It’s a nice sunny day at the academy. Taking their seats, waiting for the professor, as the last of the newcomers were showing up, a blonde girl with glasses, shy in nature and blue eyes almost tripped her way in. Getting a hold of her nervousness, she brushed some of her hair behind her ear, and went to her designated seat. Sitting down, taking a couple of deep breaths, she got a hold of her emotions and grinned.

“I’m here, here! At last!” she said.

The last of the newcomers finally came in before the professor poofed himself in the middle. She scratched her head, and someone walked past her. Her scent awakened whatever sleepiness she might’ve had dormant. She smelled wonderful, and her raven hair engulfed her vision briefly before disappearing at the corner of her eyes. She was captivated and wanted to see who took a seat beside her. Taking a glance, she saw her pale glistening skin, the elegant gothic outfit she had that established class and maturity: she also felt, took a scan at the sea of eyes staring at the beauty.

She rubbed her eyes, and swallowed.

“Uh, uh, hi. Are you also new or a returning commoner?” she asked.

The woman turned to her, and smiled, which made her blush.

“I’m new just like you. Nice to meet you, newcomer.”

“Nice to meet you as well.”

Her crimson eyes were captivating, calm and filled with life. But her beauty stood out most of all, which had every male drooling at the moment.

“Wh-what’s your name, if you don’t mind me asking?”

She blinked, and put her small hand on the blonde woman's arm.

“Samantha, my name is Samantha. What about you? What’s your name?”

The blonde woman scratched the back of her head, chuckling nervously.

“Ehehe, uh, my name's Mandy.”

Samantha’s smile thinned out, and she caressed her forearm.

“Mandy…”

The way she said her name sent chills up her spine but sounded so seductive and dreamy.

“What a wonderful and gothic name. I adore it.”

“Th-thank you. I wanted to ask, but uh, what kind of person are you?”

Samantha took her hand off, interlaced her hands, and rested her chin on her fingers.

“If you really want to know, I’m a Witch. And by seeing those insignias on your earrings, you too are a Witch? Or, perhaps something else?”

Mandy grabbed one of her earrings and smiled.

“You caught me. I’m actually an Esper, but I happen to have taken a liking to Witchcraft.”

Samantha was intrigued, and scooted closer to her.

“Interesting. And what brought this fascination to have you worship the embodiment of adoring mother nature?”

Mandy tapped her chin, and did some thinking. She looked back at her early childhood and remembered a time when she was being harassed by a group of girls. Once she was cornered, a Witch happened to step in and defend her liking for nature. Seeing someone else devoted to the same ambition as her made her step into the side of darkness since most supernatural beings viewed Witche’s as troublesome as the Exorcists.

“To be honest, I want to learn from every supernatural group.”

Samantha chuckled, and waved her hand.

“Silly Mandy, that’s impossible, especially if you’re wanting to learn from those dastardly Exorcists. I mean, you see how they treat Witches.”

“Don’t you mean how one of them treats them?”

Mandy brought her eyes to the giant board where the professor was beginning to display his lesson.

“I’ve heard about that horrible man known as Archard the terrible. A sick twisted indivduel who takes a liking in torturing and killing any body he sees a potential threat to his kind—or in most cases, just for the sake of his twisted nature.” Mandy growled.

Samantha’s smile turned upside down, and in place, she reacted with disgust and annoyance.

“That man, he’s a pathetic fool who needs to be taught a lesson.”

Samantha’s frown turned into a vile grin, and it made Mandy jump.

“But, I don’t think he’ll do us any harm any time soon, honey.”

Mandy’s pupils erratically bounced and she gulped.

“Uh, wha-what makes you say that?”

Samantha coughed, and waved her hand.

“Eh, just a funny guess since we’re here.”

“R-right…”

“Don’t be a nervous wreck Ms. Bleach blonde wonder.”

Mandy mildly blushed, and avert gaze.

“I-I don’t know what you speak of.”

“I mean, look at you: So innocent looking yet beautiful, I bet every guy tries you, honey.”

Mandy giggled, and playfully tapped Samantha’s arm.

“Um, hello?! Look around you, every guy's eyes are on you, gorgeous.”

Samantha raised a brow.

“You mean, us? Hehe.”

The two girls paused, then giggled. On that day, Mandy thought she had made a new friend, someone whom she could relate to: Being alone, abnormal to the rest, but, up announce to her, just a month later, Samantha’s true colours were shown. The familiar setting, Mandy sitting on a bench, waiting to speak with her crush, Samantha instead appeared, and the vile thin smile on her face, she’ll never forget it.

“Samantha? What’re you doing here?” Mandy asked.

Samantha gently put her hand on her shoulder, and looked into Mandy’s deep blue eyes.

“Who are you waiting on, Mandy?”

Mandy smiled and turned red.

“I-I’m waiting for Leon!”

Samantha’s eyes squinted, and she began to clench her shoulder.

“Sa-Samantha, tha-that kinda hurts.”

“What are you waiting for?”

Mandy grew nervous, and tried pulling off, but she was gripped in place.

“Wh-why do you ask?”

Samantha’s eyes glinted, and she giggled.

“No reason.”

Mandy didn’t like Samantha’s tone, and she began fighting to get her off.

“What’s with you? Why are you—”

“Answer!”

Her sudden shout broke the sound barrier, and paused time afterwards.

“Samantha…”

“Mandy.”

Mandy began to whimper, and her eyes exploded, creating an explosion that sent Mandy flying against a tree. She bumped and fell on fours. Coming out of the smoke, Samantha had her twisted thin smile, and with the smoke trailing off her body, she pointed her finger at Mandy. Mandy felt her windpipe crushing, and felt light as a feather. She took a glance to the ground, and saw that she was being risen and feeling her breathing beginning to shorten, she reached out for mercy at Samantha. Samantha’s smile vanished, and she shot her fist forward, shooting a huge stream of blue fire.

“SAMANTHA!”

Hearing her putrid scream had awakened Sarah from her slumber. She sat up, and gripped the bed sheets. She took a deep breath, and wiped her forehead.

“Another dream with Mandy in it…” she mumbled.

Sarah softy blinked, and frowned.

For the better part of a month, this has been a reoccurring instance. Night after night, midday dream, have been nothing but scenes playing out as if I were there; and in all of them Mandy was in them. Sarah thought.

Sarah brought her hand up to her eyes, and released her frustrations through her nostrils.

What could the meaning be for these lucid dreams? I don’t understand, and it’s like, like I’m actually the one there in place of my mother.

While contemplating on what her dreams could mean, someone knocked on the metal rebars holding her prison. She took a quick glance, and immediately averted her gaze without saying anything. The person who disturbed her thinking was Ravana, and he had a platter of food in hand. He gently set it down, and sat Criss crossed.

“Good morning, Samantha. How was your slumber? I take another vision caught you by surprise?”

Sarah clenched her bed sheets, and hung her head.

“No need to be upset. You’re just in the middle of relapsing of who you originally are. There’s no need to be shameful.”

Sarah deeply frowned and grew upset.

“Come now, look and talk to me, Samantha. It’s me, Ravana, remember? I know I keep asking over and over, but I’m just trying to refresh your memories.”

Sarah slowly clutched her head, and growled beneath her breath.

“Oh Samantha, whoever messed with your memories will pay dearly. Trust me, I’ll enact a punishment you’ll see fitting! And one you’ll be proud of, my gorgeous lord.”

Sarah slammed her hands on her lap, and began to breath heavily.

“Stop…”

“Oh! What was that? Did I hear a whisper?”

“Shut up…”

“Yes Samantha, speak to me! You’ve been here for too long now to not talk to me. Will today be the day you speak to me?!”

“Shut… up.”

Ravana grabbed the bars, excited and anticipated. His eyes gleamed with joy and he was eager to hear her voice again.

“Yes, Samantha! Speak to me, like the day I took you away from those fiends.”

Sarah grew tired of being called her mother, and gripped the sheets again, tugging them to her chest.

“Shut up!”

Ravana’s jaw dropped, but he still appeared joyful.

“Shut up, shut up, shut… up.”

“But, Samantha…!”

Ravana slipped his arms through the bars, reaching for Sarah, pleading.

“All we want is for you to show us if you’re truly our messiah! We all are here for you, my sweet.”

Sarah grit her teeth, and threw the sheet to the side.

“I’m not Samantha! I’m not my mother, I’m Sarah!”

Ravana clasped his hands together.

“That’s what they’re trying to make you believe, but the answer is still the same, regardless: you are indeed, Samantha, my dear.”

“No, no I’m not… I’m not my mom, I’m nothing like her…”

Sarah began to softly whimper.

“I’m my own being… my own person, goddamnit.”

The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

Ravana looked confused, and dropped his arms. His face went still, and he got back on his feet.

“Mom? Mother? What’s the meaning behind you saying that?”

Sarah held back her tears, and covered her face.

“I’m nothing like my mother, my mom, Samantha, she’s the one you want.”

Ravana grinned, and got back on his knees.

“But, dear, you got it all wrong. You are Samantha, there’s no doubt about it.”

Sarah couldn’t fight it anymore, and tears came out. They slipped through the gaps of her fingers, and she deeply whimpered.

“I know it’s hard to understand since your memories are still foggy: But, Samantha, you are you, and whatever you’re convinced to think and say otherwise, you’re the same woman whom I met back at the academy.”

Sarah sniffed, and rubbed her nose, and finally, looking at Ravana who immediately had his eyes sparkle.

“Look at those gorgeous crimson eyes; filled with blood lust, innocence, and malovenacy.”

Ravana chuckled, and put his hand out.

“I could never forget that adorable face of yours. To your pale skin, to the raven hair that defines your mysterious nature, Samantha, we will do our best to make you remember.”

Sarah knit her brows, and glanced down again. As Sarah soaked in sorrow, Shaman and the others arrived, and saw Sarah awake. Shaman’s guilt shot him, Chelsea grinned, and her partner didn’t appear fazed.

“Ravana, what are you doing?” Shaman asked as he stood beside him.

Ravana stood up, and sighed.

“Nothing, just rejoicing at our amazing soon to be birthed God again. Why ask in such a rude matter?”

Shaman was bothered seeing Sarah sad and still caged. This was the first time he’s seen her since the day he betrayed them. He avoided any interaction or eye contact throughout the month to avoid feeling the guilt that’s never left. Ravana grew more impatient as Shaman stared at Sarah who’s gaze was averted.

“Hello?! Did you not hear me!”

Shaman smacked his teeth.

“I heard you alright.”

“Alright, then why have you disturbed me? If you’re not here for anything else than so leave me.”

“Hmph, whatever. But, there’s something you must know.”

“Out with it then.”

“She’s not what you think she is, Ravana.”

“H…uh?”

Ravana sounded irritated and got closer to Shaman.

“I’m sorry, I couldn’t hear you just then. Care to repeat what you said, my friend?”

Shaman got closer, and the two were eye to eye.

“She’s not what you’re implying, rather, something close to the real deal.”

Ravana forced out a chuckle, and backed off.

“Wait a minute wait a minute, let me wrap up what you’re saying. You’re saying she’s not what I think she might be? Instead, possibly closer to that?”

Shaman nodded. Chelsea raised her hand, getting Ravana’s attention.

“Its truest, the girls different than what we might knows, sir.”

Ravana dragged his hand on his face, and forced another chuckle.

“Are you people trying to tell me that she’s a phony? And that I might be… wrong?”

Chelsea shakenly lowered her hand, and grew fearful.

“No no, it’s nots like that. She’s justs not what you mights be thinking.”

Shaman stepped in Ravana’s view.

“We’re not saying you’re wrong, Ravana. But, Sarah, she’s different.”

Ravana paused, and took a moment to wrap up what they’re telling him. Without another moment wasted, he cracked his neck, and shut his eyes for a moment.

“I seem to be overthinking here, but if my senses are telling me otherwise…”

He pointed at Sarah, and opened his eyes again.

“The girl behind these bars is in fact Samantha. Her soul, her essence, everything that embodies the woman I met almost two decades ago is sitting, whimpering inside her unjustified prison: If that isn’t her, then you’re saying my senses are wrong and in fact, we’re dealing with a copy with its own personality.”

Shaman grew serious, and nodded.

“You’re correct, Samantha’s soul is in there, there’s no denying it, but Sarah, she’s her own being; not remotely close to Samantha’s personality.”

Ravana clutched his head, and trembled.

“Ahhh! To hell what you guys are thinking. Is she Samantha or not?!”

“She is, and isn’t.”

Ravana grew more frustrated and both men began arguing about what they’re saying. While they were discussing, Sarah also grew enough of the assumption and jumped out of her bed.

“Enough!” she shouted.

Both men paused and brought their attention to Sarah. She had her fists clenched and her eyes watering.

“Whatever you believe in, for the last damn time—!”

Sarah slowly approached the bars, and stood an inch from them.

“—I’m my own being! And none of you can say otherwise.”

Ravana still wasn’t convinced and smiled instead. Seeing his casual smile rubbed Sarah the wrong way and made her scrunch her face. Shaman looked away, and still couldn’t bear seeing her. Sarah tried grabbing the bars with her boiling anger, but upon contact with the metal, she felt weakened and felt her mana draining. Her vision began fogging, and she collapsed and felt her breath shortened.

“What’s this?” Ravana asked, raising a brow.

Shaman was surprised to see Sarah this weakened but immediately answered his assumption. Ravana scratched the side of his cheek, and kneeled down, grabbing the bars and wondering why Sarah felt so weakened and drained after coming in contact.

“Why did she collapse from touching normal metal?”

Shaman grabbed his shoulder.

“The same crystals you gave them, we used them and crafted them with metal to keep her enclosed.”

Ravana’s eyes expanded and he felt confused.

“Then that means?”

“She has the same weakness as her father, Leon bolverkr.”

Ravana quickly went to grab her while she was still in a confused and drained state. He felt his memories flash before his eyes, and saw the past play out in front. Reaching the ground, trying to grab his book, he caught a glance of Samantha who also was staring at him from a distance. Her gorgeous smile, her perfect body, and raven hair, seeing her again made him tear up, and his memories went dark.

“Wha…?”

“Don’t you dare lay a hand on me~”

Ravana was back in the present, and slowly let go, and he had an ominous smile on his face. Feeling confident and his answer still not changed, he took a deep breath and combed his hair with his fingers.

“Hmph, whatever she may be, she’s still Samantha.”

Shaman grew irritated and again, shortened the distance between them.

“I don’t care what you say, Ravana. Now you listen to me very carefully, Sarah there, she’s not just a copy of Samantha but a great gal, a caring person, and a better being than the woman you and I lust over.”

“Watch your tongue or else—”

“Or else, what?! You’ll kill me? beat me to a pulp? make my life a living hell?! Tch, I could give a damn on what punishment you want to enact on me.”

Ravana squinted his eyes, but kept his smile.

“You’re lucky, Shaman. If you were anyone else, you’d be nothing but a cloud of red. Hmph, you’re very lucky you’re my closest friend, heheh.”

Ravana massaged his chin, and chuckled some more. Shaman knew how short tempered he was, but seeing how much he was refraining from exploding showed just how much Ravana truly respected his friend.

“Ravana, if you got to know her like I did, then you’d understand why I’ve grown such a respectable bond with her. And if you had any care for anyone else besides yourself, then you’d really open your eyes and see just how special Sarah is; not only is she the complete opposite of Samantha, but she’s everything you would want in a woman.”

“Regardless, what you say also stacks on what I’ve meant about your behaviour.”

Ravana leaned close, and snickered.

“You’re too gullible, and far too soft to grow any higher. Which makes you weak, my friend.”

Shaman didn’t say anything, but instead walked around Ravana. He paused and took a breath before turning over to look at his back.

“If you think me being humane makes me weak, then so be it. At least I’m not some heartless monster like you’ve grown to be.”

Shaman walked away, and Ravana shrugged.

“Whatever, I’m stating facts.”

Chelsea grabbed her partner's arm, and clung on as she sensed his irritation and anger swelling. Once Ravana saw Sarah moving again and carefully got on two, he smiled and cooled down again.

“You alright?” he asked.

Sarah’s eyes were swollen, and two teardrops fell to the ground. The cold dirt ground erupted with life. Flowers blossomed and the grass gleamed without a shine of light. Sarah gripped the grass, and shut her eyes.

“There’s no need to be sad, you are what we worship.”

Sarah hung her head deeper.

“And… wha…t would that be?”

Ravana reached through the bars again, and carefully placed his hand on her clenched hand.

“Our destroyer, and reviser, Abyzou.”

Sarah unclenched her hand, and with his hand still on it, she could see memories of an academy. He was there, the others too, but also, coming from the corner of her eyes, she saw her father, smiling. Seeing such a genuine smile on his face made her tear up more.

“You see, you’re remembering who you are. Don’t fight it, rejoice and come back to us, Samantha.”

Ravana grabbed her hand to get her full attention.

“Look at me, please.”

Sarah slowly turned her head to him.

“Now, into my blood red eyes.”

Once they were in sync of eye contact, Sarah could see him again, on his knees, giving her roses. Once she blinked, she could see his worried, nervous face, and with one more blink, anger had shown. But from where he was looking, he appeared to be glancing beside her. Grabbing her shoulder, she felt a familiar rough yet gentle hand gently pull her away from him.

“What do you think you’re doing? Ravana.”

The voice was deep, rough, but gentle to the ear. Looking over her shoulder, she saw her father again, and expressed irritation. She didn’t say a word, but remained flabbergasted. Meanwhile, Ravana got back on his feet, and the two had a stare down. Seeing the tension rising between them, she grabbed her fathers hand, and eased his temper. He cooled down, and put his arm around her neck, and for the first time, Sarah felt her fathers warmth in a protective and non explosive way.

“I’d leave if I were you, Ravana.”

“Hmph, I just was. I take your answer as a no, Samantha?”

She didn’t say anything as her attention was caught by the hands meant to protect her, giving her a new sense of safety and prosperity. Ravana expressed a thin smile, and backed away, walking off and then around the corner. Leon sighed, and kissed her on the cheek.

“Don’t worry, I’m here to protect you—”

He leaned his head on her small shoulder, and a tear came down her face.

“—no matter if the world turns against you for some odd reason.”

Seeing her life flash before her eyes, Sarah could see more of the cruelty her mother ensued, but questioned how she’s able to see it. Then, with one more flash, she saw the world in a burning inferno once again, like she’s dreamt of before. She walked around, scanned at the destroyed reality with lava shooting up in the sky. A broken glass plane swung out in front of her, and in that moment, Sarah saw herself with glistening moonlight platinum hair, and the eyes that marked her uniqueness. Her outfit, she couldn’t see it too well but her face, it’s the same as what she has but with longer bangs and her face was as pale as ever. Her eyes grew wide as she saw markings erupt around her face, veins crawling to her eyes, and she screamed.

“NO!”

Sarah backed off, and fell back for a moment. Ravana had his hand still up, but felt bad for her.

“Are you alright?” he asked.

Sarah balled her fists, and put them over her eyes.

“What am I? What the hell am I?” she said.

Transitioning his face with a satisfied thin grin, Ravana eerily hunched forward as he grabbed the bars again.

“Samantha, Abyzou, my dear.”

***

Looking up at the sky, sitting by the porch, Jack Samr has felt defeated and had found nothing to find Sarah’s destination. Not a clue, not even a hint, only sorrow was what he found. Rubbing his eyes, Jack groaned and rocked back on the chair of his deceased uncle Randolph loved to sit on.

“Ahh! What should I do?!” he growled.

He dropped his hand, and lay back more, letting out his disappointment.

“Help me out here, uncle…”

Samantha, you lied to me… he thought.

“That woman still hasn’t called me like she said she was. Just what could she be up to besides reviving Leon?”

He blinked erratically and moaned while sitting straight as the chair creaked. He hunched forward and rested his arms on his thighs.

“What can I do now? I tried looking everywhere, but instead wasted my damn time just slouching and soaking in my shame.”

He reached into his pocket to pull out a cigarette.

“I need to smoke away my damn feelings.”

Once he had the bud in his mouth and was just an inch from lighting it, someone grabbed the bud out his mouth and threw it away.

“Ey?!”

He looked beside him to find whoever dared lay a hand on him but found his sister Angela. She had her arms crossed, foot tapping, and she looked just as disappointed as he did for himself.

“Angela? You spooked me for a second. I was just an inch from putting a bullet in your dome.”

Angela stuck her hip out, and raised a brow.

“Huh? Me, lil o me? Spooking my scary brother?”

“H-hey…”

“What? It’s true, hehe.”

She grinned, and stood next to him, putting her arms around him.

“You’ve been so upset as of lately, more than usual.”

“Tch…”

“Oh stop it Mr. grumpy. Tell your lil sis what’s gotten you so fidgety these past weeks.”

Jack didn’t know how to respond to Angela. He can’t decide whether to tell her the truth or come up with something similar for her to know. The young man decided to only pat his adopted sister, and say nothing. She grabbed his hand, and used it to smack him.

“No, don’t you dare try to cutesy me out of your problems mister.”

Jack grinned, and moaned.

“Alright, you win.”

She expressed an open mouth smile, and sat on his lap.

“Okay, this is a first for me, so it’s a little weird because you usually close yourself off from the world, but—!”

She poked his face, and flicked his nose.

“—I am your gosh darn sis and I’m here for you damn it!”

Jack didn’t know how to react. The Angela in front of him is so much different than the one originally. It was a breath of fresh air and made him remember all the times she used to act this way before her abduction. She's never been the same after when she awakened from her coma. And with the thought that Mallory and her share something in common just like Sarah and her mother, Jack began to wonder if going back to originality would be a good idea. The young man could still see the original Angela beside her; her face still, her eyes empty, and an ominous glare directed at others who try to get his attention besides her.

“You really are different, aren’t you?” he said.

“Huh? What do you mean by that?”

“Ah, never mind. That came out accidentally.”

Jack scratched the back of his neck, and sighed.

“I don’t know how to explain this, but… I’m in a bit of a predicament.”

Angela put her finger on her chin, and looked up.

“Hmm, could it be something—Oh, I don’t know, supernatural?”

Jack’s eyes got big for a brief moment.

“Wait, you know about—?”

“Supernatural stuff that defies realism? Yeah, I figured it would’ve been that since you and the goth girl hangout a lot. So I assumed you guys would deal with that since she’s a part of it. But, I am surprised you’re that involved.”

Jack couldn’t help but shake his head and chuckle.

“Jesus man. What else does this reality have to throw at my face and shock me.”

Angela giggled.

“It’s alright. No need to keep things secret from me. Sarah the other day showed me a glimpse of the world she lives in.”

“Sarah did? But how did you figure it out?”

Angela got off of Jack, and walked to the edge of the porch, glancing at the clear sky.

“I saw her one day use her powers. It was frightening at first since it’s something I would only see in the ‘silly cartoons’ you don’t think much of that I watch but would bear to imagine.”

She spread her arms out.

“But when she showed me the real reality this world hides behind the shadows of normality, it made me realise just how special of a world we live in.”

Jack couldn’t believe it, and seeing his sister praise the supernatural this much made him almost lose his mind, but with peace.

“And I wouldn't lie to you if I wasn’t interested in learning said powers.”

Angela did a pose from one of her favourite shows, and stuck her hip out.

“I mean, imagine it! Me?! I would be doing so many good deeds and looking cute too? I’d be a megastar and someone’s idol! Ooo oo, and I could have my own series, yeah!”

Jack laughed, and really enjoyed seeing Angela this hyped. It almost made him forget about telling her of his situation, but he took advantage of the conversation to have her forget his problem.

“Mm, was Mandy also there with you when Sarah showed you the supernatural? I do recall the three of you hanging out a while back after your part time job.”

Before his betrayal that is… Jack thought.

Angela tilted her head, and turned around to Jack, appearing confused.

“Ma…ndy?”

“Yeah, the blonde woman with glasses. Remember, the one you didn’t like at first.”

Angela’s pupils bounced around in confusion, and she put her hands on her hips.

“Brother, I have no clue who you’re talking about.”

Suddenly, that joy and happiness turned to anger, and shock. Jack’s eyes slowly expanded, and his mouth gapped as Angela’s confusion was as genuine as his sickish attitude.

“You’re… you’re serious aren’t you?”

Angela shrugged, and looked at Jack crazy-like.

“Yeah, unless I’m the one that’s going crazy. But, now it has me questioning who you’ve been around, mister.”

Angela pouted, and bent forward, pointing all sassy at Jack.

“Who’s this Mandy, huh? You’re starting to be really popular with all these ladies every time you leave the house.”

Jack didn’t know what to say. He was baffled and over everything up to this point that normally would have him dramatically react after anyone would say something like that; Yet, this time, Jack felt dumbfounded and already had an assumption as to who might be behind the new mystery of Angela already forgetting Mandy.

“Samantha, you’ve got to be behind this.” he mumbled.

“Huh? Sam who?”

Angela marched towards Jack, and got in his face.

“Just how many new girls do you know? Hmm!”

Jack couldn’t help but grin seeing his sister acting adorable as always. But, at the edge of her body, Jack saw someone’s body halfway in view. He shifted his body more to the side, and saw a familiar man in a steampunk tux outfit. His side bangs crept over half his face, an odd mysterious smile on his face, but his unique eyes were what made him remember who he was. Jack stood out of his seat, and grabbed Angela’s shoulders. She grew confused yet scared because of the way he was gripping her delicate shoulders.

“Angela, go back inside.” Jack said.

His serious tone, every time she heard it, always sent chills to Angela. She turned round and saw the mysterious man who had Jack on a fickle.

“Brother, who’s that weird yet cool outfitted guy?”

Jack gently put Angela behind him, and carefully put his hand on his gun.

“Just please, do as I say.”

“Hmm, I don’t know if—”

“Hey hey, why’re you guys looking at me like I’m some criminal?! That’s really offensive if you ask me, but knowing you, Jack Samr, Ahem! You’re the last guy to give that look after I helped you out with my buddy Leon.”

Jack grew a sweat gland, and Angela saw her brother growing more nervous by the second.

“Yeah, I do remember you helping me and Sarah… wh-what do you want now?”

“Well…”

He walked up the steps, and with each step was as energetic as the previous. He clapped his hands, almost tripped, but brushed himself off, but seeing him act that goofy had Angela mildly giggling.

“Made ya laugh didn’t I?! Heheh, alrighty then, re-ahem! Now, Mr. Jack, I’d like you to accompany me for a moment.”

“What for?”

His body movements, his erratic stature, Jack didn’t imagine his actual personality to be this off putting. Meanwhile, Angela was enjoying his energetic behaviour. She unexpectedly stood in front of her brother.

“Alright Mister mystery man, what business do you have with my scary brother?”

He squinted his eyes at Angela, but chuckled.

“Woah man woah, who’s this sassy adorable little senorita hagh?”

“This sassy senorita is about to kick you in the nuts if you don’t answer my question, haha.”

“Sarcastic, good taste in clothing, I like this girl.”

“Hmph.”

Jack grabbed Angela again.

“Alright, I’ll go with you. Angela, I’ll be back, okay.”

“Mm, leaving me out of your business as usual. Fine, I guess I’ll go draw or something.”

Angela pointed her fingers to her eyes then back to the strange man.

“I’m watching you, weirdo. But, your outfit, it’s cool, I must admit.”

He bowed, and smiled.

“Of course, it’s who and what I am, sweetheart.”

Angela smirked and walked backwards, then walked her way back inside the house.

“Sister I take it?”

Jack nodded.

“Yeah, so, what do you want to talk about?”

He combed his hair, and put his hands out.

“Before we take this conversation any further, allow me to reintroduce myself.”

He clapped his hands, and shook his arms.

“Salutations my fellow cursed agent: My name’s John, Malificus, the most powerful Witch to exist in our modern time. But not because of sheer power like the goth girl's crazy family, but because of my vast knowledge of the world we truly live in.”

“Huh, okay. Seems about right about who you are then.”

He drifted his arms to the side.

“Walk with me now, fellow fallen brethren.”

Jack didn’t have a choice, and had no other reason than not to. He’s the only person he could rely on at this point. Jack walked and the two made their way down the steps. They walked for a block until they got to a familiar intersection. The young man could remember the black SUV crashed, covered in bullet holes, and Randolph’s blood dripping through the gap of the door. It made him completely still, and almost forgot that John was beside him.

“Alright, what are we doing here? And what do you want to talk about?” Jack asked.

John spun around, and again, combed his hair before speaking.

“We’re going to have a long talk, my depressed ex-drug addict friend.”

“Huh? H-how do you know that much of me?”

“You see these?!” he said while pointing at his ghostly blue eyes. “My eyes can read everything, even the gosh darn future, and one I know of your soon to be…! Never mind, I’m not here to talk about your future, for now of course! I’m here, to speak and give you knowledge of everything this world hides.”

Jack slowly balled his fists, and shut his eyes for a moment.

“Re-really? Or are you just saying that to ease my stress?”

John expressed a thin smile, and his eyes began to glow. The world around them erupted in a desert storm setting with John being the only source of illumination. Jack covered his face as he watched John eerily bring his hands up, snapping them to ease the storm and found himself in a dimension of endless grass fields and the sky a blood orange.

“Everything, my tragic friend. But in return, you have to do me a favour, which you will carry until all this madness comes to a conclusion.”

John slowly bowed, and had an open mouth smile.

“Let's talk now, Jack Samr.”