Section: Chapter 1 Part 1 Start-
Zill's POV
The night was silent and the sky was filled with bright stars. If it were earlier this year, the sky would be filled with a whole bunch of fish spirits... but it's not.
?: The fish of peace still aren't out tonight.
I look to my right to see the most amazing girlfriend anyone can ask for, Kayla. She was hopping alongside me, her long ears pointed downward.
Zill: Yeah... it's been... a long year for everyone.
So much has happened this passed year. So called vampire attacks, disappearances, the sudden stop in crime afterward, Rusty's injury... I didn't care much for Rusty, he's a huge jerk, but I still hope he's alright. Kayla looked at me with concern. I tried to hide my what I was thinking but I guess my snake tail gave away how I really feeling.
Kayla: Are you okay honey?
Zill: I should be asking you... you're the one who was harassed by that creepy old guy.
Kayla: Yeah, but we took care of him easily.
Zill: Yep...
Kayla turned her head forward.
Kayla: Is it that stalker again?
I turned my head.
Kayla: Sweetie, you're the strongest and most dependable man I know! Not to mention but you're practically a superhero. Why not just scare her off or fight her?
Zill: I just have this... feeling.
Kayla: Feeling?
Zill: It's... like we're evenly matched. If I tried to fight her. I could lose.
Kayla: Maybe we should call our friends and fight her off together. We did the same with that monster thing that attacked Jack earlier that year.
She said that with the most determined look on her face. I thought about it for a second.
Zill: That would scare her off... but only for a little while. I'm sure she'll just come back when none of you aren't around. Not to mention but, I don't want to risk any of you getting hurt because of me...
Kayla squinted at me annoyed for a second. I know I'm a bit of a hypocrite but I want to be the one who keeps people safe... not the other way around. My face dimmed for a second as she looked at her feet.
Kayla: You're just like Jack sometimes... but... i guess you have a point... speaking of friends... have you heard from Vanexa recently?
I tried to remember the last time we chatted ever since she moved after winter break.
Zill: Nah, sorry babe. The last time I heard from her was last month...
Kayla: Isn't that around the time the fish of peace disappeared?
Zill: I think it was earlier than that.
I scratched my neck uncomfortably. The rest of our short walk was silent. We eventually arrived at her house.
Kayla: Well... this is my stop. Thanks for the dinner.
Zill: Sorry it wasn't anything too fancy.
Kayla: Awwww, don't worry. You have a way of making anything romantic.
She sighed.
Kayla: 'sides, never cared much for fancy anyways.
She pulled out her key and opened her door part way.
Kayla: Are you sure you don't want me to walk home with you?
She looked at me, her bright blue eyes shone worried. I hesitated for a moment and looked at my tail. He gave me a somber look. I kissed her cheek, causing her to smile slightly. I sighed.
Zill: I'm sure. Don't worry. Jack should still be at the observatory around the corner. I'll walk the rest of the way with him. Besides, I got to give him back his math notes anyways.
I forced a grin and signaled my tail to do the same.
Kayla: Just stay safe okay.
Zill: I promise. I'm no pushover and I won't be alone.
Kayla pulled me closer and kissed me on the lips. Both of us, blushing red as we locked lips. She entered her door.
Kayla: See you tomorrow, sweetie.
I waved as she closed her door. I sighed. I looked around me to see if that stalker was there. I'm safe. I sigh to myself, am I worrying over nothing. I'm supposed to be the laid-back one. The crime fighting vigilante of the city. UGH!
Welp, to the observatory. I began my short walk. I pulled out my phone and began to type in Jack's number. I stop for a moment to look at a childhood photo of the jackal and I. He just got himself a wrist protector that day, and I drew a green four leafed clover on it. He still wears it til this very day too. Heh... He was always so superstitious but who can blame him. I realized that I actually got to the observator sooner than I expected. I finally called Jack. After a few seconds of ringing,
Jack: Hey Zill.
Zill: J-maaaaaan! I'm outside. You off yet?
Jack: Actually, I got off early.
WHAT?! I was caught off guard. He usually stayed later. He always loved his job here.
Jack: Kayla actually called me already. I'm heading back right now. You want to stay on the phone with me?
Zill: Nah, don't worry. See you soon, dude.
Jack: Alright.
He hung up. I cautiously looked at my surroundings. I was never one to be frightened easily but with the fish of peace gone and the sudden stalker girl, I was on guard. I look toward the observatory. It stood atop the hill with the giant telescope out. At least someone is there. If a fight happens, someone will definitely hear. I heard footsteps approaching. I steadied myself. My tail instinctively hissed, preparing for the worst. I readied my fireball. Suddenly, a blue blur appeared from the corner. I fired directly at it. Their head flew off. I breathed a sigh of relief.
?: Ooooowwwww...
Then I realized who I just shot at. GOD... Damn it!
Zill: JACK!
I quickly flew to grab his head and put it back on his body, cursing myself the whole time.
Zill: My bad! I thought you were... you know.
I smile awkwardly and internally face palmed. If it wasn't for his curse, he'd be dead.
Jack: It's fine. I'm used to being the world's punching bag.
I helped him up and I realized that he was still wearing his work uniform.
Zill: How far did you walk?
Jack: I wasn't too far luckily... at first I thought I was lucky for once...
He smiles awkwardly, rubbing his wrist protector.. Damn it! I groaned
Zill: Sorry dude.
We began our walk to my house.
Jack: So that stalker is still bothering you, huh?
Zill: Yeah... I haven't been able to sleep lately.
Jack: Is it really that... nevermind.
Zill: It's not just that dude.
He looked toward me, basically signaling me to be more specific.
Zill: The crime rates dropped...
Jack: That sounds... good?
Zill: It does, doesn't it? But it's too quiet...There is no crime. Not even a minor misdemeanor and yet... the fish of peace are gone.
Jack: What about your stalker?
I groaned.
Zill: You know what I mean dude.
Jack: Yeah, sorry.
He adjusted his uniform.
Zill: Not to mention but. I had the school nurse test my DNA... you know. To figure out what I am?
Jack: Oh yeah! That technology came out recently. From Xirxine right?
He was beaming. I gave him a smirk back.
Jack: Did you figure out what you are?
I sigh.
Zill: It's not that advanced yet. It was able to figure out I was a hybrid, but not between what creatures.
I look toward my tail. He was frowning.
Jack: Ah, sorry...
I look back toward Jack.
Zill: Why are you apologizing?
Jack hugged himself. I looked toward my tail and sighed. I walked in front of him to stare him directly in the eyes.
Zill: Your curse has nothing to do with this.
Jack: How can you be so sure? My bad luck follows me wherever I go. It hurts the people I care about. You, Kayla, Spam! Hell, it may even be the thing that sent Vanexa away!
His voice began to crack. I grabbed his shoulder and made him look me in the eye.
Zill: Jack... your curse isn't all bad.
Jack: What?
I smiled.
Zill: Remember 14 years ago... how we met.
He sighed. He remained curled up.
Jack: I ran away from home. Back then, I didn't know about my curse so I thought the world just hated me. It was raining hard so I hid in a tree. I heard a noise and... met you.
Zill: Now tell me. Was you meeting me bad luck?
Jack paused for a second and chuckled.
Jack: Of course not, man.
I know Jack's curse made his life hell but... he needs to know that I'll always be there to help him. No matter what.
Zill: See, not all bad. I don't want to make your curse out to be good or anything but... it led you to me.
Jack: Yeah. Zill... th-
Jack's eyes suddenly went wide.
Jack: Z-zill?
I turned my head.
Zill: What is-
I saw a figure in the distance.
Jack: Didn't you say your stalker was a... girl?
Crap! She began to run toward us. I can't let Jack get hurt. I summoned my wings and grabbed Jack. I flew us out of there as fast as we could. I heard her yell at me but I didn't process her words. I flew us into the forest district.
Jack: WHERE ARE WE GOING?!
I looked him in the eye.
Zill: SHE KNOWS OUR ROUTE! SHE KNEW WE'D BE THERE!
It then hit me.
Zill: She knows where I live now...
Jack:... She doesn't know where I live.
Zill: We have to warn my aunt!
Jack: Let's get to my house first.
After a good thirty seconds of flying as fast as I could, we finally arrived at his house. I landed and began panting. I put my wings away and felt a hand touch my back.
Jack: You good?
Zill: Y-yeah. Let's get inside!
Jack nodded, pulling out his key. We got inside as quickly as we could. Jack waited by the window to see if the stalker was there. Only then I realized my tail wrapped around me. I pulled out my phone and called Cierra. She answered in one ring.
Cierra: What's up kid?
Zill: Aunt Cierra! The stalker knows where we live!
Cierra: Seriously?! Where are you right now?!
Zill: I'm at Jack's right now!
I look toward him. He heaved a sigh of relief. He gave me a thumbs up. I sighed and my tail unwrapped itself.
Cierra: Good... I'll handle her.
I felt myself tense up.
Zill: You're going to go fight her?!
Cierra: I should've done it a long time ago. 'Sides, I'm the former "Queen of Crime." Not to mention, the personal trainer of "Safe Haven's Teenage Vigilante". I got this. I'll call you back.
She hung up before I could say goodbye. At first I stayed tense. She'll be fine. She's one of the finest fighters of Safe Haven. I kept telling myself that.
Jack: My mom should be home soon. We should get some rest... are you good?
I looked at my tail and sighed.
Zill: Yeah. I'll get the sleeping bag.
Jack looked around the living room.
Jack: Weird... Damian! You better not try to scare me! I'm not in the mood!
Huh?
Zill: Your cousin is staying with you?
Jack: Yeah... he sleeps on the couch. He and Uncle Satan aren't exactly on good terms right now.
Zill: Really? Why?
Jack looked off in the distance.
Jack: I don't know actually. Neither of them want to talk about it.
Zill: Sorry dude, I know he could be a jerk sometimes.
Jack: Actually he's been pretty... tame.
Zill: Damian... tame?
Jack: Yeah... it's weird.
Jack looked genuinely concerned. I tapped his shoulder.
Zill: You're a good person, you know that!
Jack chuckled to himself.
Jack: Yeah...I was worried that he would be a bother but... now I'm worried about what happened to cause the change. He talks less, sleeps less, eats less and I don't think he's talk to his friends in a while.
Zill: Why?
Jack: I heard from Addison that he stalked him and Gustav on their date a while back. He nearly ruined it with this one kid, Elijah.
Zill: Whew, yikes. At least I'm not the only one with stalkers. Hehe.
I was trying to make light of the situation but Jack's face looked somber. I lightly tapped his shoulder.
Zill: Come on... let's try and get some sleep.
I really need it after everything that's been happening.
Jack: Ah right, I'll be right behind you. Hold on.
I went to straight to Jack's room and opened his closet. I grabbed the dusty sleeping bag and cleaned it off. My tail sneezed, and I chuckled to myself a little. I remember when I used to sleep in this all the time.
Zill: Been a while, huh little buddy?
I felt my tail nod. I look at him to see a sad smile plastered on his face.
Zill: She'll... she'll be fine. She's Aunt Cierra after all.
He wrapped himself around me. It was always weird to comfort my own tail but... he was all I had for a while. I decided to look around Jack's room for a while. It's been a while since I've been in here. There we're many posters about space and cooking. I noticed that he had his drum set in the corner as well. A lot of time really had passed, huh? I finished setting up the sleeping bag. Jack entered the room with a glass of water and a pill.
Zill: What's that?
Jack: It's a sleeping pill... it'll help you sleep hehe... Don't worry, it's not prescription. I know you've been losing sleep lately so...
He handed the pill to me.
Zill: Jack...
Jack: Please just take it. I know you can sometimes be a bit stub-
Zill: Thank you.
He seemed caught off guard for a second but he smiled. I returned the gesture. I took the glass of water from him and used it to wash down the pill. I smiled.
Jack: Ah... that was my water.
I gave Jack the "Seriously?" look..
Zill: Why would you bring me a pill without any water?
Jack: I... ye- good point.
He facepalmed. We both laughed for a while. He left with some pajama's to grab another water. He eventually returned.
Zill: Do you mind if I use your charger?
Jack: Not at all, go ahead.
After I put my phone on the charger. I removed my jacket and got into my sleeping bag. Jack took a sip from his glass of water and got in bed.
...
...
Zill: J-man?
Jack: Yeah.
Zill: I mean it dude. Thanks for everything, I'm serious.
Jack: Don't worry about man. You were always there for me. This is the least I can do.
Zill:... I'm not used to...
Jack: Being the one who needs helping?
I remained quiet.
Jack: Don't worry about it.
A few moments passed.
Jack: Remember what Spam said about us? That we were the two bestest friends.
Zill: Yeah... I remember we all made a promise that day.
Jack: That if anything were to happen to one of us-
Zill and Jack: We would all come to help each other.
We looked at eachother and chuckled. I yawned.
Zill: G'night dude.
Jack: This is just like old times. Before we found your aunt, we slept here just like this.
Zill: Yeah.
...
I held on to my my cross necklace and prayed. All I want is to live a peaceful existence. I want my stalker to leave me alone and for my aunt... no... everyone to be safe. Eventually, I fell asleep.
...
...
...
*CRASH!*
?: AHHHHHHHH!
I sat bolt upright. I swiftly got out of my bag..
Jack: W- what was that?
I looked toward Jack. he got out of bed. I shrugged. Both of us were on edge. We crept toward the door. We looked at each other and readied ourselves. The house was pitch black. The room felt cold and it sounded like the left window was open. I wanted to use my fire to light the way but-
Jack: I'll turn on the light.
He whispered into my ear. We snuck to the nearest lamp. I looked around one more time and remained as quiet as I could. There didn't seem to be anything in the darkness.
Jack: I'll... just...
Light suddenly flooded the room... and I saw Jack's mom, laying on the floor.
Jack: M-Mo-... MOM!
It took him a moment to process it but when he did, he ran toward his mother. Her chest was moving. She's still alive, just unconscious. My heart bead boomed in my ears. I quickly looked around the room and noticed a broken window. I felt my eyes shift from purple to green. Messing with me is one thing, BUT MESSING WITH MY FRIENDS?!
Zill: SHE'S HERE!
I ran toward Jack's room.
Zill: I'LL CALL FOR HELP!
When I entered Jack's Room, I felt someone's presence... the next thing I knew... everything went black...