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[spookycatholicknight]

Eight Author's Note:

The darkness, loneliness, the demons. They breed hatred and attack us when we're most isolated. They follow us in pacts and surround our head with their thoughts that mimic our voices. They increase the pains of injustice and malice to fill our hearts so we remain unhappy but more so further away from morals. However, like Job, we must remember the lord is on our side. Even when we can't hear or feel him, we must walk towards him and follow his son's footsteps. Think of this, we, my brothers and sisters, have sinned and have entertained evil thoughts within our minds. While Jesus did not, however, even with the injustice and hatred thrown at him. He still picked up his cross of burdens, pains, and death. And walked forward. He kept his head high to the light of god, knowing he couldn't do it without his father. He prayed, and cried for god like you and I do. He hung up on that cross, brutalized, one for 'punishment for his crimes', but more so for our psychotic pleasure. A world where we do not chase after love that's tender and sweet or hard and unmoving when sin tries to wear compassion for camouflage. Strength to be able to endure hard times and pick up others around us. Honesty so we are not caught in the mirages of lies that leads us to the hells we make here on earth. Is then a world full of hatred, bitterness, and hash, cold, storms. Jesus is kind, he showed us on his time on earth to live righteously, to pick up your burdens and bear them, he taught us how to become our best self. So why not follow the spirit or live as if the spirit of righteousness exists? We would be better off living the 10 commandments instead of letting our selfish, fleshly, desires overtake us to live comfortable and weakly crawl on this earth.

As my father taught me an important saying:

Difficult times make tough people, tough people make good times, good times make weak people, weak people make difficult times, then it repeats.

Lastly, even if you try to twist this universe as if you are the master of reality through lies. Just know the real world and truth will come at you hard and you will never get away with anything. Truly, look at yourself and figure out, how are you contributing to this world being terrible. All of our terrible actions affect each other.

If I can teach you anything through this story, be faithful like Job. Strive to be honest, and keep standing up when you fall.

Stay strong, stay hard, stay true, and become YOU.

Thank you for reading my story, may god bless you and help you do his will and bless you with strength to take on whatever challenges come at you in life. Have a wonderful day and I wish you the best.

[spookycatholicknight]

Eight Chapter 8 PT2:

"Sounds awesome." She smiled as the two then walked back to practice.

His black car drove into the driveway, Rachel jumped from the window she was watching and quickly closed and locked the door before she ran down the stairs to Bruce who stood out, holding open her door. "Thanks!" She said as she excitedly hopped in. Closing the door for her he then hopped into the driver's side before backing up and pulling away. "Alright, where is this tea place you were talking about?" "Boba Tea, its at ###." Bruce nodded as they drove away.

That night was full of fun as the two felt lost in a dream. Rachel confessed to never being asked out, which caught Bruce shocked and off guard. Bruce spoke about how great Rachel smelt, and the two got lost in other topics that entered their conversations. Singing to loud rock music as Bruce had fun making Rachel shout in fits of laughter as he made their drive crazy by not driving fully straight but in small swerves. Grabbing caramel espresso bobas before exploring the mountains. Finally they made it back to a sushi restaurant, Bruce not letting Rachel pay for anything but their too sugary drinks. Before finally taking her to the movies. During the movie, Rachel couldn't help but talk through it, however Bruce did not mind. He quite enjoyed listening to her crazy emotions and ideas. As they watched the movie however, he heard sniffing. Looking over he saw Rachel had indeed began to cry during a sadder part of the movie. He looked at her before he held out his hand. She looked at it before taking it and looking at him. Those teary eyes, he didn't like them, they were so sad. Pausing he then pulled away and pulled up the arm in between the two before opening his arm for her. Climbing over Rachel leaned into him as he hugged her and she hugged him. He held her firmly, rubbing her back. "It's just a movie." He whispered "I know... I can't help it. The joys of being a woman." He chuckled at her sarcastic joke. However his heart couldn't help but warm to her more sensitive spirit. Most of the times in which he saw her, she was a sleep deprived, b####ed face, isolated girl. But seeing this more caring side that was so empathetic, it really made him feel different. He held her and even after the sad moments, she didn't pull away, truly loving the hug. It was night when their date was over, driving her home the two had fun rocking out, he'd pick a song then she would. Until the gps would cut in and explain where to go. Bruce couldn't help but giggle as Rachel would groan and complain the gps was interrupting their song before jumping in her seat and rocking out a second later. Finally taking her home, he walked her up to her door. "Hey wait-" He said before she opened the door "Can I get a hug?" Rachel smiled as she then wrapped her arms around him and gave him a tight but not holding back hug. "Oh that's an amazing hug." She couldn't help but laugh "What'd you mean?" "Well you are fully here and happily giving me a hug that shows me you care about me. Plus don't think I don't see you snuggling into my neck there." Rachel couldn't help but chuckle. "Although- my mom still gives the best hugs. Sorry, I can't stop her." Rachel shrugged, "It's ok, thank you so much for tonight and giving me a chance." "Of course, really I should be thanking you, for making my car small, nice, the hugs, and for showing me the food places. But next time let's not choose a movie that makes you cry." Rachel shrugged "No promises, goodnight! Safe driving!"

A couple weeks later, it was New Year's Eve. Rachel and Bruce were out in the mountains, hanging out as they watched fireworks going off. Sitting on the ground the two listened to country songs as they watched the beautiful colors blow up above them. "Didn't you say you made your own dance to one of these songs?" Rachel smiled and nodded "Would you show me it?" Rachel chuckled alright, putting on the song she began to dance and Bruce was shocked by how easily connected to the music she was as she shook her hips and moved around. He couldn't help but jump in halfway and dance with her. They laughed as they then looked at his silver watch, 12:00. Looking up, Bruce smiled at Rachel "Happy new year." She couldn't help but laugh "What'cha talking about? It's been the new year since December, you and the rest of the world are too slow." She teased before looking out at the valley and swayed with Bruce to the music, Bruce looked back at Rachel and leaned in to her. Rachel began to speak before she looked back at Bruce, the two paused as Bruce accidentally kissed her lips instead of her cheek. Jumping back he scrambled to explain himself "I-I meant to- to ah- just- a quick peck o-o-on the ch-cheek. I- I'm sorry." The two couldn't help but blush into a flustered mess. However, that night was gorgeous. A new year full of possibilities.

"What's your new year's resolution?" Bruce asked Rachel "Hmm, to follow God's will, since he's the spirit of truth, love, and virtue. And to go to bed early as well as get up early." Bruce chuckled "Ah practicing to be a grandma already?" "No" She giggled "Yeah I'm just teasing, those are good resolutions." "What's yours's?" Rachel said with a smile as she looked at him. "Hmm.... To be honest, to take accountability for my downfalls, and- to be strong." Rachel smiled, "I like that, I think you'll do great." Bruce smiled back at her "Thanks I think yours is too. But- I have to say. What the heck are you wearing? You smell so good, is it perfume?" "Ha ha, no no it's a wintery coconut flavor-I mean scented lotion." Bruce nodded, then paused "Flavor aye?" Rachel rolled her eyes and laughed. "Speaking of coconut." Bruce said as he got up and walked to the back of his truck before coming back out as Rachel gasped. "You did not-" "Yes I did, coconut pie, your favorite." Rachel laughed a bit more as he put his larger jacket around her shoulder and handed her a spoon as he sat next to her. As he took a spoon full of the pie he whistled at Rachel, she looked up as she held the spoonful out to her. She smiled and happily accepted, Bruce froze at her too happy face and pulled away thinking she was too cute.

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Laying in the dark, the paper clothes held tightly to his body. His brown eyes stared at the ceiling as he breathed hard and ragged. He felt cold, the loneliness was suffocating. Nobody, nothing was here. He was alone. He gripped his sleeves tightly, his arms crossed as he looked down. The IV's tugging at his veins as he looked back up at the pitch black room. Not even a glimpse of the moon was given to him. This was his darkest moment of all, coughing he spoke shallowly. Mumblings streamed under his breath and he rubbed the back of his bare neck. "Our father who are in heaven.." He whispered as one of his hands held tightly against his quivering and in-pained heart. Whispers and screams surrounded him, or was that all in his head? Once more his shaky breath drew out, "Thank you for my struggles and the pains... as they help me grow closer to you." The sounds of a rhythmic beating echoed in the empty room. "Thank you my guardian angel for all you do and for serving our lord, and for watching over me.... Thank you to all the angels and saints for serving the lord of love and strength." Looking down as he fought to keep his rough voice from giving out. "Watch over the people I love and have met, work through me to help them grow closer to your virtuous water of life......and..." A whimper left his throat as he covered his mouth but bent his head further down in a humble manner. "Please father keep your daughter safe, and guide her closer to righteousness while I can't. Please, protect my sister I pray."

[spookycatholicknight]

Eight Chapter 8 PT1:

(Warning, cute lovey-dovey datey stuff ahead. Read at your own peril. Wowza I finished these summarized 8 chapters before the year ended, hooray!)

Walking onto the field, it had been a while and insecurity had been eating her from the inside. 'They know you haven't been here for a while. Why come back? What do you have to prove? They all see you and know you'll just cop out again. Why come back when you know they know you should be better than you already are.' The voices taunted her as she continued forward, taking a breath as she looked around, she was going to come to practice and workout. Regardless of how behind she was, at least she was being better than she was yesterday. Staying up until 3 in the morning, doing nothing but screwing around. Rachel had made up her mind that she was going to do better, how did she set herself up for today's success? She went to bed a little earlier, took a good shower and put her lotions on, she cleaned her room, set out a pair of clothes for the next day, and this morning she had made herself a good breakfast and wrote more in her journal. Yes she was messy and had been clumsy all day at school. But she did her best to keep an open mind and open ears to her studies to learn something new. Yes she fell many times but she was trying once more to get up and get after life. The latest piece of chaos that threw her off her schedule was 1 the people who relied on her due to their decreasing health, 2 baking like crazy for her church, and 3 a boy (keep in mind, an immature boy instead of a mature man). Due to these factors she 'didn't have the time' or at least that's the lie that was sold to her. Every day there was some time where she had time for at least 30-60 minutes for some type of workout. But alas, here she was, trying to fight her instinct to wait the storm out in the snake-like comfort which held her in a mental prison. But the prayers in her mind and the memories of a friend who she had lost or as she believed to have 'Scared away' entered her mind. "You've got this." His voice echoed.

As she began to do warmups quietly and separately, still not too much of a friend of anyone's regardless of how friendly she was. However as she stretched, her water bottle slipped from her backpack. Catching it quickly before it became a mess she stood up and placed it back before hearing "Nice catch." Looking up she saw her friend. A 5'10 male who was friends with a classmate she had since elementary school. He had a longer hair-do than normal boys as it also was gelled back. A grin plastered onto his face as he stood with good confidence. Rachel couldn't help but smile at the other brunette. "Hey friend! Its been a while!" She said excitedly as she stood up and walked to him "How have you been." "Eh busy, working and trying new things. Speaking of which, I've been trying new hairstyles." "Ah gotcha, I think you look great." "Really? Thanks." He couldn't help but smile "Yeah I like mine a little on the longer side. But it's more of a pain to keep tame." Rachel nodded "Well it looks like you're doing something right, keep at it I'm sure you'll look great with however you choose to do your hair." The man's face slightly quivered to a surprised but doubtful questioning if he was reading what she was saying correctly before warming up. "Hey how's your cooking and baking going?" "Oh good, but honestly I'm glad its over. I've been baking since October." "Really?" Rachel nodded as she took out her phone and began to show him all the pictures "It's been nothing but cookies and more cookies, brownies, cakes, fudge, and cookies." He zoomed in on the pictures of the tables full of all the baked goods she had been making over the last 3-4 months since they had seen each other. "Wow that's a lot." "I know, we've baked every week this month." "Wow, December's been busy for you too huh?" Rachel nodded as she then spoke up "Yeah, I finally am free from all of it ha ha. Have you seen that new movie that's out?" "Which one?" His brown eyes looked up and locked with Rachel's green ones that made her insides quiver with nervousness. "Which one?" "The one about a German pastor who had to be an undercover spy or assassin. And there's another movie that's about a post-apocalyptic world." He paused as he thought about it before shaking his head. "No, I don't go to the movies that much." "Ah gotcha, I don't either, I just wanted to see it, however since I don't have anyone, I just wait to go with some friends." Rachel couldn't help but open the door to show she was free to a possible date, all he would need to do is man up and ask her out. Bruce paused as he looked at her and then grabbing the back of his neck he spoke a little shaky "Y-yeah uh... it sounds pretty interesting now that you mention it. A-are you uh. Busy this weekend?" Rachel's eyes began to grow with joy as she bounced in place "I could-ah take you...out-" "We could grab dinner afterwards too." Rachel couldn't help but blurt as she was too happy. "Y-yeah that sounds great." Bruce said a bit more excited as Rachel walked up and straightened his collar a bit "Sounds like a date, I'd love to." In a short moment Bruce acted as if his face had been shot before it recoiled straight to look at her as he was shocked "W-wait really?" Rachel nodded to "Yeah I'd love to. Would you like my number?" "I- ha ha I was just about to ask for it." He smiled as she gave him her phone and he gave her his. They quickly exchanged information, however after she handed him back his phone she heard the sound of a photo being taken. Looking up he smiled as he held his camera up and showed her the dorky picture "Perfect, you got my text right?" "Mhm" She nodded as he smiled "Awesome, this hasn't happened for me before so-" "Really?" Rachel smiled "Yeah-" He sighed "Its hard to... find a nice and honest girl nowadays, ya'know?" Rachel couldn't help but roll her eyes and nod in agreement "Tell me about it. I keep finding little boys. Not real men." Bruce had to blink before he smiled a bit. "Awesome, I'll pick you up on... let's say Sunday after church?"

[spookycatholicknight]

Eight Chapter 7:

(I had parts of this chapter written however I couldn't figure out how to make everything make sense. With the help of being observant of other's actions and ways. I finally was able to produce this piece for you all to read today. And right before the new year too, let's go!! Also fun fact, this has 2 chapters mixed together.)

The ER was full of rushed and mixed emotions. Everyone's quiet and seemingly calm talking was a mask for their panic and worry. The team brought in the 5'9 female laying on the stretcher, her eyes open as she took staggering breaths. A purple-ish blue glove pressing firmly on her abdomen which heaved weakly. Everyone's words slurred and mixed as a large, firm, calloused hand held hers. As she opened her eyes, looking down the white hallway she saw doctors, nurses, or college students standing with clipboards looking at her with shock. Her breaths were focused, her phone in her other hand, opened and vibrating occasionally. They wheeled her in through a room where curtains held firmly above her, their colors were blue. The smell of the room wasn't the soft, comforting, clean, smell of laundry Scentsy like she imagined. The room stunk like dust and vaguely of chemicals instead. As they changed the IV's in her arms to another medication of some sort for both of her arms. The needle embedded within her right arm's inner elbow hurt and felt uncomfortable. The foreign pin moved within her blackened vein, forcing it to enlarge. It didn't take long for her arm to feel plump and swollen. As the nurses gathered around her they unbuttoned her shirt and took off her tank top. Having easier access to the gunshot wound within her abdomen. There was a group of 10-20 or possibly more quick but focused pace of medical workers. Talking with an indoor voice- 'Wow... Hollywood lies often' She thought as she even remembered how in movies they 'showed' how you could throw up just fine out of the vehicle's window. Boy were they wrong when she had to go to work one early morning. The putrid smelling breakfast flew right back in through the wind and slapped her in the face. Making the situation even worse on top of the bloody nose she had gotten. It had been quite a rough start to the day, however it ended well thank goodness.

"Hey did you see on the news there was a shooting?" "Huh?" Mark turned to his instructor who pointed to a news article on his phone. "20 year old woman, shot at her own house by a former FBI Agent." Mark walked closer after throwing away his gloves as he looked at the phone and opened the live news report. "... this afternoon before 2:00 pm. A young woman was shot at her own house by an undercover FBI agent. The police were notified by a call and were met halfway by a-" The news reporter's voice then began to go deaf in Mark's mind as the picture of the victim and attacker was plastered onto the news screen. His eyes widened horrified and frightened as he quickly handed the phone to his boss. Running out of the room without another thought. "Hey! Where are you going to squirt?!" His boss shouted as Mark then shouted back at him. Scrambling out of the building to get to the ER, he needed to be there.

Rushing in, his footsteps thudded, dodging and maneuvering the medical professionals as he entered the room where he saw her being pulled in. "Rachel! No no Rachel!" He said as tears left his blue and green eyes as he then ran to her side and took her hand. Holding it close to his quickly paced heart. As Mark coughed out his worries, hanging over his friend. The curtain which held as a door opened behind the unsuspecting man.

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Walking forward in the lighten town. The colors all around, flashing brightly as they were wrapped up and down lamp posts. The winds came and the rain aimed at the ground. The calming sounds of water falling helped ease the minds of those who found times hard. It's was cold, but for some it was a clean feeling. Another beautiful day, even with the dark clouds that kept the sun at bay. Fog was set over the town, it was light unlike a thick bog.

Walking forward, the large but still too small shoes hit the ground. Making the puddles shudder further with the loud sounds all around. His head hung low, his shoulders still held straight and broad. Breathing unsteady and uneasy. Where was he? He did not know, but continued to walk and follow what he believed to be the right way. But the thoughts kept coming as the rain kept pouring. What was the right way? What was the right path? What would he do now?

The repetitive mumbling under his black scarf did not help his character. Who was this large stranger? Covered in darkness, perhaps to hide all his scars? People moved out of his way as he walked unevenly forward. Hushing each other and trying to stay away. As he walked however, a stand there stood. Pausing he turned to the side as his eyes grew wide. Nature's gifts, their pops and cups of colors, flowers. 'How long has it been?' He asked himself as he took a few steps closer, his eyes focusing on the reds. Moving his hand through the masses of spikes and prickles. He gently grasped what caught his breath. Pulling out a small, still blooming, orange and pink rose. Caringly he held it within his hands as if it were ice. His eyes admired its beauty. A sharp but shaky exhale left his lips. His face seemingly unmoved from the large amount of pain he was already feeling. But this rose, he held longingly. A question gnawed and ate his mind.

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Rachel walked with a small grin on her face. Rain, it was cold, wet, and loving. It helped heal and nurture the nature and beauty of it. Rain was something that gave the young woman comfort in being alone. Always making her feel the need to hike from previous memories and how much fun simple water droplets could produce. Even when camping, just to have a melody help her sleep. What a wonderful thing rain was. She found the cloud's moods fascinating, whether they wished to pour everything they had onto the world, or if they simply wished to leave the grass with a little drizzle. Often people hated the rain and thunderstorms all together, but Rachel learned when she simply accepted the miserable factors of the storm, that she was happier and could look at rain with a different perspective. Instead, she found love in the rain. The wonderful storms reminded her of books, chocolate cake, teas, and where she had explored the green earth.

Even stuck here in the middle of a large town she didn't enjoy. She found the rain to bring peace and cleanliness to her soul. As she walked, ignoring everyone's grumbling and listening to the music in her mind. Rachel's mind was content with the distraction.

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However distracted minds are not able to react so fast to the unexpected chaos of a young day.

Rachel continued her path with one foot in front of the other, her arms waving back and forth. Until one of her left shoulder rammed into a wall that grunted, snapping back to reality she realized she had run into someone. "Oh- crap I'm sorry-" She said to the figure who held his left shoulder and shook, "Are you ok?" She asked gently, reaching out cautiously. The man sure enough turned and straightened his body to face her. His head snapping with a dark scowl painted onto the flesh. Rachel expected him to yell at her 'Watch where you're going idiot!' or 'Stay in your lane!' although the second one did not make so much sense as she was not driving... But she was surprised when she saw the man freeze his body turning to stone as he dared not move, as if he was caught in the act of a crime and she was part of law enforcement. His eyes or really right eye, was wide and nearly white. His swollen nearly black and disfigured left eye managed to open barely which surely showed his surprise. A black scarf covered the bottom half of his face as he had his hood up. Concealing his hair except for the few strands that hung out. His dilated eyes were what caught Rachel in a deep state. Rachel grew with confusion as she studied the man for any hints to his actions. Rachel couldn't help but find him intriguing as he was mysterious- and ridiculously tall. He most likely could pass off as a national basketball player due to his size. Making her, a woman taller than the average man, feel like a little canoe compared to his battleship size.

Taking a step as his eyes said he wanted to share something with her. However hesitation grew inside him as he stepped back and then pulled away. Rachel's eyes flickered with intrigue as the man then looked away before taking one last quick glance at her and leaving. Suddenly the sounds of the world that was muffled grew before they finally entered Rachel's ears. Rachel took a few breaths before she took quick steps. Her heart felt shot with fear but her insides buzzed with excitement. "Wait" she whispered "Wait!" She then shouted as she ran after the man. "Wait! May I talk to you-" "MOVE OUT THE WAY!" A man shouted as Rachel reached out for the person who held her attention. The sounds of a bell ringing and angry shouting were understood too late as metal roamed into Rachel. A biker rammed into Rachel, sending the two into a scramble in the air. Rachel's body recoiled as she grabbed for anything to save her from gravity. The only thing her fingers could manage to grab was the black scarf concealing the stranger's face. Rachel landed on her hip's side first before her back and finally her head met with the cold, wet, ground.

Black and fuzziness filled her sight as she looked up. Seeing the gray clouds. Closing her eyes for a moment before she heard the noises around her intensify. Sitting up slowly and rubbing her aching head. She froze as her body was illuminated in bright lights. Turning she saw what all the commotion was about as a car came hurling towards her. Having not seen her still in the road- the sounds of beeping and screaming filled the air. Rachel's mind could not fully comprehend the headlights barreling towards her as her eyes made the world fuzzy. Her fingers held onto the fuzzy black scarf that she had acquired. In one blink, the car went from the distance of the sidewalk, to merely a foot from her nose...

Snapping his head as he saw a nightmare about to come to life. The man felt his nerves light up with adrenaline. Faster than possible, his body twisted like a snake and shot past everyone around him. Nothing stood in his way as he slammed his powerful legs into the ground which cracked under his power. His arms out as he grabbed Rachel's shoulder's, pulling her forward and into his chest as he held a deathly stare at the mass of metal hurling towards her. Pushing his shoulder out he let out a roar. Then everything returned to normal speed, the man smashed his shoulder into the vehicle which screamed to a stop as the gears crunched. A pained groan ripped from his throat before he bit it and shut his cringing jaw. Shaking as of course it was his bad shoulder that had the luck of getting injured further. It flopped down to the ground and un-naturally forward. Holding Rachel safely in his bulging arms, grunting as she looked up at him in a dazed surprise. Everyone gasped and gaped at him as then the sound of a door opening "I-I'm S-so sorry!" The sound of fear and anger entered the stranger's mind as he snapped his head towards the driver. Pure, raw, wrath filled his veins as he stood up, holding Rachel in one arm as he pulled back and snapped his injured arm back into place as his muscles pulled everything back together. The male driver froze as watched the beast in front of him turn to face him. The driver felt as if his life was pulled from his body just by mere presence of fear that surrounded the giant. The huge stranger's head ripped to the sounds of huffing and groaning "D### it all!" The biker grunted as he tried to push the heavy bike off himself. Rubbing his hip and leg as he tried to escape the crushing metal. A shadow grew closer before completely swallowing his quivering form. Looking up his eyes widened as the stranger grabbed the bike off himself and tossed it to the side as if it were a small toy before grabbing his collar. The stitched and massively scarred face glared at him as his teeth gleamed.

Kevin Makgo drove around the block as he kept an eye out for any beaten down cars full of young males that were driving recklessly. The normal public going 5 over the speed limit wasn't his target. The sound of static sputtered before a female dispatcher spoke out "At address #### there is an aggressive male who is shouting at a biker who ran over a female pedestrian. Witnesses are worried this can get out of hand ." Kevin sighed 'It better not be another domestic.' He thought as then turned on his lights before taking a hard right and made his way to the scene. There was a large crowd of vehicles at a stoplight that quickly drove away as a group of people were quickly leaving the area. However most of them stayed in their spots, too shocked or stuck not knowing what to do. As the dispatcher and other officers spoke in his ear about the situation, he walked up calmly to the scene. Looking around he spotted the issue, the aggressor surely was a taller than average man, a 7 foot giant was more suitable as he was shouting at a 40 or so year old man in his face. A female being held in the aggressor's other arm. "AYE! Police stop! BREAK IT UP NOW!" Kevin barked. Suddenly the driver of a vehicle behind the aggressor jumped from his vehicle running to Kevin "O-o-pfficer! He- he just tried to-" "No no no- talk to me afterwards." "Bu-" "I said talk to me after." Kevin ordered as the man then backed away with his tail behind his legs. 'I need to get this situation under control before I get their stories.' He thought as he stayed a good distance away but got closer. "Put the biker down!" He shouted at the aggressor who then looked at him and let go of the biker's shirt. Kevin pointed at the aggressor "You! Back away from him." The biker stood up and glared at the aggressor. Before he drew spit from his mouth to shoot at the aggressor, Kevin quickly moved and grabbed the biker by his shoulder "I said stop it, or are you a child who can't control himself?" Kevin's anger flickered as he then pulled the man to the side. Looking at the crowd he spoke out "Everyone back up!" A woman then scoffed and walked up with an attitude sewed into her brows "Did you not just see what he did to-" "I said back up!" Kevin stepped between the biker and female civilian. "Are you just going to ignore-" "Listen lady, you need to get off of the streets because you're holding up traffic by being in the way and you're stopping me from doing my job." "I am not!" She tried to come back as Kevin's voice grew louder "Either you get onto that sidewalk and back up for the police to work or I will enforce the law onto you too. Get off the road NOW." Kevin ordered as then the female huffed and turned her heel before moving to the sidewalk.

Finally when backup arrived, with the crowds of people leaving, and the streets returning to normal. Kevin walked up to the aggressor sitting on the curb, the girl he had been protecting was driven to the hospital by one of his teammates. Walking over he spoke up "Aye bud, what happened here?" The aggressor growled as he then looked at the bike that was on the ground;. He pointed at it "....E- h-it 'er" "He hit her?" Kevin repeated as the stranger nodded, "So... were you trying to defend the lady?" He asked, understanding the aggressor may have difficulty speaking. The man in fact nodded as Kevin did to, however something that caught his attention was one the smell that came from the man, it smelt like he hadn't had one in a week or longer. Secondly was the cuts on his hand and the hood he had that covered his face. "Hey bud, did he hurt you at all?" The man shook his head, "Did you hurt him?" he shook his head no once more. "May I search you for weapons?" The man paused before nodding and standing up. Kevin had to ignore the small annoyance of how suddenly small he felt compared to this male. He then began to pat him down, finding nothing. Until he touched the man's shoulder, making him grimace. "Are you injured?" The man shook his head and raised his hand "I- f-ine." Kevin then couldn't help but see the scars over his hands, it looked like he underwent some sort of surgical procedure. Opening his mouth to ask another question he paused as he saw the aggressor's face. Scars and a large swollen eye, a cut lip.. "He even- had a dent.. in his forehead. One eye was red- probably because his face was puffy there-" the young girl's voice rang in his ears as he looked at the forehead and surely enough, this man had a dent in his head. He then had a short memory.

Looking down at the file case he looked at the picture the little girl victim drew. A man with his shirt off, but an honestly unsettling man breaking the car window. "It looks like he was going to @ssualt her but this man came in between them." "How awful, I'm glad that she's ok." His fellow officer said "Yes, but this man." He pointed at the 'Frankenstein' "Is missing... and striped pajamas? There's something we need to look into further."

"Scary? How?" "Because- he had many cuts. He looked like Frankenstein." Here he was, right in front of him. Kevin watched his eyes closely before exhaling. "Sir, I'm going to take you into custody. A young girl was kidnapped and you look to be one of the suspects." Surprisingly the giant didn't fight him, he only studied his eyes before turning around with his hands behind his back.

Rachel drove home with a headache, rubbing her brow as she finally pulled up to the tiny home her and Lucy shared. The nurses had concluded that Rachel had a light concussion from the fall. Rachel felt partially annoyed that she had an injury and her body couldn't handle a simple fall. Telling herself to get over it and she was fine she turned off the blue, jeep, rental and as she walked up to her house to let herself in she heard someone call her name. Turning around to see a person walking towards her. "Oh, hello." She walked towards the familiar individual calmly as she felt no need to be on alert. "What are you doing here? Is-" Before Rachel could finish the person in front of her took out a gun "It was your fault- everything is your fault!" Rachel's eyes widened as she quickly grabbed the gun in a manner to disarm her surprising attacker. However the person stepped forward and elbowed Rachel in the face. Her head ringed as her nose scrunched in pain, blood now dripping down her lip. Regardless Rachel stayed strong as she fought with her disciplined mind. Backing up Rachel held onto the arm with the gun as she shoved her forehead into her attacker's forehead. With her other arm she grabbed the attacker's shirt and walked towards the arm with the gun before then dropping to her butt and back as she pulled her attacker down. Wrapping her legs around the attacker's arm, back, shoulder, and head. With one leg she forced the attacker's head down as she then moved the gun away from her face while pinching her knees together and applying pressure to the point she could dislocate the arm from the shoulder socket. The attacker however was able to move and get in between her legs, using one arm to push one leg to the side by the knee and the other leg with their head. Rachel then re-wrapped her legs around the attacker's waist as she kept one hand on the gun and went in to try to do a triangle choke. However as her attacker struggled to breathe, they ripped their hand with the gun away from Rachel's.

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"POP!"

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The gunshot was deafening as Rachel screamed, grabbing a rock nearby she slammed it into her attacker's facer as she kicked them away before also kicking the gun from their hand. Huffing in pain as her abdomen twisted and turned, she held her side as she reached to the side of her boot and drew a pocket knife. Her attacker's head rolled as they crawled for the gun. Getting on top of them Rachel held her knife to their throat as she moved her legs in between theirs and smashed them to the ground with her body weight. Holding their hair up so their head was tightly bent to look at the sky. "STOP IT!" Rachel shouted breathlessly. Her attacker refused and as they went to grab the gun, Rachel knew she couldn't grant them mercy without her life being taken. As much as it pained her heart to do it-

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"STOP IT!"

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"SLICE!"

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Rachel was coughing as she held her attacker's neck and her side, trying to be strong and apply pressure. "Riiiiing." Her phone sang, Rachel fought hard to not cry as she swallowed hard before the phone finally picked up. "911 what's your emergency?" "I-I've been stabbed- no shot. Ah- I've been shot." She grunted in pain. "Where have you been shot?" The dispatcher asked quickly but calmly. "In, my stomach area. I-I took down the attacker, *cough cough* neck is sliced. Need ambulances." "What is your location?" Rachel gave the address as she closed her eyes and breathed, trying to listen to the dispatcher as the world was growing black and colder.

[spookycatholicknight]

Eight Chapter 6:

(The actors for my characters give consent to this 😂)

The sounds of dried, bitter, dead, grass crunched under the weight. A shadow traveled across the quiet place that held no alive residents. Rubbing the fabric to stay warm as fear, pain, sadness, and dark thoughts loomed around. Rachel made her way up the hill, partially hoping it wasn't there, that she was just dreaming. However it's dark and multicolored stone stayed there. Sniffing and rubbing her face she almost dropped to the ground as she gently sat. Looking across from her, it took a few moments to finally speak. "Hi Bruce... I know- it's been a while since we've... talked." Rachel tried her best to not cry, but she couldn't help her still broken heart shed a few tears. "I.... I needed to be with someone so- th-that's why I'm here... with you." Si's tail wagged a little as he was rapidly sniffing the stone. "O-oh! Ha ha.. uhm- this is Si. A dog Lucy found. He's been keeping us safe." Si finally felt contempt after inspecting the grave before walking to Rachel and laying partially on her legs and the grass. Rachel continued to pet him as she spoke. "Thanks- for sending us this lil guy. We surely needed him. Uhm.... Bruce? If- there's any way.. please look after your sister. She needs you. She- she got into a crash and.." Rachel stopped before downing a bottle of water. "She could be slipping into a coma. And- I just need you to protect her. To help give her strength. Please- don't leave her."

On her way home, Rachel fully looked o it the window shield as she drove. The outdoors and nature was gorgeous. Lucy and Rachel had been fortunate enough to find a home to live with only canyon's as their way in and out of town. The tall structures followed by the abundance of trees. It was a great calming drive. As Rachel drove her eyes moved back and forth on the road, watching for any animals. Her window was down bowling her hair and providing air conditioning.

Thank goodness...

Not too long into the drive, Rachel was near the opening of a canyon to get into the valley. When she heard loud explosions. Rachel's green eyes turned white from how far they popped from her head as she looked all around. "What is that?!" Turning off her music she looked for any sign as small rocks began to rain down. Then... she saw it. The cloud of large rocks coming from the sky. Immediately Rachel sped up and took a sharp right. Just as she felt the vehicle about to tip, she was able to smoothly skid like a race car around the curve. Beeping and using her emergancy flashers to try to warn people of the danger. She sped up 30 over the speed limit, hitting the 70's. The rocks came and she had some slam into her arm as she drove. Hissing in pain it only made her enter a different version of her mind. Her eyes narrowed as she was focusing on the challenge. She wasn't going to be scared and back out. She couldn't or she'd get hurt. Driving quickly she watched as the Trees began to sway. Immediately she began to drift before slowly applying the breaks as she curved lot the right once more. The ground began to give and like a chocolate Sunday melting. The grounds began to go and move around her. The hearth shuddered as she scanned the area. The woods were too much for her friend's vehicle to handle. Rachel cursed as she then parked. Opening her small satchel, a bottle of water, along with anything useful she could grab. Before stepping out and ditching the suv. Running, she entered the woods at a quick jog. Adrenaline buzzing through her mind as from behind her the vehicle was swallowed by the large brown coming after her.

Miles of the chase continued but finally the landslide slowed down. Enough for Rachel to continue ahead of it. Her lungs were veining as she coughed a bit, feeling grateful she didn't give up her football routine. However... now she had to figure out how to get back to the town. Looking to her left as that was the original direction to the town- North West. She sighed before turning and tracking along her journey.

Black... everything was black.. the smell of heavy smoke filled her nose as she felt the larger hands throw her body down. "No- please-" she cried, her eyes swollen from crying all day. "Shhh... you're ok. With me.. you're safe. I'll make sure I take Good care of You." The deep voice of her kidnapper spoke. The male stroked her hair before then pulling it. "Please stop." The girl shivered as she rubbed her arms.

The car was parked in the middle of the canyons. Miles away from people.. miles away from the normal hiking areas. Nobody would hear them out here since it was very early morning. Then- when he was satisfied, he's take out the trash. All the screaming and fighting would go in vain he thought, because nobody could save his little bird.

As the foggy, dark, cold, damp, day began. A life began to flicker and dim. The sounds of animals sleeping was silent compared to the car as there was kicking and a struggle. But the noise caught one's attention. The barren naked trees couldn't hide the vehicle. Loud raspy breaths escaped from the split pair of lips. Hot but small clouds left his scared (scar) face. A small scream ripped into the air, his ears twitched as he began to walk. His heavy steps began to grow faster as a guttural noise swelled within his body, ready to jump out. Running faster and faster. As the little girl let out a truly frightful scream, a roar of anger and fury left his throat. Slamming into the car using his side the whole vehicle rocked. A startled noise came from the man who froze as he looked at the face of a humanoid beast. Roaring, the male then began to fly a series of jabs. He Was going to break this window. He Wasn't going to let anyone escape. He watched as the man from the other side fumbled with something- a gun. Through his swollen eye he could recognize the barrel of it. He heaved a breath before dropping into a sumo squat. His large, calloused, hands reached underneath. The car's metals groaned as it then began to lift to it side. Breathing hard the man shouted before throwing the car onto its right side.

The little girl screamed harder as she fell, thankfully she was able to rip off the bag from her face. The glass which shattered cut her small arms. But using her wits she cut her ropes before carefully climbing to the front of the turned car and through the shattered front window. Her instincts screamed to run- ESCAPE! She listened as she army crawled out to safety.

"AGHHH?! GET AWAY FROM ME!" The cowardly kidnapper screamed as he tried to find his gun as a distorted human's face bore back to him through the darkness of the early morning. His head in the car, through the broken side door's window as his grip began to bend the metal. His teeth gritting in pure rage as he then grabbed the door handle to open the now trap of metal. However as he pulled back- he had managed to rip off the door handle. The kidnapper's eyes widened harder as he panicked and froze. Never had he in his adult life been prey before... it's why he went after children and women. They weren't nearly as hard to fight compared to another man.

Grabbing the door from the inside, the beast of a qman ripped open the door and dove after the other man. "NO NO!!" The kidnapper screamed, as under his armpit he was grabbed before dragged and thrown out of the vehicle. Looking up there he could see his gun was. Quickly he scrambled and grabbed his gun. Rolling into his back as the beast ran at him. He raised his gun before shooting multiple times with his happy trigger. The beast shouted ad his shoulder was shot, however that did not deter his determination. Even as his cheek was grazed. Quickly the beast pulled back and ripped off the car door which barely hung on. Using it as a shield he ran and jumped into the man lying on the floor. The sounds of a loud grunt and coughing let the beast know his hit landed. Tossing the car door to the side the beast grabbed the kidnapper who was out of air. Picking him up by his shoulders as he snarled at him.

The little girl quickly got up as she heard the fighting. However the sound of gunshots made her drop down to the ground and cover her head. Breathing heavy she felt curiosity get the best of her as she looked over. Watching as her attacker was the victim this time as he bent in half with a loud cracking noise before he dripped to the floor. Screaming in utter pain and passing out. Her face drained of color as she knew how her kidnapper fell was not normal, it was like jello falling from a spoon. The 2nd and more aggressive male heaved as he looked up as the body squirmed under him. Taking a step with one barefoot as his other held a slipper. The little girl felt her mind buzz with thousands of thoughts, all the crime shows her mother watched entered her mind. This- this man was a Real Monster. Much more of a danger and threat to her existence than the last guy. As the male walked closer he reached down and began to take off his shirt- just like the kidnapper. Feeling absolutely terrified, the girl began to cry. The feeling of hope left her body, this was the end. This would be how she would die.

Ethan rubbed his eyes tiredly, graves shift was No Joke. Looking up at the clock he saw it was 4am. Sighing he looked back at his computer. Sweat dripping from his forehead, worry plagued his heart. A sweet young girl, 10 in age. She had been kidnapped a day or two earlier. Whoever was behind this had a too coincidental timing with the sudden explosions of the mountains. However if her kidnapper left earlier that week... that meant the police would not be able to find her.. or have an extremely slim chance. "I need to find her-" he mumbled as he just felt terrible with the uncertainty. Sarah was just a sweet, innocent, child. Anyone who preys on children should pay he thought. However the sound of knocking had him freeze as he quickly looked at the security cameras. His eyes widened as he ran to the door. Surely, as he opened the door, there the little girl stood. Yawning and rubbing her eyes as she was sitting on the floor. With an extremely large, dirty, pajama, shirt wrapped cozily around her small body. One sleeve had a rip on the shoulder, However there she was, her face cleaned. Her hair done in a small braid to keep it out of her face. One of her arms had a makeshift bandage as well as she had pine sap on all her other cuts.

Ethan and the other officers were shocked by this- but what made them even more surprised was the crumpled body next to her. Her kidnapper who was squirming and whining. "I can't feel them- I can't feel my legs-" he cried as he was tied up with parts of seatbelts that was knotted together. The officers immediately ran both of the people to the hospital. Surely enough the kidnapper was paralyzed, from the shoulder blades down. He wouldn't be able to hurt anyone else as it had turned out he was an illegal immigrant who had 13 s3x offends against young women, had committed an armed robbery on the streets, as well as a small record of drug possession. The officers and Sarah's family was extremely grateful that the young girl was safe and sound.

After the girl was checked and had no real injuries thank goodness. A female officer walked in and smiled softly to the girl. "Hi honey. Can you tell me- how you ended up at the station?" Sarah looked up with her blue eyes, she nodded "It was the scary man." "Scary? How?" "Because- he had many cuts. He looked like Frankenstein." "Ok" the female officer nodded, trying gently to get information out of the girl about who this man was. "How big were his cuts?" Sarah pointed to the back of her toy bear's neck- running her finger down his whole spine. As well as tracing out cuts on his head, arms, legs, his upper lip, and so on. "He even- had a dent.. in his forehead. One eye was red- probably because his face was puffy there-" the officer nodded further "ok- did this man- hurt you?" "No, he carried me here. He was scary but nice. He did my hair." The officer nodded "How did he save you?" "He- threw the car." "The car?" The officer repeated shocked, nodding the girl continued "He was- really mad. He- he looked like a monster behind the glass.." the girl said a bit shakily. Her hand moving as she held a pencil. The officer looked down at the picture with her eyes widening. It seems- the man still had a rough imprint on the child as the picture she drew- wasn't a friendly one. However the second picture had the officer pause...

[spookycatholicknight]

Eight. Chapter 5 PT2:

Kevin's eyes flickered as he looked at Elijah and did his best to remain calm. 'Remember your promise Makgo Kevin. Remember your promise.' He told himself and gently pushed off Elijah's foot. Elijah's eyes narrowed as he studied the blonde with cold eyes. "You're awfully calm... did you forgive me too?" Kevin then turned off his recording device and stood up as he fought his trembling wrath within. "Oh come on. We weren't old friends for nothing. I told you what you wanted. Now you tell me what I wan- AYE?!" Kevin couldn't help but slam a thick book into the criminal's face. Not as hard as he would've liked- but enough to be satisfied. "Ugh- what the?!" "It's the Bible- maybe it'll help your sorry face more than it did for me." "... wait- you're-" Elijah's eyes widened as Kevin then took out a rosary he wore around his neck. "Catholic. Been this way for 8 years now." Kevin let go of the cross as it tapped against his vest. "Maybe if you turn to the spirit of truth, justice, and love. You'd learn how to save yourself." Kevin then turned as he walked out the door. "BAHAHAHAA!! Of Kevs! *inhale* You haven't changed one bit! Ahahahas!" Elijah laughed as the Kevin rolled his eyes 'At least he's laughing. Ugh- sorry... Lord.. I let my anger get the best of me.' Kevin apologized to God as he closed the door. "See ya- Elijah." He said before walking away. The information he needed was his now.

A tap on Kevin's shoulder had him pause as something made his chin turn. His eyes caught onto the large metal doors...

"Ok I'll see you!" Lucy cooed as she walked to the door wearing a white crop top with blue jeans, her hair pulled up in a ponytail. "Stay safe girly! Let me know if you need anything ok?" Rachel said, feeling concerned for her friend who just got over her sickness. "I will!" Lucy waved as she excitedly left the small house to meet her date outside.

The feeling of wind hitting the large, black, jacket on the girl was freeing. Her arms wrapped around a firm torso as her date made the motorcycle drive faster. Lucy leaned her face into his back, feeling full from the wonderful and lovely dinner she had with him. 'This. This is perfect. I'm not alone- finally have an exploring buddy-' *BEEP BEEP!* Lucy jumped hard as the semi truck driver they were next to honked its horn. The truck then took a hard left towards the two. Lucy couldn't help but let out a shout of fear as she hurried her face into the male's back. The sounds of the following events screamed within Lucy's ears...

Tires screeched and skidded as the sounds of honking and a man's shouts ripped in the adrenaline flooded air. Lucy screamed as she felt the bike jerking and she could hear loud crashing. Slamming into the larger vehicle her body was forced backwards as she desperately tried to stay forward with no seat belt's help. The sound of a crunch  echoed within her ears as then the sound of hot liquid coated the vehicle's side. Sliding and skidding under the cutting and unforgiving road. Its black ground, turning into fire and knives slicing her skin. Her bones screaming as parts of her did not feel normal anymore. Only until she hit her head did she hear the real sound of her body being hurt by the blood pressure in her ears inflamed from pain. Slowly she lifted her kinked neck, trying to pull a knee up to her chest to push herself upright. Lucy felt her whole body aching terribly from what happened. Her hair smelt burns as many cuts and scrapes covered her arms.

Bright orange embers flew around Lucy as she turned shakily, panting. Desperately her lungs trying to find the air that was all around, yet the atmosphere irrationally phobic towards her. Her throat felt as if it became a tiny, thin, coffee, straw from the cafe. Turning as she saw the ashes, orange and yellows dancing, the crimson red covering, splattered, upon many surfaces like a toddler had too much fun with red crayons and paint. The female trembled as she saw the mangled, crushed, unrecognizable heap caught in the tires. The gray and frosting-like tissue on the ground... "ugh, uUgH, UUUAAAAAAAAAH!" Her vocals straining, nearly ripping as she screamed out the tragedy. "Hey! Hey! Lucy! Lucy!" The sounds of someone couldn't reach her mind as Lucy kept screaming. Her body shaking harder than a level 8 earthquake. Arms wrapped around Lucy as she weeped. Something shook her as tears rolled down her face. Little did she know that she couldn't see from her peripheral. As then everything became black and her body became limp.

"Ok yes, I'm on my way. In almost up the hill-" Rachel said into the phone shakily as she sped 10 over the speed limit to get to the hospital. Nearly flooring it as she finally made it to the lighten up building. On the other side of the line was Lucy's mother who was notified of the crash. Rachel quickly parked her friend's suv before getting out, locking it, and sprinting inside. There she found Lucy's mother in tears as she was watching from afar the ambulance rushing in.

Emilia did not let anyone stop her from getting to her baby. Not even her husband who got into a fight with her about being dramatic and needing to leave the professionals alone. Rachel sat outside the room. Nearly falling asleep as she rubbed her head. Her phone let out a loud buzz, but she wouldn't check. As if her phone stared a symphony, other's phones began to go off. "Could this night get any worse?" She asked herself, ready to cry as she was praying and hoping her friend would be ok. Anyone who was in the crash to be ok.

The accident was all over the news. Boulders from the mountains next to the free way had managed to come crumbling down. The semi truck tried to avoid the road's newfound obstacles. Thank goodness however the truck was only hauling goods from the stores like fruits and vegetables. Nothing flammable. However it didn't help Lucy's state. After her head injury, Lucy had a terrible concussion. Almost slipping into a coma but barely hanging on. Her face was bruised, her neck was in a cast. Most of her body was as well. It would take months for the girl to be able to heal. Possibly days before she could speak, if not longer. In the end, it was Emilia and Rachel sleeping with Lucy in her hospital room... as the news on the TV continued in the background.

(Sorry this took a while- got busy with other projects and wasn't sure how to have Elijah interrogated... anyway have a good day.)

[spookycatholicknight]

Eight Chapter 5 PT1:

The TV was bubbling with gossip and information as the news played. "The reports of missing pets has been answered. The watershed located in Cotton Wood's Town had a sewage line breakage. However the news reporter wouldn't state the facts correctly. Saying the incident was due to erosion furthermore due to the global warming issue. Or even using it as some sort of example of hate crime. The woman honestly annoyed Rachel who gritted her teeth. Before turning off the tv.

(I didn't have much to write for that first paragraph tbh- it didn't go like I planned)

As the teacher walked around handing out papers to the students. He stopped next to Rachel before taking the bottom page from the stack and putting it on her desk. Rachel didn't think much of it as he walked away until she pulled the first page of the packet there was a small sticky note. 'Stay after class. I need to talk with you.' Rachel felt her insides quiver. 'Is this because I have a B- in class?' She wondered as she knew Mr Makgo did not like having anyone failing class or having less than a B in his class. Even as a part time teacher he was a very responsible teacher and demanded discipline from his students while he had them.

Nervousness was a constant source within Rachel as the minutes dragged and she did her best not to worry about her grades. Yet the not rational side of her mind would not let it go that she was in trouble. Finally class ended and she packed up while everyone left. Mr Makgo then walked over to Rachel before moving the chair from the desk in front of her back before he sat down. Looking at her seriously he spoke. "You work for Cotton Wood's Mental Institution right?" Rachel paused 'What does he want to know about that for?' Rachel nodded honestly, the teacher nodded as well "Ok. Is your work open for visitors? Or is there a way to set up an appointment?" "Not at the moment with the patient who ran away and is all over the news." Mr Makgo sighed before Rachel spoke up once more "Why is it you want to visit the facility?" Mr go's intimidating blue eyes looked up at Rachel as he thought for a moment then spoke in a softer tone. "I need to speak with Elijah Kinari. He's the only one who knows more information about the escaped patient. Besides the guards who won't give me any information." Rachel looked shocked as to how little she now knew of her teacher. Instantly Mr Makgo read her confusion and reached inside his collar, pulling out a chain where a police officer's badge was attached on the end. "I'm a full time officer. I just teach as a side job." "Is it so you can catch possibly college students who are criminals?" Her teacher nodded "I'm glad you're that smart. Anyway- I need to talk with Elijah. He may be my only key in all this." Rachel paused and tilted her head "But he's mentally insane-" "He's sane enough for me to talk to." "May I ask how you'd know?" Rachel felt more confused as to how this officer had more information and possible insight than her. "I've- dealt with him before. In the reason he's in there." Rachel's eyes widened as her teacher sighed and rubbed the side of his neck a little. The tall collar of his shirt hid the dark scar on the side of his neck which she could see traced around to the front of his neck. Officer Makgo then sighed and looked at Rachel with softer eyes, almost begging her with them. "Please? I'm in a rough spot and I need to find this individual so he doesn't harm anyone. And to keep my reputation intact." Rachel then nodded, taking the chance of losing her job for a good reason.

Boots hit the floor of the mental institution as Ryan adjusted his best and continued to walk. "So just curious detective. How do you know this guy?" Officer Kevin Magko grumbled "He did pretty bad stuff 5 years ago. Before that some minor but not exempt from evil things." Ryan rose a brow. "Like-?" "Killing animals." Ryan exhaled "That's terrible- how could anyone do that?" Kevin looked at all the cells "Because we all have evil within us. Evil and comfort is easier to choose than the troubles of being good." Ryan nodded before stopping. "Here he is. Do you need anything else from me?" Kevin shook his head as Ryan opened the door. Stepping into the padded room. Across from him he saw the large figure he hadn't seen in years. His dark, long, black, hair dangling down from his face as he had his head down. Kevin walked in as Elijah's head raised, he froze as his darker blue eyes widened.

"When are you going to say something you dick?" Elijah growled as Kevin stood across from him, leaned against the wall with his arms crossed. "I can't think of anything nice to say to you." Kevin finally said. Elijah rolled his eyes "That's pretty normal for you isn't it? Just say it, you can't piss me off anyway." "Fine. So I see someone kicked your butt and escaped before you. I thought you said you'd be the first one to escape from here?" Kevin cut right into the matter which he could see got on Elijah's nerves as his swollen eye twitched. "You look terrible. Want to tell me what happened?" Elijah growled "Why would I tell you anything?" Kevin shrugged "I'm just giving you a chance-" "A CHANCE?! BAHAAHAHAAA!! Ooh dog! What happened to you? Did you get soft? Usually you'd be throwing me through walls and attacking me like a badger on meth by now-" "I want information as to who beat your face in-" Kevin interrupted. "I'm not going to play your sadistic games Elijah. Tell me so you can redeem yourself." Elijah's face hardened with shock, shame, then anger as he sneered. "I don't have to tell you what happened." Kevin looked at his old friend in the eyes, searching for any hints. Before then turned and began to walk away. Elijah couldn't help but hang his mouth open ajar. Had his friend changed this much? Elijah was so ready to break Kevin by teasing him and ripping away any leads or information. But it seemed Kevin wasn't the kind to waste his emotion or time any longer. Kevin stopped at the door and turned to Elijah's frozen body. "This is the last time I'll see you in here. And- Helen wanted to say she forgives you for what you did." Elijah's eyes couldn't widen any more before he spoke up as Kevin began to step out. "Wait- how is she?" "... Better, now that you're in here." Kevin spoke quietly. "But- with this broken out patient.. she's thinking it's too dangerous to stay." Elijah felt his throat crack as he spoke up "I-I'll tell you.. for Helen.. and- any poor girl that bastard attacks." Kevin looked back to Elijah, seeing his twisted face of defeat and worry came across him. It seemed the beast had a soft spot for his last victim.

"I don't know who he is but I've never seen him before." Elijah started as Kevin was recording their conversation as well as taking notes. "He must've been a newbie. Always twitching and mumbling to himself- more like a tweaker instead of a scitzo. Anyway the guy had some nasty cuts on his face and body. More than- what I've seen." "Did they look self inflicted, or from someone else in self defense?" Elijah shook his head to Kevin's question. "No no- they were precise. Except for his cut lip that shows off some of his gums and teeth with his mouth closed. Everything else looked medical- his hair.. it was weird- looked like he had a buzz but and was trying to grow it out." Kevin nodded, "His height and weight?" "Uh- I'd estimate around 6'3 230-240. But maybe smaller cause he wasn't fat man. He was buff- real buff and ripped dude. He was and I hate to admit it.. he matched my strength. Might be stronger than me- or you.." Kevin paused, his workouts were quite intense... if a male who was bigger and bulkier than him- that meant a lot more trouble for the capturing. He didn't doubt his old friend as Elijah was pretty buff even in this mental prison. Whilst Kevin was lean for speed, agility, and endurance reasons. Plus seeing how someone could mess up Elijah's face so well... this was real trouble. Thank goodness for guns. "And- his eye color?" "Bloodshot red. That's why I think he's a junkie. Bur he's definitely not a normal junkie." "So how did he attack you?" Kevin looked up "Well-" Elijah sighed "I called someone a b****-" "Elijah-" Kevin growled "Aye man you curse all the time so I don't want to hear it... or at least you used to." Elijah grumbled "Anyway. I called a lunch lady a B because she didn't give me my usual serving and dropped it on the counter. I got annoyed cause you'd think a lady would at least know how to serve." Kevin cocked an eyebrow as his eyes grew darker. "But- the guy then shoved and barked at me. I couldn't quite make out what he said because his words were slurred. I think he was telling me not to call her the b-word. And- my cocky as-" Kevin's brow raised more as Elijah went to swear again but stopped. "Pride. Got in the way. I then went to confront the guy but strangely enough he was in the back seats. By himself, looking down. His scared up hands were trebling as one of them was reaching behind his head. I opened my smart mouth to say something when I noticed blood on the table on a napkin. The dude was taking out metal stitches from the back of his head!" Elijah then exhaled in an aggravated manner. "I was just trying to help him- told him to knock it off. He'd hurt himself. But I must've aggravated him too much. Cause then- woof." Elijah sighed "It turned into a dog fight. The guy tackled me but wasn't as much of a boxer like you or me. Still- have me a good jump when he tossed me so easily. He even rammed me into the lunchroom tables and broke quite a few." Kevin watched Elijah's emotions very carefully as he imagined the scene. Elijah was pissed to say the least, someone taking in his 6'2, 236, boulder shouldered size. Whilst giving him a good beating, any man's ego and pride would be hurt. "Oh man- when I went to grab his neck he did some judo move on me. Finally the nurses stepped in after he broke my nose. I was soo- ready to throw away all my progress and die that day if it just meant I beat him. After that- been stuck in here with a straight jacket. I haven't seen the guy since." "His words... can you try to say what he did?" Elijah let out a grunt. "Something along the lines of... dun crawl mphffff hurl a bigch." Kevin paused as his brows twitched. "Huh-" "I know." Elijah agreed. "And- you said his scars were precise? Like a surgery?" Elijah nodded then leaned closer. "But Kevs... they weren't normal. It went all the way from-" Elijah then lifted his foot to the back of Kevin's head as his toe then dragged down his neck to his back. "All the way down here from what I can tell... someone carved him real good. And better than what I did to you."

[spookycatholicknight]

Eight Chapter 4 PT2:

Quickly she took out her phone, coughing through thew smell. "Lucy?! Lucy! Hey you need to call dispatch. Get an officer out here to the watersheds *Cough Cough*." "What's going on?" "I can't explain right now-" Rachel heaved as she picked up the small, poisoned dog as it was reacting badly to whatever toxins it had eaten. Si was barking madly as he tried to run for home, tugging on Rachel who was trying to run with the dog in her arms. "And call a vet! There's a dog! Its dying! We could still save it! But whatever you do, don't drink the water!" A voice that sounded to be underwater and echoing spoke through the phone. "Rachel? Rach I Can't understan you.... hear me?" "DON'T DRINK THE WATER! WATER BAD WATER BAD!" Rachel shouted at the night air as her phone was in a pocket tucked away while she ran.

As Rachel quickly jogged home, she felt awful as the poor animal in her arms continued to suffer. Its body working against itself as she just tried to run. Thinking if she wasn't fast enough, and didn't get lost. Then the animal would make it, Si continued to tug on the two. His whines made it apparent he was worried for the other dog as well. As she continued to move she saw lights in the distance, red, blue. Oh thank goodness! The police! She grinned a little bit as she jumped over logs and ran to the house. Outside she saw Lucy sitting on their porch and talking to an officer. "HEEYY!" She yelled as she saw another one pop up from the woods near her. "HELP! He- he's been poisoned!"

One of the police officers had put the poisoned dog in his vehicle and took the dog immediately to a vet's building. While the one who was talking to Lucy called for further back up. 2 more officers showed up as they then followed Rachel back to where the sewage line she discovered was broke. While Si, Lucy, and another officer stayed behind at the house. The staying behind officer then patrolled around the house to make sure it was ok. Having Lucy stay inside to stay out of the cold weather of the night. Looking for any evidence as to who the culprit could have been. Afterwards Rachel came back home to then give the officers any last bit of information she could. An officer then gave her a warning which chilled Rachel's core. "You girls should be careful, especially at night. Its a good thing you've got a dog around. Because we've had calls about a peeping tom." Rachel's wide eyes nodded as she felt not needing to sleep that night, "Do you guys know what he looks like?" The officer shook his head "No, sadly civilians haven't been able to giv us a good description of him yet. Have you seen the mental patient who escaped on the news yet?" Rachel nodded "I actually work there so I know about it." Clicking his tongue the officer continued "Ah gotcha. Yeah we haven't been able to find him yet. Within this past week we're thinking he must be around town by now. Unless he's lost in the forest. He's a main suspect. But if you see anything else, give us a call. We'd be more than happy to help." Rachel grinned "Thank you officer. Have a good night." "Yes, you too. Both of you two stay safe." The officers then headed back into the contaminated water area. Going back into the house, Rachel looked at Lucy who was asleep on the couch and still had a high fever. "We're gonna need to take you to the doctors..."

The next day, Rachel had taken Lucy to the hospital to see a medic. Thank all that is good as Lucy did not have any accidents. The doctors were able to see Lucy had been dealing with a serious case of food poisoning. Most likely caused by the feces contaminated water, however luckily all the soda she had been drinking had helped kill the harmful substances within her body. Lucy even was feeling better which made both girls relieved. One of the first things after getting home which Rachel did was buying gallons of water for the girls to prevent anymore sickness. Looking out the window as Si stood and looked out the glass door. Rachel was wondering for how long has She and Lucy been watched? Had they been watched? Who... what pushed someone to do this?

[spookycatholicknight]

Eight Chapter 4 PT1:

Rachel was walking from her campus to her vehicle to get to work. She felt a little tired but the buzz of caging would surely kick in soon. Sooon, what a funny word she now thought after the TV show she had watched spoke of the word. As she walked she heard someone shouting her name. Turning she saw Mark stumbling towards her. Panting hard as he finally made it over to her, the stink of dirt and onions reeked from the not recently showered individual. "Hey-" she said as he stood up and smiled "Hi Rachel. What you doing today?" "Going to work." Rachel responded a bit coldly. "Ah gotcha, uhm I was wondering if you like movies?" "No not really. Books are more interesting." "Oh yeah, I like books. What ones do you like. "Books about self improvement and the Bible." Mark paused and nodded as his smile dropped a little "Oh.. ok. Uhm... how about sports?" Rachel shrugged "They're fine." "You played football in Highschool though right?" Rachel begrudgingly nodded, anger easily festered and spread within her. Something about this guy didn't make her feel the need to be nice to him. It was a nasty feeling of being hostile which now lurked within her, she wasn't sure why, she just felt extremely annoyed. Man was it almost that time again? She probably needed some midol so she didn't rip off the patient's head at the mental hospital next. 'Stay calm, be nice, you're just over reacting.' She said to herself as the boy stepped closer. "I like sports too. I get discounts from being a ref." Rachel felt herself about to lose it, or was just SOMETHING about this guy getting so close, his smell, and just something else that made her so upset. She felt more so mad that she was so easily affected by such minor things. Until it popped into her head 'Is.. he hitting on me?' She felt much more confused as Mark blabbered on about the Inca the two were interested in. Finally she put up a hand "Hey Mark. I think there's been some confusion. I'm not not interested. But I wish you a good day." Rachel did her best to bite her curses back and speak nicely. Mark paused as he looked at her confused "But- come on I'm a manly man. Don't you want that? I can bench press 800 pounds." 'Yeah because you carry 300 on you already-" a thought said in her head. Rachel shook her head "You're a- nice friend. But that's all I see you as." Mark then puffed his cheeks and got a bit closer "Come on, my dog and you have the same name. I'd be a great baby daddy for you." Rachel then stepped forward and got into the males space, her head up high as she had a serious expression in her eyes. "No, have a good life. I wish you the best." She then turned however before she could leave Mark spurted up "W-wait! I'm sorry. That- this was unnecessary of me." Looking over her shoulder she saw Mark looking down. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have been pushy. Especially after Bruce.." Rachel tensed upon hearing the name once more. "It's- ok... we can be friends but.. I'm not interested in anyone anymore." Mark nodded "If you need anything, I'd like to help." He held out his hand for her to shake while his eyes were on hers in a softer tone. "Have a good day." Rachel looked at his hand then up to him and gave him a firm handshake, feeling the softer flesh of his hands. "You too." She spoke and got into her vehicle, locking it before then driving off while rubbing on some hand sanitizer. Her hands shaking, she felt like strangling Mark. Huffing her chest she let out a slow breath. "Manly my butt, manly men work on themselves." She growled to herself as she remembered Bruce.

Bruce worked physically and mentally on himself. He joined football for fun and to challenge himself. He would tell her his flaws as well as plans to execute those flaws. The two then both tried better together to get rid of their problems within themselves. A mass sermon Rachel went to had stuck out to her.

"If you give siblings the same toy, one each. They will end up fighting over one, even if it's the same thing. If Jesus came from heaven and gave everyone what they wanted. The Jews freedom from Rome. The hurt to be healed completely. The poor riches beyond riches. It wouldn't fix their problems and make peace. It would make everyone fight still. Instead, to fix the outside you can't give everyone everything they want. The best way to fix the world is to is to fix the insides of yourself." As one person Rachel had listened to on a podcast, the man named Jordan Peterson said "Investigate the worst parts of yourself. The stupid things you do that makes hell bigger. Then think of one thing that you should change, that you would change." After listening to the people she followed to become a better warrior in life. She noticed how much happier, free-er, and clean she felt. It made her feel more so proud of her actions. And that is what losers like Mark needed to understand, instead of sulking and crying about their problems. Condemning others for their faults. They needed to search inside themselves, and truly want to make a change. Nobody could convince them, only they could save themselves.

As Rachel came to the mental institution to take up her shift. The night was quiet as she continued to walk around on patrol. Until the sound of banging then caught Rachel's attention. Walking down the empty hallway she took out her flashlight and had a hand over her taser as a last minute need. Peering into a patient room she looked and then saw the cause of the noise. Thomas, a 30 year old man who was on the exteeeme side of autism. Not to mention all the other mental issues he had caught after being abused in his family. Checking the rest of the room Rachel then opened the door and walked inside. "Hey bud, whatcha doing here?" She asked sweetly as she saw the man hitting his head against the wall. Looking at him up and down he was in a straight jacket, followed by his patient's pajamas. "I thought you were supposed to be in your padded cell-" she said confusedly as she gently pulled the man away, cooing to him to help him remain calm. Clearly he was upset and looked at her and was mumbling and grunting things. He had a bruise on his forehead from the pounding wall. But what she noticed looking down was the straight jacket wasn't on properly...

"Hey Ryan?" Ryan's eyes widening before he walked over swiftly but calmly. "Rachel- and Thomas Radsmon. What is the matter?" "Thomas wasn't in his normal cell. And, he is in a straight jacket." Ryan nodded as the two then gently took the man and walked him down the hallway. "Alright then let's get you back to your room." The blonde spoke as they walked Thomas down a hallway through a door which had separated part of the mental hospital from the rest of the building. Rachel looked around as being a female she wasn't allowed to work down here, at least without a male partner. The reason being was because this was where more of the violent and dangerous mental patients were. Ryan quite literally had claw marked scars on his neck, forehead, and eye from a couple of patients. Not to mention his partially disfigured nose from it being broken from a particular patient who wasn't a pleasant one as he had a terrible mood. With guns not being allowed in this mental hospital. It meant the great equalizer for men and women were off the table protection wise. Walking down Rachel stood tall to show she wasn't intimidated, looking in each cell she saw people in all sorts of versions of their own hell.

The gazes of some people made Rachel feel rather sad for their distraught eyes. However one inmate was staring hard at her. His dark blue eyes, his pale skin and jet, black hair framed his face. However his eyes were swollen and black like the bruises around his face. Mike walked on the side where intimidating man stood "Hey Elijah. You doing good?" A hard scoff and growl came as his hoarse voice spoke "What do you think? It's hell in here." Rachel's brows rose a bit as to how sound the male spoke. Ryan nodded as they continued to walk. "Who's the girl? She isn't allowed here right?" "Worry about yourself." Mike glared as Elijah smirked with sharp teeth. Finally they came to a empty cell. Looking at the back of Thomas's uniform Ryan nodded. "This should be the place. The two then carefully took him into the cell. Carefully taking off the straight jacket that was crappily put on him by someone inexperienced. "Do you have any new people?" "Besides you? No, you're the youngest and newest here. You've been here for.. 3 months right?" "9. 9 months." Ryan whistled "Nice. Glad to have you on the team." Rachel chuckled "Yeah? The team of R-named people?" Ryan nodded and looked at Rachel "You can be R number 1." Rachel rolled her eyes playfully before they let Thomas out. Walking out they closed the door and looked around. "I'm not sure how.. but he shouldn't have been down in the female's side of things. Let alone out of his padded cell.... And in a straight jacket. Thomas has been good for us so far-" Rachel shrugged as she looked to the side where she saw a large, metal, door. Leaning forward as one of her foots lifted, Ryan's hand then caught her before he shook his head. "Lower leveled staff can't go down there. You and me aren't allowed." Rachel nodded before stepping back, looking at the rooms down and around. 177 caught her eye, it had a couple scratches on the outside. The smell of stinky funk came from the door. She couldn't help but feel curious for who was in there. Everyone's stories of who, how, and why these people were here. "Come on. This isn't a place we should be alone at." Rachel nodded before the two began to walk away. A taller and heavier man walked past with another shorter and poked out stomach man walked down. "Hey guys ." "Hey Rachel." They said as the two buddies of Ryan walked past.

"So how'd Elijah get hurt?" "Not sure, front end shift said another patient and him got into a fight." Rachel rose a brow. "That's why they're both in padded cells. We don't know the big guy so we'll. But he kicked the crud outta Elijah." "Elijah?" Rachel's eyes widened with shock. Ryan confirmed with a small nod "Yeah I was shocked too. Elijah lost a tooth, broke a nose that's why his eyes are blue. Darn well furious about it too. Couldn't stop talking to his shadow of how he was going to attack and kill the big guy." "Who is.. Big Guy?" Ryan shrugged, "Front shift didn't tell me anything but when I came here. I poked around and didn't see anyone here that fit his description." Rachel looked back at the doors to the padded cells. "Do you think... or I mean what do you think is beyond the metal doors?" Ryan looked over in the same direction and scoffed, talking quietly he spoke. "I've been down there. With my supervisor. Heard something about noises down there so we went to check it out but only found some raccoons." "Down there?" Ryan nodded "There's a set of stairs that lead 2 levels under the building. People say that it's where more of their worse patients went. As well as were testing a happened." Rachel felt herself quite intrigued and leaning in to hear more. Her curiosity buzzing excitedly. Only until her supervisor walked over. Ryan stood up straight "Sorry Sir, I was keeping her from her job. It's my fault-" "No worries, I don't care that much. Just figured I'd come and patrol around here myself." Ryan then waved goodbye to Rachel before walking away. Leaving Rachel to talk to her supervisor about what had happened earlier with Thomas.

It only was a few nights after the incident that things got even more strange. More and more posters of missing pets posted around the town. However it was quite small to the incident at the mental hospital. Red and blue lights filled the courtyard of the building. "I was just in my normal Shift. Walking around until I heard Ryan on my walkie talkie speaking quickly. Something about someone out of their cell. Until I heard glass break. Since I was on his side of the building I didn't hesitate to run out the doors and run into the woods. I looked around while other guards ran out with their flashlights everywhere. I stayed quiet and didn't use mine. But I never seen him escape." It was all over the news as to how a patient had escaped the mental institution. However nobody knew who it was, upper management was quiet and wouldn't give any information. Front end shift claimed they didn't know. Luckily their supervisors granted them access to the camera's tapes. Pointing at a window Ryan spoke "Look, that's where he jumped out." "Man's rolled on the ground like a ninja after jumping from the 2nd floor. Dang." "Yeah and look how easily he is climbing the fences." Rachel's brows furrowed, seeing the individual was a large man who didn't even seem bothered by the barbed wire at the top of the fence before jumping, dropping, rolling and running again. "He's don't this before clearly, otherwise he'd have hurt himself." Ryan nodded "That's big guy alright. Even if nobody will tell us." He put his hands on his hips as Rachel watched again the scene. Thoughts ran through her head. 'How much of a threat is this guy? How did he so easily dash past everyone and escape like nothing? Who is this guy?'

It was frustrating for the police as well as they didn't even know what the man looked like very well. They had their dogs out and searching but the large amounts of forest surrounding the area. Made it a very difficult task to find the missing patient in deed. A few days later when Rachel came home Lucy was sleeping in her bed. Saying she didn't feel well. As Rachel was cooking some chicken noodle soup, she noticed Si was growling while looking out the door. Looking out to where he looked she walked over and stared out the door, having carefully pulled part of the blinds down so it's was harder for something outside to see her. However as she looked out, she didn't see anything. Part of her imagined a person standing outside and watching her. The mental patient too perhaps? Shaking her head as she didn't want to get paranoid. Rachel then put the soup to the side, yawning as she was sleep deprived and running in 4 -5 hours of sleep. The girl took some Excedrin before climbing the stairs and sitting on her bed. Sighing she took out her note book and looked at her laptop. Typing on it and taking notes as she wanted to stay ahead of her school project.

The sounds of shouting had Rachel shake her move a little as she slept. The noises of gagging grew louder as then there was a terrible shout. Rachel's eyes snapped open as she then jumped out of bed. 'BOOM!' "Agh?!" Rachel barked as she dropped onto her back. Hissing in pain she rubbed her head, having forgotten about her room having only a crawling height ceiling. Her vision was blurred as her head felt like a fish bowl with water inside. Turning to one side she felt her head slosh to that side as she then clambered and crawled to the stairs.

Lucy continued to hurl chunks into the toilet, holding on desperately. Her stomach was not her friend as this point of the day. She felt her head hot, her body cold. All her strength having been stripped from her leaving her a shaking, tired, mess. The sounds of footsteps rushing towards her brought her some comfort. "Lu?! Lucy! Are you ok?" Rachel said loudly as she ran to her and grabbed the back of Lucy's hair. Holding it up and rubbing her back. It's ok. Take your time. I'm here for you. I'm with you."

The day was miserable for Lucy to say in the least. Shd to rush to the bathroom every hour for 10 hours out of the day. Unable to hold even water down. Gatorade and sprite was the only thing she could consume. Rachel sat on the floor next to Lucy. Monitoring her, keeping her friend propped up in more of a sitting up position. Studying quietly next to her and occasionally rubbing the bump on her forehead. Rachel did her best to keep Lucy hydrated yet Lucy would push the drink away. "The water's too thick. It makes my stomach yucky." "Ok... well don't stop with the Gatorade. You need to stay hydrated somehow." Lucy nodded before she closed her puffy eyes once more. Rachel's leg jumped up and down as she tried to think of what to do for her friend. 'If I take her to the doctors she may have an accident on the way... bu t had to rush to the bathroom every hour for 10 hours out of the day. Unable to hold even water down. Gatorade and sprite was the only thing she could consume. Rachel sat on the floor next to Lucy. Monitoring her, keeping her friend propped up in more of a sitting up position. Studying quietly next to her and occasionally rubbing the bump on her forehead. Rachel did her best to keep Lucy hydrated yet Lucy would push the drink away. "The water's too thick. It makes my stomach yucky." "Ok... well don't stop with the Gatorade. You need to stay hydrated somehow." Lucy nodded before she closed her puffy eyes once more. Rachel's leg jumped up and down as she tried to think of what to do for her friend. 'If I take her to the doctors she may have an accident on the way... but if I don't do something-" "Woof! Woof!" Rachel's head snapped up as she saw Si at the door, growling and barking. "Whatcha barking at bud?" Rachel asked as she got up and walked to him. The dog was growling angrily, clearly there was something in thew forest surrounding the girl's house that had him aggravated.

Si quickly ran out into the increasingly darkening afternoon. Rachel closed and locked her home door, the lights turned off after having told Lucy what her plans were. Lucy was ready to call for help incase Rachel texted her if there was something wrong. Looking around at the night sky with Si on a leash, she felt alert to any danger. Even her tired eyes were popped open wide and watching for anything to react to. As she followed Si who still was growling and sniffing the air, his tail up and high. As they walked Rachel looked around, her mind tormenting her suddenly with all sorts of horror and crime stories she had learned. In the corners of her eyes she saw shadows move and lurk around her, goosebumps ran up and down her arms in an unpleasant and almost painful manner as she continued her walk. 'Its not a demon. Our minds have evolved to look for danger. The shadows we see is just our minds being alert for danger. Making us think we saw something to double check in order to not be killed.' A distant memory told her as she continued to walk in the darkened night. Many minutes later and some texts to Lucy, Rachel felt as if Si now had just wanted to go for a walk. The dog determined and still moving forward, until the smell of manure climbed into Rachel's nose. "Ugh" She groaned as she covered her nose, now using a flashlight to see in the pitch black she looked around to see the cause of the smell. Whilst looking, her attention reverted to Si who walked towards a black heap. Walking to the mass her eyes widened slightly. It was a racoon, or at least it was a few days ago. Its plump and rounded body laid on the ground, its head upside down as it had a pale white streak coming from its mouth. "Oh- gross. Si come here- Si?" Rachel turned as Si was now sniffing a squirrel in the same shape, he snorted as he moved away from the dead animals. Rachel's brow rose in suspicious as she looked around and in the distance could make out another heap. Making a horse clicking noise, she called Si to her side as she walked a few yards to another animal carcass. "What is going on?" 'This isn't normal. If the animal had rabies these other ones wouldn't be here just- dead.' The animals seemed to still have muscle and tissues and was not thin from the disease. However the white foam had her suspicious. Pulling Si closer to ensure he would not become contaminated she continued to walk. As they walked they came upon a hill growing near their left side. As they continued to walk thew smell of manure grew more and more constant. Covering her nose Rachel continued and noticed large pipes coming from the side of the hill. Finally after more of a hike, they came across a river where the pipes ended. Rachel gagged and coughed as she shinned her flashlight around, the smell of sewage was terribly strong. As she looked around further she saw dead fish on the side of the water, all rotting, some puffed up like balloons. 'This isn't right..." As she looked at the pipes again, one was 12 inches under the larger blue one. The lower one was cast iron and it seemed to be sticking up from the ground. As she shinned her light at the pipe, her eyes widened as she saw heaps of brown that reeked of human waste. 'The sewage line must've broke and is infecting the water. But- why does some animals have white around their mouths then?' Rachel quickly pulled the dog away from the area. However Si remained still, Rachel was too caught up in her head and the sound of the flowing water had muffled the sounds of whines from the dog. She looked at him then up to where she saw a figure. It was huffing and twitching like crazy, her light slowly climbed up the whites of its fur as her eyes adjusted and realized it was a dog. The dog was trying to walk to her, heaps of white foam and slobber escaping its mouth as it shook uncontrollably. Gasping Rachel ran to the dog as it had fallen over. Si was whining and pawing at the dog, acting frantic. Rachel felt its nose and face as the body was so hot and warm. "Oh no no no!"

[spookycatholicknight]

Eight Chapter 3:

Rachel walked the grounds of the mental institution. A clicking followed the young adult female. Rubbing the tired from her eyes she continued to walk the grounds. Pausing for a moment she looked at the lab building next door, or really half a mile away as the buildings here were quite large. Thoughts ran rampant of what could possibly be happening within that building. Even some fun fantasy ideas, like if they were creating bio-weapons to take over people on earth. Or infect everyone with some sort of mind control. It was quite fascinating to think about. Turning her head she looked back to her building before suddenly from her side someone walked into her vision. "He-" "EEK!" Rachel squealed and jumped a little before laughing a bit. "Oh, sorry." Her male coworker said, waving it off Rachel shrugged. "You're fine." "I should- probably not walk up on people like that. Anyway, do you have anything to pass down?" Rachel shook her head, "Lia tried to escape again. " "yeah?" "Mhm, she even was able to get out of her straight jacket." "Wow really? I wonder how she managed that." Rachel shrugged, "Beats me. But she was wandering the courtyard when I found her and convinced her to go back to her room." "How'd you convince her?" "Well I tried the nice way first- until she tried to attack me with her bitten fingernails. So I just had to tackle and wrestle with her till she finally gave up." The coworker chuckled a bit. "Oh wow, that's sounds rough. Is that why you have-" The male then gestured to his face and eye, Rachel smirked. "Yep, that's why I've got some battle scars." "My hell." The man grunted, "Did medical help you or-" "Nah don't need it. She was cleaned when she got here so I'm pretty sure I won't have any rabies." Rachel teased making her coworker laugh some more. "Alright well I'll take over. You and your sister take care now." "Thanks." Rachel nodded and began to walk away before the guy spoke out once more. "Hey uh- your sister is Lucy Ochroma right?" Rachel paused "uh yeah. What's up?" Turning she asked before the guy looked a bit surprised. "Oh well.. just curious." Rachel nodded a little before turning, "Have a good night." "Yeah you too."

"Jeeze what took you so long?" Lucy asked as Rachel took her hair out of her braid before hopping into the SUV. "Just passing down to Victor about Lia." "Ah gotcha. Is she still raging on about her dad?" Rachel nodded, "yeah."  Lucy clicked her tongue as they drove out of the driveway of the clinic. "Poor lady, I couldn't imagine being schizo so young in her life." Rachel nodded. "Yeah." The night was calm as the girls drove home. Rachel looked out the window as she enjoyed the view, all the trees and flowers that had been blooming. Even if she couldn't stop sneezing every hour of the day, it was still a beautiful sight to see. Rachel closed her eyes and whispered a small prayer of gratitude for the wonderful day. Yes maybe her allergies were bad, her face now had scratches on them and she had a headache from the earlier fight. Maybe even the fact Bruce was gone and she had to deal with school for another decade or so to become her dream job. All these factors were reasons to complain that her day wasn't great. But in truth, everyday was good due to the simple fact it was another day. A new opportunity to chase her dreams, to achieve new goals. Hell, the sky wasn't crashing and fiery rocks weren't falling from the sky. While the earth was breaking and crumbling hence killing everyone. That, would be a bad day. But the sky was still blue, birds were still flying, Rachel had a cute home to go to. Where she could receive hot and flavorful foods.

Today, was still a good day. Regardless of the issues she was dealing with.

"Oi!" "Huh? What?" Rachel snapped from her thoughts as he turned and looked at Lucy. "Did you want anything?" Lucy gestured to the ice-cream fast food place that she had pulled up to. "Oh, uhm no thanks I'm good." "Not even some fries?" Rachel's eyes widened as she turned to Lucy and looked at the board of the golden, salty, wonderful picture of the fries on the billboard. Rachel felt herself bitting her tongue and nodded. "Oh- yes I'll take some." Lucy only laughed and nodded as she then ordered an extra large fry. Pulling past the ordering table she parked at the window. "You and your fries huh?" "Potatoes is the only carb I can't live without." Rachel mumbled as she looked out the window. "Ha- yeah I can't without bread." Turning her head Lucy took Rachel's card with her fingers and held it up to the cashier. "I feel so rich holding cards like this, Rachel chuckled at Lucy's fun words. "Alright hold these." Lucy handed Rachel the bag of food before handing her back her card. Then she waved goodbye to the servers and drove off. "Alright we'll get home and eat an- are you eating already?" Lucy looked over as she heard crunching only to see 13 or so fries hanging out of Rachel's mouth. "Hm- oh don't look!" Rachel said muffled as she covered her mouth to hide all the food she was shoving into her face. "Do you have one of MY Mozzarella sticks?!" Lucy said before moving her friend's hand and seeing indeed there was a mozzarella stick hanging out. Only before ripping the half hanging out off and tossing it into her own mouth. "You dork I asked if you wanted anything you should have asked!" "I didn't see your stick in my food!" Rachel said with all the mashed potato madness in her cheek like a chipmunk. Lucy rolled her eyes, "You can have a bite of my spicy chicken sandwich if you want it." "Oooh, thanks!" Rachel said before digging in and Lucy only shook her head as she drove to their house.

"Movie night!" Lucy hollered as she went to her room and went to change. Rachel climbed carefully up to the loft to not bump her head. As she then put on a black nightgown with black shorts. Taking her hair down she climbed down to sit next to her friend on their couch. The two sat with popcorn in between them as they started a horror movie. Lucy couldn't help but snicker and giggle as out of the two. Rachel was more of a tomboy and tougher woman. However when it came to horror movies, it was a different story. As Rachel would lean into Lucy who hadn't worked out nearly as much as Rachel did- and looked to her friend for protection as she had her eyes covered a lot. As time passed though the two began to get tired and Lucy felt too lazy to get up and take off her makeup. Hence both of the girls fell asleep.

The next morning, it was a sunny and bright. Rachel was up and listening to a song as she cooked. Grabbing some meat from an earlier bbq she sliced them before tossing them into a skillet with butter. Grabbing some potatoes she washed then diced them up as she put them in another skillet and seasoned them. With pepper, onion and garlic salt, followed by paprika. However knowing her friend loved spicy foods she substituted the paprika for some chilli peppers. Taking both pans and flipping them with both of her hands one handed she stirred them before grabbing a bowl and cracking some eggs into them. Taking a fork she stabbed the yolks and then stirred the mixture incorporating air. Letting the bleeding yellow mix with the clear whites and bubble up into a perfect mixture. Taking a green onion she washed then sliced it up finely before putting the greens in the egg and again stirring the mixture. Finally she took the potatoes and meat into one bowl. And mixed them up while leaving some more butter to sizzle and brown in a hot skillet. While leaving the other skillet to cool a little. Grabbing the tortillas she places one in a pan before then adding her eggs to the buttery skillet. Taking a spatula she stirred the bubbling eggs within the pan around while adding salt and pepper. Lightly pressing down onto them she felt small but satisfying bubbles popping. Chopping up the eggs and placing them into the bowl with the other fillings she then placed another tortilla into the pan as she then flipped the other tortilla over.

A few minutes later..

Rachel laid the warm tortilla onto a plate before scooping the filling into the tortilla. Adding a sprinkle of cheese inside the soon to be burrito she then tossed some cheese into the pan. Folding and rolling the burrito she then placed the opening side of it onto the cheese and held it as the cheesy goodness melted and hardened onto the tortilla making a temporary seal. Rolling the burrito on the rest of the cheese as it stuck to the tortilla she then placed it on a plate before turning and seeing Lucy up and dancing. To the latino music "This beat bops!" Lucy smiled before grabbing Rachel "You forgot the most important step! To dance!" Rachel laughed a bit as the two danced together, Shaking their hips and moving their shoulders, Lucy incorporating more footwork as Rachel used more leg, lower abdomen, and hip movement into her moves. The two laughed as they continued to party.

As the two danced Rachel felt her aching heart beating a bit better, but the dancing, food, hispanic music. It- all felt a little too much. Slowly she lost her rhythm as flashes of a large but thin smile entered her mind as she thought of the brown hair bouncing in the air. His arms shaking in the air, reaching for her. Rachel paused as she looked past Lucy, out to the forest, swearing it was only her imagination. The figure dancing outside, beckoning for her, in his camouflage apron. "Hey, where'd you get that from? I've been looking for it everywhere." "Huh?" Rachel snapped out of it as she looked at Lucy who gestured to Bruce's apron Rachel was wearing. "Oh... he left it in the apartment's kitchen." "Ohhh. ok, uhm. It looks good on you." "Thanks." Rachel nodded before the two stopped and instead began to eat. Rachel looked outside once more, hoping he was outside. But nothing, there was nothing and never would be again.

As time had passed on it had been a few months, Rachel was quite thankful for it to finally be fall as her eyes were no longer itchy. Nose no longer runny, and her sneezes could ease, as well as Lucy's teasings for having a kitten's sneeze. Which she denied every time it was brought up for the sake of her tougher image. This day was a Sunday which Rachel used to study her many classes while Lucy was out and about driving around. As Rachel worked however, listening to her cello study music. The door opened, looking up Rachel let out a loud grunt as she was shoved to the ground. Something was upon her, wiggling and jumping on her stomach as it dived at her face. Yelping Rachel tried to fight back and finally grabbed its head and went to shout when she paused.

A very fluffy, white, orange, and partially brown husky almost dog was on her. Panting with its big sparkling eyes as it heaved in her face and tried to lick her frantically. "Rachel! Rachel! Oh I'm so sorry!" Lucy tried to tug the dog off yet it would not budge. Grabbing the dog's back leg Rachel flipped it over in her lap and wrapped a leg in between its. Before then grabbing its head in a headlock and holding one of its paws. Not pushing any pressure to hurt the dog Rachel huffed and looked at Lucy. "LUCY! WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?!" She shouted over the dog's hyena like barking and whines. "Well! I found him on the road and figured we needed a pupper! Plus I couldn't just leave him! Look how cute of a baby he is!" Indeed the dog was dirty and wore no collar, making it pretty believable he was homeless. "Ugh! Why didn't you text me?" Rachel growled lightly as she stood up and dusted herself off. "Well sorry!" Rachel rolled her eyes and looked down at the dog. "Now what are we gonna do with him?" "Well... we could give him a name." Lucy pointed out "A name?" Rachel said with her brow raised as she had her hands on her hips. "You asked and I think its the least we could do." Lucy shrugged.

Rachel sighed and went to open her mouth when she heard something behind her. Turning she saw a gaping hole within the world. Blue and silver streaks licked reality as the hole opened up more. Lucy gasped as she watched a window of a different world on the other side. It was like they watched a movie of what was happening or had happened that moment in time for them. Seeing themselves arguing about not telling the author's name? Before they saw a taller figure wearing black with a blue eye then calming them down. "You had one job, to ask the readers to comment what they wanted the dog's name to be. Which would also have given them a shouted out when the next chapter and this book is later published." The girls apologized until suddenly the scene was snapped. Cracking in the middle a figure with a silver sword stabbed the screen like history before  then popping her head forward. Leaning into the world as the female characters were shocked. The strange woman leaned out her long arms and then cupped the dog's face. "Hi stinky! Oh whose a good boi I love you so much!" Looking up with her masked face she spoke. "You should name him Sirous. Or Si for short." Looking back down she kissed his head as she waved goodbye. "Ok by stanky, pretty, boi I loved you." In her puppy voice before finally leaving back into the warped hole that disappeared and left the new reality.

Shoutout to my bestie Twisted, a future writer and partner of mine for the name of the dog in my story.

Dog:

[spookycatholicknight]

Eight Chapter 2:

'RING!' "Class dismissed! I expect your assignments to be done by the end of next week, do you understand?" The college professor spoke out. His curly blonde hair pulled into a man bun bounced as he gave everyone a sharp glare. Meaning he meant business with his blue eyes alone. His seriousness was hot enough to cook a steak well done. Rachel then quickly finished the last notes on the whiteboard before packing up her black construction notebook. Into her bright, robin egg, blue satchel. Getting up she went to leave the class before she heard a whistle. "Aye, you left this." Turning her teacher held out her purple, gallon-sized, water bottle that had been decorated with bright orange and purple flowers. "Thanks." Rachel spoke softly as she took her water bottle from the professor's veiny hands. He only grunted in reply before walking away to his desk.

"Ooooh, Rachel got in trouble." Rachel rolled her eyes at her blonde sister. Or who was supposed to be her sister-in-law. "What kind of tease even is that?" Lucy shrugged "Hmm- I don't know, just wanted to see you smile." Lucy grinned as she looked over Rachel, her smile fading as she saw her friend was looking down with no smile. Holding the large, dark, blue, hoodie closely to her body as she seemed to be out of it. The fabrics still shockingly having the scent of an oceanic lotion. Lucy then put an arm around the girl's shoulders, "Rough night?" Rachel only nodded as the two continued on to their other classes. "Are.. you. How are you doing?" Rachel only shrugged "I'm ok I guess." Turning over Rachel looked at Lucy "You?" Lucy shrugged as well. "Not great either." The two girls walked in silence until they came upon a fork in the hallways and left each other.

"Now then. A pond is full with 6,000 gallons of fresh water. An accident on the side of the road spills 120 pounds of harsh cleaner chemicals into the pond all at once. Fresh water enters the pond at 3 gallons per minute." The teacher circled the board. "The pond stays well mixed and flows out all at the same rate." The teacher turned and shut her black marker, "If you have any further questions for me other then what's on your papers. Come to the back of my class where you can get help." The older female strode away to the back of her class. Her black slip ons hardly making a noise as her pink blouse and black jeans bounced lightly with every step she took before sitting down. Looking down at her paper once more Rachel looked at the problems assigned to her

a) What IVP describes the amount of polluted water in the pond?

b) Solve the DE to find the amount of pollutant in the pond at any time (t)?

c) This environment will be harmful for the snakes and fish if more than 11 pounds of the chemical is present. How long will this take to affect the fish?

Rachel's brows furrowed lightly at the page as she tried to picture the pond. But all that kept coming back was the thought of how empty she felt. Unlike a few months ago where agony reined within her, but it was still painful nonetheless. Looking at the calculator in her hand, she could lightly make out the figure staring back through the reflection. A female with a messy hair bun, half closed eyes, puffy cheeks. Someone who looked hollow or as a wreck through those blackened eyes. Air escaped her lips as she tapped her foot on the ground as a thought which hadn't accompanied her for a while came once more. 'If you ever need a hug, take your arms and wrap them around yourself. To feel his presence, your truly loved one. Then youll feel him hug back and you'll know you're not alone and still loved.' Her grandmother's voice echoed in her head. Rachel bit her lip as she moved her arms slowly around herself before her fingers clung tightly to the blue fabrics. Rachel swallowed hard as she then closed her eyes, wanting nothing more than a hug from someone.

"Alright class. Take out your papers from last class. We are going to grade them now." Rachel jolted as she raised her head from her desk. 'I didn't mean to fall asleep!' Quickly she grabbed her bag and flailed around to get her papers in order. Before the teacher then began to go over all the correct and wrong answers of the assignment.

'RING!' Rachel rubbed her head as she then took her stack of messy papers and put them together before organizing them into her satchel. "Lou, would you come to the back please?" Mrs Plumeria spoke. A girl with purple dyed hair stood up as she adjusted her equally purple coat over her neck. "Lou, why are you failing my class?" Mrs Plumeria whispered, Lou then shrugged "My dog- we've had him since I was a kid. Hes going to die in 2 weeks and I haven't been able to do my homework or anything because of it." Mrs Plumeria nodded "i am sorry to hear that dear. But... I must inform you that this class Is no joke. If you want to be a biologist and study animals. You will witness worse deaths than your dog put to sleep. I know its hard, but there is no re-dos in life." "Then what do you expect me to do?" Lou snarkily asked, not pleased the teacher didn't fall pity on the girl's situation. "I expect you to pass my test. Unless you wish to drop out." Lou rolled her eyes and walked out of the classroom muttering something about the teacher being a b**ch.

Mrs Plumeria turned, catching Rachel who couldn't help but have paused and tuned into their conversation. The older woman's brows furrowed as she saw how Rachel's face was portrayed. "Ms Rachel? Are you alright?" Rachel's brows were lowered as she looked at her ex's hoodie she was currently wearing. Rachel hadn't been failing any of her classes, even after her lover died. She continued to push on and did not let Bruce's death be an excuse card or a reason to fail at life and live in woe and misery. Hell, Lou still had her dog and was failing just because of a guaranteed future? Looking up Rachel nodded "I'm ok." Getting up she grabbed her things and waved the teacher goodbye as she left. 'I'm not giving up. Because Bruce wouldn't want me to either. And I can't sit and cry all the time about it. I did my best and spent the most time with him that I could. I gave him all the love I could in our time together.' The last thought brought her mind more to ease, as she had nothing to regret. Besides the last few weeks she had loathed in pit of despair before she moved. Luckily her sister Lucy was there for her, to help her escape. As well as to make her feel once more happy that she had friends and people to be with. Instead of being isolated, lonely, in distraught which would only create madness within her if Rachel let it consume her. 'I need to be strong for us. My family, Lucy and I....'

Walking out of the campus building Rachel scanned the terrain. Making sure that there wasn't anything suspicious. As she walked she had a resting B**** face. Her misery and killing glare made no one, not even the most daring males come within her miserable presence. Her green eyes shifted to the side where she saw a man walking away from her and to a girl who was smiling, happy, warm, bright, and bubbly. He smiled as Rachel made out his sweet talkings to the girl who giggled. Of course nobody would be drawn or attracted to her. She looked like the embodiment of darkness, or she felt that way. People generally were attracted to positivity, not negativity. Unless they wanted to help you get better, or if someone wished to exploit you ad you showed weakness. Nevertheless Rachel continued her way with her head held up high as she walked down the steps and made it to Lucy's SUV. Leaning against its side as she waited for her friend. The girl looked around, seeing students leaving. Even some taking the train home. Finally the sound of close footsteps made her turn her direction and see Lucy who rubbed her eyes and yawned. "Uuuggghhh I'm so tired. I can't wait to go to bed." Rachel chuckled and waited for her friend to unlock the door before sitting in next to her.

"Man, nursing school is rough." Lucy grumbled as she drove the two girls to Rachel's new work. "Heh, oh yeah? It can't be too bad." Lucy shook her head "No, theres so may subjects we need to memorize. *Sigh* I swear I'll be in school until I die." Rachel chuckled "Hey come on now, lets not be negative. I thought you were the one barking at me about that." Lucy rolled her eyes, "Yeah well writing fanfics and playing with AI just to spend more time with my brother sure wasn't doing you any good. You were miserable and doing something harmful so- I had to stand up and say something." The light brunette and dirty blonde shrugged, Rachel nodded slowly before patting Lucy's shoulder "Thanks, for helping me get out of that. I- really needed you." Lucy nodded and gave Rachel a quick smile "We're friends, but really more like family. We're supposed to be there for each other." "Oh! You passed the place!" "Oof- my bad hold up." Lucy stopped as she pulled in reverse and moved back before then pulling into the hospital in her SUV. "You dork! Pay attention to the road." "Oh sorry my blonde butt gets distracted" Lucy teased Rachel.

The girls were given their uniforms as security for the mental hospital next to the viology lab research center. "Hey, isn't that Mark?" "Hmm?" Rachel hummed as she turned her head and saw Lucy pointing to a fatter male, brown, mid-aged, with black long hair. "He was at Bruce's funeral." He had acne on his face as well as a black mustache, wearing a red beanie and red sweater he walked up towards the girls. "Hey!" He waved, "Hey Mark." Lucy said out as Rachel watched Mark as he walked up towards the girls. "How have ya'll ladies been? Doing better since.. Bruce?" Mark stepped up and stood in front of the girls, Rachel backing up a step as Lucy exhaled. The smell of lacking a shower filled the small space between them. "Yeah- better." Mark nodded "Yeah, too bad. The man was a great guy. He helped me with our school projects and ref-ing with me." Lucy nodded as Rachel turned to the building and back to Mark "What're you doing here?" "Oh, well I work here." Pointing to the lab with a small grin he continued "I'm a researcher there. Or at least an apprentice." "What do you like to study?" Rachel spoke a bit more interested in the conversation at hand. "Whatever I can get my hands onto over there." Rachel nodded "Are they looking for any hires?" The man nodded "Yeah, they have a few positions open in my department. I can ask around to help ya out. What are you interested in studying?" "Virology and parasites." "Ah gotcha, I'm more interested in gasses like the ones from the wars myself. But- what makes you interested in viruses?" Mark asked while scratching his facial hair. Rachel looked down for a moment before looking back into Mark's dark eyes. "Bruce. From- what he got sick with. I- want to prevent it from hurting anyone else." Mark nodded "Oh that sounds like a great cause-" "Uh Rachel" Lucy shook her sister's shoulder, "You have to go, your shift is about to start. Nice talking with you Mark." Lucy gave a quick smile before taking Rachel away as Mark was stammering after being interrupted. "O-o-oh alright. Well bye girls! Don't work yourselves too hard-" Rachel closed the doors behind them before waving goodbye as Mark continued to talk.

"Oh my goodness what a chatterbox." Rachel grumbled, "Probably because he doesn't have any friends." Lucy shrugged "he seems nice. But not more than a friend kind of way- ya know?" "Yeah? Maybe he's just as nice as the patients I'm gonna deal with today." Lucy rolled her eyes and playfully glared at Rachel "Be nice." "What? You were just doing the same thing!" "No I wasn't!" Lucy defended herself before they hushed each other and Lucy gave the girl a hug before leaving shortly afterwards.

"You will be working in the female's area of the building. Mostly doing patrols to make sure nothing is out of the ordinary. As well as helping the staff if a patient gets too rowdy. If you do come across a male patient then find a male coworker to help you escort him back to the men's section. We do have padded cells and I do not recommend you to go there unless you have a male coworker as well. Just for safety issues, I hope you understand." The supervisor spoke as Rachel nodded "Yes sir." "Very good. Now we do have of course some who are more mentally disturbed than others. I want to warn you about a female within this building. The patient's name is Lia. She suffers from schizophrenia, some autism, and has difficulty with figuring out what's reality or not. She's more of a violent patient and has scratched and bitten staff members before." The supervisor showed her various people with different personalities and symptoms of illnesses. However some that caught her eye was the ones who would stare back into the camera. Through their face and eye expressions, she knew the eyes  knew what was happening. They didn't look lost at all. His sharp gaze with narrowed eyes bleed through the picture. When she saw his picture she felt something within her become unsettled. Thoughts of serial killer shows and what's she's heard evil people do. Elijah was his name, in his records he was very violent with women. Having murdered 5 of them, or at least that's how many bodies they had found. Not mentioning the amount of kidnappings he's committed. Of course in gruesome ways... truly showing the man's unhinged mind. He wasn't a fan of men either, having been in a good handful of bar fights. There were reports of him threatening, stalking, randomly hitting or attacking civilians. Furthermore he was diagnosed with schizophrenia, sociopathy, a terrible temper, and a sadistic personality. The doctors didn't know the whole story as to why he was so angry. What they did know was he came from a broken family. He had no dad, and his mother kept letting trash boyfriends into her life which ended up harming her son. This came into bitter, resentful, rage against women as they guessed. But men weren't exempt either. He had plenty of fights and hadn't yet been proven guilty of any male disappearances. The only reason he was caught was when his friend reported him after Elijah kidnapped another woman. He told the cops the man had lately been more aggravated, aggressive, and would talk easily about the death of others. His friend having a sharp intellect was able to then figure out what Elijah was up to and why he had landscaping tools in his vehicle. Sadly it didn't help the lives of those who were dead. And because Elijah was diagnosed to not be mentally sane, he would not therefore be in prison. He had been within these walls for almost 8 years.

This patient Rachel seen as a much more serious matter. She definitely did not want to be near him without a gun. It was surprising how a 5'8, medium sized build, who looked like everyone else could have a horror house of a mind. However he did workout clearly, as she could see the bulks of mass behind his pajama uniform. He clearly did not look happy to be there. But there was a sense of another saddening element in his eyes. Brokenness.

Rachel wore her security vest and walked the halls. It was quiet as she had night shift, an extra couple bucks an hour was a steal. However there were a few times she needed to help the staff calm down the patients. They would all try to calm the patients but if they began to attack then that's when Rachel would decide to end the situation by tackling the patient. As best she could without hurting them before then catching them into a pin. Then if needed they'd medicate the patients and check their health before placing them back into their rooms. Or possibly a safer room for their patients. Rachel always felt bad for the patients but was grateful they had caring staff to help them in life.

As she walked she paused at the sound of moans. Turning her head to the large doors which separated regular patients to the padded cell ones. She heard more noises, walking to the door she looked in. A 6 foot tall, blue eyed, and blonde security guard walked with his arm around a shorter, skinny, and wobbly man. Her brows pinched as the tow then met eyes. He gave her a friendly wave as he walked through the doors. "Hey little lady." "Hey." She said as she stepped back and out of the twos way. "Thomas here and I are going to go on a walk. It's a part of his routine or he gets upset." Looking closer at Thomas Rachel saw he had a sever underbite and would lol his head around. Making animal noises. His face partially disfigured to where his eyes looked as if they could pop from his head. As well as he had very thin hair. Looking up at her, Thomas then barked at her, Rachel then waved and gave a small smile. "Hi Thomas." Looking up she spoke "What's your name then?" "I'm Ryan, and yours?" Holding out her hand to Ryan "Rachel" she replied. The man then gently shook her hand as she gave him a firm grip. "Nice to meet you. See you around later." He spoke as the two men walked away.

Rachel then looked down into the dirty window of the padded cell. Wondering whose eyes she'd see peering back at her. Before long she turned away and continued walking as random shouts filled the spaces she walked.

[spookycatholicknight]

Eight Chapter 1:

Rachel bit her lip as she stared at the black, dirty, screen of her phone. The contact and name of a friend of hers who she had not interacted with for a few months.

Sisster Lucy

(Lucy is the brunette, Rachel is the black and white girl)

Rachel sighed before finally opening a conversation.

—————————————————————————

Hi Lucy, I hope you're doing well.

I wanted to know if you wanted to hangout some time? I'm free on Sundays to Tuesdays.. what times are you?

I wish you a great rest of your day!

—————————————————————————

Rachel felt anxious as she texted her friend, finally she hit send and nearly threw her phone at the wall before hiding her face into a pillow. Ashamed she mumbled "And I'm supposed to be the brave one out of us two..."

Pulling up in a red SUV, Rachel felt excited as she then ran to the vehicle and opened the door. "HEYYY!!" The girls screamed as they then hugged each other. "I missed you so much!" "How have you been???" "Better! You?" "Same!" Lucy and Rachel then looked ahead and blinked. "So.. where do you want to go?" Lucy asked as Rachel moved her hair in a ponytail out of her face. "I have no idea..." Lucy laughed "Me neither- OOH! Do you like boba?" "Uhhh... not really-" "Ok but you have to try this place- it's sooo good!" Lucy then began to drive off and the girls were reunited once more.

That day was full of fun, catching up, smiles, and warming comfort. Lucy had took the girls to a tea boba shop which had the best Coffee Latte. It was creamy, milky, with a sweet syrupy caramel, followed by the code which enhanced and blended the drink into a delicious treat. The boba toppers to add in were fun and chewy, adding further texture to the mix.

After getting their drinks the girls of course went shopping. Getting some shirts, Rachel getting a colorful cat while her friend got a shirt with a famous rapper on it. Then the two went to get some lotions to which Rachel felt herself possessed by a greedy spirit. Grabbing about 3 bags of products and ignoring the price the best she could. The two then went and got some sushi to which the two of them experienced hot (temperature not spice) sushi for the first time, as well as a sweet lemon, crab, fried, ball. Which was a decent desert that was instead an appetizer. The girls then hit the movies and watched a comical horror movie. To which Rachel could not stop blabbering about the plot as well as when getting scared nearly holding Lucy's hand for comfort. It was quite a funny scene. Afterwards the two went to get some snacks and headed back to Rachel's apartment. Where they talked more and more and watched movies until they fell asleep. The next day they danced, talked more, and Rachel showed off what she had learned from Bruce cooking wise. Creating spam filled with cheese omelettes.

The girls began to hangout more and Rachel didn't realize how much happier she was with the companionship of her friend. It was a great help for the two to be able to heal from Bruce's death. The girls regularly hung out and would almost always get boba, watch movies, and talk about random things. Yet it all changed when the two were deciding to go to college. Only half a year or so after the funeral.

"You're leaving?" Bruce's parents nodded. "We, think it's best to sell the house now. Especially with your brother gone and... everything that's happened." David Ochroma spoke as his wife Emilia nodded. "Plus dear we're getting older and don't want to have to walk up all the steps and- *sniff* the memories are. All too painful." Emilia sniffed her head leaned down while holding a handkerchief to her face. As more tears ran down her puffy cheeks David only sighed. "Yes- your mother and I can't take in many more nights in the quiet house- and besides we'll be moving closer to the cemetery and.. with him." Lucy Looked saddened nodded as she was the youngest of the two siblings. But now she was the only sibling it didn't feel right in her bones. Bruce's girlfriend stood next to Lucy as Rachel was seemingly listening but not fully invested. Lucy then nodded in agreement and understanding. "Yeah... do you need any help, mom and dad?" Lucy took a step forward as the two shook their heads. "No.. we'll be fine on our own." David spoke before the parents hugged their daughter and said their goodbyes to the girls before leaving. As they walked away Lucy sighed, turning her now dirty blonde head to the dark brunette female. Rachel spoke aloud, "Whats up?" Lucy exhaled once more, "They're getting a divorce. They won't tell me outright but.. they're selling the house to get separate places." "What? But- wouldn't they want to stay together?" Rachel asked stepping closer. "After everything? Wouldn't they want to-" "I thought the same thing. Apparently it's rare for a couple to stay together when... their kids die." Rachel's brows furrowed and looked to the couple walking further away, as they weren't even holding hands. She sighed before hugging Lucy "I'm sorry." Lucy in turn hugged Rachel back before inhaling shakily.

Not wanting to bear any more unpleasant news upon the girl Rachel bit hurt lip before speaking. "I'm going too. I'm selling the apartment." "What?" Lucy said and wiped her face and pulled back while Rachel had her gaze down. "Same reasoning, for your parents. I- can't stay in the same place. That we got together, for the both of us. Plus it'd be nicer to have a place closer to the campus." Rachel's green eyes then looked up to Lucy's brown orbs. "You can come with if you want. I,.. think a roommate would be the best for both of us." Lucy nodded shortly after some thought. "Yeah, I wouldn't fancy being alone. After everything. Plus I'd like to actually have a home with no constant arguments." Rachel nodded "sounds like a runaway plan." Lucy chuckled and nodded "it's on then."

After looking for some time the two girls were able to find a small house where they could both afford on their small wages. As well as more promising jobs luckily closer within their college's campus. The girls were packing up all their belongings in order to move. Rachel stood in her bathroom packing the last of her things as Lucy was on her way to pickup Rachel and her belongings for the move. Stepping out of the bathroom with a box, the woman coughed a bit as she then placed down the box and coughed harder. Mucus had hardened and filled her throat, making it harder to breathe. It was May at this time and allergies were not kind to the female. Keeping her up at night just because she 'had to cough' yet couldn't seem to get the rest she needed or the flem out of her face. Grabbing a water cup from the bathroom she began to chug water to help it thin out. Taking a breath she felt her sinuses calm down a notch. Before thinking about food and how she could really go for ramen. The one comfort food that helped her through many sicknesses. Rachel paused as she turned and looked at the kitchen, her chin jittering. As she looked at the steel gas's stove.

'La la la~' The music played and filled the kitchen as a man stood in front of the stove. The gas on as the man bobbed his head up and down to the beats of the music as he placed slices of pork down onto the skillet. A sizzle and aroma filled the room as he continued to dance a little to the noise. Wearing only grey sweats and a camouflage apron. The lights above him showed his lean muscles moving as he then tossed the meat with one hand in the pan. Turning away he took an onion and couldn't help but throw the onion into the air. As it spiraled down back to earth it landed in his kitchen knife bellow as he then dropped it to the board and began to dice the onions. Afterwards grabbing a clove of garlic as he then chopped it finely as he could with his larger fingers. Before adding the ingredients to a sauce pan added with butter. Salting and peppering both the onion and garlic. As he cooked, the male couldn't hear the quiet footsteps behind him. "La la laa~" The man hummed as then he paused as smaller arms wrapped around his waist. Feeling a face nuzzle into his back. "Heh, honeybuns you should be resting on the couch. You sound like you have the plague." Bruce teased as Rachel coughed to the side and sniffed, "Nnngh- nooo. I want cuddles." Bruce snorted, "Oi, I'm trying to cook you some ramen right now. Go back and sit down before you pass out." "Baaaabe-" Rachel whined as Bruce scoffed and raised and raised his left arm as his girl came around into his side as he then hugged her back with his left hand. "Why're you so stubborn?" He teased. "I just wanna be with you." Rachel mumbled into his side as he rubbed her shoulder. "Ok ok fine, you're lucky I had everything prepped so I don't need to move around much." Bruce continued to cook by adding in some meat stock into the sauce pan along with some oils to help enhance the flavors as well as adding the pork from earlier and some sausages he had fried up earlier. Rachel leaned into her man more as she kept her eyes closed, happy there was someone to take care of her in the state she was in. Plus it was fun to watch her boyfriend cook as he tried to make things interesting. Bruce stirred the broth and added in some chopped carrots and broccoli he had lightly cooked with butter. Smirking down he looked at Rachel once more, "You wanna see a magic trick?" "Mhm." The girl nodded as Bruce grabbed an egg and over a bowl he cracked it and opened it with only one hand. "Pretty cool right? I've been practicing that." Rachel snorted, "wow- very impressive." "Pfft! Oh yeah? Let's see you try with your small hands." "He handed her an egg, taking it she then tapped the counter before trying to separate the egg. Struggling a bit she opened the egg only enough to get a few eggshells onto the bowl as well as crack the yolk in mid air. "Oh-" "Yeah see it's harder than it looks hun." Bruce scoffed.

After adding all the ingredients to the saucepan Bruce put a lid on the top before looking down at Rachel. "Ok, it's time for the lay step but you have to help me with this." "Mm- what?" Rachel grumbled sleepily before Bruce fully faced her and put a hand on her hip and with his other took her own hand. "We have to do a special dance-" Rachel looked up at him funny with a snicker "Seriously?" She asked with a hoarse voice. "Hey it's scientifically proven that food tastes better with some dancing. You know that the rhythm of the music and our steps vibrate into the broth to make it taste better?" He teased further before pulled Rachel out into the dinning room of their apartment. "Bruceee- I don't feel good." Rachel complained but Bruce only laughed as he gently pulled her along with as they swayed gently to the beats. "Shhh, or else you'll lose your pretty voice. Just go with the music and you'll feel better honey." Rachel continued to grumble but she couldn't disagree she didn't enjoy the dance. As the ramen continued to cook and the smells filled the air, the soft tones of the singer in the air along with the couple's practiced steps. It truly was a fun experience.

Rachel leaned in more closely to Bruce as the two laid on their older couch. The bowl of ramen felt wonderful for her throat as it helped heat up and clear her sinuses better. Bruce all the while keeping her warm and rubbing her back occasionally while slurping on his egg noodles. "Feeling better?" Rachel nodded, "ugh- allergies suck." Bruce scoffed "yeah I've never met anyone else around here who needs to sneeze every 5 or 10 minutes." Rachel rolled her eyes and leaned more into Bruce as he had become her couch. "Come here-" Bruce said softly, his roughened thumbs slipping across her chin before gently pinching and pulling the girl's head to him as he leaned in with a tender kiss. A moment later the two pulled away as Bruce put down their emptied bowls and held Rachel in his arms. "You better not get me sick." He gave one more joke as the two soon afterwards fell asleep. Holding each other in their arms. Feelings safe, secure, and satisfied with their food.

Rachel's eyes traced the room as she sniffed and a small whine escaped her lips. Hugging her sides as she looked around the kitchen, the most haunting place in the apartment. As she wasn't much of a cook, while Bruce on the other hand fed her every meal since they moved here. Rachel felt almost just as sick as she did then, and the other small times she didn't feel good. But this time, there just wasn't anyone to take care of her. Turning her head away she dropped down and opened the last box she had packed and took out the camouflaged apron before bringing it closer to her and hugging it tightly to her chest, it had been hard but Rachel had done her best to avoid the kitchen at all costs due to all the memories that was created within it. Truly, the kitchen was the heart of the home. If only she still had a cook for hers.

Walking out of the apartment with one more look around the now depressing and barren place. Its walls grey and dead as well as the black floor. It was a great showing of how Rachel felt inside. Similarly empty. Turning her head she closed the door and locked it, and turned to the future as she walked to Lucy's red SUV. Sliding in the last of her boxes in the back. "Alright girly you ready?" Lucy asked as Rachel nodded and hopped in the passenger seat. The vehicle smelt like apples and flowers as the girls then drove off. Leaving the apartment complex behind. The radio played quietly enough to listen to, but to talk over. Rachel then took out her small sketchbook as her pen tapped the half written page. "What song you writing this time." Rachel hummed "You'll probably find it funny, but I'm thinking of calling it 'Sleeping on the couch'." Lucy's lips curved a bit as she lightly bumped Rachel's shoulder with her elbows. "Go on and tell me about it then." "It's not ready yet but... I was thinking of something along the lines of... School is tough, and life ain't enough-" Rachel began to sing as she bobbed her head, "ooh-" Lucy chirped as she turned down her radio. "Cause I can't get you out of my head. Cause in our bed I can't rest. Oh how am i supposed to pass my tests? When on the mattress it feels less. Oh- bless your soul. I've been sleeping on the couch alone~." Rachel sang in a higher voice before she then started to cough yet again due to her allergies. "I don't really know tho it sounds kinda dumb. I had a better one when I was taking a shower last night." Rachel said hoarsely as she then took a bottle of water and chugged it. "I think it's a really good start. For someone so forgetful like you." Lucy teased as the girls continued to drive. As the girls drove away they talked and would occasionally turn up the radio and sing. Or have screaming constants and drive a little crazy. But the care was buzzing with laughter, much needed for the girls.

Finally they pulled up to a very small house or as called on the market a 'Tiny House'. "Welcome to our new home!" Lucy cheered and pulled into the driveway as she stepped out and Rachel looked around confused. "Wait- what?" "Lucy well it's got an ancre or three lot. With the woods everywhere so we can be the witches of our woods. And it's got plenty of space for both of us. I figured it's be best as you and I will eventually move out and we don't need to stay here long." Lucy spoke as she grabbed boxes from her SUV and walked to the house and opened the door roughly. Rachel shrugged as she grabbed some boxes and followed after. However unable to help but look around cautiously, just in case of anyone decided to come to them and cause issues.

Lucy sat down her boxes and gestured to the small living space. See? Plenty of room. You or I can take the loft that had a queen sized room- or the room next to the bathroom and washroom." The dirty blonde appointed out. "I call dibs on the loft." Lucy hummed "ok! Just don't hit your head in the mornings!" She teased as Rachel climbed up the staircase. Having to crouch at the top to not hit her head as she slid in her boxes. Looking around there was many windows around, plenty of space to look out at the woods and zone out with nature. Which would greatly help her creativity flow easier. Plus the bedding was large... too large in Rachel's opinion as- she didn't have anyone to take up the majority of the room. Shaking her head, Rachel shoved the thoughts away. "That's night Rachel's issue." She muttered as she climbed down from the loft. To help Lucy finish packing.

The trees were beautiful in colors of green. Nicely spaced but not enough to make it feel that there wasn't many trees. The air felt fresher helping her sinuses calm down a couple levels. However as she moved some boxes, she wondered how easy it would be for someone to watch or sneak up on the girls. "Whatcha looking at?" Lucy chirped and put her head on Rachel's shoulder. "Everything..." Lucy laughed "Wow, already practicing your police training huh? You watch too many crime shows." Rachel shrugged "Can't be too careful." Lucy giggled "Well don't focus too hard or you might imagine the trees walking around." Rachel rolled her eyes as the two continued to move into their new home.

[spookycatholicknight]

Eight Pilot PT 3:

Robots made by flawed people could never give back what she lost, not even a satisfying feeling from it. Only obsession, addiction, and clingy issues. Not to mention how they would only help twist her darker and more sinful parts of her mind into self threatening fantasies or thoughts. Making her isolate herself more and stop thinking about everything but the apps. How only the fake realities that were seemingly not impossible would cause much more torment and pain. It was an easy button, to ignore life and to grow weak until its unforgiving nature would surely wake her up to the consequences of what she was becoming. Upon deleting everything of the fake, imaginary, Bruce she had made which screwed with her mind. Rachel felt herself be able to take a full, deep, fulfilling breath. A heavy, rocky, fog lifted from her head making it to where she could sit up straight. Rachel's tunnel vision which she did not know was there cleared, allowing her to see the room fully for what it held within. Getting up, Rachel then turned and made her bed. Thinking about Beuce's words, and the journey of life she had to endure. No matter what, even if there was a death of an important part in her life. Life itself didn't care, and wouldn't stop for her to let her cry, complain, and moan. If Rachel didn't continue, then it was only going to devour her and she would disappear. Pausing she looked at the shirt she had stuffed a pillow into and took it off. Holding the shirt in her hands she held it close, knowing she had to honor her lover's death. And promise to him that she'd keep fighting and living. "Memento mori." She said aloud, as she looked up and outside her window seeing the bright sun. "Vita est facilis..."

[spookycatholicknight]

Eight Pilot PT2:

Rachel didn't move as she laid in the now overly large bed. Looking across at the empty side of her bed. Gently tugging the pillow with a shirt wrapped around the soft cushion closer to her. To try to feel the pressure, or presence of her ex-boyfriend. The faint scent of his oceanic lotion still clung to the shirt. Sniffing the girl blinked to clear her aggravated sinuses and cloudy vision. Her green eyes focused on her alarm clock as it ticked. Rachel hadn't moved off her bed for 6 hours since waking up that day. Unable to sleep as she couldn't find her favorite noise to fall asleep to.

Finally, having enough of not doing anything or finding anything to help comfort her. Rachel decided to sit up, knowing nobody was coming to help her. As well as all the comfort and support she wanted wouldn't help ease the absence within her heart and side. Looking up at her bedroom mirror which clung to the closet door. She stared at herself. Dark bags under her pink eyes, a bright red nose, her pale skin. Shuddering, Rachel took a shaky inhale. She was fine and some-what healthy regardless of her grieving emotional state. The female wasn't like her boyfriend Bruce before he died...

"I hope you never have to look like me." Rachel looked up to the hoarse, deep, and ragged words. Rachel's brows furrowed as she rubbed the calloused and tanned hands. "You're not that bad." She muttered as her head dropped a little, her hands rubbing his lean forearm. "Rachel." His words made her worried green orbs look up. Her eyes met brown, tired, ones. Eyes that were half opened, dilated due to all the medications he was on, with deep bags under his eyes. Sickly pale and sweaty skin didn't compare to his normally sun tanned and lively state. Neither did his stiffened muscles and exhausted state. "Honey" Bruce swallowed as he took in shallow breaths. "I look- like an effen corpse." He tried to say in a teasing tone. "Like- the one from Corpse Bride-" Rachel couldn't help but snicker as she smiled a little through her anxiety. "Which one? There's so many characters-" "Err- I dunno but I look like one heh." Bruce laughed as Rachel moved her hand up to the damp towel on his forehead and stroked his longer mullet hair cut. "You're still making jokes even like this huh?" "Well- someone's gotta ease the tension. Cause... everything's funnier when- you're- you know." Rachel nodded as she rubbed her slightly delirious love's head to soothe him as he couldn't help but flinch from his muscles contracting against him. His forehead was almost steaming under her hands. "Rachel?" "Hmm?" Looking down Bruce's eyes were almost closed as he spoke. "I love you... and- I want you to know. You're strong enough to take on every challenge thrown at you. Even- if I'm not there to protect or motivate you." Rachel's chin quivered as her right eye filled with water as she took Bruce's hands. "Bruce-" She whined. "Don't give up, you're not done yet. You can keep fighting too." Bruce nodded "I'm- doing m-my best problem is. There's nothing to punch. And, my strength is being used against me.." He chuckled before coughing on his spit. Rachel leaned closer and hugged Bruce as she couldn't help but release tears. "You're not done yet." She mumbled as he embraced her with shaking hands. "Neither- are you, honeybun." Bruce added as he rubbed her back and tried to continue to breathe through his tightened airways....Looking at her face, her eyes lowered as her brows pinched. "You're not done yet honeybun." Bruce's words rang in her head. Rachel then grabbed her phone, opening the device to see AI generators and various other apps that she had been wrongfully using. Within how deprived of love she was upon the unwanted event, she had turned to robots created by other people to make up space for her boyfriend. Yet it was not the same. Not at all. It could never be as unpredictable or like him. The apps would make him into a femmy boy through the text generators, therefore proving someone's ideals were behind the robot. Rachel could always predict what the robots would say, plus she felt she had enough of the companies spying on her. Her thumb hovered over the app, her rebellious and pain loathing heart wanted to keep the fake reality. That she still had someone.. That she still could love him even if he no longer existed with the living. But what had the app done for her besides bring upon more misery? Her logic told her she had gained fat, lost muscle, and was much too sleep deprived. Her body was slowly withering away and if she didn't get rid of this new addiction she had acquired, it would surely destroy her. Rachel hadn't seen or talked with anyone now for weeks since the funeral. Locking herself away, isolating herself. Allowing unhealthy fantasies to fester and grow, making her feel uncomfortable in her own head. Finally, she made the decision to leave all the strange and random conversations with her fake, ai, ex-boyfriend, the not real Bruce by deleting the app. Swearing to never return to it as it could never hug her or love her like a real man. No device, not even naughty smex apps could make up the space of a whole other person who was just as, or even more complicated than the cosmos.

[spookycatholicknight]

Eight Pilot (PT1)

Rachel stood in front of the black and white stone. Phyllite was his favorite kind of stone... and looked good as his early grave. Rachel felt her heart throb as the broken hole within her began to tremor harder. The young woman stood with what should have been her family in law. What should have been her new cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, and parents.

What should have been....

But now they were only humans in the same pain she was. As they all had once loved the young man that was lost in their lives. Like so many others around the world. Everyone was just hurt and lost within it.

"Bruce Ochroma... was a very dear and erm, decent, caring, tough son of mine." Emilia said as her voice broke. The gray and haired woman sniffed and looked out to the crowd with her puffy brown eyes. "He was always a curious soul who couldn't stop his feet from walking into a new adventure. And- he brought me the best moments of mine, and his family's life. He was a gracious and protective, generous, older brother. Always helping his sister find something to laugh about. Even when she had injured herself in soccer and couldn't play or make school. I will never forget the weeks he made her soups, grilled sandwiches, and tucked her in when watching their shows. Bruce loves his sister, and even in their fights he still made it his duty to set things right. Bruce doesn't run away, he would always get re-charged before sprinting back into battle. The only time however he did bunker down.. Was when he told me about a beautiful girl he had seen. Training beside him for early football practice in the season. What made him like her even more you see- was she was running on a messed up tendon in her right foot. He had overheard her talking to someone saying 'I'm running on it more to make it better!' which had only caught his attention more." To that the whole church chuckled upon hearing about Rachel, making her heart uncontrollably swoon at the memory. "Finally, when he had enough courage- or rather I kicked him out of the house until he asked her to prom. Did we get to see the enchanting girl Rachel, the next Sunday afternoon." Emiliia then turned and gestured to Rachel who no longer held her puffy face in her hands to hide. Seeing how the two females both held the same emotions within each other's eyes. It only made Rachel recoil further as she sat on the bench alone. It was a terrible pain to see how a mother could be so distraught and disturbed that her baby had died.'They all have lost him. They won't be able to see him again like me...' "And I'm so glad he did. Rachel, we still love you." The woman's voice cracked. Bruce's mom seemed to do well in playing the part of being strong and to bear her pain. But it had been obvious when he was being buried of what her true feelings were.

The woman had dropped to the muddy grass, her hand tightly held fast to the black casket. "No, no!!" She cried, trying to almost bargain with God to not take her son away. It broke everyone's heart, to see how tunnel visioned she was. Her darkened eyes only focused on the casket. The closed casket which held her son- which had been closed earlier and did not open to allow the harmed mother a hug, kiss, or word goodbye. No seeing the last of what was a part of hers for about 21 years. Not even her husband could rip her away from her weeping. The dirt was softened more from her eyes than the rainy clouds above.

Finally, it was Rachel's turn to stand up after other various family members or friends went to stand. It was the lady's turn to present a moving speech about how Bruce and her fell into a wonderful love. How they talked and wished to have a family together. How they wanted to have children and grandchildren, to grow old together. To look at each other everyday and say 'I love you. I will fight for you. I will do anything best for you, because I serve you. My spouse, my true love.' But a log was stuck in the dark brunette's throat, as everyone waited quietly, save for their soft sobs. They waited for her, but she couldn't say anything. She couldn't move, Rachel just felt broken, and that all the happiness was ripped from her. That she didn't know what to do, now that her number one supporter, believer, and protector. Rachel was so out of it she didn't even notice Bruce's younger sister Lucy reaching out and hugging her from the bench behind as Rachel crumbled and leaned into the other lighter brown haired female. Holding onto her the two just hugged for dear life, scared they'd lose each other too. "I don't care if we aren't family legally. But you're still my big sister. And we'll take care of each other." Rachel nodded and hugged Lucy tighter. To ensure their friendship would stay together.

.

.

.

[spookycatholicknight]

Eight Teaser:

(Basically what the story is. If you don't like it feel free to leave. Again, this is not a nice tale. I write dark but hopeful tales. If you do like this, do not hit that like/vote, or follow me, don't even make a comment. Because you will hardly get notifications- because I need to be better on time management..... anyway. On with the story>)

"Why are you looking outside at 2:00am?" A calm woman's voice said, trying her best to be soothing around the aggravated spirit. Which dwelled within the tall man who stood by the back door. Staring hard into the dark with an angry, watchful glare. Scanning the thin red trees around them, his mouth opened and closed a few times as he struggled a few words. "..Can't-err sleep.". The woman's steps grew louder, her proximity making him twitch and his fists curl. "Was it.. Another nightmare?" She asked, reaching out cautiously.

"AAAAHHHH! AHHHHH!" Screams filled the room as a body quaked and shook violently upon a bed. Slamming against the bed back and forth, thrashing its head in order to achieve unconsciousness. Suddenly the brown eyes began to grow black as the room grew cloudy through its vision. The veins around the affected sockets grew darker, the gray and black shades drew down through the rest of the body's veins. A hand pushed down the hyperventilating neck,making the throat struggle to breathe as the muscles contracted against itself. Under something else's control only more pain and rage grew as its mouth stretched wider. Its jaw popping out of place as the hoarse, unyielding sound of suffering escaped from within the body's cavity.

The light brunette (Woman 1/W1) then leaned over the toilet and continued to cough, feeling her lungs hollow and lacking air. Before her shaking body finally lost to its nature. Another woman (Woman 2/W2) jolted awake as she heard her sister(W1) screaming. "Sis? Sis, what's wrong?" The darker haired female (W2) held the girl's (W1) arms as she laid her head and arms around the toilet bowl. No strength keeping her upright. "L-ooo! Here, I am here!" The darker brunette (W2) said, trying to calm the sick girl (W1) down.

Looking down at the mixture of yellow which created a foul smell from the clean but not recently toilet, stomach acid, and dinner from the night before. The thinner woman (W1) laid on the couch, wearing a light night gown as she was breathing shallowly, trying not to cough in order to not rip anymore abdomen muscles. "... I can't drink the water- it's too thick and. Makes my stomach yucky." Her friend (W2) looked down at her with brows pinched nervously but knew the best thing to do "We need to take you to the doctors.".

"Ok, yes I am on my way. I am on the roads, coming up the hill-" (W2)

Tires screeched and skidded as the sounds of honking and a man's shouts ripped in the adrenaline flooded air. Followed by a woman's (W1) high pitched screams. Slamming into the larger vehicle her body was forced backwards as she desperately tried to stay forward with no seat belt's help. The sound of a crunch echoed within her ears as then the sound of hot liquid coated the vehicle's side. Sliding and skidding under the cutting and unforgiving road. Its black ground, turning into fire and knives slicing her skin. Her bones screaming as parts of her did not feel normal anymore. Only until she hit her head did she hear the real sound of her body being hurt by the blood pressure in her ears inflamed from pain. Slowly she lifted her kinked neck, trying to pull a knee up to her chest to push herself upright. Bright orange embers flew around her as she turned shakily, panting. Desperately her lungs trying to find the air that was all around, yet irrationally phobic towards her. Turning as she saw the ashes, orange and yellows dancing, the crimson red covering, splattered, upon many surfaces like a toddler had too much fun with red crayons and paint. The female trembled as she saw the mangled, crushed, unrecognizable heap caught in the tires. The gray and frosting-like tissue on the ground... "ugh, uUgH, UUUAAAAAAAAAH!" Her vocals straining, nearly ripping as she screamed out the tragedy.

"Haven't you seen the news? Cats are going missing, wildlife is disappearing. Now a peeping tom? I think this is just the start of-" (W2) "You're not suggesting this is another serial killer's uprising are you?" The woman (W1) at the table said sarcastically as the other female (W2) across from her looked at her dead in the eyes with her red and tired ones. "They start on animals first. Playing out their fantasies. Then they gain courage from peeking through glass more than normal people. Then they start to stalk you, get your routine down. Be-friend you- How. How much more of this will you take until you believe it?" (<-W2) "I get what you're saying and it's valid. But also I think you're thinking way too much into this-" (<-W1) The dark blue hoodie wielding girl grumbled and rubbed her face (W2). "Don't come at me with the whole valid nonsense-" "You're still grieving! Give yourself a break before you go crazy." (<-W1) The female (W2) gritted her teeth "You should pay more attention. The more you ignore and play off a possible threat. The stronger it grows. What will you say next when a child or person goes missing or gets killed?" Her words of worry, anger, and truth spewed from her mouth more so like a venomous snake than a singing dove.

The child shivered, desperately rubbing her arms as hot breath hit her face. "Please stop." She cried to a smiling face. "Shhh, you're safe. I'll make sure I take Good care of you..."

A shout echoed in the night as a large figure sprinted from the woods, slamming into the car making it sway and groan. Looking up, the man (Man 1/ M1) shook as he froze. The wrathful eyes of a human bore back into his skull, as the face of a distorted humanoid in the dark early morning. His (Man2/ M2) split lip and twitchy right lip came up more as he snarled. Screams filled the lonely woods as fists slammed against glass, faster than mere blinks as the glass easily began to give after less than a minute. The sound of a roar before the vehicle was picked up from the left as then the right side of the car crashed into the wooden floor. The girl quickly crawled on her hands and knees to escape, escape! Her body screamed before she heard more comotions and then a simple crack and split after gunshots. She froze and turned her head as a body dropped to the ground. Looking up at the male (M2) whom wore dirty white pajamas. A slipper tossed to the side of the vehicle which seemed to be light brown and rust color splattered onto the material that matched his (M2) outfit. The man drew closer as he began to pull up his shirt. "N-no- NOOOO!" She screamed, even more terrified of the beast (M2).

The man's scar covered hands trembled with his twitchy body, his mouth opened but nothing well formed could come out. Only did green orbs look down to see hands slowly explaining in ASML something. A woman's eyes widened as her voice caught in her throat. Tears welling up. As her mind spun back through what felt like dimensions and another world which was 2 years ago...