Inside the board of the highest ranking military men, General Shannon presented a huge projector on the screen. A display of attacks was shown. Everyone present listened as he was ready to explain his plan. Walking in front, and smacking the screen board, General Shannon’s palm produced a sound loud enough to awake anyone wishing they could sleep through this presentation. His face serious, his eyebrows knitted, as he let off the board and cleared his throat, the strange lieutenant had just shown up. He quickly walked up to the front, and patted himself, expressing a grin too big to be uncomfortable for anyone’s liking. He gave him a thumbs up, and General Shannon glanced at the group of important military leaders and government officials.

“As you all may know, it’s been roughly almost two months since the last disturbance that has scared our citizens and brought forth a danger we thought would never be possible.”

He grabbed his wrist, and placed his arms behind his back.

“Prior to that disturbance, we’ve lost many innocent lives and the streets of major Michigan cities have suffered infrastructure damage that can’t be fixed anytime soon. Right now, my team and I, along with this man, have created a plan to attack the individuel deemed responsible.”

He jolted his head in the direction of where one man stood behind the projector. He went behind it where a computer was set, and clicked to display what the General’s talking about. They had displayed a tall blonde man, dressed in business attire and this time, he didn’t look depressed.

“This man here, after much investigation and tracking, we’ve gathered enough evidence to tie in these supernatural events. He is to blame for all the mess that’s happened.”

The lieutenant jumped in, and spread his arms out enthusiastically.

“Indeed! Everyone, listen, on that day almost two months ago when the sky turned red and our clouds turned to ash, the last person where the source of the storm came from: He happened to be there before and after!”

The general pushed him away.

“Could you let me finish? I haven’t even got there yet you hyperactive bastard.”

“General! Take a look at everyone here! What do their faces tell you?!”

The general growled and shifted his head to the audience. He scanned and read the room, and easily could see their petrified, angry, confused expressions. This made him feel responsible since he promised this situation would be handled quickly. But it's been almost three months with no progress. Even with the help of the crazy mystery man who’s now his partner and this technology that’s straight fiction, they haven’t dented anything to the appearing dangers. They had nothing, but seeing that he presented enough evidence to prove that this man is at least somewhat involved, he hoped that taking him out would relax the public. In the end, he wants nothing more than to protect the people of his country, and stop the relentless destruction and chaos.

“Everyone, you all look at me with faces I only saw back when I was in operation Black Hawk, the Afghan war. I want nothing more than to help ease your fears.”

The audience paid close attention and the crowd looked at each other.

“What we’ve seen, experienced has been worse than anything we’ve ever faced in the past century of human conflict. Today, I guarantee that we will stop this man and more like him.”

A deep wrinkle formed between his eyes as he raised one hand.

“Because if we start off with him, then the rest will soon come to realise who they’re up against!”

He balled his fist, and ground his teeth.

“We will prevail and demonstrate to the world that we, America, are not only the best, greatest military and country in the world, but to remind that we also keep the world balanced!”

People got up from their seats, and some began to shed tears.

“I could care less about the criticism, I just want our people safe, and more importantly, I want us to go back to realism…”

He raised his fist in the air, and a tear came out his eye.

“For we are human, and they are not! If this is a test from God to show that his greatest creations could survive anything thrown at them—then let us demonstrate to our father and saviour that we, as people, as his children, can unite and conquer all!”

He received a standing ovation. Everyone felt his words struck their hearts, his passion, his anger, it all triggered their sense of confidence in a man who can overcome this obstacle. To the lieutenant, he expressed a huge open mouth smile as the delighted crowd kept applauding. He walked forward, and clapped once to simmer the crowd.

“Everyone, our attack begins later!”

He snapped his fingers, and showcased more tech that’ll execute their plan fluidly on the screen.

“I’ve brought much more powerful toys to satisfy your needs, and with that, we can commence, uh—!”

He glanced at the General, and tilted his head.

“What was the plan called again, hehe!”

General Shannon didn’t like the tone in his voice. It sounded odd, mysteriously too cheerful, and ominous. He played along, and put his hand out.

“At 1600 hours, we attack, and without causing too much damage to our city, we need him away from city limits.”

“Indeed, we do.” the lieutenant said.

“Tell me something, young man…”

The general walked up to his face, and looked him dead in the eyes.

“Can I trust you in this operation?”

He kept his smile, and nodded as the general's eyes glinted.

“Of course you can. Because without me, where would any of you be?”

His response triggered something inside the General, and embarked more distrust and anger. He gazed at one of his soldiers, jolting his head. The soldier understood and walked away.

“What? Still find me distrusting, General?”

The general ignored him, and faced the crowd.

“Operation Hamilton commences, now!”

The crowd again applauded, and the lieutenant's smile grew more sinister as he turned away from the crowd.

“Once their operation fails…” he muttered.

He brought one hand raised, and crushed it shut. A sharp glint grew in his eyes, and he chuckled beneath his breath.

“I’ll initiate my own attack… leaving no one left alive—not even I! Will survive once it concludes, hehe.”

Meanwhile, in downtown Detroit, Mandy and Sarah had just arrived at a nice cafe, finally getting time to themselves. Unfortunately, Mandy wasn’t in the mood to have a conversation with her since she did state that they have lunch the next day after their skirmish almost two months ago. She put her grude aside and forgave her since a lot has happened and more notably, her father did say she wanted Mandy herself to keep watch of any cultists. Sarah did feel guilty about not trying to get a hold of her, but getting a hold of Mandy felt closer to getting in touch with an IRS agent.

The two sat across from each other, and said nothing. The busy streetside of pedestrians and cars kept the silent awkwardness minimal. The waiter brought them their drinks, and set down their coffee cups. Mandy took a sip, and Sarah gulped, and nervously grabbed hers. Mandy set her mug down, and furrowed her brows towards Sarah. Sarah diverted her gaze from her serious eye contact, and her pupils bounced around as she took a sip.

“Sarah.” she said in her strong, mature tone.

Sarah jumped, and almost spilled her coffee.

“Ye-Yeah?!”

Mandy sighed, and collapsed her hands, resting them on the table.

“What is it that you’re trying to accomplish with this long awaited lunch? Besides reminding me with the face of evil that I’ve come to look for.”

Sarah forcefully grinned, and set her coffee mug down.

“Ehehe… Well, I just wanted to get to know you better. I apologise if it’s taken so long to arrange this meeting, it’s just, you’re impossible to reach. Plus I’m sure you’ve been busy like I have so…”

Mandy, sighed. “Well I can’t blame you. It is my fault for being so difficult. Though, can you blame me? We are supernatural beings so it should be impossible to contact another, especially one that represents everything that you hate in a person.”

“Right…”

Sarah frowned, and groaned.

“If you don’t mind, could you tell me why you resent my mother? And when you say embodiment, do I really remind her past?”

Mandy lifted her arms off the table, and crossed them.

“You really don’t know anything, do you?”

Sarah shook her head in response. Mandy felt bad for the girl, but she still has her suspicion of her and what her true identity might be. Since that day before she attacked her, she felt Samantha’s presence from the fiery gaze that laid eyes on her. Abyzou’s surge of mana flashed her instincts to attack the girl and kill her on the spot. Yet in that fight, Mandy felt more of her father’s energy than Abyzou.

“Would you, again state as to why not just you, but the rest of what seems like the world loathe my mother? Because if I’m being honest here, I feel so left out that I’m starting to question my own existence.”

Hearing Sarah’s concerned tone struck weakness in Mandy, reminding her of herself back in the academy. Seeing that sunken face, and eyes really hindered her memories with another experience she had with her mother. A time she got in between her and Leon when they were having a genuine discussion. This reignited fuel into her grudge, and almost made her snap in the moment. She ground her teeth, and their glass mugs shattered, spilling coffee everywhere. Sarah reacted immediately and carefully tried using mana to put them back together.

“Stop!” Mandy shouted. “No magic. The moment you use any ounce of your power will get their attention. You must restrain, allow me.”

Mandy raised two fingers, and tapped the air. This made the cups rewind back to the way they were. Thankfully no one was around to see since they’re in an outside seating area and bushes covered most of their bodies.

“I’m sorry, I just had a quick flashback. Didn’t mean to get out of hand there.”

Sarah mildly giggled. “That’s okay, no need to apologise. I am here to set aside differences and show you that I’m not who you think I am.”

Sarah cleared her throat, and grabbed her cup.

“Okay, back to the subject. What do you have against my mother, and why are you after her life?”

Mandy grinned. “Hmph, well, sorry to disappoint you, but I’m not allowed to tell you a lot.”

Sarah furrowed her brows. “Why not?”

“Your father requested that I shouldn’t tell you. But what I can say is…”

Mandy grabbed her cup, and looked at the creamy texture.

“She’s unlike any person that I've ever met.”

The creamy nature of the coffee began to swirl, and slowly, it succumbed into the blackness of the coffee.

“A manipulator, someone who lacks empathy towards the rest of society…”

Sarah slowly lowered her head, and also looked at her coffee, and deeply frowned.

“She’s the embodiment of hatred, a woman who selfishly hurts others to gain what she wants.”

Mandy could see her face in the coffee, and it made her shake with anger.

“She made my life a living hell, and sadly—”

She brought her gaze up to Sarah who still had her eyes glued to her coffee.

“—the rest of the world had to also live in the hell she created, eighteen years ago.”

Sarah closed her eyes, and held back her emotions.

“And the last time I saw her face was the exact same as the one you wear today.”

Sarah gasped, and brought her eyes back to Mandy who’s eyes were glinting.

“Those blood red eyes, your raven hair, your entire facial structure—is her! Everything about her, about what I had to endure, growing the rage inside of me to one day find her, cater to my grude; you are the embodiment of that, Sarah.”

Sarah didn’t want to believe what she was saying, but after seeing first hand how cruel her mother could be, especially towards her father, at this point, it’s believable. She was about to respond until that awful migraine came back, tenfold. She clutched her head, and Mandy squinted her eyes, slowly putting one hand beneath her coat. After clutching her head for a moment, her gaze came back to Mandy. Mandy raised a brow, but saw something was off about the look in her eyes. Sarah stared at Mandy like an owl, and didn’t blink for a while, making her nervous yet grow cautious.

“Sarah?” Mandy asked.

Sarah blinked, and a red glint was as clear as day. Mandy’s eyes quivered, and she gasped repeatedly beneath her breath. She stood halfway up her chair as Sarah’s gaze grew more sinister.

“Saman…tha?” Mandy said in a serious tone.

Sarah didn’t respond, rather, she only kept a still face. The glint in her eyes grew bigger, more red, until she decided to lean over the table towards Mandy. Mandy also edged in towards her face, and the two were almost touching noses. Mandy knit her brows, and Sarah’s face remained still.

“Sarah, answer me or—”

“Or… what?”

Mandy’s face turned white upon hearing her voice.

“What would you do, Mandy?”

Her tone, the light, mature yet gentle nature of her voice reminded her of only one person.

“Samantha…” Mandy murmured.

Sarah tilted her head, and gently placed one hand on her petrified face.

“I can’t wait to see you again, Mandy.” she eerily said.

Mandy growled, and slapped her hand away.

“Coward! Stop hiding behind your daughter, and tell me where you’re at so I can find and kill you myself!”

Sarah’s eyes grew more wide, and she eerily tilted her head forward, bumping heads with Mandy. She repeatedly gasped as she stared into the same eyes that tormented her life for years, being swallowed by their malicious gaze.

“Who’s hiding? When in fact, I’m here, staring you right in the face, Mandy.”

“Wh-what do you mean by that?!”

Sarah eased into the side of her face, and whispered into her ear.

“Because Mandy… we—are one.”

Mandy screamed, and smacked Sarah away. Sarah fell to the floor, and lay on the ground, groaning. She was back conscious, and wondered why her face ached. Then, she saw Mandy rushing on top of her, and raised one fist.

“Ma-Mandy! What are you doing?!”

Mandy grabbed the collar of her shirt. Sarah panicked, and Mandy reeled back her right arm, growling. She was close to shooting her fist until she saw tears coming out of Sarah's eyes. She stopped, and again, gasped.

“Why is this happening to me?” Sarah said.

Tears flowed out her eyes, and she covered them for a moment. She couldn’t contain it anymore, and dropped her hand, letting the water flow.

“Why am I always being targeted, hurt, and losing my mind! I have no clue what has happened in the past five minutes, yet you’re ready to beat me down again, why Mandy, why?!”

Mandy let go, and got off of Sarah. The waiter came back to check on them and saw the aftermath. At first she was going to say something until Mandy reached her hand out to Sarah. Sarah had no choice but to be assisted up by her to make it less suspicious. Sarah wiped her eyes, and walked away, but not before giving the waiter a tip. Mandy felt guilty, and ran after her. Once they were outside, Mandy grabbed Sarah’s wrist, stopping her.

“Mandy, could you please let go. I’m done with our conversation.”

Mandy shook her head. “I’m not.”

Sarah turned around, and saw the serious yet concerned look in her eyes.

“You want to find out more of who your mother is, then ask your father. Because I’m on the edge of spilling the beans after what just occurred, and it isn’t your fault.”

Sarah’s eyes sunk, and she pulled her arm away from Mandy.

“Tell me something, Mandy…”

Sarah rubbed her wrist, and frowned.

“Are you and my father in a relationship? Because as of lately, he hasn’t been around as much or gotten anywhere near our home.”

Mandy felt awkward, and hesitated to answer.

“You know why I’m asking? Because on the day he probably left our home, he mentioned he’d be staying with an old friend for the time being. Are you that friend?”

Mandy rubbed the back of her neck, and still hesitated.

“Huh… I wonder what he’d say and do if you put your hands on his precious daughter.”

Mandy scratched her head, and deeply sighed.

“Yes, your father and I are together…”

“I knew it…” Sarah replied.

Mandy shook her head, and decided to tell more.

“Not just that, we’re also planning a future too.”

Sarah felt her heart shatter, but understood as to why. She can remember that day when she saw her father's belongings at the doorstep. She ran up to him, and asked where he was going, but he only replied with a smile, and carefully patted her head. Never has she seen her father so happy besides the times he spent with her. It made her knees feel weak and heart raced when he started opening his mouth. She’ll never forget the words he spilled out, and the way his eyes sparkled with joy only confirmed as to who was to blame for their splitment.

“I’m free, Sarah,” he said in the softest tone she ever heard from him.

Sarah couldn’t say anything, but cry and try to hug her father, but respected the boundaries he put. Leon also wanted to hug his daughter, but knew of the repercussions of his emotions. Instead, he kept carefully patting her and promised to still train, and be by her side when danger presents itself. Seeing him leave, walking away with his suitcases made her feel angry towards her mother, but upon gazing back at their home, she could see her mother looking out the window to her father leaving. Sarah was surprised by how her mother was taking the situation. She saw her mortified face, and sunken eyes as she watched the man she tortured for decades leave their home.

“Mother…” Sarah muttered.

She watched as her mother rested her arms on the window frame, and gently lay her head on them. As she leaned against her arms with a tilt, she could see something that she would never imagine her mother showing, and that was sadness. A shiny teardrop trickled out her eye, and as it glided off her face, splashing on the ground, it gave birth to new flowers. Sarah can’t seem to understand why her mother would react in such a way when she’s shown nothing but cruelness to her father. But now, in the present, knowing that her father has quickly moved on, and to someone who has it out for her, she’s trying to wonder if getting along with Mandy is worth it. Although, Sarah feels that she has no other choice but to. Seeing as the whole world is hunting her mother down and herself, Sarah has to oblige to whatever is presenting itself to expose any form of truth, even if it means putting her life in jeopardy.

Sarah expressed half a forced grin, and her head sloped to the side.

“I’m not so sure what to do now. Do I hide in my room while all this blows out? Or do I confront it and put an end to it all. At least with that, I can have some closure.”

Mandy’s struck with guilt. She can understand where she’s coming from and couldn’t hold back any longer.

“Sarah, please understand where my actions come from. My reactions aren’t justified, but my sorrow, my hatred towards Samantha will never cease; so long as she breathes, I can never have peace.”

“You say that so confidently and calm, yet standing before you is the very life she gave birth to.”

“That we don’t know!”

“Huh?!”

Mandy quickly shut up, and immediately regretted saying that. The air began to grow tense, and Sarah took a heavy step forward, slowly balling her fists.

“Mandy, what are you trying to imply about me?” Sarah said in a choked tone.

Mandy grew a grimace, and rubbed her face.

“I didn’t mean to say that. It’s the anger talking so please ignore—”

“Fuck… that.” Sarah replied, her tone grew more fierce. “This is the second time that someone has stated that very implication. If you really want to be on my good side, then you are going to tell me what that means.”

Mandy dragged her hands off her face, and loudly grunted.

“Believe me! I want to tell you, but it’s best that your father tell you.”

Sarah wiped her disgruntled expression, and stepped back. She massaged her head from the migraine she fought back, and concluded that Mandy was right.

“Okay, you’re right. It’d be better. Actually, I think I’ll ask him later when I join him for another training session.”

“Sarah, I know you have much to learn, and much to find out, but right now, what I see is a scared, confused, yet strong young woman.”

Mandy approached Sarah, and hesitated at first to put her arm on her shoulder, but did so.

“I guarantee things will get better once the truth comes out, and you’ll soon realise the terror of who your mother is. Until then, when that day comes, I’ll do my part to protect you and Jack from those cultist freaks.”

Sarah gently grabbed Mandy’s hand, and it triggered a sudden scene. The sky was red, the ground charred in front of her, she brought her hands up to her eyes, and saw blood. She brought her gaze down, and saw Mandy beaten to a pulp. She heard sinister giggling, and Sarah couldn’t control her body movements. She wiped her bloody hands on her face while Mandy struggled to get a breath. She kneeled, and gently patted the dying girl she saw as a dog. She gave her a soothing kiss on the head, and walked away as she kept giggling until it transitioned to malicious laughter.

Sarah’s eyes wept, and she gripped Mandy’s hand, and closed her eyes.

“What… am I?” she said.

Mandy couldn’t help but give her a hug, comforting poor Sarah as she softly whimpered.

“There there, Sarah.”

Sarah wrapped her hands around Mandy, and kept whimpering.

“I’m sorry… I’m sorry.” Sarah said.

Mandy shushed her, and knew that this was not the same person who’s haunted her nightmares.

“Whatever you’re thinking, whatever you see, I’m glad you’re being exposed to the truth if it's by small triggers. The more you know, the better the truth will come out.”

Mandy eased off, and looked at Sarah’s crying face while her eyes were still shut.

“I know this is heinous of me to say, but you should consider yourself lucky that you only represent the appearance of the very being I loathe. But if you had the same voice as her, you’d be dead.”

Sarah sniffed, and stopped crying.

“Geez… what a fucking buzzkiller.”

The two rapidly blinked, then they giggled away a tiny percentage of their differences as Sarah wiped her eyes.

“I’m not expecting us to get along overnight or anytime soon, but please be patient with me, Sarah.”

Sarah nodded. “Mm, that’s fine. As long as you try, then I don’t have a problem with how long it takes. I just want us to be friends and set apart the differences between me and my mother because…”

Sarah put her hand on her chest, and smiled.

“I’m Sarah Bolverkr, and I’m my own being.”

Seeing and hearing her confidence made Mandy smile for once at something that she hated looking at. Mandy also nodded, and started walking backwards.

“I’m sorry for almost punching your face, but you can’t blame me. I’ll see you later, I got a meeting to attend with a certain blonde.”

Sarah waved as Mandy left. She rubbed the side of her face, and let out a huge sigh of relief yet can’t help retain some of that sadness.

“And Jack thought his life was a confusing mess.”

She clutched her chest, and softly smiled.

“I guess we both are much more similar than we thought.”

***

Just arriving at Sarah's residence, Jack welcomed himself through the gate, and stood on the pathway. With his hands tucked in his pockets, the young man let out a breath as he basked in the chilly yet brightful day. The clear sky, the cold air, it reminded him of the times he would stand outside in front of Eric’s house, and watch traffic go by while smoking a cigarette. Sitting on one of the porch chairs, smoking away his stress, sometimes interrupted by his sister who begged him to quit or Eric who joined in along with Randolph. Thinking of his deceased uncle again made him look up at the clear sky, and close his eyes. He could remember how much more simple life was when it was nothing but drugs and crime. Now that he’s a part of something out of fiction, the feeling of simplicity will forever be put away in the back of his mind. If nothing will conclude this part of his journey and take him back to a life of normality, then at this point, Jack hopes to die sooner than later.

Such a dark thought gave him flashbacks of the times his life was put in danger. Although, a majority of those were his doing, but less than half could be put to blame on a certain girl in his dreams.

“Mallory…” he murmured.

He opened his eyes, and took a deep breath while he imagined the times he would openly talk with the girl whom he thought was worse than the devil. Yet as time passed, and growing closer with her, the young man didn’t find her to be so bad despite her ruthless blunders and retorts. Reminiscing the past made him parched, and hoped Sarah would arrive sooner so he can get something to drink. While standing like a statue, he heard footsteps coming from behind, which made him look over his shoulder. He saw Leon coming, and the look on his face told the world that he longer was the most depressed man in the world, rather, he found peace and harmony, a face Jack’s only seen on his friends and sister.

Leon approached the gate, and before pushing it open, he saw the young man standing there like a salesman who got rejected with silence.

“Jack? What brings you here?” he asked while making his way in.

Jack grinned, “don’t mind me, I’m just waiting for you daugh—”

Before he could even answer, Jack knew his wording sounded diligently. He choked on air, and forcefully chuckled as he scratched the back of his neck. Leon couldn’t help but laugh as he saw the young man muster away his naive nature.

“You’re waiting for Sarah, because of?”

“She-She said you guys were going to do another training session! So I thought hey… maybe I should tag along too, heheh.”

Leon shook his head, “you that bored, boy?”

Jack dropped his arms, and nodded.

“Yeah, I am. But can you blame me?! I’m trying my best to stay away from the life of crime, but I can’t think of anything to do! And worse of all, my sister is out there, working a part time job, being a noble member of society while her stupid brother rots away like the stereotypical criminal who does nothing but slouch on his guardian's couch.”

Leon walked up to the young man, and chuckled.

“At least you’re aware of who you are and what place you have in society.”

“Hey…”

“Relax. I don’t mind you tagging along. Today I’m teaching her more on her defense rather than offense.”

“Huh, that sounds like something she definitely needs to work on. The times we had together in terms of sparring, she can’t seem to react fast enough with incoming punches. Yet with mana attacks, from what I’ve seen, she can somehow see that? I find that goofy if you ask me.”

Leon shrugged. “Can you blame her? She was only taught to use spells and distant attacks. But she’s a quick learner, don’t underestimate her intelligence.”

Jack rolled his eyes. “Yeah, no kidding. Sometimes she makes me sound and look stupid when it comes to certain topics.”

“Hm, not to go off the goal post, but how have you been, young man? What have you done besides spending lots of personal time with my daughter?”

“Gah!”

Leon chuckled again, “I’m kidding.”

“Phew, sorry, it’s just difficult to read whether you’re serious or being sarcastic since your face’s always permanently still a majority of the time. Fortunately, I happened to see a different face on you today, sir!”

“Oh yeah, what does my face imply?”

Jack rubbed his chin. “I’m trying to put the words together without sounding so street-like…”

He fought the eagerness of his deceased uncle's tone echoing into his rotted mind, but failed to do so.

“Seems like you’ve been getting pussy, my guy.”

Leon’s jaw dropped, and he looked at Jack in disgust.

“Eh…”

“Ey ey! I’m just stating the truth now! Don’t give me that pitiful look!”

Leon shook his head in disappointment, and placed his hands on his hips.

“Jack, you disappoint me sometimes, you know that?”

Jack froze, and squinted an eye. “Tch…”

As the two stopped talking for a moment, they heard the front gate creek open, which made both their heads turn to metal sound. They saw Sarah carefully taking a step in, her face in a state of surprise while she glanced at the two.

“Dad? Jack?” she said.

The two raised their hands in unison, and both replied, “Hey,” to which the goth girl responded with an adorable sassy smile. She walked up to the two, and greeted her father first with a bow. Then, she went up to Jack, and greeted him with a pinch on the cheek. Jack rubbed his cheek, and replied by punching her arm. She hissed, and walked past him for a moment, not before taking a pause in front of the steps to turn to her father.

“What were you guys talking about?” she asked.

The two glanced at each other. Jack grabbed his chin, Leon crossed his arms, and appeared to be in a thinking process. Sarah smudged her lips, and leaned her hip out, raising her brow in a sassy manner to them.

‘You guys, come on. Stop wasting time and tell me what you were discussing.”

They nodded, and Jack wanted to be the first to say something. He cleared his throat, and raised his finger.

“We were talking about—”

“The status of your guys' relationship.” Leon said.

“Eh?” Jack froze, and abruptly turned back to Leon. “Hey hey, what do you mean by that?”

Leon slowly raised one finger to where Sarah was standing, which made Jack turn to her. He saw her face beat red, and look away, yet had a frown that showcased her annoyance and mortification towards her father.

“Is—Sarah alright?” Jack said.

Leon let out a frustrated groan that faded out with a sigh.

“Boy, you really can’t be serious.”

Sarah couldn’t help but laugh.

“Dad, there’s no point in asking when he’s an idiot.”

“You’re right, let's talk about this another time. Right now, go get ready and put on some battle clothes. We’ve got a lot to practice.”

Sarah replied by snickering, and opened the door. She went inside while the two men waited outside. To kill more time, Jack wanted to ask more as to why he won’t follow her in their own home.

“Say, Leon.”

“Mm?”

“I just noticed, but in the past two months, everytime I came to see Sarah or pick her up, you weren’t around. Why is that?”

Leon gave it some thought, but ultimately decided to tell him since he lacks any positive insight towards his now ex-wife.

“I no longer live here. Her mother and I got a divorce.”

“Really?” Jack replied, appearing to be nodding in approval.

“What? You thought I’d be stuck with her forever? Hoping she’d see me wry someday?”

The young man grew slack-jawed.

“It’s just that, after everything and what you had said, it’s hard to believe you’re still standing.”

Leon grew a straight face, and smacked his gums.

“I’m just as surprised as you are. Whether she still has plans to end my life by surprise, regardless, I’m very much happy where I’m at.”

Jack could relate to what he’s saying. He completely understood his position and what he had to deal with for a long time. More notably, being married to one of the most hated woman in existence and tortured emotionally would drive a man to suicide. Yet he didn’t, despite being mentally broken for decades, he kept going. If it wasn’t for his daughter, then Jack knew all too well that Leon would ultimately succumb to his depression; like he has, twice.

“Say, Leon. Samantha, what was she like before you got to know, well, the real her?”

Leon moaned, and didn’t say anything. Jack sighed, and didn’t bother to follow up his question. Rather, to not force it out of him, he reverted back to the original topic of practice fighting.

“Hey, will you also teach me some stuff today too?”

Leon chuckled, “maybe, that depends on how your body will react.”

“Say what?”

“Yup, I’ll try to awaken some of that darkness inside of you. You know, the power that Mallory girl aids you with whenever you are cornered.”

Jack leaned his head forward, and appeared nervous, yet excited.

“Oh shit… I think I’m starting to shake.”

“It’s okay to be. Although, tell me, when you allowed her to control your body, were you conscious?”

Jack shook his head, “never. I’d always flash back into consciousness when things settled. Sadly, my body would either be bruised, broken, or I would vomit uncontrollably. So I have no idea how it works because she would do all the work.”

This intrigued Leon. Rather his curiosity began to surge, and made him think of ways to summon this power out of Jack. After a quick session with his daughter, he wanted to test the waters with him and see if he could bring it out. Would it react with danger? His life coming close to an end? Perhaps something cliched like emotion? Possibly forcing the girl to come out to explain it further. But as Jack said, the girl’s no longer inside him. Instead, to Leon’s knowledge and not Jack, she did leave behind more than that darkness dormant in his soul. Leon sensed the scar on his face had her life essence embedded into his skin.

Whoever this Mallory girl is, she’s keen on keeping this young man alive. She may appear dangerous, aloof, but quite intelligent. I want to meet her someday. Leon thought.

“Whatever the case may be, Jack Samr. I will find a way to help you tap into that power so you don’t have to rely so much on her.” Leon said.

Jack wasn’t so sure. He let out a grunt, and crossed his arms.

“With due respect, sir, but I doubt any of you people can help me. Sure, you did give me a boost to tap into it, but I have yet to use it. Even in the case of that one Witch cultist who beat me to a pulp, I still wasn’t able to activate it.”

“Don’t doubt yourself, young man. You’ve gone through a lot, more than any normal person has. And for someone like you, to say the things that are coming out your mouth is upsetting to me.”

Leon went up to Jack, and grabbed the collar of his shirt, surprising him.

“If there’s anything that I loathe more in this world besides the woman I just left… that would be, weakness.”

Jack’s eyes quivered.

“You are not weak, Jack. Enough of self doubt, but it’s understandable as to why you feel this way. But you’ve been gifted, and by damn, take advantage of it, and use it when you can to not only help yourself…”

Leon put one arm over Jack’s shoulder to point at his front door.

“...but to help someone you deeply care about, like my daughter.”

Jack gasped, but in return, smiled to Leon’s rough enthusiasm.

“You know, Sarah’s lucky to have a living father like you.”

Leon let go upon hearing that, and remembered the flashing memory of Jack’s parents being killed in front of his innocent eyes. The screams, the shouting, the tears coming out his mothers eyes to his father who did everything he could to save his family; it struck a sense of humbleness within Leon. He’s grateful for being a powerful individual, but not for his old driven ego, but to protect the most precious person in his life; His daughter Sarah. Yet the same couldn’t be said about Jack’s instance since he lived a life of normality up until the nightmare he saw in the boy's memories of Mallory.

Jack put his hand forward, and grabbed Leon’s hand, shaking it.

“I’ve come a long way, sir. From a damaged kid, to an edgy brute of a teenager, and now reaching the first steps of adulthood, I have high hopes for my future.”

Leon grinned, and tapped the side of Jack’s arm, but saw Jack’s eyes transition to determination, which sparked an expression of shock yet amazement to Leon’s face.

“But in order for my future to have the hope intact, I must overcome the path of your wife, overcome William to ultimately—”

Jack gripped Leon’s hand, and Leon can feel his confidence squeezing it to death.

“—conclude this supernatural nonsense, and finally deal with that doctor and his stupid big oaf partner who were the introduction to this madness.”

Leon smiled, and let go of Jack’s hand.

“And I know you’ll find a way to reach that end. If you can overcome the likes of them, then there’s no doubt, Jack Samr, that you’ll overcome any obstacle put in your path.”

With the two smiling, and Jack feeling better about himself, they heard some paper bags rustling, as if someone was struggling to fix them in position. Jack saw who was at the gate, and his face straightened. Seeing his straight face made Leon look over his shoulder to see who it was. Once his eyes laid on the person making the paper ruckus, it was his ex-wife Samantha who happened to be paused at the gate. She had a deep frown on her face, her outfit told the world that she’s mourning a loss of some sort; despite looking blue, she still had courage to let out a half grin towards them. Leon felt his chest get heavy, but looked away. Jack walked past him, and tried to tell her with his hands if she needed help. She declined and walked through, carrying the two heavy grocery paper bags in her tiny arms.

“Are you sure?” Jack asked.

Samantha gently nodded, and kept walking. Leon can hear the heels of her shoes chipping the concrete pathway as she grew closer to his vicinity. He balled his fists, and ground his teeth, fighting the urge to not say anything or even look at her. She carefully walked past them, and didn’t bother to get her ex-husbands attention. Leon couldn’t contain himself, and gave in to at least check if things were fine. Though, quickly he thought, why?

He turned to where she was prepared to reach the steps, and seeing her struggle almost made him lung into helping. He stopped with just one foot forward, and slowly opened his mouth with a serious face.

“Hey!” he shouted, which spooked Jack and made Samantha jump.

She almost dropped one bag but quickly repostured herself. She clung onto them as she looked over her shoulder to Leon. Her adoring, sad facial expression really did a toll on Leon’s emotions, but he kept fighting, and stayed calm.

“You okay?” he said in a gentle tone.

Hearing the concern in his voice made Samantha lightly blush, and softly blink. She only replied with a hum, to which Leon responded with a frown.

“How have you been, Samantha?” he asked with a more serious tone.

Her mouth mildly opened, but she responded with quick rapid nods, and looked forward. A line formed between his eyes, and he took another step forward.

“You need help?”

She shook her head, and walked up the steps and eventually, walked inside. Leon’s eyebrows slanted as he watched her close the door behind her. Jack found his reaction and interaction relatable, which spilled out words he thought he’d never say to anyone else.

“You still care, despite how you feel about her, right?”

The corners of Leon’s lips grew downwards, yet understood why Jack asked him such a question.

“You say that because of that girl?” Leon said.

Jack chuckled. “Yeah, despite what she did to me in the past, somehow, I really do care about that—bitch.”

Leon’s eyes glistened, and he couldn’t help but laugh yet fight back tears.

“You and me both, Jack.” he muttered.

Inside the house, as Samantha was setting down the grocery bags on the countertop in her kitchen, she couldn’t resist but to hurry to the front door. She peaked through the curtains to watch Leon and Jack laughing together. Seeing her ex-husband smile again did a toll on her cold heart, but having grown a confused smile. It’s been awhile since she’s seen an open mouth smile from him. As she kept her eyes on them for a little longer, and facing back forward, her daughter happened to just come down the stairs. Sarah paused three steps before reaching the bottom. Both her mother and herself had a silent yet intense stare contest. Adequately, her mother chose to say nothing, and proceeded to take a couple steps forward until Sarah smacked the wall beside her to stop her.

“Mother…” she said as she came down, touching the smooth wood floor. “...why haven’t you told me?”

Samantha’s sadness and anger lingered off her face as she took another step forward, but Sarah quickly got in her way. Samantha averted her sunken eyes, and smacked her teeth, but couldn’t resist answering her flesh and blood.

“Told you what, Sarah?”

“That you and dad have been split for two months.”

She sounded annoyed, upset, but just as sad as the first two emotions. Sarah’s eyebrows knitted while she tried her best from shaking uncontrollably.

“All this time, and you didn’t tell me that you two were divorced. Why? How could you keep that from me?”

Samantha’s face turned still, and she brought her gaze back to her daughters' shaking eyes.

“That is not your business to know. That’s between your father and I.’

“Huh…? Not my business?”

Sarah gently brought the tips of her fingers to her chest, gasping for air.

“I’m your daughter for Peets sake. I should know, and I’m old enough to understand, mother.”

“Sarah, do me a favour, stop talking, go spend time with your father and we can talk about it later.”

Samantha took one more step forward, and surprisingly, Sarah put her arm out, making contact with her chest. Never has Sarah rebelled to this extent, and in a sense, it felt reminiscent of herself.

“Sarah, my loving daughter… please remove your arm so I can—”

“Walk away when being cornered by a question you can’t answer?”

Samantha can feel Sarah’s anger rise, which in turn raises her own emotions. She fought her lip muscles to show her daughter that she’s growing annoyed as well.

“I’m done being put to the side and having put on red about everything. I want to know the truth about what's going on, Samantha.”

Being called by her name by someone she created, loved, nurtured triggered her anger to release out of her breath. Her eyes quaked as she eerily brought back her gaze to Sarah’s growling face.

“Is it Samantha… or are you Aby…zou!”

“Shut up…” Samantha murmured.

“You’re Abyzou aren’t you!”

“Stop…”

“You’re behind all this madness, the one inflicting pain on not only my dad, but on my close friend Jack—and undoubtedly… me!”

“Shut up.”

“No! I’m done, answer me… Abyzou!”

“SHUT UP!”

Samantha smacked Sarah’s arm away, and got in her face.

“Shut up, shut… up! Shut up.”

Sarah knit her brows, and deeply frowned.

“When you’re angry, I’m angry, girl! So do both of us a favour and shut… the hell—up!”

Sarah ground her teeth, and leaned her face into her mothers.

“Or what?” she growled.

Samantha did the same, but more menacingly and struck some fear into Sarah.

“Or else the both of us will do more harm than you can never imagine, S-a-r-a-h.”

Sarah wiped her anger away, and brought out an expression of concern.

“Who really are you?”

Samantha did the same, but kept her eyebrows knitted.

“Ask yourself that while looking in the mirror, S-a-r-a-h.”

Samantha stepped back, and walked past her daughter. Sarah looked over her shoulder before her mother could disappear into the kitchen again.

“You know, I can’t blame dad for leaving you.”

Samantha abruptly paused, and grabbed the column of the kitchen entrance.

“If I were in his shoes, I’d also leave a spouse who's been nothing but an over controlling, sick minded, untrustworthy, cruel… bitch.”

Samantha abruptly turned her head over her shoulder, and Sarah clenched her fist. Her eyes were glinted as well as her daughters.

“Get out… and I’ll see you later.” Samantha said in a cold yet terrifying tone.

Sarah repeatedly shook her head, and also expressed the same menacing anger her mother was showing. She showed her teeth as she walked backwards to the door, and before leaving, she wanted to say one last thing.

“I don't think that's happening. Maybe leaving you alone to wallow in your shame and guilt should emphasize your averting actions.”

Samantha’s anger shot away, and sorrow coursed throughout her body. Sarah also shared the same feeling, and almost broke down in tears.

“What Mandy has told me is starting to speak some truth; that you are a cruel manipulative woman, and I hope being alone can help open your eyes to who’ve you always been, Samantha, Abyzou… whoever you are!”

Sarah carefully opened the door behind her, and put one foot out. Samantha’s face went still one last time, and she raised her hand in a creepy manner, gently waving goodbye to her daughter as she shut the door behind her. Samantha was alone, and couldn’t contain her anger anymore. Her thin smile appeared, and she dragged one hand across her face, digging her nails into her skin. She pierced her precious skin, crimson crept out of her fresh new drag marks, gliding down throughout her face.

“Mandy… Mandy. You’ll soon feel my wrath. You’ll hear my wistful thoughts! And lastly, as I get to see your sour face before I end you…”

Samantha’s wounds squished back together, and she let out a sinister giggle.

“...I’ll scorn you one last time before you wither away by the very light that you fear, MANDY!”

***

After a two hour drive with dawn slowly approaching, the three have arrived at a nice landscape. They parked at the side of the road, without a building in sight. Sarah was the first to hop out. She spread her arms out, letting the fresh countryside winds blow across her body. Jack also stepped out as well as Leon. The two looked around, and enjoyed the nice scenery. It was a wide landscape with a nice thick forest to the side. Sarah spun around, and frolocked on the semi tall grass. Jack smiled as he watched her enjoy herself with the very nature she cherished. Leon printed this scene into his mind, and took his phone out. He took a picture and nodded. Jack raised his eyebrows when he saw him do that, surprised that someone like him would cherish it with a modern device.

“Look at you, being a happy father, Leon.” Jack said as he walked to the other side of the car.

Leon did as well, and joined Jack to stand by his side.

“Hmph, knowing that I’ll grow old and turn to dust near the end of my life, this device will forever hold this scene.”

“That’s until it breaks, sir.”

“It’s called printing, boy.”

“Shit…”

The two chuckled and walked into the grass while Sarah kept spinning away from them.

“Did she always move like a ballerina?” Jack said.

Leon tapped his chin, “if I remember correctly, I believe she did when she was younger. She was always into dancing, especially when nature was at its primes.”

“When’s that?”

Leon rolled his eyes. “Did they teach you anything in school?”

“Dude, you looked into my memories. You should know that I was forced to leave in fifth grade.”

“You should still know what times of the year that nature shones at its finest!”

“Re-Relax… I’m thinking.”

The young man gazed at the sky turning grey. He glanced at the cold dyed green grass, the chilly breeze frosting his face, and shifted his head to the forest. Seeing the leaves fall, turn from green to crumbling brown crumbs finally clicked his mind.

“Oh! One of them is fall, the start of it.”

Leon rolled his hand, “go on, the last?”

Jack tapped his foot, and leaped forward, picking up a dead flower.

“Spring!”

“Finally, your brain functioned besides being in danger.”

While the two stood still, and Sarah kept dancing away, they heard sonic booms which put an end to their silence. Everyone gazed at the sky, and heard jets coming their way, and zoomed past their heads.

“Damn, so much for peace. Looks like the military's doing drill practices.” Jack said.

Leon squinted his eyes as more jets flew over, and one stood out amongst the rest. It was coming faster than the speed of sound, and once zoomed past, it almost brought Jack to fall face first on the ground.

“Something isn’t right.” Leon muttered. “Why would they begin practices out here, and in state?” he said.

Jack regained his footing, and drilled into his ear canal.

“Beats me. Damn, I almost got death there.”

A barrage of helicopters, shaped in a v formation, flew over eventually. Leon still found it strange that they were doing these types of practices in the state of Michigan. He understood their fear of the supernatural, but testing the new weaponry that has a mysterious flow of mana to be tested out here? It raised so much suspicion in Leon that he wanted to leave the area immediately.

“We better hurry and get out of here before they begin,” he said.

Even Jack questioned the amount of ruckus beginning to overwhelm the once peaceful sounding nature around them. More came flying by, warping the air, the flow of mana sent tingles all over Leon’s body. Sarah stopped dancing to also see why there’s so much commotion. While watching the last of what seemed to be black hawk helicopters flying overhead, Leon sensed a greater surge of mana coming from above the atmosphere. He brought his gaze, squinted his eyes, focusing on the strange flow of energy. Once he could see past the clouds and earth's magnetosphere, flying above them was a nuclear powered military jet. Its wings look very alien-like. He only knew one such aircraft the military could possess that appeared out of science fiction.

“A B-21 bomber?”

Not only could he sense the nuclear fission happening in its powered core, but also a giant surge of unknown mana.

“Just what the hell are they planning with that? How were they able to combine such equipment and enhance it to this degree?”

Sarah went up to her father, and tapped his arm.

“Dad, do you sense that too?” she said.

Her father didn’t respond as he was dead, focused on the bomber invisible to every person's eyes and highest military detection systems.

“I think we should train outside of this dimension,” he said.

Sarah agreed, and tried to summon her dimension, but he stopped her, putting his hand out. His dimension opened up, and he indicated for the two to walk in. Sarah sighed as she did, but Jack was the first to go inside. She wanted to take one more look at the landscape she was hoping to spar in with normal hand combat.

“Just when I thought I’d at least spend time with nature.”

Her eyes sunk, and she clenched her fists.

“Today sure has been shitty…” she muttered.

She went in, and Leon stayed behind to see if anything else might surprise them. The noise of fighter jets finally faded out along with the helicopters. He scanned the area one last time, and concluded they were at last, alone. He carefully stepped in, and tapped his foot on the ground. The portal vanished, and far out from the other side of the landscape, a military van picked up his surge of mana. The lieutenant was present, and couldn’t help but express his self gratification for his equipment. Other military men were also present in the huge van, they radioed the general, and he happened to be coming his way with a brigade of those new mana infested tanks, cougars, buffalo H’s, m88 hercules, and an oversized M270 MLRS. Behind them were those mysterious looking new military vehicles that were too futuristic to describe.

“Now what? Rookie?” General Shannon radioed.

The lieutenant let out a gasp of excitement, and trembled with excitement as his mana detection seeking device kept alerting the presence of Leon inside his dimension.

“See, what did I tell you?” he chuckled, “now, we wait, General.”

He knit his brows, and a vile smile came out.

“You’re mine, Bolverkr, the destroyer, hehehe.”

Inside the dimension, Sarah quickly grew her distance, and immediately got ready to fight. Leon’s surprised she’s this keen on training, but he could see she appeared angry.

“Looks like she wants to release some stress. Can’t be helped.”

Leon shut his eyes for a moment while cracking his neck, but the second his eyes reopened, she was already in his face. He blocked her tiny fist with his forearm. This sent Jack flying away as their skins made contact.

Jack rolled and angrily stood up, turning in their direction.

“HEY! Next time let a guy know, Sarah!”

Leon could feel the surge of anger vibrating against his arm.

“Sarah, are you alright?” he asked.

Sarah frowned, and powered up. The heat of her aura felt more intense than before, and began to affect Leon’s arm. He let out one yell, which pushed her away. She landed on her feet, and shot a blast of mana in his direction. He deflected it, but she was already behind him. His eyes grew wide, and he ducked as her leg brushed against the tips of his hair.

She’s angry, very, angry. Leon thought.

He vanished and Sarah gasped. He stood thirty feet from her, and looked more serious than usual. Sarah gently landed on her feet, and twitched an eye. Again, her aura grew more, but Leon could also feel her heart ache. He could see her eyes sinking, tears coming out of them, and when she slowly ground her teeth, she looked ready to explode. Leon wiped his serious expression, and instead grew worried for his daughter's state of mind.

Sarah brought her arms inward, and fought her tears.

“Today’s been nothing more than a wake up call… a new feeling I haven’t felt since fighting that girl in white.” she muttered.

Sarah’s mind fogged as she heard the echoes of Archard, Mandy, and others telling her how much she represents evil. Indentical to being the most vile woman to exist, and seeing it first hand, but a glimpse of it had Sarah grow enough of the situation put in her hand. Forced to deal with the Sins of her mother, whom she thought was sweet and perfect turned out to be what others described in the course of months. She’s had enough, and Sarah’s self identification made her growl, and feel as if she shouldn’t exist.

““What am I? What did she mean? What did Mandy mean?! All of them!”

Leon could see her body tremble as she was starting to lose control of her mana. His dimension changed colours rapidly behind Sarah as she kept fighting her emotions. Leon can sense more than her mana ready to explode, rather something far beyond that.

“Sarah! Relax!” Leon shouted.

Sarah exploded her arms out to the sides and balled her fists.

“WHAT AM I?!”

Sarah’s sudden cry rippled Leon’s world, and started shattering it. Her aura grew so intense that Jack himself began to be ripped away from existence despite being far from them. Leon knew the situation would escalate more than here and flew to his daughter. He collided against her magma aura, but he was stopped by it, which surprised him.

“Sarah! Stop!” he shouted.

She kept yelling, her tears continuously being evaporated by the heat of her power. Leon had no choice but to use a small percentage of mana to push forward. His eyes quickly blinked, and he was able to break in, but again, he was stopped before he could reach his daughter. Being a few feet from her as she let out her frustrations, letting not only him and Jack, but the outside world hear her sorrow. She’s had it, and having the military disrupt her moment of peace and alone time with her father was the tipping of the iceberg to be broken off. Leon can’t stand to look at his daughter this way, it shattered his heart and gave him a shot of guilt.

“Please, Sarah! You’ll expose yourself to them all!” he shouted again.

She wouldn’t listen, and Leon could see not only her mana grow, but the golden light started to flicker around her body. The combination of the two, seeing a glimpse right now, not knowing the consequences scared Leon. Leon screamed, pushing, stepping, stomping his way into her vicinity. The golden light flashed, and streams of golden dust particles zig zagged out of her body. Leon can’t allow such a catastrophe in the making happen, especially given that his daughter’s the source of it. His world crumbled away, vibrated, Jack was almost gone until Leon decided that it’s enough. His mana exploded out of his body for just one second, breaking them back into reality. Everything flashed to white for a brief second, and Sarah was put to a stop once she felt her fathers grip on her tiny arm.

“Fa-Father…” she mumbled.

She almost fainted, but her father quickly got her before she could.

“Damn it, Sarah.” he said while holding her shoulders.

Sarah blinked rapidly, but tears kept coming out as she stared at her fathers' forehead and bangs.

“I’m sorry…” she said.

Leon shook his head, and begged his body to stop being so cowardly. He wanted to hold her, comfort her in her rough moment for her mental being. Instead, he shut his eyes, and bumped heads with her, which made her gasp.

“Don’t you ever react that way, Sarah.”

Sarah gently put one hand on his arm, and quietly whimpered.

“If you lost control of yourself, you’d not only put yourself in danger, but those closest to you.”

Leon lowered his head, and ground his teeth.

“Just like I have…” he murmured.

He let off, and let out a sigh, but as he reopened his eyes, they grew exponentially wide. His face turned blanched, and he was speechless. Jack tried to comprehend what just happened a moment ago, but he’s too busy being caught on to what’s happening around them.

“Hey hey hey! Were… were fucking surrounded Leon!” Jack shouted.

Sarah quickly turned over her shoulder, and she also began to panic. Leon’s eyes quivered as he held Sarah’s small shoulders. He quickly put her behind him, and stood in front.

“What’s the meaning of this?” Leon asked.

The three were completely surrounded by a huge mile radius of military vehicles and soilders on the ground with mounted artillery and machine guns. They were three small ants compared to what’s around them. Leon’s teeth clattered, as he balled one fist. Jack stood in front of Sarah, and did the same.

“What the hell do we do? What the hell's going on?!”

“I-I don’t know. Whatever this is, I hope to mother earth we don’t have to engage in combat with these guys.” Leon said.

I knew we should’ve left the moment we saw the helicopter convoy. Leon thought.

Sarah grabbed Jack’s hand, and also got serious.

“We might have to use mana to get—”

“No… that’s exactly what they expect us to do, Sarah!” Leon exclaimed.

Leon took a step forward, and found a mysterious source of energy coming from the frontline ahead of him.

“There’s an abnormality amongst their group,” he said.

Both young adults wondered what he meant by that.

“Wait, I think I’ve also sensed this same thing before.” she replied.

Sarah squinted her eyes, and saw a familiar hat in the distance.

“It’s that creepy guy! The one who was parading as they showcased their equipment downtown a couple days ago.”

Sarah pointed in the direction, and Jack hovered his hand over his eyes to see.

“You’re right, it is that dude.”

Leon told the military with his body language that he wanted no fight by putting his arms out to his sides. He also expressed with his eyes a reason as to why they’re here. He saw a modern military jeep drive out, and come their way, but stopped half a mile. He could see the strange man, and what he suspects to be the leader of the division. He stood up from his seat, and put a megaphone to his mouth.

“I am General Shannon of the U.S Marines. Surrender yourself, Leon Bolverkr or else face the consequences of your actions.”

“Huh?” Leon raised a brow, and his face appeared annoyed. “What are you talking about!”

“You heard me correctly, Mr. Leon. We don’t want this to turn into something fiction again.”

“For what?! Of what suspicion do you have of me to go to this extent?! I’m just a fucking businessman who pays his taxes!”

General Shannon sighed. “That’s obviously not true. We have proof of you being one of those supernatural monster people. And just now, we witnessed your little party trick a moment ago.”

Leon’s jaw dropped, and sweat grew from his face. Sarah’s eyes sagged as she slowly covered her mouth. The consequences of her reckless behaviour has not only revealed and exposed them to a new foe, but to be a demonstration to what's to come for people like them. Her pupils dilated, and her face grew blanched as she trickled a faint breath of regret, and felt responsible for her father being their main target.

“It’s my fault…” she muttered.