Author's Note: What is the opposite of Assumption Day? I first learned about this day when I looked on my calendar. After looking it up, I learned about Assumption Day. From there, this match was born. We're back in Johann's head again. I can't wait to go more into what he is planning this season. What is his endgame here? So far, he has Qi with him. But he's looking for others too. Who will be next to join our corrupt scholar? I am only going to give you one hint for next week's match. There might be something to do with Belgium in a circus-type theme. That's all you are getting. For now, enjoy this week's match.
Match Eight: Descension:
-Johann-
What is the opposite of Assumption Day? I mean, there has to be an opposite, right? Has to be. If not, I am going to make one right now.
I have been hard at work, you know? It's all for my part in the game. I already have my first recruit, in fact.
I knocked on my guest room door.
"Hello?" I asked. "May I come in?" I pressed my ear to the door. She didn't say anything. I smiled to myself.
"I'm coming in," I said. I slowly opened the door and poked my head inside. It's so dark in her room. I tried to look around. She sat on the bed, looking out the window. I slipped into the room.
"How are you doing, dear?" I asked. She didn't answer. She didn't even turn around. I was used to it. After all, she had been dead for close to twelve hours. I walked over to her bed.
"It's going to be okay, my dear," I whispered. "You will have time to readjust." She didn't move. She still looked so pale. How many days since I brought her back to life? Two or three?
I leaned down to her ear again.
"I will be back to check on you later," I whispered. I turned and walked out of the room.
She is my first so far.
I have been quite busy as I said before. So far, I have been taking many trips to hell to seek out who wants to join my envoy. Feliciano would be a good candidate, but I don't want to have to ask him yet. He should be saved for last. No, there have to be others that will come before him.
I had just walked into the hallway when I heard the doorbell ring. Oh? Who could that be? I made my way down the stairs.
"Who is it?" I asked as I looked out the peephole. A young lady in a long black dress stood outside. I smiled as I opened the door.
"Welcome," I said. "So good to see you again." Sabine looked up at me.
"Hello, doc," she said.
"May I ask what brings you by?" I asked. She leaned her head back and smiled.
"You have the time?" she asked. I took a step back. She followed me into the house.
"So how is the patient?" Sabine asked at my table.
"Fine," I said. "She just stares out the window." She leaned in close to me.
"When do you think she'll snap out of it?" she asked.
"Who can say?" I asked. "It's not in my expertise."
"Ah," Sabine said.
"Can I get you anything?" I asked. She shook her head.
"No," Sabine said. Is she part of my group? Sadly, no. I doubt Allison would allow it to be so. Still, Sabine and her sisters would be good allies to have in my court. Lucky for me, I have other allies to turn to.
I do have others on hand.
I am a very busy man. This game is getting hotter. I'm sure that Tandeki can feel them getting closer. They will do what it takes to stay in the lead. Meanwhile, I am watching intently. As I watch, I gather more for my party. Right now, I have just the person for my next recruit.
I made it over to a prison in Madrid. There is a man who is condemned to life in prison. But he claims he is innocent. No one believes him. But I do.
He will do just fine.
I appeared in front of his cell. That poor man sat in the corner like a feral animal. He's seen hell already. I tipped my hat.
"Good evening," I said. The man looked up at me. I already know what he's thinking.
"Oh, where are my manners?" I asked. I gave him a little bow.
"My name is Dr. Johann Faust," I said. "Nice to meet you. This man doesn't know what to make of me. Not surprising.
"May I ask your name?" I asked. The man didn't move. He stared at me for a moment.
"Why?" he asked.
"I am a friend," I said. "And I am here to help you." I heard him let off a dry laugh.
"Bull shit," he said.
"I knew you would say that," I said. "I can assure you. That this isn't bull shit."
"Who sent you?" he asked. I've got him talking. That's a good sign.
"No one," I said. "I sent myself." I smiled as I held out my arms. Now, I could see him leaning in closer.
"I know that you are innocent, my friend," I said. I leaned in closer to the bars.
"I am here to get you out," I said. Now, the man was walking closer with big eyes. Now, I had him. I knew what was coming next.
"Why me?" he asked. I smirked as I raised my eyebrow.
"Does there have to be a reason?" I asked. He furrowed his brows.
"Who are you?" he asked. "Who are you really?"
"Like I said, I am Dr. Faust," I said. "And yes, I am the Dr. Faust in the book named after me." He looked like he was struggling to put everything together.
"Come on, don't think too much about it," I said. "Let's just keep things simple here. You want to get out of here, yes?"
"Yes…" he said.
"And you are innocent, right?" I asked.
"Yes," the man said. We were now inches away from each other. I grinned at him.
"So what do you say, my friend?" I asked. "I mean, a life in prison doesn't suit you at all." I held out my hand. He stared at me.
"How are you going to help me out?" he asked. "Was this my lawyer's idea?"
"No," I said. "I told you. I sent myself. And before you ask, I see potential in you. Let me help you and you will be taken care of."
"So… how are you going to get me out?" my new friend asked. I tapped the side of my nose.
"You just leave that to me," I said. "All you have to do is tell me your name." He shifted his eyes away from me.
"Hector," he said. I smiled and held out my hand again.
"Nice to meet you, Hector," I said. "Let's get you out of here."
