Two darkened minds, two souls, both fueling with an endless hatred towards the second most hated being in the universe's existence. Their thoughts ravaged for vengeance towards the individual, hoping one day to avenge themselves and have a life of normality again. Their minds would be freed if this happened, their souls would be purified, stop their unhinging minds, and be set free by her curse, as well as her bewitching good looks. As their thoughts collided, it exploded and revealed a world of fire and ash. A man’s figure descended from the raining sparks of his rage, landing gently on the burning ground. Another man-like figure walked out of a wall of fire, and had the expression of defeat.

“My heart…”

“My heart…”

“Burns with… rage—”

“Hatred—!”

“Decpetion—”

“But my…”

“My…”

“Love still burns a flame to that dreadful—”

“Agonizing bitch of a—”

“Witch!”

“Woman who I’ve foolishly claim as my wife…”

The flames grew tenfold as they spoke their hatred, engulfing their shadowy figures in the remnants of the fire. Then, two real men come out of the shadows of the burning inferno, flames reaching higher than the skies of hell. They walked out, into the open field of scorching earth. As they approached each other, the first man had a silk hooded cloak screaming his loyalty to God had a stream of hope, golden dust, white light trailing off his body and a face that told the world he loathed the woman he spoke of. The other man who happened to be the husband to the Witch of Envy had an aura of magma around him, behind him, trailing off his body was a steam of heat infused with deep purple enraged with red plasma shooting into the sky and stabbing the earth.

“How long… could I keep going like this?” Sarah’s father thought.

“This feeling of hate that I’ve hidden away from my master, has wanted to explode out! Everytime I lay eyes on that girl of hers.” The hooded man thought.

“Hopefully—”

“Maybe—”

“Someday—” they said in unison.

“I can take her life away!” he shouted.

“Want her gone out of my life!” Sarah’s father shouted.

The two stood in front of each other, staring right into each other's hatred towards the women they claim ruined their lives. Both clenched their fists, in doing so ruptured the ground, blew away the hellfire's and their trails came around, forming, swirling around them in a tornado of their madness. Their fists trembled, their eyes furrowed, as the two blinked, right between them an apparition of the woman appeared. She had an innocent smile, one that’ll turn any man nervous and fall deeply in love with her. She glanced at the two, giggled and put her arms out to them, jolting her head up to the sky.

“Abyzou…”

“Samantha…”

Both men ground their teeth, and tried reaching for her hands, but she pulled them away and laughed maniacally. They gasped and she started transforming into the very woman who has taken their lives, transforming them into the men who they are today: Weak minded, unwilling, cautious, and in constant depression. Her hair shot up, she brought her arms up to reach for the sky as her body was engulfed with flames, and behind her, a small black hole began to expand behind her. They left their jaws dropped as they watched the horror ensue. And in response to their shocked state, she danced in her flames, touching, rubbing her body as she tried swooning them with her seductive firey dance.

“NO!” the two yelled in unison, their eyes screaming for retreat.

She was sucked into the hole, and it immediately blew up like a supernova. The two were blown away, and watched as the explosion was sucking itself back in, only to have her emerging from the middle, glowing brighter than a star. Once their eyes laid upon her, they saw the glimpse of her terrifying form before she was just blinding light of certain hope. In that small glimpse, they saw her snow white hair, dead chalky skin, and the very eye colours that gleamed, glowed her envy, the ones they loathed to look into this day: her red glowing eyes.

“Witch of—Envy!” the cloaked man shouted as he descended into darkness, his screams echoing to eventually fade off in the distance.

Sarah’s father kept falling until her glowing figure tried reaching for him, trying to catch him. He refused and shouted his agony and rage at her, to which she responded by giggling and engufling his body in a light of seduction. He let out terrifying screams until he finally awoke from his bed, drenched in sweat.

Sarah’s father quickly controlled his breathing and sat in silence. His dark room, the sunlight trying to welcome itself through a small gap in his curtains, the man let out a deep sorrowed sigh. He didn’t think twice to lay back to bed and shut his eyes again. Before going back to his slumber, he opened his mouth, let out a soft grunt and said, “I hate you… with all my heart, Abyzou.” He turned to his right and was back into his slumber, and repeated the same nightmare as he always did: The day he proposed to her and was duped into her contract, the very one he carries on to so long as he breathes, he will never escape it. Not even suicide is an option as he already tried that, but he still hopes to find a way out of it, and hopefully, be free of it and take his loving daughter away from such a being.

***

The rich pure air that kept the young man's throat constricted, the looming orange sky, grey clouds drifting over the horizon of the orange, brown covered tree tops, staying seated in her amusing comfort, Samantha awaited for Jack’s response to what she had just revealed to him.

She’s… she’s a holder of—Sin?! Jack thought.

“I’m-I’m not dreaming, aren’t I?” he murmured.

Samantha hadn’t changed her expression, she was still patiently waiting for Jack to take a seat across from her.

Jack’s mind had become churned to the unfolding. He can’t bring himself to move a muscle or speak to the embodiment of Envy presented in the form of a beautiful curvy slim woman. To think of all people that would be possible candidates to the title of pure jealousy from entitled celebrities seen on TV, the internet, to people wanting anything handed to them for free, enemies he’s known now or before; It had to be someone close to the only person he can trust.

What should I do? I don’t know how to react to this… I’m-I’m actually afraid.

Jack’s sweating increased, his heart rate quickened, and his damned tainted soul raged, wanting to be released of its prisoned emotions. Where Jack’s standing, of who and what he was, the reasoning for her interest in him, this was all growing too vague for him. Despite these feelings, something inside of Jack, seized his drive to push forward with this. He questioned why this sudden urge kept him going throughout these harsh obstacles despite their impossible outcomes. Suddenly, a powerful drive inside of Jack made him take a step forward, refusing to stand still and show weakness to Sarah’s mother.

“There it is, the desire that drives you forward… How interesting I must say, Jack.”

Jack made his way towards her. His face still showed fear, but the hint of determination in his furrowed brows showed her that he was not afraid to confront his problems. This made her feel more amused towards him, and grew that interest of his desire that she spoke of much more. He walked into the gothic platform, the shadow of the silky tent covering the sky above them made this a more eerie atmosphere. Still seated, the thin smile on her face, Samantha brought her hand forward, telling Jack to take a seat. The faint wind tickled the back of his neck, his back drenched in his cold sweat, he felt the overwhelming pressure he was in. Standing opposite of her, leaving her hanging with anticipation to start their conversation, Jack couldn’t help but ball his fists.

This made Samantha gently lower her arm, resting it again on her lap. “I find it hurtful to see you so on guard towards me, Jack. I mean, I am Sarah’s mother so there’s nothing to be afraid of.”

Jack’s fists slightly shook as he did his best to contain his fear and anger. “Sorry… but to drop my guard after your announcement of being a holder of Sin would be an insult to my pride.”

Jack ground his teeth, then bit his lip while Samantha’s smile grew a little more.

“Whether your Sarah’s mother, my uncle, my sister, or a close friend… if you’re a potential threat, then I-I refuse to do so.”

“Ah, I see. This time I’ll apologise, that was an oversight on my part.”

Samantha gently touched the back of her small hand to her lips as she giggled. The sight of her being so calm, nonchalant, playing innocence made Jack’s anger grow, growing close to surpassing his fear. The young man brought his drenched hands up to his face, opening, closing them, wondering if he had a chance to overwhelm her before she could try any sorcery on him.

Can I really put my hands on her if by chance she tries anything to hurt me? Jack wondered.

“I wouldn’t do such a thing to someone who’s close to my loving daughter.” she replied, giggling again in an amusing fashion.

This made the young man regret his thoughts, immediately letting his body react to it by slowly stepping back and trembling.

“Oh come on, what’s the hold up? Don’t be so afraid, I mean look at me!”

Samantha crossed her legs, laying one of her hands on her breast, dropping her guard to Jack.

“I’m just a tiny innocent woman who could be taken advantage of at any given moment, hehe.”

Her innocent giggles tormented his mind, reminding him of Mallory and the times when she would do the same about serious circumstances. Laughing about his problems, thinking it could all be solved if he gave himself up to her, just the thought and remembrance of it made him dig his fingers into his hair.

“Jack, just take a seat, relax. I’m sure you have a mountain of questions you wish to ask. However, I’d be careful of what you can ask, you don’t know what may cause me to take offense.”

“Relax…? Me? You want me to relax?!”

She nodded. “Of course, let us indulge in this beautiful scenery and speak our minds out, come on now.”

Her nonchalant attitude, her tone, it fueled his annoyance and managed to trickle a growl out of Jack to which she responded with another giggle.

“How can you tell me to relax after all I’ve been through? Who do you think you are…”

“Sarah’s mother.”

Jack diverted his eyes away, growling. “Tch… you’re wicked attitude is pissing me off now.”

She touched her hands together, tilting her head. “Wonderful, you’re starting to open up to me more. This calls for some coffee!”

She snapped her fingers and two mugs of already made coffee appeared on a small plater. Jack could smell the wonderful grinded beans, torturing his nostrils to tempt him into taking a seat to drown out his emotions with its black deliciousness. No matter how hard he tries, he can’t help but welcome an invitation to a free coffee beverage. The young man put his ego to the side and carefully took a seat opposite of Samantha.

“There we go, that’s more like it, Jack.” she said, grabbing her coffee cup, putting it to the edge of her glistening lips. “You see, I won’t bite. I’m just an innocent mother trying to get to know more of her daughter’s handsome male friend.”

Jack lay one of his hands on the wooden table, slowly balling it. “You claiming innocence has me on edge, like an upside down hospital file waiting to be turned over and reveal its horrid news to its reader.”

Having experienced death many times, beaten relentlessly and having faced the worst dangers anyone has faced, Jack’s acute to his senses about her. They were screeching that she’s just as if not more dangerous than anyone he’s ever encountered thus far.

“It’s natural that you’re so on guard, coming from a young man who’s face and lived the ethical of danger itself all his life. So I don’t take you for a coward if it ever comes down to me being a danger to you. A man like you would instantly take action and do their best to stop it.”

Everything was going according to Samantha’s plan. Summon the young man into her dream world, have him take a seat, drink coffee, and then have him ask questions to make her feel like the greedy being that she is; Nothing could’ve made her more amused and excited at the moment.

Jack deeply sighed, dropping his shoulders and tapping the table. “Let me first ask you this… do you ever remember me talking to you back in 1994?”

“1994? Hmm. Oh! Of course I do, silly me. We were in Norway when we had our first actual personal encounter, didn’t we?”

Hearing her response made Jack suck in his lips, feeling eager to shout in annoyance.

“So let me follow it up to this then… did you send me to my death that very night that took my life by two stupid teens?”

Samantha blew her coffee, pouting. “Heavens no. What am I? A monster, hmph. But, you’re probably wondering how I can remember when it was so far back, right?”

Her teasing nature made the young man shut his eyes for a moment. She was correct, he was curious about how she could remember a moment that was decades ago when he was sent back in time. He felt more annoyed than ever and decided to drown it with a nice sip of coffee, allowing it to burn his tongue and lips. He gently set it down, licked his lips, hissed and tilted his head for a second.

“I am, and how could you, when you were just a young woman?”

“Hehe, curious are we? Well, Jack Samr, To let you in on a little secret, I’ve been enchanted, born, blessed even by a marvelous soul, which allows me to do, enhance impossible things.”

Jack let out a muffled grunt, squinting his eyes.

More supernatural crap… great. He thought.

“Be more specific, please.”

She took another sip of coffee before speaking, her eyes squinted and her amusement stayed put.

“It’s like this, Jack. I managed to make my soul and my subconscious manifest outside of our flow of time, kinda like a rewind or forward tape switch. I can go as far back as to the first person that started my family tree. Or I could even go further into the future to see the outcome of my life or this universe’s fate that this so-called God created.”

“I-I’m confused… Does that mean you’re immortal?”

“In a way, maybe, but not really. My body can still be killed, even by the likes of a weak man like you if I allow it that is.”

“Tch…”

“Hehe, you’re such a hothead. No wonder my daughters took a liking to you as a friend. You remind me of my husband too.”

With a light hearted laugh, Samantha felt delighted with Jack’s strong attitude towards her. At first she thought he was just trying to act tough to hide his weak manner, but so far, he’s more confident than she took it lightly.

“In a way Jack, I can never age at the moment. I froze the cells in my body that stop me from aging, my heart no longer produces a beat, my mind stays intact at its prime, meaning I’m invincible, so long as I mentioned… I alone allow it.”

So she was acting dumb when we first met… damn it. He thought.

Jack grew a grimace, grabbing the cup again and deciding to drain its contents. Seeing the young man devour her coffee so fast made her eyes expand in apparent surprise.

“Uh Jack… when you gulped my coffee down, what was the after taste like?”

Jack titled, brought the cup up to his eyes, and set it down. “I don’t know… it just tasted like coffee, no more or no less, just black.”

“Oh oh, very interesting.”

“Wh…at do you mean by that?”

She grabbed her chin while holding her coffee. “First off, you’re a very brave soul to drink coffee from an icon of Sin. Most people would react in a cowardly way or question what’s in my drink, but the fact that you drank it with no hestation and it tasted normal to you means you’re more mysterious than I thought.”

Jack’s eyes grew wide and concerned, he had second thoughts about drinking the coffee.

“You-You make it seem like something bad was going to happen to me if I drank it without thinking of a reprocution.”

“Mmm, nuh. Uh, well… perhaps. There could’ve been three possible outcomes, A: Your fate would’ve been seen and sealed, B: A possible telling to fortune but not without a catch, and C: Dying by my drink.”

“Hmph… if you were gonna kill me you could’ve done it before I sat my ass or turned me into ash where I’m sitting.”

Jack’s serious attitude made Samantha giggle and smile brightly. Oh how he reminded her of her husband, especially when they first met. Placing her coffee cup down, she put her hands together, laying her arms up to lean her chin on them.

“My my, you wound me by your body langauge, Jack. Going by my appearance, I don’t seem like I’m evil or menacing.”

“I don’t care who you are, even if you’re this gorgeous, I won’t underestimate my opponent and will forever live by the street code, that being: ‘No matter the person, big or small, man or woman, if the opportunity came to them at your weakest moment, your ass is grass.’ This is a code that my uncle created and I will always follow it.”

Jack’s demanour suddenly came off proud which the Witch responded with an intrigued smile. Seeing her smiles transition so much made Jack wince.

“How delightful. I respect that, putting that aside, you are as I said a very interesting yet mysterious individuel. The fact that we’re talking so casually, and you can sit there unaffected before me is proof enough.”

Jack lay back on the chair, growing more comfortable and open to Samantha. Before he felt like shitting bricks because of the shocking surprise of not only who and what she actually is, but what she could potentially do to harm him. The fact that his fear has faded is proof that the young man can adjust to his situations without his prior knowledge.

“Why say that? It’s hard to believe that to be fair. I think if any normal person would lay eyes on you they would instantly fall in a trance of your beauty.”

“No, I’m actually invisible to the naked eye. But if a normal person happens to lay their eyes on me somehow, they would actually die by looking into them. Amusing isn’t it?”

“Holy… damn. That’s not amusing at all!”

“I know right? This is why I hardly leave my own home, but when I do, I like to display myself as gothic and mysterious as I can. And I also purposely like to have society notice me, casting spells on my body to have people see me. For safety measures though, I wear glasses but have magic built into them so people can have a chance to lock their normal eyes into these abnormal ones they are fond of.”

“But you didn’t have any when we first encountered each other in Norway.”

His response brought out a thin wicked smile out of her, which made the young man jump a little.

“Because Jack that was before my title was given and engraved into my soul.”

Their exchanges, since the beginning have made and brought so many concerning stressful thoughts to the young man that it was exhausting him. Not only was his body beat, but his spirit felt close to being tired of all this nonsense. Jack slumped in his chair, tapping a finger on the table as he took another glance at Samantha.

It’s absolutely frightening how much they resemble each other… I mean, I know their differences are small, but it’s too hard to believe that this is Sarah’s mother. Jack thought.

Although identical, the things that stuck out more out of Sarah’s mother’s appearance was her hair covering a portion of her face, her moonlight eyes that shone in mystery, and her bust size. Lastly, her voice was so seductive and mature, but not that of a woman in her forties, rather it was a mature tone filled with intelligence, composure, and teasing desire. Just by first glance if you were a normal bystander walking by her, with her height and babyface, she can certainly possess someone and stir their heart.

But having a proper conversation with her, getting to know who truly was the person behind such a wondrous face, Jack felt unwilled and undiluted, prompting her as no normal being.

“Alrighty Jack, though I am happy and pleased to have a normal conversation with someone other than my daughter, let's get back to the questions you oh so desire to be answered.”

Jack moaned, taking a breath. “Yeah, I guess. I mean you already answered one, and I wouldn’t lie but after you answered it, I still feel I haven’t gotten a proper answer.”

Samantha giggled. “That’s my bad, as I said I have a bad habit of teasing people. But I do have one thing I know you’re curious to know, that being the existence of Sins and the seven Virtues that combat them.”

“That does sound intriguing, although, to be honest, I don’t know if I’m ready to hear more bullshit at the moment. Your presence alone has already put me so on edge and quenched my brain of energy that I’m this close to passing out.”

“Oh poopy, don’t be such a downer. Come on, let’s talk more about Sins, I’m sure William has already mentioned them to you at some point?”

Jack rolled his eyes, taking another breath. “Mm, he did, but just briefly. Just mentioned the ones that existed, that being four out of the seven.”

Samantha lay back on her chair, crossing her thin arms and nodding. The young man massaged his head, feeling tired and emotinally drained already.

“Which ones did he mention?”

Jack brought up his right hand, dropping one finger as he named them.

“First Sin born was Greed, then again, second Pride, third Sloth, and lastly you.”

She raised one of her hands, balling her small fist and shooting up a finger.

“You forgot about Gluttony—” she shot another one up, “—and Lust, though Lust existed for just a month, but there were also rumours telling that Wrath existed, but it’s just a legend at this point.”

“Wait? So six of the seven have already been born?!” Jack shook his head, “why would William lie to me.”

She too shook her head, dropping her hand. “I don’t think it's the fact that he lied to you, it’s probably because he wasn’t aware of Lust and Gluttony’s existence prior to his title of Grand Exorcist.”

“Really? Then how do you know of there's?”

His response made Samantha chuckle, waving her hand in an adorable manner. “Oh Jack, that's easy to answer. Isn’t it obvious how I know? It’s called research.”

“O-Oh… well now I sound stupid for asking. For a second I thought you were going to reply by saying that you were around longer than he has.”

Samantha’s innocence started to rub off onto Jack. He even started to question if she’s an actual holder of Sin if this is how she acts in front of those she can fond of. Before he has seen her annoyed side when he first encountered her with Sarah amidst their conversation of the first change in time. But now, Jack’s starting to understand why Sarah loves her mother so dearly.

“So, about this world of yours. Is this really your dream-like world that you supernatural beings can summon?”

“What an intriguing question to ask. Why yes, but Jack, it’s not a dream type world that beings such as myself can create, rather you’re in my subconscious.” She spread her arms out, “all this, is a prime example of my enigma.”

“Woah… so the times I was summoned in those types of worlds or happened to step into one, I was inside someone's subconscious?”

She lowered her arms, “not necessarily. Perhaps the ones you were summoned in maybe if I took a look into your mind. But in your case, you were indeed transported into an altered reality of our current world.”

“Thought so, figures since there were times I questioned that the events I experienced were too real to be a dream type state.”

Even though their conversation was a nice engagement, Jack felt that time was being wasted. He needed to hurry to ask the questions that were bothering him.

“Okay, I think we’ve dragged, put aside the main conversation for too long, but why have you summoned me into your world besides answering the existence of Sins?”

“Hmm, why have I, huh? Hehe… he.” Samantha put her elbows on the table, collapsing her hands. “That is because of the interest I’ve partly taken a liking to your tainted soul, Jack Samr.”

“M-my soul?” he asked.

“Yes, your damned, blackened, soul fueled by someone's Greed, Lust, but most of all… there E-n-v-y.”

Her voice had briefly changed in that moment when she answered Envy, which made Jack grow cautious. The fear that was swept aside started to pull itself back in as Samantha’s gaze grew more bottomless. The more her head slightly tilted downward, the better a suspicious glint was evident in them. Seeing her eyes grow more big, deep, made Jack realize the inexhaustible curiosity that revealed her true nature. He saw the ill feeling of her greedy desire stare deep into his cursed soul.

“What… about it makes you interested in me?” Jack asked, his eyes glancing around as he grew more on edge and nervouse.

Her eyes, their gaze grew scrutinizing, feeling oppressive to the young man's broken spirit.

“It’s quite simple, Jack. Your soul, and who has stained it, their Envy has caught my attention. The very fact that you’re becoming aware of what this cruel world truly hides is inspiring to many who spectate its growth, its flow, and its structure.”

Jack’s mouth dropped, rapidly moving as she changed her smile into a wicked one once again.

“You’re probably asking yourself, what’s my motive? What does my desire and greedy nature want with a young man such as yourself?”

She slowly got out of her chair, standing next to the table as she let one arm rest on it. That instant, the air warped, and the area began to fall apart. The ground cracked, the curtains around them withered, exposing the melting sky dropping the last remnants that kept it intact around them. As the world crumbled without a noise, Jack quickly got on his feet, reading himself and staying on guard, clenching his fists.

“What I want is the source of this feeling of jealousy. Their words that have embedded a curse onto your soul, their hunger for your lust, your attention, I acknowledge—their Envy!”

Once that word was said again in that fashioned tone of hers, the world warped into a vast space of glitter stagnant darkness. All that remained was the two and the table. Jack’s eyes quivered, he felt trapped, and even if he could run, where could he? Wherever he’d go, her twisted gaze would most likely follow him, and he knew there would be no going back to reality if he attempted to flee. That sent a chill running up Jack’s spine as Samantha’s high spirits clapped their hands together.

“Now, let us speak of our original question again. What more would you like to know of us Sinners? How about the Exorcists who have done the most harm to our beautiful world?”

“Hu-Huh…?”

“Yes, those supposed beings of God’s children who fight to cleanse this world of Sin… but have given birth to most of its personified Sinners. For example, the very first definition of Sin, yes committed by a Witch, but was due to the vile act and lending hand of a damned Exorcist. His name will forever be in infamy in our culture, tying his name with biblical prophecies, Samuel. Afterwards, the first Exorcist to Sin, that being Greed once again, a man closest to the most powerful one alive today who betrayed him to achieve the greatest desire of power brought all of Europe into an age of insufferable desire to hunt us down in the name of God; his name being Alfred. But what about Pride? Another Exorcist who made this Sin born for his selfish ego to the title given to him by his most loyal master, a man who almost destroyed all of Europe to prove a point to the world that he’d be the one to save them and not God. Not entertained yet? Let's talk about Gluttony, another! Exorcist named Henry, who’s hunger for power and control over those below him and didn’t see him as their God stagnated the world into famine and inhuman conditions.”

“Stop…” Jack mumbled, closing his eyes to the non-existent tremor he felt.

“How about Sloth? A nice Exorcist named David who despite his righteous and innocent attitude accidently created a war in the middle east to help the Hebrews but in doing so almost cost them to lose their holy land just so he can have a nice lazy life after being given fortune and virtue by them by his appearance resembling Moses.”

Hearing her tell him the existence of these Sinner’s and who held them, but almost all of them being Exorcists made him feel bitter inside. He didn’t think it would be they who had committed these mass Sins and created trouble for the world in history, yet the young man felt conflicted about her revelations. He questioned if they were true and she was being honest and not just saying random gibberish just to make Jack hate them, taking back his feelings about William’s morality towards him. Yet hearing her name of each Sinner, and each name having a tie with the bible or Hebrews contents made it more worthwhile to listen. He remained speechless, but something inside of him wanted her to stop talking, and didn’t want her to reveal more of their existence. It screeched, howled, crawled on his skin as she continued.

Her gaze deepened, her smile reaching ear to ear, the glint in her deepened eyes shining, seeing her joyful of naming them made Jack’s skin crawl and draw out a gasp.

“Or perhaps Abyzou! The carrier of Envy or as many like to call me, the Witch of Envy. The embodiment of agonising jealousy, who searched for many candidates to match and create an insufferable desire that every woman wishes to have in their lives!”

Samantha put the only hand she had still to her own breast, and said the last Sin that existed before any of the ones that have been committed prior.

“Or perhaps… The black death, the abominable man who destroyed, smeared the world into darkness during the 14th and 15th century, and almost wiped out all of humanity, and was the sole reason for the creation of all the world's problems today; And the start of the legend of Wrath’s existence.”

The mentioning of this black death made Jack’s brain tremble, his heart ached, and a voice inside of it screamed bloody murder. But it wasn’t Mallory’s but that of a man who howled in agony and anger. Despite this sickening scary sound producing in his mind, he can’t but feel a powerful aura of death coming from Samantha. It’s the desolate insight that Jack had now gained about her, and now he knew not to trust her. Compared to her daughter, she's nothing like her, or William, or anyone he’s encountered so far, she’s a being that lacked empathy. In facing all this, and finally understanding how this world works, it’s easy for anyone to be in an emotional lockdown, even for someone as broken as Jack.

“Awww. I’m so sorry Jack, it seems I intimidated you again. Me and my lips, they grow too loose when I speak the truth to a curious and ignorant man such as yourself. This has nothing to do with me being a Sinner, rather a Witch, what can I say? Our nature is truly troublesome.”

With Jack cowed into Silence, Samantha stood beside the table, she voiced words of self-reflection. But the true nature of who she is didn’t make it seem like she was actually self reflecting, rather just a way to show humility to Jack so he can come out of his cowardice state.

“Say something, Jack. You’re making me feel lonely in this vast space of black. But my advice to you is that you should stop trying to hide from reality and begin to adjust to it in a proper manner. I hope later down the line, with more interactions, you don’t look at my face so directly, and change somewhat.”

Samantha’s weird statement made Jack grimace again; his fear froze him stiff. Yet she tilted her head, her silver glowing eyes that were locked onto him indicated anticipation of some kind. Her raven hair fell down into her shoulders, revealing more of her beautiful face, as Jack gazed, he felt as if time was extending for all eternity the longer he stayed in his frozen state.

Jack swallowed, an unballed his fists. “Wh…at is there—to say?”

As Samantha blinked, and her smile already transitioned to normality, she nodded in satisfaction. Jack’s heart was loud, he felt that black curse inside of him crushing it and trying to block out his hearing. Ever since the mentioning of that black death, it’s been acting angry and growing more by the second. His heart beat so fast Jack thought it forgot how to function properly. He felt numb and his knees pleaded for mercy as he placed his hand on his forehead.

What’s going on… why can’t I talk or even look at her properly anymore? And this madness inside of me, it’s similar to that of Mallory who did everything in her power to silence me. Get a grip Jack, show her that you’re not afraid, you’ve faced death and dealt with foes just like her, come on! Jack thought.

Having self reflected, Jack had beaten and escaped the grip of fear. Composing himself, the young man took a deep breath and closed his eyes for a moment. Taking another one, his emotions were now under his control again. He opened his eyes and his composure screamed confidence to the witch of Envy which entertained her amusement even more.

“It seems like you’re back to your old self again, Jack.” she said.

Jack mildly nodded. “Yeah… it took a minute but with all the things you threw at me, it’s not hard to react in that way for anyone still human.”

Samantha giggled and snapped her fingers. The world transformed back to what it was, a personification of a gothic’s fall.

“My my, you’re such a strong man, aren’t you?”

“Whatever that means, Samantha. Why did you actually summon me into your world besides my petty questions and lessons of Sin?”

“Please understand… I did not have you summoned her with ill intent. I think besides that curse inside of you that I grew fond of, there is a greater motive to why I have you here in my realm.”

Jack was done playing with her word games and teasing nature. What he wanted was her true intent.

“Then get on with it. Otherwise send me back to reality so I can go back to being the pathetic man that I am.”

“Hmm, that impatience of yours is a nuisance. I’d watch that if I were you, don’t want to anger the wrong person, do we now?” she cleared her throat and crossed her slim arms. “I want to form a contract with you, Jack Samr, and be my new apostle.”

“Huh? What do you mean by that? Like be your puppet in a sense?”

Her true intent made Jack furious. He closed the gap between them, and boldly grabbed her small shoulders. When Jack grasped her slender shoulders, and drew near her gorgeous face, she averted her gaze.

“I uh, have little experience with these types of interactions, Jack. I’m not sure if I should compliment you on your bravery or insult your stupidity.”

“Enough of your games! Stop taking light of the fact that you want me to be your puppet. I’m nobody's bitch, you hear me!”

“You’re so brutally cold, Jack Samr. But it is as I asked for, and the fact that you have drank my coffee, to which you reacted normally; You have no other choice but to either answer—”

Samantha brought back her gaze to Jack, and showed the young man how still and emotionless it had become.

“—Or I can have you experience a world of hurt like no other, Jack Samr.”

Jack immediately let go upon her reaction. He dropped his arms and bit his lip in annoyance. Her face remained still as the two stood in silence at each other. She’s right though, Jack didn’t have any other choice, so he put his tempered ego aside and obliged.

“Okay then. And if I do partake in your request, then what would be in it for me?”

Samantha tapped her chin, and raised a brow in amusement. Her smile returned once again.

“I could take away that curse from inside of you before that Exorcist can. How about it, Jack?”

“Be more descriptive. I know what dwells within this body, but at this rate I’ve given up on trying to combat it.”

“You asked and I shall answer: The curse, the tie in, the knot on your heart, the chains wrapped around your soul, belongs to someone whom I—Envy their desire. Is it not?”

“Yeah…”

“Is it… a spirit? No? Or perhaps a lost girl, one who claims to be the solution to all your problems. Maybe their desire was so out of hand they made your life a ruin, had you experienced mercy at the hands of their supposed love?”

Jack couldn’t believe what Samantha was saying. It’s as if she were reading him like a book. How did she know such a thing and got so descriptive of the person who’s claimed his soul? This made the young man shake again, and trickle sweat out the pores of his head.

“How… Do you know?” Jack muttered.

“Could this girl have ties with your beloved sister who you can’t trust no more? What about Anna who’s fallen victim to this girl's jealousy and lust for your damned soul. Is she not a victim to this being's self-proclaimed victimization?”

“Hold up?! You’re revealing so much—”

“Oh I’m sorry, I’m just answering what you have asked. Should I stop, Jack?”

Jack ground his teeth, shutting his eyes for a moment.

“Could I test something… please?”

Samantha nodded. “Sure, go ahead.”

Jack bit his lip before saying what he wanted to say. If anyone should hear the name he can’t reveal, especially to Sarah, then it should be her mother.

“The girl whom you speak of… is someone who’s given me nightmares at first, but partially blamed for the way my life has been led. But she’s also saved me, so in a sense, I can’t really blame her entirely.”

Samantha’s intrigued, raising her brows and tilting her head.

“She’s freed me in the worst situations, but she’s also taken my life… this-this girl, her name is… is… Ma-Ma…”

Samantha’s eyes grew wide with excitement and she sensed the darkness inside of him hurling away from her. It wanted to explode out of Jack to shut him up, but it sensed and was afraid of her presence. This brought back that original thin smile she first showed Jack before their discussion. The young man balled his fists intensely, his arms quivering, trying his best to fight that horrific nuisance inside of him to say the name of the girl who claimed to be in love with him. Finally having the courage to say her name, Jack grinded his teeth, taking a quick breath, and opened his mouth.

“Her name—is… Mallory!”

Jack at that time felt fine. There was nothing strangling him, no violent coughing, or gagging, the young man felt more so relaxed than he's ever felt. He unballed his fists, and slowly opened an eye, seeing Samantha still standing in her spot with a cute smile on her face this time. Jack opened his other eye, and he began to drench himself in his own self relieved sweat. The young man’s jaw dropped, his dry mouth moving rapidly, he couldn't believe he was able to say her name without repercussion.

“No… way. You-You gotta be… shitting me?”

Samantha averted her gaze, blushing slightly. “My, with that strong gaze of yours, you’re making me turn red here, Jack.”

“Mallory…”

“Yes, I heard you. Mallory is the girl who’s made light of your life, is she not?”

“Mallory! Mallory!”

Jack put a foot forward, his hands quaking in high relief.

“Mallory is the girl in the white dress! The girl with deep amethyst eyes, her hair blacker than the night sky!”

Jack took another breath, and reeled his arms towards his mid-section.

“She’s the girl who had no face, the one who made my life a hell, the one who saved my life from a greater one… She’s the first girl to claim their undesirable love towards me!”

The last three words echoed in the forest. Its distinct, exhausted self relieving made birds fly away from their homes. The wildlife that called this enchanted forest their home, had all come to gather around their area, staring their deep eyes at the two. Jack panted, his eyes wide and his body feeling light, the young man has never felt so glad to say her name. Samantha acknowledged his joyful relieved nature with a simple nod. Jack’s eyes watered, but not enough to draw a tear, but to show Samantha his gratitude towards her.

“I heard that loud and clear, Jack Samr. Mallory is her name, and the one I Envy their desire towards you.”

Jack crushed his eyes, wiping them and couldn’t help but drop to his knees afterwards. This was too much for him to captivate, the fact he was finally able to say Mallory’s name. On his knees, his forearm covering his face, Jack’s body slightly jittered, and Samantha could tell, sensing that the young man was fighting back his tears. Her motherly instincts came into fruition, walking over to the young man and laying one of those pale hands of hers on his head, patting him. She patted and patted, and the young man continued on his battle against his troubled emotions. He didn’t like showing weakness to others, otherwise he’d think they’ll use that against him or in reality, he’s just as emotional as anyone else.

“It must’ve been tough, not being able to say this person's name without consequence. All this time, you were sealing these feelings away from everyone else, and the only time you could’ve said her name was alone.”

Jack kept fighting and fighting, drawing close to breaking down in tears as she pampered him like his mother did in the past.

“It’s okay to let out your true emotions, Jack. I know it’s hard to take all this in, and especially for a young man such as yourself who’s life was once normal has now transpired into a journey of unadulterated despair.”

Her voice, the tone being created by her small mouth shot a nostalgia shot into his mind. A flashback of when he was eight years old, being in a similar position from an altercation he had on a student who tried picking on Anna and got in trouble for fighting. Upon arriving home, when his mother confronted him about it, he acted all macho and confident to his mother, but in reality, the young man didn’t tell his mother that he was ganged up and beaten by the kid and his friends. But his mother admired his bravery towards his closest friend and told him it's okay to let out his weakest emotion.

“Someday, you’ll understand and know that no matter how tough of a man you are, my son, it’s okay to cry and let it all out.”

Hearing those words stayed imprinted into his mind, but Jack can’t bring himself to do so. Something inside of him wouldn’t allow him to let his emotions flow out his eyes. The only time he remembered crying, although it was silently, was the night he thought he lost Angela to Dr. Cato and his men. Only then can he recall himself actually allowing tears to flow out and softly whimper out his sorrow.

Jack won the battle again and wiped his eyes, dropping his forearm and being exposed to Samantha’s chalk face that gleamed of danger and hope. She stopped her patting, retracted her arm and stepped back, putting her arms behind her. The young man got back on his feet, and regained his manly nature. Despite his eyes being red, the young man calmed himself down and stopped his nervous shaking.

“Sorry, but I think I’ll let out my emotions when I think it's time to. For now, let's get back to your request.”

Samantha didn’t answer, and Jack slowly nodded.

“I oblige to it. Because at this point, I really don’t have much of a choice, so I need all the help that I need. Whether you’re with me intentionally or seemingly not without my knowing, my desperation to turn my life back to normal is now my priority.”

Samantha clapped her hands together, amused. “Splendid! I’m glad you’ve come to your senses, you won’t regret being an apostle of mine, hehe.”

“So, what do I have to do?”

“You, Jack Samr will be on lookout duty for me. But also, ontop of that, you’ll be a shield to my daughter.”

“Shield? Lookout? What’s the meaning behind this request?”

Samantha giggled, and walked up to Jack. The young man grew nervous yet again.

“Something’s brewing, a big event that is transpiring but not going into full effect once this butterfly effect alters the changed history. Once it goes through, and brings us back into a proper flow of time, then this troublesome problem will occur.”

“There’s so much confusion in your statement. I’m so damn lost for a second I thought my brain was about to lose itself into the hands of retardation. That’s how stupid you make me feel about myself.”

Samantha giggled, covering her mouth and adorably slapping Jack’s arm. The young man can’t help but see Sarah in her place. She took a deep breath and basked in the surroundings.

“So, Samantha, what does being an apostle mean? Is it the same as being your puppet as I angrily shouted earlier.”

“Mm, no. Being an apostle of mine means you have a given authority, a rule over a certain group of people that shouldn’t exist.”

Jack rolled his hand. “Meaning?”

She gently put out and placed one of her fingers on his chest. “I will grant you the authority of my limitless Envy. That means, to others who will see this aura I shall grant you, mana, when they sense that you have met me… their envy towards you will make you indestructible to their wicked attacks if they wish to harm you.”

Jack didn’t like the sound of this. Rather, it made him feel uncomfortable and his senses gave him danger signals again.

“You make it seem like… I’ll be getting hurt—wait! That’s what you meant by being your daughter's shield.”

“You’re catching on quick. But you won’t be just her shield, you’ll also do everything in your power to ensure she does not use any of her mana. The turn of events that will happen want her to be exposed to the world, and find out the truth to my wicked nature.”

Jack scrunched his face, and grew serious. Samantha retracted her finger and crossed her arms in an amusing nature.

“You’re sounding very shady at the moment. Everything that you’re saying… the meaning behind each statement and this contract you’re detailing, it screams like I’m going to be more than just your puppet, Samantha.”

Jack took a step back to grow some distance from them.

“And I don’t like where this is all going… and what’s going to lead up to.”

Samantha turned around, flinging her hair once her back was turn to Jack.

“Take it as you like, but you have now agreed to my request. There’s no going back to it.”

She looked over her shoulder, winking to Jack, dropping his guard yet again.

“Now be a good mule, and go on the lookout. And if you still fear being attacked by people who you won’t match up to; You have nothing to worry about, my authority will grant you protection as I said, and…” Samantha snapped her fingers, bringing Jack down to his knees and gagging. “I also unlocked that blackness inside of your soul, that way you don’t have to rely on this Mallory girl to use it against the wickedness that awaits you.”

Jack gagged and coughed out black. He got on all fours, grabbed his throat and looked up at Samantha who began to walk away from him. He reached out for her but when he blinked momentarily, once his eyes were opened again, he was back in reality. That horrible feeling was gone, and Jack had paused, blinking rapidly to comprehend what just happened. He dropped his arm, steadily got up to his feet, glanced around, the young man grinned and let out a distinct sigh. He brought one of his hands up to his face, and repeatedly opened and closed it.

“What an encounter…” Jack crushed his hand, and lowered it, looking straight ahead to the familiar dirt path he knew all too well. “I guess, this won’t be the only time we’ll probably talk. Best to just keep going and see what happens as she said.”

With feeling more convoluted about what just happened, the young man felt absolutely tired. The conversation has drained him of every ounce of energy for the rest of the day. Jack at this point wanted to get out of this forest and go home. He walked forward, and eventually out the forest without another bother. When he got through the thick bush that first blocked him from entering the forest, he saw Anna and his sister standing at the porch, scanning the area and once they spotted Jack, they waved to him. The young man grinned and went towards their direction. He paused at Randolph’s grave once he got there, rubbing his face with just his finger tips.

“What were you doing in that forest brother?!” Angela asked, placing her hands on her hips. “You had me worried and for a second I thought you left me alone with this succubus!”

Anna had one hand on her hip, and stayed quiet as she watched Jack casually walk up the porch steps.

“Hello?! Earth to brother! Say something or fall victim to my tiny hands!”

Jack paused beside Anna, giving Angela a nod.

She responded by pouting. “Silent treatment, ey?! Hmph! Suit yourself!”

Angela quickly turned around and stomped away.

She appeared annoyed but concerned for Jack by her tone, but the young man couldn’t help but relive those words said by Samantha: “Or the sister you can’t trust no more.” This made him feel just as vexing as before. Anna can sense her best friend’s distraught state behind his mild grin.

“Jack, care to explain what happened to you inside the forest? I find it strange that someone like you would walk in there to clear their mind.”

Jack grunted, but he was pleased with what Anna said. Samantha’s words echoed again: "Or Anna who’s fallen victim to this girl's jealousy and lust for your damned soul. Is she not a victim to this being's self-proclaimed victimization?”

“I wish I could tell you, but right now, I’m beat.”

His response was typical to Anna. Avoid the situation asked and store it away to never be spoken of again. This made her budge her elbow to his side to which he responded by rubbing his side, and slightly chuckling.

“You really are something, you know that? Honestly, your mental state would be so much better if you spoke about your problems more often.”

“Hmph. You may be right, but if I did so, repeatedly, repetitiously, then all of you would look at me as some weak man.”

Anna sighed, and grinned. “Oh Jack, you haven’t changed since we were kids. Only this time you’re a wanted criminal, so I guess this fits your new street persona.”

Jack shook his head. “You’re right, and I’m going to keep it that way. But for now, I’m drained…”

The young man patted his best friend's shoulder, and started to walk away. Anna blew her frustrations out her mouth, shaking her head to let out a brief chuckle.

“Whatever, Jack! Go and bask in your problems as always, alone!”

Before opening the slide door, Jack looked over his shoulder to say one more thing to Anna before walking in.

“You’re welcome to stay as long as you want to watch over Angela… keep an eye on her for me, will ya?”

The young man opened the door, and walked in. Anna lowered his hand to her side, and looked up to the sky.

“What am I going to do with that fool…” She took a step down the porch steps and sat on the top ones. “...If I don’t do something now, I’ll either lose him to his reckless actions leading up to what karma favours or falling into the hands of his enemies.”

Anna hugged her knees, and a single tear came out her right eye. She sniffed, and placed her right knuckles against her cheek.

“I don’t want to think of that… I already lost my parents to alcoholism, and to have the only person who I look up to as a brother but more importantly, my hero… I just don’t want him to die due to his depression.”

Anna took in a deep, deep breath, and brought her gaze back up to the grey sky.

“Please, just say what’s wrong for once, Jack.”

Walking through the kitchen, and into the living room, Jack saw that Angela was back into her game, but showing her frustrations by mashing the buttons on her controller. The young man kept walking until he made it to the staircase. He took a pause again, only to take one more look at his sister. Just the back of her head reminded him so much of Mallory, and Samantha’s voice echoed the same statement again: “You can’t trust no more.”

“So that’s how I truly feel about Angela… you didn’t have to say it like that, Samantha.” Jack muttered.

The young man quickly took a breath. “Angela…”

She heard him, and paused. “Yeah?”

Her response was what he expected, filled with agitation, worry, and care. Although she sounded as if she were annoyed by him, deep down, he knew she only wanted him to reveal what’s truly wrong with his mental state. In the meantime, Jack didn’t want to say anything about it, for now, he only wanted to live life as normal as he possibly could. Yet it’ll be difficult since he’s still going through William's trials and now has formed a contract with a holder of Sin. Only time will tell on how this journey of his will undergo.

“You want to go out tomorrow? Perhaps that weird store you like so much?”

She couldn’t pretend anymore, and turned around, showing her brother how much she cared about him with her glistening eyes. She rubbed her eyes and nodded to his request.

“Only if it's to spend the day with you, then it doesn’t matter where we go, I love you, brother.”

Despite hearing her caring response, her words felt hollow to Jack. But he responded by nodding as well, and giving her a thumbs up.

“Cool… see ya tomorrow, I’m going into my room. And please don’t bully Anna while I shut my eyes.”

Angela adorably puffed out her cheeks, averting her gaze. “I think you should be worried about me being bullied by her with her bewitching good looks.”

The young man let out a forced chuckle and waved bye to his sister, making his way down the hall that led to his room. Arriving at the door, he eerily opened it, and walked slowly into his darkened room. Closing the door behind him, Jack revealed his actual feelings with a grimace. He slowly stomped his way to his bed. Jack grasped his head and crashed onto his bed, wallowing in all the confusion and tiredness of his mental state. Everything up till now has made Jack regret every action he’s made, especially reuniting with his friends. In his mind, Jack thinks his life would’ve turned out fine if he never walked down this path.

“Would my life really be fine if all I had to deal with was street violence. Because up to this point, I’m regretting ever living, this is so ridicilous. Ahh! What do I do now man, I’m stuck, stuck between two beings who contradict science and reality. People like them shouldn’t exist, everything I’ve experienced shouldn’t exist, period!”

Jack turned to lay on his back and stare at the ceiling. He covered his face temporarily, and let out a soft grunt.

“To hell with all this, I’m just tired… whatever happens tomorrow happens. Whether she kills me, William destroys my mental state, I don’t care about the outcome of my life anymore.”

He dropped his arm to his side, and locked his sights to his ceiling. Slowly, Jack started shutting his eyes, and began to slow down his breathing.

“I just want my life to be normal…” He shut his eyes completely, “and if you’re listening, God, just lead me through this chapter without another remorse… because I’ve grown tired of all these charades and play in part to these almighty beings' stories. Just for once, let me die and let me dwell in darkness for a while before I’m somehow brought back to life.”

Jack got what he needed off his chest and started to fall into a deep sleep.

“I’m… just gonna nap… just… for—a little…”

The young man completely blacked out. With darkness looming his corner, coming out of it was a single rose petal, drifting and landing ontop of his chest. It glowed hot until it bursted into dust, and glitter all over him. Then, a red glow came from behind his curtains, and the voice of a woman whispered into his dreams, telling Jack: “May this be your last rest for a while, my child… I’ll be seeing you soon, again, Jack.”