"Hey! Wake up!" a girl shouted as another's eyes opened, "Wake up, my assistant. I need your help."
And with a yawn, another girl awoke from her slumber. It was a quiet noon. Everybody else was eating lunch. Meanwhile, the once-asleep girl was still on her desk. She was tall and tan. Taller than any average middle-schooler even compared to senior men.
Her head was gently placed on her desk in the back next to the window and as she looked up, she saw one of the seniors of the school. A girl with fair skin and long green hair.
At first glance, she didn't recognize who it was, even though there weren't many people with hair dyed green. As she stretched her arms, she asked, "What's up? Is there something wrong?"
The other girl flicked her head playfully. "Don't call me girl, my wonderful assistant Jack. Call me either boss, maam, master artist, or - if I'm in a good mood - Annie," she said jokingly.
Jack wiped her eyes and realized it was the girl she looked up to. Annie Weldsfield.
"Oh, man. I totally forgot. I fell asleep during Mr. Hose's boring lecture. So, is it lunch already?"
"Yep. In the middle of it. Usually, you're never late more than 5 minutes, so I decided to check your class. And what do I find. A sleeping giant."
Jack smiled and apologized. "Sorry, boss."
Annie smiled along. "Don't worry. It's alright. Let's go to the art studio and you can help me, assistant."
Although, it seemed like Jack was being bossed around by Annie, Jack didn't see it like that. For as long as she could remember, her height scared off everybody else. Jack was alone for most of her life. She remembered her only real friends were her parents. However, those days were short in number. She remembered as a young child, a terrible storm toppled a building crushing her parents underneath. She felt isolated ever since that incident.
At school, she kept to herself. She used to be in track and field, but after some time, the other girls became jealous with her. The looks that she would get and her feeling of isolation only deepened. But that only for a short time. A transfer student joined the school. She was elegant and cool. All of the girls and boys wanted to be her friend. However, she would usually avoid them. She was older, but her reputation reached the other grades. Jack didn't try to approach her as she saw no reason to even bother. But that changed on the very first day. Annie came to her.
Annie was the only girl who would approach her. It was just a simple greeting, and a bond formed from there. She was kind and had big dreams. And Jack was in glee as she was around her.
They became great friends and Jack even looked up to Annie. She had a brilliant mind in both her academics and, more importantly, her art. Annie enjoyed creating colorful displays that bewildered and captivated many viewers. And Jack wanted to help. And so, Annie asked if Jack would be her assistant. And without a second thought, Jack agreed with a bright and young smile.
At the art room, there was a large canvas the size of the room. It was bright and colorful. It evoked all kinds of emotions. Happiness. Sadness. Rage. Chaos. All of it, and none of it. It was piece of art made by something beyond human understanding. Jack felt a sense of awe and inspiration as she looked at the painting. Meanwhile, Annie concentrated and at the same time, let her mind wander. She deliberately balanced her state of mind to create her artwork. In the bottom corner of her art, there was a signature. A yellow cursive 'A' with a heart above it. Annie always put that signature on her works, whether it was finished or not.
Jack lifted Annie up and she painted. She stood right on top of Jack's shoulders perfectly.
"Hey, assistant," Annie said and she pointed to one of the brushed. Jack carefully grabbed it and handed it over above her. Annie brushed strokes perfectly, but as Jack became slightly tired, Annie's hand motion tilted. A stray brush stroke.
"Sorry, Annie," Jack said.
Annie fell silent for a moment and then said, "It's fine. There are no mistakes in art, my dear Jacqueline."
And she continued to paint without any care. Neither had any ill will towards the other. Jack felt a calm and blissful feeling around Annie. Around someone she could call a friend.
After it was over, Jack and Annie both went back to their respective classes. They never got to see each other except during breaks, but Jack appreciated every moment of them being together.
After school, Jack and Annie both go out somewhere. Sometimes, it's to get some food, go shopping, or to try something new like laser tag or karaoke.
"Hey, Jackie. Let's go get some ice cream. My treat," Annie said with a bright smile.
Jack nodded happily and they both walked out of school together.
Jack bought a chocolate ice cream cone, while Annie bought a cup of vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate. They both enjoyed themselves around the other, but these joyous days wouldn't last.
On that day, while they sat around eating ice cream, Jack wanted to make conversation.
"So, Annie, why do you choose art over everything else? You're pretty good at almost anything you set your mind to, so why art?" she asked.
Annie took a bite of her ice cream and replied, "That's an easy question. And I'll give you an easy answer. I enjoy it, but if you want the longer answer, I can provide with that, too, assistant. So, listen carefully."
And so Jack listened and watched her like a puppy.
Annie coughed and continued, "Of course, I know I'm talented at things like math, english, history, and all of that school junk. But I never really enjoyed it. I just went on my days normally for a long time. My parents didn't really care, as long as I had good grades. And I never once tripped up on that. What struck me was that I saw the world as so... boring. Everything felt so gray and dead, but one day - just a random day - I decided to try something new. And so, I tried painting. I bought a canvas and some basic art supplies. Can you guess how well I painted?"
"You were great at it, right?"
Annie shook her head, but still kept her pleasant smile.
"No. I was utter trash. I tried painting a vase that was right in front of me, and I ended up drawing some kind of crimson demon from hell, " she said with a hearty laugh, "But that's the point. I wasn't good at it. I was so used at being great at everything, that I felt so relieved that I could be bad at something. And so, for the first time, I had to practice. I practiced and felt a sense of accomplishment when I got better. And when I look back on my earlier pieces, I see that improvement. Every time I make a new piece of art, I get a sudden burst of emotions. And so, I continued. I didn't care what others thought. I just wanted to continue to strive for something bigger. Make something greater than what came before. Every one of my pieces - big or small - make an impact one way or another. I used to see the world as just boring, but after experiencing art, I realized there was so much color in this world. And so, that's why I chose art over all else. Still, the simple answer is that I enjoy it."
"Woah. That's so cool," Jack said with stars in her eyes.
Annie took another bite of her ice cream and said with a serious tone, "You asked a question, but I can see that you have another question."
Jack became confused by this. She had nothing else to ask. She just wanted to talk.
"A question that was in your head ever since I decided to talk to you," Annie said, "You want to know why...why did I decide to talk to you."
A long pause surrounded the two. A chilly gust of wind blew past them.
"I went to you," she continued, "because I saw something in you like me and my art. I noticed that you believed the world was so dull, but I also noticed what was inside of you. I still see it. You have so much color in you. So much vibrant life unlike the other kids. So much untapped potential."
"I don't know what you're talking about," Jack said.
"Oh, assistant. Oh, Jack. You are afraid of who you are, but you shouldn't be. Just because you are so tall, doesn't make you a monster. You're just unique like a piece of art."
Annie gently caressed Jack's cheek and smiled like a mother. There was silence. A long silence. Jack had only a small idea of what she was talking about. She was afraid. Afraid that nobody would ever like her as she is, but that changed once she met Annie. Nonetheless, Jack did want to ask why, but she was too afraid of what that answer may be. But after hearing the answer, her fears lifted.
"Oh," Annie jumped up as she finished her ice cream and exclaimed, "I forgot. I have to pick up some art supplies for one of my pieces. Assistant Jack, would you be able to come with me and pick them up?"
Jack nodded her head. "Of course, boss," she said with a smile and salute.
She finished her ice cream and they both went off.
Night fell upon the two girls. It was dark and the streets were busy, but then they took a turn into an empty alleyway.
"Are you sure this is the right way?," Jack asked.
Annie gave a thumbs up and a reassuring smile. However, this didn't sway Jack. She was worried that they could get mugged or worse.
Annie stopped by a metal door by the side. She knocked three times and a slider opened revealing the eyes of another man. Annie took out a small ripped piece of paper from her pocket.
"Yorktown three and five," Annie read aloud from the paper and the man opened the door for them.
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As soon as the door opened, music could be heard inside.
"Thanks," Annie said as she strolled right in.
Jack slowly walked in. Her knees shook, and she tried her best at maintaining a smile. However, it would have convinced no one. Luckily, the man didn't care.
"Psst," Jack whispered, "T-This doesn't seem like an art store."
"Don't worry, my assistant. I know where I'm going," Annie reassured.
They walked further in and down a decent amount of stairs. The music and cheers increased. Jack's ears began to deafen as they finally got to the bottom.
There were crowds of people. Shadows danced as lights zoomed past everything. Techno-music pumped throughout the extremely large room. Most people barely wore any clothes. Some kind of party, Jack thought. She became very confused, but trusted Annie.
Annie yelled, "Welcome, my assistant, to the art store."
"What are you talking about? This is some kind of adult gathering," Jack yelled in confusion.
Annie looked back at Jack with a devilish smile. She shook her head and said, "You'll see."
And so, Annie reached into her pocket. Slowly, she extended her arm out and took out a pocket knife. Jack was stunned in place, but by looked at Annie's face, she saw no ill intent.
And in a flash, a light went over Annie. Jack looked away for a second and then looked back. She saw Annie's clothes begin to morph. Her school clothes transformed into a green vest with yellow stars on it. Dark jeans with rows of stars on them appeared out of nowhere. And a dark green baseball cap appeared on top of her head. She tilted it and a rod materialized in front of her. The rod was golden with a shiny diamond skull for the top. She grabbed it with her other hand. When the light vanished, she struck a pose. Nobody else noticed what had happened and just continued dancing and socializing.
Jack had no idea what was happening. She thought it was some kind of dream. She pinched herself, but she didn't wake up. Jack looked back at Annie and before she could open her mouth to ask what was going on, Annie took the knife and stabbed a man beside her without him noticing.
Jack stood paralyzed with fear and confusion.
Annie ran in and stabbed others. Both men and women without discrimination. It was a massacre. She cut people in the groin and neck. She just kept stabbing away and when some people finally noticed the girl, they couldn't stop her. Red blood splattered everywhere.
One of the guys threw a punch at her, but Annie just grabbed the hand and twisted it with ease. The man screamed in pain, until Annie stuck her knife into the man's mouth. And all through it, she maintained a devilish smile. Nobody could hear the screams as the music drowned them out.
"Stop it," Jack muttered, but no one could hear.
"Stop it", she repeated, but to no avail.
And as she looked down to the floor, she noticed some blood under her shoes. Viscous and dark red. The stench of death roamed the party.
And when she looked up, something dark began to form from above the bodies.
"Looks like it's here. Just needed to attract it," Annie said to herself.
The lights flickered and from the blood, a creature started to form. A dark red being. The blood dried and it stood towering above them all. But this wasn't just the only monster that appeared. All around the room, other nightmarish creatures started to attack and gnaw at the people. They were like shadows, but hideous in nature.
The blood being grew out many long legs like a millipede. It took the eyes from the dead and used them for itself. There were eyes on both sides of the creature. It stared at down at Annie and spoke.
"Blutform," it muttered as it opened it's gaping mouth with rows of human teeth. Annie only looked at it with a grin.
She pointed at the creature and said, "Blutform, huh? Well, lucky for you, I think you can work for a piece of mine. I'll try not to mess you up too much. I don't want to damage anything that I want to keep."
The monster screeched and attacked Annie. Jack could only watch. Annie kept dodging every attack and with her rod, she pointed and a beam of light came out from the top of the rod. It struck the monster and went right through it creating a gaping hole, but it kept going. It healed it's own body with the nearby blood and gathered it up like a sponge.
People screamed and cried as other monsters came and ripped them apart. There was only violence and chaos.
And Jack could only stand there with her eyes glued to the carnage. She tried to pinch herself awake again and again, but nothing changed.
"This doesn't have to happen," something said to Jack. She looked down and noticed a white snake. She would usually be scared, but the snake felt soothing. The snake didn't open it's mouth, but still spoke. "I can give you the power to stop this. If you let me in, you can stop all of this mayhem," the snake said as it wrapped itself around Jack's leg.
Annie noticed the white snake as she fought and smiled.
As Jack stared at the snake's pure eyes, it felt warm and kind. The snake's tender body calmed Jack down. Fear no longer held her in place. And when she looked at the towering millipede monster, Annie, and all of the other dark creatures, she knew that she had to stop them.
"Give me permission, and I'll give you the power to stop this," the snake said once more and Jack nodded.
"Fine. I give you permission," Jack said and within a blink, the snake disappeared and a shining light came over her. Her clothes broke apart and in it's place, red armor covered her whole body.
Blutform felt this new power and turned it's head towards the light.
The monster charged at her, and Annie stood aside and watched. She was curious in seeing what kind of power that Jack had.
The monster moved with all of it's legs and right as it's mouth would had chomped on the new Light Guardian, two heavy arms grabbed both sides of the mouth.
Layers of armor grew and made her look even bigger than before. She transformed into a giant juggernaut. Jack felt a blazing fire inside of her. She felt powerful. Her eyes whitened and erased any semblance of an iris. Her body felt like it was on fire, but after a while, she felt like she was accustomed to it.
Her grip began to burn the creature. It whimpered. And as she looked straight at the monster, without any hesitation or remorse, ripped it into two halves from it's mouth to it's end like paper. Blood splattered all over the place. The creature couldn't even cry in pain.
Annie looked in awe and smiled at Jack. She even began to clap.
But when Jack looked at Annie, she still felt angry.
"Why did you kill those people!?" she shouted.
"For my art," Annie said as if it was obvious, "I told you I was getting some art supplies."
Jack growled.
And before Jack could do anything, a headache began to pour into her. She gripped her head and screamed. Black tar came out of her ears as something that was once locked inside of her mind, broke free.
Jack remembered. She was back to when her parents were killed. They were killed by a storm. Or was it a blizzard. A terrorist attack? Something kept changing until her memories cleared up as black tar was ejected out her ears.
People screamed for their lives. A black diamond floating above the ground. It shot out sharp black gems in random directions. It cried out, "Zuruckdiamant."
And before Jack and her parents could react, it show out a gem towards a building next to them. Rubble fell. Her parents pushed Jack away and the rubble fell on top of them. But they were still alive. They dug their heads above the rubble and stone. Jack felt relief, but she couldn't lift the giant rocks away. Their bodies began to get crushed.
When all hope seemed to have been lost, a girl dropped down in front of them. It face Zuruckdiamant. She had green hair and wore a dark green vest with stars. She held a rod. At the time, Jack wouldn't know it was, but now, she knew. Annie.
Jack cried for the girl to help, but instead of helping, she only looked back with dead eyes. She looked down on them as if they were like rats. Jack shivered and the girl looked back towards the monster.
She left Jack and her parents to fate. All Annie cared about was fighting that monster. And so she did. She began shooting colorful lasers from her rod haphazardly. To a certain point, nobody could tell who did more damage to the city.
She killed it and took a black coin out of it. Then, she jumped away without even looking back at the child and her family. Jack tried to help her family, but they died succumbing to their injuries before any paramedics could get their.
Jack cried and cried. A dark shadow came over her. It was a man with a gas mask and trench coat.
"All these witnesses I'm going to have to fix," he complained, "Guess I'll have to start with you."
He opened his palm wide open in front of Jack. And with a flash, Jack's memories of that event changed. Even nearby recordings showed false events. A storm. A natural disaster. To the public, there were no such things as monsters. And Jack, who was there, would say the same thing.
Jack opened her eyes. Tears rolled down her eyes. Her entire life changed because of that moment. Everything she had was gone. And as she remembered those last days, she knew they were real, no matter how painful it felt to her.
Jack looked at Annie with tears and fury.
"Ooh. Scary. I think you would make a fine Light Guardian assistant," Annie said. But Annie seriously was surprised at Jack's power. She was powerful. Stronger than anything she has ever seen. In a matter of seconds, she was able to destroy that Night Demon. She thought that if Jack was able to hone her powers, she could destroy entire cities by herself.
"Did you know?" Jack asked.
Annie became confused. "Know what?"
"Did you know about my parents? What happened to them?"
"Huh? What are you talking about?"
Jack laughed hysterically. "So, you didn't know. Or you just didn't care. You could have saved them. My parents. But you left them for dead. You turned your back on us."
Annie shrugged without even knowing Jack's parents. "You're right. I don't care," she said without remorse. She had no recollection of Jack or her parents, but she did believe that it could have happened.
Jack grit her teeth. Then, she let out a roar with the might of a demon. Red flame poured out of her body. She materialized a flaming machete out of her hand and gripped it tightly. She looked at Annie with unfettered rage and without any thought, she charged forward.
Annie chuckled. "You're strong, but foolish to think you can beat an experienced - "
But before she could finish that, Jack with just one step, dashed even faster. The thought of even looking up to her fueled her rage. She hated her. She hated herself. And she wouldn't forgive either.
Annie stepped back and began to shooting lasers from her rod. She even created small portals that shot out more lasers. Gold. Red. Blue. Purple. All sorts of lasers. As Jack got hit with each and every beam, she couldn't feel it. She could no longer feel any physical pain. And she just kept running forward with her machete in hand.
For the first time in a long while, Annie felt fear. Jack dashed forward and as she held her machete upwards to strike down, Annie could do nothing, but block it with her rod. As the machete impacted the staff, Annie was blown downwards on the floor. Jack kept swinging her blade down in a rampage, and all Annie could do was poorly defend herself. The ground beneath them began to shake. The entire room was collapsing in on itself. She knew that she had to do something.
And as she looked towards the exit stairwell of the building, she saw one survivor - a woman - trying to escape. She was slowly limping there with cuts and bruises.
Right before Jack's machete could swing down, Annie shot a laser towards the ground and, with the force of the impact, pushed her back.
Annie breathed heavily and said while pointing towards the woman trying to escape, "Left them for dead, huh? I wonder if you would do the same."
This was just a gamble. She had no idea whether it would work, and she also knew that Jack didn't look to be completely in control of herself. It was more like a wild animal than anything else. But Annie had nothing to lose from trying.
She created a portal and shot one laser that deliberately missed Jack.
The red-armored Light Guardian looked towards where the laser was shot. It hit the roof right above the limping woman. She tripped and screamed in terror as rubble began to fall over her. Jack awoke to her senses and dashed towards the woman.
The woman closed her eyes and when she opened them, she saw the red-armored girl holding back all of the rubble. The whole building began to collapse on top of them.
Annie smiled with glee and shot a laser above her. She created an opening for her to leave and as she jumped out, she shot a barrage of lasers all around the room. The whole place began to fall.
"See ya around, assistant," Annie said as she jumped away.
Jack looked at the woman and smiled. She had no regrets in saving the woman. As the whole building fell on them, Jack covered the woman head-to-toe. She couldn't feel any pain nor did she think twice about it. She wouldn't let what happened to her parents happen to anybody else.
And then it was pitch black. The whole building was gone. It was ruled as an earthquake. The one survivor didn't remember a thing. But Jack remembered. She remembered everything.
Jack looked around the dark city. She searched everywhere for Annie, but it's as if she vanished into thin air. Like she never existed. Her records erased. Everybody also seemed to forget she ever existed. She had no family or other friends. Nothing. But Jack knew. Jack knew that she was out there, and she wouldn't forgive Annie for what she has done.
But Annie was only the beginning of her story.
Later, Jack learned about other Light Guardians. She learned about the shopkeep and the first thing she did was slap him for making her forget everything. She left her school and traveled looking for Annie. When she asked the shopkeep for information, he said, "She has paid me a lot of black coins to keep her hidden. And as a general rule, I can't just send my customers to their deaths. That's bad business."
So, Jack gave up on that. And during her travels, she met other Light Guardians. Light Guardians, she felt that perhaps would be different.