Chapter 3

*Evan, Jacklin, Vivian and Felix are standing at a Walkway next to the Ship Docks.

EVAN: Was nice to sleep in an actual Bed for once.

JACKLIN: Meh. I had a weird Dream today.

VIVIAN: Oh yeah I forgot Dreams were a thing. I was up all night watching all those Superheroes and Villains Fly around.

JACKLIN: There aren’t THAT many Superheroes here.

FELIX: Biggest Density of People using Magic Items in the entire World though.

EVAN: So, they don’t just “confiscate” them here like in Hinscheid? Crazy.

FELIX: Apparently that led to a Percentage of the Population here to develop Special Powers themselves, even taking on inhuman appearances. So even if they started now, it wouldn’t change much.

VIVIAN: I did some digging last night and apparently there were reports of that happening before 18 Years ago. Mostly in Sombica though.

JACKLIN: I wouldn’t know. I was still a Baby back then.

FELIX: Either way it’s very convenient. Jacklin stands out less that way.

^{JACKLIN: (I don’t like how used I’m getting to looking like this.)}

VIVIAN: You wanted to be a Hero, right Jacklin? Any Special Heroes you liked as a Kid?

JACKLIN: Well. There was one that I thought was Cool. Her Name was Saturday. She could shoot Lasers out of her Eyes, she could Fly, Super Strength and a Bunch of other Stuff, like a one man Band. I wonder if she is still around.

EVAN: Maybe her Stuff got confiscated.

JACKLIN: I doubt it. She never showed her Face. Or any other Part of her Body. Nobody even knows her real Name.

EVAN: Sounds like a Person with nothing to Hide.

JACKLIN: What are you implying?

EVAN: Nothing. Nothing.

JACKLIN: Maybe YOU should get your Stuff confiscated. I can’t believe you’re just walking around with a Shotgun in your Coat.

EVAN: … Do you want to know a Secret?

JACKLIN: Huh?

EVAN: My Shotgun doesn’t actually fire anything. It’s just blanks.

FELIX: …Huh. That explains some things. Good to know you don’t actually have a Gun.

EVAN: Oh no I still have a Pistol with real Bullets. If I didn’t have ANY kind of Firepower People would notice.

VIVIAN: The shotgun is just to scare people off.

JACKLIN: …I see.

*After a Bit Isaac, Zoey, Lucy and the Green one walk up to them. Jacklin pretends not to see Zoey.

ISAAC: Well, well, well. Look what the Cat dragged in.

EVAN: You are like an hour late.

ISAAC: MAYBE YOU SHOULDN’T HAVE BEEN EARLY!

LUCY: We got lost.

RENE: Usually we have a Tool for finding things, but Isa- uh I mean WE lost it.

FELIX: You don’t mean? *Felix pulls out the GPS.

*Isaac Charges on it like a Rabid Dog.

ISAAC: Would you look at that. I found it.

*Lucy claps.

ZOEY: Isaac…

ISAAC: Anyway. You were looking for a Rematch I heard?

EVAN: Not really.

ISAAC: WHAT!?

FELIX: We actually want to ask you some Questions.

ISAAC: What if I don’t want to answer?

VIVIAN: You’re from Sombica right?

ISAAC: How did you-

*Rene Facepalms with all 4 Hands

VIVIAN: (This will be easy.)

FELIX: Do you know a Woman named Genny?

RENE: Wha-

ISAAC: Never heard of her.

LUCY: Isn’t our Mom named-

ISAAC: Shh!

EVAN: Hey Lucy. *Evan pulls out the Crystal they took from the Robot.

EVAN: Do you recognize this?

LUCY: Uhh. Not really. I- *Isaac snatches the Crystal

ISAAC: What are you-

*Isaac’s Expression suddenly changes completely. She looks solemnly at the Crystal, as if she completely forgot about everything around her.

*Evan grabs it back.

EVAN: Man, you have a real bad Poker Face.

ISAAC: GIVE THAT BACK!! *Evan holds it out of reach for her.

EVAN: No way.

*Isaac makes her Legs longer. Evan arches himself further.

LUCY: Can I hold it?

EVAN: Sure.

*Evan throws it over to her. He then holds onto Isaac’s Collar to stop her from taking it back.

LUCY: Hm. It feels familiar. *Rene and Zoey look over her shoulder.

RENE: W-Where did you find this?

VIVIAN: Inside a killer Robot.

ISAAC: What? No, that…

EVAN: Where SHOULD we have found it according to you?

ISAAC: …

EVAN: It wouldn’t happen to have anything to do with your Mother, wo-

ISAAC: YOU DON’T GET TO TALK ABOUT HER!! *Her Hands turn into Claws as she grabs onto Evan’s Shirt.

*Jacklin’s Ears perk up.

JACKLIN: Uhh. Guys? Maybe don’t be so loud.

*Zoey now takes the Crystal.

ZOEY: Hmm. I don’t feel anything special.

*Rene puts his Hand on Isaac’s shoulder to try and calm her. She pushes him over.

*Suddenly a strong Wind picks up. Not one that was talked about in any Weather Report. It launches all 8 of them in different Direction.

*Evan lands on a nearby Street, Isaac still clinging to him. It’s a violent Landing. Jacklin Explosion jumps over to them. Zoey is holding onto her Tail for dear Life.

JACKLIN: What was that?!

?: Hello my Old Friend. Good to see you again.

*Something is happening in Jacklin’s Mind. She recognized the Voice but she has never heard it before. It feels like her Head is splitting apart.

*The Source of the Voice comes closer. It is an Orange Shark in a fancy Wheelchair. He is wearing a Jacket with Gold Linings.

ISAAC: Hold on *Isaac takes out the GPS.

ISAAC: (That’s the Guy I needed to find here. That makes things easy.)

?: What are you doing with this Group of Clowns. Don’t tell me you forgot about your Pal Jean.

*Jacklin Clutches her Head. She knew him? Wait no. Not her. Someone else.

*The Color of her Eyes changes. She could feel herself slipping. She was not the one in Control anymore.

JACKLIN: Ayyy. About time you showed up.

EVAN: Wait. You know that Guy?

*Isaac lunges towards the Shark. “Jacklin” responds by Blasting her into her Side, sending her flying.

JEAN: Good to know you haven’t lost your touch.

JACKLIN: Ha! Says you of all People. *She notices the Blondie on her Tail. Zoey stands up and slowly backs away.

JACKLIN: Now where do you think you’re going.

EVAN: HEY! *He runs over to Jacklin. But he gets interrupted by Jean, who waves his Fin and throws a sharp Wind right in front of him.

JEAN: Hey man, don’t interrupt them. I can play with you if you want.

ZOEY: S-s-sorry I should’ve asked first.

JACKLIN: You know. Your Face really pisses me off and I don’t know why.

ZOEY: Y-what? Jacklin. What are you saying?

JACKLIN: That’s not my Name you Bimbo.

EVAN: Zoey! Get away from her! That’s not Jacklin!

*Zoey runs away. Evan reaches into his Coat while looking at Jean. Jean readies his Tail. In that Moment Isaac returns and dropkicks Jean, knocking him over.

*Zoey stumbles. “Jacklin” Blast Jumps at her knocking her onto her Stomach. Her Hair falls forward covering her entire Head.

*Jean blasts Isaac into the Sky.

*”Jacklin” shoots an Explosion directly into Zoey’s Back. She goes limp.

*Evan Eyes go wide. He brushes over his Pistol for only a Moment, but still a Moment longer than he would’ve liked. He grabs his Shotgun. He aims it slightly over Jacklin’s Head and shoots. It’s loud. She flinches.

EVAN: Leave. NOW! *He now aims it directly at her Body.

EVAN: Or I will tear you into Pieces.

JACKLIN: …You wouldn’t.

EVAN: Don’t test me.

JEAN: Who do you think you are waving that thing around?

*Evan pulls out the Pistol and aims it at Jean. Now dual wielding guns.

EVAN: You too. Get the FUCK outta here!

*Jacklin jumps away. Jean takes a Moment to get back into his Chair.

JEAN: You just made a very Powerful Enemy, Mate.

*He then flies away as well. They disappear over some nearby Buildings.

*Evan rushes over to Zoey. She is still breathing. There is a Burn Wound over the entirety of her Back. Her Clothes are ruined.

EVAN: Stay with me here.

*He Packs out a first Aid Kit and starts tending the Wound. Isaac lands on a 3 Point Pose after a full Minute in the Air.

ISAAC: What was that for?! I almost had him!

EVAN: Shut up.

ISAAC: YOU do not get to tell ME what to do!

EVAN: Do you want Zoey to die?

ISAAC: What? No. I-

EVAN: Then hold this.

*Isaac looks at Zoey. She begrudgingly does what Evan tells her to.

*A little later. Evan and Isaac are in Evan’s Hotel Room. Zoey is lying on the Bed. Her Wound is Bandaged up. Isaac and Evan are both trying to call their Teammates. Neither can reach anyone

ISAAC: What could they possibly be doing? They can’t just leave me alone here!

EVAN: Maybe that shark got to them.

ISAAC: Don’t talk to me. Zoey is healed up right? That means you can leave.

EVAN: This is literally my Room.

*Zoey is clutching the Crystal she took close to her chest.

ISAAC: Why did you make her hold it?

EVAN: It seemed to soothe her a little. I figured it might help the healing Process.

…

ISAAC: Argh. Why am I just waiting around here for?! I should just go out there and kill that guy already!

EVAN: Good Plan. I’m coming too.

ISAAC: What makes you think I’m letting you come along?

EVAN: I didn’t ask for Permission. Anyway, Jacklin is probably with that Guy, and I need to get to her before something bad happens.

ZOEY: Ngh. Wait. *Zoey weakly rights herself up.

EVAN: You probably shouldn’t move around so much.

ZOEY: But. You tried to shoot her! I heard the gunshot!

EVAN: You would’ve died if I didn’t.

ZOEY: I don’t care! _Ow. I won’t let you kill my sister!

EVAN: I didn’t- Ok let’s clarify something. Cover your Ears.

*Evan pulls out the Shotgun and points it at Isaac. He pulls the Trigger before she has time to react as a Loud Bang fills the Room. He has a satisfied smile on his Face.

ISAAC: I hate you.

EVAN: It’s not an actual Gun. She was never in real Danger.

ZOEY: Oh. Oh, thank God. I really thought you were a Murderer for a Minute. Haha.

ISAAC: CAN YOU STOP IGNORING ME NOW!?

ZOEY: I will still come along. I can’t just sit by while you risk your lives.

ISAAC: I’m leaving!

*Isaac storms off. Evan and Zoey follow after her.

*Isaac follows the GPS. It points the Shark’s Location as in the Water.

ISAAC: Man. That Midget messed up all my Settings. Why was it picking up every single bit of Magic Activity? What’s the Point?

EVAN: Yeah, I wonder…

ISAAC: I blame you.

ZOEY: Could you two please stop bickering. I’m still too injured for this.

*They encroach on the Marker and see where Jean currently is. It is a Pirate Ship docked on the Harbor. There are Men in Pirate Outfits and Sunglasses guarding the Entrance. It is getting dark.

EVAN: Looks like the right Place.

ISAAC: Time for the Dungeon.

EVAN: What?

ZOEY: Isaac’s Targets always hide in some Kind of Dungeon and have an Army guarding them.

EVAN: Always? And why is he your Target in the first place?

ISAAC: Don’t ask me. Ask my Boss. Personally I couldn’t care less about these guys.

EVAN: Maybe I will.

ISAAC: That was a Joke, Idiot. There is no way you could ever talk to him. He is WAY too important to waste his Time on you.

EVAN: Hey Zoey. Who’s her Boss?

ISAAC: DON’T TELL HIM!!!!

?: Hey did you hear something?

ISAAC: Did you have to be so loud?

EVAN: Whatever. I wasn’t planning on sneaking anyway. Try not to kill anybody.

ZOEY: Don’t bother. She won’t listen.

*Evan and Isaac each take down one of the Guards in no Time flat. They then hide the Bodies in a nearby alley and nonchalantly board the Ship.

*They calmly walk through the main Hallway, as if they weren’t openly carrying a Shotgun and Daggers, until they hear talking from one of the Rooms. Evan kicks the Door open and Aims his Shotgun inside. Isaac pushes him out of the Way, with her Arm morphed into a full Cannon. Inside “Jacklin” and Jean are smoking while sitting on a Couch.

JEAN: Guess I owe you 5 Bucks. Man, and I just sent out some Boys to look for them.

JACKLIN: Told you they would come for us first.

JEAN: Coulda let us finish catching up first. Rude kids.

*Evan and Isaac look at each other in confusion.

ISAAC: Are you stupid or something? We have you cornered.

JEAN: Cornered? Did ya forget where you are. This is my den. You fire that thing off once and every single Member of my Gang on the whole ship will be here in a Minute.

JACKLIN: You mean OUR Gang, right?

JEAN: Yes, Yes. Our Gang.

*Evan switches his Shotgun out for his Sledgehammer. Zoey peeks out from behind Evan.

ZOEY: Look. We don’t actually want any Trouble. I-I just want my sister back. So I would really appreciate it if you got out of her Body.

JACKLIN: HER Body? This is MY Body! SHE took it from ME. I just took it back.

*”He” stands up.

EVAN: Are those Bones in your Body your own too then? Because last time I checked you used to just be a Piece of Fabric, before Jacklin put you on.

JEAN: Ah. So he did get you in the End then.

JACKLIN: I don’t want to hear it.

ISAAC: Wait. Why don’t you just call your Goons right away?

JEAN: Ehh We might as well use this Situation to have some fun, don’t cha think? Play a little game.

*All of them sit down around a Poker Table.

JEAN: If we win. You all owe me a Million Bucks.

ISAAC: And if we win?

JACKLIN: Then we won’t call our Boys.

EVAN: Wouldn’t be the first time I played a game like this.

ZOEY: (Can one of you explain to me how you play Poker?)

*Isaac loses first after she got caught having 5 Sevens in her Hand. Afterwards she knocks Evan’s Cards out of her Hand several Rounds in a Row, causing him to lose right after.

EVAN: What the Fuck was that for?! ISAAC: You should’ve told me there were only 4 Cards. EVAN: Do I need to chew your Food for you too? ISAAC: What does that even mean?! EVAN: It’s something Birds do. Which you would know if you ever went to Elementary School.

*Zoey drags the Game out by simply folding when she doesn’t get extremely good Cards.

JEAN: Cmon Toots. Give it up.

ZOEY: But I don’t have a Million Dollars.

JACKLIN: We know. We were just messing with you.

ZOEY: Oh thank God. I give up then.

JEAN: Yeah we was gonna call the Boys on you no matter what.

EVAN: Usually how it goes yeah.

ISAAC: So, do we just watch you two play against each other now or what?

JEAN: What do you mean. We won as a Team. Those were the Rules.

EVAN: I think Jack won. He got more Chips on his Side.

JACKLIN: Heh heh. Good eye.

JEAN: What?! You can’t count that. We didn’t finish the Round.

JACKLIN: As if that will make a Difference. I always win these.

*The two of them continue playing. While the two of them are distracted our Heroes slide into the closet.

EVAN: (Alright. Any Ideas on how we get out of this without losing our Kneecaps?)

ISAAC: (Personally I was just going to stab them.)

ZOEY: (Pleeeaase don’t stab my sister.)

ISAAC: (If she didn’t want to get stabbed then she should just leave.)

EVAN: (That’s possible. It did seem like there was some Tension between both of them.)

*Suddenly there’s a loud Thump outside. Evan peeks through the Door. Jacklin got slammed against a Wall.

JEAN: Do you have ANY Idea how long it took to get this Gang to this State?! How many Sacrifices I’ve made? Why does it always have to revolve around YOU?!

JACKLIN: You have NEVER had the Leadership Skills to pull something like this off. You are in way over your Head. I am the one that should really be in Charge!

JEAN: I can’t believe how much Time I spent wasting wondering what happened to you. We’re done!!

*He pulls out a Walkie Talkie

JEAN: Boys. Change of Plans. Kill the Purple Dragon. I don’t care how. Oh, and while you’re at it take care of the other Intruders as well.

JACKLIN: You will regret this!

*Jacklin blasts themselves towards Jean but gets blown back by a Gust of Wind. Jean then bolts out of the Door. Several Goons take his Place, armed with Cutlasses.

EVAN: Hey man, want some Help?

JACKLIN: I do not need the Help of the likes of you.

GOON: Careful Boys. This one’s a Match for the Boss himself.

EVAN: Well, that was mostly a formality. Can’t let you get stabbed to Death.

JACKLIN: So that you can let the Parasite take over again?

EVAN: Let’s save that until after we deal with Jean.

ISAAC: Finally. I’ve been dying to have a real Swordfight.

*After a Minute of Explosion and Slashing Noises our Group of Misfits exits the Game Room.

JACKLIN: You’re not as shabby as you look. Besides the Blonde Girl.

ZOEY: I’m not a born fighter I’m sorry OK?

*They-

JEAN: Oh you think you’re reeeaal Special don’t cha. Boys you have special Permissions to use the Big Guns today!

*They keep Fighting through Hordes and hordes of Goons. None able to even put a Dent into them. Zoey mostly stays behind during the Fighting.

*Eventually they reach the Upper Layer of the Ship. Jean is sitting inside of a Fancy Room with Dragon and Shark Statues as well as a big Desk.

JEAN: Can’t believe I’m leading a Gang of Wimps.

JACKLIN: It’s over old Friend.

JEAN: I’m not going down without a Fight. Come on. Let’s settle this like Men.

ZOEY: (But Jacklin is-) EVAN: (Shh)

JACKLIN: Fine. One last time. One on one. Let’s see who is truly better.

*Jean and Jacklin square up. The Rest stand by on the Sidelines. Jacklin gets ready to throw a Punch. Jean jumps with his Wheelchair and pulls out a Rifle from it and starts shooting.

JACKLIN: You little- JEAN: I’M NOT GOING BACK TO BEING NUMBER 2! NEVER!

*Isaac springs in and grabs Jean’s Arms. During the Struggle Jacklin blasts Jean (and Isaac) into a Wall. Everything not nailed down goes flying. She looks bloodthirsty. Zoey picks up the Rifle visibly uncomfortable.

ZOEY: E-e-everybody stop fighting. P-please…

*Jacklin ignores her completely and goes over to Jean and raises her Palm over him, Fire forming on it.

JACKLIN: We had a good thing going, man. You just had to ruin it.

*Evan smashes Jacklin in the back of her Head with his Sledgehammer. She falls down like a Sack of Bricks. Everything is silent for a Minute.

*Jean tries crawling to his Wheelchair. Evan puts his Boot on it.

EVAN: Not so fast. I think you owe us something for all the Trouble you put us through.

JEAN: *Sigh* You want to be the Boss? Fine. I guess you earned it.

EVAN: What? No.

JEAN: No? Isn’t that why youse are here? To beat me and take my Title?

EVAN: Is that how you got your Title?

JEAN: Sure is. Came down to this Planet 18 Years ago now. First thing I did was amass an Army.

EVAN: 18- Just how old are you?

ZOEY: Evan. Could you please- EVAN: Oh right.

*Evan gets off the Wheelchair. Jean sits back down in it.

ISAAC: WHATEVER!! We are here because there’s a Bounty on your Head and I’m here to collect.

JEAN: Bounty? From who? I got the Cops in my Pockets yknow.

ZOEY: Um. He is the correct one, right?

*Isaac pulls out the GPS and points it at Jean.

ISAAC: Yup. 100%. Everything matches.

JEAN: Wait… Are you sent from HIM?! … Man. I hoped I never had to see that ugly mug again.

*He looks at the Woman ready to stab him, the Big Lug that just knocked out his former superior and the Girl sheepishly holding an automatic Rifle, all blocking the Exit.

JEAN: I guess there’s no way outta this one.

EVAN: …

ISAAC: Alright let’s go Sharkboy. *She opens a Portal using a Key.

EVAN: NO!

*Everyone flinches.

EVAN: One of you is finally going to explain this shit to me!

EVAN: WHO is your Boss?! WHY is this Guy a Bounty?! WHERE are you taking him?! And most importantly. WHY does he know Jacklin’s Clothes that weren’t even alive a Week ago?!

ISAAC: As if I had the Time to-

*Suddenly Isaac’s GPS starts static-ing. It’s Screen shows a Hole in its Radar, moving rapidly towards their Location.

ISAAC: Uh oh…

Time Stutters. Time Stutters. Time Stutters.Time Stutters. Time Stutters. Time Stutters. Time Stutters.Time Stutters.Time Stutters. Time Stutters. Time Stutters.Time

The smell of molten Numbers fills the R0om. The Co1ors amplify. The Walls Pe3l.

There it is. The THING floating in the middle of the Room.

Zoey looks at it briefly. She tries to cover her Eyes but it’s no use.

Isaac is having some kind of Vision. She She She She She flails around the Room as if she was in a completely different place.

Evan feels completely Fine. He can look at the Thing completely fine. He’s completely unaffected by it. Similar to how a Rock cannot be scared. His Soul can not be

Hello? Hello? Hello? Hello? Hello? Hello? Hello?

Can you hear me?

Are you me AM 1 Y0U Do we have any kind of connection

What is this smell why am I soso so so so so so so

Empty Ki .

Kill me no please don’t I want to live I want to

Give me die .

Everything realigns back to Reality. The others Break down.

ISAAC: Wwwwhat the Heck was that???!!! That didn’t happen last time!

*Evan is more confused than ever. Was it talking to him? It looks similar to Vivian but slightly bigger and less stable. He feels as though he has seen it before.

ISAAC: No Chance I’m getting embarrassed by that thing again! *Isaac looks like she is about to throw up.

*Isaac dashes over towards Zoey, grabs her by the Arm and uses a Portal to get both of them out of there.

JEAN: What even IS that thing?!

*The Thing moves a Tendril towards Jacklin’s unconscious Body and bores into her Head. The Area around it looks as if it was simply removed from Existence. On the Inside a Piece of Jacklin’s original Scalp is visible. Evan tries to grab the Thing, despite knowing he would just pass through it. However, the Being removes its Appendage before he touches it, as if it was afraid of him.

*Its backside then tries to engulf Jean. He is barely able to avoid it by pushing himself backwards using a Gust of Wind. It is not pleased and Spears him directly through his Stomach. Evan runs towards it and tries using his Portal Key to Cut it off. It moves away. He moves to the Place where Jean sat.

EVAN: What even are you?!

EVAN:111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111

*A loud Noise fills Evan’s Skull. His Vision gets blurry. He blinks and when he opens his Eyes the Thing is gone. Jean is gone too. At least that’s what Evan thought. Above a toppled Wheelchair hangs a Facsimile of Jean’s Shape. As if his Soul left his Body and was just hanging there. There is a hole in its Stomach region. Evan tries touching it but passes right through it.

EVAN: …What the fuck

GOON: Hey Boss? Everything okay in there? Do you need Backup?

*The Door opens.

GOON: What the- Where’s the Boss?

*Evan turns towards Jean and back to the Goon.

EVAN: Is that him? *He points at it.

GOON: Oh real funny. What did you do to the Boss you Punk?

*It was obvious that he was not able to see Jean’s “Soul”.

EVAN: The uh. The Girls needed to talk to him in private, so they went into a secret Room back here.

*Evan points at the Wall.

GOON: Secret Room? Never heard about that

*He takes a look at the Wall. Evan immediately slams his Head into the Wall and knocks him out. He then throws Jacklin’s Body over his shoulder and teleports himself back to his Hotel Room.

EVAN: …Where the Fuck are Vivian and Felix.

Chapter 3B

*Earlier that Day, when Evan, Isaac, Jacklin and Zoey were separated from the Rest.
Felix, Vivian, Lucy and Rene got flung into a different Direction.

RENE: Ow. What was that?

LUCY: Looked like a Shark in a Wheelchair with Wind Powers.

RENE: …How do you know that?

LUCY: Oh, I saw him coming towards us while everybody was talking.

FELIX: Ow. We should probably look for the others then to-

VIVIAN: (Abababa- Shut up.)

FELIX: (What?)

VIVIAN: (Dude. This might be our Chance to get some Info out of the Green Guy. He obviously knows something, but Isaac never lets him get a Word in Edgewise.)

FELIX: (Hmm. You have a Point. But what about Evan and Jacklin?)

VIVIAN: (They’re both stronger than us. They will be fine.)

RENE: Oh no. Isaac is in trouble.

*Vivian floats next to Rene and puts her Arm around him.

VIVIAN: So what?

RENE: Huh?

VIVIAN: She’s a capable Woman. She can handle herself.

RENE: Yeah but. I have to make sure she’s Ok.

VIVIAN: But why do you? All she does is yell at you. You work hard. It would be nice to have some Time for yourself, right?

FELIX: We could take a look around the City.

LUCY: Ooh that sounds fun.

RENE: …I guess she will be okay for a little bit.

FELIX: You wouldn’t happen to know a good Place, would you?

RENE: Well… I do know one Place.

*Rene leads the Group to a Store a few Streets away. Completely unaware of what was happening to the other Half of their Members. After a bit they Reach an unmarked Shop in an Alley.

FELIX: …Are we going to buy Drugs here?

RENE: What are Drugs?

LUCY: A Drug is a Medicine or other substance which has a physiological effect when eaten or injected.

RENE: Oh, Cool. But no. This is the best Shop I know of in this Country.

VIVIAN: (It’s probably the only one, too.)

*A man walks out of the Shop. He is tall, wide and has Skin that looks like Tree Bark. He is wearing a Green 3-Piece Suit and a Beanie that covers his Eyes. He takes a long look at Rene before walking off.

FELIX: You know him?

RENE: Well yeah. He’s one of my Bosses.

*Felix freezes at the Sound of that.

VIVIAN: (Play it cool man.)

RENE: But I can worry about that later. Let’s go in.

*They do. The Door rings a Bell.

?: I already did everything you asked! What more do you want!?

RENE: I’m sorry?

?: Oh wait it’s you.

*She turns on the Lights. The Person speaking is a Pink Slime Girl in a Wetsuit with a Blue Dyed Fringe. All the Store Walls are filled with Shelfs full of various strange Items.

VIVIAN: (Oh yeah, definitely drugs.)

HYDRA: Oh wow. You actually made some Friends? Color me surprised.

FELIX: How do you two know each other?

HYDRA: Him and his Gang saved my Buddy over there from Verrot recently.

*She points towards Dan sleeping on one of the Shelves.

RENE: Don’t say it like that.

HYDRA: Oh, come on. It’s not like lil’ Ms. Important is here to overhear us, right? Come on. Live a little. Come on take a look around y’all.

*The Crew spends a few minutes testing out Magic Items. Lasers, Night Vision, Taste Enhancers. Nothing especially exciting.

*Felix suddenly remembers the Vault in Hinscheid.

FELIX: (These don’t happen to have…Souls inside of them, correct?)

*Hydra gives him a stern look.

HYDRA: (If you know what’s good for you, you don’t talk about things like that.)

*He backs off.

VIVIAN: Do you perhaps have anything more… Interesting? Perhaps under the table.

HYDRA: Hold on.

*Hydra takes out a Water Pistol, spits into it and then holds in in front of her with her Eyes closed. It glows a little during this.

HYDRA: There you go. Acid Gun.

*Everyone looks at her Confused (Except Lucy who is looking as blankly as always).

HYDRA: What? Have you never seen someone make a Magic Item before? Look, you want it or not?

*Felix takes some Notes about Magic Item creation.

VIVIAN: I’ll take it. Acid sounds fun. Put it on Rene’s Tab.

RENE: Put it on Nickel’s Tab actually.

RENE: Alright let’s head back to the others.

LUCY: But we basically just got here.

FELIX: This can’t really be the only thing that you wanted to show us, right?

VIVIAN: Yeah, I’m sure a Cool Guy like you has plenty more, right?

FELIX: Possibly something involving the Moon? Now THAT would be unique.

*Rene seems conflicted.

…

*Vivian pushes Felix towards Rene.

VIVIAN: Show us or my Friend will arrest you for withholding Information.

RENE: Wha…Can he do that?

FELIX: Uh. Yes LUCY: I think so. HYDRA: Sure. Why not.

RENE: Alright! Alright!

*Rene opens a Portal to an unknown Place

VIVIAN: You go first

*They all step through.

HYDRA: Finally, those Guys are gone. Ok Dan, wanna play some Games?

*Dan gives her a lazy Thumbs up.

*The 4 of them arrive in a sterile Laboratory looking Place.

RENE: If you want info on anything Moon related this is the Place.

FELIX: A… Lab?

VIVIAN: What does a Lab have to do with the Moon?

RENE: Don’t ask me. I’m not a Scientist.

*The Walls are completely White. There are Doors on every side. There are empty Chemistry Sets. Next to them are Liquids of varying Colors, they have all coagulated at the Sides.

*Everyone investigates around the Room. None of it makes any sense.

FELIX: If you don’t know what’s going on here then why did you show it to us?

RENE: I mean. It’s cool right? All this Science-y stuff here. Experiments and the like. Must be like super Important.

LUCY: I would like to know too.

FELIX: You don’t know about any of this either? Aren’t you Partners or something.

LUCY: I don’t think so? I only became conscious again a Week ago.

FELIX: That’s…Rough.

*Lucy opens up a Cabinet and smells one of the Bottles.

LUCY: Smells like Transformation Magic.

*Lucy takes a sip of the Potion. In a few Seconds she grows a long Snout, Leathery Skin and a long tail.

*Everyone stares in surprise

LUCY: Crocodile.

FELIX: Why are you so calm about this?!

RENE: Since when is THAT there?!

*Lucy slowly turns back to normal.

LUCY: I have a Resistance. You probably shouldn’t drink any of this, unless you want to change up your look though.

FELIX: Uh. No. I’m good.

*Felix checks the Rest of the Cupboards.

FELIX: There must be hundreds of these. For what Purpose?

*Suddenly they hear rumbling from another Room.

LUCY: Is that a Friend of yours?

RENE: I don’t think so… Maybe we should leave.

VIVIAN: You wish.

*They hear Glass shattering in there.

?: Damnit.

FELIX: Vivian, can you take a look?

*Vivian nods. She pops out of her Body and Felix catches it. Her Ghost speeds through the Wall, except it doesn’t. Vivian slams face first into the Wall, as if she was corporeal.

VIVIAN: Oof! That’s new.

*Vivian tries pushing her Hand into the Wall. It very slowly disintegrates.

VIVIAN: Are these Walls made out of Magic?

FELIX: Magic? Rene, where the Heck are we?

RENE: It’s a secret Lab. I thought that was clear.

FELIX: Debatable, but not what I meant. Where in the WORLD are we? Like what Continent?

RENE: We are in the Higher Strata. Wait. Did you? Not know that?

FELIX: No?!

RENE: ^{Oh Man this is Bad.}

*Vivian tries to open the Door to the Room with the noise, but it’s locked.

RENE: Uhhhhhh. Okay. How about we just head back and I will buy you all a Pizza or something. Is that ok? I can’t let people further into here anyway.

VIVIAN: Hell no. I want to know who the other Person here is.

VIVIAN: Let’s try this.

*Vivian pulls out the Acid gun, melting the Lock as well as part of the Wall beside it. Through the Door is a dark refinery with a giant Cauldron in the middle. At the Bottom someone is cleaning up a broken Beaker. The figure is wearing a Latex Witch Costume and have a Mask on their Face, presumably, because of the Fumes. On her Belt are a few Gatorade Bottles.

GW: Not the Faces I expected to see.

RENE: You’re still alive?!

GW: What can I say? I’m good at what I do.

RENE: You- You- DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW MUCH TROUBLE YOU CAUSED ME!?

GW: Aw don’t be like that.~ You made your Choice, and I made mine.

*Felix pushes Rene out of the Way and Points his Gun directly into her Face.

FELIX: What do you know about the Moon!

GW: Moon? What about it?

FELIX: Don’t play dumb! The Explosion!

GW: Explosion? Wait. Is that why it looks that way now?

FELIX: A- are you actually telling me you don’t know? The Event that broke apart the Moon, plunged the World into Chaos and wiped out most of Sombica? Rene called it a “failed Rapture”. You don’t know?!

GW: No! And who are you- wait did you say Sombica?

LUCY: Yeah. I lived there.

*The Gatorade Witch takes a proper look at Lucy for the first time.

GW: _{Hold on…} Hey you. Your Mom wouldn’t happen to be called Genesis, does she?

LUCY: Her name is Genny. Why is that so important to everyone?

GW: How is she?

LUCY: I don’t know… We are still looking for her.

GW: I see. Guess it wasn’t enough.

VIVIAN: Can you people just talk normally for 5 Seconds? This Cryptic talk is going to drive me insane.

GW: Guess there’s no Point in Secrets anymore.

FELIX: So, if you had nothing to do with the Moon. Then what is the Deal with all this? *He picks up a Bottle.

GW: Isn’t it obvious. To turn as many Humans as possible into something else. To create a Distraction.

FELIX: Are you telling me… That for the last 18 Years, that the reason people have turned into Monsters…

FELIX: Was YOU?! For a DISTRACTION?!

GW: Oh, I’ve been doing it for longer than that Boy. *She seemed proud of it.

VIVIAN: Well. You definitely made things more interesting.

GW: At least somebody appreciates my Handiwork. ~

FELIX: Ok. Great. Mystery solved. This Person is an international Criminal. Let’s-

*Before Felix could finish that sentence Rene aimed a Laser directly at her Head. Lucy saw it and grabbed his Arm, causing him to miss.

LUCY: NO!

*The Witch uses this Moment to kick Felix away and open a Portal to escape. Vivian gives her a quick “Call me” sign before she disappears.

RENE: Wha- What’s the Issue? She’s fine. She’s a Spirit. She will regenerate.

VIVIAN: How were we supposed to know?

RENE: You- But you ARE a Spirit yourself. Are you telling me you didn’t even know that much?

*They hear a connecting door being opened with a Key.

RENE: (Oop. No time. Hide behind that Cauldron!)

VIVIAN: (Why would we-)

RENE: (Just trust me on this one.)

*Rene basically pushes them out of sight while they reluctantly comply.

* After only a Minute they hear a Crackling Sound. They see a Figure appear in front of Rene that is obviously the Grim Reaper. Black Cloak Check. Big Scythe Check. Hundreds of Yellow Eyes inside the Cloak Check. It bears a slight resemblance to Vivian’s spirit Form.

GRIM: What is this now?

RENE: I found the Intruder and apprehended her. It was pretty easy. Heh.

GRIM: Sure. Where is she?

RENE: Oh uh. Don’t worry about it. I already uh. “Disposed” of her.

GRIM: I see. But why are you here? Where is Isaac?

RENE: So you see. Funny story there.

GRIM: You know that you need to follow the Script. Otherwise…

RENE: Right um. Of course.

GRIM: Is there a Problem with that.

RENE: Nono! Everything is still going as planned. 100%!

GRIM: It better be… For your sake.

GRIM: Now for the other Intruders over there.

*They slowly move towards the other’s Location. Vivian is holding Felix’s Mouth shut.

ISAAC: Rene! What the Heck are you doing here?! I tried to call you for hours!

*Isaac suddenly bursts into the Room.

RENE: Ah! Isaac! Where did you come from?

GRIM: So you did leave her.

ISAAC: Hey. 40 Eyes. Aren’t you supposed to be busy?

GRIM: My mistake. I will take my Leave.

*They teleport away. Zoey runs into the Room out of Breath.

ZOEY: Sorry. I don’t think I should be running. I think my Wound opened up again.

LUCY: Oh no! Are you alright? *Lucy runs over and checks out Zoey.

ISAAC: Hey Lucy. Could’ve reaaallyyy used your Help earlier.

LUCY: I’m sorry isaac. I will never leave your Side again. I promise.

ISAAC: So, what about that Guy shivering in the Corner?

FELIX: (I think Death just tried to kill us personally.) *Vivian slaps him across the Face.

VIVIAN: Get over it. (Also our Investigation seems to be over.)

VIVIAN: Hey, can we get a Ride back?

ISAAC: Do I know you?

ZOEY: Are you joking?

ISAAC: Oh right. You were with Evan.

*She opens a Portal

ISAAC: Tell him that it isn’t over yet.

*Vivan drags Felix through the Portal. It led them back to Evan’s Hotel Room. Evan is waiting there. Jacklin is still unconscious.

VIVIAN: Yo.

EVAN: About time you showed up.

*Several Hours later. The three of them shared all the Information they have gathered today. Isaac is a Bounty Hunter, Magic Items have People inside of them, Magic Items can also be made purely with Energy, Rene is a lackey whose Job it is to support Isaac, Spirits don’t die when they are killed.

*After a while Jacklin wakes up. She is herself again, but her Memory is fuzzy after the other Personality took over. By the Time everyone is at the same Page it is the middle of the Night. They decide to go to Bed.

*Evan is outside at the Balcony smoking. Jacklin comes out as well around 1am.

EVAN: Can’t sleep?

JACKLIN: How could I? I just found out there’s an evil Spirit inside of me.

EVAN: Yeah… Can’t feel good to have almost killed your sister.

JACKLIN: …

EVAN: What is it? *Evan fiddles around in his Pocket.

JACKLIN: But why did it try to do that? You didn’t describe it as being recklessly murderous. So why did it target her?

EVAN: It did say that Zoey pissed it off for some reason.

JACKLIN: … Could it be. Was it me? *Evan looks at her. She looks horrible.

EVAN: Look. I know you don’t like her. But you wouldn’t kill her, right?

JACKLIN: No! Never! But. You know. Maybe it somehow sensed my emotions and. I don’t know.

EVAN: Why do you dislike her anyway?

JACKLIN: Simply put. Because she was my Parent’s favorite. Every time I did something they always told me “Why can’t you be more like your sister? You will get yourself hurt. Who allowed you to dress that way?” It made me so mad. I even moved to another Continent at 16 just to get away from them.

EVAN: Has it always been like this?

JACKLIN: Well. No. When we were Kids, we were inseparable. We both really wanted to be Heroes. Then one day when we were going past a Bank, while an Armed Robbery was taking place.

JACKLIN: I just got this Costume that Week. *She points at her Body.

JACKLIN: And I really wanted to test it out, so I grabbed Zoey’s Hand, and we ran through the Barrier and into the Bank. The Robber shot at me, but I dodged it perfectly and tackled him to the Floor and made him drop his Gun.

JACKLIN: I saved the Day! But after that suddenly my Parents were against me becoming a Superhero. Zoey wouldn’t even talk to me! We were supposed to stick together! It was awful. After a while she stopped going out of the House too.

JACKLIN: But then in the last Year she just started showing up at my Front Door asking to reconnect! The nerve!

EVAN: And why would she do that?

JACKLIN: I-*sigh*

JACKLIN: I don’t know. I just didn’t want to see her again.

EVAN: Would you talk with her now if you had the Chance.

JACKLIN: I don’t think she ever wants to see me again after this.

^{ZOEY: That’s not true!}

*Evan pulls his Hand out of his Pocket. He’s holding a really old Brick Phone. Zoey’s Voice is coming out of it. He throws the Phone over to Jacklin.

ZOEY: I’m sorry for leaving you alone back then. I remember that Day. When you rushed in, I was behind you. And when the Robber shot the Gun, it almost hit me. A Police Officer threw himself in front of me. If he hadn’t been there, I would have died.

JACKLIN: I don’t remember that part…

ZOEY: I was so scared of it happening again, so I hid in my Room. But then Isaac came into my life and basically dragged me out of there. And since I was outside again, I tried to visit you.

JACKLIN: Oh.

ZOEY: …What do you say? Do you maybe want to be Sisters again?

JACKLIN: But… What if I kill you for real the next time we meet?

ZOEY: That wasn’t you, Jacklin. I believe you are a good Person. You-

*Jacklin hangs up the Phone.

JACKLIN: I can’t do this.

*She throws Evan back his Phone and slumps back into her Room.

EVAN: It was worth a shot, Zoey.

End of Chapter 3