Early morning, roughly eight o clock. Sarah and Angela had just arrived at the workshop where Herold was supposed to meet them. He was running a little late and the two wondered where he’d be. Angela rubbed her eye, and pulled her phone out, calling her brother who was still asleep the last she saw of him. Sarah was wide awake and felt ready for the new day. Meanwhile, Angela didn’t get too much sleep because of her favorite show airing midnight and taking an hour to complete. She stayed up more to practice drawing despite knowing she’d be here at this hour.

“Man, I could really go for an espresso.” Angela said as she yawned.

“An expresso? Dang dude, that’s quite the energy drink right there.”

“Really? You don’t drink espressos'?”

Sarah shook her head, “no. I mainly drink my coffee black but I don’t mind added sugars or condiments to suit my drinking needs.”

Angela stretched as the morning sun shone on her face.

“Ah! I’m not a morning person…” she said while smacking her lips, “and my brother especially is the worst culprit of them all.”

Sarah giggled. “Is he now? I guess it depends on the situation.”

Angela sucked in her lips, and mildly tilted her head.

“See what I’m saying, you know him pretty well already.”

Sarah flailed her hand at Angela. “Whatever. Alright, where’s this guy at? I don’t have all day. I got to do more training with my dad.”

“Dad? You have one?”

Sarah gasped.

That’s right, Angela doesn’t know, doesn’t she? Sarah thought.

“I do. Would you like to see a picture of him?”

Angela walked next to Sarah as she scrolled through her phone.

“Yes please! I gotta see who carried you in their nutsack.”

“Angela.”

“Yeah?”

Sarah flicked her forehead. Angela pouted and rubbed it.

“Ow… why’d you attack me, goth girl.”

Sarah pointed at Angela with a still face.

“Bad girl, bad potty mouth.”

Angela stuck her tongue out. “Whatever, just show me your dad.”

Sarah scrolled through her photos and she happened to find one of him. During a training session she wanted to take a picture of him. He refused at first but after much consideration and begging plea's, he fell in Sarah’s trap and caved in. He posed for her, one that really showed just how shy he was, but to the girls eyes he was adorable.

Angela had her mouth opened. “Ooo! He’s a hunk!”

Sarah giggled. “Right? That’s my dad, a tall shy blonde man.”

“What ethnicity?”

“He’s german.”

Angela smacked her hands against her face.

“No way?! That’s wicked! Oh, what does your mom look like?”

Sarah’s grin faded and she cleared her throat, trying to find a picture of her. She found one that really showed her beauty and figure. She was standing beneath their tree, she happened to wear her gothic sundress and hat as she posed for Sarah in an innocent manner.

Angela’s eyes grew wide, and she pointed back and forth between her and Sarah.

“She’s—your mom?!”

Sarah nodded, “yeah, that’s my mom.”

Angela placed her hand on Sarah’s arm.

“She looks exactly just like you, but with bigger boobs.”

Sarah frowned and furrowed her brows. She chopped Angela’s head which made her grab it, and massage it.

“Damn it, goth girl.”

“Potty mouth as always. Where’d you learn to speak so vulgarly?”

The two looked at each other and smiled. The two said “Jack,” in unison.

“Back to what I was going to say about your mom, but she’s freaking hot.”

Sarah raised a brow, “wh-what do you mean by that?”

Angela grabbed Sarah’s phone, and zoomed in the picture.

“What else?! She’s sexy, gorgeous and stunning!”

Sarah’s eyes grew big themselves. “You do realise you’re technically calling me all that too, right?”

Angela gave her back her phone, and flicked Sarah’s forehead this time.

“Duh?! Of course you’re freaking hot! Even you realise it, don’t you?”

Sarah rolled her eyes and turned away.

“Yeah, that’s what I thought. The goth girl knows her assets and what spot in the toddom pole of society's beauty standards she’s placed in.”

Sarah yawned. “And you act like you won’t be in the same league as me when you reach eighteen?”

Angela crossed her arms and thought about it. She quickly concluded and gave a thumbs up, nodding in approval as Sarah rolled her sassy crimson eyes again. After another minute of waiting, Herold had arrived. He took his hat off and saluted them in a very gentleman-like manner.

“Morning ladies, how did you two sleep?”

“I slept horrible, but I still have leftover capacity from yesterday to function for this morning! Although, I might need something along the way to carry me into the day, hehe!”

Sarah wrapped her tiny arm around Angela’s shoulders.

“Do you happen to have any caffeine stuff to get her to function properly? Otherwise we might lose her in an hour if she’s using this much energy at this pace.”

“I do, I do. Would the young lady like some coffee?”

Angela also wrapped her arm around Sarah’s shoulders.

“Hmm, do I want to be like this sassy big bottomed goth chick, hmm.”

“Hey…”

Angela patted Sarah’s head, and grinned.

“Sure, why not! Let's drink some grinded beans and set up your shop!”

“Eh, you’re too excited, and you’re starting to squeeze me.”

“Too late, you’re in my embrace. There's no escape! Oh, by the way, who knew you’d be this soft.”

“Angela!”

Herold laughed and walked up to his door, unlocking it. He walked in first, turned the lights on and set his coat on a rack near the door. He also took off his top hat and went to the back area. Meanwhile, Angela went to explore more and see what other pieces he had hiding. Sarah stood by and only glanced around, seeing what else stood out for her to observe. Nothing caught her eyes for a while until at the corner of the shop, there was a small wooden statue.

“Hmm, what could that be?” she said.

She walked to the corner and when she got closer, there were a couple.

“Oh? I didn’t know he made wooden structures too.”

She approached one that caught her eyes. It was that of a woman who looked just like her, but if Sarah had more hair and grew seven inches taller.

“Damn, he’s talented. I mean, look at these. They’re adorable and so—perfect.”

She reached for the woman's wooden statue, and was inches from grabbing it until he came out and loudly cleared his throat.

“Coffee, anyone? Or would you guys also care for some expresso?”

Angela popped out from behind an art stand and pumped one of her fists.

“Let's go!”

Sarah giggled, “of course.”

Meanwhile, Jack was on his way to the shop. He scratched an eye and yawned like he never yawned before. He was a street away from where they were and before going, he was hungry, and decided to stop by a nearby gas station. Going up to one, it being rush hour and packed with cars at every pump, Jack made sure to keep an eye out for any cultists that might be lurking in the shadows. Despite military presence at an all time high, he went inside, and the line almost made him walk away but the hot food struck his nose and his stomach replied with a growl. He sighed and went inside. He walked up to the rolling hotdogs and grabbed two, making his own five star dog.

He took a bite, and felt already satisfied. “Damn, you can’t beat that on an empty stomach.”

He continued eating the one while going for a medium sized cup of coffee. Setting down his food, he accidently bumped into someone.

“My bad.”

When he glanced to his left, he jumped. They were tall like a giant, and had features similar to the shadowy figure he saw in the crowd.

“Hello? Are you alright, sir?” the stranger said.

Jack blinked and saw a normal person now.

“So-Sorry, thought you were someone, my bad.”

“It’s all good. Have a good day.”

They walked away, and Jack’s heart beat grew. He drank his newly poured coffee and rubbed his face.

“Damn… it’s still bothering me.”

Jack paused and thought of that encounter, and what led up to it afterwards. Alexandria and his death, caused by a giant being with the marking that he can’t make out of.

“Why’s this bothering me now?” He muttered.

Seeing the steam come out the cup ignited that fiery scene, and the laser pointed in his direction. The glowing red pupils, the mark that shone crimson behind the smoke, he can’t get rid of that image.

“I wonder if Leon or William can help me to see who that was.”

Thinking again of that monster that took his life and his first friend in the outside world made him almost forget about the cultists and Abyzou.

“I have to find out just what that thing is. Any clarification will help settle my brain.”

After more self thinking, the young man went to the line to pay for his food. Once that was said and done, he hung outside to eat it and watch the traffic, military parading with its new toys, and of upcoming cars and people going through rush hour. Amongst the traffic, Jack spotted a famaliar black tahoe. He eased his hand into his coat, grabbing his gun, and watching the SUV casually drive off once the light turned green.

“That’s the third time I’ve seen that car.”

Jack finished eating and drinking his food, and threw it away in a trashcan. He wiped his hands with one last napkin and watched the road again, seeing the black Tahoe go in the direction where his sister and Sarah are currently at. He quickly hurried and ran in a way that only made it seem he was late for a bus. He ran to the destination, and saw the Tahoe driving at the speed limit. He ran through stopped traffic, and crowds of people as he tried his best to keep up with the SUV. He did this until he was finally in close proximity to the shop. The tahoe stopped in front of it, and then floored it. It drove way past the speed limit, and vanished around a corner.

“Damn.” Jack said, panting with his mouth closed. “They have to be affiliated to this bullshit too if they appear again.”

Jack placed his hands on his hips, and waved his head.

“Getting tired of all this mystery.”

He caught his breath, and coughed once. He then saw Sarah walking out of the shop, and she was glancing around. Jack raised his hand to get her attention, but she was robotic and appeared to be in a catatonic state as her head moved side to side. Jack didn’t like seeing his friend move lifeless to that of a doll, and ran to her. He ran across the street and once he was in plain view for her scanning head to take a glimpse where he’s standing, she had her attention on the other side of the street.

“Sarah?!” Jack shouted.

She paid no attention to his voice despite being the only person around the small area. Her attention cemented onto the street down below. He growled and went to her. He paused next to her, and tapped her shoulder. She finally reacted and looked at Jack, but her eyes were dulled and emotionless. He gasped and she blinked, snapping her out of her strange state.

She placed one hand on her head, and squinted an eye.

“Ah… uh, where…? Oh, Jack, you just got here?”

The young man wondered if there was something going on with his close friend. Only one person came to mind if that was the possibility.

“Samantha…” he muttered.

“Huh? What’d you say?”

“Uh, nothing, nothing. What were you doing out here?”

Sarah rubbed her head, and raised her brows, her pupils rolling back as she fought the headache.

“I-I don’t—know? How did I get outside? Weird. But we were just setting up shop for this afternoon's grand opening.”

Jack was worried for Sarah. This was the second time she fazed out and went into a doll-like state. Adequately, the young man didn’t want to raise suspicion for now, and thought it’d be best to ask her later at a better time. Right now, today’s a day he wants to be as normal as possible, even though it’s already started off odd.

Jack grinned and placed his hand on her back.

“Let's go inside.”

Sarah continued fighting her migraine but smiled for him. They both walked inside and Jack saw his sister being taught about landscape structure by the shop owner she spoke about last night.

“Hey, sis, are you having fun?”

Angela turned around and so did Herold. Angela flexed her bicep and went back to drawing and Herold approached the young man.

“Hello there, you must be Jack, the young lady's brother.”

“Yup, that’s me. And you must be the weird creep who almost felt aroused kissing my sister's hand, yeah how you doing.”

Herold squinted an eye, but understood the young man's reaction.

“My apology’s. As I said to the young ladies yesterday that it’s a medical condition.”

“Medical condition? For what? Getting turned on by kissing underaged girls? Yeah, that sounds more like pedophlia sir which is a mental illness.”

Angela heard Jack’s insults and couldn’t help but laugh. She stopped drawing and got up from her seat and walked next to Herold. He was about to say something back but hearing his retolt made him actually chuckle.

“Oh brother, always so serious and protective. But he has tourettes, so take it easy on him. You could relate, right?”

Jack grunted. “What are you trying to imply, Angela?”

Angela swirled her fingers near her head.

“Your own accusations are your own definitions, Mr. Mental health problems.”

“Tch… you got me there.”

Sarah butted in, and tapped his arm.

“He may have mental health issues, but he’s starting to improve… a little.”

Everyone laughed besides Jack who replied by smearing his lips and rolling his eyes. After some more joking and questioning, everyone began the preparations of setting up Herold’s workshop. Once they had finished after an hour's work, it was ready. Jack scanned the area and saw the set up drawing stands, flat tables to do more hands work such as wood carving or sculpting. This made Angela’s eyes sparkle and give herself a pat on the back and Sarah couldn’t help but examine each area. Jack on the other hand felt out of place and unenthusiastic.

“So, what’s the idea behind your place?” Jack asked.

Herold was putting up an open sign in the front seat.

“Any young driving artist with passion can walk in and create something either by drawing or with the use of their hands to create something marvelous such as wood carverture figures.”

“Huh, okay. What’s the rate by hour?”

“Rate? Why would I charge people to see their talent? Everything is free and with a plethora of tools at your disposal, I can’t wait to see what this town has in store.”

Jack smug his lips, and his pupils looked down.

“I don’t know about that, there’s still gotta be something for you to make money.”

“Ha! When you’re rich and retired like me then there’s no need for the use of money. I’ve got plenty to throw around until I die.”

Jack wasn’t sure about this. There had to be a catch or something else behind this shop of his to the young man’s suspicion. He can’t help but question every newcomer since this world has more to offer than your typical murder mysteries and hidden maniacs.

“Money ey? Well, I find it odd that someone like yourself would do such a thing. Sorry for being rude, but it just seems odd to me that you suddenly appeared and magically bumped into my sister and friends.”

Herold sighed. “I understand your suspicion, young man. I’d ask the same if I were in your shoes. But really, I do have a lot to offer to the world now that I’m retired.”

“What’d you do because to be truthful, you don’t look that old to me, bro.”

Herold pulled out some dog tags out of his pocket and shook them.

“I’m an army veteran who happened to take advantage of the recession and housing market crash back in Obama's term in office. That is how I got so rich, my friend.”

Jack nodded. “Fuck, I was still a kid around that time.”

“You’re funny. Anywho, you have every right to act this way towards me, I’m not angry at it. On the contrary, shouldn’t you be in high school or starting college?”

Jack cringed, “you got me there, damn.”

Sarah overheard that, and looked over her shoulder.

“Don’t bother asking why. He’s an ex-street criminal.”

“Ex?” Jack replied.

Sarah moved her head forward, all sassy like.

“Yeah, ex—street convict.”

Angela raised her hand and agreed.

“Yeah! Ex bad man and soon to get his G.E.D!” she shouted.

Jack’s left eye twitched and forced out a chuckle.

“You guys are killing me here…”

Herold placed his hand on the young man’s shoulder and chuckled.

“It’s okay young man. I too was a troublemaker in my past.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, really, but that was before joining the military and afterwards getting my shit put together to get to where I’m at.”

“I-I can still do that? Even if I haven't been in school since fifth grade?”

Herold reverted backwards and put his hands out.

“Woah! Who said I never graduated high school?!”

Everyone laughed and Jack’s face went blank and dead as they continued laughing at his life choices. Angela understood why he went down the road he chose, and as well as Sarah, but Herold didn’t. After some more mockery and laughter, some local people came inside and Herold had his first set of customers. He introduced himself, showed them around and right away, they jumped right into wherever their desires took them. Some pulled out their phones and started taking pic’s, selfies, and posing for their social media. One person, a young man like Jack’s age, had a big influence and before Herold knew it, more people began showing up. The influencer posed, walked around, showing his audience what new local talent seeking agency had popped up, but as he panned his camera around, he spotted both Angela, and Sarah.

He approached Angela first, and tapped her shoulder to get her attention as she kept drawing despite the growing commotion.

“Ey! Uh, don’t mean to bother you, but what are you drawing there? I wanna show my audience your work because damn! This is awesome!”

Angela turned around, and immediately his audience in the chat went crazy. They spammed hearts, smiling emojis' and other ones. He too was caught by surprise as to how adorable yet beautiful she was. He grew a little nervous but kept it cool for his audience. He can tell she’s not of age and told them that she’s off limits. She gave him a blank stare with her deep blue eyes and her pupils looked side to side, showing her impatience.

“My bad, uh, what’s your name and can I say your fashion choice is dope as hell!”

Angela tapped her pencil against her chin, “Angela, and thanks. Now, you mind leaving me alone so I can go back to drawing?”

His chat went even more crazy over her reaction and expressed their love for her. He respected her wish and left her alone. He kept his exploration until his eyes were captivated by Sarah who was standing close to those wooden statues again. Just the side view of her alone made his heart race and swallow. He went to her and cleared his throat. She heard him and turned to where he stood with his phone in hand. His eyes grew wide as her gorgeous crimson eyes laid on him. His chat couldn’t contain themselves and threw up so many comments and perverted emojis' he had to disable them momentarily.

“Uh, uh, uh… hi!”

Sarah raised a brow, and crossed her arms. “What do you want?”

Her soft, cold tone added more to her mysterious nature and gothic persona.

“Oh, I’m a influencer and I’m just showing my aud—”

“Stop. no more, move on.”

“Huh?”

“I don’t want to be close to the types of people who are cemented to your artificial fame and attention seeking personas. Have a good day, and beat it.”

He turned white, and felt his soul leave his body. He bent forward and walked away in shame. Another person walked up to Sarah, a black young woman around her age with curly hair and sharing a similar outfit choice to Sarah approached her.

“Hey, you new around here?”

Sarah looked over to her left and saw the average heighted black woman.

“No, who are you?”

She grinned and bounced a brow.

“And you're sassy too? Wow, you’re like the whole package.”

Sarah raised more of her brow, and blinked rapidly.

“Woah, what are you? Lesbo?”

She giggled and covered her mouth. Sarah gapped her mouth mildly and placed one hand on her hip.

“No! Say, the guy you just gave the cold shoulder to, he’s not a bad guy.”

“I don’t care if he isn’t. I just don’t like social media influencers. And I don’t like being on camera too.”

“Yeah, understandable. My name’s Destiny, nice to meet you, what’s yours?”

Sarah grinned. “Sarah, Sarah bolverkr.”

“Bol what? Damn, you’re full of mystery and shit. Really cool to meet another goth in this shitty city.”

“Yeah, it is, isn't it? So, what’s up?”

“Nothing, thought I’d introduce myself and I was hoping we could be friends. What do you say? Two gorgeous goth girls being friends should be complimentary right?”

Sarah lightly chuckled. “Flattery will get you somewhere. Sure, but I should warn you that I’m not normal.”

Destiny smiled and put her hand on Sarah’s tiny shoulder.

“Honey, I’m pretty sure there’s no such thing as a normal goth!”

The two girls giggled and Jack showed up from the side, wondering who Sarah’s conversing with.

“Yo, who’s this?” he asked.

Destiny panned her full attention to Jack, and immediately liked what she saw. She bit her lip, and twirled a curl.

“Who’s this?” she asked as she scanned Jack’s appearance.

Sarah smacked Jack’s abs, and he grabbed her wrist.

“What? Why are you grabbing me, sir Jack?”

Jack tilted his head, and chopped her head.

“I’m tired of your abuse, sassy Sarah.”

Destiny grabbed Jack’s hand, and felt their rough nature.

“Damn, and he’s got tough hands too? Who is he? Is he your man, Sarah?”

Sarah shook her head. “No, he’s—”

“Single? Word!”

Jack laughed. “I like your cute new friend here.”

She blushed and smacked his arm. “Stop!”

Sarah didn’t know how to react to this. A part of her didn’t care, but another part felt some sort of—envy.

“Jack, I think we should—”

“What’s your name?”

“Destiny? And you're Jack right?”

“Yeah, that’s me. Did you come here for today's grand opening?”

“Mhm, I was just wandering around and wanted to make new friends and look what I bumped into. Another goth like me, and a sexy ass man like yourself!”

Jack grew comfortable and smiled. “Ah, you’re sweet. But I’m not that handsome.”

“What the hell are you talking about?! You must be trippin 'if you think that way!”

Sarah’s heart beat grew, and she felt something surging inside of her. Seeing Jack and Destiny grow this comfortable and getting to know each other this fast made that envy side grow more.

She grabbed Jack’s arm to get his attention.

“Jack… maybe we should—”

“Hold that thought Sarah. So you’re goth like my friend here?”

“Fr-friend?” she murmured.

Destiny giggled. “Yeah. but you know some people think black girls can’t be goth.”

Jack grabbed her hand. “Nonsense, I think you look damn good. Kinda like her.”

Destiny covered her face and Sarah’s eyes twitched. Watching them more, their friendliness progressively growing, it sparked that envy more, to the point it wanted to burst out. She phased out of consciousness, and heard her mother’s voice.

“Don’t let her steal him from—us. He’s what you're seeking, isn’t it?”

Sarah moaned, and her eyes went lifeless.

“There’s no feeling worse than envy, especially if it’s driven by the emotion of love. Let it drive, spark your growing desire.”

Sarah’s fingers lightly twitched, and she was eager to raise it, and point her palm at Destiny.

“Remember, my envy was driven for you, but yours… is a new drive that enhances, and sparks a feeling I wished to bear. I may understand it soon, but you will also fall into the curse of what made—you!”

Sarah knit her brows, and Herold immediately turned to where they were standing and could sense the same soul that almost took his life and worship. He gasped and tried to run to where they’re at, but someone else beat it to him.

“What is she… doing here?” Herold muttered.

“Love is a horrible yet beautiful thing. We want it more than anything, but yours is for a different reason and growing. Soon, it’ll turn us back to what I originally was… the embarkment—of envy.”

A small spark ignited in her right palm, and she began raising it.

“Because in the end… we are—one.” The two said in unison.

When she was just halfway up, someone grabbed Jack’s arm, which snapped Sarah out of her doll-like state.

“Woah, who just grabbed me?”

It was Linnea, and she looked serious. “Jack, we gotta talk.”

Destiny stepped back. “Damn, you’re popular aren’t you?! You’re not some fuck boy are you?”

Jack tilted his head, “what’s that?”

Despite Linnea being serious, she couldn’t help but be breathless and shake her head. Destiny laughed and walked up to Sarah who was grabbing her head and seemed dazed.

“Hey, can I get your number?”

Sarah’s eyes swirled and she tried coming back to her senses.

“Uh… sur-sure.”

Sarah reached for her phone and handed it over to Destiny. She grabbed it and placed her contacts in it, sending the first text.

“Let's hang out sometime.”

She handed back her phone, and as she walked away, she caressed Jack’s arm and winked at him.

“See you around, fuck boy.”

Jack squinted half his face. “What the hell does that mean?!”

She giggled and walked away. Now that the three were alone, Linnea can talk to him about what she wanted to discuss.

“Let's go somewhere private, and bring her too.”

“Alright. But I gotta drop my sister off at home before we can talk. You got something?”

Linnea nodded. “Yeah, I got some things to get off my chest and clear the air. Then we can discuss the plans of those freaks.”

Jack agreed and Sarah was still catching her senses. He walked to where Angela was at and tapped her head.

“Sis, we gotta go.”

“Awww… now? But I’m almost done!”

“Take the picture with you then. I gotta do business sis.”

“Hmph, alright. Give me a second.”

As Angela was carefully preparing to rip the paper off the stand, Herold showed up and placed his hand on it.

“Are you guys leaving?”

“Yeah, we are. Now let her continue.”

“She can leave it if she wants and come back tomorrow. Perhaps she can work part time here for the time being?”

“Ey, slow down there, my guy. That ain’t happening.”

Angela groaned. “AW! Please?! It’ll benefit my boredom and entertain my artistic virtues.”

“I’m not so sure about that. You got to do school work.”

“And that’s online! Since a certain someone still doesn’t want me to go public until I reach my senior year! Which I happen to be a grade ahead of so that'll be next year.”

“Woah… you’re that far ahead already?”

Angela shot her head forward as she stood.

“Duh! When you’re at home all the time and hardly go out, you go through online school pretty quickly, bro.”

“Mm, I don’t know.”

Angela collapsed her hands together and shot them at his chest.

“Please! It’ll be my first world experience besides going out with you guys!”

Jack’s face went still.

She’s definitely different than she was originally. She’s not only more social but she doesn’t suffer from any type of distrust, people, or any type of ptsd anxiety. I wonder how much she’s grown and developed here than originally in the correct flow of time. Jack thought.

He raised his finger, “you can work part time from noon to five, but only three times a week. End of deal, no bargain.”

Angela fist thrusted both of her arms, and then one to the air.

“Oh yeah! My first actual job as a young teen!”

Herold also raised a finger. “If that’s the case then it’ll be the weekends only.”

Jack agreed and nodded. “Sounds good to me.”

Angela didn’t argue back and grabbed her brother's arm, dragging him.

“Alright, take me back home so I can watch my upcoming anime!”

Sarah and Linnea soon joined them, and Angela stopped, and brought her eyes to the tall blonde woman.

“Who in the heck—are you?”

Linnea grinned, “just an old friend.”

Angela squinted her eyes, “Jack… you’re getting too popular with blondes.”

“Gegh, you called me by my name again.”

Angela grabbed his hand tightly, “keep this up and you’re no longer going to be with me, J-a-c-k!”

Jack grunted and everyone else chuckled besides Sarah who was still lost. She remained loopy and did her best to comprehend what happened in the past five minutes but the last thing she could remember was her growing jealousy of the new friend she made today. She watched them laugh and Jack looked annoyed as usual. She gasped quietly and her vision narrowed, tunneling only to focus on him as her eyes again went blank.

“Your interest… is finally showing, my adoring, Sarah.” she murmured with the voice of her mother.

***

Inside the hotel room that Mandy was staying at, the two ex-interest lovers were just waking up. Mandy had her arm around Leon’s chest and he was rubbing her head as the two were quiet and awake. The sun shining through the curtains, their soft subtle grins showing, the two basked in the moment as they had a night Mandy will never forget. They were completely nude beneath the bed covers and she rubbed his chest that was slightly hairy but in a way that most women would want in a man. Her eyes shook in enjoyment and she nudged her head against his chest, rubbing it. He kissed her head, and continued playing with her hair as the afternoon sun kept shining brighter.

“I wonder how long the sun’s been out?” Leon said.

Mandy raised her head, and crept to his face.

“I don’t know. Want to have a walk and find out?”

“Heh, I don’t know about that sweetheart.”

Mandy smiled and got on top of him. The bed cover fell off behind her and he got to see the full extent of her breasts. She rotated her head to the side to give him a sexual side eye.

“Perhaps an afternoon quickie can get you up out of this bed?”

Leon rubbed his face, “fuck… after last night I thought I was drained out. But, a quickie wouldn’t hurt my nutsack.”

The two engaged into another sex session that lasted thirty minutes before they both were satisfied. When they got everything out of their system, they began to dress up but seeing her full nude figure again almost broke Leon into another cycle of heat, but he resisted and cooled down. Once he was fully dressed, she was close to putting on just her underwear until she wanted to take a shower. She walked into the bathroom and took one while Leon waited in silence. He took a sigh and gazed around, and saw her coat on the floor. He went to pick it up and felt that it had some weight. He dug inside and pulled out her pistol gripped shotgun which made him nod in approval.

“Gun nut, is she? I wonder when that happened?”

He carried the weapon to the bed, and pumped it, and a shell ejected out. He went to grab it and felt the mana inside of it. His touch alone ignited it and made it glow from blue to purple.

“You crazy nutcase, you actually managed to transfer mana into weapons besides typical bows, swords, and other melees? Wow, she sure has come a long way since the academy.”

He analyzed the gun, and felt the mana surging through it, which made him smile.

“I guess this happens when you’re such a loner. I can relate to that.”

Her phone then rang, and he went to grab it from the stand on her bedside. He saw that it was Linnea and decided to answer it for her.

“Hello?”

Linnea was sitting at a bench table with Sarah and Jack. Jack had his back turned and watched the families in front of them while Sarah was too busy massaging her head.

“Where’s Mandy? Who’s this?”

“It’s me, Leon.”

Linnea’s eyes went wide, but she looked genuinely surprised in a happy way.

“Oh, uh, where’s Mandy?”

“She’s taking a shower. What’s going on?”

“Damn, uh, could you tell her to meet me at the park in uh…”

She covered her phone, and hissed at Jack.

“Hey, Jack, where are we again?”

Jack leaned his head back, “Birmingham.”

“At Birmingham park,” she said to Leon.

Leon grabbed his chin, “alright, and for?”

“You’re asking a bit too much Leon, no offense.”

“No offense, ey?”

He lay back on the bed and knit his brows.

“Well given the fact that you’re with Jack, I don’t suppose my adoring daughter is also present.”

Linnea crushed her eyes, and forcefully chuckled.

“Ye-Yeah…”

He sighed, “whatever it is, you better not put her in any danger. Remember what I told you and Mandy.”

“Ye-Yeah, I know…”

“Well I say it’s perfect timing. I gotta talk to her before she leaves. I have to make sure I trust you two from here on out. I don’t care that you’re after my wife, so long as you don’t dare lay a finger on Sarah, then you two have my good side, for now.”

Linnea brushed her forehead. “Trust me, today's talk is not only about our common foe, but I’m also about to tell them the truth.”

Leon sat up, “that’s good. I’ll have her call you back after we both finish our part of the conversation.”

“Wait wait, before you hang up—did you two?”

“Goodbye Linnea.”

Leon hung up and placed her phone back where it was. The bathroom door opened and she was in her underwear with her hair mildly wet. Leon looked away to not get aroused and let her finish dressing up. When she was fully clothed, she barely noticed that her shotgun was placed beside him. She smiled and went to where he was sitting, grabbing the gun and sitting next to Leon.

“I guess you found out my little secret, Bolverkr the destroyer.”

Leon can smell her new scent and perfume that sent all the wrong signals but fought his dog-like nature.

“Yup, I’m surprised actually.”

She put the gun on her lap, and brushed her hair with her fingers.

“Surprised about what?”

Her adoring smile and cute tone, Leon couldn’t resist and put his arm around her shoulders.

“Surprised about the fact that Ms. Mandy here has mastered the craft of utilising her mana with her arsenal. That is what I’m surprised about.”

Mandy fluttered her eyelashes and rubbed her shotgun.

“Of course I did. I learnt from the best.” she said as her gaze went up towards him.

Her open mouth smile, her clear white teeth, Leon kissed her and she welcomed it with her tongue. They let off and Leon got up, and faced her.

“Mandy, I gotta tell you something, and you gotta promise me too.”

Mandy’s smile faded and she put her gun to the side, standing up too.

“Okay.”

Leon grew serious, and went over to the curtains, allowing the sunshine to beam in the room.

“I know my daughter reminds you of how Samantha use to look like, but—”

Used to? Does this mean she’s changed her appearance ever since her transformation to Abyzou? Mandy thought.

“But if you two are really going to be around those two. My statement still stands that I don’t want any of you around there close friends or relatives. The two of you, especially you Mandy, I need you to protect my daughter too.”

Mandy wasn’t too keen on the idea of protecting someone that looked like the embodiment of everything that she hated, but to win over Leon’s trust, she’s willing to put her vigilantism aside.

“If that’s what you want, then I’m fine with it. But I can’t promise to not be as friendly as you think I’d be.”

Leon grinned as he watched the nice day being showcased to him.

“I’m not expecting you to. As long as you don’t put your hands on her, then I don’t care how cold you treat her. Action speaks louder than words.”

Mandy got up and went behind Leon, wrapping her arms around him.

“I’ll agree to it, if we can be lovers from here on out.”

Leon scrapped her to his side, and put his arm around her waist. The two watched the beautiful day in full display.

“I’d want nothing more than for us to be lovers right now. But I think you should get going because Linnea called you when you were showering.”

Mandy leaned her head against his chest.

“She can wait, I just want us to enjoy the view and to spend more time together.”

“We’ll do that many more times. You have a friend waiting, go you sexy lady.”

Mandy pouted, and gently smashed a fist against his chest.

“You’re no fun.”

The two decided to go their separate ways after another warming embrace. Leon walked away and Mandy went to her rental. She got in and dialed for Linnea.

“What’s up, you called?”

“Finally, you call back. But before I tell you what’s going on—did you finally do it?”

Mandy covered her face, and smiled.

“Linnea!”

“Haha, you sound like you’re eighteen again. Congratulations on joining womanhood.”

“Oh shut up! Just say what’s going on.”

“Bring your ass to Birmingham. We gotta tell the two younglings the truth, the jig is up.”

Mandy lay back and wiggled her lips.

“What about that wretched Exorcist?”

“We’ll deal with him later. But our main objective is still in fruition. Abyzou will be found whether Leon helps us or not, and when we do, she’s dead.”

Mandy smiled. “So revenge is still up in the air. I’m guessing as long as we don’t use the two that we were initially trying to do then we have my babe’s trust.”

“Ohhh, you’re already clinged onto him? Damn he must be that good.”

Mandy blushed and hung up. She turned the car on and drove to Birmingham. It took her forty minutes to get there but she arrived and parallel parked. She got out and went to the entrance, and immediately saw the three seated and conversing. She quickly walked over to their bench, and before sitting, she saw Sarah’s backside, and paused. She can’t help but clench a fist, being reminded of the wretched witch who mocked her existence.

“I’ll find you, no matter the odds, Samantha, Abyzou, whatever you are.”

Mandy proceeded forward and sat next to Linnea. Jack put his hands on the table and Sarah was looking away to the right for some reason. Jack tapped her shoulder but she had her attention to the two couples near the fountain to the right of them.

“What’s with her?” Mandy asked.

Jack shrugged. “I don’t know. She’s been acting weird since this morning.”

“Hmm…”

“Now mandy, let’s not raise any suspicion and discuss as to why we have these two gathered today.”

Mandy kept her eyes on Sarah, and remembered Leon’s words. She closed them temporarily until she was ready to speak.

“Jack, Mandy and I are researchers, that is true, but there’s also another reason as to why we’ve travelled halfway across the world to get to this specific state.”

Jack tapped the desk, and forcefully grinned.

“Mm, so you lied to me?”

Mandy nodded. “Yeah, but for good reason.”

“And the reason being—why?”

Linnea grabbed Mandy’s shoulder, “trust us, it was for good reason. To get straight to the point… your friend there, Sarah, her mother is—”

“An insufferable, miserable, self centered, jealous bitch of a monster.” Mandy said with a still face.

“Mandy, relax,” Linnea said as she smacked her arm.

Jack tilted his head and had both brows furrowed.

“Wait wait wait, you mean to tell me, you two are also here to find her mother?”

Mandy nodded. “Of course.”

Jack deeply sighed and tapped the table more.

“I should’ve known. But I can’t blame you for thinking that way of her mother since I’ve also met her and experienced first hand what type of person she is.”

Linnea grabbed Jack’s hand, “please understand our objective. We weren’t trying to use you to get to her, but I can’t really say the same for your friend here since she’s the daughter of the woman we want to find.”

Jack dragged one hand on his face, “why is that no matter where my journey takes me, whether it's me, my sister, there’s always people going after someone I care about just to get to an objective.”

Like Mallory… Jack thought.

“And now it’s her mother. It-It’s frustrating because I’ve done nothing but run, and try to make my life as simple as I want it, but people like you just show up and make it more complicated.”

“Jack, I know it’s annoying to deal with these types of circumstances when you yourself aren’t properly introuduced to this type of life—but do understand that this isn’t your fault. You just happened to be friends with someone tied to a devil.”

Jack retracted his hand, and wasn’t pleased hearing that.

“So what you’re saying is… this is her fault?”

“No no, it’s not hers either.”

“Then what are you trying to say? Because no matter how any of you look at it, it still falls under my fault. If you know what I’ve been through then you’ll agree on why it is my fault.”

Mandy smacked her hand on the table.

“Listen, young man. We mean no harm, but please answer this and we’ll come off cleaner than you’d expect it.”

She placed her other hand on the table, and leaned over the table towards Jack.

“Was it Samantha—did you meet? Or Abyzou?”

Jack knit his brows. “Samantha, but I was hinted at her being this Abyzou woman too.”

Mandy leaned back and shook her head.

“I knew it…”

Linnea also smacked her fist on the table.

“So it is the truth, they’re both the same person.”

“What do you mean by that? What’s going on?” Jack said.

“Look, we’re both here to find out the truth behind her mother, Mandy and I—”

Sarah’s ear twitched, and she clenched her skirt.

“We’re not only after her, but we’re also here to enact our revenge. Isn’t that right, Mandy?”

Again, Sarah’s body reacted, and her head tilted down.

“Yes. That woman has caused nothing but harm to not only the two of us, but to many and especially, the rest of the world.” Mandy said.

Jack was trying to bring everything together, and if his street senses taught him one thing about revenge, then it’d be—

“You want to kill her mother?” he said in a serious tone.

Linnea nodded. “I’m sorry.”

Mandy grinned and raised a brow.

“You’re quick. And it’s okay, we have her father’s approval.”

Sarah’s ear twitched again. Her head began to rise straight, the park grew heavy with some odd atmopshereic pressure. Gusts of wind came out of the bloom, blowing leaves rapantly around the area. Nearby goers wondered if a sudden storm was coming. Everything went still, silent as Sarah could be seen moving her head. Mandy’s entire demenour vanished into complete shock and fear once she felt something she hadn’t felt since the acedemy began to emit out of Sarah. Linnea as well can sense something diabolical coming from Sarah and Jack wondered what they were doing. To his eyes they looked like they were spooked out of their minds. Linnea panicked and carefully tucked her hand into her coat pocket where her handgun was at.

“You guys alright?” he asked.

“No… no.” Linnea murmured.

Mandy had completely paused as she watched Sarah slowly begin to shift her head towards them.

Sarah’s head eerily shifted in a slow pace, it sent shivers down the two’s spines. Clouds rapidly coursed through the skies from the horizons, everyone’s hair began to be blown from the growing intensity of nature’s breath. The edge of her face began to appear while her hair fluttered across her face, her crimson eye’s had a faint glow, and the more she turned to them, the more her sideview became focused on Mandy. Mandy loudly gasped, and her hair began to float stiff as her eyes quaked in utter fear. Sarah’s face was turnt to Mandy, her eyes locked onto her shivering blue eyes, a soft subtle smile emerged beneath her bellowing hair as Sarah’s lips began to open and spoke in the voice that not only haunted both women’s dreams for decades, but had to others.

“Found… you…”