The Purest of Evil part 6

"You Call this a Utopia?"

"It's just too bad," Lucas mutters to himself. He had managed to get away from all the others to get some personal space. He finds his perch on the castle wall sitting on the edge with his feet dangling. Being around all these faces both new and old started feeling overwhelming. So much was happening he didn't know what to do. Hours ago, it was revealed that his would be assassins are actually time travelers. Now these assassins decided to take a different course of action, since it would seem he is unkillable. Well, that isn't the right word because he is very killable. It was more like the bad it would cause outweighed the good. His son, something he still cannot fathom at this time, had spoken up for him. The special connection he felt with Alex was so real, but it also felt kind of weird. A connection he has never experienced before with anyone in his entire life, not his friends, his family, or anyone. The connection brought forth the need of protection, parental instincts maybe. However it may sound it was interesting. This brings Lucas to his earlier statement. He finds out that his brother is alive, he has a son in the future, and his dad is happy to have Claus back as well. But it was bittersweet. Lucas didn't really feel much anything toward Claus other than animosity since he tried to kill him. Also a hint of jealousy with the happiness Claus brought their father, a happiness Lucas had never seen before. It does beg the question of what kind of person Future Lucas is to convince Claus to carry out the idea of killing his own brother willingly this time. "I'm sure Alex is wrong though, nothing is messing with my head, I just got older."

This is a statement Lucas keeps trying to tell himself. But he knew there was some truth to it. All the time he was never really sure why certain thoughts plagued his mind. He blamed it numerous things, stress, doubts, or his past. However, nothing ever quite fit. What could've happened to him that completely alters his ideals of right and wrong? Apparently the future him experienced something he had not, or simply the end of the road Lucas has already thought about taking.

"Lucas," a voice breaks into his quiet musing. Lucas is a little surprised they were able to. He must've really been in deep thought to actually not notice someone sneak up on him. He turns his head then frowns seeing his twin brother Claus approach. Lucas says nothing in response after seeing who it was. Claus doesn't bother asking if he can sit or not as he takes a place next to Lucas. Lucas makes no sound or even action to acknowledging his brother. "I know you're probably thinking about what Alex said, about how you changed in the future. I'm sure it must be bothering you," Claus glances at his brother one eye green and the other eye red. Any other time that would've at least unnerved Lucas. "I know what I had did was wrong. Trying to kill you was a mistake, and the fact that I chose it purposefully must really suck. I … honestly don't blame you for being mad at me. I'd be concerned if you weren't."

Lucas doesn't say anything still looking out upon the impending sunrise.

"You're angry, not just at me, but at a lot things that have happened. Things couldn't have gone farther left then they had. Mom sure would be surprised at how things actually turned out," Claus glances at Lucas hoping for some kind of reaction after mentioning their mother. He saw none. "Lucas … I want to hear you at least say something."

"What is there to say?" Lucas asks not turning to his brother. "You tried to kill me to prevent some horrible future from happening. It turns out the day you died was only a lie, so the time spent mourning you was utterly pointless. There is so much being thrown at me all at one time. Why bother reacting anymore? Something else more painful, more emotionally painful will be right after this."

"It's how we grow stronger," Claus is happy to hear his brother respond to him.

"And what is the point of strength?" Lucas finally looks at his brother. "If you've got nothing to show for it?" This gives Claus pause. "What is the point of being so strong nothing can hurt you, but having lost everything. That strength won't undo what has been done, so why bother growing stronger?"

"…" Claus was ashamed to say he didn't have an answer for this. It was an utterly depressing statement that made Claus almost wished he wasn't having this conversation. Makes him wish he did die in the cave. He also wished this wasn't a verbal disagreement; Lucas always won those because he always had to derail Claus' argument with facts! Claus looks at his younger twin as the blonde returns his attention to the horizon. Watching as the sun slowly peeks up over the land. Lucas watches it rise with slight fascination and euphoria. Claus remembered on the extremely rare occasions Lucas was up early before anyone, he'd leave the house to sit on the hill and watch the sun come up. It rarely happened though, such that when it did everyone had thought he was kidnapped or something. "You're different … but in some ways you're not."

Lucas doesn't respond as he continues watching the sun peacefully. Claus jumps to his feet about to take his leave. He pauses before taking his left hand to gentle rub Lucas' head. The blonde makes a face at the contact but before he says anything Claus takes his leave of him. Lucas watched Claus' back as he left without a word. Lucas shook the action off before turning to watch the sun halfway over the horizon. "I'm not the only one that's different."

After Lucas finally takes his leave of watching the sunrise, he rejoins the others who are currently gathering around waiting for breakfast. Duster had volunteered to cook breakfast as he stands in front of the stove cooking up his meal. Lucas sees everyone still a little sleepy eyed and drowsy from just waking up. Lucas decides to join them as he takes a seat next to Alex. Alex stared at him for a few moments but immediately looks away when Lucas looks over at him. The other two future boys Arcane and Rob, seem rather bored waiting on the food. Kumatora was half asleep again sitting at the table. The only ones who seemed rather upbeat were Flint and Claus who're the only people actually doing a little talking. The excitement of having his son back brought a clear joy in Flint's heart. Lucas hated to admit that he was a little jealous that Claus made Flint so happy, though it was rather ridiculous thought since Claus just came back into their lives. Why would he not be happier than usual?

"Sorry for the wait but here it is!" Duster states happily as he throws down multiple plates for each person at the table. Before he sits one in front himself then sitting down next to Kumatora. He casually moves her arm propping her head up making her face collide with the table then promptly yanking it up for her to mutter "I'm up, I'm up" before grabbing her fork. Lucas smirks at the normalcy beneath all the differences happening. He eats his breakfast omelet happily. Alex seems rather sad looking at the yellow surface of the omelet. He eats it, but not looking the least bit happy about it. Lucas found it odd, evil or not, he would still probably eat omelets.

"What's wrong?" Lucas asks him. Alex looks at Lucas then back to his plate.

"No more spoilers remember."

"Give me a hint then."

"The last omelet I had before this one … had a lot less personality."

Lucas tilts his head, "I don't get it," He hadn't heard himself say that in a while.

Alex gives him a small smirk, "You're not supposed to."

Lucas couldn't help but chuckle, "Fair enough."

"So when are you guys leaving?" Rob questions Alex. Alex shrugs then looks at Lucas.

"When breakfast is over, I want to get in there and get out quickly. No use prolonging this," Lucas states to answer Rob's question.

"And when you have it what do we do then?"

"Uh, then we can…start coming up with ideas on dealing with this problem," Alex says which makes Rob frown.

"That doesn't sound like a plan."

Arcane comments, "Still better then what we had."

"Besides when we have the journal, we'll have a better idea on what we can do about this. This is an investigation, not an assassination. We need answers, to questions, and those answers will bring about new questions," Alex explains knowingly. Rob rolls his eyes at Alex.

"That's a very creative way of saying 'wait and see'."

When breakfast was finally finished everyone decided to get straight down to business. Alex said he needed to change clothes before going and Claus wanted to do the same. Alex had actually brought clothes with him from the future. He kept his boots on, he put on grey jeans, with a black jacket with a hood. Claus opted to borrow a pair of Lucas' shorts, a stripped teal and yellow shirt, but kept his jacket. Alex took Lucas and Claus outside while the others stayed inside to watch from the windows. It was explained that the Phase Twister unleashes an incredible power that regular time travel is impossible for humans as it tears the body apart. The Phase Twister acts as a shield for the travelers in the center of the chrono particles in the air. Anyone organic standing too close might risk being sucked in and flung into a random time period, but that is assuming if they survive the trip through the 4th dimension.

"Time travel is way too complex," Claus says scratching the side of his head.

"It's relatively simple, well at least in theory, the actual science is quite hard to explain," Alex says holding up the Phase Twister sphere hitting a few buttons on the device. He taps a yellow button for a sphere to appear around the three of them. "Alright slingshot protocol,"

INITIALIZING...

There is a bright blinding flash of light that overtakes them completely blinding them. Then as quickly as it came the light faded away. Upon the light fading out the three of them realized that they were in a completely new place. Upon looking around they see the sky is dark, blocked out by black clouds. It looked like a major rain storm was about to begins as the cloud completely bloated out the sky. It was ginormous, so much so it looked like it would never end. Lucas backs away a moment then takes in his environment. They landed in an ally, quite a subtle entry. He steps forward to see the outside as it quite dazzled. The area looked like was made like how Tazmilly was after the Pigmask came in and took over. The streets made of pavement, with the buildings painted a different variety of colors from yellow, blue, red, and orange. It was very strange taking in the colorful little town. The streets were clean, though it is completely barren. No one is really around save a stray … metal vehicle on four wheels moving by. Lucas had no idea what the thing was, but it looked a little like that flying limousine he was in one time. Though the ones he is seeing are smaller, and don't seem to fly.

"They're called cars," Claus states stepping up behind him looking out also. "This is where I first came when they showed me this future. Didn't really change much."

"Where are we?" Lucas asks.

"This is a sector on the outer wall. This area was named after an ancient town that doesn't exist anymore, it's called Onett. I don't know why that name was chosen, but that's what it is," Alex explains as he pockets the Phase Twister. Alex pulls his hood on over his head. "Be odd to see three people that look alike." Alex leads them out the alley as they begin walking out onto the streets.

"You all made it sound like chaos rules out here," Lucas says glancing around. "This place is so quiet it would make the dead uncomfortable."

"It's a different kind of chaos. The ruler doesn't pay this area much attention, the only thing is he hates seeing a mess. He'll make sure the place is cleaned up, but this place is lawless. Anything can happen, a place where there is only survival. A group of people have tried to form their own society with rules, to create governance and some form of order. But … a lot more people enjoy the idea of taking whatever they want, hurting whoever they want, and not being held accountable. No one respects authority here, unless it's through force. It's just one clean looking turf war, day in and day out. There is so many factions fighting for control, it's hard to even name them all. But one thing is for certain, no matter how crazed people are, they know not to mess with anyone in the wall. Never, ever, disturb the perfect society that the ruler is trying to create in there. When people come out to clean messes, don't talk to them, don't look at them, and don't go near them. They are a part of the society the ruler is trying to make."

Lucas gulps after hearing all that. It sounded rather terrifying. One could live a life of carefreeness as long as they abide by a strict code and while being forced to think a certain way. Or, live a life of freedom but be surrounded by utter chaos day in and day out. "Hey!" The three boys stop to look to see a man approaching. "You boys don't look like you're from around here. Any chance you might have some food?"

"No, we don't," Alex states.

"You're a !#$ liar!" the man snaps suddenly revealing a switch blade from his sleeve. He went to stab Alex, but found himself frozen in mid lunge. He tried moving but he couldn't even budge. All he could see was Alex's eyes glowing. Then darkness was lost consciousness. Alex released him as he dropped to the ground.

"That's how I had to learn the mental shutdown trick," Alex remarks casually as if a random mugging hadn't occurred. Lucas observed and took it all in. As they traveled they were approached fifteen times, Lucas counted. Lucas looked to see Claus was unnerved being in this environment. He was used to his brother blabbering on or at least pointing out every little thing. However, he was quiet as if he was too loud he'd wake the entire neighborhood. They all run across a boy around Lucas' age actually sitting on the street in clothes that looked rather worn out. Jeans too long for him and a light blue jacket a little too big as well. He has black hair as he glances in their direction. As they approach the boy stood up. Lucas was getting more annoyed with these muggings then disturbed. It was no wonder no one went walking around.

"Hey Alex," the boy greets. Lucas notes that though the tone was friendly Alex still seemed uptight. In fact he looked rather nervous.

"H-Hi Tony …" Alex greets with far less enthusiasm. The boy, named Tony, looks down at Alex before his eyes shift over to Lucas and Claus. He seems to size them up before his eyes fall back down on Alex.

"Who are your new bodyguards?"

"I don't need bodyguards," Alex says pointedly. In response Tony slugs Alex in the jaw knocking him to the ground. Lucas and Claus are surprised. They both move to confront the boy but Alex gestures they stay back. They both hesitate unsure if they should listen or not. Tony steps on Alex's head.

"I really just want to bust your guts all over the street. Think that might get his attention?"

"I doubt it would …" Alex mutters underfoot. Tony seems displeased to hear that.

"So, he cares about keeping these stupid streets clean, more than he does about you?" Tony asks. "I don't buy that! After all you've been able to live in total bliss your whole life without knowing how people have been suffering! Only reason you do is because you wanted to explore, see how the other side lives!" Tony looked like he wanted to do more than just step on Alex's head. But relents backing off. The look that Lucas and Claus were giving him was slightly unnerving.

In truth the twins were having a silent countdown to when they were gonna pound this guy into the dirt.

Tony steps away. "I don't wanna see you again," With that he walks away jamming his hands into his pockets.

If Lucas was honest that would be the first disgusting thing he has seen while being in the future. Someone assaulting a little kid just because of the bloodline he was born into! Lucas and Claus move to help Alex to his feet. They hear a slight sniffle coming from him as they pull him up. He hangs his head low as he brings a hand to wipe his face obscured by his hood.

"Alex, do not let that bother you okay, that kid is a jerk," Claus says placing a hand on the boy's shoulder.

"His dad got put on the wall because Tony had attempted to steal something out from the inner wall. He tries to take care of his sick mother and little sister. But he can barely survive himself let alone take care of them, he's upset and angry," Alex explains. "He's not a bad person. He is the only person outside the resistance who knows who I am and hasn't told anybody."

Lucas supposed that did warrant him some points in his favor. If everyone knew that the son of the ruler was walking around unprotected, the chaos would be rampant. "What's the wall?" Claus blanches at hearing the question.

"You'll see in a few minutes," Alex says with his hood covering his face as he walks forward. They still are approached multiple times with the intent of the people harming them in some way. One person wanted to take their kidney! Disturbing, what these people demanded. Even seeing a murder right in front of them, but were forced to just walk by like nothing happened. Even as the person screamed for mercy, the other person didn't care. All for their hat, gloves, and shoes. Lucas felt sick just thinking about the simple article of clothing being the deciding factor on someone's life.

"There's the wall," Alex gestures. Lucas looks up to see a monstrous piece of metal with multiple spikes sticking out of it. It was amazing at the sheer massive size and height of the structure. He was only a few miles away, but he could see it rather clearly. Once the three get closer Lucas sees just how large it is as he cranes his neck. He also gets a scent of a very unpleasant smell. Lucas tries to ignore the smell to focus on the structure. He could hardly fathom how long this had taken to build. But after taking in the size the smell gets even stronger almost making him gage. He assumed it is the wall that is the source. He looks at it closely as they approach it. He sees objects are hanging from a large portion of the spikes. Lucas thought it odd, but as he got even closer he soon realized what the objects are.

Human bodies…

"W-what is this?" Lucas says deeply disturbed.

"Examples, for anyone who sees this they will see their fate if they disturb Utopia Tazmilly, the city inside. Each person is hung here, at one time or another. Family members, loved ones, children, or whoever. No one was exempt. It didn't matter who, but someone had to hang on the wall. Someone has to suffer, and be an example," Alex explains in a very sober voice. Lucas covered his nose as the smell really set in now. The bodies carried a musk that was so horrid Lucas thought he may just vomit. Claus isn't that far behind him in that thinking as he tries to hold it together. "The entrance I used to get in and out is this way," Alex says walking alongside the wall. The entrance looked like some sort of checkpoint and Lucas could see a family walking towards it.

"So anyone who wants to go in can just go?" Lucas asks.

"Yeah, pretty much. The process isn't strenuous; you get a mode of transportation, your own home, and food. You are given a job, kids get a good education, and the mother is free to either stay at home or work. The only catch is you give up your soul," Alex says glancing at the family. "They won't be able to think like they used to. They can't say certain things, and they can't try to make change. They either go in to abide by the rules, or The Wall. Not to say that the ruler isn't opposed to suggestions, but only if they benefit him."

Alex approaches the wall just below a hanging body. Lucas glances around to see a few of the extremely dilapidated bodies had broken down from the stress on the neck. Lucas almost hurled, and Claus would've if he looked around. He kept his eyes mostly closed as he tried focusing on anything besides a corpse. Alex went up to a spike then twisted it to the right. There is a click and suddenly the panel the spike is on opens up. Alex crawls in first followed quickly by Lucas and Claus who shuts it after he gets in. They three of them shimmy through the crawl space on their hands and knees, thankful the corpse smell didn't reach in here.

"Dad might notice me as soon as I get into the city. That will be the moment of truth. You guys conceal yourselves and shadow me from a distance. If I get captured, or they try to kill me on sight then there is no hope for me. Just escape out this panel but make sure to get the Phase Twister from me," Alex explains. Lucas gives a sound of confirmation afraid opening his mouth too wide might bring forth the vomit. After a few more minutes of crawling Alex makes it to another panel with a spike. He twists the spike for the hatch to open and crawls out. Lucas and Claus quickly follow as Alex shuts it. They ended up behind a building, though they couldn't tell from what just from looking at the back of it. Alex tells them to count to ten before following and to conceal their presence as best they can. Alex takes his leave. Both brothers look at each other as they begin counting out loud. Once they both utter ten they leave the same way Alex went. They were startled at first when they didn't see him especially among the sudden liveliness of the city around them. It wasn't as if it was a parade, but it might as well be compared to the outside the wall. Lucas points out Alex and quickly pulls Claus to follow him.

They both are careful to follow Alex, but take in all they see. The people seemed genuinely happier here. Though there were tints of fear in the air. They also notice cameras on almost every corner, men in blue uniforms walking around the street, and a lot more cars. People though seemed rather carefree, at least on the surface. Lucas and Claus could sense nervous energy all around them. Like someone was terrified to even blink wrong.

"I understand now," Lucas says suddenly. Claus looks at him confused. "I understand why you decided to go along with that plan. I'm here and I wouldn't even begin to understand how to combat this."

"Lucas I don't think we can really say stuff like that here, let alone think it," Claus hisses. Though inwardly he's glad Lucas has decided to finally talk to him willingly, but he couldn't have picked a worse time.

"If this me is so powerful, I'm sure he already noticed our presence. The only reason we haven't ran into trouble is simply because he's fascinated," Lucas frowns. "That's why we couldn't send Alex alone. If this me tossed him away, there would be little anyone could do from ending this boy's life."

"So our covert plan has already been blown?"

"Wide open, didn't have a chance. Rob offered to give us PSI cloaking tech that may be able to keep us hidden from future me's detection. I declined, knowing it would make no difference,"

Claus looked at his brother wide eyed, "Why would you turn that down?!"

"The tech didn't work. I still picked up on their presence as soon as they got close. Granted that was the only time, but if I have gotten as strong as they say it won't really matter. We're here simply to appeal to his curiosity. We must not be boring."

"Well … I think we can manage that. This you still thinks I'm dead." Claus says.

"Yeah, but I'm afraid this me won't care either way … I find myself feeling the same," Lucas mutters the last part to himself.

Claus looks at his brother. He doesn't say anything else only turning to watch Alex's back. The two shadow Alex as he walks toward where they assumed is where he lived. They noticed that many of the people here actually knew him. Often knew him, given by how everyone kept referring to Lucas as Alex. Lucas of course understood the misconception, they did look quite a bit alike. But as long as the authorities didn't question them, they would be fine. Lucas and Claus begin to notice less people as Alex travels farther away. Alex turns a corner to his left so Lucas and Claus follow right after him. As soon as they turn the corner they have to pause to stare in great shock. The wall branches out to create another inner wall to surround what appears to be a castle. The castle stands tall among everything, only dwarfed by the outer wall. The building and designing of this place must've been a nightmare with a large wall separating the inner and outer cities. Then add that on top of another wall separating the inner city from the castle. This entire landscape was dizzying. However they regain their wits to see Alex had gotten farther ahead. The boy pulls down his hood as he walks. They're only soldiers in this area at this point, even approaching the wall would get them caught. However, Alex hardly paused. As soon as no guards were looking he dashes forward straight toward the wall. Lucas and Claus are struck with fear hoping the boy didn't get so desperate to turn himself in. He dived at the wall … for a piece of metal to flip inward. Both brothers stare in wonder at the plank of metal, that seemed so out of placed it was laughable.

"No one has ever noticed that?" Lucas questions beside himself. Claus doesn't question it. From their spot they'd be spotted soon, so Claus quickly rushed forward when he learned the guards' pattern. He followed Alex's lead doing as he did. Though he made a notably louder noise after he went through the plank. The guards turned sharply just as the plank stops. They stare in wonderment pausing and waiting for something to happen. As if they all realized 'no one would be dumb enough to try anything' they went back to what they were doing without a care. Lucas was annoyed he had to do this. He ducks down for cover to observe this post. There were very few guards here for this to be the terminal to the ruler of this city. However, the ruler is a powerful psychic and pretty much knows what's going to happen as it happens. With so much preemptive action he supposed responsive measures were a little lacking.

Lucas decided to suck it up and go for it. When the guards turned away he finally made a dash for the panel. Remembering exactly how Alex hit so as to remain soundless. Running quickly without making too much noise was difficult enough. Lucas dived through the panel pushing it with only the right touch to get through. Good thing he did because a wall was waiting right as soon as he went in. He throws his hands out catching himself and then observing the very dark and narrow crevice he found himself in. He looks towards a light flashing in his face to see Alex with a flashlight and Claus sitting next to him rubbing his face. Lucas smirked understanding what the noise earlier was.

"Oh good, I thought those guards were gonna be much more alert when they heard me," Claus says with a bit of relief while rubbing his cheek.

Lucas turns a stern stare at his brother, "You didn't need to hit the plank that hard."

"Don't know my own strength sometimes, robotic arm remember."

Lucas rolls his eyes before looking to Alex, "We're in the wall aren't we?"

"Yes, we can keep going through until we get to the next plank that leads to the back of the castle. It's a much more updated version of Oshoe, but dad loves classic things so he didn't change the layout too much from what I can tell,"

"This castle is definitely way bigger than the one in our time," Lucas states plainly.

Alex begins leading the way, "Well the bottom levels are similar. You guys work your way up towards my Dad's study. It's in the east wing, hardly anyone there, and it's a room that's hard to miss."

"Wait a sec," Claus says. "You're not coming with us?"

Alex shakes his head though it was hard to see in this dark. "I want to have a word with my father."

"Who's to say that's a conversation you'll even walk away from," Lucas says with clear concern. Alex doesn't answer as he reaches into his pocket to hand Claus the Phase Twister.

"Just hit that flashing yellow button, I prepped it for you guys, in case something happens."

"Alex what will speaking to your dad, I mean, your future dad do for you or him?"

"There's just something I have to know," Alex says solemnly. They traveled mostly with Lucas and Claus trying to talk Alex out of his decision. However, the boy didn't seem to want to budge. Finally they exit the wall out the plank just as Alex predicted. The castle looked marvelous close up then before. The entire castle is built in brick similar to how it is in 30 years ago. The tower sticking out of it was clearly new, but the grounds are well trimmed with hardly any similarities to the old Oshoe Castle. Lucas couldn't even recognize where the first needle had been pulled. "The east wing is in that half of the building. There are hardly any guards, inside so do whatever you can to get to the study."

"What about the guards inside for you?" Lucas asks.

"I doubt the guards will bother me, I could've walked right in the front gate if I wanted. Even if my dad disowns me, not like he forbids me from returning home," Alex says. He hears no more complaints as he walks to the other side of the castle to the front.

"What should we do?" Claus asks his brother.

"We find the study as fast as humanly possible," Lucas responds breaking into a mad dash at the back entrance. He's surprised the door is unlocked, but doesn't question it. He and Claus immediately dash down the hall toward where Alex had told them the study should be. They didn't bother taking in anything new of this different Oshoe Castle. Not the upgraded designs of the insides. The polished artifacts on pedestals, not the many photos of Lucas in different points of times, a family painting his mom, dad, brother, and himself with their dog. He did pause though when he saw a picture of his future wife. All he saw was brown hair before Claus pulled his arm. He thanked his brother, since that spoiler was one he preferred not to spoil. What's scarier than meeting the person you know you're gonna spend the rest of your life with? Doing everything possible to not mess it up, would inevitable mess things up. They ran into a few guards but it was easy to take care of them. They did ask them where the study was and were given more specific directions. After climbing a flight of stairs they make it to a large wooden door. It read, study right on the door.

"I assume this is it," Claus says. Lucas opens the door peering inside. The study was rather small. A cube like room with each wall covered with books top to bottom. In the center is a desk with a brown book, similar to one Lucas uses currently. Lucas smirks seeing it and races to take it. He pauses though just before picking it up. "What are you waiting for?"

"Something isn't right …" Lucas mutters staring at the journal. He knew himself better than this. He thought about what comes to mind if intruders entered his home. He'd toy with them, make them believe they got what they wanted then pull the rug from under them. Lucas liked keeping the journal with him in his leisure. Why in the world would it be on the opposite side of his castle? Lucas stares at the journal before quickly turns around pulling Claus with him as he slams the doors shut. Before Claus could question anything there is a large boom that blows the doors off its hinges. Lucas had got himself and Claus out of harm's way before it happened.

"What the hell just happened?!" Claus exclaims.

"That was a fake, a booby trap. Future me is taunting us, and right now he's making us look like idiots. He has the journal, and Alex is about to become a tool."

Alex walks the halls he knew all too well by now. He passed a few guards who greeted him happily with a "Welcome home Master Alex," as they kept walking. It was nostalgic as he was always happy to greet everyone he came across in this big castle. He approached a large wooden door then knocks.

"Mom, are you in there?" Alex questions as he creeks the door open. He looks in to see a woman sitting in a chair staring off into space. His image blurred by the dimness of the room. Alex doesn't turn on the light as he walks in. "Mom?" He questions. She still does not respond. He stands right next to her and still she does not acknowledge his presence. Alex reaches out to hold his mother's hand. He grips it tightly, but still she is unresponsive to him. "Mom, I don't know if you're really in there or not. But I wanted you to know I'm back. And I … might be leaving again soon. So I wanted to see you one last time, since I don't know if I'll get the chance," Alex stares at his mother's face which is still unresponsive. Alex feels himself tearing up as he rises up on his tip toes to give his mom a peck on the check. "I love you mom."

Alex releases his grip on her hand. He steps back a few steps seeing if she might react. She doesn't only staring into a void. Alex sniffles before quickly turning away to leave the room. He never noticed how her hand had twitched as if trying to grip a hand. As her eyes begin shedding tears with a blank expression still plastered on her face.