even I can’t believe it, Mandy…”
Mandy grabbed her head, “this… this is madness. This is too hard to believe. Not only does she possess your DNA, Abyzou, but she also shares the same with one of those guys?”
Leon didn’t respond, and his mouth began to open.
“Leon, she has to be stopped! We have to find out what's truly going on. Why are the witch cultist’s here, after Sarah, the Exorcist’s, everything that’s occurring is because of her! And the key to where she’s at is you, Leon.”
Leon smacked his lips, “is this what it's all about? Instead of using my daughter now you’re going to play with my emotions and use me to get your revenge?”
Mandy ground her teeth, and leaped to grab his hand.
“Don’t you dare, Leon. I fucking love you! And I have for the past two decades. So don’t you dare say that I’m taking advantage of your emotions when in fact it’s far from it.”
Leon knew she wasn’t lying, which made him grin.
“I’m only doing this not just for Linnea’s sake… but for my own selfishness.”
“Mandy…”
Her eyes quivered, and she held his hand tightly.
“She took away the one thing I wanted more than ever—and that was you, Leon Bolverkr.”
Leon gently placed his hand on top of hers, and looked into her eyes. The two were deeply staring into each other, and their clutch grew warmer and more seductive. Mandy slowly placed her other hand on his, and massaged it without breaking eye contact.
“She took you away from me… and I'll never forgive her for that.”
She brought their hands close to her mouth, leaving the top of his hand in close proximity to her lips. Her eyes were glistened, and her brows furrowed, she fluttered her eyelashes as Leon could remember the time they almost kissed.
“For so long… I thought you were either dead or have fallen so deep in depression after her transformation—you ran away to the edge of the world, never to be seen again.”
Leon moaned, and she continued sexually massaging his hands.
“Mandy… how much do you still love me?” he said in a soothing deep tone, which aroused her ears.
She responded by holding both his hands up to her face, gently putting one down, and rubbing the other against the side of her face. Leon could feel just how soft her face was, and it made him get more aroused.
“Do you… want me to show you?”
Leon didn’t say anything as his eyes were now locked onto her pink lips. She stood up, threw money on the table to pay for both tabs, and began dragging him away. Leon allowed her, and the two were out the door and outside the eatery. She quickly looked over her shoulder as they walked to her rental car. They got in and drove off into the night.
After a long silent drive, they arrived at her hotel and they got out. Walking out, and going through the lobby, once they were in the elevator, Leon wrapped his arm around her tiny waist, which made her blush.
She had a soft grin on her face as he brought her closer, sharing his warmth. She never felt so happy and safe in her life as the man that she always loved had her in his embrace. The elevator opened, they walked out, and Mandy again grabbed his hand, dragging, guiding him to her room.
They reached the door, and once she swiped the card reader to open the door, she let him walk in first. She walked in afterwards, and before closing the door behind her, she put a ‘Do not disturb’ sign on the handle. Shutting the door behind her, Leon stood, and waited towards the entrance of the bedroom. She took her trench coat off, and glasses, then began to unbutton her top. Leon took a deep breath, and felt Mandy’s soft, warm arms wrap around his waist.
Leon twitched his hand, and remained relaxed.
“Mandy, the rumours she spread of you being a slut, they were false, right?”
Mandy leaned her head against his back, and felt his heart beating.
“Of course they were—because I’ve been saving myself… for you.”
Leon slowly clenched his fists, and shut his eyes.
“Damn… her…” he muttered.
Mandy leaned off him, and slowly dragged her arm around him to stand in front of him. Her top unbuttoned, revealing her bra, and her exposed stomach, Leon didn’t say a word.
“Leon…”
She went to grab his hand one last time, and guided him backwards to the bed. She felt the bed behind her legs, and she took her shirt off entirely and reached up to Leon’s neck, wrapping her arms around them. They looked deep into each other's souls, and with her moaning softly, Leon couldn’t contain himself, and eased his way towards her lips. The two eased into Mandy’s first kiss and the two closed their eyes. The more they kissed, the more intense it grew, and eventually led them to make out. Leon grabbed the back of her hair, and her ass as she grabbed his face, and brought him closer. She took his shirt off, and spun him around, pushing to lay flat on the bed.
She seductively climbed on top of him, and kissed him one last time before unbuttoning her bra.
“Leon… I want you to be my first, and only time…” she said in a sweet gentle tone.
She unhooked her bra, and tossed it aside. She reached down and the two again locked mouths. Leon grabbed her, and sat up as they were grabbing each other. She unzipped his pants while he grabbed her breasts, pulling it down along with his underwear, fighting her nervous nature.
Leon noticed her fear, and leaned towards her ear as she began to shake.
“Share with me the pain—you’ve endured through the years… Mandy.”
Mandy couldn’t contain herself and let out a tear. Leon eased, carefully inserted himself into her, popping her cherry, which made her cover her mouth as the pain and arousement became overbearing. Once she felt ready, combating the pain, the two moved each other's hips carefully. But the carefulness couldn’t last, their care, love for one another made them move their hips intensely. Leon thrusted deeper, and Mandy dug her nails onto his back with one hand and slowly uncovered her mouth. Both of her hands dug into his back, and slid them behind his neck, leaning off him, moaning, screaming her pain and love for Leon Bolverkr for the rest of the night.