The next day has arrived. The sun’s blooming, birds are chirping, the grass is green. Despite it appearing to be a beautiful day in the making, one person's face defined the season of Halloween from how spooked he looked. It’s Eric, who’s sweating his fear out on the couch. He's in the living room, sitting, glaring at the T.V since the news was plastered of the devastation that took place yesterday. Angela was also present, she looked terrified on what happened and more notably from what her uncle had told her. Yet knowing the fact that her uncle confronted and was a part of the tragedy made her just as scared of what’s to come next. Eric watched closely as downtown was still closed off, dozens and dozens of military and first responding men and women were doing everything that they could to clean up the mess caused by the unknown man. Reporters bombarded a group of scientists, military generals, and government officials on how this is possible and an explanation to the supernatural phenomenon. They repeated a short clip of the man, the same one who’s responsible for the public to be in a panic. The clip showed him expressing his joy and new found fame, and eventually brought his gaze to one of the helicopters, and with just his glare, the helicopter was eviscerated.

“What the fucks going on… who was that monster?” Eric said, standing up to his feet in frustration.

“Uncle…” Angela said, “please relax…”

“Baby girl I can’t, okay?! If you were there, and had to face death, you too would be stressed and scared out of ya mind!”

Angela looked back at the news, “I understand, but what makes it even scarier is that this is something that I’d expect out of the manga and anime that I watch and read…”

Angela reached into her pocket and pulled out her phone. She pulled up a dozen images of fights, powerups, supernatural phenomenon's, anything that relates to the incident from all her favorited shows.

“But to see it become a reality, it’s absolutely terrifying…”

Eric paced back and forth, his arms were crossed, the big guy still can’t believe he experienced that.

“I fucking hate—hate! Spooky shit and stuff that can’t be explained, fuck!”

Angela has never seen her uncle this frightened and angry. It was almost scary, scarier even than the man who defied the laws of physics yesterday. With Eric’s shouting and echoing his frustrations in the house, Jack had come out of his room. He was making his way to the living room where all the commotion was. He yawned, scratched his back and stretched his arms, trying to rub off his sleep.

“Damn… can’t you guys keep it down? What’s with all the noise?”

Both turned to the young man, and Angela immediately jumped out of the couch, running to her brother and embracing him. But this was no ordinary hug, it was filled with fear.

“Angela… What's the matter? Why are you shaking?”

“Look at the tely…” she responded, pointing at the television.

Eric stomped towards his nephew, and got in his face. “Why the fuck didn’t you pick up your stupid phone yesterday?! Where the fuck was you man!”

Jack appeared confused, wondering what’s having them so spooked and worried.

“Dang man, chill. What’s going on?”

Eric also pointed, and Jack brought his eyes to the television. He watched the repeated news clips, and the man responsible. It made him gasp, and narrow his eyes.

“What in God’s name? What am I watching?” Jack said as he made his way closer to the television.

The other two followed and Eric stepped beside him.

“That’s why I was calling you… I came face to face with that spooky ass freak!”

Jack walked backwards, and crashed on the couch, placing one of his hands on his head. Even after all that he discussed with William yesterday and hoping things will simmer down, he had to wake up to something out of the ordinary again. This time it wasn’t William or anyone else he could think of, it was something entirely new. He ground his teeth, feeling frustrated and stressed again.

“This-This can’t be happening…” he covered his eyes, and grew annoyed. “Just when I thought things were going to be fine for a while,” he muttered.

Angela sat next to her brother, holding him again. “What could it be, brother?”

Jack tried thinking of why this may have happened. Even with all that William said, he wasn’t expecting to meet more of the unknown the next day. He tried remembering more, figuring out if anything tied in with what he was told, showed. Anything would be great if it’ll settle his mind. Then, he remembered the conversation with Samantha, and how there was something bound to happen. The hint she said, before he made the deal with her, and why she wanted his aid. Could this be the start of what she was trying to tell?

“Could this…?” Jack reached into his pocket, and grabbed his phone.

“Who you bout to call?” Eric asked.

“Who else?” Jack replied.

Eric groaned, and waited to see who Jack’s trying to get in contact with.

Damn… William’s contact’s not here. Should’ve guessed since he’s outside of our dimension currently. Jack thought.

“Sarah…” he murmured.

Jack dialled Sarah, and waited for an answer. The phone rang, and rang, then it eventually went to voicemail.

“Damn, she ain’t answering.”

“She?!” Angela said, her fear quickly disappearing as she pouted. “You mean the goth girl?!”

“Yeah the goth girl, my friend, Sarah.”

“Hmph!”

Angela who was just in fear a moment again grew pity and jealous in less than a second. She puffed her cheeks out, looked away, crossed her arms, got up, and walked off all sassy-like. Eric rolled his eyes to his niece and ignored her pettiness.

He pointed to Jack and wiggled his finger. “Ah, good idea. Maybe her supernatural ass could explain what the fucks going on. Because until then, me and my bois ain’t leaving our hood until this shit is resolved.”

Jack chuckled, nervously. “I can’t blame ya, especially seeing the damage that monster’s done to downtown.”

Eric scrunched his face in confusion. “Why don’t you seem surprised at what's going on? The hell’s gotten your mind so desensitized to this?”

Jack got up, patted himself, and groaned. “As you said uncle, I’m fucked up in the head. But there’s no time to waste. We have to find something to calm our pussy asses down. So in the meantime, I’ll go to her house instead and see if she can tell me face to face.”

Eric twitched an eye to Jack. “Who you calling a pussy?” he muttered.

Jack walked to the front door, put his shoes on, and tried grabbing the car keys but they were gone. He looked over his shoulder to his uncle who watched him, waiting for him about something. Was it a realization of something? An exposure to more? By how Eric’s face was expressing, it surely told Jack that he was anticipating something from his nephew. The young man opened the door, and saw their only car gone besides the fancy SUV that reminded him of the attack that took Randolph’s life. Jack turned to his uncle, raised his arms, and hunched forward.

“Where's the car?!” he shouted.

Eric quickly sliced his neck. “Its fucking gone! That scary motherfucker destroyed it!”

Jack scratched his head and moaned in annoyance. “God Dammit! Now I gotta take a taxi?!”

“Oh yeah fucka, you best believe and you ain’t taking my baby out! Better get yo ass moving now, we need answers!”

Jack flung his arms at his uncle's direction, and walked off. He dialed for a taxi and patiently waited for his ride. While he waited, his body started shaking, his fear had struck him like adrenaline. He frowned and felt scared all over again.

“God I hope Sarah and her family can help on this… but I bet Samantha’s well aware of what happened yesterday.”

He deeply sighed.

Let's see what supernatural shit is in store for me.

***

Inside his room that he loathed sharing with the holder of Envy, Sarah’s father Leon was sitting on the edge of the bed, dwindling his fingers, and looked stressed. His eyes were erratic, he bounced one foot, the situation of him discovering that the cult that worshiped his wife is back, especially with the news report he saw of it this morning; He’s never been this stressed out since last month. He rubbed the back of his neck and got up, walking over to his bookshelf. There he grabbed a black book that belonged to his wife, and opened it.

“That damn bitch… what is she up to?” he said while closing the book.

He put it down on the T.V stand and walked over to the window, pulling the curtain to the side.

“Just what the hell are they planning. Those lunatics, why would they attack the public and reveal themselves?”

He squinted his eyes, and gripped the curtain.

“But why have—‘Him’ of all people be the one to display the existence of the supernatural, why now?”

Just then, his door opened and it happened to be Sarah, who’s also surprised to see her father inside the room.

“Oh, I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to interrupt your thoughts.”

Leon wiped his stress off, and in place a soft grin emerged. “You’re fine, no need to be so apologetic with me all the time.”

“Right, anyways where’s mom?”

“Beats me.” he quickly replied in a cold tone.

“Hehe, father is as cold as he looks. Well since you’re the only parent I have here I’m just here to tell you that my friend Jack’s coming over.”

“Ja-Jack…?”

That hesitation again with the mentioning of a male friend, it made Sarah raise a brow and grow a smug grin.

“That shouldn’t be an issue, right, father?” she asked while leaning all sassy.

Sarah’s father at first squinted, then an eye twitched, and lastly he rolled his eyes. “What’s your relationship with him?”

“Dang, so blunt. And you need not to worry, he’s just a good friend.”

“Huh, okay.” Leon then felt someone's presence that changed his face and tone. “Sarah, I need you to leave.”

Sarah at first thought he was being rude, but she also felt the same presence. “Who’s here? Father?”

He didn’t look serious, just tamed and calm.

“Please, it’ll be quick,” he said.

Sarah nods and leaves without asking further, closing the door. After the door was shut, a shadow that lurked in the corner came out, and rose, and exploded into John himself. He patted himself while his chain steampunk outfit rattled the metal on it and he didn’t look like his usual self. Instead he appeared just as stressed, and Leon caught on.

“John, what’s happening?”

John let out an aggravated moan and went to his bed, laying flat on it.

“Man, what the fuck!” he shouted, looking like a child as he flailed his arms. “Those goddamn Witch cultists are back, son of a bitch ass whores man! Like come one! And what a way to tell the world that we fucking exist! Scumbags I tell ya!”

Leon sighed. “You’re one to talk.”

“Wh-what do you mean by that?”

He crossed his arms and raised a brow to John. “Don’t you also have a cult that worships you?”

John shot up and flailed his arms again. “Yeah! But they’re not attacking the public and killing innocent people… uh, well, not all the time.”

“I thought so. Anyways, what are you doing here? You almost exposed yourself to my daughter.”

John bounced his eyebrows. “I should have, because she’s stunning. I think she’s just as gorgeous as your wife, hehe! She's of age right?”

“Yeah she’s eighteen but you’re not getting your grimy fingers on her. I know your intentions and how that wicked mind of yours functions.”

John whistled and glanced around. “Not yet…” he mumbled.

“What was that?”

“Nothing nothing. But, back to the cult that worships your wife—it seems like they’re about to strike again.”

“Again?! Where!”

“I’m not sure, but there’s a huge surge of mana coming from the countryside. And it's multiple. So I think we’re going to see more than that brown haired red eyed bastard take part in the next attack.”

Leon grew worried, but not about them, but about his daughter. The last that he heard of their existence were the times his wife plunged the world into its near end eighteen years ago. He shook his head and paced in front of the window, thinking of how he’ll protect his daughter and not expose these sickos of their existence to her. So far her mother’s doing a good job keeping them a secret, she even went as far as to cast a spell on Sarah’s electronical devices for her not to find out. She has no clue of the attack that occurred yesterday to his knowledge, and he intends to keep them hidden if necessary.

He stopped his pacing, looked at John, and got serious. “I gotta teach her more of her mana in my way.”

John got up and walked over to a family portrait of her and her mother. “But haven’t you been doing that as of lately already?”

“Eh, just the basics, and it was only two sessions.”

“Then what the hell have you been doing this entire time?”

Leon expressed a soft smile, “taking your advice stupid. I’ve been getting to know my daughter.”

When John heard that, it really made the mysterious man smile ear to ear. He jumped with joy and gave Leon a bro hug, and shook his hand.

“Holy cow! I’m so proud of you! Please, enlighten me on how far you two have gotten along?”

Leon chuckled beneath his breath.

“A bit too quick for my pacing.” Leon backed off, and walked to the photo of his daughter. “But despite the few hiccups we’ve endured these past weeks. It confirms that she’s nothing like her mother. Actually, she takes more of me than anything, and I couldn’t be happier.”

“Wonderful! Outstanding my friend! But hold up… when you say take, does that mean your unstable emotions too?! Cause if that’s so, and combined with Samantha’s DNA… that is a recipe for disaster!”

Leon shrugged. “That I don’t know. Although for you to question that, it doesn’t surprise me in the bit since you know me more than anyone else.”

“Yeah, no kidding. You’re a fucking bomb waiting to explode given the circumstance.”

Leon knew exactly what John was referring to. It made him rethink his past actions, especially on his old sadistic nature. He could remember clearly how much of a monster he was when he snapped and couldn’t control his sadistic tendencies and power. By nature, he’s a calm, shy man who likes to be alone, but once those barriers are broken, getting a thirst of blood and whoever was in his way, supernatural being or not, would ultimately lose their life by his wretched hands. This was a secret he’s kept to himself, one he never wants to show, especially to his daughter who sees him just as a quiet, shy, and miserable man. He’d rather have that assumption than his berserk side.

Leon grabbed the photo of his daughter and stared at it while his eyes quivered. “John… could you remind me of the last time I went berserk?”

John went to the window and looked out, and saw the city far out with a cornucopia of helicopters surrounding the area. John definitely remembered his last berserk Ing state, in which he took the lives of recruiting Witches, and Esper's in a tournament he held to help his friend find that special someone to ease that bombish anger. And once he found the Ying to his Yang, he thought he did the right thing, but it sadly resulted in the man John knows today: A miserable businessman who loathes the love of his life and damns his own existence.

John deeply sighed and looked over his shoulder to Leon who’s eyes were glued to the picture frame of his young daughter. He grinned and brought his gaze back to the city.

“Of course, but I think that might have to wait…”

“Hm, why so John?”

John’s gaze was quickly caught by a young man, a tall guy with a scar on his right cheek. He knew exactly who was walking up to his friend's door, and it made his guilty amusement bring out a huge sadistic grin on his face.

“There’s a boy here, and I think it might be for your daughter’s friend.”

“Huh?!” Leon quickly went to the window, pushing John to the side. “Is that?”

It was Jack who stood in the middle of the walkway. He pulled his phone out of his pocket and dialed it. Leon sensed danger from his soul, and the darkness that lurked within it. It made him narrow his eyes, sharpen a glint in them as he observed this mysterious young man that his daughter’s taking a liking to. Although his soul told him darkness, he can tell by the look on the young man's face but more notably those dead fish eyes were saying that he’s seen more misery than most people. Leon knew exactly what his face and eyes told especially, and that was that this young man had faced and endured death more than once.

“So this is Jack?” he said in a serious cold tone.

John also can sense the same thing his friend was. “So that’s his name? What an interesting individual I must say.”

The two glared at him as he patiently waited. After a minute of intense staring, they saw Sarah walk out, and the darkness in his heart erupted, and they could see that it wanted to lurch out and attack Sarah. What the two were sensing was no ordinary blackness, but—

“Envy…” Leon said.

“Whoever has claimed the young man's soul, most certainly doesn’t want him around other attractive women. I mean, you feel that? Pure, unadulterated, jealousy. It’s almost as bad as your wife, hehe.”

John let out a snort laugh, but Leon remained serious, watching their interaction. The two conversed, and then his daughter began to act sassy towards him, and it made him gasp. The lurking blackness inside of Jack was being overtaken, controlled by something else, and he knew exactly what it was.

“That stupid son of a bitch…” Leon murmured.

John caught on to what he sensed and he was more than interested in staying to watch the show.

“Is that your wife's mana inside of him too?! Holy hell! What in God’s name has this young man gotten himself into. This-This is a must watch on my part!”

Leon smacked his lips and wanted to confront the young man.

“John, I’ll be back. I’ve got to meet this kid and—”

“Shake his hand? Oh I know exactly what you want to do my friend.”

John leaned against the wall, and waved to his friend.

“Don’t worry about me, I’ll just watch from here and enjoy the show, hehe!”

“Hmph…”

Leon turned around and hurried out the room and went downstairs. Once he got through the living room, and to the front door, he gripped the door handle so hard he almost broke it off.

“Relax, stay calm, don’t let your emotions take advantage of you now.”

Slowly, he began to open the door.

At the same time, Sarah was poking at Jack, and could sense something new about him. The young man is weirded out and watches as his tiny friend tries her best to discover as to why she’s sensing this feeling.

“Jack, there’s something off about you. Despite that horrible stench you have… I also can sense something else.” Sarah said while circling Jack.

Jack scratched his head and rolled his eyes sarcastically. “Really? I wonder why?”

“Yeah, it’s strange, I mean I can’t explain it, but it feels sort of similar to—”

Then, their attention turned to the front door that creacked opened. Sarah gasped and stood next to Jack, swallowing. Jack was confused as to why Sarah suddenly got nervous and protective of him. The door eerily opened and Jack saw a man standing, and upon first glance, just by looking at him, it gave him chills. The man came out of the soft shadow, and revealed himself to be Sarah’s father, a tall white man with a glare so intense, Jack thought he was being swallowed by it. He approached the two slowly, and Jack could see his stone cold blue eyes glare at him, menacingly. Jack blinked once, and his eyes shook as well as his hands.

This… is—her father? What an intimidating guy… Jack thought.

Sarah’s father kept his gaze on Jack and raised a finger to him. Sarah stepped in front of his aim without saying a word, but she too looked just as afraid for Jack’s well being.

“Boy…” he said, his tone strong, deep and just as cold as his stare. “Explain yourself as to why you’ve made a contract with…”

Sarah’s father squinted and furrowed his eyes, raising the edge of his lip.

“Aby…zou.”

Jack’s eyes grew gigantic. Sarah tilted her head, confused as to who this Abyzou was that her father just said.

How does he know that I made a deal with Sarah’s mother?! Jack thought.

“Sarah, step aside, I need him to answer me as to why he has done such a preposterous thing.”

Sarah can sense her father’s anger swelling up. She had to act fast and think of why he’s being so mysterious to her friend.

“Father, what’s the matter? It’s just my friend Jack, the one I told you about. And what are you talking about? Have ya met before or something?”

Sarah’s father approached them, and she wanted to stand her ground, but didn’t want to fuel his anger. She stepped aside and waited on what he'd do. Jack quivered with fear as Sarah’s father stood and towered over him. As the two stared at each other, to Jack, it was similar to staring at a block of ice just how cold his gaze was, not to mention even being close to him made him feel chilly. Goosebumps rose, but he didn’t want to show weakness to the father of his close friend. He mustered some courage, and carefully put his hand out.

“Ni…ce to meet you, Sarah’s father.”

Leon kept his stone face, but shook the young man's hand, and once their skins met contact, he had his questions answered. He closed his eyes for a moment, deeply sighed and let go. Sarah watched with her mouth open, and she looked just as surprised as Jack did.

Jack gulped. “This is… surreal, just—”

“We’ll have a proper one on one conversation, boy. But for now keep quiet. I don’t want Sarah to find out who her mother actually is. Do you understand?”

Jack’s mouth was half open, the bottom of his lip bounced while he did everything that he could to maintain composure.

“Yes sir…”

Jack’s speechless. He couldn’t believe that he could also read his mind just like Sarah’s mother could. Now the young man felt regret on ever coming here. At this point he’s even considering a way to get in touch with William to start the trials again just to get away from Sarah’s family. But now that Leon shook the young man's hand, he knew that he meant no harm to his daughter. Once relief came into the picture, stress creeped back into his senses once he felt the presence of bitchery. Leon looked over Jack’s shoulder and his face changed to utter repulsion and annoyance.

“Speak of the fucking devil herself…” Leon muttered.

Samantha had just arrived with a paper bag of groceries in her tiny arms. She saw all three standing there, and she was more than curious as to what’s happening. At first glance it looked like a nice meeting and introduction from their daughter trying to explain as to why she has a close male friend to their father. But the more she wrapped her mind around to what’s happening, it made that devilish personality of hers grow with amusement and utter curiosity. She walked up to the three and appeared to be struggling with the paper bag which caught the attention of Jack and Sarah.

“Oh dang it. This bag’s just too heavy for lil o me! Honey, could you please grab it and take it inside for me?” she said in that soothing tone of hers while winking at her husband.

Leon frowned deeply, but no matter how much he loathed his wife, he couldn’t say no. He went up to her and grabbed the bag out of her arms. She responded to his mannerism by grabbing one of his hands that made him look away in anger and shame. She giggled and peaked around his tall and medium built figure to lay her gaze upon Jack.

“Hey, Jack! How’ve you been? Feeling better now?”

Just hearing her voice and her tone being so innocently soft, gentle, and casual irritated Jack, more notabtly from the thoughts that lingered of William exposing the truth behind her contract.

“Yeah, I’m fine, thanks for asking.” he replied, but not without furrowing his brows.

“Marvelous! I think this calls for a nice family dinner! How about it, honey?”

“Shut up…” Leon replied.

Samantha giggled again and massaged his arm. Sarah watched as her mother played her act, and for the first time, felt annoyed by it. Jack felt the sad aura coming off of Sarah and decided to do something that might cheer her up.

“Hey Sarah,” Jack asked.

“Yeah, Jack?” Sarah replied.

Jack grabbed Sarah’s tiny hand, and smacked it. She held her hand, massaged it, and punched the young man on the arm in response to his weird action.

“What was that for?” she said, shooting her lips out in confusion.

Jack shrugged. “I-I don’t know… it’s all I could think of to cheer you up.”

Again, Sarah’s heart skipped a few beats to which she replied by bumping her elbow to his side. He massaged it but grinned, feeling glad that his quick thinking worked despite it being random. Sarah’s father looked over his shoulder and saw the cute smile on his daughter's face as the two were playfully poking, punching at each other. This made him substantially lower the suspicion he had towards Jack because he can sense that the emotions he was emitting were genuine and not artificial. Samantha was more than pleased to see this, it brought so much joy to her amusing sadistic nature that she couldn’t help but drag Leon with her to them. At first he was furious, wanting so desperately to explode and surprise her with an attack, but as she dragged him, he felt time rewind to their first encounter.

He can remember exactly what scenario was being replayed. It was during a meeting with all Witches and Esper's, he was arguing, ready to explode upon a fellow rival until she came in and intervened. She got in between the two, pushed the other away. And once her crimson eyes laid on his, in that moment his anger had been tarnished. He never felt so relaxed in his life and calm by someone's gaze that it completely froze him. When she saw that he had calmed down by her grasp, it made her giggle, tilted her head, grabbed his arm, and dragged him away from the scene. Once he was able to unfreeze himself, it was too late as he was being dragged away by someone who has not only calmed him down, but managed to soften his stone heart. It almost brought a tear to his eye but once he was back in reality, he pulled his arm off her clutch, and lowered his head.

“No need to be so hard in front of your daughter's friend, Leon.” she said, bringing out an adorable smile.

Leon ground his teeth, looked away, and stood in silence.

John had been watching from their bedroom, being entertained but hated seeing his close friend be teased and humiliated by someone he grew to hate. And all this circled back to him, because in the end, it was John who was the one who introduced Abyzou to the clan of Witches and eventually, to his friend Leon.

“Oh my dear friend Leon… how far you’ve come from the monster you used to be.”

John wiped the window, and furrowed his brows.

“I can remember exactly how I was first introduced to a monster such as yourself.”

John began to remember the first time they met, and how quick they got along despite Leon being quiet and hotheaded. But as time went on, on an unfortunate night, John saw what his new friend was capable of. Something angered Leon and awakened his rage, a night he’ll never forget.

“Those poor souls…” John muttered.

It was in the middle of a clear night in the late eighties. The two were on a mission to investigate more of Witchcraft in the slums of Rio Brazil. But suddenly, at midnight, a sphere of mana in the shape of a volleyball, its colour was magma, had shot out from the top of the mountain of Corcovado in Rio De Janeiro, where the giant statue of Jesus was located. Once it made an impact on the atmosphere in the city, it wiped out not just the city, but the entire surface continent of south and central America. At the top of the statue was John and Leon, and Leon was the culprit behind it. The anger that triggered him turned him into a maniac that laughed his lungs out, his crazed nature echoing into the night sky, like a complete psychopath while the earth below them was flattened, and vaporized.

Never has John seen someone's eyes so empty, hollow, and filled with joy at the same time after committing such a heinous act. John had completely froze from the destruction he had witnessed right in front of his teal eyes. He thought that his friend was finished, but Leon powered up more, summoned spheres of mana around his hands and flew up in the sky, ready to do more harm. John broke free from his fear and managed to catch him, hold him in his arms, doing his best to calm his friend down. In that struggle embrace, during the midst of controlling a doomsday device that was his friend, John tried thinking of anything to stop him. Thankfully, he did and with the help of his own special abilities and the spell he used to ease his temper, he managed to do so.

After that night, I had to call William to undo his damage. But not without some type of catch. Since William is a man of God and his soul duty was to not intervene with reality as much as possible, it was a task I had to eventually take upon myself. Nothing's free despite us getting along so well and being opposite sides of the same coin. John thought.

John's eyes were locked on Leon as he watched his friend struggle to calm his anger, but once he saw Abyzou place her hand on his forearm again, that anger was gone.

You’re the ultimate destroyer, born with the strength and clout, a being worthy of being called a God of destruction, but there was always something far darker, more devious, horrible, violent within your soul, Leon…

John’s mind flashed another memory where Leon went completely berserk again and attacked a HQ of Exorcists in Europe. All forty who were on par with John at the time all met their demise in the hands of Leon as he floated above their sanctioned ruined city, his menacing magma aura lighting the blackened smokey sky into red and illuminated blood on the ruined grounds below. When John was the only one left in the aftermath, Leon attempted on murdering him, and John’s life almost came to an end as well as his vision. Thankfully, one of the only alive Seven Virtues stopped him and when everything settled, William appeared alongside a woman that he was very close with. John couldn’t tell too much who this Virtue being was because of how blurred, darkened his vision had been. It also didn’t help that his own blood covered his other eye, but he could tell that this being was a force to be reckoned with. In the aftermath, he was scolded by William again and he told John that if something like this happens again, then he’ll have no choice but to take it in his own hands and also do the same to him.

I did everything that I could to control that unstoppable power of yours that’s fueled by your rage. Everything, Leon…

John’s hand began to tremble.

But in time, you began to scare me so much. Just standing by your side felt threatening… I couldn’t resolve that treacherous anger of yours without the involvement of William and his Virtues because eventually, if all my odds would fail as he said lastly… then he would have no choice but to kill you and me.

Seeing the other three talk, converse, the two women chuckle and Jack sighing brought back memories of that tournament he held to find more recruits to his clan. But the whole idea behind it was not for recruitment, but to find something, or someone that can tame the destructive beast.

“I had no choice but to hold that tournament to think of something to tame that anger… and then—she came along.”

John brought his gaze to Abyzou, and a sharp glint grew within it.

“I knew the day she first showed up, she was indeed a gifted supernatural being, but there was more to her than met the eyes as we all got to know her and her involvement in the tournament.”

Another scene flashed before his eyes, one with John absolutely destroying, killing his competition during the tournament without anyone trying to stop him. The strongest beings there were no match and the judges were too afraid to stop him. His horrible diabolical laughs echoed in the stadium, leaving the audience dead silent, fearing for their life's.

The months prior to that day, I knew from their first interaction, that she might be the key to tame that power hungry anger.

The day that came to mind was the semi finals. After destroying a double team and killing them, John and another close friend took it upon themselves to control Leon’s psychopathic nature after he killed his next and final opponent. He didn’t even have a chance to be announced, only sudden death. That was the final straw for everyone, and it sent the crowd into a panic. After he was finished brutalizing his friend when he tried to stop Leon from killing one of the judges, John tried casting his spell to stop him as he always did, but he was caught in his grasp, and almost met his death.

I thought I was going to meet my end… until—

“She stepped in… and with just her touch, he let out a gasp, and his ravenous nature completely faded away.”

Once Leon let John go and allowed him to catch his breath, he saw just how hypnotized his friend was by Abyzou’s soothing gentle nature and swallowing gaze.

Despite almost meeting death that day, and in the aftermath of the chaos, ultimately I was given birth to a wondrous idea… or so I thought.

John’s glint grew bigger towards her and he balled his fist.

If I knew she would’ve turned out to be more of a monster than you, Leon, having turned you into the miserable man that you are today… then I would’ve never invited her to the clan of Witches and have you meet her bewitching nature.

As John got on his feet, his clothing shredded, blood covering his face, grabbing his right arm, he watched as she eased and brought Leon back to reality with her lusting gaze. She placed one hand on his cheek, and another on his arm, never has he witnessed a person tame a beast to this level. Just watching him sulk and drop his guard entirely, it only confirmed one thing to John and how his anger was able to be defeated.

“At that moment, I knew that you had fallen in love… and you still are, my dear friend, Leon.”

John chuckled and saw Leon clenching his fist, grounding his teeth while battling his emotions.

“You may loathe the woman, but deep down inside, you know that you still love her. Heh, hopefully one day you’ll overcome that treacherous power and defeat the demons that are buried inside your soul. That way, you can fester and enjoy life as normal as you wanted it to be, as you always dreamt of.”

John stepped away from the window and sighed. He placed his hands on his hips and slowly turned around. He grinned and standing at the closed door was Samantha herself with a huge smile on her face. John shook his head and couldn’t help but grin further.

“Samantha, surprised to know that I was watching you guys?” John said.

Samantha approached John and softly blinked in amusement. “What has brought you into my home today besides seeing my wondrous family?”

“I was just talking to John that’s all, well until that young man made his presence known when he approached your door.”

“Mm, what were you guys talking about?”

John raised one of his hands and extended a finger, wiggling it. “You know, it’s really freaking spooky when you do stuff like that! One moment you’re there and the next you’re behind me and asking me questions. Jeez! You’re frightening!”

Samantha rolled her eyes. “Whatever John, anyways please answer my question.”

“Alright alright. Ahem, I was here to warn John of the Witch cultists that worship you, and tell him that they’re planning to attack again.”

Samantha raised a brow, “worships me? What are you talking about?”

John was surprised to hear her reply. It made both his eyes pop out and flung his head backwards. He nodded and placed his hands again on his hips.

“You’re not messing with me, aren’t you?”

She shook her head, “Nope, not one bit. I was aware of this planned attack, but to hear that there’s a cult that worships me? That’s quite hard to believe.”

“Huh, okay. Anyways, if you must know, they’re planning to inflict another catastrophe in three days. I don’t know when or where, but I was informed by a messenger of mine. So you also better be ready for whatever’s about to occur.”

“Really? Mm, that is a bit annoying.”

“Well besides that, I thought you knew of their existence since I’m assuming and what your husband has told me is that your daughter has zero clue to what’s occurred.”

Samantha frowned and crossed her arms, walking up to the window and watching the three converse.

“You’re right about me sealing my daughter away from anything out of the ordinary. But I had no idea that they were cultists that worshipped me?”

“How about this, let me rephrase that worshipping statement.” John’s eyes narrowed and he frowned. “Who they must worship is not you, Samantha from whom we speak with and see, but Abyzou, the birthed Sin of Envy and rightful holder.”

Samantha sighed and appeared annoyed. “Is that so? How stupid.”

She saw Sarah talk with her father with a huge smile on her face, appearing to explain her relationship with Jack while he looked on the fence. This made Samantha softly smile but knew that the three were sharing a bond she couldn’t relate to.

“Whatever they or the world thinks… I’m not affiliated with them. I want nothing but the safety of my family and being able to see—that…”

Samantha placed one of her hands on the window, bumping her head against it as she watched the three get along.

“Hmph… one day…” she mumbled.

John can sense the jealousy coming out of her pores. The air felt sad and regret was eminent once he saw Samantha’s eyes quivering from the reflection of the mirror.

“Samantha, I’ll tell you this.” John said.

She slightly looked over her shoulder, only the edge of her face was revealed to John.

“Even in this wretched world, the most sinful can be forgiven by the God that can’t be seen by our naked eyes… even monsters like you can be granted happiness if proven enough by his mighty eyes.”

Samantha lightly gasped and fully turned her body to John, only to find the spot where he once stood to be clear. She grinned and turned back to the window, seeing her husband squint his eyes to the young man and appeared jealous. This made her giggle and eventually it transitioned to laughter.

“John is right… I am a monster.”

Samantha’s laughter died down until she went completely silent, and a tiny tear slowly began to emerge in one of her eyes.

***

It’s near the end of the day, the sun’s dying out, night is easing in from the horizon, and Jack’s still around, notably in the backyard, bathing beneath the dawning sky. He just finished having a meal with their family. Right now he’s alone, sitting in one of the benches in the backyard, watching the evening sky fade out. During dinner, Jack was asked many questions by Sarah’s father, such as his hobbies, what he does for work, when he graduated school. Poor Jack felt the pressure of the man's intimidation, his strong glare made him quake in his seating. The young man even cowardly answered him with lies to make himself appear decent. Jack knew Sarah’s father wasn’t buying what he was telling him. Sarah eased the tension by talking about how Jack saved her from being potentially kidnapped by a bunch of hooligans before the young man was sent back in time. This made her father’s eyes pop, and give him a nod of approval. Jack felt relieved and thanked Sarah for that.

“Man… I hope he doesn’t think I’m just a degenerate failure… even though that’s what I am.”

The young man hunched forward, and slowly shook his head.

“Yeah… a fool, and the biggest failure of them all.”

“I don’t think so, boy.”

The deep voice made Jack jump straight up, and turn round to see her father standing at the slide door. He stayed frozen and gulped. Leon closed the slide door and walked to Jack, then took a seat on a chair.

“For someone so young, you speak too low about yourself. You’re much too young to think such saddened thoughts.”

Jack hung his head, and rubbed his hands. “Easy for you to say. But, nevertheless, I don’t know what else to do going forward, sir.”

“Hmm,” Leon glanced at Jack, “where’s my daughter?”

“Oh, uh she went for a quick stroll to ease her mind.”

“Alone?” he said while squinting an eye.

“Yeah, she wanted to though.”

Leon sighed. “Either way you never allow a woman you’re close with to walk alone, especially in the dawning of night. Do I have to remind you what state and city we’re in?”

Jack rubbed his jaw, and quickly shook his head. “You think I don’t know that? Trust me, I wouldn’t allow it either… but Sarah doesn’t need me. She’s much stronger than I.”

“You may think that because of her abnormal abilities, but you know she’s forbidden to use them in our reality. I know she’s broken those rules slightly, but the point is, just because she can, doesn’t mean you can rely on that abnormality of hers. In the end, Jack, she’s still a small fragile young girl, and she must be protected, no matter what.”

Jack knew Leon was right, but he can’t help but think differently about it. What could Jack do to protect someone like Sarah? The girl alone can destroy the planet if she chooses to if she’s similar to her mother. But, he’s right, and Jack did enact an agreement to protect her by her mothers contract. Even without the contract, he still would enact on protecting her.

“Spoken like a true father…” Jack murmured. “You really care about Sarah, don’t you?” he asked.

Leon brought his gaze to the woods, and frowned. “It wasn’t always this way.”

“How so?”

Leon hunched forward and collapsed his hands together, resting them on his knees. He reflected on the times he was isolated from Sarah and her mother, watching them year on and on, seeing them grow closer while he remained alone and suffered. His mental state so many times wanted to inflict suicide to end his horrible life of isolation. Yet something inside his heart didn’t want him to take his own life. There was always something that remained inside his wretched soul, knowing that someday he can get along with his own flesh and blood. Now that that has become a reality, it’s made the time he’s lost worthwhile because he finally is able to get along with his daughter. Despite the contract he’s made with Samantha before their marriage, Leon knows that whatever happens to him going forward, he’s happy that he’s able to enjoy this time in his life, all because of Sarah.

“Our families, complicated. I’m not sure if Sarah’s ever mentioned our relationship, but it wasn’t always like this.”

Jack lay back on the bench, “now that you mention it… she did talk about it once a while ago. I think I called her strange because how could you live in the same house and not know your only child? I mean, that’s ridiculous in my opinion.”

Hearing Jack’s statement made Leon chuckle beneath his breath.

“You’re right, but when you live in the same house with the most evil thing alive—then it’s not impossible.”

“Yeah, I guess you’re right about that. But you’re much more frightening than your wife, if I’m being honest, sir.”

Leon sat straight again, and raised the edge of his lip, clicking his teeth.

“Hmph. Now then, on a similar topic to my evil wife… Why did you form a contract with her?”

“Gek… damn you’re really good at this huh? How can you tell?”

“Your soul has her essence wrapped around it. Not only did you form a contract with the devil, but you became an apostle of hers too? How naïve are you, boy.”

Jack flailed his arms forward, and placed one on his head. “Look, if you were in my situation then you’d do anything to get rid of the burden that’s been weighing down your shoulders this far in life.”

“Something tells me that you’ve also formed other deals with other entities because of how desperate you sound. Whatever the case may be, I would never form a contract with a random entity that reeks of malicious and wicked intent.”

“Well that would be easy if I were like you folks!” Jack’s eyes sulked, and he deeply sighed, feeling disappointed. “But I’m not… I’m just a normal guy who happens to be caught in everyone's mess all of a sudden.”

Leon could hear the hurt in Jack’s voice. He may not know much about Jack, but from his eyes and that scar on his cheek, he could tell that he’s gone through so much. He sensed it earlier and even Leon can relate to what Jack feels: Being alone, not knowing what to do in life, whom he can and can’t trust. This was something he also experienced when he found out he wasn’t normal like everyone else.

“If you don’t mind me asking, Jack. What led up to you discovering the supernatural, but more notably, that black wretched stench that lingers off your soul.”

Jack looked at Leon, and a small grin appeared on his face.

“To make a long story short, it all started with a girl in a romantic white dress—who devoted this unbreakable bond between us. At first she haunted my dreams, made my life a miserable stressful hell, but in the end… she was always there when I needed someone. More importantly, she’s also the only one who’s aided me in fighting the supernatural.”

Leon gripped his chin. “Girl in a romantic white dress… does she have a name?”

Jack was hesitant to answer. He didn’t know if he can tell Leon and if he did, will Jack again suffer a similar consequence like he has every time he tried telling anyone else. The only person so far he’s managed to say it without repercussion is both William and Samantha. Balling one of his fists, he clenched his butt, closed his eyes and took in a breath. He released it out and felt ready.

“Ma-Mall—”

The black inside Jack shot out, and quickly Leon caught it with his hand.

Jack turned back to Leon after he felt chest heavy. He saw Sarah’s father gripping the air, and a glint had appeared in his eyes. Jack coughed and wondered what he was doing.”

“My bad… I don’t think I can—”

“Say the name, and I’ll assure you that you’ll be fine, Jack.”

Jack nodded. “Ma-Mallory’s her name!”

The black trail that happened to be in Leon’s clutch squirmed back into Jack’s body. Again the young man violently coughed but this time there wasn’t a sign of black substance coming out of his mouth. He felt relieved and when he turned back to Leon, he was on his feet and went up to the young man, putting his hand on Jack’s head.

“Wh…at are you—?”

“Relax, this will only take a second. I have two things to combat, so I need as much silence as I can possibly get.”

Jack swallowed and drew a sweat. He waited, and even held his breath to allow Leon to do whatever he had in mind. Sarah’s father narrowed his eyes and squinted them, he was in complete concentration. As he focused on Jack’s tainted soul, that blackness inside of him exploded and wanted to lash out on Leon, but Samantha’s contract intervened, twisting her mana around it and holding it back inside Jack’s body. Meanwhile, Leon’s own life force had presented itself, slowly steaming out of the pores of his body. It inflated and eased itself onto Jack like a cloud of blood mist. In doing this tamed that wretched curse inside the young man even further. After it vanished and Leon’s essence poured into Jack’s pores, he let off, and turned his eyes to the forest.

“Alright, we’re done.”

Jack opened his eyes and patted his body, wondering what he did.

“Uh, okay… what did you do to me?”

Leon crossed his arms and his face became expressionless. “I nullified that curse inside of you. Of course not without the interference of my horrible wifes contract, but whoever this Mallory person is, for now, you can say her name without consequence.”

“Re-Really?! I-I can, even to Sarah?!”

Leon wondered too about that. It made him think for a second. Quickly though, in that second he didn’t want to take any chances at that.

“Mm, I’d say hold off on that until you’re actually ready again.”

It didn’t matter, it’s more than enough for Jack to instill confidence within himself to tell her regardless if it takes a while. So long as he’s able to, then Jack can be happy again.

“So, this Mallory person, what’s she like?”

Jack stood up as well, and looked up to the shining moon. For a moment, he was quiet, and his eyes slightly trembled, for once he actually missed her regardless of her horrendous selfish attitude.

“I wish I could show you, but I don’t think telling you would be of much help, sir.”

“Is that so? Well, I guess I have no choice but to do this.”

Leon grabbed Jack’s hand, and slid one of his finger tips on Jack’s index finger. Jack blinked at first, but felt a sharp, burning sensation coming from it.

He hissed and saw that Leon cut it open. “Why did you—”

“Give me a second, but for now, hold that hand.”

Jack reeled his hand and held it as a small swelling crimson ball appeared. Leon raised his other hand, and did the same, slicing it open. He looked back to Jack, nodded and put his finger out to him. Jack glimpsed at his hand and quickly caught on, and also did the same. Both fingers were pointed at each other, and Leon slowly pressed his against Jack. Once both balls of crimson met, Leon’s eyes grew big and he gasped, as if he were in utter disbelief. His jaw was half dropped, and the bottom of his jaw bounced in shock. He eased off and gave Jack the look of despair, and sympathy. Jack was confused as to why he was looking at him like that.

“So, why did we do that? What’s up now?” he asked.

Leon couldn’t help himself but place his hand on Jack’s shoulder and look into his dead fish eyes.

“Young man… I’m sorry, for everything that you’ve endured this far into your life. And I know this might not mean much, but I’m proud of you for keeping your composure and staying so strong.”

At first Jack couldn’t wrap his mind around what he had told him, but after giving it some time to think, he knew exactly what he was talking about. This made Jack’s eyes grow dull, and brought a frown back onto the young man's face.

“Wait… did, did you just… read my mind again?”

Leon mildly shook his head. “No Jack, I did more than just read your mind.”

Now both hands were on Jack’s shoulders.

“I saw your whole life up until this point. The beginning of your perfect calm suburban life, the middle of your insufferable living, to the now confusing conflicted continuity. All the pain, devastation, loss, and the times your life was taken, I saw—it all!”

Jack couldn’t believe it. He wanted to embrace Leon because no one has ever understood what he’s gone through. Yet Leon has managed to see it all with the touch of blood, it’s made the young man feel less alone in the journey.

“Did… you see—Mallory in that instance?”

Leon backed off, and nodded. “The twisted girl with amethyst eyes, and beauty that rivals my wife. Never have I laid eyes on a being so majestic, gentle, and gorgeous looking, yet has traits to that of a sadistic envious being.”

Jack gasped more, and covered his eyes. He was on the verge of crying, but held back his sadness.

“Now I fully understand why you look the way you do. A young man with his guard up, and having the mental capacity to that of a politician. I’m sorry your journey has been a tragedy in the making, but, boy… whatever’s driving you forward, don’t let up. Keep pushing, and I can assure you, things will get better down the line. This is just a chapter in your life you must overcome, you understand.”

Jack’s speechless and bit his lip, dropping his hand. His eyes were shut, he was still fighting his emotions. Leon understands why he’s holding them back; He’s trying not to show any weakness, and prove that he’s strong despite his hurdles. After defeating the sadness that wanted to emerge between his shut lids, Jack opened them to show that they only had won the battle, but not the war. They were red and puffy. He sniffed and shook his head, showing a brief grin and wiped his eyes.

“You know, sir… up to this point, I never understood why I keep going despite enduring the hell that I do, but if what you say is true—then I will. I will keep going, even if that means there’s another line of suffering I have to walk on. I’ll keep my balance, walk on that thin line to make it to the other side if it means a better path. And you best believe that I will.”

Leon smiled for Jack, “you’ve got a strong spirit, Jack. So, can I ensure that you’ll protect my daughter from here on out?”

Jack shot his hand out to Leon. “you can count on it, sir.”

Leon grabbed Jack’s hand and shook it. “I believe you, Jack… that means I can also do this.”

“W-what are you gonna do now?”

“Relax, this will only hurt, a little.”

“A little?!”

Leon chuckled and made his clutch stronger, resulting in Jack dropping to his knees from his monstrous grip. Suddenly, Jack was shocked, burnt, then extinguished. He yelled, laughed, and sounded loss of breath all at the same time. Once Leon was finished, he let go and Jack stayed on his knees with one eye opened. He glanced around, rubbed himself, patted, and then got up to his feet. He brought his palms up to his face and wondered what else Leon did to him.

“So, what else did you do to me other than made me go through seconds of pain?”

Leon looked over his shoulder to the forest, his attention being caught by something that Jack can’t sense.

“That borrowed strength that Mallory has given you and only she can awaken, is now yours for you to use.”

Hearing this made Jack speechless for a moment. He tried thinking what he really meant by that. Was it the strength that she awakened only for him to go unconscious? Or the instances of her doing something out of the norm to allow him to get out of a dire situation without blacking out his mind. He couldn’t think much of it other than the first option, it had to be that.

“Will I be able to fight without consequence? Huh, only one way to find out.” Jack muttered.

In the meantime, Leon’s attention was fully caught on by whatever disturbance he was sensing inside the forest behind his lovely home. Jack hasn't caught on yet, he’s still thinking of the other options that can tie in with Leon’s statement.

“Say Jack.” Leon asked.

Jack got out of his thought process. “Yeah, what’s up?”

“You said Sarah went for a walk, right?”

“Ye-Yeah, she went into the woods to clear her mind. Did something come up? Because from your tone and posture, you seem serious.”

Leon’s attention had been locked onto this unknown presence. He turned his full body to the forest, and balled his fists.

“Jack, I’ll be right back. For now, just wait here.”

“Huh? What do you mean by—” When Jack blinked, Leon had vanished. “Holy! And he’s gone just like that.”

The young man rubbed his eyes and walked back to the bench, taking a seat and relaxing. He stared up at the sky once more, and smirked.

“This is just too much, but… whatever. We’ll see what this ‘Unlock’ turns out to be.”

Meanwhile, Sarah’s in the middle of humming, dancing on a small dirt trail that she created herself along with her mother who helped. Walking on it would lead you down two paths: One leading to a random sidewalk in the best town, the other leading to the closest street that was two miles away. No one else knows about it other than Sarah and her mother. She loved taking this trail because of the nice fantasy woody feel it had, and the easiness of nature's whistling brushing against one's eardrums brings them to a complete state of peace. If snow white ever got a remake, then Sarah’s little trail would fit the theme of the scene of her and the woodland critters meeting for the first time.

What a weak, huh Sarah? She thought.

The goth girl had fallen into this state so hard she was spinning around like a ballerina and singing a lullaby that could enchant any man. Despite earlier today being a thought process of anger and awkwardness towards her mother, for the rest to play out the way it did with her father and Jack getting along, it was well worth the experience.

Sarah came to a stop, and stretched, “what a day. Hehe, who would’ve thought that my father would act so protectively like that. Either way it was cute, and to see someone like Jack being close to shit his pants, oh yeah, it was worth it.”

She took in a huge breath of nature's scent, and let it out with a soothing sigh. Feeling calmer than before and happy, Sarah decided that it was time to walk back home. Before she did, she brought her gaze to the moon, and smiled. Brushing some of her hair behind her right ear, Sarah giggled as the moonlight shone on her like a spotlight. Beneath it she looked glamorous and enchanting, enough to mesmerize any fortunate person who was lucky enough to see it. After basking in the light, Sarah started to walk backwards and placed her hands behind her. As she turned her eyes back to the dirt trail, someone was standing, a shadowy figure that made her gasp. Her eyes got big and Sarah wondered who it might be.

Who the heck is that…? Only my mother and I know this trail! Sarah thought.

The figure swooshed, disappearing into the dark forest, and immediately, Sarah could sense an abnormality from whatever that was. She followed the apparition with her eyes. It vanished in and out, above the trees, slithering on the ground, shooting itself like a boomerang as Sarah followed it in freight with her gaze guiding her body. Sarah grew a single strand of sweat, clenching her fist and prepared for what's to come. After an intense moment of her head turning, and body on guard, the figure stopped behind some bushes beside Sarah.

“Who are you! What are you doing here on my trail?!” Sarah shouted.

The figure slithered out of the bushes, and revealed itself to be someone in a white and red robe. Sarah was afraid, and wondered if this was another Exorcist sent to vanquish her from their appearance. She stayed on guard, and raised a fist, showing the person that she wasn’t afraid to fight back. The robed person slowly rose one hand, and then the other, and eventually, they collapsed to their knees.

“You’re… you’re—alive!” they said, their voice sounding deranged and hyper.

Sarah’s eyes blinked, glancing around. “Alive? Wh-what are you talking about?”

The person abruptly stood up, and grabbed Sarah’s hand without notice. They tried kissing her hand but she pulled away and made her gasp more. They soon lost control of their emotions, grasping their head, laughing intensely. Sarah’s spooked and has no clue what’s happening at the moment.

“She deems me not worthy! Not worthy not worthy! I-I should’ve known! Ooooooooooo!”

Sarah stepped away while grabbing her hand. “Who the heck is with this freak?”

“But it’s okay because you’re alive! Our deity, our destroyer and creator of life… Abyzou! LIVES!”

“Aby—who?”

Wait a second, father also mentioned that name when he first saw Jack! Sarah thought.

“Who would’ve known, who would’ve known… that I! Would be the first to discover and tell our people of your discovery, Abyzou!”

The man kneeled, and reached his hands out to her again.

“It is with pleasure, that I be the one to escort you back to our community so you could bestow your glorious presence to the people! Bless me, and my existence before your great cleansing begins again.”

What on earth is this man talking about? He’s freaking me out and I’m growing tired of this.

Sarah raised one hand to him, and aimed her palm at the man. “Whatever you’re telling or trying to imply to me, whoever you speak of, I think you have the wrong person.”

Despite telling him that and showing hostility towards him, he responded with tears and collapsed his hands together. He hurled in emotional pain and screeched with joy, making Sarah retract her hand back towards her and react in distraught.

“If this is to protect your existence from our enemies then kill me where I kneel! My glorious beautiful God! Do it… do it do it do it do it, do it! Weeeeooooo!”

He shot up, pulled his hood off, revealing his crazed eyes and deranged looking face. He shot his arms to the sky, and laughed his butt off. Sarah cant believe that this is happening, she’s frozen in confusion and fear.

“Unbelievable, absolutely unbelievable! I can’t believe I’m standing before her mightiness and for my life to be taken away by her hands! And soon after for her to resurrect me into her new world once she cleanses it! I-I think I’m in love!”

Sarah had enough and tried to run away but he quickly appeared in front of her. She yelped and almost stumbled backwards.

“It is you, you you! No one else in this world has the same raven hair that shines underneath this gorgeous moonlight…”

He began circling around Sarah, her eyes were locked on as she had her arms up t-rex style, expressing all her freight.

“That smooth, soft looking pale skin, and those crimson eyes that scream love and death, who would’ve thought you’d be this gorgeous this up close, Abyzou!”

Sarah’s eyes trembled, her body too. She didn’t know what to do other than watch this freak expose who he is and what his motives are. He stopped circling and stood behind Sarah, she quickly grew distance between them and raised her hands to him again, showing that she was preparing to fight.

“Oh don’t be so resistant, Abyzou! Come with me! I know you may have forgotten, which I blame our enemies for binding your memories, but rest assured! Once we go back, I’m sure you’ll remember everything and are ready to annihilate our foes and this reality!”

He raised his arms to the sides, and expressed a vile smile that grew from ear to ear.

“Now come! Let us rejoice in your discovery and show the people that you still live, the bearer and holder of Envy, Aby—zou!”

Sarah didn’t know what to do now. She couldn’t think of anything else but to use her powers. She swallowed and in the span of five seconds, the man's chest shot forward, twitched and collapsed back to his knees.

"huh...?"

He appeared confused, dazed, lost, gazed around even. He scratched his head and all of a sudden, his eyes popped out, and the sound of rattling chains echoed around them. He was reeled away into the darkness of the thick woods behind him, and in that moment, Sarah saw something shine like gold from behind him before he disappeared into the thick woods.

“NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”

His yell sounded putrid, hateful, and angry. Hearing him scream inside the dark woods made Sarah’s stomach turn and heart beat ten times faster. At this point, the goth girl has zero idea what's just happened to him. For a moment, everything went silent, and the sound of wind made it just as eerie. Just then, Sarah sensed mana, and she saw a holy light shoot up into the sky, and the man screaming until it slowly faded out. The mana she just sensed made her spine tingle, sent chills all over her body.

“Who’s… here now?” she mumbled.

She stayed quiet, and carefully, the goth girl tried to tip toeing away. Then, she heard rustling, cracking coming from where that strange man was reeled away. She covered her mouth to muster any noise, whatever was coming her way had frozen her in despair. She let out a tear as whoever was in the darkness slowly began to appear in her line of sight. She could now see something gold starting to shine, the figure was tall, similarly to that of her father’s height. Poor Sarah, it felt as if time had slowed down at the moment as this entity was coming closer to light.

“Of all places, and to think, I happened to cross paths with you again… Witch.”

The voice, that deep ominous voice, Sarah’s heard it before. She knew exactly who it was and this destroyed the dam, and the goth girl’s eyes watered. Tears flowed down like rivers, she knew exactly who was coming to her, and Sarah felt completely hopeless.

“But to think, my small night stroll beneath the dark sky, walking down the damned streets of Detroit, the two things that I had sensed close by were lowly scum of the earth… A damned cultist that worships the woman that I loathe… and the bastard of a child she gave birth to.”

The person stepped out of the darkness. He stepped foot onto the trail, his white hooded robe with the prints of the virgin Mary and Jesus glimmered on opposite sides, his elegant outfit and its red engraving details that shined: It was the mighty Exorcist, and close ally of William, Archard.

He glared at Sarah with his golden eyes that had fire inside of them. “Once I thought things were normal enough to step foot back into reality, and to be stumbled upon your presence again? What a misfortune for my mental state, but also for your life.”

Sarah softly whimpered as she reeled her arms inward. She shook so much she was close to collapsing. Archard formed a deep wrinkle between his eyes as his glare grew more towards her. He clenched his fists, and squinted his eyes.

“But now that I have you all to myself… I think it’s time I got rid of your existence, Witch.”

Sarah cried so much but without making that much sound that she thought she had already met her fate. With the prey in the line of sight of the beast that’s ready to take its prize, she can’t think of any other way of escaping but to accept death. His eyebrows furrowed, and his pupils glowed hot red as they grew enjoyment from seeing Sarah cowardly cry in a frozen state.

“Despite us meeting once more, may this also be the last we ever see eye to eye again, you imposter—of Envy.”