Chapter 30: Light vs Darkness
It has been a year since Todd left Brighton. Probably the best decision he ever made. He never felt so alive, all the adventures him and Adia have, all the moments they share. In Brighton, he was just misarable, he was only wasting his life there, he never had any friends there... Or at least he doesn't remember having friends there... He should have left that small town years ago! It was another great day as he and Adia where now in Tokyo, exploring the forest Aokigahara. As kid he could only imagine going around the world and now he can go wherever he wants with his best friend.
''Adia this is amazing!'' Todd said.
''I know right? When I visited that forest few years ago, I was also amazed!''
''Everything about Japan is perfect! Especially the food.''
''Haha same old Todd, only thinking about food'' said Adia smiling at him
They were walking around the forest for 2 hours now. How could Todd reject Adia's invitations to come with her for so long? He was amazed and happy at every place they visited. Only for a year they visited so many places together, more than he had ever traveled in his life. He can finaly be with her.
"Hey Todd, wanna know something interesting?'' Adia asked.
''What?'' said Todd smiling at her.
''Did you know this is also called 'the suicide forest' because many people come here to commit suicide''
''Oh... Well... that's kinda sad'' said Todd and then he saw something in the distance.
Between all the trees and bushes he saw a little girl crying. He was first surpriced to see a kid alone in the forest, but he assumed that she probably got lost.
''Adia do you see that kid?'' Todd asked and when he turned around, Adia was gone.
''What? Adia? Where did you go?''
The crying from the little girl got louder. He had no idea what was going on, but he knew he couldn't leave a little kid alone here. As he started to get closer to the girl, he saw what she looked like. She probably wasn't older than 13, had dark brown hair worn in a short ponytail, wearing ripped jean vest with white shirt, purple-pink skirt and red sneakers. He never met this kid before, but for some reason it looked so familiar to him.
''Uhhh hey kid are you ok?''
she continued crying...
"Hey are you lost? I can help you" said Todd waiting for an answer.
This... This wasn't right. He has seen this going in four different ways. One in which she was crying for him... Other three in which she tried to run away from him.
''Will you miss me?''
''Wh-What?'' Todd asked, as he got closer.
''If I dissappear... Will you miss me?''
Todd didn't know how to answer. The gil slowly looked at him... He was terrified. She wasn't wearing the outfit she had just a moment ago. She was wearing that... Weird hospital looking shirt and shorts. She also had those strange puprle bandages. Her hair wasn't in a ponytail, it was down... With one purple strand standing out.
The creepiest part was on her face. Her eyes were red and purple... And she had a weird plastic and smart mouth mask with only three small letters on it... O.A.S
''I'll ask again... If I dissappear, will you miss me?''
The mask on her mouth was changing her voice. Combined with the demonic voice the girl already had... It was sounding terrifying.
''Uhh... I-
The girl started to levitate. Todd noticed how much electricity she had in her body. There wasn't any joy or happiness in her eyes... Only madness...
...
Scratch woke up. Now WHAT IS THIS SUPPOSED TO MEAN?! This time, Molly didn't end up dying or running away... Instead, she looked like an evil demonic creature from a horror movie.
Okay, something isn't right. Why does this keep happening? There has to be something weird going on with Molly. Scratch flew downstairs and saw all the McGees, eating their breakfast.
''Good morning, buddy!'' Molly said.
After the wonderful night she and Hikari had, Molly took her back in Brighton and continued to fly around the skies.
''M-Morning... Molly, we need to ta-
Someone knocked on the door. Everyone was confused, but not Molly. With a huge smile on her face, she got up and opened it. There was a mailman, holding a package.
''Hi, I have a package for... Molly McGee?'' The mailman checked his list.
''Yep! That's me!''
''Alright, kid, I'll need you to sign here'' The mailman said, giving Molly a pen and his list with her name on it.
Molly signed, took her package, gave a tip to the mailman and went back inside.
''Molly, did you order something?'' Sharon asked.
''Yep! Just a few pretty things''
Molly opened her package... Inside the box, there were four purple bandages... The moment he saw them, Scratch's ectoplasm turned ice cold from fear...
Molly's smile became even bigger. She took off her normal white bandages and wrapped up the new purple ones on her hands.
''Don't I look adorable?'' Molly asked, as she was looking at her arms.
''Well, gotta admit, they sure go hard, sis!'' Darryl said.
''So, you use my old purple glasses, have a purple haircut, and now purple bandages? Are you going through a purple phase or what?'' Sharon joked.
''Haha, I don't know. I saw them on the web last night, so I ordered them''
A little thing she did before flying back outside was to take a little break... A break in which she saw and ordered those bandages.
Scratch was speechless... Those were the same awful bandages Molly had in his dream. Now this WASN'T a coincidence! He wanted to speak with her, but Molly's phone rang.
''Oh, it's Hikari! gotta go, bye!'' Molly said, as she ran outside.
Something was wrong. Scratch needed to tell someone about this. He already talked with his therapist, now maybe he needs to tell Axel about this...
...
Libby had the most embarrassing and nervous breakfast in her life. Her mom would stare at her with a very disappointed and angry look.
''Those are... Pretty good eggs!'' Libby tried to cheer her.
''I don't know what's more insane... The fact you sneaked up in a military base, OR THE FACT YOU BARELY CARE ABOUT IT!''
Libby was sure her mom is still mad. It turned out Scratch told her. He did warn Libby he would tell Leah, yet Libby still went there...
''I... I'm sorry, I just-
''What if they saw you?! What if they tortured you like they did with me?! DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW WORRIED I WAS?!'' Leah yelled.
''I'm really sorry, mom. I thought if we expose their dirty secrets, we could kick them out of Brighton'' Libby tried to explain, ashamed.
''I also want them gone, but what you did was just a way to get yourself killed! Seriously, do you think they'll care to shoot a little girl who saw where they are?''
''B-but they didn't notice me! Look, I took their computer! If you let me look around their files, I could find something!'' Libby tried to defend herself.
Leah was still very mad, but at the same time she couldn't just say no to her daughter. If she did, all Libby did to get that computer would've been for nothing. After all, it sure was impressive how a teen fooled professional soldiers.
''Fine... But are you sure? What if you see something that's... Too disturbing?''
''Even better! I'll show the whole town what those guys are up to, so we can all unite and kick them out!''
''Ugh... Sometimes, you really do get carried away with that detective persona'' Leah joked, as she petted her daughter's head.
''What can I say? Once the Bloodhound of Truth starts sniffing, there's no going back!''
No idea what Libby may find in their files... What could those bastards hide? Only questions that needed answers...
...
Scratch was at Axel's apartment. He explained everything. The previous nightmares he had and the most recent one.
''I don't know why I keep seeing this! Molly looks perfectly fine, yet I always have the same nightmare, OVER AND OVER AGAIN!'' Scratch explained, mad.
''As far as I can tell, Molly is going through a lot. Even though she tried to deny it, I noticed she hid something... And her aura was way stronger than usual'' Axel explained.
''Oh, yeah, I forgot she had to come here... Didn't end very well, right?''
''Nope. She called all therapists frauds and just left...''
''Honestly, I'm not even surprised. Even though she's all sunshine and rainbows, Molly is a tough egg to crack'' Scratch said.
Axel wasn't convinced in that. Yeah, Molly really was a very positive kid... But since the first night he saw her, he was sure Molly is much more than just ''sunshine and rainbows''...
...
Samantha was playing with her pet bird in the living room. Who would've thought something so small could be so cute and fun?
''Want another treat, mister? Or ms? Honestly, I don't even know your gender, buddy! This will make naming you a way harder'' Samantha said, as she gave a little cookie to the bird.
While she was playing, she saw the door to June's lab was opened... And June just had that scared look on her face. The last few days, June looked so stressed, it made Samantha worried.
''Hey, what ya doing, June?'' Samantha came, holding her bird.
''Just... Working...''
''I can see that, but you don't leave that room even when we have dinner. Is everything alright?''
No... NOTHING was alright! June lived in a deep fear, that Molly could kill her, even if she gives a little hint that she's the phantom.
''Y-Yes... Everything is p-perfect...''
''You're not even trying, June... Come on, what's wrong?''
This was getting a problem. June tried and TRIED to lie her way out of this conversation... But she knew very well that lying was her weakest point.
''Sammy, I swear, I... I'm fine...''
''Pfff, yeah, Tamara also gave me that look when she was mad. You can't fool me!'' Samantha said, as she get closer to June.
June didn't even know how she managed to keep this a secret for so long. Probably the longest period of her life when she was keeping her mouth shut for something important.
''Sorry, I... I can't tell you or Molly will kill me-
The moment she said... June realized, she messed up...
''WHAT?! NO! HOW COULD I BE SUCH AN IDIOT?!''
Samantha was shocked by what June said and was just standing next to her, confused.
''What do you mean-
''UGHHH, CURSE YOU, CURSE YOU, CURSE YOU AUTISTIC HONESTY!''
''JUNE! What's going on?!'' Samantha asked, worried.
There was no way for June to get out of this. She said it... She was gonna die...
''I'm sorry! It's just... Molly is the Phantom of Joy...''
''Wait... What?''
''Yes! I tried to deny it when I saw it, but... The proof is there, it's her. And when I told her I know... She threatened to kill me if I tell anyone!'' June admitted, as she started to tear up.
Samantha... Was speechless. Molly is the phantom? Molly threatened June? Molly is the one who hurted the entire Ghost Friends team?!
''She... She threatened tp kill you... A CHILD?!'' Samantha asked... And before June could answer, Samatha walked to the living room.
''S-Sammy? What are you doing?''
That was unbelievable! Who does Molly think she is to mess around with Samantha's family? Samantha took out a box... A box in which she kept the dark wings suit she crafted.
''I'll give Molly a lesson of a lifetime!''
''WHAT?! NO, NO, NO, IF SHE REALIZE I TOLD THE TRUTH, SHE WILL-
''Trust me, June... Molly isn't gonna do anything to you... In fact, I'll make sure she never even walks again!''
It wasn't just about the threat. This was Samantha's chance to show how strong she is! Molly just had no idea what's coming for her...
...
The sun was going down. Molly was more happy than ever. After the great day she and Hikari had, she convinced her to have a third ghost date. Of course, Molly first needed to eat something for dinner.
''I'm home!''
Molly went inside her home, but her parents still weren't. She went to the attic, but Scratch was also gone. Even Darryl wasn't here. Well, looks like Molly will eat alone... Who cares! After all, in few hours she and Hikari will be together... At least she thought so...
On Molly's bed, there was a little note... Written in a very creepy and red letters, almost looking like a threat...
I know who you are, Joy... Meet me at ''Blessed Berries'' abandoned factory
Molly froze. What does that mean? Did... Did someone discovered her idenity? Molly just realized... The front door was unlocked when she came, but didn't payed attention.
The ''Blessed Berries'' factory was an abandoned building VERY deep in the woods. So deep, it wasn't even Brighton's territory. She didn't know who left this, but she sure will have a meeting with this stranger before her date...
...
It was a dark night in the forest. Samantha was wearing the dark suit she made, plus a dark mask. She knew about this place from her skinwalker days. While she was waiting... There she was... Molly, levitating in the air in her bright phantom form...
Molly then landed, being just a few steps away from Samantha. Just seeing those red-purple glowing eyes was making Samantha sick...
''So... I guess you are the one who wanted to see me... Well, here I am''
Samantha was just angrily staring at Molly. She could already see how many punches Molly would eat up...
''You gonna say something? Who are you? Most importantly, how do you know me?''
''I'm your fall...''
Molly recognized that voice... That made her even more surprised.
''Samantha?''
''That's right... Molly McGee!''
Samantha's goal was to make Molly scared. To make her shiver from fear... But instead, Molly just started to laugh.
''HAHAHAHAHAHA! Oh boy, I know that you spent a few years in the wild, but Halloween is in October! Seriously, what the hell are you wearing?''
''DON'T JOKE AROUND!''
Molly stepped back from the sudden yell...
''Oh alright... So, what do you want from me? More importantly, how do you know about me?''
''June told me everything, you psycho!''
From joking, Molly became rageful. Even when she warned June, she still had to tell her secret? Oh, she sure will make sure June pays!
''SHE DID WHAT?!''
''So, you're the one who causes that much trouble! You're the one who hurt them!''
''AND I SURE WILL HURT HER ENOUGH TO REMEMBER TO KEEP HER PROMISES!''
''Oh, no you won't! In fact, right now you have two options...''
''Huh?''
''First one... You'll apologize to her and Ollie, give up on that ''secret hero'' life, or...''
''Or what...''
''Or I'll personally force you to stop!''
Molly didn't know if she was supposed to be scared or to make her laugh. Seriously? Does this little girl think she can just threaten Molly?
''Awwww, so cute! Wittle Sawwy Wawwy thinks she can beat me''
It was obvious only a few punches will make Molly realize how serious the situation was... So, Samantha took out one of June's ghost knives and turned the electricity on...
''Last warning, Molly!''
''Actually, I'm the one giving you a warning... And a last warning for June! If both of you keep your mouths shut, MAYBE I won't hurt you... Maybe''
''Not happening!''
Well... If Samantha wanted to fight so bad, Molly will give her one. After all, she had around 30 minutes before her date. Why doesn't she have a little fun before that?
''You sure about that?''
''I'm not leaving until you don't cry and beg for MERCY!''
It was both cute and annoying how confident Samantha was. Molly started to walk towards her and stopped.
''Last chance, my girl. You can still turn around and go back in Brighton''
Samantha was holding the knife in one hand, waiting for Molly to come. It was obvious that she will not leave...
''Okay... Let's dance...''
Samantha started to scream and run towards Molly, ready to stab her to death. She jumped at her... But Molly just grabbed her hand and pushed her away.
''Wow, how scary...''
''UGH, YOU LITTLE-
Samantha jumped at her and tried to stab her again... But Molly once again grabbed her arm... Then slowly started to levitate with her and punched her to the ground.
''AAAHHH!''
Samantha was on the ground. It felt like a ball of electricity just hit her in the chest.
''Ready to give up?''
No... She wasn't gonna give up that easily! Samantha stood up and faced Molly with more rage than ever.
''Is... Is that all you got?''
Okay, this wasn't as fun as Molly thought it would be. She wanted to make Samantha quit... So she just grabbed her and shot her with a lightning, sending her inside the abandoned factory through the window...
Samantha was in so much pain. She was in the center, on the verge to cry from pain. How could she not think to use some sort of protection against Molly?
Speaking of her... Molly flew inside and was in front of Samantha... Ready to use another lightning on her...
''Just say you give up and aaaall of this could end''
''...Ha... Hahahaha... Hahahahahahahahaha!''
''Uhhhh... What's so funny?''
Samantha was still on the ground, but she looked Molly with the most mocking and ugly smile ever.
''You forgot one thing about me... I was a skinwalker... And we skinwalkers sure love to set traps''
Molly realized Samantha was planning something... And before she could think what, Samantha got up, pressed a button on a strange watch she had... And something shot Molly in the back...
''WHAT?!''
Before Molly could come, Samantha got some of June and Ollie's gadgets... And set a lot of traps around the place. Inside and outside the factory.
What shot Molly was a little hidden ghost hunting gun Samantha hid behind the door. It sure was a heavy shot, because Molly was now the one on the ground.
''NOW YOU'RE MINE!''
This was Samantha's chance. Just one second of showed weakness by Molly would be enough for Samantha. She jumped at Molly... And stabbed her blade as deep as possible in Molly's stomach.
''AAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!''
Molly tried to fly away, but she couldn't. Samantha was now on top of her and was stabbing her more and more aggresivley...
''GET OFF ME!''
Molly shot a weak lightning and managed to free herself... But she couldn't fly. The pain in her stomach was so bad, it was turning red. Even though the energy was still strong, Samantha wasn't hurt a bit.
''Hurts, doesn't it?'' Samantha mocked her.
Okay, that's it! Molly will not let that slide. She wanted to make Samantha pay for this! Molly stood up, with her one hand on her stomach... And shot many lightning arcs with the other.
Samantha jumped at the other side and dodged them. Molly shot a few more arcs, but she also dodged them. It was hard to focus, because of the huge pain...
''Y-You made a big mistake!''
''Me? You're the one who threatened June! And now you'll suffer for it!''
Molly really wanted to finish her. However, the pain was too much. And... After all, she and Hikari have to meet.
''This is not over!''
Molly tried to fly as much as she can away... But something stopped her... She realized, Samantha surrounded the factory with the little devices that were making the ghost shield around their house.
''Ops, looks like we're staying here for a while!'' Samantha joked.
''UGHHHHH, YOU'RE GETTING ON MY NERVES, BI-
Out of nowhere, another trap activated. This time, a cube of energy formed around Molly. It looks like she stepped on some of June's stupid traps. With so much frustration and anger, Molly shot so many lightning arcs. The amount of energy was enough to break the trap... But Samantha was gone...
''Where did you go?!''
In the huge room, Samantha couldn't be seen anywhere. Molly's brightness wasn't enough to see where she is, it was just too dark...
''Wanna play hide and seek?! FINE!''
Molly started to aggresively shoot lightnings in all directions. Left and right, just hoping that one will hit where Samantha was hiding... Unlucky for her, nothing happened.
''Y-YOU CAN'T HIDE FROM ME! LIGHT IS ALWAYS STRONGER THAN DARKNESS!''
''Not if you know how to use the darkness...''
A reloading was heard behind her. Molly turned around and saw Samantha holding some kind of a modern crossbow, loaded with shiny arrows... Before Molly could do anything, Samantha shot her in the chest... An agonizing Molly hit Molly.
''NOOO-OOO!''
It was so bad. It felt like someone stabbed her with a hot sword. Molly aggressively took the arrow out and faced Samantha with the most rageful purple eyes...
''You see that? This is how weak you are. Just one move was enough for me to get over you... You're not strong''
''UGHHHHH, YOU'RE A DEAD MEAT, SAMANTHA!''
Molly ran to her, ready to fry her skull... But Samantha dodged her punches. No matter how much Molly was trying, she couldn't hit Samantha... And ironically, Samantha grabbed Molly's arm... And stabbed her with her knife...
''YOU LITTE-
Samantha took the blade out and kicked Molly to the end of the room. Even though she was a ghost, blood came out of Molly's left eye. This can't be happening... She was losing...
''You... Y-You can't beat me''
''No, Molly... It's not just me... Everyone can and WILL beat you...''
''Wh-What?''
''That's something I noticed when I was a skinwalker... You're pathetic. You think you're strong when in reality you're worth NOTHING!''
Did Samantha really said that? After what Molly did... She says she's worth nothing?!
''N-NO! YOU'RE WRONG!''
''That's the truth... You know what they say... THE TRUTH HURTS!'' Samantha yelled... As she took out a little grenade and threw it at Molly.
It was another ghost hunting weapon Molly has never seen. Molly got so shocked and scared... She lost all her powers... But it was too late, the grenade was already thrown and it exploded right in her face... Sending her outside the factory.
The explosion was so strong, Molly hit the window, then the close tree outside... Samantha came out through the broken window and watched how weak Molly was.
Now this wasn't part of the plan. Molly was on the grass... There was so much blood. It was coming out of her already stabbed stomach, her nose, her eyes, and her mouth...
It was so bad... All Molly could see was ready because of the blood. She was feeling it coming out of her mouth. Agonizing pain was all over her body. She didn't realize she broke 4 of her ribs...
''Stay down... You lost...''
''Ywhoh... Glguh...''
It was so bad, the blood was just coming out... Molly couldn't even speak or move. She was hopeless... She was feeling how close she was to fainting... Not just fainting, she was about to die from too much blood loss
''Nhoo... Nohho... NO! I'LL KILL YOU!''
Even in her bad condition, the energy inside of her was enough to make her jump to Samantha... But once again, she dodged all of Molly's attacks. She could see the blood falling from Molly's body... Before she knew it, there was a whole puddle of Molly's blood.
Molly made the fatal mistake to shoot a lightning. The moment she shot one, Samantha dodged it... And kicked Molly in the head, causing her to fall...
Now this... This was enough to send Molly in a coma. Her eyes were red, but not glowing... They were dark red from all the blood. Molly couldn't take it anymore... The girl she bringed back to live beated her up. Molly was in so much pain... She fainted...
''Good night, Phantom of Joy...''