Dean (Future): If I were to spend every second, of every day, of every year, for one million years, thinking of words to properly describe just how awful today was, I wouldn't be able to do it right. I wouldn't be able to find the words. And yet… I feel scared. Scared of what's to come. Scared of what tomorrow might hold. Scared of who I am. Who I will be. Who I'll meet. Who I'll face. I won't be the same person after today. If anything, I feel like a broken version of that joyous Dean Jeeves of yesterday. And yet… With how things have been thus far… I can only assume that it won't get better. That everything will only get worse… And worse… And worse… I'm scared. I want to go home.
The look on his face was one he had never made before. One that he didn't know was possible to make. A twist of muscles, painting over his face in a clear, yet messy collage of emotion. Emotions he was familiar with, emotions he had felt before, but not recently, and emotions he didn't know existed. It made his stomach turn, almost to vomiting.
In fact, he should've puked. His whole body screamed at him to let it out. Even going as far as to lift it up to his throat, causing him to gag, and his face to twist again into disgust, pain, and anticipation. But it never came. The chunky smoothie of waste lodged itself in his throat. Not naturally, but as if someone was holding it there.
Dean (Inner): I don't understand. I thought that it was all over. I thought I'd finally be happy. Why? What did I do wrong?
Fighting against the quickly rising panic flowing throughout his body, Dean managed to glance down at Christina for only a moment. As short of a time as it was that he made eye contact with her, it told him enough. Everything he needed to know was shining off of her white, glowing eyes.
Not only was Christina physically choking him –as well as holding him up– with one hand, but she was also choking him by trapping his own vomit in his throat with her power. That being telekinesis.
The atmosphere of the room was tense, and full of fear. Not only was Christina using her telekinesis to hold up Dean, and choke him, but she was also preventing every single person –excluding both Timothy and herself– from moving. Of course, they were still allowed to breathe and blink, but that was all. The level of control she had was frightening to say the least.
Eventually, Christina forcefully launched the puke in Dean's throat up, causing it to spew out of his mouth and nose like a broken faucet. His instincts wanted nothing more than to make him move. To make him spasm. To cover his mouth. To crouch down. But no. Christina simply watched him suffer silently, making sure that none of the fluid got on herself, or Timothy, who was standing a few feet behind her. Along with this, she forced the other four people by the couch to watch it happen, using her power to keep their eyes open, and fixed on him.
Christina: Alright, well that was fun. It's always good to let loose and relax every now and then, right Timothy?
Closing her eyes and dropping Dean to the floor, Christina stretches her arms up with a somewhat satisfied grin, before turning around to face Timothy. Eyes darting nervously between the four on and by the couch, Dean on the floor, and Christina in front of him, he responds as professionally as he can manage in the moment.
Timothy: Of course, Ma'am. I absolutely agree.
Clearly shaken from the experience a few moments ago, Dean –instead of fighting or escaping– chooses to spend his current telekinesis freedom on his knees, with his arms crossed for comfort, and his head placed gently on the floor. Although his head is partly placed in the puddle of puke, and the position messes up the hair that Lexi did for him earlier, he doesn't even notice. His mind, –too caught up in fear and anxiety– refuses to comprehend that micro-situation.
Christina: And a little rest never hurts either, but back to it, huh?
After what feels like only a nanosecond, and before his brain can even catch up to the current circumstances, Christina once again lifts him up and violently launches him into the wall that leads to the kitchen. Dean flies through it, almost as if it were paper, and bounces off the wall leading to the outside, leaving a fairly large blood stain, marking where he had hit.
Christina: Timothy, quick. I don't want him to die from that.
Timothy: Of course.
With sweat dripping down his sides, Timothy hesitantly yet quickly moves over to the kitchen. Respectfully opening the door, he steps inside, and silently gags at what he sees.
Dean (Inner): Portal. I don't care. I just want to leave. Please. I want to go home. I want to portal home. I don't want to die here like this. Please work. Portal. Please. Why? Why can't I portal? I don't understand.
As if it were its own pocket dimension, all sound seems to vanish as Timothy steps foot inside the kitchen. All except two noises. Dean's quiet, and infrequent gasps for air, and the sound of blood leaking out onto the tiled floor.
When Christina had launched him through the wall, Dean had made contact with it from his front side, causing his head to whip back, his nose to crush, his teeth to fall out, his ribs to break and puncture his organs, and other bones in his body to snap and protrude out. Either miraculously or unfortunately, he remained conscious during all of it, feeling every ounce of pain that flowed through him as his body leaked out blood like a water bottle that was pricked with multiple needles.
Dean: …-or…-al… -lease…
Stopping momentarily from lifting his hand to heal Dean, Timothy furrowed his eyebrows and leaned in an inch upon hearing those mumbles from his mouth. Although quiet, and drowned out from blood, the words were still somewhat understandable. A flash of guilt and empathy shot through Timothy like a static shock, causing him to shiver a bit, before regaining his focus and lifting his hand up once more to heal him.
Dean (Inner): Portal… Please…
His thoughts began to run wild as his vision clouded over with a red tint. He didn't even have the energy to blink. An unknown liquid began flowing softly out of his eyes. Whether it be blood, tears, or even his brain, it didn't matter. He didn't care. Amidst all the chaos hurricane of thoughts within his mind, one thing remained constant. One topic stayed in the forefront, as if it were more important than his own life. Portal.
Clack. Snap. Squish. Click.
Like a scene from a horror movie, Dean's bones quickly began to snap back into place, as the skin it broke through sealed itself. Teeth grew back as if he had an extra layer hiding underneath all along. His veins filled with just enough blood to keep him alive. After all, Timothy suspected that Christina would prefer it that way, even if he had his own qualms about it. The goal for it was to leave him feeling lightheaded and weak. Yet unbeknownst to him, by healing him as he was, Timothy unknowingly healed the mild brain injury that Dean had.
Dean: AAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!
Because he lacked the ability to speak properly for a few moments, along with the fact that his mind was too clouded to do so –save for that one moment–, all of the emotional and mental pain spilled out of his mouth at once. Seeing how Dean flailed and rolled across the floor, as he clutched himself and screamed bloody murder, Christina couldn't help but chuckle.
Christina: Wow. I just started but damn, this sure is fun, huh? Uuuhhh… You. What was your name? Ah! Cameron! … Right?
Looking to her right at Cameron –who was standing up next to the couch with a fierce and aggressive look–, Christina snaps her fingers a few times as she tries to recall his name. Scanning through her memories like a book, her face lights up as she remembers, but quickly shifts to one of confused amusement as she asks for confirmation.
Christina: Oh, right! Haha! Sorry.
Smacking herself lightly on the head, Christina giggles as she realizes that she hasn't allowed them to speak yet. A moment later, she does so. Her eyes remain white, in order to keep the four where they are, and only allowing them the ability to speak.
With Dean –still feeling the after effects of his near death experience a few moments ago– continuing to flail on the ground as he shrieks, Timothy steps over the chunks of wall he flew through, and shifts his attention through the hole, just in time to see Christina giggling. What normally is a sign of happiness and play, makes Timothy feel nothing but fear and uncertainty in that moment. Despite his heart and spirit trying their hardest to give him confidence, the mere situation –as simple as it is– is enough to freeze him completely.
Timothy (Inner): I've always been on the same level as her. I've treated her with utmost respect for the past sixteen years, as did she. We've been relatively equal, it felt like. Like I could stand up to her whenever, as I did so many times. But now… Why? Why has my heart stopped beating blood throughout my body, and instead replaced it with terror? Are we that different? Do I even- No. Did I ever even have the opportunity to stand against her? To change things and enforce rules myself? To be somewhat of a real leader on my own? Or must I simply sit quietly and wait for an opportunity such as that to arise. But when would that be? Could something like that even happen?
Christina: Okay, you four can speak now.
Ashley: DEEEAAAN!
Heather: Shhh. Ashley, please. It's gonna be okay. Don't cry. Don't cry. I promise we'll be fine.
Lexi: YOU BITCH! WHAT DID DEAN DO!? LET US GO! LEAVE! WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT TO HIM!?
Christina: Jeez Louise, guys! What? This is how you show your respect for your world leader? It's pathetic if you ask me. Unbelievable. Alright, you three can zip it then. Now, Cameron. Am I correct in calling you that?
Cameron: You are.
Christina: Yeah, okay, I thought so. Sorry, I remember Leon talking about you guys sometimes, but I just couldn't for the life of me remember your names properly. He's always just 'blah blah blah blah' haha, you know?
Cameron: He's mentioned you too, in fact.
Christina: Oh yeah? What did he say about me? Nothing good I suspect, haha!
Cameron: Oh you know. He's said things such as 'Is this what the world leader has come to? Really? She just breaks into people's houses during their daughter's seventeenth birthday party, just to almost kill her best friend that saved her life? Really? The world leader, Christina, is so unprofessional to the point of laughing, making jokes, and speaking simply to the people she's mentally tormenting? Really? The world leader is such a fraud as to have zero empathy towards anyone?' That's what he's told me.
Her joyful and excited expression quickly turns into one of boredom and anger at his words. However a tiny bit of her smile remains, upon seeing the tears welling up in his eyes, and how hard he's trying to keep himself from screaming. Even still, the annoyance of Dean's constant screams bubbles her anger over the top as she turns and shouts to him.
Christina: OKAY IT WAS FUNNY AT FIRST! NOW YOU NEED TO SHUT UP! My god! Ha, sorry about that. His overreaction was really getting to me, haha.
Using her telekinesis, Christina forces his mouth shut. It doesn't completely silence him –in fact, it only serves to muffle the noise just a bit–, but it's quiet enough to tune out.
Ashley (Inner): I want to scratch my arm. I want to scratch my arm. I want to scratch my arm. I want to scratch my arm. I want to scratch my arm. I want to scratch my arm. I want to scratch my arm. I want to scratch my arm. I want to scratch my arm. I want to scratch my arm. I want to scratch my arm. I want to scratch my arm. I want to scratch my arm.
The inability to move only serves to enhance Ashley's internal desire to scratch at herself for comfort. The thought of it eats away at her brain like tourrette's. Surprisingly enough, the thought of saving Dean quickly vanished after her ability to speak was taken for the second time. Buried underneath her desire to scratch, laid a faint curiosity. The thought 'why exactly is she here, doing this?' repeated itself without her knowing, feeding into her panic.
Cameron: OH! AND HOW COULD I FORGET!? THERE WAS ANOTHER TIME WHEN LEON SAID 'REALLY!? THE WORLD LEADER LIED TO THE WHOLE WORLD FOR YEARS ABOUT HAVING A POWER, YET CONTINUED TO HARASS, TORTURE, AND KILL PEOPLE WHO ALSO HAVE POWERS!? THAT'S JUST CRAZY!'
A few tears drip down his face as his composure slips, spiraling him into an emotional fury. Before he can continue, however, Christina quickly shuts him up again.
Her fists clench together out of anger and irritation. Normally when this happens, she would make sure to not clench them too tightly, in order to make sure that her nails wouldn't be messed up. This time however, she didn't care. Her fake nails quickly broke off, leaving her real nails to dig deeply into her palms, almost to the point of breaking the skin. Along with this, she grits her teeth, and takes audible deep breaths for about a minute before calming down enough.
Christina: I really just can't believe this. Wow. Again, is this how you show respect to your world leader? I'm appalled to say the least. Utterly baffled. Here I am, trying to bring a villain to justice, and instead of praising me for that, you four instead choose to shout, and throw meaningless insults at me. Heh heh. What am I saying? I sound like Leon. Hahaha. But still. You guys made me pretty mad. So in order to shut you moronic people up, I will explain the situation in a way that you can understand.
Even though his mouth was being forced shut, the sound of Dean's shrieks from the other room still managed to get on Christina's nerves after a little bit. Before beginning her explanation, and without making any sort of attempt to calm herself down this time, she snaps at Timothy, urging him to use his power. The sudden sharpness in her voice causes him to jump.
Christina: OKAY, TIMOTHY! CAN YOU DO SOMETHING ABOUT THAT, PLEASE!? It's driving me crazy!
Immediately returning his focus towards Dean after Christina finishes her thought, Timothy takes a deep breath and uses his healing ability once more. As mentioned earlier, he purposely neglected healing Dean all the way, assuming that it was what Christina wanted. In doing so, his main intention was to make him lightheaded, and weak, achieved by not allowing him a completely healthy amount of blood, and instead allowing the minimal amount required to live. This however, also had a negative effect on Dean's mental state. The sheer shock and pain of Dean's mind from that experience, was something that truly stuck with him, and will continue to do so for the remainder of his life. Thankfully, Timothy's healing ability allows him to solve this issue, to an almost perfect level. Dean's current mental state can be fixed, but the trauma of that experience will scar.
As if waking up from a nightmare, all of the thoughts of panic, pain, and death that clouded Dean's mind suddenly vanish, leaving him staring to the ceiling in a confused, yet nauseous state. His eyes frantically dart around the room, as if he's forgotten where he was.
Timothy: Are you okay?
Hearing the unfamiliar voice, Dean's eyes dilate and shoot to the source, as he jumps to his feet in a panicked hurry. Swallowing and breathing heavily, he attempts to maintain his balance, but the effects of the situation make him disoriented. Nevertheless, he stands.
Dean: Did all of that happen?
As the memories of the past few minutes flood back in his mind like they were never clouded, Dean stares at Timothy, waiting for his confirmation. Even if he knows that Timothy is with Christina, he doesn't care. The need for reassurance trumps all other thoughts.
A nod. A small, pained nod. Something in Timothy's eyes showed hesitation, regret, and inadequacy. Things that Dean didn't pick up on.
Turning his attention over to Christina as she speaks, he seems to freeze in place. However, unlike before, and with the others, this temporary paralyzation seems to be caused by Dean himself, and his fear to face Christina. Much like other times, he escapes into his mind for distraction.
Dean (Inner): How can I get out of this situation without dying? I don't think it would be too much of a stretch to assume that world leader Christina is here to arrest me. After all, the hole I created must've been a major tragedy in the good part. One that definitely wouldn't go forgotten or unpunished. And I think I can assume that this guy over here is working with her, seeing as they both came in together. Although… Why would he heal me? And why does he seem so relaxed… Yet… Upset? Does he not want to be here? Does he have contradictions regarding his role or something? I want to know more, and yet… I have other things I need to think about.
As the situation escalates, the voice in Dean's head grows louder, and more frequent with each passing second. His eyes never leave Christina, yet sight is the only sense his body has allowed for processing her. The words she's saying, and the meaning behind them, are nonexistent to Dean. As if he were watching a silent film, recorded with an HD camera.
Dean (Inner): How would I get out of this situation? The best answer I could think of would be to use my power and get everyone out, including myself. Of course, I wouldn't use it to portal Christina, or this other guy. That'd just be stupid. But is that even something I can do in this situation? Obviously, when my emotions are going berserk, my power goes haywire and activates on its own. What I just experienced was probably one of the most emotionally intense moments of my entire life, yet my power didn't go off at all. There must be something wrong with it. Either that, or my understanding of it so far has been completely incorrect. Thankfully I am rather calm though. That guy over there, he has a healing ability, right? Maybe that works for both physical, and mental things too.
During all of this, Christina spoke to the four by the couch like normal. Her voice was full of amusement, and her eyes showed nothing but joy, almost as if she hadn't had fun in years.
Christina: So… Why exactly am I here? Obviously, for Dean. But why? Well I'll tell you right now, it's not because he has a power. Or rather, that's not the main reason. As you may know already, Dean has the ability of creating portals to other places. These portals vary in size. What I just relayed to you is the extent of our knowledge on the matter. We don't know if he can control them. We don't know where he can portal to. And we don't know how powerful he is or can become. We do, however, have a clue. You see, on Wednesday of the twenty-seventh of last month, Dean created a massive portal in a large suburban area of the good part, instantly killing thousands of people, and leaving a ginormous hole in its place. As you can imagine, this caused major issues for us. However, this isn't all. A few days prior, Dean was responsible for murdering one of his close friends. And a few days after, while unconfirmed, Dean was suspected of killing military officials using his power, in order to get to the train leading to the bad part. Why he didn't just teleport himself there is unknown. So, to sum things up: Dean is responsible for countless deaths. Both directly, and indirectly. He had single handedly spiraled us into a potential depression that could wipe out our society. And he clearly shows no remorse for his actions, considering he's here partying with the girl he likes.
Ashley (Inner): What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What?
Although Dean had been previously lost in his own purposefully distracting thoughts, at some point while Christina was talking, he snapped back to reality. Air stopped flowing into his lungs as his stomach dropped. The world sounded fuzzy, focusing solely on the sound of Christina's voice as she spoke. Even though the other four by the couch were physically incapable of moving, he could still somehow gauge each of their reactions.
Christina: And now for chaos. One minute. Have fun.
Continuing to stare at them through the hole in the kitchen, Dean noticed every head of the four quickly turn to them, their expressions matching exactly what he had expected.
Without anyone noticing, from being too caught up in the intense moment, Timothy had made his way out of the kitchen and back to Christina's side. His hands fidgeted subtly. As he did so, Timothy made sure that Christina wouldn't be aware of his action, as he didn't know what she might make of it, and he didn't want to take any sort of chance. Not when he's close.
Timothy: Did you return their ability to move freely?
He glanced over to her. The very first thing he noticed was undoubtedly her most obvious feature in this moment. Her white, narrow eyes. Although right now, her eyes were just a little wider than usual, with her eyebrows furrowed a bit, and her cheeks wrinkled. It was another sight of hers that made him shiver just a bit.
Christina: Not quite. They can move everything with their heads, and their hands.
Timothy: Why the hands?
Christina: Leon once told me about Ashley's dependency on scratching herself in uncomfortable situations. I would simply like to see if such a statement is in fact true.
Timothy: Oh.
Still looking at her, he quickly notices her eyes squint in curiosity and puzzlement as she leans forward an inch. Returning the same expression, he adjusts his stance to better face her before speaking. His soft, whispered voice echoes through her ears, causing her body to snap back with an "Oh!" before she chuckles and responds.
Timothy: Is there something wrong, Ma'am?
Christina: Not really, no. It's just… That girl. The one with the braided hair like bunny ears. Does she look familiar at all?
Turning his head towards Lexi, Timothy once again squints his eyes, focusing his gaze solely on her. Out of him and Christina, he was the one with a far better memory, so if there was something that Christina wasn't sure if she remembered correctly or not, he would usually be the one to confirm or deny. This was a case such as that, as after a few moments of looking at her, his eyebrows quickly shot up as he came to a conclusion.
Timothy: You're not wrong, Ma'am. She is indeed familiar. That girl is Alexis Dahlia, originally named Alexis Alchemilla before her adopted father changed her last name. Her adopted father is named Ronald Dahlia. A few weeks ago, Alexis ran away from home, and was reported missing. I think that might be the only reason I remember her, because that case was both very recent, and unresolved.
Christina: Ooohhh yeah. Now that you mention it, I think I might remember what you're talking about. We promised that Ron guy that we'd get his daughter back, right?
Timothy: Correct.
Christina: Excellent. Well then, once we've finished up here, why don't we give little ol' Alexis a ride back home, huh?
Although secretly hesitant on the idea, Timothy understands that refusing or arguing against her wouldn't be the greatest idea right now. So, he instead chooses to nervously nod his head and agree with her.
A minute prior, Dean walked through the kitchen door, each step more agonizing than the last, especially as he's met with the faces of the four. Lexi, with empathy and anger. Cameron, with confusion and understanding. Heather, looking upset and hurt. And Ashley, the one expression he couldn't make out. The only person who was taking advantage of the use of her arms.
With her mouth open a crack, and her eyes wide and dead as she faces forward, Ashley immediately begins scratching –or rather, digging– into her arm. Each stroke of her nails has a painful friction sound to it, that leaves a dark red line as it moves.
Although she had been silently chatting with Timothy during this, Christina couldn't help but think to herself as she watched the scene unfold.
Christina (Inner): No one's speaking. Huh. I suppose that makes sense. With a revelation like this, what would you even say? What would you even think?
Cameron: Dean… I'm not sure what I should say right now. It's hard to… Even gather my thoughts enough to speak. But I'm sure you have an explanation for what she said, right? I refuse to believe that you would do anything like that.
Dean (Inner): Why? Why? Why Why Why? Why do you still believe in me? Why do you still care about me? Why do you still trust in me after hearing something so terrible about me? I don't deserve that. I don't deserve anything.
Heather: I suppose… That the world leader could just be lying, right? She did lie about having a power, so it wouldn't be too far-fetched, right?
Lexi: Dean…
Tears streaming down his face, and his body still feeling sluggish and sick, Dean darts his eyes to each and every one of them in a loop. However, whenever his eyes land on Lexi's, he pauses for a moment, silently asking her what to do, and what to say. But she never responds. The time runs short as Dean holds his hands over his face, and loses balance in his weak legs as he falls to his knees, crying.
Dean: I'm sorry. I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry. I'm sorry. It's true. What she said about me is true. I-I-I-I-I… I killed so many people. I've done… Inhumane things. And I haven't suffered enough for it. I hate what I've done. I don't deserve to live.
The one minute that Christina granted them had run out. However, being too invested in the moment, she forgets to remove their abilities of speaking and moving their arms again. Ashley continues to scratch. Nails to skin. It hurts like hell, but she doesn't feel it.
Dean breaks down even further. His cries turn into sobs. His fingers pull slightly at his hair. His arms fidget uncomfortably. His body shakes. A laugh involuntarily comes out as he speaks.
Dean: And I… And I thought… That I could be happy. I thought to myself 'things will be different after the concert' every day. I held onto that hope, praying that it would be true. That things would work out. That people would accept me. But… Honestly. Who wants someone who doesn't want themselves? Why should you care about me when I hate myself? There's nothing to like. I'm not a person. I'm a monster. But I really did think, even for a little while, that I deserved happiness. And-and-and the universe made me feel like I did. It gave me that hope. It made me feel happy for a while. But that was all just a joke, wasn't it? A punishment. I knew it was too good to be true. Saving the life of the girl I liked at her concert and then living with her. Yeah right. I'm the last person who should deserve anything like that. I'm the last person who should know what it feels like to smile.
Cameron: That's not-
Christina: Awwwwww! Wasn't that just beautiful? Why don't we give Dean a round of applause for his stunning performance!? Yeah give it up everyone!
Using her telekinesis to make everyone clap, Christina slowly steps towards Dean with both a menacing aura, and smile. The sounds of the claps hurt his soul and fill him with dread.
Christina: I liked your word choice there. You think you deserve to be punished, huh? I wholeheartedly agree with you.
The brown color of Dean's eyes fade to terror as Christina bends over and whispers into his ear.
Christina: Put on a good show for us. You fucking demon.
The applause suddenly stopped, leaving Dean wondering if it actually did, or if his ears simply blocked out the sound. Or at least, he would be wondering this, if his mind wasn't preoccupied with fear.
Christina: Timothy. I'm gonna need you to heal Dean constantly during this, so he doesn't die. I need you to really work with me here though, alright? This is really going to be a test of my skill, so I might accidentally kill him right now.
Timothy: Of course.
Timothy (Inner): What is she going to do?
Cameron (Inner): What is she going to do?
Heather (Inner): What is she going to do?
Lexi (Inner): What is she going to do?
Ashley (Inner): What…?
Dean (Inner): What's gonna happen to me?
Glancing over at the four by the couch in search of silent reassurance, Dean is met with dead eyes staring directly into his soul. Obviously, he knows that Christina is puppeteering them with her power, but the sight still frightens him nevertheless.
Dean (Inner): Ow…
That word. That one word. It was all he could manage to think. The only word that came to his mind at the start of it. Such a simple word. One that perfectly represents the feeling of the experience, although it might seem to be an understatement. But that wasn't all. That one word was just the only thing he managed to properly think. For the next minute or so, the thoughts that flooded into Dean's mind, made him feel as though his brain would overheat and melt in his skull. None of it he could properly comprehend.
Shaking and audibly panting from the mental and physical toll of it, Christina held out her hand and used her power on Dean. With what she was doing, all of her focus needed to be put solely on Dean, resulting in the four by the couch becoming free to move once again. Alongside Christina, stood Timothy, who watched in horror as Dean's body convulsed. The sight seared itself into his brain. Guilt rushed through his body with a shiver, knowing that he is playing a part in this torture, yet he doesn't stop.
Pain. Incomprehensible pain. Unexplainable pain. Indescribable pain. All the pain he's ever felt, maxed out to 100. All the pain he's never felt, maxed out beyond that. His body feels everything. Melting from the heat of the sun. Freezing in the depths of space. Being crushed under the weight of the universe. Electrocution by every electrical current on the planet. Spikes and bullets shoot through him. A nuclear bomb sets off right next to him. It stings. It's sharp. It gets worse. It spreads by the second, even though the pain is already everywhere in his body. His organs fail constantly, but they work again a second later. His body flails around like a seizure, unsure of how else to react. His brain fries itself at all the information being flooded into it. Instead of screaming, random noises flood out of his mouth as he drools and pukes and bleeds. Once his stomach empties itself, he begins vomiting a mixture of blood and bile. The feeling of it sliding up into his throat and out his mouth burns like it's fluoroantimonic acid. Even peeing himself hurts and burns like nothing else. If he had the brain capacity to think, he would be begging for death. But instead, he goes insane every single second, before returning to sanity a second later, only to repeat that hellish cycle. The world vanishes. The only sense he's allowed is touch. Only pain fills his body. Pain becomes his new world. Pain becomes his new universe. Pain becomes everything. There is nothing but unimaginable pain. While simple, it's truly the only word to describe it.
There are supposedly at least seven trillion nerves in the human body. Their purpose is to send electrical signals to the brain, allowing us to move, and feel sensations. They are how we feel pain. When an exposed nerve is touched, it can result in incredible agony. Imagine how it would feel for every single nerve in your body to be squeezed at the same time, by an invisible force.
The four by the couch stare in utter horror. Even though Christina's telekinesis is no longer affecting them, the sight of it still freezes them in place. The only movement Cameron and Heather make is dropping their jaws. The only movement Lexi makes is putting her hands over her mouth. The only movement Ashley makes is scratching her arm, still with a dead face.
Two minutes pass before anyone does something. Two whole minutes. Cameron rushes over to Dean, trying in any way to help him. Heather continues to stand behind Ashley on the couch, holding her daughter in confusion as she wonders 'why doesn't he just attack Christina?'
Cameron: HEATHER!
As if her name was a command, Heather's eyes dilate as she instinctively jumps over the couch, being careful to not hit Ashley or Lexi as she does. Taking Cameron's place, she crouches down next to Dean, trying desperately in any way she can think to calm him down, but to no avail. She begins to panic and cry as Dean flops around like a dying fish.
Once Heather takes his place, Cameron springs to his feet and closes the gap between him and Christina, determined to stop her. Even though all of her focus is spent on Dean, Christina still somehow manages to find a way to hold him off with her power. Granted, she isn't doing a very great job at this, but she is still successful in delaying Cameron nonetheless.
Lexi (Inner): Why am I not moving? Why am I not helping? Dean needs me. He needs me more than he needs anyone. So why am I glued to this couch? Why am I so scared of getting up and helping? I have to. I need to. Please. Please.
A punch. A singular punch. But it's enough to throw her off balance. Christina stops using her power as she stumbles backwards, clutching her cheek where Cameron had punched. Timothy continues healing Dean for a few seconds longer, before deactivating his power as well.
Heather: Dean!? Dean!? Are you okay!? Can you hear me, Dean!?
Dean (Inner): My head… My head… My head… My head…
The blurred faces of Cameron and Heather come into view. They're the only things he can see at the moment, besides the ceiling. Their faces show nothing but concern as they speak to him. Their voices don't reach his ears, leaving him scared and confused.
Dean (Inner): Portal. Portal. Portal. Portal. Portal! Portal! Portal! PORTAL! PORTAL! PORTAL! PORTAL! PORTAL! PORTAL! PORTAL! PORTAL!! PORTAL!! PORTAL!!!
The blurred faces in front of him suddenly vanish as a tingle in his chest comes and goes like a snap. Blood. It spews everywhere, causing his vision to turn red as it gets in his eyes. Two loud thuds next to him. Blood soaks into him. Blood soaks into everything. Blood gets on Ashley, making her stop scratching. Yet like always, no blood gets on Christina.
He would throw up if there was anything left to.
Standing up slowly, he rubs his eyes and scans the room. Christina stands a few feet away with a shocked smile. Timothy stands behind her with a stern yet uncomfortable expression. Lexi is curled up, still with her hands over her mouth. Ashley stares at Dean in rage, with her scar glowing purple. His head swings around a few more times, looking for Heather and Cameron. Eventually he finds them.
Dean: Oh…
The source of the blood. Their headless corpses lay on the floor, right in front of him. Without knowing, he stares mindlessly at the two for at least twenty seconds, only being broken out of his daze by the sound of Ashley standing up off the couch.
Ashley: Why?
Dean: Ashley…
Christina: Alright guys, time to start wrappin' it-
Lexi: AAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!
Lexi (Inner): I have to be strong. I have to protect this life. I have to protect him. I have to. I have to.
Before she can finish, Lexi jumps off the couch and lunges at her, flailing her arms, and trying everything she can to fight back against Christina. She manages to get one hit in before Christina can activate her power, a punch to the stomach. She hunches forward, wrapping her arms around herself before looking back at Timothy.
Christina: Use your power already! What are you waiting for, dumbass!?
Lexi unleashes a barrage of punches and kicks to Christina in rapid succession, trying to get as many in as she can before she's stopped. All of the attacks she uses are ones she learned the hard way. It's both her fighting on Dean's behalf, and letting out her own anger and hatred. It fills her with adrenaline.
Ashley: Why, Dean? Why? Why?
The words get caught in his throat. Deep down, he knows nothing he says will make the situation any better. Instead, he chooses to back away fearfully and slowly as Ashley steps towards him, and over the bodies of her parents.
Tears stream down her eyes like raindrops as she lunges forward, tackling Dean. The two collide against the wall, making Dean yelp as he hits his head against it. She grabs hold of his bloody shirt and throws him down to the floor.
Dean (Inner): Her power. Did she ever tell me she had one? I can't remember. What is it? What is it?
Ashley straddles his chest, and stares down at him with horrifying eyes. A shiver runs down his spine at the sight of her, and how she looks like a completely different person. His eyes dart down as he notices her fists clench in his peripheral vision.
Ashley: What did it all mean? What was any of it? A lie? A mistake?
She slams her fist down into his nose. He groans and instinctively brings his hand up to hold it, but Ashley stops that. She slaps his other hand away before slamming another fist into his nose. It hurts. It hurts like hell. Even with the pain he felt mere minutes ago, it still hurts. Even so, he doesn't fight back. The thought of it never even crosses his mind.
Dean (Inner): I deserve this.
Ashley: You saved me! What did that mean!? Were you the one who snapped the cord with your portals!? Did you only save me to look good!? Did you only save me to get on my good side!? To see me in person!? To make me fall in love with you!? So you could turn on me!? So you could torture me!? So you could rape me and kill me!? Was that it!? Is that who you are!? You fucking murderer!
Her voice cuts out every few seconds as she slams her fists into his face, and takes sharp breaths. Dean's face starts becoming a bloody pulp, but he still doesn't fight back.
Dean (Inner): I deserve this.
Ashley: THEY LOVED YOU! THEY CARED ABOUT YOU, AS IF YOU WERE THEIR OWN SON! WHY!? WHY DID YOU KILL THEM!? WHY DID YOU KILL ALL THOSE PEOPLE!? WHAT DID THEY DO TO YOU!? AND THEN-AND THEN-AND THEN YOU COME IN HERE AND ASK FOR HELP! FOR LOVE! FOR FAMILY! AND WE GAVE IT TO YOU! WE GAVE YOU EVERYTHING! I GAVE YOU MY SOUL! MY HEART! MY LOVE! AND YOU THREW IT ALL AWAY! MY WHOLE LIFE! MY WHOLE LIFE I'VE WAITED TO BE HAPPY! TO BE WITH SOMEONE! I THOUGHT… I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE YOU! I THOUGHT YOU'D FINALLY BE THE PERSON TO MAKE ME HAPPY! TO MAKE ME WANT TO KEEP GOING! BUT NO! I'M JUST A STUPID BITCH FOR THINKING THAT, AREN'T I!? I FELL FOR YOU, DEAN! BUT I GUESS THAT WASN'T REAL, HUH!? WAS IT JUST LONELINESS!? I SUPPOSE SO! 'CAUSE… 'CAUSE HOW ELSE WOULD I BE ABLE TO LOVE SOMEONE AS DISGUSTING AS YOU! I HATE YOU! I HATE YOU! I WANT YOU TO DIE!
Dean (Inner): I deserve this. It hurts… But that doesn't matter. I deserve this.
A faint green glow on the other side of the room. All of the pain in Dean's face suddenly vanishes, allowing him a clear view of Ashley's face, rather than through swollen eyes. The sight of it shatters his heart. A confused anger mixed with a rage filled sadness and regret.
Even though she sees and understands that Dean's face is fully healed, she doesn't hesitate in hitting him more. Over and over. He doesn't fight back. Timothy continues to heal him. She continues to hit.
Dean (Inner): I deserve this.
He repeats it to himself rhythmically with her hits.
Ashley: IS THIS WHAT I GET!? IS THIS WHAT I GET FOR FINALLY OPENING MY HEART UP TO SOMEONE!? FOR FINALLY MAKING A FRIEND!? AM I SUPPOSED TO BE ALONE!? WALLOWING FOREVER!? WITH THE ONLY PEOPLE THAT ACTUALLY CARE ABOUT ME BEING MY OWN DAMN PARENTS!? NO FRIENDS! NO PARTNER! NO ONE! ONLY FAKE ASSHOLES WHO WANT ME FOR DISGUSTING REASONS! OR BECAUSE I'M JUST FAMOUS! AND I CAN'T EVEN HAVE THE TWO PEOPLE WHO ACTUALLY LOVED ME, CAN I!? WHY, DEAN!? WHY CAN'T I BE HAPPY!? WHY DID YOU HAVE TO TAKE IT ALL AWAY FROM ME!? WHAT DID I DO TO YOU!?
Timothy (Inner): I should heal Christina too. She's definitely gonna be pissed at me, but the situation over here is getting out of control.
While continuing to heal Dean from Ashley's relentless hammerfists to the nose, Timothy turns some of his attention over to Christina, who is struggling to fight back against Lexi's quick movements, all while constantly screaming out his name.
Christina (Inner): I CAN'T THINK! I CAN ONLY USE MY POWER IF I CAN THINK PROPERLY! I DON'T HAVE THE TIME TO! EVERY TIME I GET CLOSE, ANOTHER PUNCH LANDS! I CAN'T REACT IN TIME! SHE'S TOO DAMN QUICK!
After a second, he quickly heals her, giving her a small –but long enough– amount of time to push Lexi away with her telekinesis. However, because she did it quickly, Lexi fortunately lands against the couch, knocking it over and rolling on the floor for a moment. No serious damage is done, but she is left with a splitting headache from the quick movements.
Christina: Took you long enough, asshole! As I was saying earlier: It's time to start wrapping this up! You! Falinx! Move!
Although her power doesn't require her to, Christina slides her finger to the side, launching Ashley away. Before she's able to do this however, Ashley manages to dig her nails into Dean's left cheek, instantly cutting the skin and leaving a deep gash. She lands against the couch, tumbling over it and breaking one of her legs in the process. The bone in her knee sticks out, and she unconsciously shifts her power from enhancing rage, to healing. Lexi –noticing her– rubs her eyes quickly from the pain in her head before scooting closer.
Lexi: Ashley! Dude! I-I-I! Are you okay!?
Ashley: DON'T TOUCH ME!
When Lexi concerningly reached out towards Ashley, she slapped her hand away. Lexi watched in sympathy and worry as Ashley curled up, crying into her broken knee.
Christina: Alright Dean. Now it's just me and you, huh? Exciting, isn't it? Final battle, right? Well? Whatchu got, tough guy, huh? Ugh. Timothy, can you do something about these blood sprinklers please? It's getting really annoying to hold off all that blood with my power. Like you wouldn't believe.
Timothy: Of course.
A moment he had been waiting for, for the past minute. Even though Timothy's power doesn't allow him to bring people back from the dead, he's still somehow able to heal dead bodies. So, he heals the headless corpses of Heather and Cameron, in order to stop their blood from constantly spewing everywhere. At the same time as this, however, he managed to heal Ashley's wound, without raising any sort of suspicion from Christina. When this happens, Ashley simply assumes that her power worked really well. Seeing as she isn't in a good headspace, this simple explanation made perfect sense to her. Lexi, however, peeked her head up over the couch and saw Timothy's glowing hand. To this, she furrowed her eyebrows and pursed her lips a bit.
Lexi (Inner): Is he helping us? Why? Does he have some ulterior motive, or something? Wack.
Timothy: Hey.
His voice is firm, causing both Lexi and Ashley to sit up straight and look at him. Their eyes are quickly drawn to his hand as he points to the front door, but shoot back to him when he begins speaking again.
Timothy: I don't know what is going to happen. I can only assume that world leader Christina will cause major damage to this building. I'd advise the two of you to evacuate now while you can.
Lexi: Yeah… Sure. Come on, Ashley.
Ashley: No. No No No! I'm not done! I'm not done with Dean!
Lexi is met with quick resistance as she attempts to help Ashley up, still worried about her leg. Even if it is healed, deep down she worries that there could be some issues. And even though they hadn't spoken much during the week, Lexi still cares deeply about Ashley, simply because Dean does.
With zero hesitation, Ashley sweeps Lexi's legs as she helps her up, causing her to fall back and hit her head against the carpet. The blood soaked into the fibers mushes against her head, as a few drops fly into the air on impact.
Lexi: Ow… Dude that wasn't-
The situation is both similar, as well as different to Dean's minutes ago. It's similar in how Ashley straddles Lexi's chest, attempting to hurt her, but different since Lexi fights back. She swings her hands around and makes mini-hits to Ashley's gut –more in an attempt to stun her than anything–, as she moves the rest of her body in any way she can, hoping to get the same effect.
Ashley: YOU TOO! YOU TWO ARE FRIENDS! WERE YOU… WERE YOU ALSO IN ON IT!? CONSPIRING BEHIND MY BACK TO MAKE ME FEEL SYMPATHY AND CARE FOR YOU GUYS, SO YOU CAN RUIN MY LIFE!? WHY!? THAT'S WHY YOU DIDN'T HELP DEAN EARLIER! YOU KNEW THAT HE WOULD KILL MY PARENTS!? WERE YOU CONSPIRING WITH CHRISTINA TOO, OR SOMETHING!? WHY!? WHAT COULD I HAVE POSSIBLY DONE TO DESERVE SOMETHING LIKE THIS!? I'VE NEVER DONE ANYTHING TO YOU! WHY!? WHY DO YOU HATE ME SO MUCH!? I JUST WANT TO LIVE IN PEACE, AND YOU MAKE MY LIFE HELL!
Lexi: Dude, ow! What the hell are you even talking about! Get off of me already! Dude!
Ashley: SHUT UP! SHUT UP! SHUT UP! I DON'T WANT TO HEAR IT! I DON'T WANT TO HEAR ANYTHING! I JUST WANT TO BE ALONE! I… I… I've always been alone. But… I want to stay that way, don't I? I'm most at peace when I'm by myself, I feel. So why? Why do I feel so content to be on my lonesome, yet so depraved and in need of human interaction? I want to feel love, yet at the same time I don't. Why?
Noticing the calm moment as Ashley drops her arms and stares into space, Timothy takes his chance and loops his arms under hers to pick her up and drag her out of the house. The whole time he does, she continues staring off, mumbling things to herself, as her eyes leak continuously.
Lexi quickly follows them, wiping her bloody nose and attempting to wipe off some of the blood on her suit. As she hurriedly steps towards the door, her head swings around, noticing the cracks on the ceiling, and the dust and other particles falling down. Before any of it can get in her eye, she quickly ducks and continues moving. As she reaches the door however, she can't help but take one last look back at Dean, who is currently pinned down on the floor by Christina.
Lexi (Inner): I should help. I have to help. I need to help. I'm going to help.
After taking a few moments to both mentally and physically prepare herself, Lexi lunges her foot forward. The first step on her way to Dean, full of determination. Deep down, she knows she could die. She knows she will most likely die.
Lexi (Inner): That doesn't matter. I don't care if I die. I've finally made a friend that I can actually stick with. I'm not going to abandon that because I'm scared. If he's going to die, then I will too.
Timothy: What are you doing!? We gotta go!
The scene shatters before her, as her momentum is cut short abruptly by a strong grip. Timothy had wrapped his arms around her stomach, in order to stop her from moving any further. While he was successful in this –as well as properly dragging her outside–, she did feel some pain in her stomach that lasted a few hours, as well as emotional pain that trumped over that.
Lexi: DEAN!
A minute or so prior, Dean steps away from Christina as she slowly approaches him. Eventually, he backs himself into the wall, and quickly snaps his head to the side. His lungs work fast as his chest moves up and down in a speedy rhythm. It's almost as if his body acts on his own, as he instinctively runs down the hallway, before being stopped by Christina, who reels him back in like a fish with her telekinesis.
Christina: Really now? You're actually gonna try and run away, when you literally just sat there, willingly allowing the little Falinx girl to hit you repeatedly? You really are Leon's brother, huh? Can't face your problems head on. Always gotta come up with some bullshit way to get around them.
Despite already knowing it deep down, the revelation of Leon being Dean's brother didn't affect him in the slightest. While he did both hear, and process the words, for some reason, he just didn't care. He would eventually come to realize however, that it was simply because his mind was too preoccupied with fight or flight, to really care about something small like that.
Dean (Inner): I don't wanna die.
Closing her eyes and taking a few deep breaths, Christina temporarily stops using her power and shakes her body out, resulting in Dean tumbling to the floor like a ragdoll. While on the ground, instead of taking the chance to try and flee again –since he knows it's futile anyway–, Dean stares up at her in alarm.
Christina: I gotta tell ya, today has been absolutely wonderful. You and Leon have caused me some hellish trouble these past few weeks. I'm talking major headaches and frustration. So I really just can't even begin to describe how heavenly it feels to let loose and have some fun like this! Anyways!
Dean (Inner): I don't wanna die.
Dropping herself to one knee, Christina grabs Dean by the throat, temporarily cutting off his airflow as she launches him to the ground. Her eyes begin to glow once more, as her hand tightens around his neck. In weak and useless defense, he raises his hands up to hers, trying to claw her away. But because of his –both physically and mentally– weakened state, his attempt brings no success.
Dean (Inner): I don't wanna die.
Christina: I'm already really tired from all the shit I've done today with my power, so this might take me a minute to get right.
Just like how she did earlier, Christina lifts up her hand, pointed to the ceiling, and curls her fingers. While not necessary to do normally, using her hand with her telekinesis makes more difficult things become manageable. Small tasks like moving an object, don't require it, but can be used regardless, like how she used her finger to move Ashley, when she didn't need to.
The ceiling and walls begin to crack and protrude outwards slightly, signaling that she plans to tear down the house, and throw it all at Dean. If Christina really wanted to kill Dean quickly, she could simply flatten his brain or explode his heart or something, but she feels as if there's no glamor in that.
Christina (Inner): If I'm going to kill somebody, it's gotta be good.
Dean (Inner): I don't wanna die.
His eyes quickly dart over to the door as he hears his name called by Lexi. However, he isn't granted the time to think of her before he dies, as the house quickly crumbles, and the debris flies directly towards him, careful not to harm Christina in the process.
Dean (Inner): I don't wanna die. I don't wanna die. I don't wanna die! I don't wanna die! I don't wanna die! I DON'T WANNA DIE!
Tingle.
He blinks.
A strange scent fills his nose. A strange sensation brushes against his skin. A strange color blankets itself above him. A strange sound whistles through his ears. A bright light blinds him.
Dean (Inner): I died… Didn't I?
The smell of trees. The feeling of grass. The bright blue of the sky. The leaves of trees rustling in the sharp breeze. The sun directly overhead. A field.
With wide, confused and scared eyes, and a gaping mouth, Dean slowly turns his head to the right. A deep, dense forest looms just a few feet away from him. The abundance of branches and leaves creates a dark atmosphere, creating a striking contrast to the bright, sunny day. After a few moments of staring, he turns his head the other way. A small town resides in the distance. It's about a twenty minute walk, and yet their large garden stretches out near him. No people in sight however. Once again, after a few moments of staring, he comfortably adjusts his head straight, staring into the sky, trying desperately to comprehend the situation.
Minutes pass as his mind races. Thousands of thoughts spring about within his brain. He doesn't cry. No matter how badly he wants to, or how much he tries, he doesn't cry. Instead, one word manages to escape his lips. It's soft, raspy, and full of grief.
Dean: Why…?
Part One End
Author message I guess:
Okay hi. What's up? It's me, Rans. Oh yeah. So cool. To the like 10 people that actually did, thanks for reading. I really appreciate it. This is a story that I've been slowly crafting for the past year and a half, so I'm really glad with how it's turning out so far. Way better than the comic I tried making last year lol. This is a story that means a whole lot to me, so I really hope more people read it, and enjoy it. If you didn't like the ending of part one, fart off. I was going to do a few more pages, but I really like where I ended it off. It leaves you wanting more, I'd say. Plus, the stuff I was gonna add will be in part three, so don't worry. So, there will (as of right now) be five parts total, including an epilogue. Fair warning, part two will be a backstory arc on the origin of the discrimination against people with powers. So no Dean for a while :(. I'm more sad than you are about it, trust. I don't think anybody even gives a shit actually lol. Whatever. Anyways, I got some other things to say. Chapters will start coming out more infrequently, so just bare with me please. I started senior year in high school last week, and I'm taking a ton of AP classes, so I'll have a lot on my plate. As well as having two jobs, and relationships I gotta keep up with, as well as things like entertainment and mental health. I can't always be writing. And sometimes I just burn myself out after writing for too long. I can literally feel myself get worse after writing for like four hours straight. Also, I do have another (far far far shorter) web novel that I want to start working on soon, so that'll take up some of my time as well. I might do it in-between chapters, we'll see. I honestly don't know if I want to do it, but I think the story and concept is pretty unique. It'll mainly just be practice on "show, don't tell" for me lol. Uhh. I do want to do an author's message like this at the end of every part, just for updates or whatever, I guess. Also, I know nobody is gonna ask, but I'm gonna say it anyway because I can, bitch. What is my inspiration for this series? Well, when I started drafting it, I didn't really have any inspiration. It was just something I wanted to make, I don't know. But I ended up watching and reading some things that really made me want to improve, and even turn it into a web novel. I'd say by far, my biggest inspiration is Re: ZERO. Definitely my favorite show, light novel, and web novel series. Currently reading through arc 7 of the web novel. Yeah. Idk. That's kind of all I wanted to say. Again, thank you for reading. I really do appreciate it. And I really hope you both enjoyed it, and will continue to read future chapters. Bye.