Johnny goes back to the hotel and collapses onto the couch.

“How'd it go?” Lucy asks.

“Once again, luck saved my ass.” Johnny says with a fist raised in victory. He lets out a chuckle. “I should be dead by now. But I live to spite the heavens another day.” He says, amused.

Lucy smiles. She very much wanted to give him another kiss, but Mary Rose was watching closely.

“So did we get off scot-free?” Mary Rose asks.

Johnny shakes his head. “It's possible they'll still find a trace. But that's tomorrow’s problem. For now, I’ve done all I can.” He says. Johnny found that one of the most difficult things in the world was to erase the truth; erasing the truth was essentially cutting off the flow of karma, and in most cases, it was just impossible. The truth had weird ways of revealing itself, which is why lying was often futile. Alas, Johnny did his best, and if someone were to uncover his sins, that would just be fate.

Mary Rose sits down and leans in to give Johnny a sloppy kiss. “Well, I’m glad you’re safe.” She says.

Lucy couldn’t help but frown.

Suddenly Johnny’s phone began to ring.

“Yes?” Johnny says, answering the phone

“Hello? Hi, mister, my name is Nick.” A child’s voice says.

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Johnny raises an eyebrow. A little boy? He thinks, feeling that this was going to be weird.

“Hi, Nick. How can I help you?” Johnny says with a smile.

“Uh, yes. I saw an ad in the newspaper for a chance to become a vampire? I was hoping to apply for the chance. I’m very hard working, and I get good grades in school. I’m sure I can be very useful to you.” The child says.

Johnny lets out a light laugh. “I’m sure you’re very useful. But why do you want to become a vampire?” He asks, very curious about the matter.

“Ah, uhhm, ah, I can’t say. I just want to become a vampire. I’ll surely repay you!” The young voice says.

Johnny shakes his head. “Look, kid, I’ll be real with you. You’re clearly underage, and what you’re asking is a very serious matter. I doubt I’ll even go through with it for you. But if I were, I would need a very good reason.” He says seriously.

There was a long silence on the phone. Eventually, the boy began to speak.

“I-I need power. M-my mom. She takes videos of herself undressing. And strange men come to the house often. I-if I was stronger, m-my mom– She wouldn’t have to do that.” The voice says.

Johnny frowns. I knew this was going to be weird. He thinks with furrowed brows. “Where are you located, kid?” Johnny asks.

“Ah, uh, Storm Capital.” The boy says.

Johnny lets out a sigh. “Alright, kid. I’ll call you in a few days.” He says before ending the call. Johnny couldn’t help but frown.

“What’s wrong?” Lucy asks.

Johnny shakes his head. “Nothing. It’s just business. We have to go to Storm Capital.” He says.

Lucy lets out a bitter smile. Just expects me to go… If I’m going to be an accessory, at least pay attention to me more… She thinks, finding it unfair. Lucy lets out a sigh. That’s it! I’m going to be more bold! Every chance, I’ll be there! She thinks, deciding to grasp each opportunity.

Mary Rose groans. “Johnny, the weather’s terrible there! Do we really have to go? The heat and the humidity, just thinking of it is making me uncomfortable.” She says. Even in Movie Capital she was already uncomfortable, and now she had to go to Storm Capital. Mary Rose was reluctant.

Johnny caresses Mary Rose’s shoulder. “Come on, it will be fun. Also, that wizard still owes us a meal.” He says. “Where’s Leo? I’ll ask him to book us tickets.” He says.

“He checked into another hotel room.” Mary Rose says.

Johnny gets up and stretches. “Alright, prepare to leave. We probably shouldn’t stay here any longer, anyways. Too many vampires.” He says before going to find Leo.

…

…

Johnny puts his bags down. “I wonder how we can find that wizard. He didn’t leave his card.” He says.

“This is actually where the Wizard Association is located. I’m sure we can find him if we just ask for Romulus.” Lucy says.

“Sounds good.” Johnny says as he sits down. He lets out a breath to release the pressure before taking out his phone. “Now I have to call that kid.” He says, already uncomfortable with the situation.