“So, that’s what you have decided?” William said.

His screen was dark, and seeing the pale arms emerge out of the blackhole, turned his insides with disgust.

“You actually thought the best course of action was to end all of reality? The very infinite universe God created, and just for the sake of your identity being seen by the naked eye: Made you think you had no other choice? Pity…”

William raised his cane, and slammed the tip of it on the ground.

“And now look at you, alone in darkness, mourning, filled with envy and sorrow. Hmph.”

Archard ran to his master to wonder what was going on. He felt his anger rising so he quickly came to check up on him.

“Sir William, is everything al—?”

Archard saw the remnants of his past reaching out, and heard the cry that had shattered his manhood.

“Aby-Aby—zou…”

William kept his straight face, and let out a sigh.

“She destroyed the universe, and now she’s trying to create another one. But, I won’t allow that, it’s not in God’s plan.”

Archard ground his teeth, and began to clench a fist.

“Aby…zou.”

“Relax, my friend. I’ll take care of this.”

“Why, why would she destroy everything?! What brought this idea to her wicked mind!”

William smacked his cane against his palm.

“For her, there was no other choice, rather, did she do it on purpose?”

“What does that mean?”

William started pacing while smacking his cane against his palm.

“First you hide yourself from me, then you start disrupting our world, and now, you destroy it. Are you trying to seek your judgement?” he said.

Archard squinted his eyes at the screen.

“We need to punish her now! We must put an end to her treachery, sir!”

William stopped, and furrowed his brows.

“I believe that's what she intends for me to do: a rightful judgment for a reality breaking criminal like her.”

“Then let us go! We shall destroy her at once and bring forth her judgment!”

William shook his head.

“Not yet, we mustn't.”

Archard growled, and turned to William, looking disappointed.

“Huh?! Why! This is the perfect opportunity for us to go and destroy that wretched woman.”

“God has already spoken to me about this. Her judgement will come, but as of now, all he wants me to do is fix what she had caused, and see where the story goes.”

“Sir, sir William!”

“Enough, Archard. Don’t question God’s authority, for he sees something greater cometh for the woman known by two names: The Witch of Envy, Abyzou, and the sweet gentle yet twisted Samantha.”

“Sweet… gentle?” Archard growled. “That wicked Witch is a no good two faced bitch!”

“Archard, language! You stupid buffoon. Relax your temper, and if I find you questioning the might of God, so help me I’ll lay the deserving punishment you also deserve for your repulsive sins!”

Archard backed off, and moaned.

“So-Sorry…”

William sighed and scratched his head.

“What a mess, really. All of this, is rather, glorified stupidity made by a bunch of reckless fools.”

He turned to his partner, and squinted.

“Even my friend here has a mark amongst this unfortunate turn of events.”

Archard felt ashamed, and kneeled down, asking for forgiveness.

“I really am getting too old for this.” William said.

Feeling the burdens of everyone’s sins on his shoulders, William returned to the screen, and watched as Abyzou crawled out of the blackhole, and began creating a new world.

“Not on my watch, you won’t.”

William pointed his finger at the screen, flicked it, and another big bang explosion occurred. The explosion was a million times brighter, and more powerful. Once the screen was done flashing, the whole universe was back to normal. Stars were stars, galaxies were galaxies, God’s creation was returned just the way William has seen it before and after destruction. To William, this was the second time he had to bring the universe back together. The last time he had to do it, it was worse than the event occurring. It brought him back to the past, and he saw the demon that roared and resisted his might, but also, doing its best to match him. In the end, William won the battle with minor scratches, and remembering that scene made him scowl.

“I loathe such events. I loathe all of this, but God has already told me that this is all in his plan.”

William placed his palm against his face, and knit his brows.

“But why must I always be the one to be in the middle of your doings, God.”

Taking his hand off, William watched as everything was back to normal, and all of the events that had unfolded were never acted accordingly.

“Samantha, we will soon meet, and I’ll also see the Sin of Envy to enact your judgement. With more mistakes, as God intended, our meeting will build up to your last…”

William took a deep breath, and rubbed his eyes.

“... and hopefully it’ll be the end of all of this. Goodness, I need a nap.”

William summoned his chair, and crashed on it. The burdens had him looking sad, tired, and worried.

“Archard, do try to calm your anger please. As for me, I’m going to take a nap.”

Before shutting his eyes, he looked at the screen one more time, and saw Jack resting on a couch in a dark fire lit place setting.

“I’m going to turn off the screen, but in the meantime, Jack Samr, please, just stay alive boy.”

William snapped his fingers and the screen shut off. He shut his eyes, and fell asleep.

Archard was looking at his master napping, and clenched his fist again.

“You say I shouldn’t defy God’s plans, but Sir…”

A tear came out his eye.

“...you’re the God I believe to be. This being you say you speak and see, the true higher power is no more than just empty words coming out of your mouth.”

Archard also summoned a chair to rest.

“Sir William H. Christ, no matter what you seem to believe, in everyone's eyes…”

Archard reached out to his master, his friend, and the person whom he worships.

“... you are our—God.”

Archard grinned, and began to fall asleep as well. The two quietly rested while the screen mysteriously came back on. Jack was on it, tossing and turning, and seeming to have a nightmare. William’s dimension went red for a moment, and rose petals drifted from nowhere to lay on the ground near William’s feet.

“It’s time to wake up, Jack Samr.” the soothing gentle voice of a woman said.

Jack’s eyes exploded open, and he shot up, clutching his head.

“Sa…rah…” he murmured.

He frantically breathed and lowered his arms. He glanced around and found himself in an eerie yet nice library office setting. A fireplace was lit beside, and once he faced forward, he saw Samantha seated on a chair, and she was patting someone. A body lay on an odd stone structure, and Jack quickly realised the body belonged to Leon. He remembered his last memory and it was of Samantha letting out the most putrid heartbroken cry while holding Leon in her arms. He tried getting off the couch he was lying on, but a headache kept him in place. He groaned, and squinted his eyes, but also saw something else that was similar. Laying beside Leon’s hand was Mandy’s glasses, which made his eyes shake.

“No…”

Samantha heard his voice, and turned over her shoulder. Jack saw her eyes sunken, swelled, and never has he seen her in such a pitiful state.

“You’re awake, Jack.” she said.

She sounded innocent, hurt, and for the first time, vulnerable. Jack frowned and grabbed his head.

This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

“Samantha, where am I?”

She turned her body halfway, and rested her hand on Leon’s lifeless arm.

“You’re in my home, but we’re inside Leon’s office, a place he would always privately shut the world off: So he can let out his true emotions.”

Jack didn’t see Leon’s body move once, not even his chest showed any movements.

“Samantha, is Leon really—”

“Dead?” she replied, turning back to see his cold face.

“Yes…”

Jack wanted to cry, but fought the emotion.

“I’m… sorry.”

She gently put her small hand against his cold cheek, and rubbed it.

“Jack, you had no fault in his demise.”

Her eyes quivered, and she reached for his head, lifting it to bump heads.

“Everything is my wrong doing, Jack.”

“How? I-I let Sarah get kidnapped, I failed the both of you! To Leon!”

Sarah let out a tear, but Jack didn’t see it.

“Stop it Jack… it-it was all my fault.”

Jack was surprised to hear Samantha take blame, and in respect didn’t try to take the blame for even more.

“Samantha, I-I want to ask you something too.” he nervously asked.

She kissed Leon’s cold lips, and let off mildly.

“What would that be?”

Jack glanced at Mandy’s glasses, and pointed at them.

“Are-are those Mandy’s glasses?”

The crackle of the fire made Samantha’s fingers twitch, and she also glanced at their broken nature. She nodded, and gently placed Leon’s head back down. She reached for the glasses, and rubbed the tips of her fingers on them.

“They are, Jack.”

Jack swallowed, and scrunched his eyes.

“So that means you…?”

Samantha sadly grinned, and paused.

“Yes, I killed her.”

Jack felt his soul leave his body, and dropped his hand.

“And Linnea?”

“I also took her life, Jack.”

Jack couldn’t retain his emotions and sniffed, covering his eyes.

“I’m sorry, Jack. I had no other choice.”

She turned to the young man who quietly let out his sadness.

“Because I’m a terrible person, remember?”

Jack wiped his eyes, and sniffed again.

“What a real shit show.” he said while letting out a nervous chuckle.

Samantha went back to patting Leon, and went quiet.

“I-I don’t even know what to do at this point,” he said.

The young man reached for his gun, and stared at it. He gripped it tightly and smeared his lips.

“Maybe killing myself would be a better option,” he murmured.

Samantha massaged Leon’s hand while ruffling his hair. Seeing her this sad and vulnerable, Jack thought about shooting her, giving him a chance and doing the world a favour by eliminating the current threat. But, he refrained from doing so, only for Sarah’s sake since he knows there’s a possible connection between the two. He massaged his head, and lay back on the couch, shifting his head to the crackling fire.

“I failed you all, and especially you, Sarah.”

Samantha looked over her shoulder, sensing Jack’s dread about her daughter.

“You really do care for my loving daughter? Don’t you?”

Jack slowly nodded, and deeply sighed.

“She’s all that I have at this point.”

He put his hand out to feel the heat of the fire.

“I mean, I care about my sister Angela, but question what truly is her being.”

Samantha was confused as to what he meant. Then, she remembered looking into his mind, and saw another version of her, one that reeks of envy, and anger.

“But, compared to Sarah…”

Jack genuinely smiled, and saw Sarah dancing amongst the flames.

“No ones been there at my worst more than she has been other than Anna.”

Jack felt his heart race, and as the flame figure of Sarah turned to Jack, she seductively reeled him in with her fiery finger.

“Hmph, this is a familiar feeling.”

She was consumed by the flame when he reached out, and left him hanging, but his smile stayed intact.

“Sarah doesn’t deserve any of this, especially paying the crimes for your Sins, Samantha.”

Samantha’s eyes glistened, and she grinned.

“You’re right, she doesn’t.”

Jack dropped his arm.

“And look what happened because of your past actions; some mother you are.”

Samantha felt hurt hearing that, but knew it was justified.

“Jack, you’re falling for my daughter, aren’t you?”

Jack softly blinked, and rewind time in his mind. Their reunion, her exposure, their belittling, their petty arguments, the times when she opened up and he unexpectedly did also: it turned over a new leaf for the young man, one he only felt with another being, Mallory. Although, this feeling was different than the one he feels for Mallory; this sentiment made him feel vulnerable, scared, sad, yet happy.

“Whatever the meaning is behind your statement, if it means liking Sarah more than a friend and understanding the concept of love: I agree.”

Samantha’s eyes shook and her grin grew more happier.

“Then what’s next for you? Young man.”

Jack put his arm down, and sat up again. He emptied his handgun, and cocked back the pistol. Once the chambered round ejected, he caught it, and rotated it in front of his glinting eyes.

“Do whatever it takes to get her back, no matter the odds.”

Jack got up from the couch, and clenched a fist.

“The odds are always stacked against me, but somehow, someway, I always find a way through my mess; even if it means me meeting death's door at every turn.”

Crimson drew, and he shook his head while chuckling.

“Compared to you all, I’m nothing but an ant, but that doesn’t stop me from facing you monsters.”

Samantha also stood up while holding Leon’s hand.

“Then, for now, Jack, while I figure a way of bringing back my Leon, you stay low.”

“Wait? You can bring him back.”

Samantha glanced at him, and nodded.

“His soul still hasn’t left this earth. He’s not sure whether he wants to go into purgatory or remain a wandering spirit: a spirit lost and filled with regret and despair.”

Jack felt a sense of hope hearing that. It made him muster some lost courage, and face Samantha eye to eye.

“Just cause I’m talking with you normally, it doesn’t mean I still have a sense of defeating you, Samantha.”

Samantha didn’t argue with Jack’s statement.

“You don’t have to worry about that. I’ll face my judgement, soon.”

She grabbed Leon’s hand, and held it.

“I’ll do my best to bring Leon back to life, in the meantime, while you lay low, find a clue as to where my daughter could be.”

Jack grunted.

“Easier said than done. But I have something to ask.”

“Ask away.”

Jack rubbed his face, and placed his hands on his hips.

“What made you become the person that you are today?”

Samantha paused, and trickled out a gasp.

“For what reason could justify your behaviour? And the reason I ask this is, well, I know as cruel as you are, deep down, you’re a caring person.”

Samantha gripped Leon’s hand.

“What brings this odd assumption towards me?”

Jack carefully walked to the shattered glasses, and carefully reached for them.

“Mandy's glasses.”

Samantha didn’t look nor say another word.

“You didn’t want to kill her, didn’t you?”

Samantha let go of Leon’s hand, and shifted her head to Jack.

“Hmph…”

“Those two didn’t deserve to die, and you knew it.”

“Yeah, I did know.”

She tilted her head as it hung in shame.

“My actions justify who I am: A cruel, cold woman who gets easily jealous by the actions of others that I find a threat.”

“And Mandy was the greatest threat to? Which is why you have her glasses.”

Samantha took the glasses from Jack, and smiled at them.

“Mhm. I really… envied Mandy.”

Jack felt the hurt in Samantha’s voice. It made him frown again, but it didn’t erase the anger he has for Samantha.

“Well, whatever mindset you have that makes you think that way, one things for sure—”

Jack nervously put his hand on her shoulder, which surprised her.

“I’m glad Sarah didn’t turn out to be like you.”

Samantha blinked a couple of times, and smiled, slapping his hand off her shoulder.

“Go now before you anger me, young man.”

She walked backwards to be near Leon’s face.

“Once Leon returns to us, if he allows me, then you two are going to bring back my loving joy of life.”

She squinted her eyes, and her thin smile came back to force Jack to retreat.

“We’ll be having one last meeting before his resurrection, Jack Samr: I’ll reveal everything about what this world hides and in detail. Go now, and see if you can get anything for my baby.”

Jack deeply sighed.

“The shit I have to go through, man it sucks to be me.”

Jack walked away, and up the stairs. Samantha heard the door shut, and she went back to pampering Leon’s lifeless corpse.

“What are you doing wandering around, my Leon.” she said.

She leaned forward, and nudged her nose with his.

“Unless you aren’t ready to move on, then I’ll break the most important rule known to man…”

She kissed him, and smiled.

“...bring the dead back to life. If I do bring you back, darling, then the great William would have no choice but to ensure my punishment.”

Her eyes glistened and shook.

“And you’ll finally get your wish, Leon.”

She nudged his nose again, and clutched his hand.

I already wiped our universe out, and before became one with it: This is my last straw, and I’m willing to draw it just for you, and for Sarah. She thought.

With the fire still crackling, and amongst the ambience of silence, Samantha thought of anything else she can do before bringing Leon back to life: Once she does, God will send William down from the heavens and take her life. She’s aware that he already knows of her destruction, so she begins thinking of anything else to do before her judgement will be set in stone.

Will I be able to do so without being noticed? She wondered

Whatever repercussions came, she’s ready to face her Sins. She lay her head beside his, and rubbed the tips of her fingers on his stiff chest.

***

Outside Samantha’s home, Jack was just leaving the premises. Having his hands tucked in his pockets, he walked to the left in the direction to his home. Not even making a block down the sidewalk, he saw Annabelle of all people making her way up the street. He paused, and felt a sense of relief and joy. He raised his hand, and she spotted him too, raising hers and waved. She ran up to him and stopped a foot from him with a grin on her face.

“Oh? If I had to guess, you were just at the little goth girl’s home, weren’t you?” she snickered.

Jack also grinned and nodded.

“You guessed right, my friend.”

She put her fists on her hips, and wiggled a finger.

“Uh huh! It seems you two are growing much closer than I assumed.”

“Wait, you predicted this?”

She gripped her chin, and snickered some more.

“Well duh! Why wouldn’t I?! I mean, you guys are always either hanging out or calling each other!”

She waved her finger and leaned forward.

“Tsk tsk, Jack Samr is finally understanding what it means to like somebody more than just an acquaintance.”

Jack took offense to that, and squinted his eyes.

“What do you mean by that?”

“Ooo, you sound bitter! Now let me explain to you what I mean, sir cold shoulder, ah-ah-ahem!”

Anna straightened her posture, puffed her chest out, and made a mean face.

“My name is Jack Samr, and I treat everyone on an equal basis despite being close friends with them! Not only am I a dick and grew up on the wrong side of the street, I’m also a big dense idiot who can’t seem to know a hint or two. Muhaha, I am mean, haha, huehue, ha!”

Jack’s jaw dropped, and his eyes turned empty.

“Do I really sound and act that way?”

The way he asked and with his expression, it made Anna regret acting like him. She had no idea he would react so upset over her impersonation. She panicked, and leaped onto him and wrapped her arm around his tall broad shoulders.

“No-now Jack! I was just joking, no need to act so—”

Jack gently raised her arm off his shoulder, and walked away with a cloud over his shoulders, mumbling beneath his breath.

“He-Hey! Get back here, you big dunce!”

As Jack walked away in shame, Anna chased after him and tried her best to cheer him up. The two walked for two miles until they reached a town where they made a quick stop by a donut shop. Anna was able to bring life back into his dead eyes and the two were seated on a bench, reminacning of the past.

“I really offended you didn’t I?” Anna said.

Jack was staring at the cars passing, pedestrians walking by, and eventually dragged his eyes off to the sky.

“What a real shit fest…” he murmured.

“What was that?” Anna asked.

Seeing Leon’s lifeless body, and Sarah gone, Jack questioned his mental state, and hung his head. He rested his arms on his knees, and leaned forward while a dark cloud hovered over his head. Anna was worried and wondered what had caused the young man acting so bi-polar all of a sudden.

“Jack? Talk to me, you big goof.”

Jack could see Sarah’s distraught face as she was being taken away by the mysterious man with the same crimson eyes. The eerie thin smile he had, it sent anger into Jack. He balled his fists, and smacked his teeth.

“Sarah, Leon, I let you two down.” he whispered.

Anna shook Jack, but it did nothing.

“Hey hey, you’re starting to piss me off.”

Jack rubbed his head and took a breath.

“I think I have to go, Anna, I’m sorry.”

Anna pouted, and clung onto Jack.

“Your ass stays here, buddy. Now, tell me what’s gotten you acting so weird today, hagh?”

Jack’s adamant on telling Anna the truth. To keep his profile low, he quickly thought up a lie, and turned to Anna. But, seeing her bright green eyes, and clueless expression, it brought back his grin. She blinked and wondered why Jack was staring at her so googly eyed.

“Uh… Jack?”

Jack grabbed Anna’s hand, and nodded.

"You have no idea how lucky you and Veronica have it.”

Anna’s face turned still, and she began to frown.

“If you two were in my shoes, then you truly understand what I’m going through. Even then, I would rather be in these rock filled shoes and walk on them for a million miles than have my closest friends do it. The lives you have, cherish them, and I’ll be sure…”

Jack squeezed her hand, and shut his eyes.

“...To do everything in my power, and stupid mind to protect all of you.”

Anna couldn’t understand what he meant by that, but she knew exactly how he’s feeling. Remembering what he had to go through after the deaths of his parents, and the life he lives now are what led him to become the young man he is today. Despite the drastic change in character, deep down, he’s still the same naive, dense hero she remembered. She gently smiled and put her hand on his cheek, which made him open his eyes.

“Jack, whatever mental crisis you’re going through, remember, we’re here for you.”

Jack also grinned, and grabbed her hand.

“Especially me, you dense fool. I understand the hardships you’ve undergone, and whatever situation you’re experiencing now, I’m always the one to bring you back to your feet: And forever will be.”

Jack felt some confidence come back, but with so much against him, and the enemies far greater than what he can handle compared to the likes of Dr. Cato and Mathew; it’s undeniable for Jack Samr to feel so hopeless and weak. While staring into Anna’s eyes, he could see Sarah’s same stare, but with her raising a brow, and giggling. It made him mildly gasp, but chuckle.

“Is this what love could be?” he mumbled.

Anna gave Jack a side eye, and her grin grew smuggish.

“Now, seeing that you’re a little better, Jack Samr, what were you doing over at Sarah's house when the goth girl and I had plans in mind?”

Jack let go, and put his hands on her shoulders.

“Just checking up on someone I deeply care about.”

Anna giggled, and gently punched his face.

“Are you finally understanding the concept of love?! My dense friend?”

Jack’s eyes glistened and he also jammed his fist against her face.

“As of now, not really, but maybe…”

Anna smiled, and Jack lowered his hands, and let out a brief chuckle.

“...I’m starting to understand just a little bit, my old friend.”