Chapter XIV

Nigreos opened his eyes, still feeling the painful aftereffects of trying to contact Eric Reiner through telepathically. While he had gotten rather used to it due to the many times he had tried the spell, it still came as quite a relief when Lilly Harper entered the boy’s body and opened the mental connection. He’d been able to deliver his ultimatum to the girl and, ideally, their mission would be over in a matter of days. He had sensed the terror Harper felt when he revealed Mendez’s kidnapping and he had a feeling that she wouldn’t just sit back and do nothing. She would understand how hopeless their situation was and that there was no point in fighting back. Considering all that, he wanted to consider their conversation a success on his part, but something the girl had said was weighing heavily on his mind.

“Does that mean…you're the one who took Alice?! And you’re the one who wiped Vinny Mickelson from existence?!”

Nigreos clenched his teeth, panic beginning to seep into his mind. How the hell could she possibly know Mickelson was erased? It’s impossible, especially for a magicless girl like her! The only way anybody could remember an erased victim is if the one who cast the spell intentionally allows them to!

It was why only he ever remembered the victims that Album erased. She always cast the spell in a way that would prevent him from forgetting them and, as far as he knew, there were few others that she made exceptions for, Prince Reigious and Princess Piura being the only exceptions.

So…unless she allowed Harper to keep her memories, which I highly doubt, then there’s something else going on here.

The Master of Darkness scowled then glanced around the empty room in the back of the run-down house that he was sitting in. He was on the ground, his back up against the wooden wall and his legs folded under him. He could sense Album’s presence outside so he got to his feet and headed out into the hallway, wanting to discuss the matter with her immediately. When he entered the main room, he spared a brief look at Mendez, whose head was lowered as if she were sleeping. Yet, he knew she was awake and dreading the possibility that he was about to do something to her. However, knowing that Album would now deal with her, he turned and walked toward the front door.

The Master of Light was standing in the trees about ten yards from the house, her hands raised in the air and her lips softly moving. She was strengthening the barrier put up around them to conceal the house from anybody who happened to be passing by—a precaution they now knew was quite important considering that Eric Reiner could use magic. When his partner noticed his arrival, she finished her spell and lowered her arms, her eyebrow cocked in curiosity.

“So?” she called over. “Did Harper say anything?”

Nigreos snorted, crossing the distance between them. “Well, it mostly went just as we expected. I revealed to her that we have Brooks and Mendez, told her to do as we say, and sent her on her way shaking like a child. If I had to guess, she’ll almost certainly give us the names if Mendez doesn’t break first.”

“Oh really?” Album narrowed her eyes. “Well, that all sounds well and good, but judging from your irritable tone, there’s more to this. It didn't go perfectly in our favor, did it?”

He shook his head. “Once again, we’re faced with an anomaly the likes of which we never even considered. She remembered Mickelson.”

Album Luz wasn’t a woman that often showed her true feelings. She liked to keep them hidden behind her stoic expression, yet when he revealed that information, her eyes went wide and she looked at him like she thought he was making it up.

“That’s not possible,” she snapped. “When I erased Mickelson, I made sure that you would be the only person to remember him! Nobody else, especially not some random girl, should know who he is.”

Nigreos scoffed. “Well, she did. She demanded to know if I was the one who erased Mickelson. She said it in a way that it sounded like this was an issue she’s been trying to figure out for a while.”

“Then…” Album hesitated, her eyes darting around as she attempted to process what was happening, seeming slightly flustered. “...I don’t know what went wrong. We know the erasure worked because Mendez doesn’t remember him, and I know I didn’t make a mistake. But then…other than the spell caster intentionally allowing someone to remember, there aren’t any other known ways of bypassing erasure!”

Nigreos nodded. So I was right. There really isn’t any other way.

“Why is everything failing to add up here?” she muttered in frustration. “The sorcerer, Reiner, the pocket realm…and now this? What in the hell is going on in this damn world?”

“I don’t know,” he growled. “But for the time being, I think we should just focus our efforts on the mission and simply prepare ourselves for anything. Regardless of what might be going on in this cursed town, I don’t believe it’ll be anything we can’t handle. We merely need to keep our eyes open for any other traps like the pocket realm. With any luck, we’ll be back in Ijiria by the month’s end.”

His partner smirked bitterly. “I suppose so.”

“Now,” he went on, “are the preparations complete?”

“Yes, they are,” she responded softly. “I was hoping to wait and see what information you gained from Harper, but after this, I think it would be foolish not to go through it, regardless of how much it weakens me.”

She was speaking of her plan to manipulate answers out of Alice Mendez. Album had claimed that torturing her was the wrong way to go about it and, instead, suggested that they take a more gentle approach. If they showed Mendez something she wanted then perhaps she would be willing to trade them for it. However, when Album told him exactly how she intended to do it, he couldn’t help but protest. It was stupidly dangerous, with consequences that they wouldn’t be able to discover without entering that place themselves, and it would almost certainly hurt her. Yet, Album had always been willing to take drastic measures to get what she wanted and she had refused to change her mind, therefore, once the spell was complete, she would be significantly weaker in the coming days. That was why Nigreos had given Lilly Harper a week to think. With Eric Reiner still such an unknown variable, he wanted Album at the top of her game before they tried to deal with him.

“I agree,” he replied. “And with Mendez as weak as she now is, I would be surprised if she still resists us afterwards. She’ll give us the names, of that I have no doubt.”

In truth, his ultimatum toward Harper had been more of a show than an actual bargain. With Album’s plan already in motion, he knew Alice Mendez would give in and that they would get the names they needed, but if they already knew who they were after, then they would know if Harper tried to lie to them. He wouldn’t be surprised if she and Reiner tried to hide a few of the gem’s victims and, with the pocket realm still up, they would be none the wiser. But if they coerced all the names from Mendez then their enemies would truly be in checkmate.

“Shall we begin?” he asked. “I’d like to get this done with as soon as possible.”

Album nodded. “Yes, I think we should.”

Together, the two Masters turned and headed back into the house where Mendez was still silently waiting. When they both entered the room, the girl twitched, and he could see the terror in the way her body began shaking. He had expected his methods of torture to have broken her immedietly and the fact that they were resorting to a rather elaborate scheme to get her to talk was a testament to her loyalty to her friends.

Whatever may happen from here out, you have my respect, Alice Mendez. Unfortunately, though, it ends here. A magicless girl like you could never have lasted forever against us. Be grateful that Album decided to play nice.

“Mendez,” Album said, a gentle tone in her voice as she pulled the gag from the girl’s mouth. “Can we talk for a moment?”

Mendez scoffed weakly. “Why not? It’s not…like I can go…anywhere.”

“Good.”

Album strode forward and knelt down in front of the girl while Nigreos silently moved to the corner of the room. They had discussed beforehand that it would be more effective to simply allow Album to take the lead. Nigreos was the one who had caused her so much pain, so Album believed it would be easier to deal with her if she was the one to do the talking.

“No matter what we do, you really aren’t going to tell us what we want, are you?” Album went on.

“No,” Mendez uttered. “Not…after what you…did to Monica…and the others.”

Album narrowed her eyes. “Monica and the others, yes? I’m sure my partner has already told you, but more people will be harmed by your silence. We need only you and your friends. Nobody else. So, the longer we’re here, the more violent we may have to become. Others may die like this Monica you speak of. Do you want that?”

Mendez slowly shook her head. “No… Don’t…hurt anybody…”

“Then give us the names,” the Master whispered. “Give us the names, Alice. If you do that, all this pain will go away. Nobody else will have to die. Peace can return to your quaint little town and we will go our separate ways.”

“No,” she breathed again. “I won’t…betray…my friends…”

“So instead you’ll allow more people to get murdered? Innocent people?” Album pressed. “Or even poor little Jay Brooks?”

The girl visibly flinched at the mention of Brooks’s name, but just like when Nigreos tried to use him as motivation, she just shook her head again.

“I won’t…betray them…”

Album regarded her for a moment. “So you’ve said. I think your priorities are a bit off, but I can appreciate the desire to protect those you care about. However, Alice, what if we made a deal. You give me the names…and I bring that person you lost back to life.”

At that, despite how weak the girl had become, Mendez raised her head and directed her blindfolded eyes at Album.

“You can…do that?” she whispered. “But how…did you even…?”

“Mind Magic,” Album answered. “Unfortunately, as powerful as it is, it can only reveal the surface level thoughts of the victim, but luckily the loss of this individual was at the forefront of your mind…an easy memory to retrieve. I know they were important to you, and I know they’re…so why don’t I give them back?”

The shock quickly subsided and Mendez lowered her head again.

“You’re lying,” she said. “You can’t…bring back…the dead. You’re…making it…up. I won’t…fall for such a…pathetic trick.”

Album smirked. “I can prove it. I’ll show you that I can bring them back and even that waitress you were so fond of. I can revive them all. I can bring you happiness.”

The girl was silent for a moment, but Nigreos could tell that she was seriously considering the offer. Of course, Album was lying, but in the end, it didn’t truly matter. Even if they couldn’t bring the real person back to life, Alice would never know the difference. To her, her childhood friend would be alive and that would be all that mattered.

“How? Prove it?” Mendez growled.

The Master of Light nodded then rose to her feet. “As you wish.”

Then, without any hesitation, having already prepared herself for this very moment, she plunged her hand into Mendez’s chest. The girl cried out in shock and her body began trembling.

“Erasurei,” Album intoned. “Aletari!”

The mana that exploded from her fingertips launched the woman backwards and to the hardwood ground of the house. At the same time, Alice Mendez burst into black particles and within seconds, any sign of her presence was gone. Shocked by how sudden and explosive it was, Nigreos could only stare at the empty chair before turning and hurrying to where Album was laying. He dropped to his knees and found her to be unconscious, knowing that she was still alive based on the rising and falling of her chest.

“Damn, that took more of a toll on you than we thought,” he muttered.

Happy to know that his partner was okay, Nigreos got back to his feet and approached the empty chair.

Well, I suppose we’ll leave her in there for a day and hope that this is enough to finally get through to this stubborn girl.

***

Alice Mendez came to a sudden stop and blinked a few times, finding her vision oddly blurry. She shook her head, wondering why everything seemed like it was in a haze. For reasons she couldn’t figure out, she didn't remember where she was or what she was doing. She felt the warm rays of the sun on her skin and the soft touch of the breeze so she knew she was outside somewhere. As the ringing in her ears started to fade, she could hear cars driving past and the chattering of various people around her. After a few more seconds, her eyes adjusted and she found herself standing in the middle of the sidewalk on Main Street. She was just stopped in place and there were people passing by that were giving her weird looks. Feeling suddenly embarrassed for standing in their way, she began walking once again.

What on earth was that? My head really hurts for some reason.

As she moved, she realized that she didn’t even know where she was going. She was still in her school uniform and, considering how low in the sky the sun was, she knew it must be after class.

Well, the only reason I’d be on Main Street is probably to visit the diner so…I guess I’ll just head there.

Feeling like that decision was the most correct, she cheerfully continued on her way toward Ralph’s. The street was crowded with students all shopping and hanging out after school. It was mid-April so there were many that were just prepared for the school year to end and summer to begin. Alice felt a similar way. As much as she did enjoy going to class and seeing her friends, she was also ready for a break and for the weather to finally warm up. Even with spring having started almost a month prior, it still felt like winter with how often it rained.

I really just want to go to the pier, she thought excitedly. It’s already opened, but with finals coming up and the festival having just ended, there hasn’t been much time. It’s so much easier during break.

Alice smiled as she arrived at the crosswalk that led toward the diner’s parking lot. She pressed the button to cross, waited for the light to turn green, and hurried toward the other side before making her way up toward the door and heading into the familiar building.

“Welcome to…oh, hey, Alice!”

At the hostess’s podium stood her coworker and good friend, Monica Wahl, a college-aged girl who had been working at the diner since before Alice ever got a job there. The blonde girl looked tired, probably from another long day, but she smiled nonetheless.

“Hey, Monica,” Alice greeted. “Happy Monday!”

Monica laughed. “Yeah, happy Monday to you, too, Al’. So, I imagine you’re here to meet them?”

With a nod of her head, the girl indicated a window table off to the right where two familiar friends were seated across from each other, chatting. Alice smiled as her memory suddenly returned and she realized that she had come there because they’d invited her out.

“Yeah, I am.”

The hostess smirked. “Wow, surprising,” she said teasingly. “Anyway, I know you don’t need a menu so I imagine you want your usual?”

“That’d be great! Thanks, Monica!”

As she headed back to put her order in, Alice turned and walked across the restaurant to where her friends were waiting for her. The two noticed her approaching and both immediately waved hands in greeting. On the right sat Jay Brooks, a dopey grin on his face, and on the left was Rina Davens, her long black hair pulled up into a ponytail.

“Hey, guys,” Alice greeted, sliding into the booth to sit beside Rina. “Sorry I’m late. I got a bit distracted on the way here.”

Rina shook her head and eyed her slyly. “Yeah, you should be sorry! You’ve left me here all by myself with Jay for the last five minutes! It’s been utter torture, Al’!”

Jay snorted. “Ha! Yeah, be that way, Rina. Act like you’re the most pleasant person to be around! I’ve been suffering, too, you know!”

“Suffering?” Rina parroted. “And what exactly is so insufferable about me. I’m the greatest. You, on the other hand, never shut up! How many times do I have to sit here, listening to you complaining about Mr. Keipler’s calculus class before you realize I don’t care?”

“Yeah? Well at least I try to hold a conversation!” Jay retorted. “You just sit there on your phone, acting like I’m not here! You ever heard of socialization, Miss Perfect?”

Rina rolled her eyes. “Yes, I have. Have you ever heard of ‘taking a hint’? Something you should understand, Jay, is that when somebody is looking at their phone, they don’t want to be bothered.”

“Sure, but why would you come to the diner if not to talk to your friends?” Jay demanded.

She shrugged. “Well, now that my friend is here, I will talk to her.”

“You’re an ass.”

“Okay, okay!” Alice interjected, having already tired of the bickering that was quite typical for the two of them. “Do we really need to start the afternoon out with a pointless argument? Why can’t the two of you just get along?”

Rina rolled her eyes. “The same reason water and oil don’t get along.”

Jay cocked an eyebrow. “Huh? That doesn’t make any sense. Are you saying we don’t get along because I’m not polar or…?”

“No, it’s because we aren’t compatible!” Rina snapped. “What the hell are you even talking about?”

“I’m talking about how your analogy makes no sense and now I’m realizing you have a fourth grader’s level of understanding science,” the boy shot back.

“What’s that supposed to—?”

“Alright, enough!” Alice once again interrupted. “Peace! I demand peace! I want both of you to shake hands and apologize for both being rude to each other and annoying me!”

“Why should we apologize to you?” Jay asked, turning his dubious look toward her.

Rina nodded in agreement. “Yeah, you’re the one who willingly chose to come here today and you’ve been our friend long enough to know what to expect.”

“So really, it’s kinda your fault if we’re annoying you,” the boy added.

“Yes, exactly.”

Alice sighed in exasperation and leaned back in her seat. “You know, it’s kinda impressive how easily you two can change targets at the drop of a hat.”

Jay grinned. “Glad you think we’re impressive.”

“Yeah, I’m very flattered,” Rina said triumphantly. “Though I’m obviously more impressive than Jay.”

“Says who?!”

“Me.”

Alice rolled her eyes, yet found herself smiling nonetheless. Even though this was ordinary behavior for Jay and Rina, it felt oddly nostalgic, like it had been years since she had listened to their banter as opposed to a mere few hours. She folded her hands on the table and glanced around the diner. Like usual, it wasn’t too packed but it certainly wasn’t empty. She saw the familiar faces of the waiters and waitresses—specifically focussing on how confidently Monica walked around the restaurant like she owned the place and shouting orders back at the chef. It was comfortable and she found herself wishing that moment could last forever.

Just then, the bell signifying an arriving customer sounded out, followed by Monica immediately moving to the hostess podium. Curious, Alice turned to look and a wave of emotion so powerful that she didn’t even realize the tears were coming until they were streaking down her cheeks.

“Heyo, Monica!” the newcomer greeted with an enthusiastic wave. “I’m here for dinner!”

The blonde girl laughed. “I’d assume so. Not really sure what else you’d be here for. Your friends are in their usual spot.”

“Thank you very much!”

Slowly, Alice got to her feet as the girl approached her, a sweet smile on her face. She had dark brown, shoulder-length hair and eyes that were a similar color. She wasn’t tall, but she wasn’t short either, and while she had a mature look to her features, her grin was childish, like she had still yet to truly grow up. She was wearing the West Wilham High uniform, which looked cute on her. Everything about her was mesmerizing and Alice couldn’t look away, but as she got closer, her smile faded and a concerned expression replaced it.

“Alice? You okay?” she asked.

“I…” she stuttered. “I don’t… I don’t know what’s…gotten into me. I just… Audrey…”

Audrey Moore rushed forward and put her hands on Alice’s shoulders. She could hear Jay and Rina worriedly calling out to her, but she didn’t process what they were saying. All she could look at was Audrey. It was like she was the only thing that mattered and it felt like it had been so long since she had hugged the girl she considered like a sister to her. She threw her arms around Audrey and just began to cry uncontrollably. She knew she was in public but she didn’t care. She had so many emotions roiling within her and she wanted to let them out.

“Audrey…” she sobbed. “You’re here… Audrey…”

“Yeah, I’m here, Al’,” Audrey whispered. “It’s okay. I’m here. I’m right here.”

Alice felt her legs give out and so, Audrey carefully lowered them to the ground.

“Please don’t leave me again,” Alice begged. “Please! Not again. I can’t lose you again.”

She didn’t even know what she was saying anymore. The feelings that were causing her to cry seemed out of place. She knew Audrey had never left. They’d been together since they were kids. Yet, she desperately wanted the girl to stay with her. The feelings were someone else’s but they were also hers. They were foreign but they were familiar. Those contradictions only made her cry harder as she failed to understand why she was feeling what she was.

But as strange as it all must have seemed, Audrey didn’t question her. She just stroked the back of her head and continued to comfort her.

“I’m not going anywhere, Alice,” she soothed. “I’ll be right with you forever.”

At that moment, there was nothing else in the world she wanted more. She would give anything she could to make sure that happened.

I…don’t want to lose her again!