Nell: “It will be okay….it will be okay.”Nell repeats that through tears but I can’t help but stare down the barrel of those guns. Magic? Murder? It’s all too much to take. What’s even real anymore?Sever: “We got it, move out.”Alyson: “Na-”I try to get up but the rifles move to freeze me in place. Nell: “What are you going to do to my son?”Sever: “…You don’t need to know.”Nell: “…”No…Sever: “Be sure to go to school tomorrow Alyson. We need everything to move as usual. Low suspicion and all that.”I-I’m too scared to move. I couldn’t do anything as Sever dragged Nao out of my life. With a slam of the door, everything starts to settle. A day that was supposed to heal us is instead one where we’re damaged beyond repair. And it’s not even over yet.Alyson: “N-Nell, I need to know what you meant by Nao being a mage.”She’s still holding me in her arms and shaking trying to hold back a flood of tears.Nell: “Alyson…I’ll try to explain. But I don’t know what good it will do….Nao is

Fuck!*Punch*I try my best to block or dodge Trevor’s blows but…I’m getting overwhelmed. The only reason why I’m still conscious is because of the lightning shock. Damn it, Nao had to fight this monster? How am I supposed to win without magic!“You seem to be struggling love.”Yeah, but I can take it. If Nao can, I’ll push through this new pain. I’ll find a way to fry this bastard. “Awwww, that’s my husband. Undying will and strength. But you might need some help.” What do yo-Trevor: “Come on Anthony, I had more fun with Nao. Stop shooting those fireworks and fight me like a man.”Anthony: “Ahhh, my lover’s body feels soooo good.”Trevor: “Wow, your voice. Why do you sound like a girl now?”Anthony: “Don’t worry about that. You wanted a real fight right, how about you play with me for a while.”My body is moving without my will now. It’s a puppet now, moved by the star I made vows with. She beckons Trevor to fight in a somewhat provocative way. I rather fight him myself, but I’ll

Anthony: “Your voice…”Anthony: “So, you’re our predecessor. I don’t know how you possessed Nao without Arc but I don’t care. Me and Artemis can take you.”Alphon: “Artemis? Ha! That crazy bitch found herself another replacement for her dead husband. Poor ma-”*Boom*Artemis: “Shut up…”Alphon: *Whistle*Alphon: “Good thing you’re a terrible shot.”Anthony: “I already can guess her circumstances. There’s no way someone this powerful would willingly marry me.”Artemis: “Oh honey, you’re so understanding. I love you even more.”Anthony: “…Sure.”Artemis: “Don’t pout love. I know what will make us happy, how about some more murder.”Alphon: “Man, stop switching so much. It’s creepy.”Artemis: “Tch.”Anthony: “I rather not kill you when you’re possessing Nao. But I’ll do what I must.”Alphon: “So you’ll fight me first?”Anthony: “…Why not. Despite her protests, I want to see how strong you were.”Alphon: “I see. Well, don’t be blown away too quickly.”Alphon teleports, actually teleports,

I walk out of the gym carrying my mother. Police, newsmen, and students fill my vision. I ignore their questions, camera flashes, and stares. I move through the crowd with my friends and last family member close behind. Tallow is sent to the hospital and Anthony goes to jail.My world is crumbling, so why is the sky so clear and serene? The days start to blur together after that moment. All of it grieving, all of it ignoring the press and preparing for the funeral.The presence of magic is now known to the whole world, but how could I care? My world is the one that matters and it’s shattered. The only thing I can remember is her coffin being lowered into the ground. The only thing I could feel are the tears dripping off my face. The only thing could hear was Alyson’s sorrow contrasted with the cicadas. Why? Why does the sun shine so brightly? Of all days.We return from the funeral and open the door to a broken home. Without mom taking care of us…what do we do? What happens to me a

……Astral: “Please say something so I can stop.”Deanna: “O-Oh, okay. A-Are you that guy solving small crimes in the town?”Astral: “Yeaaah…small…”Alyson: “Why are you here and what do you want?”He points to the source of the cold. Alyson: “…Why?”Astral: “Because it’s dangerous and I don’t want it to fall to the wrong hands.”Deanna: “Anton’s Family?”Astral: “Exactly, or more specifically the organization his family runs. I actually finally found out it’s name from a loose lipped goon. They call themselves Dawn. Interesting name for people who hide in the darkness.”I still don’t entirely trust this guy but…I can feel my feet freezing over.Alyson: “Fine, take it.”Astral: “Thanks Alyson.”…Did I tell him my name. I shake my head, everyone probably knows my name at this point. We move out of the way so Astral can rip the floorboards off to reveal a glowing blue orb. Deanna: “Why is that here and what even is it?”Astral: “My friend’s best guess is that these magical artifacts