Jaxton let out a sigh, flicking on a light inside the small kitchen. In any place, it's considered wrong to stay at a house without permission, but the police would care less about that.

"These people must have recently died, because all the food in the fridge is still good," Kai stated. It was a chilling thought to consider how normal murder had become a thing. In Clay, they didn't have that constant worry about Aubrey's vengeance.

"I feel we should have stayed with Amaris after what happened," Jaxton said. Kai looked over at him with a bag of sliced ham in his hands.

"Her abuse must have been severe for her to have panic attacks in public," Jaxton murmured.

"I'm certain Hope's going to expose Alexandra tomorrow. That might be the fall of either, but Hope might get away with it," Kai remarked.

"Alexandra looks like she has a lot of anger, which she directs all at Hope," Kai sighed, shaking his head.

"You think Hope's going to piss her off somehow, causing Alexandra to inflict harm on someone?" Jaxton asked, as Kai nodded.

Jaxton leaned his head back against the wall, closing his eyes. This wasn't how he imagined coming to figure out who you are would turn out.

"Hope almost bends how a psychopath should be. Most of them are antisocial, but Hope likes talking but enjoys the murder and pain people do. She has emotions, but she doesn't feel anything for those suffering, so it's hard to figure out her personality," Jaxton sighed, shaking his head.

"She has said she's a demon, so that's why we can't name it. I was thinking, even if she does get her body, I can imagine what she'll do," Kai started.

"Hope's greedy, which means the puppet master won't leave her puppet alone," Kai gulped, as Jaxton felt chills.

"Alexandra has rage built inside, which is why I think Hope's going to make her snap. Amaris takes her fault to heart, which Hope is using," Kai said acidly. Jaxton knew, but there wasn't much they could do about stopping that girl. Even if they did try, Hope would kill someone in a heartbeat.

"Alexandra's going to cause harm to Amaris' life," Jaxton remarked without meaning. Kai stared at him with wide eyes, because he knew. "As much as they may want to reconnect, I don't think it's safe."

"If anything else happens to Alexandra, Hope will find ways to get control," Kai sighed. He leaned his head back on the uncomfortable kitchen chair, looking at the mustard walls.

"I think Alexandra and Amaris are both scared of love," Jaxton looked at Kai.

Scared of love? "Doesn't it make sense? Amaris feared hugging you, plus her underlining trauma. Alexandra was basically taken away from that whole concept until she gained control back of her own body," Kai explained.

"I didn't think the situation in Claymore was this horrible. I've seen tweets or the news casting recent research, such as the connection between Hope's death. All of them just don't know that Aubrey killed herself," Jaxton sighed.

All of this was baffling. "Everyone fears it's like a massacre is occurring, which it is. I know we can't die, but this is Hope's all doing," Kai groaned. This complex situation would be one you wouldn't read about in textbooks if society had been normal.

"Amaris says she's three people in one, but real Aubrey said they fight a lot. This means, did Hope convince Aubrey to come help after... at what age did Hope die?" Jaxton said, as he watched his brother knit his eyebrows together.

"They say seven, but I feel she was at least eight or nine. If we do that mentally, Aubrey and Hope are eighteen or nineteen," Kai shivered. Jaxton felt a sick feeling in his stomach, and it wasn't from the ham sandwich he ate.

"We won't be fifteen until October 28th. I know who we would have to talk to for answers," Jaxton started. He didn't like thinking of the conclusion that would get them information. It may do more harm than good, but in that case, more truth is required.

"The real Aubrey," Jaxton sighed. Aubrey is apparently very supportive of her sister's doings, making it sound like it's the right thing. However, Hope or Alexandra are usually the ones controlling, not her," he shook his head.

All of it was frustrating and confusing at the same time, as he narrowed his eyes.

"Do you think that since we're supposed to have exact personalities means that Aubrey and Hope are like Alexandra and Amaris?" Kai explained, as Jaxton knitted his brows. "Like any novel has a hero and a villain," Kai shook his head.

There were already enough villains in this town. Jackson Kenny, who wore the facade of being a hero in this city.

Hope Prices, who could kill someone in a heartbeat with a sly attitude. Alexandra O'Rally, someone Jaxton couldn't trust based on her reactive anger.

Would you classify those three helpers of Hope evil as as well? They don't even know if the real Aubrey killed people.

"So, good and evil?" Jaxton asked, Kai nodded. Hope has never directly said Aubrey's a demon or even an angel, but she might just be a person.

"I wouldn't call Aubrey good, but we don't know the true Aubrey. Nobody knows, except the demon herself," Kai groaned. Jaxton wasn't sure how he was going to handle this whole situation, but he knew it wasn't going to be easy.

After leaving Jaxton and Kai to unpack, Amaris went back to Ann's. She still didn't understand what having a panic attack meant, especially since she didn't remember having one.

Amaris sat in a chair, staring out the window in the kitchen. She didn't like feeling vulnerable in front of people, because it felt like she was seeking attention. Jaxton and Kai couldn't be concerned about her problems, because she's always been a nuisance and always will be.

"Are you okay?" Amaris looked behind to see Tom, standing in some comfy clothes. She had no reason to explain why she had a panic attack. People couldn't know that Aubrey wasn't who she said she was, or that she was dragging people into her darkness.

"I'm fine," she said. Amaris looked back at the window with thin blinds, looking at the dark street lit with street lights.

"I just can't sleep," she said, chewing her lip. Not because she wasn't exhausted, but quite the opposite. She was tired but scared, thinking she'd wake up in a cold sweat like she usually does.

Her heart always feels tight afterward with her body in a sweat, replaying the nightmare of a true event.

"Do you want to talk about what's bothering you?" Tom asked, but Amaris felt her fingers twitch. She couldn't trust any of these people she stumbled upon because they woule probably throw her under the bus.

"No," she spat. "I don't know if people spill their emotions or thoughts willingly, but I'm not like them," she shook her heads multiple times. She had to find ways to not let her emotions override her, or she'd have a panic attack.

Amaris looked back at the window, but Tom sat slowly on a different chair. Her mind wasn't just looped about her panic attack, but the choice she'd have to make. Picking between Alexandra and Hope was choosing death itself.

Could she just refuse? No, because Hope's smart and would use something against her. She widened her eyes because the thought occurred that she may kill Alisha and Didi. She has killed people that even just interact with Jack, which means Alisha and Didi have Jack's blood in their veins.

"Just leave me be, alright?" she snapped, but her tone didn't sound firm. Tom just nodded before proceeding to leave the kitchen and to his own room. She didn't trust him, which is why she didn't spill her feelings.

Amaris set her head against the white wall, shutting her eyes. Would all this pain ever end? All the abuse is like a frown in an ocean of tears. Every time she tries to become better, there is something standing in her way.

She felt her body being shook as Amaris opened her eyes. Didi stood facing her as she stared in a daze, wondering what happened. Did someone get injured or die? It's not like she knew, but felt her mind empty for once.

"You fell asleep," Didi stated. Amaris felt her under her eyes, feeling them still wet. Was she crying in her sleep? Is that possible for a person to do?

"Did you have a nightmare?" Didi pestered, but Amaris felt gloom overshadow her.

"No, probably just nerves or something," Amaris said. Didi looked confused, as Amaris slowly stood from the chair. She spotted Alisha putting some toast on a plate while Bob stared from a distance. Did she humiliate herself for doing this?

"We have school as well," Didi commented. Amaris didn't want to go to school. She has gone to school, but it was during the fall season. It's a choice when you're going, since many parents wish not to have their children attend school.

"Right, first day of class," Amaris murmured. She slowly stood, dragging herself to eat something. She didn't get hungry herself, but she didn't know why. Maybe because she didn't like eating in general or that it just slipped her mind.

When she slowly went to grab some bread, she held it in her hands before putting it in the toaster. Alisha smiled at her, as Amaris tried putting on a fake smile. One day to make a choice, or she might not see that smile anymore.

Amaris remembered how seeing Hope Prices scared her, but she felt that girl knew more. If Alexandra is always mad, wouldn't it be safer to choose Hope?

She put her toast on a plate, put peanut butter on it and slowly ate it. Even if Alisha was eating it like school started in a minute, Amaris didn't feel she could.

How would she even fight against killing Jack? It's not like she can shoot a gun or throw rocks at him. Hope must know something she might not be saying.

After eating, she got dressed and waited. Didi came down with some notebooks, while Alisha held a lunch.

When she opened the door, she met eyes with Kai, which made her widen her eyes. "Want to walk to school?" Kai asked as Amaris looked at Didi and Alisha.

"Sure!" Did beamed while Amaris slowly nodded. She spotted Jaxton, who was holding a water bottle and a notebook in hand.

"So, Amaris said you were from Clay. Is there a lot of things to do?" Alisha asked.

They all started walking down the bare sidewalk of people. Amaris walked beside Jaxton, who smiled at her. It was weird because she felt her heart race when he smiled.

"Well, it's a lot bigger than Claymore. There isn't anything abnormal really," Jaxton stated, while Alisha nodded her head.

Amaris was confused about her racing heart. It wasn't like that overriding panic that she always gets, but it felt different. Is it some different emotion she doesn't know about?

Maybe it's because she trusted Jaxton and Kai. Could that be it? Yeah, that would make sense because she wasn't used to trusting a lot of people.

When they reached the small school, there were people staring. They normally go to school, but in the fall, which learning in Claymore has been different compared to other schools.

The school had yellow brick all around as they went toward the black doors. She then watched all the people turn absentmindedly, as if they had forgotten they had been there.

"Okay, that's weird," Alisha said awkwardly. They went up to the door as one of the teachers pushed open the door to their area with a small number of students.

Claymore's school was small in population. Due to this, she shares classes with Alisha and Didi. It's strange, but that's how it's apparently been ever since Aubrey's actions.

Inside the school had rows of beige lockers with it quiet. It wasn't a school where people would be excited to come because Aubrey had killed some teachers that worked here.

"This is a new level of strange," Kai said as Amaris nodded her head.

They piled into their class with desks rowed. Amaris sat in front of Jaxton and beside Kai. Alisha and Didi were both nearby as the teacher came walking inside.

There were no announcements because that attracts Aubrey. If loud noise is heard, they apparently assume Aubrey will strike to murder.

She's Aubrey, even if the controller is Hope. It's insane what that girl has done, but she doesn't know why Alexandra would want such a choice.

"Morning class, it seems we have new students, so we should inform them on information," she started, as some in the class nodded.

"Claymore's school is different than others because we want to ensure protection for those around. If you don't know, Aubrey Prices is a serial killer that won't leave the town," the teacher sighed.

"It's unfortunate that she targets Jack, especially that she's going to kill him soon. If you didn't know, Aubrey has killed more than half the population of Claymore," the teacher said as Amaris stared at her desk.

How many people is that? Amaris didn't know the population, but half the town was crazy. Was that another reason she should just be with Aubrey?

The teacher then started walking down the rows of desks until she suspiciously eyed herself. Amaris looked up even when she hated being the centre of attention.

"There's been rumours lately that you have a twin sister," the teacher started. "Is that true?"

Amaris felt her anxiety spike as she widened her eyes. Do people know about her? How is that possible when she can barely stand on her own?

"Do you think it's true, Brenda? Amaris doesn't like being called out, so maybe you should focus on something else," Aubrey sneered.

Aubrey sat on the desk with her legs crossed and her chin tilted high. People were frozen in the class, including Brenda.

"All you Claymore people informing how I'm going to come and kill you all," Aubrey said as she shut the door with her mind.

Brenda slowly turned to stare at the egomaniac herself. She appeared amused, but Amaris felt fear that was stronger than before.

"Since you are all anxious for that confirmation, let's do something," Aubrey said as she punched her stomach.

The facade fell to see her sister's body on the ground without Aubrey in sight. Alexandra groaned but slowly stood as gasps were heard in the room.

Alexandra eyed her as Amaris wobbly stood from her desk. Her legs felt like noddles but she had to somehow be stronger than she normally is.

"Amaris," Alexandra rasped, but winced. She set a hand on the wall as Amaris slowly approached the sister she didn't remember.

People in the class were staring in fear, as if they knew they shouldn't say anything. What could you say to identical twins that are nothing alike?

Alexandra set her head on Amaris' shoulder, eyes closed. "Hope's bluffing that I'm weak, so you can't choose her," Alexandra whispered.

"It isn't that you have been showing the overall truth," Amaris said.

When Alexandra lifted her head, Amaris saw rage that scared her. Did she say something wrong? It's not that she has a clue about anything.

"Don't make such a fuss, Alexandra. We both know I'll always be the smarter one." Alexandra's rage faltered into fear. She looked behind her, which made Amaris look over.

Sitting on the teacher's desk was Hope Prices. Not the facade of Aubrey, but Hope, wearing a black sundress with a devious grin.

"That's quite a look you got there. Don't look so terrified that I'm showing myself," Hope gloated.

"Shut up," Alexandra spat, as Amaris stepped away from Alexandra. People in the classroom were frozen, all going into a group in the back of the class. The teacher still stood in the middle of the rows of desks, staring in fear.

"Who are you!" Brenda exclaimed, causing Hope to eye the crowd.

"Why, I'm Hope Prices," she said, holding a hand on her chest. "The complete embodiment of lethal," Hope laughed, placing both hands on her hips.

"See, all of you Claymore citizens are stupid. You don't understand anything, so that's why you end up dead," Hope said.

"Should I provide proof?" Hope asked in spite, as they watched the teacher go flying out the window with a thought.

Amaris felt frozen, chewing on her lower lip with her body shaking in fear. "Shouldn't you be thanking me? You don't have class," Hope laughed.

"Why would you do such a thing!" someone exclaimed, but Hope had her eyes on Alexandra and herself.

"See, I want something that I've been trying to obtain, but someone won't give it to me," Hope sighed.

"Little Alexandra O'Rally is quite a special girl, because I'm dead. Surprise! However, she can bring me back," Hope taunted.

Alexandra shook in rage as she felt Jaxton pull her away from Alexandra. Amaris looked at the corner of her eye to see the rest of the students staring in shock.

"You asshole!" Alexandra spat, storming toward Hope, before kicking her in the stomach. This sent Hope flying into the door, hitting it with a loud thump. Hope stumbled to stand, but she kept a smirk. Amaris could feel her own heart racing, tears at the edge of her eyes.

"She tends to be quite aggressive with me, which I don't understand why," Hope said, with a sinister look in her eyes.

Alexandra used her palm to send Hope flying to hit the high ceiling with a scream. She landed flat, like a pancake, before falling smack on the ground.

Amaris' legs collapsed on her own, feeling fear that left her wanting to run. "Stop acting like you are superior!" Alexandra spat.

Hope looked up with a bloody nose. She wiped the blood from her nose, but she didn't retaliate. Why would Alexandra just mercilessly cause harm?

She could feel her body shaking as she covered her eyes and shut her eyes, before feeling a hand squeeze her shoulder. She opened her eyes to see the students that had once been in the room gone.

"My, it seems your sister was quite scared of what you just did," Hope said. Alexandra froze, as Amaris felt tears streaming down her cheeks in fear. Why did her sister just beat Hope up like she was nothing?

"This is what I mean, Amaris. You think I'm the bad guy? No, your sister just acted like your abuser," Hope stated.

Alexandra did because she kicked Hope into a door like she had been. The same when she went flying to the ceiling, like she did with walls.

"I am not!" Alexandra resorted as Jaxton pulled Amaris into his chest.

"Don't compare me to that thing!" Alexandra spat, as Hope smiled deviously.

"Don't you know fear, Alexandra? It's when someone is scared of something, like you are with love," Hope sneered.

"She's like him," Amaris whispered, but Alexandra still heard. She was scared, but she didn't expect to call out her sister for being like Jack. Why did she resort to Hope's taunts with violence? Couldn't she just say words that weren't full of hate?

"I'm not, Amaris, she's the one-" Alexandra stopped short when Hope snapped her finger. She fell on the ground as Hope carefully walked toward her. Her blood still seeped down from her nose and head, but she didn't care.

"I'm glad you fear her, Mari. I'm guessing that means I'll see you on my side tomorrow," Hope said with a smirk.

Alexandra vanished from the ground, but Hope remained. She closed her eyes, facing a palm forward at the wall. When she opened her eyes, she arched her eyebrow.

"We can't have them remember this," Hope said mockingly. She put her hands behind her head, turning to eye the two of them.

"This was satisfying," she sighed, jumping back on the teacher's wooden desk.

"What's your intention after you get your body back?" Kai blurted, as Amaris gripped Jaxton's forearm in fear.

"Always thinking ahead of what I'm going to be doing. Everything I do will be taught about in history books," Hope stated.

"That is something you'll get to find out when it happens," Hope slyly said, wearing a malicious grin.

"Amaris, we will meet tomorrow at Claymore Park. I'm sure you're aware of where that is," Hope remarked.

Amaris stared, as Hope pushed her dark hair back. "Hopefully that nuisance doesn't interfere," Hope muttered.

Hope disappeared as Amaris still felt her body shaking. It wasn't a panic attack, but fear from everything she had just witnessed. How could Alexandra act like Jack?

"Here, let's go for a walk. I don't know where everyone went," Kai remarked.

Amaris looked at the two of them as Jaxton helped her stand. When she stood on her feet, she hugged him tight because she was still afraid to move.

However, he made her feel safe. It was strange because her heartbeat was calming and her legs didn't feel like noddles anymore.

"You okay to walk?" Jaxton asked as Amaris nodded, slowly letting go of him.

Suddenly, all the students returned magically to the class. Amaris didn't want to stick around for whatever happened, but she knew she needed to get away from the school.

They walked in the recess yard that was close to the park. One park where she'd be fighting as they walked up the hill. From up there, she saw people setting up barrier gates because people couldn't interfere.

They sat at the top of the hill as the people setting up waved at them. She was surprised they were out in delight because she had physically seen Hope throw someone out the window like a snowball.

"You don't have to trust Aubrey, but you should take her side," Kai stated, while Amaris slowly nodded her head.

"You might not even be fighting with how her mind works," Jaxton said, but Amaris truly didn't understand what all of this would mean.

"Amaris!" Didi called as she whipped around while she waved her arms around.

"Something bad happened," Alisha breathed when they reached the top of the hill.

"Your mother was killed," Alisha said. Amaris felt everything freeze around her.

Who do you think killed her mom?

Don't forget to comment and vote!
-Lexi