America's Crisis
By: Aubrie1234
Alfred stepped lightly, careful not to crunch the leaves. He slid his hand along the gun, making sure everything was in place. NJ had said the Jersey Devil had been spotted again, prancing from house to house. It was like it was mocking them about how they couldn't catch it, no matter how hard they tried. Well, NJ had been furious and he called in his closest neighbors to help deal with it, even his father. The only one who would go with him was Alfred, and now they had gotten separated. Getting separated was the worst thing that could happen to them, but now they had to make the best of it.
He looked out from the bushes. Ahead was an abandoned house. It was the one that most people thought the Jersey Devil came from because of the giant hole in the roof and how deep in the Pine Barrens it was. However, the beast wasn't going to be easily taken down. It had been hit by a cannonball before and still flew as if nothing happened! Hopefully the silver-core bullets NJ had given him would work. He wasn't going to kill it, no, but he wanted to put the beast in its place. No more teasing for this little horse.
Alfred stalked up to the house and looked inside through the front doorway. His fingers twitched as he glanced around. The door was on the floor, rotting away, as was the rest of the house, which was also covered in cobwebs. No one had ventured into the house since it had been abandoned, but if this was where the Jersey Devil made its home, Alfred needed to go inside.
The nation swatted away the cobwebs as he walked in, also dusting them off his gun. Couldn't hurt the beast if your gun didn't work, now could you? Alfred headed towards the stairs leading up, careful with all the rotten wood around. He took his time climbing the steps, not wanting to fall through any of them or make noise. Once he reached the top, he paused, tilting his head. He could hear some soft sounds, but couldn't tell what they were. And they were coming from the room where the hole was. Maybe the beast had returned?
Jer and I will finally get our revenge. Alfred thought, Along with the other States who have had to deal with this thing. The man stepped lightly and swiftly, soon reaching the door. He edged it open, sticking his rifle in first. It was soon fully open, allowing him to see everything. The bed was smashed and rotting away, there were discarded dolls and other toys around, and the hole in the roof let in the cool, night air, where you could plainly see the trees and stars. Right under the hole were scuffed boards, many of them bent or broken, showing where the creature had taken off. Leaning against the far wall was a large, ratty blanket, which, surprisingly, covered a sleeping woman.
She had long, dark red hair, and wore just a shirt and shorts. She looked exhausted and probably came up here to sleep. Curious at this turn of events, Alfred walked over to her and gently moved the blanket away. This made her stir, and he could see that she was wearing some jewelry as well. She wore three necklaces, all of them the same except for the jewel hanging from them. They were green, red, and blue. Slowly, she opened her eyes, revealing forest green orbs.
"Ah!" she squeaked when she saw him.
"Hey, easy!" Alfred said gently, putting his gun on the floor and holding his hands up, "I'm not here to hurt you. It's just, are you lost?"
"N-not really." she played with her necklaces, not looking at them, "I've lived here my whole live." This surprised him.
"Well, I'm Alfred." he held his hand out to her, "What's your name?"
"Anima..." she said, taking his hand, where he helped her up.
"I like your necklaces."
"Thanks." she took one off, the green one, "I found these here. Would you like one?"
"Uh, sure." he took it from her. Before he put it on, he paused. Something didn't feel right. However, he couldn't turn down her gift; it wouldn't be gentlemanly, especially since he had already accepted it. He joined the clasps and let the necklace fall to hang around his neck. At that point, something changed. Was it just him, or did everything look brighter, more modern? Anima was now wearing a beautiful red tank top, black pants, and blue high heels. She smiled and he felt lovestruck.
"Wow. You look..." he glanced up and down, "Amazing." Anima reached up a hand to play with Alfred's hair, avoiding the cowlick.
"Thanks. Would you like to stay a while?" Something was telling him not to do it, to leave, but again, he just couldn't say no.
"Sure." he smiled. If only he knew that the smile of Anima held more lust than love.
Jermel Jones, other wise known as Jer, NJ, Jersey, or New Jersey, paused. Something had changed in the Pine Barrens, he could feel it. And it was at the Jersey Devil house. If he knew anything, it was probably because of his father. He changed direction, running towards the house and wondering if Alfred had taught the pesky beast a lesson. However, when he got there, he stopped, his jaw dropping in shock and nearly dropping his gun.
"What the h**l...?" The house, all of it, was gone. There was no trace it had even been there.
Yes, I know it's short, but it's a prologue. Anyway, who do you think the woman really is? Her name means Soul/Spirit in Latin, if you were wondering. Trust me when I say she's going to play a big part in this story, along with the necklaces. But still, I'd like to hear your ideas about what you think is going on. Also, READ & REVIEW!