Chapter 47. Vacation.
Jack yawned, exiting his room and heading downstairs, wearing a black Doom Slayer t-shirt and tan shorts. His nose caught the whiff of pancakes, eggs, and bacon as he entered the kitchen.
"Morning, Jack," Nala greeted her brother, she was at the stove in an apron, cooking up breakfast.
"Mornin."
"How'd you sleep?"
"No weird dreams so…ok I guess."
"Cool. So I'm gonna call Stolas after breakfast but I already told the bossman about our vacation."
"He want a souvenir?"
She scoffed, "Duh."
"So if we're leaving tomorrow, what's today's plan? A stroll in the park?"
"Pft, you'd need a girlfriend for that and it's a few years too soon for that."
"Ouch."
"But…Clark did call last night."
"He did?"
"Yeah, said he found an interesting journal that he wanted to show."
"Is he coming over?"
"Well Stolas was the first he contacted, the others don't know yet, so we told him we'd respond sometime this morning."
"Oh…Is it cause of me?"
"Um…yeah," She plated the food and turned off the stove, "I meant what I said," She placed them on a tray, "No Exterminator stuff, No heaven shit, just a week of food and fun," She smiled, heading to the table.
"Yeah, I got ya," Jack followed her, "So do you just…want me to leave when they get here?" He was about to sit down but was stopped by his sister.
"I want you to wake up Collin and Keenie for me, just ring the doorbell on the attic's door rim."
"When did you install a bell?"
"When we got their room set up, they found it in a box. It's kinda old but it works," She set the plates on the table.
"Huh, neat."
"Yeah, so," She not so lightly kicked him on the rear, "get going."
"Ow! Ok jeez," He got moving.
"Oh that didn't hurt ya baby," She rolled his eyes.
"You doubt the strength of your foot," Shaking his head, Jack went upstairs to the attic door, ringing the bell. He heard a classic style Ding dong dang ding…ding ding dong dang emanate from inside. "Huh. That's old. Collin! Keenie! Breakfast!"
"Coming!" Collin called out.
Finishing his task, Jack walked back down. He passed by a mirror and swore he saw a glimpse of something. "Huh?" He stepped back and looked into it, seeing only himself, "Ugh," he held his head, "I DO need a vacay," Continuing down, he met back up with Nala in the dining room setting down forks and knives.
"They on way?" Nala asked.
"Yep," He took a seat.
"Sweet," She sat down and grabbed the syrup, pouring it on her pancakes and eggs.
"Not gonna wait on them?"
"Pft, hell no. This ain't no family breakfast," She said while cutting her pancakes, "What were you gonna expect a group prayer next?"
"No, but I'm curious if you'll burn if you did," Taking the syrup, he drizzled his pancakes in maple.
"Does Not work like that," Keenie said, floating in.
"It doesn't?"
"Nope," Collin added, sitting down next to his girlfriend, "If someone like Nala prayed they'd get a sense of…unease and being ignored…with a bit of burn on the inside."
"What…if a demon did it?"
"They'd feel a sharp pain in their back."
"Ouch."
"Yeah. Pass the syrup?"
"Here," Jack handed him the bottle, "So about my phone."
"Oh right," Collin took the bottle and reached into his pocket, handing Jack his phone.
"Thanks," He opened his screen and looked unsettled and grossed out, "...what the hell?"
"Kpt what?" Collin tried not to laugh, with Keenie snickering.
"What is this?" Asking, he showed the lock screen of his phone, on it being Collin laying on his side in a suit, with a rose in his mouth, one hand on his hips, the other holding his head up, and looking at the camera with a sultry look with a caption saying Come here often?
"It's a nice picture don't ya think?" He chuckled.
Nala looked over and saw it, letting out a laugh, "Pft nice one."
"Ugh, I'm deleting th-" Unlocking his phone he was greeted by a new home screen, "What the hell!?" The photo was of Keenie leaning in with a smug grin and lidded eyes, the caption saying Apparently you do.
"Prnk ahahahaha!" Nala started to laugh, the Angels still trying to hold it in.
"Fucking deleting th- what the fuck!?" He swiped to go to his setting only for the background to change to a picture of Collin laying back, legs crossed, arms behind his head, holding the rose again with wording Maybe a bit too much. "Why did you-" He swiped again, getting the image of Keenie on her side, in the same pose as Collin in the first picture but on the other side saying: You should take a break. "Sunnuva! How many of these did you make!?" Jack demanded, his sister almost spitting out her drink.
"There's…kmpf…there's one more," Keenie said, crying with puffy cheeks, almost letting it out.
"Hrmmm," With regret he swiped and glared right at the image. It was of the two laying in front of each other, hands under their chins, kissing lightly, with one leg bent up. It read: None of our business though. "I hate you guys," Jack growled. The holy beings finally busted out, laughing hysterically. "I have to reset all this shit! I don't even remember where the hell that warhammer poster wa- what the-?" Going to his gallery is when he saw their apparent first tries, more than twenty of them, "Are these your god damn fucking rough drafts or something!?" His rage only served to embolden their guffaws. "You guys suck!"
"Are you sure you wish to rent a hotel?" Stolas asked Nala through her phone.
"Yeah, I'm sure. Don't wanna keep bothering you for a way back," Nala responded, washing the dishes.
"I wouldn't mind, plus it would be good practice for Octavia."
"Nah it's fine, you tend to be a busy demon at times. You inform the team?"
"I have, we're going to meet with Clark at Elina's, she's gonna serve us some of her chili."
"SNRK!" Octavia was heard snarking in the background.
"Octavia?"
"N-nothing," She snickered.
"Hm. Anyways, we'll be fine. Tell Jack to take it easy and I hope you all have a nice vacation."
"Sure thing," Nala said, "By the way, what killed you was the acid."
"That was acid!?"
"Yep."
"Well, I'll have to remember that for later."
"Hehehe, talk to you later Stolas."
"You as well, Nala," He hung up.
Putting her phone away, Nala went to the living room where the others were. The angels playing Overcooked with Jack watching.
"How was Stolas?" Jack asked.
"He's good. The team knows what we're doing and wishes ya the best. Boss and Mils want souvenirs though."
"Heh, course they do. By the way, where they meeting Clark at?"
"Not here, and that's all you need to know."
"Right right, no Exterminator stuff, no heaven shit, just food and fun, I got ya."
"What ya gonna wear?" She asked, sitting next to him.
"Huh?"
"It's a comic con, you gotta dress up."
"I…haven't thought about it."
"Course you haven't," She rolled her eyes.
"Oh yeah, what are you dressing up as?"
"Black suit spider woman."
"That's a thing?"
"It's a Mary Jane from an alternate universe that gets the symbiote suit."
"Nerd- OW!" He got socked right in the arm after he uttered that.
"I'm going as Cloak," Collin said, "Need a tomato."
"Incoming," Keenie had her character throw the vegetable and proceeded to serve food.
"Cloak? From Marvel?" Jack asked, rubbing his arm.
"Yep," Collin nodded.
"Guess that means Keenie is Dagger."
"Duh," Keenie chuckled, "I was gonna ask Poch if I could borrow his brace but I don't think it works if it's on your arm."
"It does. Shred tried it once. Just gotta twist your fist in your hand."
"I'm texting him right after this round."
"Cool. Hm…" He leaned back and thought, "I don't wanna worry about my timer, so I should go for an impish character…maybe Dark Blood from Invincible?"
"Too smart for you," Nala joked.
"Fuck off. You know a better imp I could be?"
"What about Nightcrawler from Xmen?" Collin suggested, setting the controller down. He and Keenie just finished a level.
"Nightcrawler is blue, isn't he? Plus no horns," Keenie stated, leaning back and messaging Poch about his brace.
"True. What about that red gargoyle character from UMCV3?"
"When the hell did you get Ultimate Marvels Vs Capcom?" Jack questioned his sister.
"While ago," Nala shrugged.
"I'm fighting you tonight."
"I'll get your coffin ready. Anyways, let's name some more options, cause you really can't pull off the Damien Dark Blood."
"Pain in your words, I have suffered," He said in a low gruff monotone voice with no emotion except grump on his face.
"...Ok that was pretty good, not gonna lie."
Beside Keenie, Poch's hand came out one of his gates to hand her his brace. "Sweet, thanks!" Poch thumbed up before slipping his hand back. Keenie faced the others, "Let's just go with Dark Blood. Not like he has to be in character 24/7."
"True," Nala admitted, rising, "I'll go to the costume shop and pick you up the suit and hat."
"What if they don't got my size?" Jack asked.
"Pft you know who works there."
"Oh yeah, she's quick with a sow."
"Be back soon," Nala left, grabbed her purse, and slipped her sandals on before leaving.
Kennie placed Poch's brace on her arm, inspecting it. "Nice fit, might need to paint it a little."
"Want me to help?" Collin offered.
"I'd appreciate that."
"Won't painting mess up the runes?" Jack asked.
"Nah, as long as we don't cause any scratches, they'll be fine. Wanna help add some insignias to it?"
"...Sure."
Next day.
"Alright," Nala looked around everyone in the living room and the luggage. She, along with everyone else was in costume, looking quite close to their chosen characters, Nala even dying her hair red. "All ready?"
"Ready!" The angels said, taking out a diamond-shaped light purple gem that had a blue ring in its center. They gave it a twist and strings of light surrounded them, wrapping around and changing their appearances. Gone were their animal features and halos, their fur replaced with dark white skin, the freckles on Collin's cheeks much more apparent.
"Packages have been set. Demonic travel is ready," Jack said in his imitation voice of Darkblood.
"Alright," She typed on her phone, "Gateways coming. No Exterminator questions Jack."
"Hm, threat made sure last night with bat."
"Just as long as you remember."
Stolas opened up his portal and walked in. "Hallo!" He waved.
"Uh…" Nala and the others looked at him with some concern, "What happened to your tongue….and your beak?"
He had his tongue out on the side, red and rashy looking with the edge of his beak looking frazzled. "Whel…I way hwave…"
"Had some chili?" Jack surmised, talking normally.
"...Hyes…fwolishly ashked fwor da wed swauce bershian."
"Oof."
"Was it really that bad?" Keenie asked.
"I tried a lick of that stuff and felt like lava was in my throat."
"Oh jesus…"
"Ahniwhays," Stolas opened his portal, "whope ywou whaiv fyuin."
"Thanks," Jack said, walking through with the angels.
"Drink plenty of milk," Nala patted, following the rest.
They checked in at the hotel and set their luggage inside their rooms, Nala and Jack sharing one, with Collin and Keenie in another, meeting back up in the lobby before heading to the comic con.
"Here ya go," The front desk clerk handed Jack his con badge.
"Hm. Thanks," He said in character, making the clerk chuckle, before joining with the others.
"Gonna sign up for the cosplay contest?" Nala asked.
"Hell yeah! Ima dominate!" He smirked with confidence, looking at the angels, "What about y'all?"
"We're gonna check some booths, there's an artist stationed that Collin likes and he's selling some necklaces," Keenie answered with her boyfriend nodding, "Was gonna join that contest but I don't wanna bring too much attention to this thing," She tapped on the combat brace on her arm, "so I'm just gonna stick to small events."
"Think they got a dart game at one of the attractions on the second floor that allows knives."
"Really? Time to put in my hard-earned practice!"
"Your one-night practice?" Collin raised a brow.
"Shut up! Cmon!" She hooked his arm and dragged him off.
"Let's go get signed up and check some stalls," Nala suggested to her brother, taking his arm.
"Sounds good. Wanna check the video game area later too?"
"Sure, maybe they have MVC3," She smirked.
"If so…I'm not fighting you," He pained, remembering the thrashing he got last night from her.
"He's learning," Nala chuckled, dragging him with, "Let's go!"
"I'm going, I'm going!" Jack returned the smile.
They signed up for the cosplay contest, remembering the time and date it would be happening, Nala wanted to check out some accessory booths first to get Blitzo and Millie a nice souvenir. Jack finds something he thought Shred and Echo would like and a cute couple chain to tease Dundy and Octavia with and give Poch and Loona as a gift. They got a good amount before looking at some comics in an area, and the owners managed to get some official comics.
"Ugh," Jack cringed.
"What?" Nala looked over his shoulder.
"Got to the recent ones, when Marvel started going downhill."
"Oh shit," She saw the page and cringed a little too, "I've heard of that one too, so take my advice, drop it before your brain rots."
"Don't need you to tell me that," He placed it back, "Shoulda just rebooted the old version…nah they shouldn't."
"Yeah, don't want another She-Hulk situation."
"Do NOT remind me of that shit!"
"Hah! Wanna cleanse ourselves with some fan comics?"
"Please?"
Needing a break from cringe, they headed to some of the artist booths, taking a look at some standees and figures, admiring some that were depicting some demons from a fanfic someone wrote.
"As cool as these look," Nala whispered, inspecting an imp figure, "I can't help but mentally point out inconsistencies."
"Yeah we've seen real demons so it's difficult not to compare," Jack agreed, "Still, I don't get how they manage to design these, like making so many yet with so many details."
"I get how. It's easier than it looks, y'know?"
"Oh yeah? Please tell me oh…" As his eyes skimmed the figures they stopped on one of them, "wise…" He couldn't make out what it was, the item being completely dark, as if coated in darkness, "sister of…" He couldn't look away from it, nor make out what it was but its outline looked familiar, along with its eyes, eyes that seemed to have just opened, eyes that were soft, light yellow, and tired looking, "o-of…" Shaking, he wanted to look away but couldn't, trembling further as its head slowly turned to face him, hearing his heartbeat in his ears.
"Jack!" Nala yelled out, shaking her brother.
"WAH! HUH!?" He snapped out of it, looking at Nala with sweat and panic.
"You ok?"
"I…" He looked back and saw what he once saw was just a goat-shaped devil in a cloak and holding a staff. Taking a deep breath, he held his head, "I'm gonna get some water real quick," He walked off.
"Ok…let's try the game area when you get back," She suggested with a somber smile.
"Sure," He softly waved. Heading to where they were giving out water bottles, he took one and went straight to the bathroom, chugging the bottle down. Taking a breath, he stood in front of the sink, leaning on it. He could still hear the light thumps of his heart. "...calm down…just…focus on the vacation…food and fun…ok," He huffed, motivationally slapping himself and looking in the mirror, "...Food and fun," He smiled, though it was mostly forced, and walked out to meet his sister. "Hey!"
"Hey, you good?" Nala asked.
"Yeah, I'm good. Had a little jam there but I'm fine."
"You sure?"
"I'm sure, Food and fun, remember? Speaking of, wanna hit the concessions before the games?"
"...Yeah, could go for a burger?"
"Sweet, let's go!" He took her hand and pulled her along.
"I'm going!" She chuckled but in that chuckle was an emotion of concern. When they got to the food court, spotting Collin and Keenie at a table. "Hey, there's C and K!"
"Sweet, let's join them,"
Collin was eating a chicken sandwich with fries while Keenie had herself some nuggets. They saw the two approaching and greeted them.
"Oh, hey guys!" Collin said.
"Getting something? They actually got some good prices here," Keenie stated.
"Oh yeah? Mind if we join ya?" Jack asked.
"Sure."
"I'll go ahead and get us something," He told Nala, "Double cheese with no mustard and a medium fry?"
"Yeah with a cola," Nala told him.
"Got ya. Be back soon," He left for the counter.
Nala sat down with the angels in disguise, looking at him with a sigh.
The two picked up on that and Collin decided to ask: "Did it happen again?"
"Yep," She faced them solemnly, "We were looking at some figures and he started to…stutter. He was starting to sweat and everything and I had to snap him out of it. He went to the restroom and I wanted to talk about it but…No angel shit, no exterminator stuff, just food and fun…he's sticking to that and I'm starting to regret saying that."
"Don't," Keenie patted her shoulder, "You want him to relax and try and get this out of his mind. We should've expected him still to get some reactions but…as long as what happened last time doesn't happen…then I say it's all good."
"Besides," Collin added, "Not like we expected it to be instant. He needs time to unwind, so let's give him it."
"..." With a huff, Nala agreed, "You're right. I shouldn't press him."
"Tough being a worrying sister, huh?" Collin smiled.
"You got no idea."
Jack eventually returned and the group had a nice chat while eating, Keenie stating how well the brace was working for her, and the duo talking about how many photos they'd taken, mentioning how they managed to get a photo with one of their favorite artists. Jack brought up how popular Nala had gotten and said he should've brought his scythe to hold off the thirsty freaks but remembered that Nala could just spider-kick their ass. They finished eating and Jack challenged Keenie in one of the games that were being played at the game area, the two gave a close match in Dragon Ball Fighterz but the Exterminator emerged victorious, letting it get to his head and challenging Nala, not knowing she's played this game before and while she was rusty, she still cooked him. They spent the rest of the day checking out a panel where they played a movie. Soon they were back at the hotel.
"Phew!" Nala flopped on the bed, taking off her mask, "Man, how do superheroes keep this on for so long? It gets so sweaty."
"Training and experience, duh," Jack answered, taking off his costume, setting it in the closet, and putting on a white shirt and a pair of jeans. "Today was fun," He sat down on his bed, holding a wolverine figure, "Millie is gonna love this!"
"Has she even seen a Wolverine movie?"
"She and Mox watched X-men Origins with Shred once, said she loved Wolverine's wild nature."
"Oh yeah?" She rose and stretched with a yawn, "Let's find something for Boss tomorrow."
"And something for our owl and hound couple."
"Of course!" Getting up, leaving to the closet to change. "I'm gonna change and head to bed."
"Alright," Jack got comfy on his bed, turning on the tv, "I'll keep the tv low, don't need a venom spider kick to my ass."
"Or a raw hakai."
"You're still dirty for that one."
"You shouldn't have tried to Dragon Rush me."
*Ching….clang….clink*
Sounds of a hammer echoed in the darkness. Jack groaned and fully opened his eyes. "Huh?" In the middle of this void is where he stood, hearing the sounds of steel being struck. "The hell…" Looking around, he tried to find the source of the clangs but couldn't see anything. He walked forward cautiously, wondering where the noise was coming from. "Hello?" he heard nothing but kept moving. Soon the sound stopped and a bright pale orange light emanated from the ground, its brightness nearly blinding him. He tried to move but found his feet were stuck, "What the-!?" He tried to raise his legs but it was like they were glued down. A shadow loomed over and he looked up. High above, as large as a building, was a hammer, a forging hammer. Jack panicked, trying desperately to run, unable to get his hoofs off the ground. The hammer came down, swiftly crashing down like a meteor. "OH FUCK!" He braced for a heavy impact.
"GAH!" Jack shot up with a gasp, breathing heavily, looking around to see that he was in the hotel on the bed. He was sweating profusely and his chest was pounding. Taking breaths, he tried to calm down, shifting to the edge of the bed. With a gaze forward, he saw that his sister was still sleeping and he was glad he didn't wake her. He leaned forward and held his head in his hands. "Food and fun…just food and fun…." Sighing, he got up and took his room key, making sure to be silent as he walked to the door, donning his human form and quietly opening and closing the door. He needed to clear his head and thought a walk around the area could help so that's what he did, going outside and letting the cool breeze brush against his skin. He walked down the parking lot, heading down the street of the city, looking at all the buildings and lights, the late businesses and people, noting some restaurants he could take the others to before Comic Con.
He made sure to keep track of the time as he walked around, taking in the ambiance and letting it calm him, spotting some people from Comic Con still in costume, partaking in some nightly fun. That part of the city seemed pretty active and he thought the comic con helped, the image of someone dressed as Deadpool getting drunk and making quips giving him a chuckle. He kept walking, no destination in mind, just walking, sometimes forward, sometimes taking turns, soon ending up in a park. Taking a seat on a bench, he leaned back and took a deep breath, gazing at the partially cloudy night sky. "...Food and fun…" Jack sighed, staying there for a moment.
Next day.
The four met up in the hotel lobby for breakfast, sitting at the same table.
"So today I was thinking," Nala spoke, adding jelly to her biscuit, "how bout we all stick together?"
"Stick together?" Jack questioned, eating his waffle.
"Well yesterday we did mostly comic con stuff but it's a theme park and we didn't try any attractions or rides. So I say we stick together and enjoy the park."
"Sounds fun, I can pay Jack back in the go-karts," Keenie smirked, "Oh shoot, hey hun can you grab me a packet of sugar?" She asked Collin.
"I was gonna grab a muffin anyway," Collin slid off, "Be right back," He kissed her cheek and went to the bar.
"Thanks."
"Man…You two, Solis and Shell, Poch and Loona, and soon Dundy and Tia," Jack stated with a huff, "Starting to feel the singleness."
"You'll find someone soon," Nala pated.
"You too Nal," He patted back.
"..." She deadpanned and tugged his ear.
"Ow!"
"Don't turn this on me."
"I wasn't, I was just saying you'll find a fish soon my single sister," He grinned, getting a harder pull, "OUCH!"
"You had that coming," Keenie chuckled, "By the way, no using Dust to cheat."
"Oh I'm using Dust, but only on those attractions that are made to rob ya."
"...I'm ok with that."
"Yeah," Nala nodded in agreement, letting him go, "That's fair…just be careful when using it."
"I'll be fine…" He thought back to his dream, "but…I'll be cautious."
Everyone got into costume and went to the con, going around the theme park area, looking at the rides and attractions, spotting a good few people in cosplay, and enjoying themselves.
"Ok, first things first, horror fun house," Jack suggested.
"Oh hell no! I know for a fact you're gonna try and scare us while we're there!" Keenie scowled.
"Nah…maybe."
"They got a high drop here, wanna try that?" Nala asked.
"Course the spider girl wants to try that," Collin chuckled.
"Nala I can drop you higher and faster than that thing," Jack stated.
"I want excitement, not a heart attack."
"Don't you trust me?"
"Nope."
"Ouch."
"I'm up for it," Keenie said.
"You guys can fly."
"Yeah, but we're not skydivers with it, besides we haven't done much flying lately."
"Eh, fair. Guess I wouldn't mind doing it, but I say we do some bumper cars first. It's on the way."
"Sure, but target me and I'm breaking your horn," Nala threateningly smiled.
"I hate your casual threats."
"BLEEEGH!" Keenie puked into a trash can with Collin patting her on the back.
"There there," Collin gently spoke.
"Can't believe that made you puke," Jack said, eating an apple, "You were fine on the last few rides."
"Ugh…" Keenie groaned, "Guess gravity makes me sick."
"Let's take a break from the rides," Nala proposed.
"Please…"
"Horror fun house?" Jack smiled.
"No," Nala answered quickly.
"Damn," He said in the tone of Darkblood.
"Let's go for some prizes. Still need to get some souvenirs for the team."
"Oh, I got just the one."
Jack took them to a dart gun attraction. The goal was to shoot down moving targets from the line.
"You wanna do this?" Keenie asked, the walk over making her feel a bit better.
"Yep. Saw a prize that Boss would like," Jack stated.
"Is it that?" Nala pointed at a toy gun on display, it was of Rocket Racoon's laser cannon and it was very detailed.
"Yeah."
"You're gonna need alot of points for that."
"That's why, you're shooting," He pointed to Collin.
"Me?" Collin curiously pointed at himself.
"You."
"Why me? I'm not a shooter. I had those crossbows but that was a while ago and I wasn't that good at it."
"That's why you're gonna get some assistance."
"Assistance?"
"Go ahead to the booth, I'll be right back," With a smirk, Jack walked off to the side.
"What's he planning?" Keenie asked.
"Knowing him, something sneaky," Nala answered, "Let's just go ahead."
"Ok," Collin went to an open space, paying the toll and taking the gun, inspecting the item. He was still unsure but before he could aim he noticed a black mist seeping into the gun from underneath him. "What the-!?" He traced it down and saw a small pool of darkness below him, hiding in the shadows with small trails of it going back. Following it, he saw it go to Jack who was standing behind, giving him a thumbs up. "Oh!" He got the message and readied the dart gun.
"So that's your plan. Clever," Keenie smirked.
"Yeah…" Nala did the same but she looked at Jack's shadow with some worry.
There was a ding and the dart game started. Collin aimed the best he could and fired at the targets. Each time he fired Jack waved his hand subtly to move the dart that was fired. When the darts fell, he'd use his other hand to call the bit of dust back, maintaining a loop. He was giving Collin a perfect run and it was gaining some attention but mostly the keeper.
"Maybe chill a bit? You're drawing a crowd" Keenie asked.
"Nah, it's good. It's not a big crowd, plus I got Dust well hidden, got it hiding through others shadows," Jack informed.
"That's good…you still got control right?" Nala asked.
"Huh?"
"Of Dust, you're not…losing it right."
"Heh," Jack gave his sister an assuring smile, "I'm fine Nala. All in control. If anything happens, I'll call it back."
She felt some comfort in that. "Ok."
Jack may have said that with confidence but he could feel a tingle in himself as he manipulated his Shadow Demon. Not paying much attention to it, he brought back his focus to the dart game. There was a final target that came and it was a multi-hit one, Collin spamming his trigger with Jack adding some more force and easing the trigger. One last shot and the target was down.
"Yes!" Collin cheered.
"Nice work ba- Huh?" Keenie came up to hug Collin but paused.
"What the-?" Collin looked forward, perplexed. From where the target was, a puff of black mist accumulated like a cloud, changing shape.
"Jack?" Nala looked at her brother.
"I-I…Im," Jack wasn't trying to have Dust form, waving his hands in an attempt to disperse it. It slightly moved, fizzling before coming back together to form its shape.
"Jack!?"
"It's not…I-I'm not…" He was sweating with dread and confusion coming across his face. The cloud of Dust slowly changed, a tendril coming up and curling, the front pulling out and a hole forming in the top corner. It was forming a face, a face Jack did not want to see. "Away!" Swiftly, he dismissed Dust before the face could form. He was panting, his chest pounding.
"...Jack?" Nala gently took hold of her brother's arm.
"..." He glanced at her, "...Heh," Softly he started to chuckle and smile, "Hehehehe oh man…that was scary."
"Yeah…"
"Oh man…sorry I scared you there."
"It's ok," She smiled kindly but with concern, "but are you good?"
"Yeah, yeah im…im fine."
"Are you su-"
"Hey, Ken? You up for a ride?"
"Uh," The angel stammered for a moment, "I-I mean…I don't feel as sick."
"Cool, I'm up for a few more rides. Yall?"
"Well…sure I guess."
"I wouldn't mind," Collin approached, handing Jack the prop gun they were aiming for, having it in a bag they gave him, "Here by the way."
"Sweet. Wish I had Poch's daggers or Stolas's book. Eh it is what it is," He hooked the bag around him, "Ready to ride?"
"Sure," Keenie grinned along with Collin both trying to hide their worry.
"Let's go!" He walked off to the nearest ride.
Collin, Keenie, and Nala all glanced at each other with the same disquieted look before following the Imp.
They rode the coasters, played some more games without the use of Dust, and ate some cotton candy, all the while the three's unease moved back but remained present while Jack's smile and joy became more genuine throughout yet still had a bit of force in them. They met back at the hotel when the sun started to go down.
"GAH!" Jack shot up from his bed, perspiring again with bated breaths, "Ugh…damnit!" With a huff he laid back, holding his arm over his head. Looking over, he saw Nala was still sleeping and gazed at the ceiling. He had too much adrenaline at that moment, so he got up and decided to go for another midnight walk.
Next day.
"They gotta have it," Collin stated, going through a rack of movies.
"Dude, I'm telling you, even if they did, you can just find it on the net," Jack told the sheep, watching him look through.
"No way! For one, you know how much data that would take? Two, there's nothing like having a hard copy y'know?"
"Yeah, I guess so, but I doubt you're gonna find it here, besides I heard it was meh."
"Probably but I'm way too curious about Depp's acting as Aquaman."
"That's…fair I guess."
"Now that we agree, can you help me?"
"Yeah yeah," He reluctantly went to the other aisle and looked around for the movie. "Trash, trash, major trash, decent, not bad, oh I loved this movie," He kept cycling, moving to another basket, stopping for a second to admire himself in the mirror before, "Handsome devil. I am," He said in character, chuckling and going to the cases below, rummaging through. "Hm…Oh hey," Grabbing a movie, he raised it and inspected it, "Hey Collin! It's not what you're looking for but I found a good one with Depp in it."
"What'd ya find?"
"I found Wi-" Gazing forward Jack saw a presence behind him, a dark shadow looming from behind his person, "AH!" Swiftly he twisted around, looking to where it was, seeing nothing, "Wha-? Where'd it-?" He frantically looked around for it.
"Jack?" Collin, in front of Jack, reached out to him.
"Whoa!" He jumped back, looking at the sheep in human skin with startled eyes.
"It's ok…just me," Reassuring, he tried to calm him down.
"...Heh…heh yeah, just you," Jack breathed and softly grinned.
"Yeah," Collin returned the expression, "You al-"
"So I found this," He quickly deflected, showing the movie, "Willie Wonka. I remember seeing this when I was younger, it was pretty good and Depp played a great Wonka."
"..." Collin glanced at the box, then to Jack, then back to the box, "Really?" He took the case and gave it a closer look, "Doesn't look that good."
"Never judge a movie by its cover, my dear Wonka."
"Well…guess I can watch it tonight with Keenie."
"Yeah, make it a Wonka date night."
"Enough with the Wonka's," He deadpanned.
"Sorry…Willy," Jack smugly smirked.
"Ugh, I shoulda borrowed that brace from Keenie."
"Ok I'll stop," Jack chuckled, "C'mon, let's go meet up with Nals and Ken."
"Yeah sure, oh, I should buy this first," He moved to the pay area before leaving with Jack.
"They said they went to the game area to play some card games, right?"
"Mhm. They should still be there," He thought about earlier, gazing over at Jack, noticing his slight wobbles, "...So um…what were you looking for earlier?"
"Huh? Well at first I was looking or the Aquaman movie but then-"
"No not that. When you found Willy Wonka you were looking around for someone. Did you…see someone you know?"
"I…" Jack mulled over what to say, remembering the whole food and fun policy, "I- MMPH!" Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed a figure passing by, a figure that unnerved him. "What the-!?" He quickly looked back, seeing nothing but cosplayers.
"What? What is it?" Collin questioned while looking where he was.
"...Just…Just saw someone as…a character I knew," Swiftly he looked forward and kept moving.
Unconvinced, Collin followed him anyway, heading to the game area of the stadium. Moving their eyes around, they tried to spot the girls. "See 'em?"
"I don't. They probably left already. Here lemme text em," Jack pulled out his phone in an attempt to text his sister before he felt something sticky and slightly gooey hit his head from behind, "The fu-!?" He whipped around and saw his sister and Keenie standing behind him. Nala had a webshooter attached to her hand, custom-made by the looks of it while holding a smoothie in her other hand.
"Nice shot," Keenie commented, also holding a smoothie.
"They hell?" Jack rubbed the back of his head, feeling the substance, strands of it attaching to his hands when he pulled away. "Ew…"
"Someone was selling these web shooters," Nala waved the item, "Guy hand made them, and the substance to make it is easy so I can refill it any time."
"Cool," Collin came close, looking at the Webshooter, "Looks great? Must've cost alot though."
"It wasn't cheap, but the guy gave me a discount cause of my costume. Said I looked the part."
"Nice…" With a puzzled and suspicious glare, Jack asked; "He didn't try to hit on you did he?"
Nala rolled her eyes, "Bitch, don't act like a doting brother, you know what I carry."
"True," Jack calmed, "Where'd ya get the smooths?"
"Smooths? Really?" Keenie raised an unamused brow.
"We got them from a smoothie cart. Want a sip?" Nala offered.
"Sure," Jack took the smoothie from her, mixing it around with the straw, "What card games y'all play?"
"Well we gave this custom one a try and Ken and I teamed up for it, went pretty well til I got a bad hand, almost lost the match till she pulled thr-" While she was talking Jack took off the lid to the cup and leaned the contents of it down his lips, "Hey! I said a sip!"
"Hm?" With a mouthful of mixed fruity slush, he looked forward at his sister, spotting a darkness standing right behind her in an instant, "HNG!" He choked and accidentally dropped the drink, coughing violently and leaning forward.
"Jack!" Approaching him, Nala started to pat his back.
"COGH AHAG DOHOAK," He hacked up the frost, clearing his windpipe, gazing his teary eyes up.
"Jack?"
"..." He breathed heavily and raised with a few coughs, "Sorry sis."
"It's fine," Nala comforted, "You ok?"
"I'm breathing. Smoothie went down the wrong pipe."
"...You're shaking," Keenie noted.
"Huh?" Looking at his arm he noticed how unstill it was.
"Did…something happen?"
"...I…gotta pee," He rushed off towards the bathroom, feeling their gazes on him. Once he entered, he went straight for the sink and splashed a handful of water on his face, rubbing the cold liquid in and holding his hands there, hard breaths passing through the cracks of his fingers. He stood there for a moment, raising slowly and sliding his palms down. He saw it again, standing behind him once more. With a yell, he whipped around, seeing nothing there. "...Just…food and fun…that's all…all I need right now…all I WANT right now…" He tightened his grip around the sink, turning around back and looking into the bowl with frustration. "...Fucking damnit!" With anger, he punched the wall, making a few cracks, "...What the hell are you?..."
He eventually came out and rejoined them. He didn't let them ask about him, he cut them off every chance they could, maintaining his facade of happiness which was already very tiring.
Jack walked up to the door of his hotel room. He was out on another midnight stroll, experiencing another unpleasant dream. "Fuck me, dude," He sighed, walking in. As he came to his bed, he noticed a cup of water and a pill on the nightstand. "The hell is-"
"It's to help you sleep," Nala commented, lying on her bed.
"Nala! Shit, did I wake you?"
"Yeah."
"Sorry…didn't mean to wake you up," Guiltily, he looked away while rubbing the back of his neck.
"It's ok…it's not like it's the first time."
"Wait what?" He looked at her confused, "Did I…wake you the other nights too?"
"Mhm. I stayed still so you wouldn't notice.."
"Jeez, sorry Nala."
"...Look," She pulled herself up, "I know what I said about no Exterminator stuff, No heaven bullshit, and all that…but…just for now…let's break that rule."
"Huh?"
"Talk to me…how bad is it?"
"..." Seeing the anxiety in her eyes made him unable to hold it in, so with a winded exhale he sat next to her. "...I would be lying if I said I wasn't having fun…cosplayings been fun, the rides were fun, the games were fun…I've really been enjoying my time here…But… wouldn't say it's all been fun…I keep seeing it…seeing him…I've been trying to just enjoy the food and have some fun…yet no matter what…he just keeps making himself known…This has…never been so active… it's like ever since that first dream…he's been…making sure I know he's there…whatever he is…what I hate is that…he looks so familiar…like he's already starting to take over my mind."
"... I'm sorry…I thought this trip would help but-"
"It's not your fault Nala," He smiled sympathetically at her.
"Yeah but…I really wanted this to…ease things for you…" She gazed down in disappointment.
"..." He hated seeing his sister like this, what brother wouldn't, and he tried to think of what could uplift her, "...When was the last time we hung out?"
"Huh?" She looked up at him, perplexed, "What are you talking about? We were just hanging out at the con."
"No, I mean just us. Just you and me, brother and sister."
"Oh…just us?...guess it's been a while."
"It has. With me being in hell dealing with the Cleansing, I've barely had time to spend with you. So…wanna skip the con tomorrow and take a walk around the town?"
"Really?" Gazing at him, she was surprised by his suggestion.
"Yeah, why not?"
"What about your timer?"
"We can just say I'm half in costume when it runs out, or I'm casual Damian Darkblood."
"Heh…" She mulled it over, unsure.
"C'mon, it'll be fun."
"...Alright," She smiled, "Let's do it."
"Sweet!" Jack did the same, hopping up, "I'll get some sleep then," He took the pill and chugged down the water, settling on his bed, "Night sis."
"Night bro," Nala laid back and drifted to sleep.
Next day
Nala and Jack waved off Collin and Keenie, parting from the dup and heading into town. They took a path Jack had strolled in his nightly walks, checking out some of the points of interest. They went to a bar where they had ax throw targets, Nala giving it a try, doing a decent job at it but Jack did better, gloating a bit about it. Next, they went to a jewelry shop, looking around the jewelry, spotting a nice heart-shaped necklace that splits apart into two, thinking it could be a good gift for Poch and Loona, but thinking it suits Shelly and Solis better. They did find a pretty cool night owl necklace that they knew Octavia would like, deciding to buy it for her, and committing to the heart necklace, deciding it'd go to Solis and Shelly.
Once they left, they went around to an arcade, playing a few classic games, busting it in Dance Dance Revolution, drumming it in a Japanese-themed drum rhythm game, and getting a few tickets to get some prizes, pooling together to get a board game they could play with the others on the final day of the trip. After that, they stopped by a cafe for a snack, Nala trying out a parfait while Jack got a cake. Jack couldn't help but reminisce about their mother while watching Nala eat her ice cream, the two going down some memories of her, thinking of what she'd say or do now if she was still alive.
After their snack break, they decided to go to an art museum. Jack was intrigued by the abstract stuff, and Nala took an interest in some of the illusion-type stuff they had, taking pictures of them pretending to be a part of the environment. They even had a maze in the middle, Nala challenging Jack on who'd get through the quickest. She nearly won but Jack made it in the end just in time. She accused him of cheating, which he did, having looked up the maze online, but he never admitted to it. His phone went off because he had an alarm to remind him of his timer. Nala suggested going back but Jack decided they would go to the park and use the comic con excuse of him being in costume even if it was off a bit but he at least brought his hat. Reluctantly, Nala agreed, going with her brother to the park, and making a quick stop at the restroom for him to change.
"All set," Jack said, getting out of the restroom in his demon form, and placing on his hat.
"Great, let's get a snowcone!"
"Lets!" He walked beside Nala, heading to the snow cone stand.
"You're paying for mine by the way."
"What? Why?"
"Cheating at the maze."
"I did not cheat! I'm insulted that you think I did,"
"I'm insulted that you did it, but y'know what? It's my fault for going first."
"It really was."
"So you admit it," She smirked.
"I admit nothing and you got no proof," He said as a matter of factly with a smug grin.
"Hm…you looked it up didn't you?"
Jack's smugness faltered and his smirk almost went away, "N-no."
"Oh yeah? Lemme see your phone."
"Why?"
"To check your history."
"That's my private info!"
She rolled her eyes, "Oh please, you're twenty-eight and still single, I expect to find porn."
"That single part hurt," He deadpanned, "I've been in one relationship y'know."
"You have?"
"Senior year."
"Oh yea…That was like years ago, though."
"Still counts, besides it ended on a good note," They came to the snow cone stand.
"You still think about her?"
"Nah, like I said, ended on a good note." He turned to the worker, "One large sour blue, and one large red raspberry and banana mix."
"Coming right up, eight thirty please." The employee said, making the treats.
"You ever thought about reaching out to her?" Nala asked.
"I did find her Facebook once by accident, but like that was during the Corps so I didn't really know what to say," Jack explained, getting his wallet, "Even then, she was in a relationship at the time."
"Ah…also I see you're paying."
"This isn't an admission of guilt, I'm just being a good brother," He handed the money over and got the snow cones, handing his sis her banana red raspberry mix.
"Uh huh, thanks," She took her frozen goods.
"Nice costume by the way," The snow cone man said.
"Thanks!" Jack tilted his hat in gratitude before continuing to walk with Nala.
"Is there an Exterminator Tinder?" Nala asked.
"I…maybe. I wouldn't be surprised if there was, especially for early retirees."
"Maybe once things calm down you could try it out? Find yourself a nice lady…or a tolerant one."
"Not dignifying that, anyways I'll look into it another time."
"Ok, just don't want you to be the only single one in the group."
"Shred and Dundy are still single."
"Dundy won't be for long y'know once Tia turns eighteen."
"Not untrue, though Stolas is not gonna make that easy."
"Hah, true…" While eating, she looked over at Jack, "You…feeling ok?"
"Hm? Oh…well…" Gazing down at his arm, he flexed his hand, "nothing's happened yet but…It's bound to right?"
"Don't say it like that, you'll only tempt it."
"Nala, he's made it known this week that he can't be ignored."
"Is it him, or you?" Said someone beside him.
"Huh?" He looked beside him, seeing a short old lady in a red shrouded hood, walking right beside them, "Whoa! Hi there," Jack jumped a bit back, startled.
"Where'd you come from?" Nala asked.
"From the entrance," The lady said, facing Jack, "I came to see Jack here."
"And," Jack looked at her with some reserved hostility, "how do you know me?"
"Do I not look familiar to you?"
"No."
"I guess I'm not pretty enough, especially in this form eh?"
"This form?" He raised a brow.
"And I did spend more time with the owl and hound, even though you did sneak into my hut while I was with the owl."
"The owl?..." With a closer look, he realized something familiar about her presence. "...Wait…you.."
"Jack, you know her?" Nala questioned.
"Holy shit!" His eyes widened, "It's you! The voodoo lady!"
"Correct," The lady nodded.
"How are you-? No, why are you-? No no, what exactly-?"
"Hold those thoughts, there's something more important to discuss."
"What do you mean?"
"Let us sit first," She ushered them towards a nearby bench.
"Can we trust her?" Nala asked.
"Well she hasn't been an enemy and she did help Poch and Dundy…We'll be fine," He followed her along with his sister, sitting next to the lady.
"Now then, I've come here to aid you in your inner turmoil," The lady spoke.
"How'd you even find me?"
"Like with the young hound and strong owl, I was… guided."
"Guided? By what?"
"A preventable future, but we're getting off-topic. You have been having trouble these past few days have you not? Envisioning someone you know but don't know encroaching upon your life."
"...Yeah…Someone's been…trying to take me over…he's been real active lately."
"You see him, glimpses and dreams, like a haunting ghost."
"More like a haunting nightmare," He huffed.
"One you're making."
"Huh?" Looking at her confused, he questioned what she meant, "I'm making it?"
"Yes."
"How? I'm not the one who's speaking in my head, or making me lose it whenever I fight, making me hurt my friends, and…trying to take me over…" He said with pain in his voice.
"...You are afraid of this. I understand that…but it is that fear that is causing these turmoil-ish days."
"What?"
"Ever since that explosive moment with the cat you call Shred, you experienced something that shook you to the core, a dream that was surreal and like a memory."
"..." She was right but he didn't want to say anything, wondering where she was going with this.
"It terrified you into thinking that you were being taken over, that the you you saw in the future was someone else in your body."
"...Yeah…and he's making alot of progress."
"...He hasn't done anything ever since."
"Wha-? What are you talking about!?" Jack glared.
"He's been silent since the spar."
"Like hell he has! I've been seeing him all week! He even took over Dust!" He tried not to shout, not wanting a crowd.
"That was not him, but you."
"Me!? How's it me!? You think I want this!?"
"I think you're afraid of this."
"Well of course I am, why wou-"
"Jack," Nala grabbed him.
"What?"
"Dust can be…influenced by your vision right?"
"Yeah, why?"
"...Fear makes you see things, and if Dust can shape and act based on your vision then…"
"..." He was starting to get what she meant, "You don't mean…"
"These past few days…your mark didn't glow, not once…and the last times they did."
"It didn't?" He looked over at where his mark was, thinking back about it.
"Not once, even when you lost control of Dust."
"...So…this whole time…all that happened was…me?"
"Yes," The lady spoke, "You try to hide it but you can only push it so far behind your mind."
"...How do I…what am I supposed to-" His hand was grabbed by her and she placed her palm in his, "What are you-?"
"Tonight…face it…do not cower, do not run, face this next dream head on…you will see that what's happening to you is not what you think," She pulled her hand back leaving a pill in his hands.
"Not what I think?... Just…who are you? Why are you helping us?"
"...I'm just a demon who wants to prevent a despicable future."
"What do you mean?" Nala asked.
She got up and smiled. "I must go. I have a business in hell to tend to," She walked off, "Take care."
"Wait!"
Jack stopped Nala before she could follow, "Let her go."
"You sure?"
"I don't get the feeling she's out to get us. She's already helped out the team so I believe we can consider her an ally," He gazed at the pill.
"Wanna head back?"
With a smile, he responded: "Let's go around a bit more, still need some sister time, and to finish our snow cones."
"In that case," She smiled back, "lunch will be on me this time."
"Oh, how generous."
"Don't get used to it," She chuckled.
They sat there and finished up their treats before going around the park, letting Jack's human form cool down for some time before placing it on for lunch on the way back to the hotel.
Jack sat on the bed, anxiously and nervously gazing at the pellet on his palm. They got back around one, heading straight back to their rooms after lunch.
"Here," Nala handed him a bottle of water.
"Thanks," Taking it, he returned his eyes to the tablet.
"Nervous?"
"A little."
"Just think of it like a Cleansing and you're fighting an Angel."
"Heh, easy for you to say…"
She lightly tapped her fist on his shoulder, "You'll be fine. Trust," she beamed with confidence.
He couldn't help but grin, taking one more look at his palm and taking a quick but deep breath, uncapping the bottle, popping the pill in his mouth, and chugging down half of the water. "Ok…how long till you think it…takes…effect," He felt himself get woozy, swaying as his body got heavy.
"Instant apparently!" Nala managed to catch him before his head hit the headboard, "Easy there."
"Ugh…wish that lady… warned me," Jack said, his eyelids closing on him.
Nala helped him on his pillow, paying him down and covering him, "There we go."
"Mmm…Nala….wish me…luck," He mumbled, falling asleep.
"Good luck, bro," She patted him on his head and sat on her bed, keeping an eye on him and turning on the TV.
*Ching….clang….clink*
Sounds of a hammer echoed in the darkness. Jack groaned and fully opened his eyes. "Huh?" In the middle of this void is where he stood, hearing the sounds of steel being struck. "This again…" He walked forward, looking around in the darkness, unable to find the source of the sounds like last time, but continuing to move regardless. The sounds soon stopped and so did her. The ground on which he stood shined in a pale bright orange light, something he expected, knowing it meant no movement from his spot. On cue, the hammer came looming above him, its size being just the same and just as intimidating. "..." Jack steeled himself, took a deep breath, and scowled at it, "Come at me!" He challenged. The hammer moved, crashing right down on him, but he didn't look away, he didn't cower, he faced it head-on. Contact was made and he flinched at the blinding spark.
*Cling…chink…clang*
He heard the sounds of a hammer on steel, however it was cleared and more directed this time. Jack's eyes began to focus and clear up, able to see what was in front of him. He was inside the room of a blacksmith, one from a medieval era. He noticed on the workbench some tools hanging on the wall behind it, the items on the counter being some he'd seen before that Gen had used, like his bricks for carving. Looking around, he saw a row of shelves behind all with an assortment of weapons hanging on them. "Where am I?" He asked, keeping his head moving, he stopped around the corner, where he could hear the banging of the hammer. He hesitated a bit but walked forward, circling. With a gasp, he witnessed who was sitting in front of the furnace and anvil. It was him, raising the tool and slamming it down on whatever was before. His right arm however was not his, it was the arm that he saw in his dream, the one that replaced him when he came to the workshop. Taking a step back, he was shaken by what he saw, getting afraid. He squeezed his hands and stiffened his body. "Face it…face it!" Stepping forward, he reached out to it, "Hey! Wait, what the-?" Once he moved his arm out he realized that it was his arm, trailing it down to himself and finding that the rest of him was pitch black and shadowy. "The hell!?"
The door to the room opened. A taller and thinner silhouette came through, its three eyes looking in intently at the other Jack. "Son," It sternly spoke with authority.
"Son?" Jack questioned.
His other self stopped hammering and rose, turning to face the thin figure who walked up to him. "Father," He spoke in a raspy young voice, going to meet him, phasing right through Jack.
"Whoa!"
The other Jack and the figure stood face to face for a few seconds before the thin one reached his arms out and embraced the other, laughing boastfully. "Hahahah! How are you ^%!"
"Wh- what did he say?"
"Hah, I'm fine Father," The second Jack smiled, returning the hug.
The figure let go and looked back. "Is that the new weapon you were telling me about?"
"Yep. It's almost done, just hammering out any dings before placing the runes."
"Oh did I interrupt?"
"No no, you're fine, father. What brings you here?"
"Well, I was hoping you'd join me for dinner. Serlin is making a fine roast and I think your assistant has been telling me you've been focusing on your work too much again."
"Eh hehe," He nervously chuckled in guilt, "I may be."
"That's no good for you, boy. Come now," The shadowy person placed a hand on his shoulder, "let's have a good meal and give you some rest. That project can wait."
"Well…if you insist, father. Let me put up my tools first."
"Good lad, I'll be outside in the carriage," He turned to leave.
"Be there soon," He watched his father leave and stood there in silence.
"The hell is this?" Jack questioned.
"A memory of mine."
Jack nearly jumped back. "Did…did he just?"
"I can hear you…you came to me this time," He turned to face the shadowed Jack.
"In that case…who are you? Why are you trying to possess me?"
"...I'm not."
"Huh?"
"Look…I know I haven't been making this easy," Slowly his body began to change and so did Jacks, the darkness coming off him and going onto his fake self, "I did not mean to cause you such duress…but I promise this will be beneficial." Soon Jack was back to his normal look while the one in front of him took the look of a shadow, only his arm being seen. He could at least make out his horns, confirming who he was.
"Beneficial?" Looked at him confused, not paying attention to the shifting of appearances.
"I'm not going to possess you…what I'm doing is becoming a part of you."
"A part of me? Like…joining me?"
"Yes."
"Why me?"
"I guess you can say…I found you…compatible."
"What are you talking about…I still don't even know who you are."
"Someone from long long ago…someone who's been betrayed with his soul stuck in slumber for centuries…awakened by those with interesting souls."
"The Exterminators," He realized what he meant.
"Yes…time is running out…but we will meet again…don't fear me…for I am," He placed his hand on his shoulder, "your partner."
"Partner…" The world around him started to fade away and quickly, "Wait! Can you at least tell me your name!?"
"It's!& *."
"What? Wait I didn't-"
"AH!" Jack shot his eyes open, viewing the ceiling of his hotel room. The dream ended but this time he didn't feel sweaty nor was he hyperventilating. "Damn…didn't get his name."
"Whose name?" Nala asked.
"Hm?" Looking over, Jack saw Nala on her bed, "Oh hey sis," He got up and stretched.
"Sleep well?"
"Yeah actually…I feel…calmer now."
"I'd hope so, you slept for like eight hours."
"Damn really?" He checked the clock and saw how close it was to nine o'clock.
"That's a good thing," She smiled.
"...Tomorrow we do a performance, right? For the cosplay contest?"
"Yeah, why?"
"I'm gonna go to the candle store real quick."
"Again, why?"
"Remember those guys who wanted to collaborate with me on the performance part? I'm gonna take them up on it if they're still open, and I'm gonna bring some special effects," He smirked.
Next day.
"Say I'd see you in hell," Jack spoke on stage, acting as Darkblood, reenacting the banishment scene from Invincible, "But…there's a worse place waiting for you!" Cecil rang the bell and Donald kept reading the script. The circle around him glowed bright red and dark chains came out, wrapping around him and lifting him, he groaned and struggled, the bindings tightening before pulling him through the ground.
"Uh…" The actor of Donald spoke.
"Oh, now you care about the demon?" The acting Celic responded, "He's not dead, just back in hell."
They both nodded and then faced the crowd, bowing like they were in a play to an erupting crowd, Jack coming out from behind to join them.
"Seriously, that was awesome!" Collin stated, taking a slice of pizza. The four of them were in Jack and Nala's hotel room, eating pizza and talking about the contest.
"I got so many people asking me how I did it!" Jack laughed.
"What'd you tell them?" Keenie asked.
"A magician never reveals his secrets."
"You ain't starting a YouTube are you?"
"Hm…that could be cool. I could call myself Dusty Jack."
"You are dirty enough for that," Nala said.
"Oh fuck you," They all laughed, "Man," Jack leaned back, "This was fun…I'm glad we did this," He smiled.
"Yeah, let's do this again sometime, but I'm picking next."
"Deal, and next time we can bring the others."
"Hell yeah, Exterminator vacation…with some angels," Collin chuckled.
"And demons," Keenie added.
"Mixed vacay."
"In that case," Jack raised his cup of soda, "To a future mixed vacay!" They all clinked their cups in a cheer.
Meanwhile,
Tom stood in a large room with a big mat in the center, sitting on one of the benches. "Ok…don't be nervous…just act natural," The door opened and Albest walked in.
"They're here," Albest said, letting in the group of five people, "I leave them to ya."
"Alright," With a breath, he got up and let them line up in front of him. "So. Name's Tom, not an Exterminator but I'm gonna be your trainer. We already know why we're here so I won't bore you with explaining twice, instead, let's introduce ourselves," He gestured at the one at the furthest right.
"Melissa," She said.
Tom moved to the next one. "Jerry," He said.
"Ally," The next lady said.
"John," The man beside her stated.
The last guy was up. He was a six foot eight man with Amber colored eyes and black wavy styled hair with a modern cut with a small stubble of beard hair. His body build was mesomorphic with a slight build of muscle and a long three-inch scar on his neck that rested right above his artery. What he wore at that moment was a pair of camo-patterned tactical jeans and a casual but loose black tee, a necklace underneath it, along with a tropical jungle jacket that looked to be retro. He stiffened a bit and stood at attention, "Jackson Ryder. Platoon number s- oh…uh," He slightly shifted and shook his head, "Sorry force of habit," He chuckled.
"Heh, it's fine," Tom chuckled, "Nervous?"
"Not really…just…"
"Hm?"
"It's nothing."
"No worries. You'll ease into things."
"Hm," He nodded, 'Be calm Jackson…this isn't the military,' He thought, glancing at Tom and keeping his form.
"Alright," Tom clapped, "Let's get started."
End.
Next chapter. Something new.