In Between _ Nephalem (Rise of the Hybrid)

"It's already half past ten in the morning so any minute now folks, we should be hearing from the Vatican's main press, and perhaps from the revered director himself. As we wait, here's a little recap on what was previously announced by their office four days ago and to quote: "Our esteemed Pope, well- respected and loved by many, would like to share some words of wisdom directly to the people of this world, Catholics, believers and whoever and wherever, as far as the media can reach." – end quote". Oh, just like that, we are seeing some movement from the conference room. Let's have Ben, live from the Vatican to shed us some…." The woman's voice fades as the loud honk of the buses, bikes and private vehicles interrupted the already diluted sound of the news broadcasted from the little flat screen television. The busy street of Matera is roamed by tourists of mostly architecture enthusiasts who wishes to visit the centuries-old churches and witness the beauty of classic art depicted on those caved hotels.

 "Julie! You'll be late for school! How many times do I have to wake you up lazy butt?!" A middle age woman exclaimed as she picks up the dirty laundry lying on the carpeted floor and the ones hanging on the same colored gray toned sofa arm rest. Her curly, mid-length, dark brown hair, waves as she paces swiftly through the living room, to the kitchen then the dining back and forth. She brushes off some lost strands on her face using the back of her left hand while the other is occupied with whatever she has to bring around wherever she walks to. "Finally!" she commented.

 "I was already awake the first time you called mom! You did not have to shout on the second, nor the third, especially the fourth one just now. I can hear you perfectly." A teenager stomps down the hard wooded staircase – so heavy that even there was a layer of carpet, her steps was still obvious to the ears. She has the same curly hair but with more volume, healthier, longer and more brunette-like compared to her mom. "Really, young lady? Then why did I not hear even a tiny peep from your room, huh?" the middle aged woman sighs. Her well-shaped jaws tightened as she grits her teeth and rests both her arms on her hips after putting down the vacuum cleaner. "..Because maybe your hearing is slowly deteriorating..?" She jokingly responded. "What?! Are you saying I'm old? My ears are still in pristine condition… Plus, I am on my ripe age, not old but gold!" the mother chokes a bit trying to reason out which made both of them laugh. "Yeah, yeah… you have beautiful brown skin with perfectly placed freckles on your cheeks and dark pure eyes… you're ripe alright! I can almost hear Dad. You both are enamored to each other." The young woman wittingly added after a brief silence. Both of them picked up their own bags, a few snacks on the table and made their way to the front door. "..Darling, if I'm beautiful, then you are drop dead gorgeous! Your bright blue-green eyes is enough to put a man on his knees. They're just like your Dad's. Angelic and mysterious" the mom smiled as she uttered the last sentence. No other words were exchanged on their journey through the city. It was a quiet and peaceful drive. "Text you by four, okay?" Julie says as she exited the passenger seat. "Alright, take care honey".

 "Please turn to page 256 everyone. We can see the usual praises for the father of Astronomy. We find Nicolaus' contribution as astonishing but today, we will talk a little bit off the track on astronomy in the sense and definition according to science. Let's make this interesting for your group project. I want you guys to dig deeper into the history of astrology, how it started, why it was invented. Again, think outside the box. Look for those possibilities just like the big bang theory. Now, pair up or form a group of maximum five members then submit to me your names before the bell rings."

 "You and me as usual?" "Of course, no doubt." Julie answered the petite woman sitting beside her. She has the same hair color as Julie's mom but her hair has thin strands. It's a little wavy but rests softly just past her shoulders. Her almond colored eyes compliments well with her fair skin and soft face features. She smiles gently as a return to Julie's prompt answer before writing both their name on a piece of paper. "How's Aunt Jannah?" she asks. "She's back on her top condition, thanks for asking Natalia." Julie responded without delay. "That's good to know. So can I visit your house now? Weekend's fast approaching, we have this project to work on and I miss having sleepovers with you." Natalia had that innocent, sheepish smile again, almost teasing. "I would love that but I got to ask mom first. She's keeping herself busy right now and I don't want anything to tip off the balance." Julie added while her eyes still focused on the textbook. "Copy that ma'am" and that was the last time Natalia talked about Jannah for the day.

 It was twenty minutes before three in the afternoon and Julie's classes are over. She had made an agreement with Natalia to meet up in the library to do a bit of research together for their astronomy project prior to doing an individual study. Per usual, Julie passes through the grandiose hallway of arts then the noiseless laboratory before the school's spacious, modernized library. Upon entering, Julie noticed that there are only a few students inside. So few it can be counted with her fingers. It was strange for a Wednesday but she shrugged it off. Odd as it seems, she did not think too much about it and continued to walk down the Isle of the books she wish to check with Natalia. After settling in, she found a rather old scripture and reads it silently. "…teaching humans the wisdom but instead of it being true, they, taught the map of the Earthly matrix that was made to imprison humans. Sort of teaching the truths backwards, so that mankind only had knowledge that could tap into the fallen archons instead of the true cosmic energy… " As she proceeds, a thumping noise of what sounds like a heel hitting the tiled floor is fast approaching. The echo was even emphasized by the emptiness of the area. Julie immediately pulled out her phone but to her surprise, she can't turn it on… no matter how many times she pressed the button. 'Thump, thump' confusing the beat of her heart from the disturbing vibration of whoever or whatever is coming towards her.

 "Boo!" Natalia suddenly jumped on her back. She jolted and yelped. Sweat trickled down from her forehead, hands trembling. "What happened to you Julie?" Natalia asked with a blank expression, brows slightly furrowed. "Some… something terrifying was here." She spoke, still trying to compose herself. "Was?" Natalia asked. "Yeah… it's gone. I hope." Julie replied.

 "Nope Julie. You are wrong. Not IT but HER. AND I'M STILL HERE!" Natalia's sweet voice was gone. Julie had no choice but to look at the person she thought Natalia was. As she turns her face, she was presented by a display of hostility of her classmate's eyes, empty and horrifying. An eerie wide smile and a knife ready to plunge into her flesh. She was left frozen.