《Symphony of Ice》


 Prologue: Are We Equal?

    This is a sudden question, but are people equal? I tend not to believe in this ridiculous statement. The truth is we are not equal. No one is equal. Well, on second thought there is an age-old debate about nurture versus nature, in which mother nature has a say in our equality. However, even in nature, birth is not equal. Some may be born with a missing limb or blind, while some may be born as genius and tall. However unfair nature is, it is true that we are equal, all equally bad at birth. We all are weak and helpless, we are all full of potential but just that potential. Living life is where we will experience the true path of inequality. While some people will experience a cozy and healthy life, some will live in the cold eating scraps. The real question is, how do you grow your potential? Life is hard, life is easy, life is life. Everyone has bad days and everyone has good days. The potential is still the same, the truth is how do you grasp your potential? The man living an easy life will feel unfulfilled, and the man living a hard life will feel weak with hunger, we all have the opportunity to grow, and no one will meet that opportunity without help. That help can be summed up in a quote, ¡°You must not be discouraged or let yourself become dejected if your actions have not succeeded as perfectly as you intended. What do you expect? We are made of clay and not every soil yields the fruits expected by the one who tills it. But let us always humble ourselves and acknowledge that we are nothing if we lack the Divine Assistance.¡± I am the divine assistance. I will make everyone equal. Either by flames or by love. The world will get to choose.


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 Chapter 1: The Demon Within

    In the country of Sz¨¦ps¨¦g, one of the twelve countries of the world, the town of Eldama existed. Eldama dotted the landscape with green and blue clay rooftops, which symbolized the only resources that Eldama had to offer, Jade and clay. Eldama located near a ravine had a wealth of clay at their disposal, making use of the clay the citizens would make the clay one of their main materials in the day to day life. Houses, pots, pans, and even more. Not to mention what any young girl would want for her birthday, toys.


    Jack is dressed in a short-sleeved, grey tunic with little wear, and some brown cloth shorts, connecting the two a small lengthened rope that acts as a belt.   Unlike most boys in this town, Jack had brand new brown boots that his parents bought for him last month, on his 14th birthday. Jack¡¯s parents gifted him an allowance to buy his sister a nice present for her 11th birthday. However, when looking in the market for a gift for her he saw a new action figure that he wanted to add to his collection. Based on the price tag he could buy both his new action figure and a doll that was off to the side. While the doll was crudely made it would still make Angel pretty happy. However, drifting into thought Jack noticed a pie on the table. His friends and him were talking the other day about pulling some pranks on the surfs. A pie would be perfect, after all, who likes getting pied in the face? The pie was a bit cheaper then the action figure which left him with the possibility of buying a better gift for Angel, or buy himself some candy. Lost in thought Jack is tapped on the shoulder. The young man who was a little short for his age, a little chubby, and a little dumb was Michael. Michael is Jack¡¯s closest friend to this point.


    ¡°Jack let''s go, I wanna get to the park before sunset so hurry up doofus.¡± Michael says.


    ¡°Ok ok¡±


    Leaving the store Jack looks back, wondering if he made the right choice as the pie and candy sit on the shelves begging the next passerby.


    .


    Angel¡¯s Point of View


    ¡°Mom why do I need to train today? It''s my birthday!¡± Angel asks in a whiney tone.


    ¡°The world does not stop for birthday girls, neither do your responsibilities. Remember that well Angel.¡± A booming voice can be heard.


    The thirty-four-year-old mother wore a jean jacket that cut off at the hips, with a tanktop undershirt being a hair shorter, and a leather belt holding up black jeans. Her short black hair was restrained by a hairband with her initials marked on it, RT, Rebecca Thuringia. Annoyed by her mother¡¯s insistence on making her practice today, she coughed up an attitude. ¡°Yea, my responsibility is to relax and not do this stupid practice!¡±


    ¡°Angel do not speak that way to your mother. Again from the basics, we control the water in the air all around us, and move it closer together.¡± Rebecca responds.


    ¡°Yea yeah, and later on I can make it into ice using gravity and the weight of ice to defeat my opponents. Just like this.¡± Saying that Angel begins forming a water ball above Rebecca¡¯s head dropping, letting gravity do the rest.


    ¡°ANGEL THIS IS NOT FUN AND GAMES! GO TO YOUR ROOM NOW!¡±


    ¡°TODAY IS FUN AND GAMES ITS MY BIRTHDAY!¡± Angel yells while stomping her way back into the house.


    A bearely man begins walking up to Rebecca holding a rolled-up piece of paper. On his ring finger he has a silver ring with a small jade ontop. Wearing a blue cloth jacket on top of a white cloth shirt, with cargo shorts. Rebecca looks up taking note of the man, decicing to start the conversation before he got here.


    ¡°Jocko, go discipline your daughter just spilled water all over me!¡± Rebecca angrily says, while she is pulling the water out of her clothes forming a ball above her hand with her own vapor magic.


    ¡°Sorry honey, but no time. Guildmaster Brandon just gave me an emergency quest. We¡¯re one of the only ones that can handle it.¡±


    ¡°I told Brandon we were taking the day off because of Angel¡¯s birthday,¡± Rebecca scoffs.


    ¡°Yeaaaaa, you see I told him we could handle it since the only other person in town as Azrael is burying his late wife today. I think we could cut the man a break just this once.¡± Jocko says in a feathery tone.


    ¡°Uh-huh. Whatever. Let''s head out and you can tell me about Jack¡¯s training.¡±


    As they begin to walk towards the outskirts of town, Jocko fills Rebecca in about Jack¡¯s training. ¡°Well, he is pretty talented in Ice Elemental Magic if I''m being honest. He''s able to enhance his entire body so far, hasn¡¯t had any issue with the cold yet, and has been able to summon a rigid ball of ice on his palm so far. Honestly, in about five years that boy will probably surpass me.¡±


    ¡°Well, he does have you as a master and as a father.¡±


    ¡°Oh please, we both know his talent comes from somewhere else.¡±


    ¡°Where is he now anyways?¡±


    ¡°I gave him some money to head to the market to pick out a present for Angel today. Him and Michael are going to play for a bit at the park and be home before dark. If he stays out late today, of all days, he will be getting the whooping of a life time i swear.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯ll be back, he cares about his sister too much to let his stupidity get the better of him¡­.probably.¡±


    ¡°That probably didn¡¯t sound to convincing,¡± Jocko responds in a laughing manner.


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    ¡°Let¡¯s wait and see,¡± Rebecca states, ending the conversation.


    Jack''s Point of View


    Jack and Michael are sitting in the park when some of their other friends walk up to them. ¡°Hey guys, we are setting up some teams for football, you two interested?¡± The kid known as Tommy asks.


    ¡°Hmm, what are the teams looking like so far?¡± Jack responds.


    ¡°Well, it is me, you two, and the other Michael against the west side kids. So you down to play or no?¡± Tommy impatiently says.


    ¡°Sure why not.¡±


    ----------------------


    ¡°Ready Set Hut,¡± Tommy says.


    The ball flies to Michael, my best friend, he paces backward trying to look for an opening to toss the ball. I am sprinting as fast as I can pushing one of the west side kids out of my way. Breaking through I am looking back towards Michael. Our eyes meet. At that moment I knew he was looking at me. I have to create a larger opening. Using my adrenaline-filled muscles I quicken my sprint gaining some ground from the kids chasing me. That''s when the ball begins to spiral through the air. He overshot. The ball is going to land above my head, taking a quick breath I launch myself in the air grabbing the ball in my hands. As I head towards the ground, I land in a forward roll, ensuring that I can keep my earlier momentum. As the tips of my toes gain traction on the ground, I leap into a sprint. The Westside kids are catching up to me. I Keep running, running like my life. One of the bigger kids closed the gap and launched themselves towards me, slamming my back with their weight. I did not falter, I shrugged off the tackle, breaking loose from their grip, and kept running. Then I made it. TOUCH DOWN!


    My team comes up around me and begins to give me some high-fives, after all that did win us the game! Man, I can certainly get used to this attention. However, through the circle surrounding me, I watch the other team walk on over to us, not going to lie they look pretty pissed off.


    One of the boys began to speak, ¡°You didn¡¯t win. Jack is a cheater. He used physical enhancement magic. No other way for him to brush Tony off like that! We want a rematch!¡±


    ¡°Like hell, I cheated, What do you take me for? A Loser like you?¡± I responded annoyed as hell.


    ¡°Ah yes, the cheater instantly switching to insults and getting offended when he is called out.¡±


    ¡°The fuck do you mean! I did not cheat. You got proof or are you just a sore loser?¡±


    ¡°The only proof we need is that you¡¯re a wizard and you shrugged off Tony like nothing. Only a wizard using magic can do that!¡±


    ¡°Oh so you think because I took the time to learn magic, that I am a cheater? News flash kiddo, its called having muscles. Oh wait I am sorry I shouldn¡¯t be mean, you¡¯re just a kid who hasn¡¯t gone through puberty yet!¡±


    ¡°You used magic! Cheater! Cheater! Cheater!¡±


    The rest of the Westside boys began to chant this ridiculous claim.


    ¡°Would you shut up? We won fair and square!¡± I gave a grating response.


    The ring leader, came up closer to my face, chanting this stupid slogan while spitting. This fucker really thought getting closer and spitting in my face would be a good idea. I through a right hook knocking the kid on the ground from shock. Leaping down on top of him I began to pummel his face, while he put his hands over his face. I didn¡¯t even notice Michael and Tomy grab underneath my underarms and yank me off the kid until after I was standing on my own two feet again.


    ¡°Jack, calm down they¡¯re just sore losers. Let''s just go to our spot and relax.¡± Michael states.


    ¡°Fuck know that kid knows what''s coming to him. I¡¯ll show him I can pummel his ass without any magic.¡± I began channeling my magic trying to rip out of Michael and Tommy¡¯s hold. While I am struggling the kid hurriedly gets back on his feet and bolt, while screaming for his dad. I decided it''s probably best to get going before that kid¡¯s dad comes here swinging. I relent to Michael and tell him lets go to the spot. Heading out my mind keeps going in circles on beating that kid more and more. He deserved it after all? How dare he accuse me of cheating? I played fair and square but I am a cheater just because my parents forced me to learn magic. LIke seriously! Do they know how hard it is to learn magic? It is not easy and its not something I am going to abuse for a simple game of football. Magic is meant to protect those who can¡¯t protect themselves. My dad always told me, ¡°With great power comes great responsibility¡± which is a bit cliche but it means a lot to me. How dare this kid accuse me of using my magic on this? It is such a childish thing to do. For fucks sake, I didn¡¯t even notice we are at our spot. A nice little getaway, as the interaction for several nearby alleys opens up a cool little rectangular location with the overhanging roofs from the nearby buildings giving us some shade. We have a few sacks of wheat hanging over here since the bakery uses this spot for storage. Perfect spot to just lay on the soft sacks and chill.


    Deciding to lay down and relax on the bags of wheat, I close my eyes and let myself just take in the darkness and quietness. Well, that was until someone started leaning over my face, of course, it''s my best mate Michael.


    ¡°Jack you got to get your anger under control. Me, Michael, and Tommy almost got dragged into this charade. I know we¡¯re young but when you¡¯re older getting into fights can end badly. People dying at the tavern is pretty common just because someone decided to pick a fight when drunk. Really makes me worry dude.¡±


    Interjecting Tommy makes a comment, ¡°Hey I mean survival of the fittest if you ask me. I wouldn¡¯t worry too much.¡± In response, the other Michael states, ¡°Jack is pretty talented in magic compared to all of us to be honest. He can probably hold his own as long as he doesn¡¯t bite off more than he can chew.¡±


    My best friend decided to add some two sense, ¡°Just because he¡¯s talented doesn¡¯t mean he won¡¯t make a mistake. Getting an ego is like dumb as fuck because that''s when you start to bite off more than you can chew.¡±


    Deciding that this conversation about me was getting tiresome I began to speak up, ¡°I mean if you ask m-¡± Just at that moment, a seething pain shot through my right arm. Shooting up to my feet screaming, I take hold of my left hand with my right hand. Staring at my hand, the lines of my palm began taking on a darker color, and little red dots started to form on the tip of my fingers. The pain just kept getting worse feeling like someone took a knife, stabbed me, and then playing a twisted game, they began twisting the knife. I looked up my voice becoming strained as I continued to scream, seeing Michael with a look of worry. He was frozen. Why is he frozen now of all times? Call a doctor I am dying! Please just get me some help! I saw Michael¡¯s mouth moving, and the shadows around me began to shift around. Maybe they are fucking finally running to get some--- THUNK.

 Chapter 1.5: The Unknown

    From the depths of unyielding darkness, the world unfurled around me, each inch birthing into existence under the piercing light of my baby blue iris. But what emerged was not the world as I knew it; it was a twisted mockery of reality itself. Grey dust fell from the sky, forming suffocating mounds that encroached upon me from all sides, building a suffocating prison. A sinister wind swept through, shaping the dust into walls of stone. As I stood frozen in horror, a creeping agony gnawed at my left hand, and I watched in terror as violet veins snaked their way across my flesh. The pain intensified, searing through my very being like molten fire as they tore into my bicep. Reversing the flow, the pain began to burst to my fingertips, where the violet liquid leaked out. But the nightmare was far from over. The stone walls, once cold and lifeless, now oozed with the violet fluid. As the liquid pooled at my feet, a primal instinct screamed at me to flee, yet my limbs remained paralyzed with terror. A deafening shriek pierced the air, wrenching my gaze towards the abyss behind me. The stone wall had vanished, replaced by three towering violet bars, a cage from which there was no escape. Questions clawed at my mind, but no answers came. With every heartbeat, the liquid rose higher. Desperation ignited within me, and I plunged into the viscous depths, each step a battle against the oppressive weight of the unknown. The liquid clung to me, dragging me down into its depths.


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 Chapter 2: The Basement

    With my eyes closed I can hear it, I can hear men and women moving tables, laughter, and cheers, and the smell of freshly cooked meats wafting through the air. With hesitation I open my eyes, the things I hear, the things I smell they were not alone. In the center stood a circle, the same circle used to execute demons in rituals. The same circle that I had seen before when the town gathered for the execution of five demons, rounded up by a single wizard. Why was I here though; shouldn¡¯t I be at a hospital? Or at least my bedroom being watched by my mother? Looking around I noticed candles lit all around the room, each of them using a rusted metal base to keep it upright. In the corner sat a long table with refreshments, but everyone I saw wore a mask I finally saw someone who did not have a mask, who would have the answers I sought, Brandon the guild master. Locking eyes with him made me shiver, why was I scared, why am I freaking out after seeing Brandon? Mom, Dad please help, I¡¯m scared.


    The realization hit me, I was not in the hospital because I was in a cell. Did my friends betray me? No way right? Even if I went a little bit too far with the fight they would be punished too, right? But I don''t see them. No matter how much I look around I don''t see them. All I see is Brandon looking at me, making me shiver more and more. The shivers never stop. Clasping my hands on my dirtied face, ¡°Wake up. Wake up. ¡°PLEASE WAKE UP!¡± Suddenly everything stopped. All the noise and flashing lights stopped, a dream, thank God it was a dream. Opening my hopeful eyes I began crying. It wasn¡¯t a dream. Instead, all of the adults gaze at me. All of them gave me faces of pure disgust. Scanning around I found my friends, making eye contact with them, and instead of them looking guilty, they had smirks on their faces. These fuckers were pranking me. This is some elaborate prank to just teach me my lesson. When I get out of here I am going to give each of them a black eye and a broken arm. Better yet, how about two broken arms? That sounds better. This is beyond a normal prank, this is pure torture. Every single adult here should be ashamed to be participating in this stupid prank. I will make sure they will. Every single adult here will feel my wrath.


    Ding Ding Ding. The sound reverberated throughout the room. A man with a hypnotic voice begins to preach, ¡°I want to thank everyone today for coming to this celebration. I want to thank three young heroes, Michael G, Michael L, and Tommy for bringing this foul demon to the attention of the wizard guild. As everyone knows, if we allow demons to run rampant they will infect the next generation with their false promises, their contracts, their lies, and their violence. Today¡¯s sacrifice is to ward off these demonic creatures. To show them who are the alpha predators. To show them that we are not a town to be tampered with. Raise your glasses today in thanks to our glorious leader, Brandon the Blessed.¡± An unnatural moment of silence sweeps over the room. The silence is broken by Brandon himself, ¡°Thank you all for your faith in me. Let us begin the sacrifice. Bring the demon born named Jack to the altar. Would any of the young children present tonight like to help with preparing the body?¡±


    Michael stands up, with a wave from Brandon he walks over to the stone altar and is given a silver-bladed knife. The dagger is studded in glossy green jades that emphasize its shiny blade. The handle of the knife on the other hand is covered by a thick leather wrap which seems to be stained a deep red from continuous use. A turgid adult walks towards my cage. Grabbing a rope he heaved it over his shoulder. Pulling my cage closer towards the circle¡¯s center. My mind snapped out of the gutter waking up in sheer panic. This is a prank, right? RIGHT? No no no, it is not a prank. Yelling at the top of my lungs, ¡°MOM, DAD HELP ME.¡± My desperate pleas fell on the laughing crowd of adults. They began laughing in unison. There wasn¡¯t an offbeat. All at the same time. Every single one. All laughing monotonely and in unison.


    The dragging stopped with a heavy thud. The turgid man plopped me right in the center of the circle, the front of the cage staring right at the altar. I do not know what''s happening. What is this torture? I remember the night of the five demons. That was the only night we had a feast for executing demons and there was no ceremony like this. We did a simple prayer and then killed the demons with a quick beheading with a quick dinner afterward. This is unreal. My eyes are staring at Brandon and oh so slowly he is moving his mouth almost like time has slowed down. What am i going to do now? Mom, Dad, did I live a good life? No, I didn¡¯t. I am an older brother and I have done nothing to mentor my younger sister. There is nothing good about what my life accomplished. I try to move my arm, it¡¯s going so slowly, so slowly, time is not slowed down. My mind is just moving so quickly. My body won¡¯t work. There is nothing I can do. All I can do is think about how pointless my life has been. How little I have accomplished. How depressed my family will be when they find my dead body. Will my family be sad? I know they love me but would they even think I am Jack, the son my mother bore? I am being hailed as a demon, an imposter to their son. I am just leaving this world without anything huh? May God grant me a spot in heaven. Who am I kidding, I¡¯m an asshole, I wouldn¡¯t be welcomed into such a place. Well maybe the devil will go easy on me, maybe he¡¯ll have a good laugh about how I died because they thought I was a demon. Yeah, that''s what¡¯s going to happen. I¡¯ll have an ok life in Hell because the devil will pitty my existence. Hahahahaha that would be something huh? Time really is slow. Wait, why is Brandon crouching behind the altar with his hand making a magical circle? Is someone interrupting the ritual?


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    Waking up to reality I spun around and saw them. My saviors.


    As if it was rehearsed ahead of time, my parents barged through the wooden door, cracking the frame in the process. My Dad opened with his magic, going on the offensive with a lunging motion, he tossed a giant icicle, no that¡¯s not right, not an icicle but an ice javelin. The javelin glided through the air, skewering the turgid man, the same one who once hauled my entire cage by himself. The man was a behemoth, the strength needed to send that man not just to the wall, but pinning him into the wall is just supernatural. However my Dad¡¯s offensive strike did not end there; without even slowing down, Dad took another lunge but with his other leg, tossing a second javelin aimed at Brandon. With a shattering noise, the javelin pierced itself into the altar, missing Brandon, clearly, Dad was right-handed. Still in one fluid motion, Dad took another step, this time sprinting toward me. While I watched him inch closer, he revealed my mother behind him. My eyes were entranced by the way my mother¡¯s magic worked. Her Hands spread towards her shoulders making a miniature box shape, a blue magical circle appeared within. The circle pulsated with just pure man. Clasping her hands together a flash of light spread across the room. All of this I witnessed from my iron prison.


    ¡°Everything will be alright Jack,¡± Dad said while placing the palm of his hand on the rusted lock, unleashing a pulse of ice. My Dad grabbed me by the waist and yanked me over his shoulder.  As my eyes began to adjust to the world around me, I marveled at the power of my mother. Ice everywhere. The man my Dad skewered? Frozen. The altar? Frozen. Every patron, every candle, every object, every fly all frozen in an instant.


    ¡°Rebecca, how are you doing?¡± While running up to Mom, Dad asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine luckily the air here was damped so my vapor magic didn¡¯t get too stressed.¡±


    That''s right, Moml used vapor magic. It can change the temperature of the water molecules in the area. Making it such a versatile and strong magic as you can make ice, steam, and water, just appear wherever your mana can reach. Virtually no limitations except your mana pool and the air quality. On the other hand, Dad used elemental ice magic, which lets him teleport ice from a different location straight out of his body. You can teleport any shape or size depending on your mana pool and your mana efficiency. Dad tutored me in this magical study, teaching me to use mana to enhance my physical abilities as elemental magic uses little magic to teleport the ice. I so envy Angel, she made the right call to learn from Mom instead of Dad. Wait, why am I thinking about this right now? Snap out of it Jack. Focus. Stop letting your stupid ass brain steering off course. Mom and Dad are here now but they¡¯re sprinting down a corridor, fast. Just look at their faces, I''m not safe yet.


    ¡°Rebecca, take Jack and get to Angel. She should be at the house still,¡± Dad said.


    ¡°No,¡± Rebecca said in a hastened reply, almost as if she predicted Dad to say this.


    ¡°Stop being an idiot, you¡¯re low on mana. There''s nothing you can do but get in my way. This is how we work and you know this. Just do what I say otherwise everything will be for nothing.¡±


    ¡°I can help and you know this!  How many missions have I been low on mana yet saved your ass?¡±


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t matter. We are fighting wizards who know a good chunk of our abilities and you just


    used a mana-draining spell below. These aren¡¯t monsters and you know that. That''s final.¡±


    My Mom says in between quick breaths ¡°Don¡¯t tell me that¡¯s final when it involves not just our lives but the lives of our children.¡±


    A composed response from Dad, ¡°I know. Even if we were to stay together and win everything, we would not have enough time. Fighting our way out, will end up costing us time and make a ruckus. Right now we have some time as the wizards downstairs are frozen, but once other mages hear us fighting they¡¯ll look for Brandon, who is in the guild¡¯s basement. It wouldn¡¯t take a fire mage long to burn that thin layer of ice, especially if Azrael is the mage melting the ice. Now you take Jack, grab Angel, and grab some quick supplies. I will meet you at the fallen tree about one mile out of town on the East side.¡±


    With a sigh, my Mom lets up, ¡°Just promise me you won¡¯t die.¡±


    ¡°I don''t plan to.¡±


    We stopped a few feet in front of a door. I can feel the tension in the air, a single needle would cause everything to spiral into mayhem. Dad leans down, giving me the distance to place my feet on the ground. Standing up he prepares himself. My Mom on the other hand reaches down and grabs my left hand. She squeezes it, her way of trying to tell me it will be ok, I have some doubts about this though. My Dad starts a countdown;


    ¡°On three, one, two, three.¡±

 Chapter 3: Run

    Jack¡¯s Point of View


    My Dad slowly cracks the door towards us, his eyes scanning the area. Moving softly, he leans back, nodding to my Mom. Their calm expressions indicate a sense of security. Opening the door, Dad strolls in taking note of two patrons sitting at a table with three oaken mugs of beer, and the barkeep standing behind the bar, cleaning a misty wine glass. Widening in shock, my father¡¯s brown eyes bolt back to the three oaken mugs. With no one in sight, his face involuntarily steers towards the ground at an unnatural angle. While following the momentum of gravity, Dad puts his hand down, catching his balance on his palm, enabling him to lift both legs into a high kick. A crash reaches our ears, and my Dad jumps back onto his feet creating a javelin in his right hand. Lunging forward, the javelin escapes his grasp towards the direction of the crash. A shriek could be heard. My eyes wander towards the noise, settling in horror as an ice javelin covered in a red liquid floats in the air, dripping into a puddle.


    As the red liquid expands within the air, a humanoid outline forms. The air screeches, ¡°Damn you, Jocko! You fucking asshole.¡± At that, the chairs skid across the floor as the two patrons rise to their feet brandishing identical knives, silver, studded with green jade, and a leather wrap on the handle, the same type of knife that Michael had prepared to cut me with. The bartender, wearing a black corset dress puffed up over the hips reaching down to her ankles. She had rectangular glasses which she let rest on the bridge of her nose. She looks in our direction and begins, ¡°Rebecca and Jocko, we are rather disappointed in you today. I told you where the demon was born and where he is now.¡±


    In response, Mom quipped, ¡°If it was Jack that gave us away, why was Travis over there ready to hit me before you even saw my son?¡±


    ¡°With your accomplishments, it is only natural that when you help a demon, you lose the blessing of intellect. If you were not preoccupied with offending our Lord you should have assumed that the noise you made would be heard through these wooden floorboards.¡± The bartender reaches down grabbing a knife tossing it in our direction. My Dad creates a rectangular scutum shield catching the knife. As the barkeep smirks, ¡°The time for chit-chat is now over.¡± At that, a gust of wind plows into my Dad¡¯s shield as one of the patrons is a wind wizard. The second patron charges forward with his shoulder out, bashing himself into the shield. In response, Dad leans backward, and using the momentum from the charge, he angles his shield above himself tossing the second patron into Travis.


    My Mom yanks on my arm, causing my feet to move before I can pull myself together from the spectacle. My Dad leans down touching the floor causing a wall of ice to shoot up, cutting off the Bartender and the wizard. As the two melee mages rise, Dad rushes them with the shield up, and taking advantage of their unsteady footing, he bashes them back down onto the floor. As they scramble on top of each other, he generates a javelin stabbing the second pateron through the chest and Travis beneath him in the leg. We approach the door, my mom pulls it open, and she pushes me in front of her as I hear the ice wall behind us break. After that, the door closes. We dash by a group of women who are too startled to move. After all, if you hear screaming and witness a mother sprinting out of the building with her son, you would be startled too. However, as the day is closing, it indicates working men are on their way back home, or if they¡¯re feeling a little lonely, maybe the pub, but either way they are on their way back with tools. The same tools that can cut wheat can cut meat and in our case, cut us. These are the main people who attract our eyes when we move through the streets of the clay buildings. As we enter a main intersection my mom tugs me backward behind the wall of a dimly lit grey building. I look at her, and she puts her finger to her mouth, shushing me. Looking at me, my Mom quietly says, ¡°That''s a group of wizards ahead, looks like they are coming back from a job. We are going to walk quickly and quietly. Nod if you understand.¡± I do a slow but obvious nod. We walk into the intersection, and glancing back, I notice one of the women we originally passed walk into the house we were just at. Successfully crossing the road and breaking the line of sight from the group of wizards earlier, we resume our sprint. Keeping our eyes forward, we can¡¯t help but overhear a man shouting from the intersection, ¡°Hurry a mage is attacking the guild hall!¡± I hope Dad is ok.


    Taking an early turn into an alley we run past the shop I was at earlier; how can my life¡¯s choices go from candy or toy to run or die? Why? Why me of all people? Why is life unfair to me? Why is it cursing me? Why God? Why did you decide to give me a dead man¡¯s hand? It''s unfair. However unfair it is my Mom never stops, she keeps running, and she keeps dragging me by my dead man¡¯s hand. Rounding the corner of our street my Mom begins to speak to me. ¡°Jack, I need you to head to Angel¡¯s room and tell her to pack her bag quickly that we¡¯re leaving. Then head to your room and pack your bag. Tell me when you¡¯re done. I will be downstairs packing mine.¡± I nod in understanding, and we run into the house. I instantly went straight up the stairwell towards Angel¡¯s room. Turning the iron knob, I got the pleasure of experiencing a locked door. Knocking on the door several times, with no answer, fuck. Deciding that I couldn¡¯t wait for her to unlock the door, I took a step back and began channeling my enhancement magic into my legs. Lining up my foot towards the left of the knob, I go for a hard kick. Nothing. I repeat the same action, this time breaking the door in, but to my shock, no screaming from Angel. As panic sweeps over me, I rush inside looking for Angel, but she is nowhere to be seen. Turning on my heel, I sprint to the bottom of the staircase and orotundly say, ¡°Mom, Angel is not home. What do we do?!¡±


    Mom tremulously responds, ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± With a heartbeat of a pause, she resumes, ¡°For now, just pack your and her stuff. We¡¯ll look for her after we are ready to go.¡±


    Angel¡¯s Point of View


    Sitting on a rock, Angel felt the rough texture of its surface against the palms of her hands as she lowered herself down. The texture of the rock reminded her of her rough day; thinking that her birthday couldn¡¯t get any worse after Mom forced her to do practice, she then got punished for trying to have a little fun. A little fun on her birthday! Why couldn¡¯t Mom just relax for once and laugh? She is always trying too hard, one day her heart is going to give out with all the stress she bottles up! That''s not even the worst of the day, Mom and Dad went on a job so no cake today¡­ then the so-called brother didn¡¯t even come home! It''s my birthday! Why is life so unfair? I just wanted to spend time with everyone but no one wants to spend time with me!


    Shifting her posture, Angel¡¯s palm graces over a soft piece of moss.


    Well, I guess Mom just wants to protect me in her special way. To be honest, I was a bit disrespectful earlier, too. She is just trying her best, while I am out here throwing a temper tantrum. She still needs to relax more, though. Maybe I¡¯ll talk to her about it next time I see her. Eh, now that I think about it, I should probably apologize to her too. Actually, no I shouldn¡¯t. It is still my birthday! While yes, Mom is looking out for me. She could at least let me relax on my birthday. I at least forgive Mom and Dad for going on a mission, right? If they had to go on a mission, it meant people¡¯s lives were at stake; otherwise, another wizard could have taken it. Mom is so cool! I can¡¯t wait until Guildmaster Brandon starts asking me to do special missions for him! Just imagining Jack and me hunting a magical beast and eating its exotic meat is making me hungry! I should probably head home soon. I swear if Jack fell asleep at his ¡°secret lair¡± and is not home when I get back, I¡¯ll never forgive him.


    Pushing her boot off the rock, Angel stands up doing a quick stretch and some jumping jacks before she begins the short trek home.


    ----------------------


    Heading down my street I see the lights of my home on! Looks like Jack came home! I began sprinting with glee! Reaching the yard, I began to yell, ¡°JACK! YOU WON''T BELIEVE WHAT MOM DID TO ME TODAY!¡± Swinging the door open, I am met with Jack running up to me and hugging me. ¡°I love you too Jack!¡± I say with a bit of excitement in my voice.


    With a tremor in his voice, ¡°I¡¯m just happy you¡¯re safe.¡± Giving me a second bear hug I can¡¯t help but wonder, ¡°I wasn¡¯t gone that long, is everything ok?¡±


    Just as Jack opened his mouth to respond, Mom interjected, "Jack, could you grab my jewelry from the dresser?" With a swift motion, she slung a duffle bag strap over her shoulder and added, "Angel, put on your backpack." As I sat there, momentarily stunned, she tossed me my backpack.


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    Bounding down the stairs, Jack reappeared, a box in hand which he promptly handed to Mom. "Let''s go." Mom grabbed my hand and pulled me close as she spoke. Pushing open the door with her other hand we leave the house when there is a noticeable change in the air temperature compared to when I entered. Stealing a glance at my mother¡¯s face, she cocks her head towards the side of our house. Following her gaze I see it-  a tall slim figure shrouded in a tattered black cloak, whose hood entraps all light that dares to challenge its darkness.


    Chilling my bones, the horror gives me another dose. I see my Dad, once a strong man, with ample muscles in the grasp of this entity. His face contorted in excruciating pain, blood leaking from every pore of his face, as his once two arms, now one, and his legs lay limp. The figure sickeningly lurches forward, my Dad lurches forward, his movements held against his will. The figure leaning on his face, using it as a twisted cane. As the light began to pierce the darkness of the veil, a pallid and leathery skin appeared as orbs of scarlet in the center, where the eye sockets should belong.


    Pulling his arm up, the figure¡¯s mummified torso revealed itself, tattered and dirtied, but never torn. Dad being held forward, taking the spotlight from the figure, began to speak. ¡°Awwww, is this little family going to abandon poor daddy?¡±


    In that instant, I create a puddle of water above the figure''s head. Following the laws of gravity, the water began to fall, before reaching more than a few centimeters it evaporated. The figure¡¯s gaze drifts towards my direction.


    ¡°Rebecca, I thought you said your daughter was talented in magic? What is this pathetic excuse?¡±


    Focusing on the string of my anger, I drop an icicle above the figure¡¯s head. While gravity accelerated quicker than before, the result was the same. It evaporated in mere centimeters. Mom strengthens her grip while pulling me behind her.


    Monotonically, my Mom says, ¡°Azrael, what a surprise! I thought you were burying your wife.¡±


    Nonchalantly, Azreal responds, ¡°I was, but when I heard that little Jacky there is a demon, I just couldn¡¯t resist the thrill of the hunt! Oh, but you see Jocko here got a little in the way.¡± He adjusted the grip on my father''s neck, and the smell of burning flesh wafted through the air. As if the figure was taunting me, my father began to scream in agony. Turning his eyes towards Jack, ¡°You know this is all your fault, right?¡±


    Mom immediately interjects, ¡°You sadistic bastard! Are you even human?¡±


    Cranking his neck towards Mom Azreal stares until the silence is broken, ¡°I don¡¯t know, am I?¡± A flash of heat rises through the air, reigniting my Dad¡¯s screams. The face of the man once known as Azreal began to bubble as if boiling. Each bubble popped into puss as the face began to change. The mouth slowly falls as if gravity is pulling on it. Dripping liquid from the cheeks told the true story. As the pallid and leathery face turns into a liquid skin, the mask boils off and drips to the ground. Staring back at us is an inhuman face rearing its ugly head. A skull made of metal, each breath causing steam to puff out through the once recognizable cheeks.


    Yanking my hand out of my Mom¡¯s grip clasping the sides of my face I screamed.


    Jack¡¯s Point of View


    Watching in horror as this bastard grips my Dad¡¯s head high in the air. A demonic laugh can be heard as if he is enjoying the screams of my sister and the faces we are making. Raising his other arm, he places it where my father¡¯s spine is located, and instantly a burst of flames shoots out through the body, cauterizing the hole that formed. As the flame continued to travel my Mom dropped a gallon of water, which did nothing but cause the flame to get a tad smaller. In desperation, my mother generates a thick wall of ice in front of us. Absorbing the heat the ice disperses into steam.


    Hearing a ¡°Tsk¡± I look at my mother as her eyes pierce through the translucent ice in front of us at that thing.


    ¡°Jack, take this duffle bag and grab your sister. You need to run.¡± My mother tells me.


    Taking a glance at the duffle bag that my mother hands me, begin to speak, ¡°Mom I can help! We can beat this sick bastard together!¡±


    ¡°Are you fucking stupid Jack! Get your sister out of here! Don¡¯t be a selfish prick of today of all days!¡± Mom drops the ice in front switching to a pool of water at her disposal. ¡°Azreal, you¡¯re a sick bastard you know that?¡±


    With a smirk Azreal quips, ¡°I know but at least I am not the bastard of a demon and a human.¡±


    ¡°I hope you enjoy surprises Azreal,¡± at this, my mother crosses her arms, as mist begins to form from her fingertips, ¡°Ethereal Equilibrium!¡±


    ¡°OH HO HO! THIS JUST GOT INTERESTING!¡± Azreal shouts while dropping my Dad¡¯s corpse and reading himself in a combative position.


    ¡°GO JACK!¡± Mom shouts.


    Thoughts begin bouncing around in my head. Should I stay? Should I run? Where do I run? Can Mom really defeat him? Then my eyes drop towards my sister, her mouth hanging open in shock and on her knees, unable to move, my thoughts don¡¯t matter. The only thing that matters is my sister. Reaching down I swipe up the duffle bag over my chest, grabbing down I pick Angel up by the hips and throw her onto my shoulder opposite the weight of the duffle bag. With her face looking behind me I ran.


    As our house sits on the outskirts of town, I ran towards the fields in our backyard. My goal is simple, run into the hundreds of miles of forest until we lose any pursuers. Pulsing enhancement magic throughout my entire body, I readied myself for a marathon run. Through the fields of unharvested wheat, I stayed on the narrow path of going straight. Small animals would toss and turn within the fields, but my ever-vigilant eyes steered clear of even the slightest movement within the wheat fields. As the air got dry around me, I knew Mom was still fighting. As the dry air made it more difficult to breathe I decided to burst through some mana to increase my speed into the forest. Coming up to the sea of trees I readied myself for the more difficult terrain. Running through I kept glancing towards the ground making sure my adrenaline-filled mind would memorize the layout. Each branch intrudes into my vision, creating a maze of leaves. No matter how fast my mind works a simple mistake was bound to happen.  Stretching my foot through the dirt a root stuck out, catching me in its clutches, I tumble onto the ground scratching my knee and jamming the duffle bag into my rib cage. As Angel fell out of my arms she hit the ground hard, which shook her awake.


    Angel¡¯s Point of View


    Awaking to the sudden pain in my left side I took in the sights. The forest loomed over me like a fortress of shadows. A sudden branch broke behind me, I spun around to see my brother. Relief washed over me as he leaned over and whipped me over his shoulder.


    ¡°Sorry Angel didn¡¯t mean to trip.¡± My brother says as he begins resuming a sprint. Why are we sprinting though? Mom and Dad will miss us, won¡¯t they? In a timid voice, I spoke up, ¡°Jack where''s Mom and Dad?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know sis,¡± was the response I got in between his breaths. That did not sit well with me, why would we run away without them? Why are we in the forest alone? I want Mom and Dad I think to myself as my fingers tighten onto Jack¡¯s shirt.


    Turning my body I stare into the soul of my brother. His determination to move forward is the only safety I can trust. The rhythmic bounces from my backpack play a lullaby of peace. My eyelids begin to get heavy, and I think to myself, I trust him.

 Chapter 4: Escaping the Canopy

    Rebecca¡¯s Point of View


    The malevolent Azreal stares off into the distance, a grin creeping onto his disfigured face as he listens to the screeching screams of Angel off in the distance. It¡¯ll be alright dear I think to myself. Preparing myself for another barrage from Azreal, I pull moisture from the air condensing it into a ring of water acting as a defensive perimeter. Swiftly pushing my right foot forward my body carries the momentum into a punch which hits the ring causing a small piercing icicle to shoot out at that monster. As expected, the heat generated by Azrael''s mere presence causes the icicle to mistify itself. Pouring my mana into the mist I pull the remaining water molecules into a condensed yet smaller water whip striking that smug on Azreal¡¯s face.


    Fighting against fire wizards is nothing new to me, I toss large bodies of ice at them, and while they evaporate, there is enough water vapor to condense back into a second, smaller strike. My vision gazes into the eyes of Azrael as he looks towards me. Moving his finger towards his face wound he wipes away a purple liquid. The sinister smirk returned, ¡°Rebecca oh what a treat this will be, sacrificing your life to use Ethereal Equilibrium. So you gotta tell me, who taught you that magic? Was it one of my brothers or was it that bastard you cattle call God?¡± Curling his fingers forward a spontaneous combustion of fire spreads out.


    Slowing its assault after entering into my perimeter I shifted my leg forward, leaning underneath the scourching flame barely managing to dodge it but the ducking position left my side open. A maniacal laugh could be heard through the smoke trail as a wrapped hand whirls through heading for me.


    Jack¡¯s Point of View


    Running through the forest, my feet burn, my legs burn, my arms burn, my lungs burn, everything burns. My perception of time faded into nothingness as my conscious thoughts were overrun with the pain of running over scorching hot coal hidden beneath the grassy ground, just another illusion of my mind. Each step tore away my skin, each step straining my muscles more and more. I know that I must keep running. I must keep moving for Angel.


    Ahead a fallen colossal tree lies sprawled out on the ground. The wood is broken, splintering into rigid branches reminiscent of jagged spears. Changing directions would be impossible as this colossal tree caused a domino effect on the surrounding terrain. If I want to continue forward, I need to climb the tree. Angel gripping tightly on my shoulder I have little wiggle room to properly climb the tree. Slowing down, ambient lightly, I scan around, creating an imaginary staircase out of the splintered branches, I run up tossing the duffle bag onto the other side, beginning the climb. With a wide step to the left, I caught myself on one of the original branches, sturdy enough for now, exerting my muscles, lifting my other foot off the ground, flinging woodchips everywhere, the right foot caught one of the splintered ledges. Waiting for a second to catch my breath, the only rest I had for now. Exhaustion crept up on my nerves but a small twitch from my sister renewed my determination to continue this daunting climb. I must protect her. Swinging my leg upward I ascend another step. Coming to the end of the imaginary staircase, I move my leg back, in preparation for a kick. Forming a sharp dagger-like tip on my boot, I swing. The ice pierced into the sturdy bark, and then, from there I expanded below the ice, creating a support system. Putting doubt aside, I move my weight onto the ice. It holds, relief washing over me, I keep moving pushing my leg up on the top of the trunk, this awkward angle causing my knees to pop, my eyes shut, my teeth clenching as the pain works its way throughout my body, through will power alone I push myself upward. Carelessness gets the best of me as I scrap my thigh on the way up.


    On the top of the fallen tree, I scan the environment around me. The midnight purple sky highlights the feelings of despair within me. Michael¡¯s betrayal, my father is dead, I abandoned Mom, I lost my home, I lost everything. Just like how the moon penetrates the midnight sky, my sister penetrates my despair. Everything important to me is gone, because of me. I can¡¯t let this world take my hope too. With a deep breath, I take a look at the canopy below. With a shift of my boot, ice began to form a crude ramp. Sliding the duffle bag down, the ramp cracks. Not a good sign, but not the end of the world. A branch hung near the slide, preparing for a jump, I shifted to the side, Angel facing towards the fallen timber, I slid down, and as the ramp fell apart, I pushed off, and with the momentum, I gripped onto the outward branch. Dangling for a short minute I push my maximum output of enhancement magic onto my legs, prioritizing my knees. As gravity takes hold, my feet land firmly on the ground, instantly causing my knees to bend, catching the rest of my body, as I tumble backward onto my tailbone. My face scrunches up, brandishing the pain I feel to the world. As tears begin to form, Angel wakes up so I hold them back. Shifting her body, she tries to look me in the face, but I turn away avoiding her gaze.


    ¡°Are you ok?¡± she hesitantly asks.


    Working my feet back onto the ground, my abs clenching as I raise myself upward. ¡°Yes, my magic absorbed the impact,¡± the physical movement hid the pain in my voice. ¡°We should be out of the forest soon.¡± Without any mana, I resume my sprint, pure adrenaline keeping me going.


    Hours passed, as the moon followed my trek through the forest. As the canopy and foliage clear, relief rushes through my veins. Creating a sense of joy of being in the plains again, where the eye can see ahead of itself, it was followed by another sense of joy, that the town of Erd? was near.


    Angel¡¯s Point of View


    I was shaken awake by a familiar voice, ¡°Angel, it''s time to wake up.¡± Sleepily, my eyes flutter to existence, taking in the confusing sights of the moon and the celestial stars. The green undergrowth clawed up the treeline. The sweet scent of the grassy plains, followed by the dark blue hair of my brother. Turning my head, my brother¡¯s eyes shine in the moonlight, giving me a strange sense of hope. Looking for an answer our eyes lock, igniting a conversation, ¡°Where are we?¡±


    My brother gently sets me down, ¡°We are near Erd?, see the fields over there?¡± My brother points towards the yellow fields of farmland that spot the landscape.


    Confusion swirled in my mind. Why are we in this town and not home? It''s my birthday today and he woke me up so early! At least let me sleep in on my birthday! Annoyingly confused, I rephrase my question, ¡°Why are we here?¡±


    My brother looks away, wiping the sweat beading from his head, but within that, I think I see tears. Why is he wiping away tears? Gulping, ¡°What do you remember from last night?¡±


    Now he¡¯s being cryptic? What do you think is the last thing I remember? Isn¡¯t it obvious that the last thing I remember is being put to B E D by Mom? ¡°Mom tucked me into bed and told me sweet dreams.¡±


    Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.¡°I see. Well, Mom told me to take you here. I just ran from our house to here without  a break, I need you to walk on your own for a while.¡±


    ¡°No, I want to go home! This has to be the worst birthday present in history!¡± At this point, I am wide awake and annoyed as heck! Seriously! He drags me out of bed a hundred miles from home saying Mom told him to do it. Where is Mom then? Huh?


    ¡°ANGEL JUST LISTEN TO ME FOR ONCE!¡± My brother yells, catching me off guard. Why is he yelling at me? What did I do to get yelled at? Taken aback, I clutch my hands together and put them up to my chest wearing a worried expression, a tear starts to leak out.


    ¡°No, no, no I¡¯m sorry I''m just tired. Come on, we¡¯ll walk into town and we can grab you something nice to eat in the morning. Ice cream maybe?¡± My brother tries to console me, squatting onto his knees, I notice something puzzling about his thigh. A dark red moisture is coming out of it, oh my God, he is hurt. Panic ensues within me, ¡°Jack are you ok??? I am so sorry, here hand me that bag too! Let''s go see a doctor quickly!¡±


    ¡°Thank you, and yes I¡¯m ok, I¡¯m tougher than I look, don''t worry. Let''s head to town and get some sleep, it''s a pretty big town, I''m certain they have some nice hotels.¡± Jack leaves the crouching position and hands me the duffle bag. Holy moly! This is heavy! What¡¯s in here?


    Gritting my teeth, I try to pull the strap over my shoulder, but no matter how hard I try I can¡¯t get the bag off the ground! It''s just too heavy! My eyes pathetically wander to Jack, the one I offered to help carry this for, he looks at me, and meekly I ask, ¡°Can you carry this pretty please?¡±


    Jack sighs, dropping his shoulders, ¡°Yeah, I can take it. Hand it here.¡± Weakly I respond, ¡°I¡­can¡¯t¡­move ... .it¡­¡±


    My brother sighs again and walks over to grab the bag, lifting it across his shoulder effortlessly. How can he do that effortlessly when I am out here struggling?! Men I swear! This world is so unfair!


    Our stroll through the countryside was quite peaceful. The moonlight shining brightly highlighted my beautiful features. The smell of the green grass mixes with the breeze from the wheat fields creating an aroma that is to die for. Though, I think I am the only one that seems to enjoy this night. My brother hasn¡¯t said a word, keeping his eyes forward, his legs moving in slow motion as sweat bleached his clothes, it was clear he was e x h a u s t e d. I am just hoping we find a hotel soon, his wound is just oozing blood and he is not looking so good.


    Fields turning into buildings fluidly was a magnificent sight! The architects of this town are geniuses! No wonder it is huge! The orange-stained logs complimented their green tile roofs, with cobblestone chimneys! Such gorgeous houses! Maybe this was the best birthday present! None of those ugly clay houses in sight! Just lively log houses! It¡¯s like a fairy tale! I haven¡¯t even gotten started on the roads yet! The rocks boarding the edge of the road are just the best! They are all equally cut by a mason, creating such a symmetrical style road! The gravel inside of the road has big enough rocks that I can gently feet them through my boot, creating a nice massage as I stroll on the pathway! THIS IS JUST AMAZING!


    The signs hanging from the shops are all equally spaced out with images depicting their trade! This place has so many restaurants! It¡¯s almost like we are on a block that is dedicated to providing just restaurants as I can count, one, two, three, four, and five in a row! Honestly, that fifth one was a little weird. Who eats their food in their bed? Wait.


    Spinning around, ¡°Jack! I think that''s a hotel right there!¡± I energetically say pointing to the weird sign.


    He mumbles something I don¡¯t understand, but with the shifting of his body towards the door of the place I take it he understands. Opening the door, we are greeted by the fragrance of soft oak scent, with a floral highlight! The right side of the room consists of a set of tables and chairs. Each table is decorated with a small bounty of flowers as the centerpiece. On the left, there was a long hallway with doors on each side. Straight across from the door lay a long oak desk, with a young lady with jet black hair sitting reading a book that read, ¡°He is Long¡± What type of title is that? Approaching the lady in a very exasperated motion, she quickly shuts her book and quickly slides it underneath her desk. Stumbling over her words, she gets out, ¡°Welcome to our Hotel! How can I help you today?¡±


    Since Bro is exhausted I take the lead, with one step forward, ¡°Hi! We would like one room for tonight! Are any available?¡±


    ¡°Yup! We have a few. Can I get a name for the room?¡± She asks to pull out a piece of paper in which I etch my name, Angel, onto it.


    ¡°Mrs. Angel, just so you know this room is going to cost about $150 do you have that on you?¡± HOLY MOLY that''s a lot! Of course, I don¡¯t have that much money! What do you take me for? A gazillionaire? Opening my mouth, ¡°Um, I don¡¯t think-¡± Jack slams some bills down onto the table. Correcting myself, ¡°Is this enough?¡±


    The lady counts the money, ¡°This is enough for tonight. You will be in room 09.¡± She says as she hands me a key. ¡°Is there anything else I can do for you today?¡±


    Moving my finger towards my lip, I look off into the sky, giving it a thought, ¡°Yeah, do you think you can bring a basin of water, soap, and some rags to our room?¡±


    She seamlessly writes something down while responding to me, ¡°Yup, I can bring it on over to your room in just a few.¡±


    Navigating through the seas of doors, we enter our room. With a single queen-sized bed, a small desk and chair, and a four-shelved wooden dresser the room was not worth $150! I was expecting a chocolate fountain for $150!


    Jack staggers straight for the bed. Not even changing his sweaty clothes, he collapses face-first onto the bed. He didn¡¯t even wait for the nice lady to bring the water to dress his wounds! What a dummy! I think to myself as I wait for the lady.


    A knock soon came through the door, receiving the items. I moved towards Jack, removing the blanket from his side, I noticed a purple hue under the surface of his skin near the wound. Is this dyed from the blood? I think to myself. The fleeting thoughts quickly dissipate as I wipe the blood away from his wound. Soaking the towel in the water basin I wash the wound. Now time to wrap it! I wrapped the bandages into a crisscross pattern but as the bandages kept unraveling I grabbed the end piece and shoved it into the folded bandages, hopefully, it''ll stay put this time! Stepping aside from Jack I get ready for bed, the soft fluffiness of the mattress engulfing me into a slumber.

 Chapter 4.5: Attaching the Strings

    Peering into the thick mist, the stained violet stone walls surround me, their symmetrical brick cut, creates the illusion of methodology, masking the sprinkle of a violet liquid oozing out of the wall''s meager pores. My senses, tingle as the mist penetrates my lungs, the suffocating aura stealing my sense of familiarity with these sights. My mind, being urged by an unfamiliar presence, I uncontrollably spin around, my lungs burning, my iris meeting the gaze of the iron bars, which, unlike before, morphs into a domineering black-stained handleless gate.


    A sudden twitch in my body creates an unsettling feeling. My leg begins to move on it own, with a straight movement, calling inwards to myself, I try to control my leg, to call it back, but as if strings of a puppet, my body does not listen, My heel touching the ground, my body marches on. The gate creeps open, my eyes registering the sight before me. The stone walls I am familiar with lay in front of me. The same height, the same cut, the same liquid oozing out, but it is wide enough just for my body. Moving forward, the room¡¯s purpose became clear, a hallway of sorts. As my legs drag my body, we pass toward an opening. As my legs stiffen, my neck twists, peering through the iron bars, I take in the sight of a young man whose face is blackened by a vile shadow, boasting to a group of similar-age kids, about how he caught a freighting demon. The man, looks up, revealing his face, I stare at Michael¡¯s treacherous eyes.


    This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    With a jolt, my face forcefully, looks for its next destination, as my legs awkwardly move forward. The mist resettles itself around me as I walk. I walk, and I walk. I walk until my legs are on fire. The clanking of my heels, hitting the stone, reverberates through the claustrophobic hallway, echoing its melody to me. My body suddenly freezes, the momentum carrying my insides forward, and the pain hurts. Everything hurts, but this world does not care. The mist lets up, showing me my next set of bars. As my head forcefully peers through, a bookcase catches my attention as its oak frame creates a warm feeling inside. As my iris scans across, a taxidermied bull sits next to the oak frame, the horns of the bull, point towards the wall of trophies. The deers, the bears, and the crispy blonde hair of a man, whose half-melted head, sits attached to an oak plaque that reads, Jocko the Prize.


    Mist recycling itself around the bars, my view obstructed, and my legs resume the march. Suddenly stopping, I brace myself mentally for what the hallway has in store for me next. A rapid stabbing pain causes my head to shift its gaze downward towards my thigh slowly. Leaking the deep red liquid, my mind screams to my body, but as if a puppet, my body holds out my demonized hand, lifting it upward. The liquid from the walls dripped onto the hand, creating an unimaginable pain, as the skin peeled off revealing the pink fleshy muscles and veins. As the veins burst a violet liquid, streams out, my eyes follow the blood as it defies gravity, rushing itself towards the open wound of my thigh.

 Chapter 5: Please

    Angel''s Point of View


    Knock Knock.


    Knock Knock.


    Knock Knock.


    The world around me blurred as my eyes refocused from my nap time. I jolt my torso up, stretching my arm across my body as I shift my legs off the bed. Dangling from the bed I push up with my hands leaping off the bed. Rubbing my eyes I shuffle my exhausted body towards the door where someone is knocking.


    Knock Knock, the noise echoed throughout the room louder than before.


    I start to hurry myself along, reaching the door and twisting the waxed knob I open it revealing an older-looking woman with dark grey hair put up in a braided ponytail. The dark brown eyes of the lady moved her judgemental eyes up and down studying my body. My yawn breaks the silence letting me ask a pivotal question to start the conversation, ¡°Hello, is there something you need?¡±


    ¡°Yes dear, are your parents here?¡± The lady asks.


    ¡°If I may ask why do you wish to speak to them?¡±


    ¡°The checkout time was several hours ago, you will need to leave now or pay for another night. Now may I ask to see your parents?¡±


    ¡°Um¡­So my parents aren¡¯t actually here my older brother and I checked in together last night but he is fast asleep.¡±


    ¡°Wake him up I need to speak with him.¡±


    Starting to get a spring in my energy I respond, ¡°Yeah so you see I would rather not do that if that''s ok. My brother had a very bad day yesterday so I think he needs some extra rest. How much is it for another night?¡±


    The flat tone of the lady said, ¡°I think it would be better to speak with someone older.¡±


    ¡°Haha, I promise that I¡¯ll be able to handle it! You see my brother got hurt pretty bad last night so I really don''t want to wake him up. Please just tell me how much we owe.¡±


    The face of the old hag contorts into an annoyed reaction, why? Why is my money not worth the same because I am younger? What type of stupid logic is that?


    ¡°Ma¡¯am I promise I can help you with whatever you need please just tell me what we owe.¡±


    Relenting the hag lets out a sigh, ¡°$150.¡±


    The shock on my face could not be more obvious! I forgot that this place is expensive! Like how can it be this expensive? Maybe it is smarter to wake Jack up and we just find somewhere cheaper¡­.that is so much money holy molly. Glancing at my brother I make a decision, hopefully he won¡¯t be mad¡­ ¡°Give me one second ma¡¯am.¡± I gently close the door and walk further into the room. Searching the pockets of the duffle bag I find all sorts of clothes, food, and my mom¡¯s jewelry. Why did my brother pack my mom¡¯s jewelry? Oh my God, these earrings are so pretty! Wait is this my birthday gift? Is Mom finally letting me dress up?! Oh no, I¡¯m getting sidetracked. Where is that money?


    Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    I search high and low in every nook and cranny but I just can¡¯t find any money. Defeated I look at my brother watching his stomach rise and fall as his breathing quickened for a moment. I walk towards the door.


    Sulking I walk towards the door, ¡°Ma¡¯am I can not find the money that my brother had earlier.¡± Hesitantly I pull something out of my pocket, ¡°Would it be possible to pay with these earrings instead?¡±


    A piercing gaze swept over me, my anxiety going through the roof. Moving her hand to her chin the lady is in thought for a moment, almost as if studying my every movement. She opens her mouth, ¡°Did you steal this young lady?¡±


    ¡°Steal? STEAL? No way I stole this! These are my mother¡¯s earrings! Why would you think I would steal?!¡±


    ¡°Calm down. You and your brother walk in here in the dead of night and you have expensive jewelry it is not out of the ordinary to believe you are thieves based on your age. You mention your mother if this is her jewelry where is she then?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know ok?! The last thing I remember is my Mom tucking me in bed and wishing me an early birthday next thing I know my brother on the outskirts of town wakes me up! Did you know my brother was dripping blood everywhere? I don¡¯t know what is going on all I know is that my brother is hurting and I am begging you just to let us stay until he wakes up. I know these earrings are expensive but $150 is a lot of money I don¡¯t have that just lying around and I don''t know if my brother has it and if he does I don''t know where he is keeping it! I do not want to wake him up so please just take the earrings and let him sleep in he needs the rest. Just please.¡± Gasping for air I nervously look at the lady making long-winded eye contact with her lifeless eyes. A pin drop could break the silence that rose after my pleas.


    My restless body began to move on its own under the lady¡¯s gaze. My discomfort and anxiety just make me want to scream and shut the door. To run away from this lady. She still hasn¡¯t answered me yet all she is doing is staring at me, studying me, intimidating me. Eventually, that pin drop finally came but it was no pin, it was the same flat-toned voice I have heard time and time again, ¡°You can put the earrings away. Go get dressed I¡¯ll be keeping an eye on you for now and you can help me with some chores to pay for the extra night. When your brother wakes up I¡¯ll be having a much-needed chat with him. Now hurry up I¡¯ll be waiting right outside this door for you.¡±


    Relief floods my body I would burst into joyous tears right now but I do not want to give this lady another thing to judge me on. Putting my chin up I look up at the lady and move into a bow,


    ¡°Thank you! Please give me a few minutes.¡±

 Chapter 6: Hiding Our Memories

    Angel''s Point of View


    The smell of wood fills my lungs as I take in the sight of the dining room of the inn. The tables are fresh with a layer of dirt as the lunch rush has proven itself profitable. Some of the wooden chairs were pushed in while some previous occupants clearly did not learn much in terms of manners. If Mom was here she would be throwing a fit about how people need to have basic respect for others! I glance down at the floor as thought runs through my mind, a cloudy thought that I can¡¯t understand. Maybe I still need some time to wake up! To perk up! The old hag stops near a table with a wet rag in hand as she faces me.


    ¡°First thing I want you to do is clean the tables. It shouldn¡¯t be hard.¡± The old lady hands me a rag and points to the tables near the windows of the restaurant.


    ¡°Ok.¡± Geez love the energy old hag.


    ¡°Young Lady, where are your manners? It¡¯s yes ma¡¯am.¡±


    Shrinking my shoulders back I give an internal sigh at the lecture. ¡°Yes ma¡¯am.¡± I manage to cough out making sure to mask my annoyance.


    ¡°Don¡¯t give me attitude.¡± Ok¡­, I guess I didn¡¯t mask my annoyance enough. Straightening my back I put my hand to my forehead as a salute, ¡°Sorry ma¡¯am! Won¡¯t happen again, ma¡¯am!¡± I put as much energy into my voice as possible to show my commitment to my words after all that''s what they did in the stories Dad used to tell me.


    She just gives me an audible grunt in response as she leaves her hands on her hips waiting for me to start, clearly, she isn¡¯t a fan of having fun I guess, she reminds me a bit of Mom¡¯s attitude I think to myself. Shuffling my feet to the oak table blitz through wiping the first table and picking up a small sweat as I feel a water droplet fall down my cheek onto my neck, but while walking to the second table something pulled at the collar of my shirt. Looking back to no surprise of my own it was the old lady giving me another judgemental stare-down.


    ¡°Where are you going?¡±


    ¡°Uh I was going to the second table¡­like you wanted me to.¡± A cold snap swept over my body which is weird since I am an ice mage¡­


    The old hag exaggeratedly points to the first table, ¡°Does this look clean to you? Do you really think this is acceptable? Do you think you can not do better than this?¡±


    ¡°Um,¡± the hag pinches some dust in between her fingers while waiting for my response, my arm shakes a little as my nerves start to take over, ¡°No Ma¡¯am it does not look clean.¡±


    ¡°Then why did you move to the next table?¡±


    A sudden stir from behind the counter draws our attention, ¡°Oh cmon Mom don¡¯t be too rough with the poor girl.¡± The pretty jet black hair lady from last night is there rubbing her eyes while giving an exaggerated yawn. From the corner of my eyes, I thought I saw the old hag''s expression become soft but alas I was wrong as she raised her fist and shook it at the young lady, ¡°Oh shut it, Amanda! I am teaching the young lady how to clean properly.¡± The hag shot her chin up giving a bit of sas to the lady while a strong emotion hung on a long piece of thread at the end of cleaning, almost as if it was something that the old hag deemed important. No, it sounded more like a respectful tone as if she was giving it adoration. Does this old hag find cleaning that important? Does she really worship cleaning?


    The two started their own little world bickering about this and that seamlessly, without any touch of malice, just two ladies trying to prove that they were right as their hands moved about the air attempting to capture the physical emotions of their conversation. Their conversation shifted to the events of this morning, picking up on some context clues it looks like Amanda works the night shift while the old hag works the morning shift. As their emotional hands start to flare around less sporadically as their conversations steer in a boring direction, I shift my focus to the table that I had supposedly cleaned. I wave my hand over the table scratching at its weak layer of grime.  While the old hag gets on my nerves she definitely has a point about it being subpar at best.  What would Mom do in this situation? Taking note that the duo was explaining how many rooms were occupied and by who I began pondering on what Mom would¡¯ve done. Well to begin with she would shoot right back at the old hag¡¯s disrespectful tone. Secondly, she would think outside the box. Ok but would she really think outside the box in this situation? Whenever she cleaned at home or had us clean at home we used a rag just like here. A memory flashes through my mind from one of my Mom¡¯s lessons, ¡°Magic is a tool but it is not a replacement for discipline.¡±  I pondered on that memory, while magic is not a replacement for discipline it can still be used as a tool. Adjusting my eyes I glance around noticing a lot of tables, like a lot. Even if I were to use magic it would still take quite a while to clean them all and mana. I flicker my eyes towards the duo again noticing they are still on that topic from earlier which is surprising as from the sounds of it they are still on the same sentence from when I changed focus earlier. Shrugging it off as just a weird consequence I start to put my magic plan into action.


    With a flick of my wrist, I dampen the table¡¯s top with a thin layer of mist. Completely concentrating I try to dig the water underneath the dirt and grime with some level of success I draw the water upwards letting the surface tension balance the dirt on top. My hand shaking from the strain of my mana being poured through it.  Pulling with my hand I direct the water into a nearby bucket that I am guessing is used for cleaning. Breathing a sigh of relief as the stress dissipates from my body I take a step forward and dig my nail into the oaky table examining my handiwork, that''s much better I think to myself. Huh, that''s weird, I realize that the two innkeepers stopped being so noisy. Looking behind me I figured out what cat caught their tongues. I give a soft smile, yes I am a wizard! I know so cool right? A smile glosses over my lips.


    ¡°You did not bother checking if that bucket was used for cleaning did you?¡± The old hag pointing her finger in my direction.


    Taken aback from the disrespectful tone I weakly reply, ¡°What do you mean I just assumed it was since it''s sitting right there and you wanted me to clean the tables¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh please for the love of God¡¯s mercy on me.¡± The hag mumbles to herself before resting her hands on her hips taking a more instructional posture. ¡°You are too smart to be this dumb. Think more outside the box rather then focusing so much on a single action. I wanted you to complete the task of cleaning not the single action of removing the dirt. Think for a moment before jumping to conclusions.¡± The old hag is lecturing me like she is my Mom. Why does she think she can replace Mom?


    Amanda interrupts, ¡°MOM! Stop expecting her to already know what to do, it took me years to get to your stupidly high standard!¡± I notice Amanda glance over in my direction before returning back to her mother¡¯s.


    ¡°Amanda don¡¯t coddle her! Cleaning is an art that is important for the rest of her life she should know how to do it properly!¡± The Old Hag¡¯s tone is pushing her authority on her daughter.


    ¡°Mom you are impossible!¡± Amanda gives a defeated sigh before looking at me, ¡°That¡¯s amazing Angel I didn¡¯t know you were a wizard!¡± Amanda clasps her hands together, ¡°You gotta show me how to do that it¡¯ll make my job soooooo much easier!¡± Her warm smile embraces me making me feel a little less defensive of my job. But of course the Old Hag can¡¯t let me be proud of anything.


    ¡°AMANDA¡±, The hag yells while stomping over to the oaky table I had just cleared inspecting it, ¡°Do not disgrace my inn with this rough cleaning job. The table looks and feels like she took an axe and riggedly cut my polished table.¡± She pinches something that looks like sawdust in her hand and points it at me, ¡°This is supposed to be cleaning not woodcutting. Honestly its disappointing that you learned such a disgraceful magic at your age.¡±


    It¡¯s one thing to disrespect me but it''s a whole other thing to disrespect the magic my Mom taught me. ¡°EXCUSE ME I AM DOING EXACTLY WHAT YOU TOLD ME OLD HAG! FOR FRICKS SAKE!¡± A torrent of emotion spiraled out of my mouth as I screamed at the old hag.


    ¡°MAYBE IF YOU DID NOT JUDGE EVERY LITTLE THING I DO TRYING TO ACT LIKE MY MOTHER! NEWS FLASH YOU AREN¡¯T MY MOTHER AND¡­.AND MY MOM TAUGHT ME HOW TO USE THIS FRICKING ROUGH MAGIC! MAYBE IF MY MOM AND DAD WERE STILL HERE I WOULDN¡¯T HAVE TO DEAL WITH YOUR BULLSHIT! SERIOUSLY WHY DO---¡± The shock on their faces snapped my mouth shut as I realized I was yelling at this old lady, an old lady who even though she''s always judging me, gave me a chance to help Jack. A fleeting image of my Mother appeared into my mind. This hag gave me a chance when she didn¡¯t need to. Clutching my into an angry fist with tears trickling down my cheeks I choke on my own words, ¡°I am¡­I am sorry for swearing¡­I know it''s not ladylike and¡­and I am sorry for yelling at you when¡­when you¡­you¡­ were just¡­just¡­.trying¡­to.t..to be nice.¡± At this point, it''s taking everything to keep my tears from flowing out. Why am I crying so much? It doesn¡¯t make sense to cry. Why am I crying so much I was just being disrespectful I--i---i--I can¡¯t even think anymore as tears just start flowing everywhere. Inbetween sobs I see the reactions of the duo as the hag looks at me with concern as Amanda has her arms out as she is slowly walking towards me. Everything is going so slow why? Why is everything so slow? Why am I crying? Why do I feel empty? Why do I feel like a part of me is missing?  I fall down to my knees and just cry and cry, I am barely able to register the arms embracing me as I hear such soft words, ¡°Its ok dear.¡± Leaning forward into her shoulder I cry and cry I cry and cry and cry and cry. I don¡¯t know why. Why am I crying so much. Why? Why?


    This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.


    ¡°W---h¡­why?¡± Please someone just answer me I need to know why. I don¡¯t know why I am feeling this way. Please. Please someone, anyone just help me.


    The gentle voice embraces me even stronger than before, ¡°Lets get you to a room. Are you able to walk on your own dear?¡± I weakly shake my head no. I can¡¯t. I can¡¯t do anything. I just want to know why. Why can¡¯t I figure it out? Why am I so upset? I feel my feet lift off the ground as Amanda picks me up making sure to keep me in her embrace as she carries me down the hallway to an empty room.


    Jack''s Point of View


    I awoke to the sight of blurred oaky walls surrounding every corner of my eyes. A thin white blanket covered my torso which lay limp trapped under the comforting warmth while my head rest on the white fluffy pillow that propped me up. Lifting my aching neck I take a dry gulp as I scan the room I notice my duffle bag bundled up in the corner all messy. Why is there a duffle bag again? It takes me few a labored breaths to remember where I was. I Guess Angel had a hard time finding the correct clothes to wear or something as clothes poured out of the duffle bag. Gazing across the room I searched for any sign of my sister but outside of the mess she left nothing. As I breath a lump in my throat tears into my already consistent headache. I got to get up and grab something to drink¡­and with a growl from my stomach, something to eat as well. Pulling the covers off I notice a bandage hugged securely on my thigh dampped by a dark red hue with a light hint of purple, guess Angel did leave something else behind besides the mess. Weird, I remember the pain in my thigh from the previous night not to mention the amount of dried blood on the bandage but it feels almost like new, did a healer come by? Panic starts to settle into the back of my mind, if a healer came by that means my arm! Stretching my arm up to my eye line as adrenaline coursed through my blood, I frantically search my arm for any trace of the demonic transfigurations but no sign anywhere of that curse anywhere.


    Stretching my arms in joy I quietly ask myself, am I cured? is this serious? I''m cured! I am fucking cured! I jump out of bed twisting and turning as I hunt for any sign for that monster. Nothing.My eyes can¡¯t find anything I can''t believe it! I got to tell Mom! I¡­.got to tell Mom. Memories start to flood back through my mind. Pictures of my family being burned through a crisp as I hear screams of my sister as I ran. My eyes slowly stretch over the room again as I collect my thoughts; the inn¡­the bag¡­the bandage¡­that night did happen. Fuck me I drop my shoulers into a sigh as I refocus my thoughts on what I have left, my sister.


    Digging through my backpack I find myself a pair of clothes that thankfully don¡¯t have a layer of blood on them. Hmm, thinking of a layer of blood I should probably change my bandage. As I skim around the room my eye catch a roll of bandage wraps. Grabbing them I start to remove the old bandages. As my hand is in the midst of unwrapping the bandage I feel some unusual bumps softly singling to the back of my mind the loss of hope.  Fuck is the only word I could think of. That single word acted as both depression and acceptance as the unwrapped thigh was no longer my own but of that curse.


    Knock Knock


    Snapping my focus towards the door I tense up while staring, waiting, waiting for Angel to say something from the other side of the door. Sweat dripped down from my forehead as my eyes darted back and forth from my thigh to the door.


    Knock Knock


    ¡°Excuse me but I heard some noise from your room and I wished to talk to you. Is now a good time?¡±


    An unfamiliar woman¡¯s voice came softly through the door. Why does someone want to talk to me?


    ¡°Yes, please give me a moment,¡± I hurriedly replied while taking the new bandage and wrapping it around my thigh which surprisingly looked heal from a glance.


    Opening the door I am greeted by a young woman with stunning black hair. She looks a bit familiar but I can¡¯t put my finger on where I have seen her before.


    ¡°Hi there, Jack right? I¡¯m Amanda.¡± She introduces herself with a smile gleaming off of her beautiful face. My body lingers a little longer than it should have as I am in awe. Catching my composure by the throat I adjust my posture.


    ¡°Hey, yeah my name¡¯s Jack. I don¡¯t believe we¡¯ve met. Whats up?¡±


    ¡°Oh no we met but you might not remember.¡± She gives a slight chuckle. ¡°My name is Amanda, I was the innkeeper who checked you and your sister in a few nights ago. Ringing any bells?¡±


    ¡°A few nights ago?¡± I am taken a little aback. Didn¡¯t we check in last night?


    ¡°Yup. Don¡¯t be too surprised after all you¡¯ve been sleeping for about two days give or take a few hours.¡± She adjusts her hand to her lips giving a more easy going thoughtfulness posture.


    ¡°Oh.¡±


    ¡°May I come in?¡± Before I say anything, her foot shuffled\s forward making me move to the side so she can walk in. She walks over to the bed and sits down. With a wave of her hand accompanied by a glintening smile she beckens me to sit down next to her. I decline moving near the side of the bed leaning on the wall.


    ¡°Jack I want to talk to you about some things if you don¡¯t mind?¡±


    ¡°Oh!¡± slipped out of my mouth as I realize what she wants to talk about, ¡°This is about the money I owe for the extra nights here right?¡±


    ¡®Oh noooo thats fine for now. Angel has been working hard here under my demanding Mom so you don¡¯t need to stress about the extra nights.¡±


    ¡°Working?¡± I stand up straight in a bit of surprise but I try to keep my feet planted straight.


    ¡°Yup. My Mom came over yesterday to kick you two out but Angel begged for you to stay so my Mom came up with the great idea of making Angel do a bunch of chores.¡± Amanda giggles at the end. ¡°Either way I actually wanted to talk to you about something and I think it¡¯ll be best if you sit down.¡± She pats the bed again signaling me to sit next to her.


    ¡°No, I¡¯m fine.¡± I dismiss her concern. ¡°What did you want to talk about?¡± Placing more weight on the lean I try to make my body appear a bit more relaxed.


    Amanda gave a defeated sigh as her expression shifted to a more serious demeanor, ¡° What happened to your parents?¡±


    I felt my body stiff up in response. Not allowing the question a moment to sink into my mind I answer, ¡°They are dead.¡±


    ¡°May I ask when they died?¡±


    ¡°They were murdered a few days ago.¡±


    ¡°I see. Are you sure you do not want to sit?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I am fine,¡± I dismiss Amanda¡¯s concern again. I don¡¯t have the time to sit anyways.


    ¡°Does Angel know?¡±


    This was a weird question to ask why wouldn¡¯t Angel know? ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°When was her Birthday?¡±


    I am unsure why but this question sets me onto the defensive. I seriously can¡¯t deal with all these questions. Like who the fuck does this girl think she is? I don¡¯t even know her. Like seriously just leave us alone. ¡°Two days ago, may I ask why this matters? Why are you trying to dig into our lives?¡± I want to leave. I don¡¯t like it here. ¡°Where is my sister?¡± My fist clenches as I look around. Is she working with that bastard Azreal?


    Putting her hands up in a defensive manner she says, ¡°Cool your jets, Jack, she''s with my Mom cleaning dishes in the kitchen. Look, just let me talk for a second ok?¡± I don¡¯t trust her. The woman asks again, ¡°Ok?¡±


    ¡°Fine¡± My words are as flat as humanly possible as my eyes stay trained on the woman.


    ¡°Good. So to begin with I started to notice something was a little weird with her after she had a meltdown yesterday. She got very upset and started crying for hours and the only thing that she was saying in between her tears was ¡°I don¡¯t understand why am I upset. Putting a few pieces together I think she might have forgotten the events from two days ago, after all, she said her birthday was yesterday not two days ago.¡±


    Looking up I have one pivotal question in my mind, ¡°Why are you telling me all of this?¡±


    A smile creeps onto her face as she looks at me ever so sweetly, ¡°Because I know what it is like to be hurt and lost.¡± I walk over to the bed and finally take up Amanda¡¯s offer to sit down next to her.

 Chapter 7: The Bitter Pill

    Jack''s point of view


    I take a deep breath as my foot taps at a slow but steady pace, ¡°They¡¯re gone.¡± I take a steady breath keeping my mind focused on telling Amanda the story but can I really trust her, trust her with everything? ¡°Everything is spinning in my head but I remember it all.¡± A short spout of silence envelopes the room as I hesitate on my next words; Amanda gives my shoulder a slight tap, a comforting tap jolting my body awake. Pushing my hesitation aside ¡°It turns out that there was a secret our parents kept from us.¡± My eyes darted to the floor as I tapped my leg up and down nervously.  ¡°And when the wizard guild found out about the secret they¡­they decided it was best we disappeared.¡± My mind feels hazy as I recall the events. My eyes wandered around seeing everything but not processing anything as my thoughts ran amuck. Why would I trust Amanda? My nervous taps quickened. I can¡¯t trust anyone else, never again. But besides my attempts at holding the truth in my mouth moved on its own, ¡°While we were leaving the guild attacked us and our parents stayed behind.¡± A cold sweat starts to sling down my leg, I try to look at Amanda but nothing is visible to me except pulsing blackness, ¡°To make sure we were able to get out.¡± I take a deep breath as I move my hand upward to my face resting my face on my palm, while Amanda whispers, ¡°I¡¯m sorry to hear.¡± Her posture is relaxed as she listens closely to my words.


    Locking eyes with Amanda, ¡°It''s fine.¡± It isn''t fine. ¡°My Mom always told me she would always come home.¡± I give a weak smile in my attempt to appear strong. My attempt to keep it together. Amanda notices the facade I am putting on, offering me a comforting hand.


    ¡°She will.¡± A long pause takes place but after a while, Amanda clasps my hand and asks, ¡°What was the secret?¡± Amanda moves a strand of her jet-black hair behind her ear, her voice taking a softer tone, ¡°If you don¡¯t mind me asking?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to talk about it.¡± I can''t trust her. ¡°Anyways,¡± I push my feelings away as I sit up straight staring off towards Amanda. ¡°Let''s talk about Angel now.¡± I need to focus on what''s important. Sitting here wasting time talking about me isn¡¯t going to help protect Angel from that thing.


    ¡°Before we go to Angel,¡± Amanda moves her hands towards my direction offering a hug, ¡°Are you sure you''re ok?¡± Deep concern showed on her face and her soft tone.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± I say declining her attempt to soothe me. ¡°Don''t worry about it.¡± I give a slight smile but the soft sound of regret travels in my words; I shouldn¡¯t have told Amanda about us. What was I thinking?


    Amanda gives a defeated sigh breaking the tension, ¡°I understand, if you ever want to talk about being fine again just ask.¡± Amanda gives a soft, bright smile, the same type of warmth that I would never be able to experience again. Amanda places her palm outward and with her other hand balled into a fist she smacks it drawing my attention and giving her time to focus her thoughts. ¡°Back to Angel, yes I believe she is having some amnesia.¡± My eyes are awake as I listen to each word of Amanda¡¯s. ¡°I think she is blocking it from her memory though since she broke down into tears ear-¡± I zone out of the conversation at the mere thought of Angel crying. Clenching my fist, my whole arm shakes with anger. Who the hell made Angel cry? I give Amanda a side eye, my body sowing the tension into the atmosphere. I shoot up knocking into a nearby nightstand, causing a screeching sound as it slid across the wood floors.  Amanda is taken aback shooting her arms to her chest with a look of confusion.


    My teeth seething, ¡°Amanda.¡± My voice seething with rage as my eyes narrowed forward into a gowl, ¡°Who made Angel cry and why?¡± The anger is evident in my words but I keep my eyes focused away from her direction, after all, I don¡¯t want Amanda to think my anger is directed at her.


    She takes a second to regain her composure to answer me but she is starting to look like herself. I guess my reaction just startled her normally composed self. ¡°Whoah whoah!  No one hurt her I promise. Please sit back down.¡±  A sudden commotion outside ¡°Frickkkkkkk¡± could be heard echoing through the words, Amanda and I made eye contact, and her flustered composed self started to give a slight giggle, ¡°Speak of the devil.¡± Amanda gives a small tap next to her again, I take her up on her offer once again as a smile crept up on my face, at least Angel it sounds like Angel¡¯s fine for now.


    Angel¡¯s Point of View


    The old hag is forcing me to clean the dishes while banning me from using my magic! The dumb hag lectured me again, I flashed back in my head the old hag with her finger up in the air spouting out her nonsense, ¡°You need to learn how to clean properly first.¡± I know how to clean just fine! Ugh, this is so annoying! Mom always allowed me to clean the dishes with my magic! Wait was it Mom? I can¡¯t seem to remember who told me to do the dishes. Either way its dishes for frick sake! Ugh, I think to myself as wet fingers scrubbed away in the sink cleaning the oak mugs that the old hag insists I clean without magic! Like seriously just look at my hands, they¡¯re just full of so much stupid gunk! Tossing the mug into the ¡°clean side¡± of the sink I move on to the next one. Stupid Old Hag first made me clean the tables without magic and then the stupid dishes! Giving a light sigh I focus on cheating on the task at hand, I begin channeling my magic but I hear some noise coming from the other room that startles me. Frick, it''s the old hag no way she noticed me using magic again! I pretend to go back to the ¡°normal¡± cleaning but the hag never walks in, not even a yell across the room. That''s strange, I could¡¯ve sworn I heard something, I focused in on the sounds from earlier and I heard a man¡¯s voice. Wait I hear JACK¡¯S VOICE! I throw the mug down and sprint toward the hallway, all while channeling my magic, yes the magic I was taught by her, to remove any residue from my blouse. As I turn the corner I bang my knee on one of the coffee tables that decorated the stupid hallway. Unable to catch my balance I face plant into the hardwood floor squishing my stupid nose into it. ¡°FRICKKKKKKKKKKKK¡± I lay for a few moments before I push off the ground and continue my rush to Jack¡¯s room. Slinging the door open I¡¯m met face to face with Jack and Amanda.


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    My mind rushes to conclusions as I blink a few times taking in the sight of the two sitting side by side, almost like they¡¯re leaning on each other.  ¡°EW WHAT ARE YOU GUYS DOING?!¡± Jack¡¯s hands to his side he looks up and gives me a confused eyebrow raise while Amanda looks straight at me for a few moments before her face flashes a reddish pink color as her hands collapse to her chest making the x symbol. She keeps iterating this symbolic expression as she tries to find the words to describe her feelings. Finally catching herself, ¡°Angel this is not what you think it is!.¡± Amanda stands up and quickly walks towards me putting her hands on my shoulder, ¡°Why would you think that?!¡±


    Jack just stares off doubly confused as he stares at both Amanda and I. A light bulb seems to click in his head as he straightens up and ¡°Angel Amanda is old as fuck! That is so weird to think that!¡±


    Amanda shoots a glare emitting the anger you would see from an angry mob. ¡°EXCUSE ME?! I AM ONLY 19!¡±


    ¡°AND IM ONLY 15!¡± Jack shoots back this time with a defensive glare.


    With her hands on her hips, Amanda puffs out her chest and wags her finger in the air, ¡°THATS NOT THE POINT! YOU DON¡¯T TELL A WOMAN THEY¡¯RE OLD! IT RUDE!¡±


    At that moment I pipe up, ¡°Then why does the Old Hag let me call her Old Hag?¡± I innocently ask.


    Amanda just looks at me with a defeated sigh, ¡°I¡¯m going to finish cleaning the dishes before the ¡®Old Hag¡¯ finds out you skipped out on them.¡± Amanda walks out of the room but before closing the door she looks back over her shoulder and meets Jack¡¯s gaze. She holds it for a moment before nodding and closing the door.


    I happily look over to Jack our eyes meeting, but his expression does not seem as cheery as mine. I wonder why. However short-lived his somber expression is it switched to a gleeful smile. His teeth light up the room as he rushes over to me and gives me a big hug. A feeling deep inside me stirs at his embrace as if a weight has been lifted off my shoulders, but I can not put my mind on what weight exactly. I gleefully returned the hug, but even as I smiled, something felt off. His arms were around me, but I couldn¡¯t feel their warmth the same way I used to. It was like hugging a memory. My thoughts swirled faster, too fast, like I was trying to catch water slipping through my fingers water that my magic struggled to keep hold of. Jack lets go of me and leaves me standing dumbfoundedly with my hands hanging in the air as he returns to the bed. Arching his knee forward he braces himself as he rolls onto the bed, lying down. He lays for a breath or two when he finally asks, ¡°So you got to tell me the story of why you¡¯re cleaning dishes.¡±


    My eyes go with a spring in my step I rush over to the side of the bed and start to recount the horrors of the Old Hag. ¡°First thing first, this is all your fault! One, why did you drag me all the way out here, and two why didn¡¯t you put the money in an easy spot to find!¡± I toss my hands up in the air exaggerating my anger after all I can¡¯t seriously be mad at the only family I have left, maybe annoyed but never angry. That feeling from deep within started to resurface but I pushed it away as I started to explain how the Old Hag is always so judgemental! She is so much more judgemental than Mom!  ¡°Like seriously who does she think she is to try and act like my new Mom!¡± My lips quiver as my voice hangs loosely at the end a little too long. Jack is leaning back with his hands behind his head listening carefully to every word I say as he nods along. I take a seat on the bed swinging my legs back and forth all giddily I tell how the Old Hag and Amanda always bicker which brings a joyous laugh out from the both of us. My legs come to a standstill as they hang off the side of the bed, my voice getting quiet ¡°I don¡¯t know why but I started crying yesterday. It hurts and I keep trying to distract myself from remembering but I just can¡¯t, I just can¡¯t stop my mind from asking the question, ¡®Why?¡¯¡± I go quiet for a bit and I peer over ever so slightly to look at my brother¡¯s reaction. His eyes gaze at the ceiling, no emotion to them just pure focus. He nods his head signaling that he heard me. My mood is starting to get seriously upset I have to change my focus! I straightened my back and put on a smile, ¡°Sooooo what were you and Amanda talking about?¡± I cooed.


    Giving a sigh Jack gives a monotone response, ¡°Not what you were thinking.¡± He sits up moving his back to the wall to give himself support. He gazes at me his eyes, almost distant before he speaks with a slight quiver, ¡°We were talking about why we are here.¡± Taken a little surprised but not letting it demotivate me I give a cheeky, ¡°Oh?¡±


    Jack¡¯s eyes shift downwards as he focuses on his leg, the same leg I bandaged earlier. His quivering voice resurfaced once again, ¡°Angel, I know why you cried.¡± His seriousness rubs off on me as I return the same shift of tone to this conversion, ¡°You do?¡± My eyes began to get a little watery but I pulled the tears back.


    ¡°There is no easy way to say this,¡± Jack pauses for a moment as he takes a breath. I watched his chest move up and down as he began once again, ¡°Mom and Dad¡± Jack hesitates but finds his grit again, ¡°You won''t see them.¡± a short pause envelopes the air "Again.¡± Everything around me started to lose color, the wooden floor once vibrant with design became grey, and the once colorful blanket now appeared as a shadow covering the bed. the entirety of my thoughts focus on one thing; memories of my parents start to flood my mind taking the shape of stilled picture frames catching embers. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m sorry it''s all my fault. I''m sorry.¡± Jack grabs me and holds me closely hugging me so strongly but so gently, my husk of a body stares at the wall my torso faces as my thoughts turn from embers to flames. Pictures of my parents smiling going up in smoke as the photos melted into the last memories I saw of them. Their blood-stained bodies slowly melted into ashes. Color returns to a select few of my surroundings as Jack flings his hands to his thigh as he unwraps his bandage, showcasing something different, showcasing why Mom and Dad are gone. ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Jack repeats his voice quivering but never breaking, it forever keeping a steady and clear pace. I feel the life draining from my face as the feeling I kept deep inside boiled out into nothingness. A void enclasping my thoughts. My head slowly turns towards Jack¡¯s as the tears I tried to push down before start to flow like a stream blurring my already limited vision. I feel Jack¡¯s grasp again as he holds me tightly, his voice starting to break, ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m sorry. I¡­.won¡¯t let, let you go through this alone.¡± The ashes of my memories are blown away showcasing underneath a steel, cold, menacing skull laughing. I throw my head into my brother¡¯s tender shoulder as my eyes go to darkness, closing my eyes, my body shivers, and my legs shake, as tears swell into my eyes leaking their way through my closed eyelids. My voice tries to cry out but nothing comes. All the memories of the past few days flood my mind, taking over my consciousness as the pain I kept suppressed for so long seeps deep into my consciousness. Jack places his palm on my back as  I embrace him further with my sobs becoming louder. How did I forget? Why did I forget? Mom? Dad? I miss you.

 Chapter 8: Bitter Sweetness

    Angel¡¯s Point of View


    I awake in a hard bed that creaks whenever my body fidgets. The rough blanket brushes against my skin as the pillow deeply sinks against my head. My eyes sting, my raw cheeks sting, and my coarse throat hurts whenever I take a small gulp. I stare at the ceiling as the birds perform their morning songs. They¡¯re really gone, aren¡¯t they? A tear wells into my eye. I blink it away moving my hand to the blanket, slowly pushing it off. I look down at my dirtied clothes, guess I never changed into pajamas. Sitting up I stare at my feet, thinking about the smiles that I once had, my fingers curled around the edge of the blanket as I squeeze my mind trying to accept that I will never be able to make the same smiles ever again. I get up and get dressed. I look through our duffle bag until I find my mom¡¯s earrings. Pinching my ear I somewhat register the stinging sensation from piercing my ear. My fingers curled with droplets of blood. The earrings hung slightly down on my ears their silver body shining brightly in the dimmed light coming through the curtains.


    I walk towards the door dragging my feet against the hard wood. Slipping on my shoes that dug into the sides of my soles, I open the door. The hallway is clear of all debris except that singular coffee table that I hit myself on the other day. The oaky scent penetrates my nostrils awaking me albeit a little. I drag myself through the hallway towards the front desk, seeking for anyone. I run into the Old Hag writing on some papers her attention is on that and not me. Can¡¯t she see me? Can¡¯t she hear me? Can¡¯t she talk to me? I force myself to walk closer to the front desk, coming up to it almost on top of the Old Hag. Her pen stops whisking away as she looks up from the desk. Her usually sharp eyes were tinted with a glossy undertone. Her irises drifted up and down resting on my face as she studied the grief of my face.


    ¡°Angel dear, what are you doing up this early?¡± She asked softly, almost comforting. I need comfort.


    ¡°I¡­went...to¡­bed¡­early,¡± I said each word so slowly that it was a chore to say even one syllable. How can I be here when they can¡¯t? I look down at my feet, my eyes dropping downwards unable to keep my head upright much more as I feel like the weight of the world is on my shoulders.


    A long pause ensued until the Old Hag spoke up, ¡°How about you go sit down in the dining room I¡¯ll bring you some food in a minute.¡± She stood up her chair scrapping against the wooden floor.


    ¡°Ok¡­thank¡­you.¡± I manage to push out as I drag my feet towards the dining room. Each step felt like I was walking through a mountain of snow. The soft clacking of my heels against the floor was the only sign that my mind registered that my body was actually moving. My hands clench around a chair pulling it outwards as I feel myself fall into the chair. My body caves under the weight as I lean into the table, resting my head on the oaky surface. Mom¡¯s earrings make a soft ding as they rest on the table. I miss you, Mom.


    A knock on the table wakes me up from my thoughts, without moving my head off the table I turn and look up to see the Old Hag holding a plate of food. The steam from the plate perforated through the air. For some reason, I reach out with my magic and pull the excess moisture from vapor turning it into liquid and placing it in a cup that is sitting on the table opposite of me. I look up at the Old Hag, she shrugs her shoulders and gives me a sigh, ¡°You know removing the steam from the food like that will make it cold.¡± I look at her my mind registering her words. My face shifts somewhat downward into the table as I reply,


    ¡°I¡­know¡­I¡­want¡­it¡­cold¡­it¡­rem¡­rem¡­¡± I can¡¯t force the words out anymore as a tear droplet leaks down my cheek. I dig my cheek further into the table smashing my ear. The earring digs into my skin, I shouldn¡¯t hurt Mom any more than she already is. I shift my head off of my ear as I rest on my forehead. The Old Hag leaves the plate of food next to me and with a pat on my back, she walks away. I sit still staring at the porcelain plate that towered above my eyes. Finally dragging my head up I take a long look at the food. Pancakes and sausage. Tears start to flow down my cheeks as I try to hold in my cries like a damn breaking. How did she know that this was my favorite? It feels like a cruel joke to my heart but my mind wavers knowing that the Old Hag is the type to be direct, not cruel.


    Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.In between sobs, I pick up my fork and knife and with quivering hands I stab the pancake slicing a piece off. I move the piece to my mouth almost choking on the fluffy goodness in-between sobs. How did the old hag know this is my favorite breakfast as memories flashback about the once joyful mornings? I sit there taking small bites of each piece of food, slowly eating it while I feel my stomach gets fuller but my heart gets emptier. About halfway through the dish I don¡¯t feel hungry anymore. Feeling a little more energized than I was earlier today I decided to give the Old Hag a little less work, I stand up pick up my plate of leftovers, and walk into the kitchen. My feet still dragging their way through the rooms but at least my eyes are looking forward now. Bending over the trash can I scrape the food into it. Moving to the sink I place some soap onto the plate and turn on the water. Letting it soak for a few seconds I grab a rag and start to scrub off the debris. Finishing I use my magic to pull the remnants of water from the dish making it dry as frick. Putting the dish away I turn on the sink and pull the water from the running water into my mouth, taking in a big gulp of water. Mom, I know I was a brat but thank you for teaching me this.


    My messy hair waved in the air as I tracked back into the dining hall and looked around. Is no one still here? I take a look at the opened windows noticing that the sky is still dark. What time is it? Shifting my shoulder to the side I spun around to drag my feet across the dining room floor toward the front desk where I saw the Old Hag once again scribbling on some pieces of paper. Stopping a few feet in front of her I look down at my feet trying to bring words to my mouth. My arms shuffled while doing so which caught the attention of the Old Hag. She looks up from her notes patiently waiting for me to speak.


    ¡°What time¡­is¡­it?¡± I stumbled the words out of my mouth which came out soft and quiet but at least I was able to get them out. My eyes dart back and forth from the ground to the Old Hag waiting for a response. I want to run away. I want to go back to my room. Why did I come here after breakfast? I should¡¯ve just left to my room. I  don¡¯t want to be here anymore but my feet won¡¯t budge. Please just tell me to go away you''re busy or something. Mom, please help me. I miss you. While thoughts are racing in my mind she finally speaks up,


    ¡°A little past 6 in the morning.¡± She says directly to me but with a hint of softness in her tone. Her shift in her posture becomes evident to my active eyes as she stares at me as if she is giving me her full attention like what she was doing earlier is not as important as me, at this moment. I¡¯m sorry Mom please don¡¯t look at me like that. My eyes look down and stay down this time as I cough up a response to the Old Hag, ¡°Thank¡­you¡­¡± Before she is able to give me a proper response I drag my feet through the hallway back towards my room. The hallway shrank and spun around me all the while. Grabbing the cold handle I twist the knob and walk into the room. The birds still singing their sweet melody even when the bitter sunlight barely shined, I walk to the covers of my bed and pull them over me once again, sitting there, staring at the ceiling, thinking about what has happened, thinking about the memories of my last day.


    Memories of what once was flood my mind, Mom¡¯s strict lessons on how to use my magic, Dad¡¯s hardy laughs at my antics, and the good old days when I was able to get away with throwing a tantrum and still be loved. I¡­I can¡¯t believe¡­the last day I spent¡­with Mom¡­was a fight¡­I can¡¯t¡­why did I fight with her? I remember the times I would sing with her and help around with the cooking and the smiles we shared. I miss her. My eyes turn into a sobbing mess as tears run down my cheeks, the pillow underneath turning into a wipe, a wipe for the tears, for the emotions, for the life I once had. A coughing fit sprung up breaking the symphony of my sobs. The echoes of the coughs caused memories to flash, first, it was the laughter of my parents while they were dealing with my antics but the picture in my mind burned the the horrendous laughter of that man took its place. The sight of my Dad¡¯s body being used like a cane. The skin melted off of his face. The tears rush down even faster as my voice echoes through the room, my body quivering at the same tune of the bird¡¯s sweet melodies, the memories flashing of Jack carrying me away from Mom while screaming to her, begging her to let me help her.


    I turn into the pillow burying my face into it, letting it soak up my screams and my tears like a sponge. The echoes still bleeding out of the feathery pillow, echoing more and more in my head the screams of pain while I watched my father¡¯s body flail around knowing that Mom would end up the same way, with the same grotesque appearance. Hugging my pillow even deeper, I taste the bitterness of my tears. How can I do that to Mom? How can I, her daughter, behave in such a horrible manner? How can I throw water at her when all she was doing was trying to teach me to protect myself? How did I allow myself to have fun with the magic when all it does now is remind me of her? How can I apologize to her? Tell me, God. How could I tell her I am sorry? How can I tell her I love her? HOW GOD HOW! My thoughts bleed into my throat as I screamed into the pillow my sobs intensifying. I lay there motionless, the only proof I am alive being the sobs straining out of my face. Eventually, my consciousness fades off to sleep with bittersweet dreams.

 Chapter 9: Rose

    Angel¡¯s Point of View


    Memories flash through my head as I witness my parents playing cards with me. I watch as my younger self is bending the cards while my Dad has a stressed look on his face and my Mom looks smug as a fox. My younger self smacks the wooden table, ¡°GO FISH¡± she says but everything freezes. My parents ¡¯faces stay the same, and the sounds of nature stop moving. My body moves towards the table, looking at my younger self, the smile I used to have shining brightly, at that moment the eyes of my younger self moved looking straight at me. The mouth of the younger me moves, ¡°Remember the feeling of these memories for you will make more.¡± Suddenly the house goes up in flames and my younger self freezes once again the flames climbing up the walls, burning the wooden supports. I watch as the beam above the table starts to fall, I move my body catching the beam and holding it up. ¡°Mom, Dad, wake up! MOVE PLEASE.¡± My face squinches in stress as I watch my family and younger self''s bodies stay still, never moving. A man approaches the inside of the building, a man with wraps of bandages all around his body but I can still feel the smile on his face. Azreal looks at me, his laughter echoing more and more. I can¡¯t take it anymore. Suddenly I felt my magical power surge through freezing the flames where they stood but Azreal¡¯s flames built a wall around him. No matter how much I try, no matter how much I focus my magic, I can¡¯t freeze him. His flames grow wider and wider coming closer and closer to me.


    Suddenly my eyes flutter open from the pillow. My breath is heavy as the remnants of my dream clings into my mind. Sweat dripped down my forehead. My shoulders tense as my arms hug the pillows tightly. The soreness in my throat and eyes is the second thing I notice about my body, the first being how much my head hurts.  Basking in the warmness of the blankets I lay there for a few moments basking in the bitter memories as I listened to the bustling hallways around and the sounds of guests moving were clear to me. How long did I nap for? My mind drifts back to the dream causing a tear to form in my eyes. Pulling myself together I push my magic to propel the tears out of my eyes. Guess it''s time to wake up again. I toss the blanket off of me being met with a cold snap just like how Mom would wake me up as tears threaten to return. I¡¯m still in the clothes from when I woke up earlier and my Mom¡¯s earrings are still dangling from my ears. Their shine in the sunlight illuminates my thoughts to a sweeter time. Taking a quick look in the mini mirror I see my hair is a mess. My hair is all tangled up causing it to look like a crow¡¯s nest. Trying to untangle both my hair and my mind I grab my brush from the dufflebag. Brushing my hair every stroke stung as it pulled hair from my head. The tangled mess just wouldn¡¯t budge no matter how much I brushed. Why can¡¯t I do anything right? I toss my brush to the ground and tears start to stream out once again. Why did I think i could help Mom when I can¡¯t even brush my own hair. My body shakes as I fall to my knees locking my eyes to the dirtied floor. Through tears I pull myself together grabbing a hair tie from the dresser next to the floor, I put my hair in a messy bun wrapping a hair tie around to try and make it look somewhat neater without going through the pain of untangling it. My knees still bucked to the floor I try to take a few slow breaths trying to calm myself down but it''s not working. A memory of my parent''s smiles flash in my mind, giving me a soft comfort. Controlling my breathing I¡¯m able to pull myself togther and stand up. Patting down my clothes I knock off some dust and dirt making it appear a little less wrinkly and presentable. Dragging my feet to the door I stood in place. Taking a deep breath and mentally prepared myself to appear a little less sad afterall Dad always had a smile even when things were tough, I opened the door and walked out.


    Heading straight for the front desk I see that the Old Hag is nowhere to be seen, not even her pen and papers shifting around. Maybe she''s at the dining hall? Shuffling towards the dining hall with my eyes peeled for any movement of her I notice that the hall is filled with patrons all looking like they have just recently awoke from a long night. Some are chowing down on some breakfast while others are savoring a cup of coffee. The tables are mostly packed but a few remain untouched. I notice that on one of the oaky tables, a set of dirty plates lay about. That''s when I noticed the doors on the side of the room brush open with the Old Hag walking out with a large server plate in her hand. She walks over to a table that is sipping their coffee and starts placing steaming hot plates in front of the guests. Afterward, she took a turn to the table that had clutter on it and removed the dirty dishes. As she is walking back to the side room she stops by and tells me good morning. She then motions for me to join her in the side room. Eh, why do I have to follow her? She gives me a stare down until my feet start to drag across the floor. Following her steps I enter into the kitchen of the side room where the Old Hag is placing the dirtied dishes next to the sink. She heads to the fridge and pulls out a tray of uncooked sausages and she places these sausages over the heat. I¡¯m standing there like an idiot when she opens her mouth, ¡°Angel dear, can you please start washing the dishes?¡± Taken a bit aback at her asking me to help with chores, really chores now?! I just woke up! ¡°I just woke up though.¡± The Old Hag puts her hands on her hips, ¡°And I own the room you¡¯re staying in.¡± Beaten I shrug my shoulder, I guess I can help, ¡°Fine.¡± I walk over to the sink and start to scrub the dirt and grime off some silverware while the Old Hag is doing some cooking. She starts up a conversation, ¡°How did you sleep?¡±


    While my hands are rinsing off a cleaned plate I respond, ¡°I slept ok.¡± I see it as the short and sweet response after she''s making me do some of these stupid chores.


    My back is still towards her as she keeps going, ¡°You know, it''s rude to refer to your elders as old.¡± Of course, another thing to think about. ¡°I know.¡± I give another short response while my hands scrub away. We sit in silence for a while pushing through the breakfast rush until eventually, the Old Hag tells me that we are done for the morning. My clothes are soaking wet and dirty from all the dishes I cleaned. I start channeling my magic to pull the water out of my clothes but the Old Hag puts her hands on to stop me. Why is she grabbing me now?


    Her hands on my wrist she looks me up and down giving a short silence as she studies me. My nerves of course are going again not to mention my anger is starting to rise. Is she going to tell me again I can¡¯t use Mom¡¯s magic? Is she really?! I¡¯m going to go ballistics if she even tries to mention that! She finally speaks, ¡°Angel go wash your clothes manually. Remember to use an apron next time.¡± Did she really just say that?! I pull away from her grasp about to scream at her but she has such a dominating glare in her eyes. ¡°Fine.¡± I walk away annoyed towards my room to grab new clothes but once I start channeling my magic to pull the water off my body. Picking out a nice dress I change into not just dry clothes but a magically dry body too, take that dumb Old Hag. Grabbing my dirtied clothes I walk outside to the washing area where I see the Old Hag washing some sheets. She singles me over next to her I roll my eyes at her but she doesn¡¯t notice as I walk over and take a seat next to her.  She showed me how to scrub off the dirt and rinse in the water multiple times. I could do this so much faster by using magic! Watch and learn, I start to channel the water into the clothes and then I feel something sting my arm. Losing concentration the water falls back and I look down at a red mark. THIS OLD HAG JUST SLAPPED ME. I stand up and am about to storm off but before I can do anything she grabs me and pulls me back down. The Old Hag orders me to start washing my clothes, I angrily splash the clothes into the water basin causing them to splash, getting some water on the Old Hag, ha take that! While I grab the sponge I muster all my energy into the scrubbing, all the pain, all the anger, all the sadness. My hands start to burn from the scrubbing but the Old Hag places a hand on my shoulder causing my hand to slow down. The Old Hag speaks up, ¡°Angel, my name is Zsofia, but you should call me Mrs. Rose.¡±


    The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    My hand stops for a moment, was she actually really annoyed with me for calling her Old Hag all this time? She really just slapped me and made me do chores so of course she''s an Old Hag. I looked at her face about to yell at her but her expression looked too much like Mom¡¯s. Looking away I mumble an apology, ¡°Sorry,¡± afterward, I continue the scrubbing in complete silence. After I finished cleaning I hung up the clothes on the clothesline to dry, I could use my magic but the Old Hag would be all angry about it. Thinking of the Old Hag she starts talking again, ¡°You remind me much of myself when I was younger.¡± She drops this bomb of information while cleaning some pillowcases. Taken a bit surprised I stand there dumbfounded in front of the drying rack, ¡°How so?¡±


    She takes a deep breath her mouth moving into a reminiscent smile, ¡°You try to act more mature than you really are.¡± Her hands move swiftly as she wrings out the laundry preparing for it to dry. As she walks up next to me she hangs up the pillowcases as my eyes stay focused on her, ¡°Let me tell you a story. Come let''s sit inside.¡± She singles to the inn. ¡°I don¡¯t think I want to be bored by some Old Hag¡¯s story.¡± I reject her proposal with a smug look on my face. She responds with an even more smug look, ¡°Either you can listen to my story or we can keep doing laundry.¡± My eyes glance back and forth from the Old Hag and the laundry, ¡°ugh why do you always try to do this? Fine!¡± The Old Hag rolls her eyes and starts walking towards the inn. Can¡¯t believe she keeps trying to act like my Mom.


    Sitting down in the dining area the Old Hag brings a pot of tea with her and two cups. She pours herself and me a cup of herbal tea. She takes a slow sip, before placing it back down on the table and locking eyes with me. I do the same. ¡°I grew up as an orphan.¡± My fingers grasp the handle of my cup as I try to hide my surprise. That¡¯s a mouthful to take in. My mind gives me a flash of Mom and Dad hugging me. The Old Hag¡¯s chin rests on her hand as she continues, ¡°No one ever wanted to take me in which made me the oldest child for most of the time. Which was fine for the most part until that fateful day came.¡± She picks up her cup of tea and takes a sip, I copy her. ¡°When I turned 16 the orphanage told me I had to leave.¡± My eyes go wide at this, they really made her leave as soon as she turned 16?! Thats insane! The Old Hag looks out the window, ¡°I had to leave the only way of life I knew and the ones I called my family.¡± My jaw hangs slightly open which she takes notice of, ¡°Close your mouth, it''s unlady-like.¡± I shut my mouth. How can she be worried about being ladylike when she''s telling me all of this? Her sharp eyes turn back to the previous reminiscent shade, ¡°I had to leave everything and everyone I knew behind but do you know what I still had?¡± I shake my head no. ¡°I still had the memories of the past. The same memories that taught me how to live. The same memories that taught me how to care. The same memories that taught me how to act like a lady.¡± Her eyes lock on me as she takes another sip of her tea, this time I do not copy her as my mind is running circles around my thoughts about why she is telling me this. She continues, ¡°I was left to the streets and I had to find some way to get bread. At first it was difficult and I may have stolen a few pieces of bread but eventually, I was able to get an unladylike job as a wheat grinder.¡± No way the Old Hag who is all about being lady-like really worked such a dirty job at a farm. My mind started to drift to the stories my parents would tell about having to camp out in the dirty wilderness, Mom was definitely not ladylike. I give myself a pinch to refocus myself onto the Old Hag her lips kissing the teacup as she takes a sip. ¡°Even though I was far from the orphanage it still taught me many skills, like how to be a lady.¡± She takes another sip of her tea as I listen in. ¡°I never gave up on pursuing my memories even when the nights were cold.¡± A long pause ensues as I take in what she is saying. ¡°I wanted to return to the orphanage, I wanted to return to cleaning, I wanted to return to being the big sister.¡± She puts her cup down letting it rest in another long pause. I gulp my eyes still fixed on the Old Hag¡¯s lips. ¡°But I could never go back to the past.¡± I interupt, ¡°What does this have to do with me?¡± She gives me a shrug, ¡°Nothing dear its just a story.¡± I give her the side eye as I try to untangle my memories. ¡°Eventually I pushed through the hardest part of my life and saved up enough money to buy this inn.¡± She looks around with a prideful smile. ¡°Eventually my pride and join came into my life.¡± She leaves it at that and stands up. She picks up our tea cups taking them back to the kitchen. ¡°Wait! Don¡¯t leave it at a cliffhanger like that! Thats cruel even for an Old Hag.¡± The Hag gives me a stupid shrug, ¡°I¡¯ll tell you another time but first I want you to take me to your room.¡±  Why!? Stupid stupid stupid Old Hag if you were gonna tell me a story like that at least tell me how to move forward. I kick the ground in frustration as memories of my old life flashed through my mind, the memories trying desperately to linger, to remind me of the past. The Old Hag places her hand on my shoulder and asks again about my room. I give in.


    Leading her through the oaky hallway I twist the knob of my door showing her my messy room. She studies it but doesn¡¯t comment on the mess. Thank God I was not in the mood for another lecture. She points to a chair, ¡°Take a seat let''s brush your hair its a mess.¡± Oh, so she just wants to give me another lesson about being ladylike, figures. Even though I am getting a little annoyed at this point I take the seat, she stands behind me and with a brush in her hand, she starts to talk. ¡°Do you know why I told you my story?¡± The brush glides through my hair as I respond, ¡°No.¡± Old Hag speaks slowly, ¡°Because you are dwelling on the past.¡± A sharp pain comes as the brush goes through a knot. I let out a mumbled reply, ¡°I know.¡± The brush goes through another knot causing my head to jerk. ¡°Then why are you dwelling on the past?¡± A pain shoots through my body not from the brushing but from something inside. I force out a mumbled response, ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± Memories of my once-happy family playing cards rush through my mind. ¡°They¡¯re gone, Angel.¡± I watch as flames burn the walls of my family home slowly encroaching towards Mom and Dad. ¡°I know.¡± I watch Mom and Dad catch fire as my arms flail in my mind trying to hold onto them. ¡°But you aren¡¯t gone, your memories of them aren¡¯t gone.¡± I watch as the flames start to climb my parents¡¯ legs. ¡°Don¡¯t disgrace them by dwelling on the past.¡± I watch the air start to get cold as my Mom grabs me in her hands. ¡°Honor them by making new memories.¡± My Mom tosses me out of the building and I stare at the house as flames engulf the place. ¡°Honor them by becoming the lady that they wanted you to be not the girl they saved.¡± I watch as the house freezes solid, looking down I see my hand stretched out like I cast the magic but I didn¡¯t. ¡°There your hair¡¯s all done.¡± My body turns around seeing someone who looks just like me, but older, prettier. I see the lady my parents wanted me to be. I see the more confident me, the stronger me with her arm out and magic swirling around her. I run my hand through my newly brushed hair and whisper under my breath, ¡°Thank you.¡± The older me smiles at me before fading away into my memories. The Old Hag leaves the room, tears trickling down my face but hidden underneath a smile creeps awake.  I still miss you, but I promise to try to be the lady you want me to be please don¡¯t forget about me wherever you are. I look up at the ceiling feeling the tears go past my cheeks. Wiping them away I stand up running my hand through my newly brushed hair a new memory added to the ocean of thoughts, a pleasant memory.

 Chapter 10: Fatigue

    Jack¡¯s Point of View


    The bed creeks as I shudder awake. The cold air crisped across my body penetrating the silk blanket over me. The grogginess of the light sleep I had just had still cast its powers over my eyelids. My rock-like body twists on the bed causing the creeks to get louder. My mind wandered around to the night before, of Angel crying. Her tears are a stark reminder to me that I caused this. I¡¯m sorry.


    Flinging my arm across my chest I try to catch my breath as it accelerates. I push against my thoughts of the past and the future. I caused this. I¡¯m to blame. I need to fix this. But I can''t fix this. Why did this happen to me?  My breathing quickens uncontrollably, and a death grip coming from my hand pulls at my shirt causing the hems of the shirt to dig into my skin. Why did this happen to me? Why am I a monster? I am finding it hard to breathe, and my head is starting to pulse in pain to the rhythm of my heartbeat. The memory of my Mom flashes through my mind, ¡°Get your sister out of here!¡± My heart aches. My eyes squeeze shut as I wince from the pain. ¡°Don¡¯t be selfish.¡± A tear leaks out of my closed eyes. Why did this happen? Why did it have to happen to us? Why did I become a monster? The words echo again in my ¡°Don¡¯t be selfish.¡± My hand brushes against my face. I¡¯m sorry Angel. My hand wipes away a tear. I¡¯ll make it up to you. I let my mind go blank as I try to focus on controlling my breathing. After what seemed like hours I finally had it under control again, a straight line connecting my thoughts with my job, to protect Angel. I swing my feet off the bed and I stand up.


    My feet feel heavy with burden but I know I must keep going. Push it all down. Push it all away. I must do it for her. My steps echo in my head as they heave through the air. Bracing myself mentally I stand in front of the door. Taking a gulp of air I push all doubts, all thoughts, out of my mind and twist the knob. The reveal of the outside hallway causes me to freeze for a moment, but only for a moment as I force my feet to move through the cave of wood. I pass one door, two doors, three doors, and finally, I reach Angel¡¯s room, the room we shared the first night. I reach for the handle but my hand stops just in front of it. Clenching my teeth I feel them grinding into dust. I must be there for her. A final breath I force my hand to grip the handle while the other levitates near the frame waiting for me to single it to knock. Taking another breath I knock. ¡°Angel it¡¯s Jack are you awake?¡± I wait a few seconds listening behind the door for any movement. None. I guess maybe she is still asleep. I roll my shoulders back in relief. Thank God, I am not ready for this.


    My body finally relaxed a bit since I woke up gave way to a small growl from my stomach. Alright, now where was this restaurant part of the inn again? If I remember correctly down the hall past the lobby. Taking wide strides  I walk through the wooden hallway. The dust falls off the ceiling with each step I take, barely holding it together. Is it the ceiling barely holding it together or is it me? My steps take me towards the front desk where I see a familiar shade of hair sitting down writing on some papers.


    ¡°Good morning, Amanda,¡± I give a subtle wave, which spooks her just a tad bit as she jumps in her seat. Her black hair tossed crisp waves through the air as her eyes settled on me. Her pen that once jerked across the paper now settled neatly on the desk as her free hand moved her hair behind her ear. Her hand blocking her expression, ¡°Good morning, Jack, " she gives me a soft smile.  My icy feet now melting from her warmth. My worries are being uplifted by her smile alone, I walk up to her with a smile on my face, why do I feel this way around her, ugh. ¡°How¡¯s your day going so far?¡± I ask.


    Amanda¡¯s hand moves to her chin as she gives a thoughtful expression, ¡°Honestly, not much different than the usual.¡± Her hand forms into a fist as she smacks her open palm, ¡°I take that back, the lunch rush was a lot easier today since Angel was helping out.¡± Angel is helping out? I thought she hated doing chores. Was she forced to do it? I remember Angel and Amanda talking about an ¡°Old Hag¡± before, I wonder if she is the one forcing Angel to do chores. Putting my hand up in a half-shrug, ¡°Angel doing chores voluntarily? That''s a new one.¡± Amanda gives a slight chuckle at that, ¡°Well I wouldn¡¯t say she was doing it of her own free will if you know what I mean.¡± Amanda gives me a wink with a sly grin. Why is she winking at me? Is she flirting with me? No way right? We barely know each other not to mention she is way older than me. It has to be my imagination, right? My knees start to grow weak but I force my static face to keep itself still, pushing my emotions aside now that I know Angel is awake I should go check on her. Covering my mouth with a fake yawn I question Amanda, ¡°I¡¯m guessing it''s that mysterious ¡®Old Hag¡¯¡±? Amanda can¡¯t keep her composure and starts to laugh while squeezing the fabric of her dress. ¡°Her name is Mrs. Rose,¡± Amanda breaks out in laughter again as she attempts to keep going, ¡°I¡¯m sorry it''s just so funny to hear you call her that!¡± Is she alright? She can¡¯t stop herself from laughing. Wait is she laughing at me? Is it the way I said it? I give her a confused look as she continues her laughing fit. Eventually, she catches her composure. ¡°Sorry sorry,¡± she repeats with her hands up. ¡°It¡¯s just funny when people call her that, you have no idea how mad it makes her.¡± Anddd there she goes again with her laughing fit. I¡¯m starting to think she might be having too much fun at this. ¡°Sor-¡± She can¡¯t seem to get herself together. I just stand there waiting with my palm smacked into my face. She needs to get herself together¡­ I tell Amanda to get it together and just tell me where Angel is. Out of her baited breathes she tells me Angel is in the kitchen. My feet hesitate in place. Should I just stay with Amanda or should I go talk to Angel? Amanda''s laughter echoes in my mind reminding me of Azrael''s laugh. Do I really have the right to talk to Angel about that night when I took her away from Mom and Dad? My gut starts to get butterflies as the tips of my toes go numb. My eyes start to disoriate Amanda replacing her smile with the crackling smirk of Azreal. My shoulders feel heavy. I''m finding it harder and harder to not fall forward. My legs are barely holding on when I see Amanda''s fingers snapping in front of my face, ¡°Jack are you there?¡± My shoulders start to relax as Azreal turns back into Amanda. My mouth is dry and moist at the same time. ¡°Yea. Sorry.¡± I apologize to Amanda, what am I apologizing for though? My eyes look Amanda up and down, am I apologizing to her or to myself?


    The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    I feel Amanda''s hand grasps my shoulder a look of worry on her face, ¡°You look a bit pale.¡± Her hand moves to my forehead. ¡°You''re a bit warm as well.¡± I''m warm? I feel my body getting heavy with sudden exhaustion. What happened to me? My legs start to stumble as I catch myself on Amanda''s shoulder. My vision is blurry but I¡¯m able to make out Amanda''s feet starting to move. I follow her movements as I lean on her. ¡°C''mon let''s have you sit down.¡± I feel my legs skate across the floor like walking across an ice rink. My mind tries to focus but it keeps hazing in and out. Calling energy from within I start to pump some magic through my muscles to try and keep myself up.


    Slipping into the dining room Amanda directs me towards an empty table where she instructs me to sit. Taking her words to heart I grip the chair and pull it out. My legs failing me I shift all my weight onto my arm squeezing. I hear the cracking of the wood as my fingers dig into the chair¡¯s chipped body. With the help of Amanda, I am able to sit down on the chair as my mind goes hazy. My eyes darting around but barely registering anything. I feel light but heavy at the same time. I watch as Amanda leaves me. Why does everyone leave me? My head rolls as it tries to move to look around before collapsing onto the table. That¡¯s going to leave a bruise.


    My eyes wince at the sound of a door closing as I pull my head off the table. I watch Amanda coming back with a pitcher of water and a cup. The cup looks pretty, is it from a tea set? I feel my head lose itself and let gravity take hold leaning backward on the chair. I don¡¯t feel so well. Amanda stops at the table and my preferential vision lingers on her as she pours me a glass of water. She lifts it up to my mouth, ¡°Drink.¡± I lift my head up using all my will but I stare into space not able to grasp what''s going on. I need to open my mouth but I can¡¯t do it. I feel something cold touch my lips causing my body to twitch shooting ice through my legs as the ice grows it causes the chair to skirt across the floor far away from whatever that was. I shift my magic from coursing through my body and direct it towards my head. I need to wake up. The shift in mana caused my mind to clear. I see Amanda standing still as if in shock. Her hand holding a porcelain tea cup filled with what¡¯s looks like water. Staring at the floor I notice two long rods of ice. Did I do that? I try to move my body but it feels so weak. At least now I can focus. Amanda¡¯s gaze slowly looks my way. Her chin hanging down still in shock. Her hand still. I grab her gaze, ¡°Sorry.¡± I said weakly. The sound of my voice must¡¯ve shocked her back into reality as she pulled her hand over her mouth and whispered to me, ¡°What was that?¡±

 Chapter 11: Black Rose

    Amanda¡¯s Point of View


    My jaw hung open from what I just witnessed. My eyes linger on Jack¡¯s body which is swaying in the chair now across the room from me. Dots click in my mind as I finally bring myself to ask, ¡°What was that?¡± Jack looks up at me, his gaze finally meeting mine as he lets his face drop downward once again, ¡°Sorry.¡± A gentle sigh brings my mind back to the reality, that this kid is hurting. I straighten out my back as I slowly walk towards Jack. His face still looking at the floor, unable to meet my gaze. I lean in front of him, ¡°This is some water ok?¡± I give him a gentle smile as his head nods. I move the cup towards his lips as I mentally brace for his outburst again. But he didn¡¯t have an outburst. Thank you, God. While he sips on the cup I study his face. Pale as snow and sweat flowing down his hair. I gently place my hand on his head taking his temperature. It¡¯s burning. I stand still for a moment, maybe I should¡¯ve taken him back to his room instead. Stupid Amanda, what were you thinking? The cup is empty now Jack¡¯s face returns to its slopping position. Poor kid must be feeling horrid right now. My voice was close to a whisper, ¡°Jack honey, are you able to walk back to your room?¡± I listen intently as a barely audible ¡°no¡± comes out of his mouth. ¡°Alright, upsy Daisy.¡± I grasp his underarms as I put his weight on my shoulder. Lifting with my legs I pull him up. For a kid he sure is heavy. I heave him up. The hard part is over now at least. ¡°Ok Jack,¡± I softly say, ¡°we¡¯re going to walk back to your room alright?¡± I see his head bob up and down, I take that as a yes. One step two steps. You¡¯re doing good Jack. We walk through the hallway of my home. Which room did Jack stay in again? Stopping at the front desk I pull Jack behind the counter. Grabbing a little book from the desk I look for Jack¡¯s name. Jack, Jack, Jack, my eyes scroll through the pages until I finally see it. Room 6, got it. Closing the book I readjust my grip on Jack. Giving him a second to breathe, ¡°How are you holding up?¡± Jack doesn¡¯t respond his head just swinging with the flow of gravity. Not good it seems. Walking into the hallway we start our trek to his room. The sturdy oak not even cracking under our combined weight as we get to his door. Opening it, I lead him inside. Man his bed¡¯s a mess, this is going to be a hassle. I give a slight sigh at that thought. ¡°Alright Jack, we¡¯re here. Let me get you into bed.¡± We walk towards the bed as I am setting him down, ¡°Don¡¯t lay down just yet I need to move,¡± before I can finish Jack¡¯s body collapses onto the bed, ¡°the sheets.¡± And he¡¯s down, I grab his feet which are hanging off the bed. Closing them together I pull them upwards. Pushing Jack¡¯s body up I pull the sheets out from under him. Of course, they get snagged on him because he¡¯s too heavy for a kid! You don¡¯t even look that big! Why are you so heavy? After a few tugs, I yank the sheets out and while I¡¯m in the middle of tucking him into bed his hand grabs my wrist. It¡¯s weak. His eyes stare off into space, ¡°Don¡¯t.¡± He takes a few seconds to continue. ¡°Tell her.¡± Is he really thinking of Angel right now? ¡°Focus on getting better,¡± I tell Jack with a soft smile as I slide my wrist out of his grasp. His hand falls limp to his side as his eyes shut close.


    Jack¡¯s point of view


    The walls around me ooze with violet liquid. The purple goo dripped out of the stone walls. Each drop hits the stone ground. My eyes look up at the wall as a hole opens up. Hearing a droplet hitting a puddle I look down again, the purple goo piling up to my shins. Droplets falling from the ceiling create a malicious melody. My legs try to pull forward but I can''t move. I look down again noticing the goo climbing up my body. The goo started to change color and shape. I watched as a liquidated humanoid thing grew on my leg its hands pulling on my waist as it tried to climb. Suddenly the hole in the wall shined a bright light and a voice called out, ¡°Jack.¡± I tried to trudge through the goo but the humanoid creature held me tight. I feel my body start to sink as the whole room starts to shake, ¡°Jack,¡± I hear again from the hole. My neck barely held itself above the rising goo while the creature''s hand covered half my face, ¡°Jack, wake up.¡±


    The goo submerged my face underneath as the room continued to echo. The deep purple liquid filling my every sense, suddenly I notice I''m not breathing. My body tries to move in the liquid, trying desperately to get air. The suffocating goo never lets go as my vision starts to blur.


    I wake up, my body sweating profusely from every pore. My head weighs like a ton of bricks, my arms sore as if they were holding one hundred pounds of stone, my throat poached of any resemblance of wetness, my eyes struggling to stay open. I try to sit up but am unable to do so. The blanket while it should be light, weighed enough to keep me down. The dirty brown wood of the ceiling reminds me that I am at the inn. As I turned my head, a light shone through but with a hint of the sun setting. A dream. I mentally sigh with relief. Why have I been having these types of dreams so much recently? I lift up a single arm to wipe the sweat off my forehead only for the feeling of a thousand needles coursing through my arm. Jolting it back down in pain I let it rest. Mom, where are you? I don¡¯t feel so well. My eyes start to drift into images of the past. Mom walks to me with a wet rag telling me everything is going to be ok. Mom please come back I''m not ready to be alone. My Mom looks back at me, smiling she says, ¡°I''ll always be watching over you.¡±


    My vision fades back to reality, to the wooden purgatory that surrounds me.


    Amanda''s Point of View


    Do, do, doodo, I think to myself. A soft smile eclipses on my face keeping hidden my childish thoughts. Hmmm, I wonder if Jack ever woke up. I stand up from the lobby¡¯s desk as I trek through the halls to the kitchen, a soft hum gliding through my lips. Coming inside I see Mom and Angel handling some chores, I can definitely get used to Angel doing my chores. Thinking of that devil, Angel notices me and waves hello. Of course, I wave back, ¡°Hey Angel, enjoying the dinner rush?¡± Angel takes a side glance at Mom who''s working the stove at the moment singling with her pointer finger that she¡¯s at the mercy of my Mom. Ah, poor girl, who enjoys chores? I know I don¡¯t and I love having you do them, but to keep up a little act I nod my head understandably at Angel. We continue this charade of gestures until, oh oh, Mom ruins our fun. ¡°What did you need Amanda.¡±


    ¡°Hi Mom, nice to see you too!¡± I give a sarcastic greeting. ¡°I just came to grab Jack¡¯s dinner, gonna go check in on him.¡± Angel jumps into the conversation, ¡°I¡¯ll take it to him!¡± She just slides off all the water on her hands using her magic I think? She runs towards the plate of food but I watch Mom slap Angel¡¯s hand with a wooden spatula. Ouch. I flinch at the sight. I watch as the two exchange a full-blown argument without even uttering a single word. ¡°I¡¯m going to take that as Mom saying get back to work.¡± I give Angel a sympathetic smile as I walk past her and grab the plate of food. Angel looks defeated as she returns to the sink, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll update you.¡± A small smile fades onto Angel¡¯s face before returning to a quick frown as she resumes working on the dishes.


    Leaving the kitchen I walk through the cozy halls down to Jack¡¯s room.  I wonder if Jack is feeling any better. A slight memory of his pale state from earlier crosses my mind as I turn and face Jack¡¯s door, giving it a knock I wait for a response. Nothing. Giving it another knock, I wait a few seconds, nothing. Maybe he¡¯s too quiet since he is you know sick? ¡°Jack, I¡¯m coming in.¡± I give a slight warning before twisting the knob of the door. Making sure to open the door slowly in case Jack is awake. As the room enlightened my eyes with its cozy design I was greeted with a pale-skinned Jack, his face tilted towards me, sweat dripping down his cheek, wait is it sweat or is it a tear? Poor kid, he must be in so much pain. Trying to appear a bit more energetic, hoping that my energy would transfer to him, I walk through the doorway. ¡°Good morning sleepy head!¡± I study his face while walking towards him with the plate of food, his mouth slowly moves and a barely audible phrase can be heard from him, ¡°Good morning.¡± Oh! He can talk again! That''s some good news for sure! I place the pipping hot food next to him on the side of the bed where lies his nightstand. Reaching for a bowl of water that I kept near him I pull the rag out of it. Ringing it out I place the rag on top of his head, this should help with the fever. While doing all of this, ¡°How are you feeling? Any better?¡± Placing my hands on his shoulder I give a sympathetic squeeze. ¡°Yes.¡± That¡¯s good to hear. ¡°Are you hungry?¡± I reach for the plate of food while intently listening, ¡°A little bit.¡± Mmmhmm. ¡°Are you able to eat on your own?¡± Now I feel like his Mom is asking if he¡¯s able to eat on his own! I wonder how his Mom would act in this situation. Would she do the same that I am doing? ¡°Yes.¡± Whew, at least I don¡¯t need to be feeding him. ¡°Ok, I am going to place the plate on your lap.¡± I move the plate to his lap and hand him the fork in his opened palm. Backing away I walk to the other side of the bed where the blinds sat. ¡°Wow, it¡¯s almost dark already!¡± I look back at Jack while he moves his arm ever so slowly, towards his mouth.


    This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    I guess it''s time for me to take my leave. He needs his rest after all. I walk back around the bed and head towards the door when I hear his fork hit the side of his plate. Taking a glance back, I meet Jack¡¯s gaze. His mouth starts to move. ¡°Please don¡¯t go.¡± I notice the pain in his eyes, his gaze while holding mine he is barely able to maintain it. This kid, I mentally roll my eyes, I swear he knows exactly what buttons of mine to push. Clasping my hands together and trying my best to appear unfazed by his painful state, ¡°I¡¯m not going anywhere. Just grabbing a chair from outside.¡± I smile to reinforce my sincerity. Taking a step outside I grab a chair from the lobby which sadly, is a bit bulky. Wobbling my way back to Jack¡¯s room I give a brief knock before opening the door and dragging the chair inside. Planting the beast of a chair next to his bed I take a seat.


    Jack¡¯s Point of View


    I lay beneath the rough covers of the bed, taking a bite out of the grilled chicken every so often. Luckily they cut it up so it''s a bit easier for me to eat it but the pain in my throat burns every time I take a gulp. I look up as Amanda knocks on my door and she comes in. Why did I ask her to stay? The pain of regret is just another pain to add to my long list. The chair looks a bit hard for her to carry, why did she bring such a big chair instead of just grabbing a smaller one? I feel my head start to clear up a little bit as my magic runs its course, but even with my magic going at full power I can barely feel the effects. Amanda takes a seat next to me, ah, that¡¯s probably why she chose that chair, it has cushions on it. My fork slices into another piece of chicken as I pull it towards my face. An aching pain shoots through my hand causing me to thrash in a jolt of pain, dropping the fork. Fuck that hurt, my hand starts to settle down as I watch Amanda pick up my fork and place it onto my plate. This is so embarrassing.


    My head droops low as I stare at the food, I did tell her I can eat it on my own but now I¡¯m just embarrassing myself, I think I¡¯m full either way so I¡¯ll just tell Amanda I¡¯m done. I look up at Amanda who¡¯s holding a book in her hands as I get ready to speak there is a knock on the door. Who could that be? Amanda puts down her book and tells me she¡¯ll go check to see who it is. As Amanda approaches the door I hear the recognizable voice of my sister. No, no, no did Amanda tell Angel I was sick? I need to do something about this. Adrenaline courses through my bones but I am too weak even with it to move my hands much let alone my body. Amanda opens the door and starts talking to Angel, I have to be quick. I push my elemental magic from my back, hoping I don¡¯t end up ripping the shirt, pushing the ice upward I cause my body to lean upward, letting me sit up without too much effort. I hurriedly readjusted my body to appear better and put on a face, an act, so that Angel wouldn¡¯t get too worried about me.


    Amanda turns around to ask me if it¡¯s ok for Angel to come in. Of course, it¡¯s not! But if I told her that Angel would never let it go. Amanda¡¯s face looks me over a little quizzily as she awaits my response. Taking a deep but quiet breath, ¡°Sure.¡± I tell Amanda. Amanda moves off to the side as Angel¡¯s face appears. Angel is about to run up to me but Amanda stops her in her tracks, ¡°Remember he¡¯s sick.¡± Her eyes linger on Angel¡¯s before Angel gives an apology. Why is Angel apologizing? I interject and ask Angel why she¡¯s apologizing. ¡°Because I promised Amanda I wouldn¡¯t bother you too much.¡± Angel looks down as she walks over to my bed. While Amanda is walking back to her chair she continues Angel¡¯s point, ¡°You need rest, which means you need peace and quiet.¡± I give a bit of a nervous smile and thank her. While Angel sits on the side of the bed and Amanda is in the chair again, Amanda watches Angel and me as I listen to Angel¡¯s day. I get the feeling Angel likes the ¡°Old Hag¡± as she puts it but she just can¡¯t admit it. Soon enough though, the conversation starts to shift towards Mom and Dad. I just can¡¯t. I don¡¯t have the energy to be strong right now. I¡¯m sorry Mom. I¡¯m sorry Dad. Angel goes quiet for a few moments after giving a reminiscent memory of our parents. Both of us being reminded that we can never make new memories with them again.


    During our solemn silence, Amanda interjects and asks us if we would like to hear a story. Anything to change the topic, anything to stop thinking of Mom and Dad. I give a very weak yes while Angel followed my lead. Amanda shifts her posture in the chair as she closes her eyes, taking a deep breath she opens them once again, a smile appearing on her face. ¡°Once upon a time there was a girl who lived with her Mom and Dad. They lived an almost normal life but there was one thing that made them stand out, can you guess what that is?¡± Amanda asks us while she moves her hair behind her ears. We both shake our heads no. ¡°They were traveling merchants. They were neither rich nor poor but they had everything one could ask for. The girl loves her parents but one thing that she hated was all the traveling. After all, she would always leave her friends to travel. The girl longed for friends but she had a hard time making them.¡± Amanda lets her words sit for a second while looking upwards to the sky. ¡°When she confronted her parents about why she can never have friends, they gave her a suggestion, to read a book. Which seemed so mean to the girl that she threw a tempertantrum. Do you know what her parents did when she threw her tempertantrum?¡± Amanda asks us, we shake our heads no. My mana is starting to run low so I turn off my physical enhancement magic, letting the pain settle back in I let my mind drift into the dreamland of Amanda¡¯s story. ¡°They gave her a big ol spanking!¡± Amanda exaggerates the last word making a spanking motion with her hands. ¡°And told her to read or she¡¯s getting another!¡± My eyes feel heavy as I look around sheepishly at Angel who¡¯s attention is fully glued to Amanda. ¡°Inbetween sobs of tears she picks up a book about a young hero who was on a quest to defend his village from the evil demons!¡± Amanda makes a slashing motion with her hands. The hero tried and tried to defend his village but he failed. In the hero¡¯s grief he looked for a way to be comforted but that was the end of the story. The girl was heart broken that she did not get to see the hero¡¯s end and thats when she decided that if she can¡¯t have friends her age she will make friends with the characters in her story.¡± Angel lets out a gasp, ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t the story show the hero¡¯s end?!¡± Amanda gives it a thought before replying with her finger raised up, ¡°Because not all stories are meant to have good endings, some are meant to teach you something important.¡± Angel looks a little annoyed but I take note of what Amanda said, is this one of those stories? She continues her story, ¡°As she got a little older around 9 years old, her parents decided to make a long journey to the capital. It was going to be a rough time so she made sure to bring extra amount of books to keep herself occupied. But during that journey tragedy struck.¡± Angel gasps while Amanda lets her words sink in. ¡°A group of bandits attacked her carriage. Her dad tried to fight them off but it was too much, the girl had the hero¡¯s book in her hands when her mother told her to run and never look back. The girl ran and ran never looking back. Holding the book tightly in her hands until she passed out from exhaustion.¡± Amanda closes her eyes letting them rest momentarily before continuing, ¡°When she awoke she found herself at the edge of a small village, she stumbled around, sad, scared,hungary  and tired until she stumbled into the smell of fresh food coming from a building. When she went into the building a nice lady greeted her. The lady saw the pain on the girl¡¯s face and gave her some food and a place to sleep. That night the girl dreamed of saving her parents. She needs to save them.¡± Silence fills the air as Amanda leans back in her chair, taking a deep breath, ¡°She awoke the next day to find a newspaper that described the scenes of a gruesome event, the murder not far from the town where a couple of merchants were brutally murdered and looted by a band of bandits. The girl went into turmoil, the news was about her parents she failed her duty to save them, just like the hero in her book.¡± My eyes are getting very heavy now as I start to feel my consciousness fade from exhaustion. ¡°But then the lady who gave her food would save her, would give her a new duty, the duty to be her daughter. The girl would finally be able to sleep soundly at night again, knowing that her new duty would be a path of redemption for her. The End.¡± Amanda gives a long winded sigh as she concludes her story. Angel on the other hand was not happy about the story talking about how the story was a dumb story because it was just sad. Of course it¡¯s sad Angel it wasn¡¯t meant to be happy but to teach us, or more specifically me. At this time my eyes are closed as I have barely any energy to even stay awake.


    Amanda is in middle of consuling Angel about the story when she notices my eyes closed. ¡°Come now Angel its time to go to bed.¡± My eyes are still closed but I have a gut feeling that Amanda points at me as a way to singal to Angel that I¡¯m trying to sleep. I hear Amanda ushering Angel out but I grab Amanda¡¯s attention before she leaves. Opening my eyes slightly, ¡°Was that story about you?¡± Amanda looks a little sad but she nods her head before closing the door and leaving me to sleep.

 Chapter 12: A Moment of Peace

    Angel¡¯s Point of View


    It¡¯s been a few days since we got here and since Jack got sick. I¡¯m happy he¡¯s starting to feel better but I just can¡¯t shake the feeling that he¡¯s hiding something important from me but atlas it doesn¡¯t matter right this second, because Amanda¡¯s teaching me to play chess! I watch as the piece that Amanda calls the ¡°bishop¡± is positioned in the far right corner and I can definitely take Amanda¡¯s king in one move. I Place my hand over the piece moving it diagonally towards Amanda¡¯s rook which would open up my check. Hehe Amanda didn¡¯t see this coming now. I let go of the piece a smirk appearing on my face. Amanda gives a shocked expression, putting her finger on her chin as she quickly moves her king to the right. WHY DIDN¡¯T I SEE THAT COMING? She just moved the king! Now my bishop can¡¯t attack her. My finger whips to my face as I study the board. I hear the creaks of the inn in the background as the smell of cooked sausages that the Old Hag is making distracts me momentarily. Retracing my steps I mentally map out a plan to win this game. I can¡¯t let Amanda beat me again. Ugh, this is so frustrating how can she be so good at this game? I take my knight and move it to defend my bishop keeping my pressure on Amanda¡¯s side of the board. Amanda moves her pawn upward ignoring my pressure. I take that as a hint that she isn¡¯t worried about my push yet, taking a long look at her side of the board I realize why she is not worried. Her queen is in the perfect position to help the king. I need to get rid of that queen. Moving my pawn forward I open up a path for my second bishop to leave its starting position. Amanda mirrors my move on her side of the board. Doesn¡¯t matter since all I need to do is make Amanda¡¯s queen move. Pulling out my second knight I position it next to the earlier pawn. Amanda moves another pawn forward, I pull out the second bishop, and now with my attack squad ready I prepare to attack her queen. Amanda¡¯s next turn she moves her pawn again where it is now attacking my first bishop. I push my bishop forward taking the pawn, but in return, Amanda moves her king taking my undefended bishop. Now I use my second bishop to pressure her queen making her pull it off to the side, no longer in a spot to easily support her king. This turn I move my free rook checking her king. Amanda sits for awhile, her earlier relaxed expression now stressed. Ha serves her right! No matter how good you are at this game I¡¯ll figure out how to beat you eventually, its just a matter of time. Amanda pulls her bishop blocking my rook but this allows my original knight to take her bishop freely. While she¡¯s free from check for now I am pressuring her rook which is stuck in the corner. The only way to save her rook is by taking my knight but she can¡¯t. Amanda moves her King again away from my knight as I take her rook. Amanda tries to move her queen to support her king but since it needs at least two moves to get to that side of the board, I mirror her queen with my bishop keeping the pressure on it. Eventually, we go back and fourth trading pieces while I keep the pressure on her king. Until her final defense falls, my bishop takes her queen and gives me a checkmate. YES! I did it! I finally beat her! I jump out of my chair doing a small victory dance while Amanda watches me. Her smile returned. No, she isn¡¯t supposed to be smiling! I just beat her! She should be upset!


    Amanda stands up from her chair, ¡°Good job Angel you¡¯re a natural at chess.¡± Her smile made me blush at the praise. You¡¯re not supposed to be happy when you lose but I will never complain about you praising me. I give her a smirk ¡°It¡¯s easy! I read you like a book!¡± Hope she understands the irony of that Mrs. Reads A Lot. Wait, did she let me win so she can go back to reading? No way right? Without thinking I just straight up ask Amanda as she is walking away, ¡°Did you let me win?!¡± I say accusatory. Amanda whips back her pleasant smile gone replaced by a smile with a hint of annoyance woven into her expression. ¡°Why would I let you win?¡±


    ¡°Because you wanted to go read and you know I wasn¡¯t gonna give up until I won!¡± I throw my hands down at my sides almost as if I¡¯m preparing to throw a tantrum, but not yet. I remember a teaching from Mom telling me not to show your opponent all your cards until you have to. If she tells me that she let me win then I¡¯ll complain until she plays me again and this time fair and square! With my plan ready in my mind I prepare for her response. Amanda drops her shoulder in a sigh her fake smile gone and replaced just by an annoyed and tired expression, ¡°Oh yea because I offered to teach you to play chess when in reality I just wanted to read.¡± Her eyebrows raise, ¡°You don¡¯t need to rub it in that I lost.¡± Amanda actually looks like super annoyed. Oh no, I messed up. I can¡¯t believe it I¡¯m making Amanda really annoyed. Ok ok, I don¡¯t need to keep going otherwise she¡¯s gonna make me do chores! ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± I reply a look of guilt on my face for being a poor sport. Amanda starts to shift back from her annoyed expression to a more neutral look. Ok, maybe I didn¡¯t make her THAT mad but she was definitely getting there. I take a second remembering the scent from the chess game, food! I am hungry! Jumping and running up to Amanda I tug at her arm, ¡°Let¡¯s get some food!¡± Amanda¡¯s face returns to her normally pleasant look. She looks down at me as she pulls my fingers off of her arm, ¡°Sure, sure I¡¯m starving.¡± It¡¯s lunch time after all who wouldn¡¯t be hungry! Wait, what about Jack? I¡¯m sure he¡¯s hungry too! Wonder if he¡¯s going to start walking around again today. I look up at Amanda, ¡°I¡¯m sorry but I think I¡¯m going to go eat with Jack.¡± I just asked Amanda to eat and here I am ditching her to go eat with Jack instead. But Dad always said that I should tell the truth¡­so I¡¯m sorry Amanda but Jack¡¯s probably bored out of his mind. I look up with pleading eyes waiting for Amanda to get angry with me but instead, I find her giving me a warm smile, ¡°How about we go together?¡± Oh my gosh! She¡¯s a genius! Why didn¡¯t I think of inviting her to eat with us instead of just ditching her? A spring escapes from my steps into a small skip, ¡°That¡¯s so smart!¡±


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    I stay back while Amanda goes into the kitchen where the Old Hag resides and grabs a few plates of sausages. If I were to go in there I am sure the Old Hag would¡¯ve jumped on me to do some chores! Thank you, God for blessing me with the ultimate defense from the Old Hag. We walk down the corridors of this awesome inn until we get to Jack¡¯s room. Giving it a knock we hear some rustling and bangs as Jack yells, ¡°DON¡¯T COME IN.¡± Ooooooh why does he not want us to go in? Does he have a girl in there?! Ignoring his words I reach for the door twisting the knob and swinging the door open but before I could see what''s inside something blocks my vision! I hear Amanda¡¯s voice, ¡°ANGEL!¡± Wait?! Why am I in trouble? We were going to catch him with a girl! I put the pieces together that Amanda is covering my eyes with her hands as I hear the door shut. Before Amanda moves her hands off my eyes. I look back at her with an angry glare! One why am I in trouble and two why are you ruining my fun? Amanda gives me a cold hard stare just like how the Old Hag would give me! Just after I was thanking God for a defense against the Old Hag now you¡¯re acting just like her! Amanda puts her free hand up pointing to the air and waving it around, ¡°Why would you open the door if you were told not to?¡± Annoyed I respond, ¡°Because I thought it would be fun to catch him with a girl!¡± Amanda just looked at me dumbfoundedly, ¡°Would you like it if your brother barged in and you were with a guy?¡± I squint my eyes at her, ¡°Why would I be with a guy?¡± Amanda just sighs, ¡°Why would your brother be with a girl?¡± Why wouldn¡¯t he be with a girl?! He¡¯s a guy and he¡¯s at the age that you start dating! Is Amanda dumb or what? I roll my eyes, ¡°Because he¡¯s at the age where you start dating.¡± Amanda has no rebuttal to this instead sidestepping the debate, ¡°Thats not the point.¡± She wags her finger in the air, ¡°What if he was naked? Do you want to see your brother naked?¡± Of course not! Why would I want to see him naked? Does she think want to see that? Ew! I raise my eyebrow just confused on where this is going, ¡°No.¡± ¡°So what if he was in the middle of changing and you just barged in?¡± Oh my Gosh! Ew! I get it now. Don¡¯t barge in because they¡¯re probably changing. ¡°I see,¡± I confirm to her that I understand but she seems to misunderstand my response as she goes on a lecture on how I shouldn¡¯t see my brother naked when he¡¯s changing. I KNOW! YOU¡¯RE THE ONE THAT''S CONFUSED! I zoned out of the lecture since I already know! I snap back when I hear the door twist and open.


    Jack¡¯s Point of View


    What the fuck! I look back in surprise as I pull up my pants, seeing Amanda¡¯s hands covering Angel¡¯s eyes as Amanda¡¯s eyes are closed. Thankfully she didn¡¯t see anything, it could¡¯ve been a lot worse if my thigh wasn¡¯t still wrapped with bandages and she saw the monster I truly am. The door shuts almost as quickly as it closed and I hear Amanda¡¯s raised voice lecturing Angel about how you shouldn¡¯t just open doors. C¡¯mon Angel you¡¯re not that stupid, Mom taught you better than that. As I tighten my belt and put on my shirt I slowly trek to the door, my body still exhausted and sore from my illness but thankfully I¡¯ve been able to rest easy here, at least for now. I listen as to the lecture and Amanda trying her hardest to get through to Angel¡¯s thick skull. Why is she being extra dense these days? Was it because of what happened? As thoughts prick at the back of my mind I hear Amanda just repeating herself at this point so I decide to open the door. My eyes meet the two figures ahead of me, watching as Angel¡¯s bored expression turns to excitement and Amanda¡¯s face goes from lecturing a bad student to a sorry and embarrassed look. Not her fault Angel swung the door open and not like she saw anything that private. I brush off the embarrassing memory as I smell some tantalizing food. My eyes glance around looking for the hidden aroma as I see Angel carrying two plates and Amanda carrying one. One of those gotta be mine. I haven¡¯t eaten anything since last night and I¡¯m starving so much that I had to catch myself from savagely grabbing one of Angel¡¯s plates. While I¡¯m eyeing the food Angel speaks up, ¡°GOOOOOD MORNING SLEEPYHEAD!¡± Angel¡¯s body shakes and I watch as the plates of food delicately balanced in her hands start to waver. Stop! You¡¯re going to drop them! I reach my hands in the air trying to calm down my energetic sister as I watch Amanda snatch one of the plates from Angel¡¯s hand surprising Angel causing her to drop the other plate. A crash breaks the silence of the inn. Angel¡¯s face goes into a depressed shock and both Amanda and I prepare our ears for her screams. Thankfully she doesn¡¯t scream but drops to her knees and starts to grab at the food asking for its forgiveness. Amanda and I make eye contact our expressions alone conveying our feelings of what we are witnessing. ¡°Umm, so what¡¯s up?¡± I blurt out which was the wrong move as Angel starts to pout, ¡°We were going to eat together.¡± A tear drips down her cheek as she stares at the food on the ground. Breaking Angel¡¯s sobs Amanda takes control of the situation, ¡°Angel go ask Mom for a new plate of food.¡± At the mention of Mrs. Rose Angel flinches, ¡°But if she sees me she¡¯ll make me do chores.¡± Amanda¡¯s comforting tone shine through but it sounds like tough love at this point, ¡°Then remember it for next time you dance around with plates of food.¡± A smiley Amanda hands me the plates of food and crouches down with Angel as they pick up the mess she made.


    I take the plates of food back to my bed placing them on the nightstand as I turn around and look at Amanda and Angel cleaning up the food a smile creeps up on my face, I hope this can stay like this forever.

 Chapter 13: The Sanctuary of Time

    Jack¡¯s Point of View


    It has been a few months since the events that changed our world. I write the words down in my journal, which is a hobby I did not expect myself to start, but based on Amanda¡¯s recommendation. My fingers guide the pen across the paper, the cold winter months remind me of my parents and their ice magic but they remind me of something even worse,¡± my hand hovers above the paper before it traces its words out once again, ¡°my 15th birthday is a few days away, a marked reminder on the calendar of time that we are now alone.¡± My thoughts bleeding through the paper, remain on the paper as I write down the next thoughts, ¡°Today however has been good so far, Angel has really taken a liking here and I won¡¯t lie to myself, I am starting to like it here as well. Amanda and Mrs. Rose have been nice enough to let us live here with them as long as we help out with chores. I don¡¯t know what we did to receive such mercy but thank you.¡± The shivering of my hand causes me to place the pen down and close the journal, I can write more after dinner. I stretch in my bed the rough course sheets pull at my exposed skin underneath. The scent of dust penetrates the air, I should probably clean up my room soon before I get in trouble. Swinging my legs off the side of the creaking bed, my toes meet face-to-face with the cold wooden floor. The sunset barely shining through the window as I lean over looking for a match. Finding the match box I pull out the match and streek it across the strip of flint. My eyes linger on the flame, memories of the past threatening to come to the surface. This is fire, this is not Azreal. I move my hand slowly while watching the fire with deep focus until hovering above the candle¡¯s exposed wax. Lighting it, I feel the goosebumps tickle my spine. I hate this part of the day. Why didn¡¯t a light wizard create some type of magical lighting yet? It seems like a pretty simple idea yet we still using the flames.


    Leaving the candle lit I begin my daily routine of training. Dad taught me that a person¡¯s magical capacity is decided at birth but won¡¯t be fully realized until the end of puberty. I didn¡¯t get that lucky when it came to my magical capacity but during the same lesson, Dad told me how spells work. Spells work like muscles, the more you use a specific spell the faster it will be, the stronger it will be, and the less mana it will use. This is why so many wizards specialize in a specific spell field. Standing in the middle of the room I push my magical enhancement magic to its limits and then get into a push-up position. Using my Ice Magic I cause blocks of ice to form at the tips of my toes and the bottom of my palms, using them as handles I start my pushups. Each rep causes the ice to snap slightly apart and my magic works on reshaping the ice back into the handles. I do this for a while until my mana is running out. Standing up I do some light stretches to end the day, even though I still have some mana left I need to make sure I¡¯m ready at any time to protect Angel. I head to the showers and get dressed in fresh clothes.


    It should be time for dinner time. I rush out the door in a brisk walk heading towards the restaurant part of the inn. Walking into the kitchen I see Angel and Mrs. Rose preparing some dishes, I sneakily grab a sausage, gotta make sure I get my protein in. Just like any other day I head out back to chop some firewood and do some outdoor chores. I look up at the sky, the nightlife of the birds, the cold wind snapping across my face, the scent of smoke from chimneys, and the illuminating moonlight providing the perfect environment to do work. Grabbing an axe I head towards the forest, the canopy that Angel and I once ran through. There are a few trees on the outskirts that are not too large but not too small for me to cut down. Positioning my feet at the side of the tree I hold the axe high up in the air just like Dad taught me. Letting the weight of the axe head provide the momentum I swing at the tree. The crackling sounds of woodchips flying through the air remind me of the way my life fell apart into many pieces. While low on mana my physical body is not fatigued at all swinging away is a good way to work it out. I will never be tired when running again. The axe cuts deep into the tree forming a wedge, the tree barely holding up. I take a moment to examine the work I¡¯ve been able to do. With a final swing the tree sways. Jogging backwards I get out of its way as the winds push against its form. The cold winds brisking over my shirt as the tree¡¯s branches swing around. When a harsher wind comes it causes the tree to topple down falling at my feet, the feet of the one who is responsible. With the tree on its side I pull out the piece of rope that was once my belt, wrapping it around the tree I tighten it into a knot creating a handle for me. Bending over and placing my hand underneath the tree I raise it into the air with a block of ice. I repeat this process on the length of the tree. Walking to the front of the tree I pull it forward, marching forward letting the ice slide it across the rough terrain.


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    This is the toughest part of the job. Just gotta hope the ice doesn¡¯t break again like last time. I slide to the backside of the inn which is a direct path from the forest¡¯s treeline. Luckily the ice didn¡¯t break so I got to work. Chopping the wood into smaller logs I am able to carry the individual logs to the stone pit. Placing it inside the pit I split the wood into more pieces. While doing this tedious process of chopping wood and chopping more wood, Angel comes outside holding something in her hand. My head aches when I notice it to be a lit candle. I push aside any thoughts that threatened to resurface placing a mask of a smile on my face as I greet Angel, ¡°What¡¯s up Angel?¡± Her dress brushes against the wind causing it to flow in every and any direction, a sight that you can only laugh at, which I may have or may not have given a small chuck to. ¡°Hey! I heard that!¡± She threw her free hand to her side and shoved her chin in my face. I place the axe on the ground and back away with my hands up in the air, turning my eyes to the right in an exaggerated motion, ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about.¡± This causes her to get even more annoyed, as she waves her hips mimicking my exaggerated teasing, ¡°Don¡¯t lie to me, young man!¡± Oh Lord, she¡¯s been taking notes from Amanda and Mrs. Rose. I cough into my hand, ¡°I¡¯m sorry Mrs. Angel, I¡¯ll never lie again. I swear it on the great game of chess.¡± I give a salute on my head to show my ¡®sincerity¡¯. ¡°Chess is fun! Don¡¯t make fun of it!¡± Says the girl who always wins against me, I roll my eyes. ¡°Fine, I won¡¯t tell you that dinner is ready!¡± Angel turns around and storms off towards the inn. She just told me that it''s ready¡­ how can you be so smart but dumb at the same time? I¡¯ll head inside after I finish chopping this lot of logs. Picking up my axe I head back to work. In between a swing, I notice something in the peripheral of my eyes. Swimming around with axe in hand I prepare for the worst. Nothing but the night sky. I scan around and that''s when I see it, a snowflake slowly falling from the sky marking the real beginning of winter.


    Finishing up the woodcutting I head inside. My light shirt is a little wet from the snow melting on it. May look a little weird but oh well, I shrug off the discomfort as I head inside. Inside I am met with the smirk of Amanda, ¡°Perfect timing, take this and give it to table five.¡± Amanda shoves a bowl of soup into my hands, this is slavery I swear. ¡°Hello to you too Amanda.¡± Amanda just gives me a wink before going deeper into the kitchen doing whatever she¡¯s doing. Walking into the dining room I look around for table five. A man sitting alone reading a newspaper while sipping some tea is there. His black coat striking with the color of our wooden furniture, a merchant maybe? I walk over with the bowl of soup. A small splash from walking too fast reminds me that my shirt is wet and I¡¯m serving customers, fuck this is embarrassing. Sometimes I wish I had learned Mom¡¯s magic instead of Dad''s. I sigh to myself as I approach the table. ¡°Hello sir, you had the chicken soup?¡± I lift up the bowl of soup emphasizing that I am talking of this specific bowl of soup. The gentleman looks from his newspaper, ¡°Yes young lad.¡± He smiles warmly at me, I place the soup in front of him. I notice one of the headlines of the newspaper he is reading reads, Demon Attack Leaves Hundreds Dead. A bit intrigued about the story I decided to ask the man about it. ¡°Anything interesting in the paper today?¡± The man lets out a sigh, ¡°Yes, the town of Eldama was attacked by an Ice Demon hundreds dead including the mayor.¡± Eldama, the town I am from. My throat starts to clog up but I keep my composure in the face of this man deciding to ask a question that I just need to know the answer to, ¡°If the mayor¡¯s dead who¡¯s in charge of the town?¡± The man looks up at me and his tone steady, ¡°The local wizard guild master, he goes by the name of Master Brandon.¡± He places the paper down on the table and grabs his spoon, ¡°A merchant friend of mine tried visiting the town recently but they reject all outsiders. If you ask me something doesn¡¯t sit right with me about that town.¡± No shit, the demon was their top fire mage and my parents were the ice ¡®demons¡¯. I give a subtle smile and choosing to close the conversation I leave off on the note, ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s pretty weird.¡±

 Chapter 14: The Candle of Memories

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