It was Friday and a good night for a date.

The refreshing air after a light mid-day rain shower made the park in front of the theater we just exited have a nostalgic earthy scent.

Being guided by a nice but cool breeze, I placed my arm around a beautiful woman who was walking beside me to reel her in closer to me, as we crossed the street.

She, Eva, has been with me for the past two wonderful years, going from co-worker to friend and finally to being my girlfriend.

Laughing while recalling the many funny moments the movie we just finished watching had, we entered the lush green area of the park to relax, as we did so every time we finished a good flick.

“So, do you want the usual ice cream in this cold? Or should we head for a coffee shop nearby?” I asked while staring at her side profile, which displayed a small but lovely pointed nose, large light green eyes that stood out even more with the light makeup she had on, but in a good way, and finally, her small red luscious lips that went well with the shoulder-length dark red hair that was tucked behind the ear that was facing me.

“It depends… are you going to keep your arm around me until I finish it?” She lifted one brow up looking very attractive with a devious but also very sexy grin, which would always pluck the strings in my heart.

We continued with our usual pink bubbly atmosphere until reaching our usual seats that were around a fountain, which was hidden just enough for someone to have a private conversation comfortably.

Leaving her seated, I went to get the promised sweets at a nearby stand we always frequent, and of course, it would be usually crowded at this hour.

Upon reaching said destination it was not what I was expecting as only four others were in line, probably due to the rains, so thankfully I wouldn’t have to wait so long.

Looking through the menu while still standing behind three others, there were todays sweets written in a whiteboard and to our luck, not only did they have ice cream but also some heated items for sale this evening.

Thinking about what I would order, the line moved fairly quickly until finally, it was my turn.

“Two strawberry ice cream crepes, a latte, and milk tea please.”

It only took a few seconds for my order to be made and with all the new stuff i was carrying I had to walk back carefully. The fountain was at least forty steps from the busy stands but the silence there was worth the extra distance, so I didn’t mind it much.

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Nearing the corner where the hedge ended two shots were heard in succession.

My immediate thoughts discarded fireworks as its source since there shouldn’t be any important events today, this made me anxious, causing me to not care too much if the cups spilled just a little.

But the closer I got to the fountain the more my negative thoughts ran through my head.

“No… it can’t be… please…”

Passing the corner, Eva was on the ground, while another individual was nearby searching through her purse.

I dropped the food immediately and ran towards her not caring for the assailant, especially when there was liquid dying the floor around her red.

Hearing my loud footsteps, the suspicious figure got up and ran towards the bathroom area, yet I ignored him and focus on Eva who was gasping for air.

“No..no, no, no…no, Eva look at me, please don’t close your eyes, just look at me!” I crouched down using my hand to cover where blood was gushing out as she was breathing hard while trying to mumble words.

“I… don’t want to di..e.. please help…”

I reached for my phone, which was still turned off from the date in the theaters so it was taking its time to boot up which made me desperate.

With each second Eva was getting colder as blood kept rapidly oozing from her chest.

“Somebody help! Help me please!” I screamed at the top of my lungs while hoping for a miracle to happen.

No one was around, and her consciousness was fading by the second.

“I’ll do anything, so please help her…” I could only yell out while in a powerless state.

Suddenly a voice called out.

[Anything…?]

A cold chill ran through my spine as the voice that called out to me came from the front where nobody was standing, but I couldn’t let this chance pass me by. I hardened my heart and responded.

“Yes! Anything but please hurry!”

Time stopped as soon as my words were spoken, no noise was heard only an ear-splitting silence that caused me dizziness. Then a crack appeared, distorting the space around it which caused me to flinch, almost crushing Eva who I was still hugging.

A humanoid figure appeared after, it looked like a cloaked man with a hidden face, hovering before me while looking down at me with an oppressive aura, almost like a Reaper.

“Well then let’s get down to business, I shall revive the lass, but because her soul won’t handle the wounds on her body it won’t be in that same one.” It didn’t seem to care how scared I was of it spoke out its intentions.

“Yes that, anything but let her live, please.” I cried out not fully understand his words, with huge tears pouring out from each eye.

“Silence, just listen for now! Nothing can be understood in that condition, and what I need is for you to accept knowingly. Now then, you will be placed in a trial to see if you can be of use to me, as for the girl, she will be fully revived, it won’t be in this world but in another, are you up to it? ”

I was wary, could this be a devil who is said to give splendidly, only to take back with trickery, but this was the only way.

“Fine, I’ll do it.” I cleared my face with my sleeve with a feeling of resolution and although I was far from thinking straight, this had to be an answer to my pleas. As for the man, he disappeared and then time ran normally again.

Eva who was in my arms was now pale and cold as I hugged her while sobbing, at that moment another shot sounded, causing me to be instantly pushed forward. A cool and yet burning feeling came from the back of my head, as my mind started shutting down.