*YO YO YO WHAT IS THE UPS MY CREEPS?? IT'S YO GURL E.L. HOODS. SORRY FOR THE ELONGATED WAITING TIME, IT MUST HAVE BEEN TERRIBLE FOR YOU GUYS. BUT NOW I'M BACK IN BUSINESS, I'M FEELING GREAT, DIDN'T TAKE MY PILLS-- WHAT, NOTHING. WHO'S UP FOR SOME QUESTIONS?

QUESTIONS!!:
-What is the most disturbing movie you've seen thus far? (Anyone heard of House of a 1000 Corpses?? That shit's crazy.)
-Only because my friend ScarletLeCreepy brought it up, how would you feel about T-shirts of the KP series?

OKAY HOMIES, LET'S WRAP THIS UP. THANKS FOR YOUR PATIENCE! YOU GUYS ARE AWESOME! HAPPY READING! :D*

Stay Creepy, My Friends!~

Chapter 38

The classroom was silent as students focused on answering the questions to a class quiz. I stared down at my paper, reading over a question and assessing the correct answer. I was quick to circle a choice and move on. Behind me Craig was also taking the quiz, scribbling, erasing and scribbling again. We had until the end of the class period to finish it. I took my time, went over my answers, carefully used my own methods to answer correctly. A few other students got up from their seats and turned in their tests but I wasn't intimidated by that. I kept going my own pace.

After checking my quiz a few more times, I decided I was done and got up from my seat. I turned in the papers to my teacher and as I walked back Craig passed me by to turn in his quiz as well. Then the both of us were seated and we waited in silence as others finished the quiz. Student after student got up and sat back down with a clear desk. Before we knew it the bell rang and everyone grabbed their backpacks and filed out. As soon as I was out of the door Craig wrapped an arm around me and sighed. "I don't like taking quizzes with you," he remarked.

"How come?," I asked.

He blew a strand of hair out of his face. "Because I feel dumb. I know you finished the quiz way before you got up!"

"I was checking my answers," I stated.

"I bet they still would've been correct if you didn't check," he chuckled. I playfully rolled my eyes and walked along side him as we headed to the cafeteria for lunch. As soon as we made it to our usual booth, Kayla was there enjoying a parfait. She smiled at us and I graciously took a seat next to her. Craig was about to sit down on the other seat when he gasped and snapped his fingers. Kayla and I looked at him, wondering what was up. "I need to take care of something," he explained briefly before running off somewhere else within the cafeteria. I looked to Kayla for any real answer but she looked just as surprised as I was.

Kayla and I sat together for a few moments until we both spotted Xavier approaching. He looked slightly confused. "What's up, run buns," Kayla asked him casually. I didn't question the nickname. Neither did Xavier, probably because things will get more awkward. "I came by to ask Craig for his notes again," he answered, "is he not here?"

"He ran off somewhere," Kayla replied, "said something about taking care of a thing. We don't know what for."

"Oh." Xavier scratched his head and looked around the cafeteria. His expression changed, poker face turning into a frown, and he huffed. I looked to the direction he was facing and managed to spot Craig past the other tables. He was talking with another student I haven't seen before. The student was a guy with red hair who kept a smile on his face. I spotted Craig laughing. The guy must've made a joke or something.

Suddenly Xavier took a seat across from Kayla and I and stayed there. "Are you finally sitting with us for a change," Kayla jested, then drank from her water bottle. "Yes," Xavier stated bluntly. Kayla and I shared wide eyed glances. "Whoa," Kayla murmured. Whoa, indeed. Xavier never sits with us during lunch. Why now? Not that him sitting with us is bad, it's pretty cool actually. It's just unlike him. Kayla and I didn't question him further.

I decided to leave the booth to get in line for some lunch. When I came back with my tray, Craig still wasn't back and Xavier was still sitting at our booth. I took my seat and finally decided to ask him about his suddenly grumpy mood. "How come you look annoyed," I asked him. He looked at me and sighed. "Because," he started, "I need those notes and Craig is being an ass. Plus, I don't like who he's talking to..."

"Who is that guy?" I questioned, opening my water bottle.

Xavier looked away, probably at the red head we're talking about, and said, "His name is Aaron, as far as I know. I've seen him chat with Daniel a few times but I don't think they're 'buddy buddy'. Either way, he just seems like bad business."

"There's got to be a better reason for you to dislike him other than that," I remarked. Xavier shook his head and kept glaring.

"Well, if I didn't know any better, I'd say you're jealous," Kayla said. Xavier threw a death glare at her and her cool demeanor changed drastically. She stammered, "O-Or not, maybe you're just annoyed at that Aaron guy, like you said! Ha, ha, ha....." Xavier turned away.

I turned to the blonde boy in front of me. "Tell you what," I said, "if Craig doesn't come back in time, I'll remind him about the notes. Maybe I could deliver them to you."

"That'd be nice," he murmured. I smiled and took my first bite of my food. The three of us sat there and even though Kayla and I struck up a conversation there was still some awkward tension. Mostly radiating from Xavier. While Kayla and I were discussing possible ideas for my coming birthday, Xavier suddenly growled and we stopped. His honey-brown eyes flared intensely and I followed his gaze towards the cafeteria doors. Craig was hurriedly walking out with the red-head named Aaron in tow. I furrowed my brow at the strange sight.

"That damned idiot," Xavier growled. I turned back around and flashed him a smile. "Don't stress about it," I said, "I'm sure things are fine. Why don't you go get food? Lunch is almost over. You should eat something."

"The food sucks."

"Your point?"

Xavier stared at me. I stared back. Then he got up from the booth and walked towards a lunch line. I sighed and took a swig of my water. "Somethin' fishy is going on," Kayla remarked quietly.

"We can ask Craig later," I said, "I'm sure there's some reason behind this."

"Do you think he's doing some bad business," Kayla asked. "Ya know? Like, handling the goods? The stuff?"

"What? No! He'd never do that."

"What about weapons?"

"Not that either!"

"Gambling? Underground street fighting? Cock fights? Dog fights? Beta fights?!"

"Oh my gosh, Kayla, no."

She shrugged. "You can never be too cautious!"

"Is that all you're worried about?"

"Maybe. What are you worried about?" She sipped her water.

"I'm worried about him not having eaten lunch," I answered. Kayla gave me a look. I shrugged.

...

After school I decided to walk home today just to get some fresh air. Kayla stayed behind for some cheer practice with the girls. Craig still had something important to do by the time the last bell rang so he bounced. It was just me as I headed for the school gates. Just before I crossed the threshold, I heard someone call my name. I turned to see Xavier strolling up to me. I flashed him a smile and waited for him to meet up with me.

"Thanks for getting me Craig's notes earlier," he said. I nodded and replied, "No problem!"

"Mind if I walk you home?"

I stared at him, a bit surprised by the sudden offer. "Sure, I don't mind," I mumbled but it came out sounding like a question. The both of us began walking together and I will admit that it was a little awkward. We didn't talk for a few good minutes. Cars passed us by on the streets. The wind blew here and there. A dog barked continuously for a while. I would have been okay with this silence between us as it is expected from Xavier, but I knew something was bothering him which bothered me. Finally...

"Ao, can I ask you a question," Xavier said. I looked up at him and nodded. He stayed quiet for a few seconds, thinking, and then asked, "Is it weird to feel angry after seeing that Aaron guy hop into Craig's truck?" My eyes widened at this knowledge but I had to focus on answering Xavier's question. I had to really think on this one as any wrong evaluation on this situation could lead to him being annoyed with me. I don't want an irritable Xavier through the rest of the walk. I put myself in his position and tried to assess from there. The sight of seeing that red headed student get into Craig's truck didn't seem all too threatening. Maybe I can't understand Xavier's perspective because I don't feel the same distrust and suspicion he feels towards Aaron. To me, he's just another student. I tried to give a good answer either way. "I would feel a little taken aback," I responded.

Xavier looked down at me. "You think I'm being too paranoid, don't you?"

"Just a bit," I squeaked. He gave a gruff sigh. "Don't worry too much," I added, "Craig might've just been giving him a ride home or something. He's nice like that."

"It still annoys me," Xavier deadpanned.

"I'm sure things are fine," I said, though in reality I was a bit concerned too. I'll talk with Craig about it later over the phone. I should clear things up before Xavier's poker face turns flat out grumpy.

"We're here," I announced when we arrived at my estate after twenty minutes of walking. Xavier led me to the gate and stopped. "Thanks for walking me home," I told him, to which he nodded. "No problem," he replied.

"Do you know how to get home from here?"

"Yeah, I'll be fine," he answered. I gave him a smile before unlocking the gate door and stepping in. Once I closed and locked the gate, Xavier waved a friendly good-bye. I waved back and that was it as he began making his trek home. I watched him walk for a while until he was out of my sight. Then I walked towards my house and entered through the front door.

"Oh, can't wait to do homework," I chuckled sarcastically. I removed my shoes and took my bag with me.

Nothing like the struggle of solving for X and balancing chemical equations, yeah?

"Yup!" I smiled and began making my way towards the stairs. Suddenly I heard a voice and I peered over the banister to see my father poking his head out from the downstairs hallway. I blinked at him for a moment or two, stunned by his presence here. I hadn't even checked if there was a car in the drive way. "Oh, hi there, ChiChi," I greeted him.

"Kon'nichiwa, dārin," he told me with a smile.

"How come you're home so early? Don't you leave work later on?" I asked curiously.

He shrugged his shoulders. "Watashi wa shigoto kara hanareru ikutsu ka no jikan o akae raremashita," (I was given some time away from work), he said. I nodded and then asked, "When will Okaasan be home?"

"Dōjini, itsumo no yō ni," (Same time, as always), he answered.

I nodded again and suddenly had an idea. "ChiChi, I want to do my homework with you. Would that be good?" The smile on his face said it all and he beckoned me to him. I trot down the stairs and run to catch up with my father. In a matter of minutes the both of us are in his study. He observed me doing my work and with his presence there I would try harder. He would of course lend a helping hand when it seemed that I needed one. He would also give me some advice and his own tips that he used when he was my age. I couldn't help but laugh. "You make yourself sound old," I remarked.

"Watashi wa...," (I am) he chuckled.

"Oh please," I sighed dramatically.

"Anata wa amarini mo furuku natte imasu," (You're getting old too) he joked.

"No I'm not."

He faked a gasp. "Ā, iya! Watashi wa shigara o mitsukemashita.." (Oh no! I found a gray hair.) He pointed at my hair, covering his mouth. I laughed and pushed his hand away. "Stop, ChiChi! If I had one I'll name it after you!"

"Anata no okāsan wa, sudeni sore o okonaimasu," (Your mother already does that) he chuckled. I laughed, knowing it was like her.

"Watashitachi wa anata no shukudai o shite ikimashou. Shimashou ka?" (Let's continue your homework. Shall we?) he said. I nodded and began scribbling my pencil over paper. After a few minutes I had successfully completed all of my homework. I gave my father a gracious hug for his help and advice. He gave me a warm smile and kissed my forehead.

As soon as I stepped out of his study the sounds of the front door opening echoed throughout the house. I smiled, knowing my mother was back home from work. I walked to the foyer and greeted my mother just as she was removing her shoes next to mine. "Hello, my little rairakku," she chimed sweetly before she kissed my cheek. My father came up behind me and the both of them shared a brief, loving kiss. "How were my darlings today," she asked playfully. My father and I both gave a thumbs-up and smiled. She chuckled. "Well," she started, clapping her hands together, "why don't I get dinner ready, yes? Ao, would you like to help?"

"Pssh, yes," I obliged.

"What would you like for dinner?"

I tapped my chin, then looked to my father. He shrugged. "Watashi wa nin'i no mono o taberu yō no narimasu," (I'll eat anything) he remarked. I chuckled shortly before turning back to my mother.

Ooh, I know what could be for dinner this time.

Sam sounded cheery. Then he stated his suggestion. I smiled at his idea.

"Stir fry?"

My mother then smiled. "That sounds perfect."

Aw yeah.~

I laughed. Soon enough my mother and I were in the kitchen working on dinner while my father worked in his study. I chopped foods, she actually cooked it. While I chopped up some veggies, my mother leaned close to me and whispered, "Guess what? I've got some matcha ice cream that I've kept hidden in the freezer. How about we try some after dinner?" When I looked up at her she had this mischievous twinkle in her dark eyes that made me smile. She knows how much I love matcha ice cream. I nodded and she smiled. She put a finger to her lips and said, "Shh, don't tell your father." I giggled and we continued on our merry cooking. While I chopped I would sometimes look over at my mother and see a small smile on her face. I don't think she knows she's doing it but it's nice to see. She's happy. Because of this I'm sure I'm smiling too.

...

"Oh my goodness," I sighed as I plopped down onto my bed. "Dinner was amazing."

You sure showed it. Nearly licked the plate clean.

I chuckled at Sam's remark. "Ugh, and that matcha ice cream? Just, yes," -I fist pumped the air-, "Thank you, Okaasan."

Don't have a foodgasm.

"Geez, how can I not?" I chuckled contentedly and got up to turn out the lights in my room. I shuffle over to my bed with my pajama pants draping over my feet. I removed my glasses and put them on my nightstand for the morning. Feeling clean from a nice shower and comfy in my PJs, it wasn't hard for me to relax under the covers. I felt satisfied with today. Now I just want to sleep in the plush sanctuary of my bed. "Goodnight, Sam," I murmured, snuggling my head into a soft pillow.

Goodnight, Blue.

I closed my eyes and let sleep gradually come in. My consciousness faded out and my body relaxed. It felt nice though, it didn't last long.

I could feel something poking my face, making my eye twitch. I groaned and swatted it away. I turned over so I could ignore it and go back to sleep. It may be Sam bugging me because he's bored. He does that even when I'm asleep. Something poked the back of my head but I countered it by putting my head under my pillow. Suddenly my blanket was yanked off of my body and I groaned louder. "Sam, knock it off," I grumbled under my pillow.

I didn't do anything.

I decided to open my sleepy eyes and see what was going on. Is one of my parents trying to wake me up? Upon sitting up I noticed my room was still dark. It must be the middle of the night. There would be no reason for my parents to wake me up this late, unless it was an emergency. They wouldn't do it so subtly either. I rubbed my eyes and reached for my glasses on the nightstand. Once I slipped them on, I looked up only to see a pair of red eyes. I gasped and was about to scream but a white hand covered my mouth and I was shushed. I was tense for a moment before recognizing the tussle of blonde hair and the elvish features.

Oh great...

At this hour of the night, I agreed with Sam. I glared at my uninvited guest and pushed him away. "Don't startle me like that, Ben," I groaned and brushed my loose hair away. The blonde man smiled and shrugged his shoulders. "You wouldn't wake up. What else could I do?," he said.

"Well, for one, don't get up in my face," I muttered, "second, don't randomly show up in my room. Last time didn't end well." He chuckled and scratched his head, probably remembering our first encounter. I looked up at him and asked, "Why are your eyes red this time?"

He looked at me and answered, "I forgot my cloaking chip at the hideout so I came like this. All nat-chu-ral, baby."

I rolled my eyes but smiled. My eyes suddenly darted to his ears and I chuckled. Without a thought I reached up and gently tugged on his elfin ears. He groaned and gave me a look. "These are cool," I remarked, pinching his ears.

"I guess," he murmured. Suddenly his ears twitched and I pulled my hand away....only to pinch them again. "You can move them?! That's awesome," I giggled in awe. He groaned and I could tell he didn't fancy his ears as much as I did. "Alright, quit it already," he groused.

"But, they're awesome--."

"Sheba, I will back my ass up on you if you don't stop."

That was enough to make me pull my hands away at lightning speed.

"So, what are you here for," I questioned.

Ben shifted in his spot on my bed so he was sitting with his legs crossed, then he replied, "Jeff wanted you to come by the hideout again. We still need to talk about some stuff, plus he thought you'd want to see Jack."

"Right now?"

"Yup."

I gaped at Ben. "But, it's late," I said, pointing to my clock, which read 1:24am. The blonde man shrugged. "I'd gladly let you sleep, but he really wanted you to come by. He's not the only one requesting you either."

"Jack?"

"No." By the look in Ben's eyes, I knew who else it was. It confused me a little.

I turned my head to look at my left side window, at the moonlight pouring in through the crack of the curtains. I didn't really want to leave my house in the middle of the night. Not only do I need to sleep but I don't want to surprise my parents, if by some chance they check in on me. I check the time again on my clock. 1:25am. I sighed and turn back to Ben. "Please try to make this quick," I requested.

"I'll try," Ben said. It was good enough. I got out of bed and grabbed a jacket from my closet, along with a spare pair of shoes. I stuffed my phone into my jacket pocket and pulled the zipper up to my sternum.

"You're going in your pajamas?," Ben remarked quizzically. I shrugged and responded, "It's not like I'm going out. I mean, I am paying a visit to a secluded location out in the countryside."

"Alright then," Ben chuckled. I quickly shoved a few pillows under my blankets to pull the old "fake figure" trick, just in case if one of my parents pokes their head into my room. Ben gave me a look but let it pass. Once I was ready I stood next to Ben. "Ready?," Ben started, offering me his arm. I linked my arm with his and prepared myself for the strange sensation of his travel method.

There was a bit of leftover fuzziness when we showed up on the front yard of the hideout. I rubbed my temple to try and regain my composure. I looked around at the area, realizing how different it looks at night. More shadows stretched across the ground but the stars and moon up in the black sky were more prominent out here. It looked beautiful. Ben led me up to the rickety porch once again and opened up the creaky front door. I walked in and entered the main room. "Let me get Jeff," Ben said, before slipping into the hallway. This allowed me to look around at the house. The room was dark but moonlight still seeped through the windows present. I looked up at the ceiling and saw a lantern hanging in the middle. I reached for it but my fingers barely grazed the bottom of the device. I'm sure Jeff could reach it. I don't think he intends to chat in the dark.

This place looks a little creepy at night, don't you think?

"A little," I answered Sam. "Knowing Jeff, Elizabeth, Ben and Jack are here kind of eases the atmosphere."

It does. Are you sure you want to be here?

I yawned. "Well, I want to sleep but I should get this over with. Every other time we've tried talking has been a failure. Those were during the day. Maybe this time we can get somewhere."

Maybe.

The sound of footsteps caught my attention and I turned to see Ben and Jeff walking out of the hallway. When Jeff reached the middle of the room, he reached up and turned on the hanging lantern by a knob. The room was immediately illuminated. Jeff looked at me and waved. "Hey, Blueberry."

"Hi, Jeff," I said, managing a gentle smile.

"Sorry to bring you here at this hour," he said. "I would've preferred this to have happened during the day but a certain someone demanded to see you now."

"I have a name," a voice remarked. I looked to the hallway opening again to see Elizabeth. She strolled into the main room and made herself comfortable on an old couch. Jeff eyed her for moment before diverting his attention back to me and saying, "Elizabeth wanted to see you and wouldn't be patient." I caught Elizabeth glaring at Jeff but he did not acknowledge her gaze. Instead he took a seat on the opposing couch. I sat next to him while Ben leaned on the armrest of the other couch. I covered my hands with my jacket sleeves and brushed my hair aside.

"So, where do you want to start," Jeff asked me. I rubbed the back of my neck and shrugged. I don't know. My sleep is still lingering so it's bothersome to think. Jeff could see this and said, "Well, we'll just see where things take us." I nodded in agreement.

"Jack is doing fine," he explained, "in case you were wondering. Thanks to your advice and the information you gave us on treatment. He's been resting a lot, which is good for him. He'll still be bedridden though."

"As long as he's okay," I murmured. "He shouldn't rush things."

"How have you been? From the Corrupted attack, I mean," Jeff added.

"I'm fine. Whatever wounds I had have cleared up. Though my dreams are still a little messed up," I said with an awkward smile.

"Speaking of Corrupted," Ben chimed in, "do you want to tell her about the two we saw the other day?"

I suddenly felt cold. "What?"

"We saw one prowling around the fields nearby," Jeff explained, "and Ben spotted one just on the edge of town."

"The first one might've been the one that infected the Corrupted you ran into," Ben told me. "It looked like a total mess. The uglier and more distorted it is, the more it's been exposed to evil."

"The second one was relatively new but not like the patient Corrupted," Jeff added. "It probably came in from somewhere else, being drawn in by..." Jeff faltered and looked at Elizabeth, which was enough to let me know, along with her, what else he had meant to say. She frowned and stared down at the floor.

"Anyway," Jeff continued, "we neutralized the threat."

"In other words, we went prison courtyard on their asses," Ben joked. Jeff flashed him a look but the blonde kept his smirk. "I'm sure they won't be the last, though," Jeff added. "Which is why you should be more careful from now on. Damn things can show up out of nowhere."

"I'll keep that in mind," I mumbled, chills running up my spine at the thought of those horrific Corrupted. I looked up at Elizabeth, who sat across from me. She eyed me with a peculiar air. Her gaze wasn't bothering me as much as it would if I wasn't feeling so tired. I yawned and shook my head to wake up a little more.

"Have you had any weird dreams lately?" Elizabeth spoke up, which slightly caught me off guard. I thought about her question and nodded reluctantly. Why am I hesitant? Of course I've been having weird dreams. After the Corrupted and what happened to Jack, it's hard not to dream terrible things.

"What kind of things have you dreamt of?," Elizabeth asked. I started shaking my leg as I explained about the types of nightmares I would have. I didn't speak of the ones about her though, for fear of her anger. When I finished she didn't look satisfied. "Anything else?," she questioned. What more does she expect me to tell her? Then I remember that one dream I had of a bunch of people and the proxy symbol. Thinking back on this now, everything is still fuzzy. Is this dream what Elizabeth is asking for? I gave it a shot.

When I was done explaining in the best way I could, Elizabeth seemed bothered. I wondered why for a few moments before she spoke up. "That's all you can recall," she asked. I shrugged. "Somewhat," I answered.

She furrowed her brow in thought, then said, "Do you have any idea who those people were?"

I shook my head. No clues whatsoever. "Do you?," I asked her.

Elizabeth cocked an eyebrow. "If I knew, would I be asking?"

"Well..." She had a point, I guess. Then I thought about the conversation for a moment. "Why are you asking in the first place?," I said.

She messed with the hem of her shirt, one I bought for her. "I'm asking," she started, "because I have had a similar dream a few times before."

My sleepiness was dropped a peg and I sat a little taller. "Really?"

She nodded. "Though, I don't recall the mother or the quiet girl. Everyone else was in my dream, including you. In fact, you seemed to be the only person I recognized with such clarity. Everyone else might as well have been ghosts." Elizabeth paused and her hand stopped picking at her shirt. "Well...except for one, but even then I have no idea who she was or why I dreamt about her."

"Who was it?" I asked her. I want to know what's going on. Obviously Elizabeth and I are connected in some way. I wonder if it's because of this whole "proxy" situation the both of us are in. I still don't know how or why I'm involved in that.

Elizabeth crossed one leg over the other and tapped a metal finger on the couch's arm rest. "All I could recall from her was a name. I think it was...Emmet...? No. Amelia? Maybe. Yes. No. I'm wrong. Dammit, what was it?"

Emily.

I frowned out of confusion from Sam's sudden remark. "What?"

I said, Emily.

I pursed my lips. I looked at Elizabeth and said, "Was it the name Emily?"

She gave me a surprised look. "Yeah," she replied. "Emily Mason, I think. I don't know. It was said. That's all I can really remember from that dream. It might be important, maybe not." I took note of the name but something nagged at me now. How did Sam make the correct guess?

Thinking about Sam now, I remembered the moment Elizabeth spoke of him. I hadn't even told her anything about him. Did she overhear my explanation while she was unconscious at that motel? That seems unlikely. Especially because she knew even before that. I have to know how.

"How did you know about Sam," I asked quietly. Elizabeth stared at me for a few moments, reluctant. I was asking her, of course. She looked at Jeff and Ben (who also seemed curious), then back to me. A sigh slipped from her mouth before she started talking. "Back at the carnival, up on that ferris wheel, I noticed something off about you. Not only did I sense the familiar energy of the proxy but something else was there too," -she paused for a moment to think-, "This may sound weird but, when I grabbed your hand just when you were about to fall, I felt another presence. It wasn't just you. Then, when I was sent flying out of the carriage opening I knew something was up. After that little encounter with you I started having weird dreams. The name Sam kept coming up, along with you, so I put two and two together and, voilà, I knew about your little friend."

I stared at her, trying to understand her words. It's a little scary to know she could break things down so easily, with what seemed was little evidence of her solution. Something else came to mind. "Why would you spray paint his name and mine? And why change the color?"

She had a beguiling look in her mismatched eyes. "I wanted to scare you," -she stilfed a wry chuckle-, "I knew you and vanilla bean here were looking for me." She nodded over at Jeff, who frowned in return. Ben looked away and tried containing his laughter behind his hand. "Vanilla bean," he snickered, "that's funny...!"

"Shut up, elf ears," Jeff growled, making Ben glare at him. Ben's face turned pink and he grumbled, "Yo, don't go there..! My ears are a sensitive subject, man." They twitched for a moment. I caught Jeff rolling his eyes.

I focused on Elizabeth again. "And the color," I inquired.

"A little dream told me you liked blue," she stated nonchalantly. I bit my lip as I looked down at the floor, in thought. Then I remembered something. Quickly I took out my phone and flitted through my photos. I found what I wanted and showed it to Elizabeth. "What about this phrase," I asked. She looked at the photo with a focused frown. "The Inaugural Prophet; the Seed of All; the Virgin of the masses that have brought Justice unto Him," she repeated casually. She cocked an eyebrow at me. "What about it?"

"Why did you write this under my name and Sam's," I questioned.

She stared at me for a few moments then, to my disappointment, she shrugged. I frowned at her with confusion.

Just when I was coming up with another question to ask her, there was a noise that echoed from the hall. I jumped and turned my head, staring wide-eyed. Everyone else didn't seem as startled though.

Ben pushed himself off of the couch's arm rest, saying, "Jack-off's awake!"

I stared at him. "Excuse me?"

Elizabeth stifled a short laugh.

Jeff rolled his eyes again.

Ben walked into the hallway with a smirk, leaving Jeff, Elizabeth and I alone in the living room. I stared at the hallway entrance for a few moments. Jeff suddenly tapped my leg and I turned to him. He nodded his head at the hallway, saying, "Go." There was a knowing look in his dark eyes. Without trying to seem too eager, I stood from the couch and made my way towards the hallway. I wondered if it was okay to leave Jeff alone with Elizabeth. Then I realized that he's always alone with her in this little shack. I don't know if Ben is around too but he doesn't seem like he would be all that much. My guess is that he keeps an eye for any Corrupted roaming around the hideout or even the town, considering his findings.

I spotted an open doorway down the hall with a faint light seeping out onto the wooden floor. I quietly made my way to the doorway and peered in. Inside I found Ben securing the bandages on Jack's wounded leg. "You seriously need to stop trying to get out of bed, man," Ben said. Jack huffed and gave no response. I watched Ben adjust Jack's leg for a bit which resulted in Jack growling bitterly. It was a strange sound that seemed impossible for a human being to make. My fingers gripped the doorway tightly.

Nervous?

I nodded, though that wasn't my exact feeling. I felt like I would invade Jack's privacy by talking to him. He's in a poor state and anyone would feel discouraged around others. Maybe he wouldn't feel discouraged, but he would at least feel uncomfortable and awkward. As much as I would like to talk with him, it's better to leave him be.

Just as I was about to back away the door flew all the way open, causing a loud thud against the wall. I jumped and held a hand to my chest. "What the hell, Sam," I hissed.

Go in, dammit.

I glared at air and looked back inside the room. Ben stared at me with a bemused expression. Jack raised his head slightly from his pillow. Ben smirked and chimed, "It looks like your wifey-boo is here, Jack." I felt heat rush to my cheeks and I drilled a look into Ben. To my surprise, Jack bolted upright in his bed. Unfortunately he moved his injured leg and cried out in pain. He slammed himself back into the bed and seethed. Ben face-palmed and muttered, "Bitch, what did I just say? Damn."

"Oh, shut up," Jack growled. Ben re-adjusted Jack's leg and I fully entered the room. I carefully made my way to his bedside and stood there. Jack faced the ceiling with patches of gauze covering his eyes, just like before. I gulped, remembering the tempting urge to remove them. I couldn't do that to him. I looked down at his hand, which lay at his side. Slowly, I inched my hand towards his and gently pressed my palm against his bandages. His hand twitched, causing me to flinch and pull back a bit. I watched as he slowly, almost hesitantly, turned his hand over and opened it. I looked up at his face and saw the tightness in his jaw. I bit my lip and placed my hand onto his open palm. His fingers gently enveloped my hand and a smile formed on my lips. I tightened my hold in return and I suddenly felt warmer and happier.

"What time is it," Jack mumbled. I checked the time on my phone and said, "It's barely two o'clock in the morning."

"Why are you here so late in the night," he questioned.

"Ben brought me to talk about some stuff with Jeff and Elizabeth," I answered.

Jack growled at the blonde man, "You should let her sleep, idiot."

Ben raised his hands up in defense. "Hey, it wasn't my idea to interrupt her beauty sleep. Don't hassle the messenger."

"It's fine," I told Jack, "I don't mind it. I'm just a little sleepy right now, but I'll manage. I won't be here for long, anyway."

"You should still be resting," he muttered. Despite his grumpy tone, I smiled from his concern. There was a moment of silence within the room. Then, Ben yawned and said, "Well, I'm gonna leave you two alone and chill in the living room, or something." I watched Ben stroll towards the open door. Before he left I caught him giving me a wink and I blushed, knowing his intention. He even closed the door..!

I turned my attention back to Jack. He had his head turned away from me but his grip on my hand hadn't changed. I looked around for a chair to sit on but there were none. "You can sit on the bed, if you want," Jack murmured, "Just be careful not to move me." I nodded and carefully took a seat next to Jack, still holding his hand and placing it on my lap. I could feel his hip behind me and the subtle warmth of his hand made me tighten my grip. The urge to lean down and lie next to him sparked within me but I knew I probably shouldn't. I may agitate his position. Yet, the thought of lying next to him, burying myself into his side, the comfort of his arm around me was all too powerful. I suppressed it all and just held his hand.

The room was quiet which was a little uncomfortable. Suddenly, Jack cleared his throat and said, "How have you been...?"

Quietly, I answered, "I've been well. How about you?"

"My leg hurts."

I suppressed a chuckle. "I would think so."

"Are you feeling okay? From your injuries, I mean," Jack added.

I nodded. "I'm fine. My hands are still a bit sore from scraping them up."

Jack's grip on my hand suddenly softened. "Sorry," he murmured, "I didn't know.."

"It's fine," I said, silently yearning for him to tighten his hold. "I'm more worried about your condition." I waited for him to squeeze my hand again but he never did.

"This isn't the worst thing that has happened to me," Jack remarked. "But I've been better."

"What could be worse than getting your leg impaled," I asked jokingly. Jack's vibe shifted and I saw him gulp. This made me wonder what Jack could have endured that's worse than his injury. I decided not to ask, as to not upset him.

Before I could break the tension, Jack spoke first with, "What do you think of Elizabeth?"

The question caught me off guard but I wasn't shy to answer. "She's...interesting."

"She's changed," he responded, gloomily.

I cast my eyes downward and replied, "So I've heard." A pause of silence passed. Then I added, "What was she like before?"

Jack shrugged slightly. "Well, she was nicer. She was a pretty quiet girl. Used to have a rough school life though. But she wasn't mean or unjust. Always cared about others. She was a good friend. I really don't know what else I could say about her. Jeff knows more about her than I ever would."

"Were they happy together," I inquired.

"Immensely," he answered, "Jeff made her happy and vice versa. He was the happiest he had ever been. Which also made her death devastating to him the most. And, as if he wasn't rattled enough, her body was stolen by people who are still currently unknown. After that, Jeff left to find her kidnappers, along with eradicating Corrupted. A lot has changed since then.."

"Like what?"

Jack took a moment to answer but when he did his tone of voice was downcast. "Our little family sort of split apart. People went their separate ways to pursue what they felt was important. That included me. I've been on my own for two years, just like Jeff and everyone else has been. Ben sometimes dropped by but he never stayed for long. I think he got bored. Him and Jeff have changed."

"How so?" I asked.

Jack sighed. "Well, for one, Jeff has gotten more serious than he used to be, and his sense of humanity has grown."

"What do you mean by that?"

Jack scoffed. "I think that's a story Jeff should tell."

"Oh. Well, what about Ben?"

Jack paused for a moment. "He's still a dumb-ass."

I couldn't help but chuckle. Jack huffed and continued, "I haven't talked to the others yet but I'm sure they've changed as well."

"Have you?," I asked.

He was quiet for a moment and I thought I may have upset him somehow. Then, he sighed and said, "I don't know..." The room grew silent and in the midst of it I squeezed his hand in a comforting manner. It was a delayed response but he also squeezed back. I looked up at his face, staring at the gauze covering his eyes. Curiosity mixed with concern and it wasn't too long before I spoke up. "Jack?"

"Hmm?"

I bit my lip to make sure I didn't speak too loudly. When I had better composure, I asked, "Why are your eyes covered?"

I swear I could feel the air in the room become heavier. Jack's hand went completely limp. There was no mistaking that I screwed up by asking that question. Surprisingly enough, despite the mood, Jack spoke. "You wouldn't like the answer..," he whispered.

I furrowed my brow. "Why would I--?"

"Just drop it," he snapped, his voice shaky. I flinched and decided to pull my hand away. Jack held a scowl on his face now. I could slap a paper that read 'DOUCHE' across my forehead, because that may as well have happened. I hadn't meant to upset him but it's what I did. My chest tightened with contrition and I turned my gaze away from Jack. I frowned down at the floor, wanting to say something to make the situation better or wishing to have taken it back. "I apologize," I mumbled quietly, not wanting to disturb a now agitated Jack.

"I'm fine," Jack murmured hesitantly, which meant he wasn't. I didn't call him out on it. It was now terribly silent in the room. The crickets that chirped outside seemed mocking. I could feel the tension weigh me down, threatening to crush me unmercifully. At this point I knew it was about time to leave. Quietly, I mumbled, "It's, uh, getting late. I should probably start heading home."

"Yeah, you should." Jack's voice was bitter but I knew he was just agreeing. At least that's what I hoped. I started making my way towards the door to leave. Before I touched the doorknob, I turned my head to look back at Jack. He had his arms crossed over his chest now. That made my guilty feeling worse. "Goodnight," I said softly. He didn't reply. I can just feel the multiple 'DOUCHE' papers all over my body now. I sighed, opened the door, and left.

"Smooth one, Blue," I berated myself as I walked down the hallway.

Don't beat yourself up, Ao. He was being a butt.

"I guess," I murmured sadly. I made it to the living room where Ben and Jeff sat. Elizabeth was nowhere to be seen, leaving me to presume that she's in another room resting. Ben looked up at me and gave me a smile. Before he could say anything clever, which I knew he would do, I said, "I want to go home already."

Ben was taken aback. He stood up, saying, "Sure. Are you cool? You look a little down."

I nodded, forcing myself to look right at him. "I'm fine. I'm just a little tired. Um...Jack may be grumpier than usual.."

Ben cocked an eyebrow. "What happened?"

I shook my head. "Nothing. Just...take me home, please. I'm tired and I have school tomorrow..."

Ben stared at me for a few moments before nodding and giving me his arm to take. I linked mine with his. "Goodnight Jeff," I said, giving the 'smiling' man a casual wave.

"See ya," he said.

Ben looked at me. "Ready?," he asked. I nodded and took in a deep breath. I closed my eyes and the air around me crackled with energy. My skin tingled and when it all subsided I opened my eyes to find us back in my bedroom. I checked the time on my alarm clock. 2:27am. I can still catch enough sleep.

"Thanks Ben," I said as I let go of his arm.

"No problem, Sheba! Sorry for the awkward night."

"It's fine," I chuckled lightly.

Ben looked around uncomfortably. "Ya know, I've got some stuff that could lift your spirits."

I cocked my head to the side. "What stuff?"

He shrugged and twiddled his fingers. "Just...stuff."

I stared at him for a little while, trying to figure out what he means. When he motioned a hand to his mouth and blew a puff of air out, that's when I got it.

"Oh!" I shook my head and blushed. "N-No, no!"

Hell no.

"Are you sure?"

Damn sure.

"Yes, I'm sure..."

"Because that stuff works like a charm."

You know what else works like a charm? Morphine, after I beat yo ass.

I kept ignoring Sam's remarks. "Yeah, um, I'm good. Just, I - no."

Ben nodded. "That's cool."

I managed an awkward, "Thanks for the offer though. Glad you're willing to...share."

"That's the proper etiquette," Ben said, smiling. I chuckled lightly, and yawned.

"Well, have a good night, Sheba," he said.

I smiled. "Goodnight, Casanova..," I mumbled tiredly. He chuckled and before I knew it he had teleported away.

...You better run.

I face-palmed myself. "Oh my god, Sam, stop."

Another yawn escaped my mouth and I whipped off my jacket. I took off my glasses and placed them onto my nightstand. I crawled into bed and slipped under my covers. My whole body relaxed as soon as I placed my head onto my pillow. The plushness of my duvet cocooned me in a warm embrace and it was fairly easy to start falling asleep.

"Goodnight, Sam," I murmured.

Goodnight, Ao. Sweet dreams.

I smiled and cuddled against my pillows some more. My consciousness dulled as sleep came closer and closer. It felt right to embrace it and soon I found myself dreaming. Unfortunately the concern of Jack followed.

...

"Craig is still being weird," Kayla remarked at our usual booth in the cafeteria. I sat across from her with a tray of food in front of me. It was just her and I today. Craig ran off somewhere and Xavier is sitting somewhere else this time, probably with his track buddies. I looked up at Kayla to see the curious look in her eyes. I'll admit that I do want to know why Craig is being so strange. I tried asking him during our morning classes and in orchestra but he somehow steers the conversation somewhere else. He's still himself, he's just not hanging around us as often when we have free time like this. I've also noticed that Aaron guy isn't in the cafeteria, in the spot he was in yesterday. I wonder what Craig would have to do with anyone like Aaron. Xavier doesn't like him, though when does he like anyone? Xavier's never been so concerned with much of anything relating to Craig. How bad is Aaron? Or how bad does Xavier think he is?

"It's probably school work that's getting to him," I told Kayla, but I wasn't even sure. She sighed. "That dork better be okay. He's being a real douche for not eating with us," she muttered. I smiled and replied, "I'm sure he's fine. This is Craig we're talking about."

"Yeah, the guy who cries over every Pixar movie. Every single movie," Kayla muttered.

I smiled awkwardly and shrugged. Kayla chuckled and sighed, "I guess he'll be fine."

"I'll talk to him after school," I said.

And so I set out to do that. As soon as the final bell sounded I left my class and rushed to find Craig. I weaved past people, apologizing some along the way, and got to the front of the school. I took a moment to look about and my eyes finally caught his figure. He was barely making it to curb of the school entrance road. I hurried to him and wrapped him in a hug, pulling him back too. He yelped but welcomed my tackle hug. "What's up, Blue Boo," he chuckled. Letting go, I gave him a smile and said, "We need to talk."

Craig cocked an eyebrow. "About what?" I stared into his eyes, trying to find the least bit of recognition that there's something he's hiding. I didn't find anything. He looks calm and collected, like his usual self. I took in a breath and opened my mouth to speak but nothing came out. Because I didn't have the time to.

A loud roar of an engine interrupted me and both Craig and I turned to see something blazing through the front gates of the school, past all of the coming cars. It took me a second to recognize what it was and my heart pounded. I was undeniably correct as a black motorcycle and its rider came to an abrupt stop in front of me. A plume of dust followed behind it and cars honked in distress and annoyance. But, the honking cars and the murmurs of questions around me were far from my direct attention. Instead I looked to the rider, staring into the shining, tinted visor of his helmet.

I turned to Craig who had a look of confusion on his face. Chuckling nervously, I said, "Excuse me, for a moment." I shuffled over closer to my visitor and dropped my nervous smile. "Jeff," I started, "what are you doing here?"

"You have to come with me," he answered.

I looked around, catching people eyeing me curiously. "Now?"

Jeff nodded, helmet glaring in my vision.

"I was just in the middle of something," I started, "Why not have Ben pick me up, like usual? What's going on--?"

"Elizabeth is missing."

Jeff's hard tone of voice and the statement itself was enough to make me tense and mentally put everything aside. I turned to Craig, who seemed to be waiting for an explanation to this scene. I bit my lip and gave him another hug. "Um, we'll talk later," I told him, "I've got to take care of something."

"Ao, what--?"

"I'm sorry," I quickly stammered and rushed back to Jeff. Craig looked even more confused but there was no time to explain anything. I don't think I could if I did have the time. Jeff moved up a little further on his bike so I could have more space to sit properly. Once I was seated and my arms were firmly wrapped around him, Jeff gunned the engine. It surprised me a little and squeezed a tiny squeak from me. I closed my eyes for a few moments and when I opened them I saw the cars and the street rushing past us. I felt a sickening feeling in my stomach with the thought of Elizabeth. I just saw her last night. Just spoke to her last night. Where could she have gone and why? Was she angry? Tired of staying in the hideout? Taken, somehow? At this point it doesn't seem to matter to Jeff with the way he's racing away. I dug my fingers into his shirt, nervous about falling off of the bike. He's just as worried, I can see it on his tense shoulders. There's only one objective on his mind, it's clear. It's mine now too.

Find Elizabeth.