After James' parents are murdered in cold blood by their Android assistant, James is found by the enigmatic Araca and they begin their hunt for the one who ruined James' life. Written by PredictableImagine

"Yes. Don't be so judgmental. Just because I have wonderful muscles on display and enough background knowledge to kill a man at least five different ways before they even notice doesn't mean I don't like to read."

Hudson stands, walking to where his bag of clothes sits in my closet. I'm pretty sure he's underestimating the ways to kill a man number.

"It's more than wanting to read it. You have to be able to sit quietly and do it when someone else is in the room," I yell after him. It's a process. One I couldn't do if my brother Alex were still here, but thankfully he headed on his way south again the next morning. Hudson, however, hasn't made it back to sleeping on the couch. I don't plan to complain.

When he ducks out of the bedroom, there's a smile written across his face as he holds up a thick James Patterson novel. Of course it's a James Patterson.

"I didn't take you for Patterson man." I lean back on the couch readjusting myself and opening my Kindle again. This could work. A girl must always keep hope.

Hudson shrugs, sitting back in the chair. He tosses his feet up on my coffee table and gets comfy. "Some of his plot points aren't so far-fetched. Now shhhh," he shooshes me with one finger across his lips. "I got into a good part on the plane."

Psft. Like he thinks I'm going to be the one to interrupt our reading time. The only sound between us for the next twenty to thirty minutes is the noise every time he flips the page on his old-school paperback. He doesn't even laugh at a funny part. Are there funny parts in a Patterson book?

I've never read a Patterson book. I'm not sure if it has any funny parts, but it's still the same. He doesn't make any facial expressions. Who reads a book and doesn't make any facial expressions?

I spend the next five minutes staring at Hudson while he reads, wondering what's going on in his big head. His nice to look at big head.

Too nice.

So nice I could imagine us doing this every weekend. Like a couple.

But we aren't a couple.

I half close the lid of my cover and set it on my lap.

That draws Hudson's attention. For a man who watches my every move normally, give him a book and hasn't looked my way once.

"Why are you looking at me with that expression?" he questions, not closing his book even a smidge.

I shake my head but I have no idea what he's talking about. "I wasn't."

"Yes, you were. You've watched me for the last few minutes without reading."

"Have not." I'm so busted. How does he do that? "You've been reading. How do you know if I haven't been?"

This time Hudson closes his book, making sure to put the cheap paper bookmark on the page to keep his spot. Who uses bookmarks? You're supposed to find the nearest scrap of paper to keep your page.

"Amanda," his head shakes back and forth in disbelief. "I'm always watching you."

"Yeah, because it's your job, right?"

"No, because I can't take my eyes off you."

"Me?"

Hudson chuckles in a quiet fashion like he can't believe I'm so behind on what's going on.

It's not far from the truth. I am pretty far behind. "What do you think of me?" I finally get the nerves to ask.

"Woman, I told you this already. I think you're amazing and beautiful and nice and kind. You put up with those friends of yours, so you obviously have patience," he says the last with a smile and it makes me laugh.

Hudson drops his book on my coffee table and pushes my feet to the side, taking up a spot on the other end of my sofa.

Like we are two magnets, drawn to one another on the couch — and yes, I get how ridiculous it sounds, but I can't stop my heart from experiencing it. I position my body closer to his. "You really think that?"

Hudson breathes deeply, shaking his head twice and leaning closer. He lightly kisses me on the lips. "Absolutely. New Year's Eve was one of the best nights of my life, but the next morning when you went back to acting as if everything was normal, I figured I should run with it. While it was my greatest memory ever, it was also not something normally allowed in my position. I don't want to believe I used my authority over you to influence how you feel."

I smile. "Your authority over me?" Now who's the delusional one?

"Regardless of whether you think you're in danger," he says rolling his eyes, "I don't want to abuse what we have between us."

I sneak my arm around his neck and press my lips against his.

Hudson pulls back a fraction. "I don't want to do anything to hurt you, Amanda."

"I trust you won't," I say before kissing him again.

Our bodies line up and I tumble backward taking Hudson with me. The weight of his body threatens to be too much, but he holds himself up with an arm braced on the back of the couch. There's an excitement that mingles between us as our kisses grow in ferocity. At this moment I want more. More of Hudson, more of this, more of what is sure to come.

I stopped things between us New Year's Eve before they went too far, but it's not something I plan to do today.

Hudson nibbles on my neck and the space behind my ear and I arch my body closer. So much closer. Anything to make sure every piece of us is touching.

Neither of us speaks until I grab at his shirt, doing my best to twist and pull it above his head.

"Are you sure?" he asks between short sweet kisses against my collarbone.

"Absolutely," I answer as easily as he did earlier in our conversation. There's nothing in the world I want more. Him. Me. Us.

He takes off his shirt, allowing it to fall to the floor beside the couch, and I suck in a breath. I've seen his naked chest before, but in the dark of the room on New Year's Eve, I missed the long scar that runs perpendicular to his left shoulder. I trace a finger against the raised skin, but quickly forget what I've been attempting to do when he undoes the top button of my jeans.

"You have a condom?" I ask because I don't. There haven't been many men in my apartment and even less naked ones.

He sucks in a breath, finishing with my zipper. "I'll get one, but not yet," he says as his hand works its way into the space between my jeans and skin. His fingers contact my pubic bone and my entire body jolts in pleasure.



A contemporary romance series full of hot nerds from USA TODAY Bestselling Author Megan Matthews. 
San Francisco is heating up this summer.

With grad school under my belt I’m ready to start the next chapter of my life. San Francisco is a brand-new city. I have an amazing apartment, a new job, family, and friends to keep me occupied. Life in the city will be easy. Or at least it would if I could figure out why my heart skips a beat every time I see my hot neighbor.

Handsome, funny, and always around right when I need him, Finnegan McRyan is my own personal knight in shining armor. The tousled hair and sexy glasses don’t hurt his appeal either. Finn acts like the perfect man, but there’s something about him that has me questioning if it’s too good to be true.
Can I count on him when it really matters or is Finn using his good guy image to hide the truth?
#explicit content
#Age 18+
The Boys of RDA is created by Megan Matthews, an eGlobal Creative Publishing Signed Author


P.O.V: Jake Fallburg 

 Today is a day like any other atleast it was supposed to be. My class and I was returning from our annual grade celebration when Puff! We were summon inside a empty and enormous mansion. 
 " We need to stick together splitting apart in a unknown area is suicide!" The one who is speaking like that is our class president Andre Patterson he as the fourth highest grade in the entire nation while still being a active member in all sorts of sports. " That might be true but we have more than enough people to cover each other ." The next person is Frank Zoey our Class vice president and is a so called prodigy winning many chess and and go tournament both internationally and regionally tournament making her the best u18 in the world. " I agree with Zoey here splitting up would be best we can go in groups of five anything that can kill all of us with that number wouldn't make any difference even if were together." The one who is speaking now is Leroy Johnson he's from a very notorious line of people he's grandfather was know as the crazy clown while his older brother is responsible for the redtown that almost killed five people before he was gun down by local residents despite his outward appearance coming off as brutish he's a very kind and gentle person but he's still very reclusive." No strength in numbers is key to survival Andre is right we can't just arbitrary cut our strength in quarters like that." I say recieving the stare and attention of everyone present. As for who I am well I am Jake Fallburg a future mechanical engineer. 
 We proceeded to argue for hours until for hours until a vote was decided and me Andre lost 11-9 to nine so now we are split into group of five . Group one : 
Myself
Felicia Walter
Victoria Williams 
James Bond
Tashakay Anderson 
The second group:
Leroy Johnson 
Andrew Bacchus 
Tyler Archer 
Maxwell Lamar 
Tanisha Parkinson 
The third group: 
Andre Patterson 
Joshua Davidson
Miley Citrus 
Alicia Fae 
Nova Sinclair 
Final group:
Annabeth Wing 
Luke Strong 
Frank Zoey 
Natasha Pinkvella 
Marcus Lucid 
 My worst fears as been realized everyone forming personalized with the exception of the fourth group everyone is a friend or acquaintance.  " Why the long face Jay." She still optimistic as every the one who is speaking Victoria Williams a very old friend she is blonde one of only two in the group along with Andre they even share the same blue eyes people leaving people thinking that they are related but I know that's not the case. The only other person that doesn't have the standard brown eyes is Alicia Fae who as sea green eyes due to her family being of foriegn descent. " I'm worried that the group will permanently split apart at this rate it seen inevitable. " Soon as finished speaking I hear a cold and Arrogant laugh behind me . " Only someone as simple as yourself would consider such things as important, as a true genius and a mad scientist I deem such things unneccessary." Of course he would say that for some reason he consider himself my eternal rival despite everyone including myself seeing as edgy." Ignore his creepy side we should always extend a helping hand to allow does around us." Victoria says with her constant smiling face." He's right only a second place loser would consider such things important let's go Felicia." Screw you Tasha only you would keep remember a event from so long and don't let her bully me Felicia. 
 " What the hell is this ?" I agree with James as well this room is filled with so many different things like almost five feet wide monitor or the the giant green and black table surrounded by twenty chairs or the ten symbol on the wall or the most eye catching thing is the 3 feet tall podium in the center. " it's like a command room a ugly one but a command room none the less ." I might agree this place is a little shabby but that's not important right now." Archer class choosen by God of hunting does who walk this class gain incredible skills with the bow ." We all turn to Felicia who stares at us while we all smile. " I guess we have been isekaied."
 Now that we have all made it tell us of your finding starting with group two." Despite Andre saying so no one speaks for a while until Leroy sighs. " We found a room filled with ... intresting things like a table over flowing with blood, a black carving knife and a black never ending flame." Everyone stare at him for a while if four other person didn't go aswell everyone would see him as insane. " So what about those things ." Andre ask with a serious but calm face while Frank stares at him with a doubtful but serious face." We deemed it neccessary to retreat so we didn't find out anything." He looks down with a sorry expression while Andre simply rubs his chin then says." It's okay I would have done the same atleast you found something all I found was a room filled with beds,bandages and alchohol." He says while rubbing his head shyly." Atleast you found something all I found was a bunch of chest which we couldn't open at all." So apart from us no one found anything of noteworthy. " it leaves us with group one." Breathe in Breathe out now get him tiger." Apart from all that's here the most interesting part are the symbols on the wall." 
 " So your saying we can gain abilities and classes like in those stupid isekai's and mmorpg's how sure are you?" Frank says while staring at me skeptically I would be honestly but I won't stand down." I'm ninety percent sure I'm even willing to be a test subject if neccessary." I say with all the confidence I have inside me Andre looks at Frank then at Leroy and smiles." Okay then." 
 I walk up to the wall and begin to read everything from left to right:
A HAMMER- blacksmith:
Choosen by the God of fire and ore does who pick this class are master forgers.
A SWORD- warrior: 
Choosen by the God of war does who pick this class are masters with the sword and many weapons. 
A SICKLE- farmer 
Choosen by the god of agriculture does who pick this class are know to be blessed by nature.
A EYEBALL- mage 
Choosen by the God of nature does who choose this class wield unimaginable power.
A POTION BOTTLE- alchemist 
Choosen by the God of magic does who choose this class will overturn the world.
A CHAINS- TAMER 
Choosen by the God of wild beast does who choose this class this class will have power over other creatures. 
A FIST- MONK
Choosen by the God of spirituality and physicality they gain a powerful and unstoppable body.
A X- Enchanter
Choosen by the God of strength and blessing does who choose this path are granted powers with unlimited potential. 
A BOW- archer 
Choosen by the God of hunters does who walk this class gain incredible skill with the bow.
A CROSS- priest 
Choosen by the God of life and death does who walk this class will gain a small key to life.
 Only ten I wonder if I choose on if it will disappear doesn't matter now without hesitation blacksmith after all it's the closest to my goal.I stretch my hand out and and touch the hammer and suddenly I feel a sudden boast in energy enter my body then suddenly a message appears before me.

WELCOME BLACKSMITH JAKE FALLBURG!

Despite my bewilderment a giant wooden chest appear causing everyone to back of In fear." If memory serves me right important things are hidden within." Saying so I turn to everyone to gain their approval which thankfully they agree with a nod." Yolo!" I open the chest without hesitation.
 " Haha you look like marshmallow in that suit." Come on Felicia don't laugh at tasha dumb joke also I see you giggling Victoria.The big fluffy suit along the gloves, hammer and goggles are apart of the chest along with the two scrolls on the table. " I see that must be your blacksmith Equipment." Andre says with a smile the turn towards the symbols and say." Now let's decide how we will choose our classes." Frank smiles then says " We have twenty of us isn't that obvious." Andre sighs then say " I agree we need to cover as much ground as possible we aren't sure of all the class possibilities." So like that our group was formed.
Andrew Bacchus farmer
Tyler Archer farmer
Leroy Johnson Archer 
Miley Citrus Archer 
Maxwell Lamar priest 
Frank Zoey priest 
Tanisha Parkinson Tamer 
Nova Sinclair tamer 
Jake Fallburg blacksmith 
Victoria Williams blacksmith 
James bond Alchemist 
Tashakay Wilson Alchemist 
Joshua Davidson warrior 
Andre Patterson warrior 
Alicia Fae mage 
Marcus Lucid mage
Felicia Walter Enchanter 
Annabeth Wing Enchanter 
Natasha Pinkvella monk
Luke Strong monk 

 With that we begin our life in this new world.


A group of twenty students are transported to another world. What will they do ? will they return can they return?

"Wow," John said. "They really did spend a lot of money building this thing."

The stadium that was to house the tournament had been built over 2 years for this very purpose, and the investors had spared no expense building it. Of course, they would get their money bad through the masses that would pay to see events, and so the expense was really no expense at all.

Kiosks were everywhere, advertising small trinkets and souvenirs, and there were various cafes strategically scattered around the building. Electronic screens displayed maps and current events all over the place, and staff were everywhere. The building looked extremely modern, with steel and glass everywhere. However, the most expensive part of the stadium was the power dampener. To prevent any damage or "incidents", power dampeners had been placed all over the building, except for the event arena. This would stop anyone's power from working in public areas, and thus improve security greatly.

The power dampers had been created by a rather new company, the Creator's Creed, a rather strange name, but everyone called it CC for short, and so it's strangeness was lost on everyone. It specialised in Magical Sciences, which included creating power measuring systems, power dampeners, identification systems, etc. Due to the fact that the government had needed many of these tools, the company had done extremely well. Where or how the company had popped up, or how they'd known to build all these strange gimmicks and gadgets, nobody knew, but nobody really needed to question it's usefulness, and that was all that mattered.

"Huh?" John cocked his head to the side. The crowd was loud and pressed against him, but his ears picked up on…
"Is that… crying?" He listened a bit more. It didn't exactly sound like a baby. "Why the hell-"
He stopped as he spotted the source. A little girl, maybe 7 or 8 years old, stood crying. John was about to ignore her and walk away, but stood and watched. Nobody seemed to notice her. No parents, no siblings, nothing. John walked over.
"Hey. Are you ok?" The girl continued crying.
"Where are your parents?" The girl looked at him, seeming to notice him for the first time.
"I- I don't- I don't knooowwwwww" she bawled. John just sighed.
"Uh, ok then... what's your name?" 
"I'm Emma," she said through tears.
"Well, uh, Emma, right? I'm John. Want me to help you find your parents?" he smiled, rather awkwardly, and reached out his hand. He wasn't exactly used to dealing with little kids. She reluctantly took it.
"O-Ok."
He looked at her red eyes, and made a quick decision. There was one thing that would perk a kid up for sure.
"First, let's get you a treat."

"Woah," Regina said. "Check this place out!"
"Pretty neat," James said. 
"Woww…" was all Amber had to say. She looked around, amazed.
"C'mon, guys, let's head to the change rooms," David said. "We can stand and stare after we're registered." The others nodded, and they went to one of the electronic maps to see where they were.
"Ah, you're a team, I would assume?" a security guard approached them. "Head that way, down the stairs, and then follow the signs," he said. That was really all the security guards were good for. Well, that, and pointing out where the washrooms were, as if people couldn't follow the huge signs that were in place. What kind of idiot would attack a place like this? 
"Thanks," Irene said, and they followed his instructions. Downstairs, there was a woman sitting behind a desk. 
"Hi, we're a-"
"Team?" the desk lady asked. "Which school?"
"Paramount High," David informed her. 
"Very well," she said, and led them to a changeroom. "All the teams have their own changerooms. They also lead directly into the stadium." She handed them a sort of pager. "This will inform you when you need to be there, and it will also let you into your changeroom. On your own time, feel free to stay at a cafe, or shop at the kiosks." She went back to her desk, as another staff member led another school to their changeroom. They seemed to be working rather efficiently.

Soon, Emma was happily sipping at a cup of hot chocolate, while John went at his own bottle of Mountain Dew. He'd lifted her onto his shoulders, and taken her to the customer service, which had made a PA announcement to come and find Emma please, whichever parents had somehow lost their little kid. While John waited with her, he observed how trusting this kid was. He could have easily kidnapped her, or hurt her, but she'd allowed him to help her out anyways. Was that just how little kids worked? Did they just trust anyone that approached them? He shrugged as her mom and dad approached.

"Emma!" the mother cried out. "Where were you?! Your father and I have been looking all over for you!" she fussed over her so much she didn't notice John for a bit. John was about to leave, but the father noticed him before he could do so.
"Honey," Emma's father said. "Don't you want to thank the boy who helped her out?"
Emma's mother looked up. "O- Oh! I'm, so sorry, I didn't notice you. Thank you so much!" 
Emma's father shook his hand. "Thank you so much, lad. Can't say how much we appreciate it."
"John," he said.
"You can call me Mr. Brown, or Patterson, if you want."
"P-patterson Brown?" John exclaimed. This man was the CEO of CC.
He smiled. "Shh. Let's not advertise that, shall we? We're here to relax."
"Yes, sir," John smiled. He could understand that.
"You know, it's interesting," the man observed. "Emma doesn't trust many people. We're not entirely sure what her {Ignis} is, but it seems to be to analyse someone instantly, and tell if they're friend or foe. However, she doesn't seem to trust many people. It's strange she trusted you."
John's eyes went wide. "Huh… that is strange…"
"This boy bought me a hot chocolate!" Emma exclaimed, although it was rather obvious with the hot chocolate mustache she had on her upper lip. 
"I can see, honey," her mother said. "John, was it? Honey, would you mind if we invited him to our box?"
"That sounds like a fine idea," Mr. Brown said. 
"Oh, no, sir, I couldn't-"
The man cut him off. "It's the least we could do." John nodded his resignation.

"Woah," Rose said as soon as they were inside. "Did you see those kids? They looked like super soldiers or something!"
"That doesn't mean everything," James reminded her. "Our abilities could be more than a match for them."
"True," Rose conceded.

The inside of the changeroom was very neat. There was a shower, a rather nice one, that had a fogged door to block people from seeing inside. There were sinks, as well as a toilet, and 10 lockers for people to put their equipment or clothing in. There were also stalls, evidently for individual people to change in, in the event of different genders being in the same room. In the open space, there was a sofa, a table, and two chairs, as well as a fridge. Inside was just some water. Evidently, these weren't change rooms the public would use.

"Dang!" David exclaimed. "This is a nice changeroom!"
"Mm hm," James nodded. "We could hang out in here if we wanted to."
"Not me," Irene said. "I'm going to the cafe to get a snack."
"You have money?" Amber asked incredulously.
"Duh! Don't we all?" Irene countered.
"No, I mean enough to spend at a place where they're going to jack up the prices," Amber said.
"Yeah, yeah, well, this is a special occasion, so…" she left the room.
The others looked at each other. 
"I think I'll get a snack, too," Alex said, and left. James and Regina followed.
"Eh, might as well," Rose said, and the other three members of the Paramount Aces left the change room as well.

"What a place," Noah said. He, along with 5 other members of his group, dressed simple, with a hoodie and some jeans. Echo wore a suit. They'd gotten in like any other person, just casual people wanting to watch this new sport, and none had any weapons on them. Well, there was one weapon, a pistol, on Echo, but that hadn't been caught. They'd rely on their {Ignis} alone.
"Yeah," Liam nodded. "Some place."
"Hey, boss," William said, his voice suddenly cautious. "Check it out."
The group of 7 looked up, and saw the power dampeners. 
"That's not good," Jesse, another of the group, said. "That means…"
Echo shook his head. "It's fine. As long as we can keep them out of the arena, we'll be fine. So much better that they'll be able to watch, no?" he said, grinning. The others chucked.

1 hour until the first event, the PA system announced.

1 hour.

Zero.

It’s the start of many things. It's a beginning. Before one, there’s zero.

Before any value can be calculated, we must first start at nothing. You have zero dollars before you can have one. You have zero friends until you get some.

Let’s take it a step further. Before there was anything, there was nothing. A void. From a void, came matter. Life.

Before it all….

There was nothing. We all start from zero.

This is the beginning of a story. A tale that unfolds over time and space… and maybe in between, as well. Throughout everything, rules will be broken, time will be bent, space will be broken. This is the beginning of a saga. And this…

Is point ZER0.

American author james Patterson
It centers on the Harmon family 

The coronavirus disease (covid 19) is coused by a virus not bacteria symptoms of virus are cough flew fever and more severe cases include respiratory illnesses

***
Springfield, Massachusetts, August 22nd, 3:31 EDT

"What's going on? Sir..." A man said running into the control-room with a clipboard.

"Some sort of substances... an acid or a chemical is passing true the pipes." The other man flipped switches and buttons.

"That can't be possible..." The man holding the clipboard shot back.

"Switching to override lockdown- I-in... Five... F-four... Three... Two-wo ONE!" He flipped a large red button at the command-table.

LOCKDOWN SEQUENCE ACTIVATED... ALL PIPES ARE SWITCHED TO LOCKDOWN MOOD

"This is Captain James reporting from the pipeline-room all workers should remain in a safe-guarded room. As soon as the Lockdown sequence have been set off go on about your duty, as for now remain in your safe-guarded room, I repeat remain in your safe-guarded r-roo--" James was cut off as the speaker released a loud noise.

PIPES MELT DOWN IN... FIVE SECONDS

The facility screamed with red blinking lights, the man on the command-table felt fear in his body as he looked at the screen as a green... Some sort of gas is passing true the pipes and almost getting to the main pipes which will send it to the whole city. He was pushing buttons like a mad scientist so that it could stop the melt-down before it reach to the either city, he had only four seconds to make this right.

"It's already too late-" The man holding the clipboard looked at the screen as it blinked red.

"I know-" He sighed deeply. "But if I pull water from the other pipes and push the substance back to where ever it came from-"

"This might work, but the amount of pressure you pull from those pipes might 30% likely cause an explosion... On those pipes in the pipeline room." He sighs and shoves his head.

"But I have to try..." 

Belle Reve Penitentiary, Louisiana, August 22nd, 3:31 CDT

"What took you so long?" Slade asked looking at the archer.

"V-Vertigo... Vertigo knows..." Merlyn states walking towards Deathstroke.

"YOU LET HIM KNOW-W!" Ra's sighs. "No matter as long as the Lord of Chaos is in there I guess our good plans shall commence." Ra's smiled devilish.

***
Harlem stood in her cell as a prison guard walked by. "HEY! Guard boy?" Harlem yelled. "Do you know it's dessert time."

The prison guard stepped a bit to Harlem's cell. 

"Hey! Do you wanna hear a J-joke?" Harlem chuckled.

"No, Please." The prison guard banged the side of the cell with his taser-stick.

"O-okay that's fine with me." Harlem shoves. "But seriously when are they gone bring the dessert?-" 

"Harley! Would you shut up and go to sleep mate some of us are trying to sleep." George shots back.

"Not everyone boomo." Floyd places his hand on the bars of the cell.

"Oh, mate I-i thought you were toast." George sits back on his bench.

"It was just a little loss of air there with Clayface." Floyd looks over to the other cell. "How you croc?"

Waylon remains silent and gritts his teeth.

"Can't talk again mate... Is it the Inhibitor collar that's bugging you old crocy..." George chuckles.

"DON'T CALL ME THAT..." Waylon roared.

"Hey! Would keep it down there." A prisoner yelled as Waylon banged his fist on the bars of the cell.

"SHUT UP FREAK!" Waylon yelled.

"Best option pal don't talk at all because once Waylon is out of Bars his gonna come for you..." George states pulling back on his bench as the prisoner felt fear.

Mount Justice, Happy Harbor, August 22nd, 03:31 EDT

Recognize: Batman, 0-2, Jason, C-0-1

"Jason?" Barbara looked confused.

"When was their a C- Designation?" M'gann asked floating down next to Barbara.

"Who's Jason by the way?" Rex asked holding Rose's hand.

Bruce and Jason stepped out as the team gazed at them, the team stepped aside as Aquaman and Aqualad walked in. Aqualad held Aquaman close to him as Bruce cloaked off and helping Orin back on his feets. "What happened out there?" Bruce grinned.

"D-Diana has betrayed the league." Bruce widens. "The league is been held captive in the Island."

"I knew something was off about her." Bruce looked at the other newcomers.

Mia, Richard, Wally, Zatanna, Tara, and finally Conner the whole team was finally in the mission room. What everyone had on there minds was who's this kid and did Batman replace Richard with an eleven years old boy as his new sidekick... Oh, men Richard is not gonna be happy, but he had to keep it cool.

"...We need to head to Malina Island." Orin suggested.

"I agree." Conner nods. "So, what's the plan?"

"Aquaman! Divide the team and take them to this various locations." Bruce hands him a small holographic map. "I'll meet you in one of this locations..."

"Where're you going?-" Richard as the cloaked hero zetaed out.

Recognize: Batman, 0-2

***************

A/N
The same problem in Springfield happened in this Boston, Gotham City, Ichabod, Blüdhaven, Patterson, and New York City. I don't want to write the part of when the pipes will explode.

Vol. 1: The Dark Knight: Vernonin 

Vol. 2: Teen Titans

This book remains the same name which is titled Justice League: Age of Chaos but has different volumes but the cover whould be changed to the name of the volume every time there is a new volume out! 


Batman POV

"We all thought that this will end, so soon." 

"But it didn't I formed the Justice League, Young Justice, Teen Titans but that wasn't enough, they still kept on coming."

"Like they all say there is always a mistake in life. Flash went back in the past and saved his mom almost destroying the world but also found a way to stop it."

"Things happen for a reason."

Luthor POV

"I can say without a doubt that there are an infinite of universes. Some are just like our own... but for one or two significant events, exactly the same."


   "Thank you all for coming to the celebration of our town and the opening of this most spectacular venue." The room applauded politely while I blocked her out and stole Mom's champagne to follow mine. By the time Olivia was done prattling on about how gracious the hosts were to have us and how amazing our town was and oh, wasn't this just the best year ever and don't forget to vote in the election to keep her as mayor, I was feeling a bit buzzed and much more relaxed than ten minutes ago.
 
   Dad grinned at me and saluted with his own glass but Mom squeezed my hand while I exhaled my bubbly breath and leaned in.
"Slow down or I'll make you eat bread," she said. Blah. Moms.
   A handsome older man in a white tux coat and a red rose in his lapel joined Olivia on stage, a taller man behind him, hook nose clearly broken at some point in his life, his own tuxedo carefully crafted as evidence the injury hadn't held him back from making lots and lots of money. I hiccupped delicately-Mom's scowl telling me I wasn't as ladylike as I thought I was
-and listened as Olivia introduced them.
   "Lucas Day and James Adler, our kind hosts, ladies and gentlemen, and the owners of our very own White Valley Ski Lodge."
"And Golf Club," the white-jacketed man said with a smile. Olivia beamed. "Of course, Lucas. Opening this spring."
   More polite applause. I burped softly and looked around for more to drink, Mom's shoe pointedly getting my attention. Dad seemed to be enjoying himself immensely. I crossed my arms over my chest, the pushup bra Daisy made me wear digging into my breastbone and under my armpits. The discomfort triggered irritation and I scowled at Mom for being a killjoy.
Getting drunk and passing out seemed an excellent option despite my earlier reticence.
   "I think you're forgetting who really owns this place." My head jerked around, eyes locking on Mason Patterson seated down the table across from me. Simone sat next to him, hissing in his ear, looking embarrassed, but Mason seemed cruelly amused. Lucas scowled while the young man went on, Olivia's blistering stare doing nothing to silence him. "Mummy dearest died and left her fortune to me, remember?" He stood, wobbly on his feet, waving his arms around him like he owned the place. Which, I guess, he did. "And as the singular representative here tonight of the entirety of the Patterson family-because no one else could be bothered to come, Olivia, how do you like that?-I'm wondering when you're going to shut up." He tossed back a glass of his own, triggering a bit of squeamishness in my stomach I might evolve into that big a jerk with enough alcohol. "Where's my speech?"
   "Oh, do sit down, Mason." I hadn't seen Aundrea Wilkins, nor her partner Pamela Shard, until now. "You're not the only Patterson here and you know it." They also sat across from me, though the daughter of that founding family with her blonde hair and pinched expression didn't
 
seem all that happy to be there. I knew how she felt. The singular newspaper woman of our little town nodded to me while keeping one hand on her lover's back.
   "And you mind your own business, Auntie Andy," Mason said, vicious in his amusement. "Maybe your little lesbo lover could gag you for us. I'm sure you'd adore that."
   I gaped at him, buzz gone, paling out in utter shock. Oh, but he wasn't done, was he? Not by a long shot. He was just winding up, I could see it on his face, in the way he filled his lungs to continue his tirade. Except, bless her, Olivia Walker wasn't about to let some young upstart-big money or no big money-ruin her perfect event.
   "Shall we welcome our very special guests," she said far too loudly, gesturing with a hasty hand at the back of the room until music hastily boomed out of the speakers flanking the stage, silencing the weaving and clearly inebriated Mason who fish lipped a moment before falling into his seat. "The charming fashionistas of Reading, Vermont!"
   The curtain parted and, with her tongue lolling out and a perky pink tutu bouncing around her waist, Petunia emerged in the lead of the pack. Why was I not surprised she took front row center? They'd somehow managed to make her leave the costume be and not tear it off herself, her pink painted toenails matching the giant sparkly heart hanging from the glittering collar they'd fastened around her neck. She moved at a sedate pace, waddling her way toward the end of the runway where a young woman knelt with a handful of what had to be treats in her hand.
   Considering the unfaithful creature would do anything for food, I wasn't too hurt by her enthusiasm. Still, she was my pug, or I was her human, or however that relationship was going to be classified down the road. But despite my jealousy over a dog, I couldn't resist her cuteness or the fact that she clearly won the hearts of the crowd with her rolling, drunken sailor walk with her butt end scooting out sideways as if trying to go its own way and her bug eyed adorableness.
I wasn't a fan or anything.
   Next out was Cookie, the petite little fluff of nothing and silence that Aundrea and Pamela adopted when Peggy Munroe went to prison for murdering Pete Wilkins. I'd been horrified to find out the reason for the little dog's silence had nothing to do with training and everything to do with the fact the wretched old woman had Cookie's vocal chords removed. One more reason to hate her. And made me just as happy my nosey neighbor and real life sociopathic criminal mastermind was gone. No more poking her nose into my business. Or organized crime, that I
 
knew of. And I didn't have to murder her for abusing the dear little creature who bobbed happily down the aisle toward Petunia.
   Cookie had clearly gone to a good home because both of her new moms beamed as the tiny tot of a canine bounced her way down the runway in a wobbling bow and dragging a skirt she'd already shed from her tiny body. She nearly ran into Petunia's butt as the pug sank to her haunches and begged for more treats while the line of Reading's most adorable dogs just kept coming to the sound of utter delight from the crowd.
   By the time the last pooch-a very well trained black labradoodle named Ralphie-tugged on a rope and exposed a "Thank you for coming!" sign, the crowd's mood had lightened and everyone was laughing, even Mason, Olivia's fashion show a clear hit. Not to mention the handful of dogs who clearly didn't get the memo about where they were supposed to walk and what they were meant to do during the show, now wandering among the guests licking legs and looking for crumbs.
   The young woman who'd encouraged the entourage of pets carried Petunia to me and deposited her at my feet with a beaming smile, her cheeks rosy from the effort. "She was the star of the show, Fee. Thank you."
   I grinned at Lily Myers, Reading's favorite groomer and trainer and reached down to pat Petunia's wrinkled head. "If only she'd be this well behaved at home," I said.
   "Free lessons for my girl." Lily blew Petunia a kiss before clicking and giving her a treat. I let her go without comment, staring down at the pug who licked her chops and looked back up at me with longing. "Room or stay for dinner?"
   Like she was willingly going anywhere. Because the waiters, now circulating, brought salad and Petunia didn't turn up her nose at anything.
   I was fairly certain she wasn't supposed to stay, the bulk of the dogs vanishing with the staff, but my pug girl was smart enough to stay tucked under the table, accepting morsels from Mom and me, content to sit on her wide pug butt with her back legs poking forward and her eyes never leaving us. Even Dad got into the act, tossing her the occasional tidbit as dinner went on.
   Olivia arranged entertainment, a parade of young people singing pop songs and a creepy guy who did a few magic tricks before she shooed him off stage in favor of a couple who ballroom danced down the runway. But the real show of the evening was the rapidly devolving temper of the young man across the way. The more he drank, the worse Mason became and while I
 
couldn't make out most of what he was saying, it was clear from the occasional swear word and jabbed finger at other guests accompanied by laughter while Simone looked more and more like she was going to crawl under the table, he was as big a jerk as my first impression told me.
"Someone needs to handle that boy." Mom's disapproval mirrored mine.
   "No one has the balls." Dad grunted when she poked him in the ribs for being rude. "It's true."
"You don't have to be vulgar about it, Johnathan Fleming," she said with a sniff. I grinned at him behind her back, mouthed, Sucker.
He stuck his tongue out at me. "Yes, dear."
She made a face, frustration clear. "Go say something, would you?"
   But Dad shook his head, focusing on his drink. Likely a double whiskey on those rocks he rattled in response, his favorite. "Not me," he said with a grin. "That would be Crew Turner's job."
   Mom tsked at him before her eyes roved the room and I instantly felt sorry for the new sheriff if he didn't get up right now and do something because if Mom had to go ask, he'd regret it.
   Instead of letting Crew suffer my mother's wrath, I changed the subject. "How's your dinner, Mom?" The beef seemed a bit dry to me, but the potatoes were delicious.
   She tried a smile before poking her own meat with her fork. "Honestly, how can anyone treat a prime rib this horrendously and get away with it?" So that's why she was really upset. Not about Mason Patterson after all. The truth came out the second she was given permission to complain about the food. "And these vegetables. Were they boiled until they were tasteless on purpose?"
   Mom's amazing culinary abilities had always held me in awe considering that was something I hadn't inherited. I might have looked like Lucy Fleming with her auburn hair and green eyes, but I had my father's soul. I never knew if that made Mom sad or not, but I certainly wished at times it was the other way around. At least then I could cook a decent meal while not holding an old grudge against Dad for ensuring I didn't go to the police academy in his footsteps.
Protective sheriff fathers sucked sometimes.
 
   "I really shouldn't go on." Mom touched her lips with her napkin, leaning back. "I know Carol and she's lovely. But her food just isn't up to snuff." She glanced over her shoulder, face tightening. "I wonder if that's the kitchen."
   I smothered a snort of hilarity and sipped more sedately at the refreshed glass of champagne a nice young waiter gave me. No more need to drown my sorrows, not when I had the entertainment of John and Lucy Fleming to keep me amused and distracted. And I'd been worried about dinner with my parents on Valentine's Day. Sitting there with Petunia now squatting on my feet with her warm butt, I couldn't think of a better way to spend the most miserable night of the year.
   Movement across the table caught my attention. Mason was leaning over Simone and talking loudly with a young woman on her other side. I recognized her then as Ava, the girl from the bathroom hallway, spotting Noah on Mason's other side looking uncomfortable but staying silent. Ava, on the other hand, seemed incredibly unhappy and Simone just glared between them as if she was ready to murder them both.
How fun.
   The ballroom dancing couple wrapped up as slices of chocolate tower cake emerged from the kitchen doors in the hands of the fast moving servers. I couldn't miss the piece that settled before Mason, noted it was Ethan who delivered it, glaring at Ava all the while. Someone put a big, blue candle in the middle of Mason's slice, the tiny flame flickering. He laughed and blew it out, tossing it aside before taking a big bite of cake. With his bare hand. He offered the dessert smeared fingers to Simone who looked away, furious.
I glanced away, attention caught by talented Ralphie the labradoodle-Lily's dog, naturally
-who performed his final trick with precise precision. Tail wagging, a big tux collar and bow tie bobbing around his shining, fluffy black neck, he trotted down the runway and tugged one last ribbon. This time, instead of a sign, the net overhead parted and a soft, quiet fall of red heart balloons tumbled toward the crowd in slow motion.
   The gasps of delight turned to popping sounds as guests reached for and burst the balloons, some with treats inside. Punctuated a moment later by a long, powerful scream.
   I leaped out of my seat, staring across the runway to where Simone stood over Mason, her mouth open in a perfect circle, that piercing sound emerging, silencing everyone, while the young Patterson sat motionless, face first in his chocolate cake.
 

***




I’m an international, multiple award-winning author with a passion for the voices in my head. As a singer, songwriter, independent filmmaker and improv teacher and performer, my life has always been about creating and sharing what I create with others. Now that my dream to write for a living is a reality, with over a hundred titles in happy publication and no end in sight, I live in beautiful Prince Edward Island, Canada, with my giant cats, pug overlord and overlady and my Gypsy Vanner gelding, Fynn.

A Poo Poo Kind of Morning

I tried not to look down the mouth of hell staring back at me from inside the glaringly pristine outer ceramic shell of the white throne, my throat catching, stomach doing half flips and a rather impressive rollover routine that would have gotten at least a 9.5 even from the Russian judges. Instead, I forced myself to smile and swallow and remind myself the elbow length yellow rubber gloves grasping the handle of the standard issue plunger were all that stood between me and Pooageddon. 

Suck it up, Fee. Big girl panties and adulting and all that. 

“At what point,” I waved the dripping plunger, wincing as droplets of yuck flew, “did I think owning a bed and breakfast was going to be glamorous and romantic?”


Fiona Fleming is in so much trouble. Her recently inherited bed and breakfast might not actually be hers thanks to the underhanded misdealings of the local real estate bully. Despite her grandmother's last will and testament, Fee might me out of luck and on the street before she even gets settled. But when her new enemy floats belly up in her koi pond, she's the prime suspect in his murder! Can she uncover who the real killer is before the smoking hot new sheriff puts her behind bars instead of asking her out on a date?

Dive into book one of the Fiona Fleming Cozy Mysteries, and don't miss the exciting sequels!


Case File: 027-888

​

Case File Date: 08/19/1987

​

Location: New York, New York

​

Subject: Liam Macgregor

​

Entity: Preta

​

Liam Macgregor made several phone calls to a few family members and friends. The following are recordings of the relevant messages he left.

Liam: Hey Ma, sorry I haven't called lately. Been caught up with work, you know how it is.

Mom: I know sweetie, I just wanted to tell you that your father isn't doing well. You really should visit home soon. I just...don't know how much longer he'll hold on. I think it would do the world for him if he saw you.

L: Ah man, I understand Ma. Look, I'll try to talk to some of the guys at work. I'll try to see if I can get ahead on some of my workload and hopefully they'll let me take a day or two to com-

A loud thunk can be heard.

Mom: Liam, honey? What was that?

L: I don't know. That didn't come from my place. I think it was the apartment beside mine. Gimme a sec, I'm going to go check on them.

Mom: Be careful Liam!

Liam can be heard putting the phone down and leaving his apartment. Several knocks can be heard before several moments of silence pass. Eventually a mumbled conversation can be heard. Shortly after Liam can be heard returning to his apartment.

L: Ma? You still there?

Mom: Yes sweetheart, did you find out what happened?

L: Not really. I went and knocked on the door but no one answered. One of my other neighbors came out and asked me what I was doing. I told her that I heard a loud noise and wanted to check on the neighbor. She told me that no one has lived in that apartment for awhile now. So I don't know what's up. Maybe a homeless person got in there? Guess it isn't my problem.

Mom: Just be careful Liam, you know how people can get. I want you to lock your door every night.

L: Of course.

Mom: I mean it.

L: Ma, I live in New York City. Do you really think I'd leave my apartment unlocked? That's just asking for trouble. Anyway, I gotta go. I'm meeting up with a few of the guys later.

Mom: Okay Liam. I love you sweetheart.

L: I love you too, Ma. And...don't worry, I'll figure something out to come visit.

The next phone call was placed a few days later to a friend of Mr. Macgregor's.

Jon: Hello?

Liam: Hey Jon, it's Liam.

J: Oh, hey bud, what's up?

L: So I have a bit of a favor to ask you...

J: Lay it on me! You know I'm always ready to help.

L: Okay, so I'm pretty sure there's a squatter in the apartment beside mine. I know you're friends with Matt and helped me get this apartment cheap to begin with so I was hoping you could pass on the info to him. I know he works weird hours besides owning the building so I figured you'd be the right route to take.

J: A squatter, eh? Wouldn't be the first time... I'm guessing you've been hearing shi-

Jon is cut off as another loud thump can be heard from Liam's side of the phone.

L: That. That has been happening.

J: Jesus that was loud. Hurt my damn ear through the phone.

L: It's coming from the apartment beside mine. The other people on the floor have said it's supposed to be empty but I mean, clearly that's not the case.

J: Yeah man, I'll be sure to get a hold of him tonight when he gets up. I'm going to suggest he swings over to the building immediately so if he shows up later don't be too surprised.

L: Awesome, I really appreciate it! Once again, thanks for everything, talk to ya later.

J: See ya!

The following phone call comes from later that night.

911: 911, what is the nature of your emergency?

Liam: My landlord was just attacked by a homeless person!

911: Okay sir, please calm down. What is your address?

L: R-right, I live at *Redacted, for those with clearance please consult the operation report.*, seventh floor.

911: Alright, an officer has been alerted and is on his way. Are you in a safe place, can you tell me what happened?

L: I'm locked up in my apartment. I think I'm safe, it happened in the empty apartment beside mine. My landlord came over after I thought there was a squatter in there. When we opened the door to check inside...it was disgusting in there. Rotting filth everywhere. The two of us went in anyways to throw whoever it was out and...I don't know. They grabbed him. Quickly too, because I couldn't really see it happen that well. They pulled him into a seperate room and locked the door. So I ran back here to call 911. Oh my god, I can still hear him screaming...

911: Okay sir, I'm going to ask you to remain ca-

L: The screaming stopped.

A loud slam can be heard.

L: Oh god, they're trying to break in.

911: Sir, is there anywhere you can hide?

L: C-closet. There's a closet I can hide in.

The phone can be heard falling to the floor and the closet door creaking.

911: Sir?

A final thump can be heard as the front door slams open and reverberates off of the wall. A strange, chittering noise can be heard. It sounds almost like someone grinding and slamming their teeth together. The footsteps of the intruder are heavy and make a slapping sound off of the hardwood floor, indicating a lack of shoes and a heavy frame. These loud footsteps can be heard wandering around for some time before they stop and an inhuman squeal can be heard. The footsteps can be heard quickly walking across the room and the closet door ripped open.

L: Oh my god! What are you?! What the fuc-

Mr. Macgregor's screams suddenly cut off and static begins to obscure all sound.

911: Sir?! Sir, are you alright?! Please answer me, police have just arrived on scene!

The call is cut off at this point.

When the police arrived they found Liam passed out in front of his closet and his front door wide open with the locks slightly bent but fully functional. The apartment next door was locked once more. The police eventually forced the door open but only found an empty apartment.

Mr. Macgregor eventually came to but claimed he did not remember an intruder next door let alone calling the police. After pleading with them that he didn't want this to mess up his schedule they eventually decided that this was due to a psychotic break. He apologized to the officers profusely and said that he'd seek treatment if things got worse.

The next phone call takes place a week later.

Liam: Hello?

Jon: Liam! Hey, it's Jon!

L: Oh hey Jon, how have you been?

J: Oh you know, hanging in there. Anyway, I wanted to ask you how things went with Matt last week?

L: Last week?

J: Yeah man, I haven't heard from Matt since he went over to your place to check out that squatter. No one has. What happened with that?

L: Oh wow...uh, it was weird actually. I was found by the police passed out on my floor. Apparently I had called 911 screaming my head off about something. They said I claimed the apartment next door was covered in filth and that someone attacked Matt but I don't remember any of it. When they checked the apartment they found it completely empty and Matt was nowhere to be found. They believed me when I said I didn't remember any of it and we chalked it up to stress or something causing me to wig out. So, Matt actually did come over?

J: Jesus. Yeah, you had called me earlier that day complaining of noise, noise that I heard through the phone so I talked to Matt. He was going to go over immediately. That's the last I talked to him.

L: That's weird... Why can't I remember any of this?

J: I don't know Liam but I think maybe you should pack up a few things and maybe crash at my pla- Hey. What's that noise?

It is at this point that a chittering noise can once again be heard through the phone line. Listening closely one can hear that it began earlier in their conversation but this is the first moment where it is loudly audible.

J: Liam? You there?

Eventually the phone is overcome with static and the line goes dead. From what we've gathered Jon went to the apartment to check on Mr. Macgregor but found the door locked and couldn't get anyone to answer. The landlord was the only one with the keys to each apartment and he was nowhere to be found so Jon eventually went home.

The following is the final call Liam Macgregor answered.

Liam: ...hello?

Mom: Liam, sweetie, it's your mother. I'm sorry...your father has passed away.

L: What? Dad died?! I didn't even know he was sick! Why didn't you tell me mom?!

Mom: What? Liam, I told you he wasn't doing well last month. Sweetheart, you said you were going to try and find some time to visit because he was most likely going to pass. Why didn't you come down? Are you okay?

L: I-I don't remember any of this...at all. Why? Why am I forgetting all these things..?

Mom: Liam? You sound strange dear, maybe you should visit home. It sounds like something is wrong.

The phone can be heard falling to the floor followed by Liam screaming. Before the phone goes dead one can hear that distinct chittering noise.

No one saw Liam Macgregor alive after this phone call with his mother. After digging around for information we've gleaned some interesting tidbits from his friends. Many of them said that Liam became increasingly forgetful following his supposed psychotic break. He would increasingly forget more and more until he was getting years wrong. He had also picked up a strong New Yorker accent after living in the area for a few years, that apparently disappeared quickly and he reverted to his old manner of speech.

We eventually learned that Jon Burrow went to police with some sort of evidence. They didn't take him seriously but it was enough for us to pick it up through our channels. Eventually he was brought in for an interview. After stubbornly refusing to tell us anything he eventually broke down and revealed what he had found.

Interviewer: Mr. Burrow we are, quite frankly, the only people who are going to believe anything you have to say. It would be in everyone's best interest if you helped us.

Jon: I don't trust you. I'm getting some bad vibes from you gentlemen but...you're right. The police probably won't look into it further. I got a call from Liam's mom. You see, I'm from the same town as Liam so she had my contact info in case anything ever happened, Liam has always been a sensitive guy.

Anyway, she calls me up saying that she had a weird conversation with Liam. She was really worried. Of course, I was too. I hadn't seen Liam in quite some time and I knew something was wrong when she mentioned him forgetting that his dad was deathly ill.

I immediately went over to check on him again. I'd tried a few times before but the door was always locked tight and no one would answer. Same thing happened this time but I was a bit more determined this time. Determined enough to check his mail and that's where I found these.

Mr. Burrow pulls out his wallet and removes several folded up pieces of paper. On each paper is a crude sketch of a humanoid being. It had pinpoint eyes, an tattoed neck and limbs, appeared to be wearing trash or rags, and had gold encrusted teeth . Words were written on the various sketches such as "Attacker?", "Lives in apartment", "HIDE THESE, FIND THESE", and "Run".

J: Is this person attacking Liam? I have a feeling that his mental frailty is finally catching up to him and some freak is taking advantage of him.

I: I'm afraid I don't know. I only collect information Mr. Burrow but I will send these to the proper department. It would be best if you forgot you saw these. Go on with your life and we will find out what happened to Liam Macgregor.

J: This is utter bullshit! He could be dying! This fucker could be torturing him and you're just going to ignore some obvious cries for help?! Fuck this...

Jon Burrow angrily left the building that we were using as a makeshift office. Agents asked if they should take Mr. Burrow down and silence him but it was deemed okay to observe him and see if he interacted with the entity that was now confirmed to be involved.

Tailing Mr. Burrow allowed us to see him retrieve a pair of bolt cutters from a hardware store and head straight over to Mr. Macgregor's apartment building. Hours pass and Mr. Burrow is not seen leaving the building. Eventually agents are given the go ahead to enter the building.

Agents Will Patterson and Tim Henders entered the building fully wired up with recording equipment. The two agents eventually make it to Mr. Macgregor's floor to find that entire level without power. All doors on the floor were wide open barring Macgregor's. The agents did a sweep of some of the other apartments to find signs of struggle and apparent abandonment for at least a few days due to rotting food but no bodies found.

The agents approached Macgregor's door to see that while it was now closed it had recently been kicked in. The locks were broken off and the chain had been cut and was now laying on the floor. This is most likely due to Mr. Burrow and his bolt cutter. The agents opened the door and were apparently met with a wretched stench due to their reactions, both men coughing and recoiling away from the doorway. The agents eventually creep into the room to see a disturbing sight: the various tenants of this floor in different stages of decomposition missing various amounts of flesh or limbs. Large bite marks were quite easy to see on the corpses.

The men quietly move further into the apartment but both stop as soon as the sound of chewing can be heard from the back bedroom. Agent Patterson motions for Agent Henders to take point and both men ready their weapons. Agent Henders approaches the door and peers through a crack where one can see a hunched over figure in the back corner of the room. Agent Henders opens the bedroom door but it creaks midway through opening. The hunched over figure spins around to reveal a creature that is very much the entity from Mr. Macgregor's sketches. It was a tall and gaunt being with sickly pale skin and a neck  with dragon tattoes with teeth encrusted with gold.
The entity started to convulse excitedly in a way that made its teeth rattle and reveal the source of the chittering noise heard earlier. With little warning the creature sprang forward at an alarming pace and opened its maw around Agent Henders' head. It is at this point that Agent Patterson releases a few bursts from his weapon and then promptly runs from the room. A large crack can be heard as the teeth snap Agent Henders' neck and his camera fills with blood.

Agent Patterson makes it to the hallway before the chittering noise can be heard behind him. The agent does not turn around and instead makes a dead sprint for the stairway. He is seen ripping the door open before a pale hand covers his face and therefore his camera. The camera is hit so hard that it stops recording.

At this point a full squad was dispatched to take down the entity. The mission was a short one however as when they arrived at the building the entity was gone. Agent Henders was missing his head and had his body recovered for research. Agent Patterson was found passed out in the hallway and eventually recovered, albeit missing memories leading up to the past week. The squad eventually identified most of the bodies in the apartment including the fresh corpse of Jon Burrow.

Analysis: The entity encountered has been pegged as a Preta. Preta's are a sort of undead/ghost hybrid normally found in Asian countries, although they have been found outside of Asia on occasion. Pretas normally devour food or inorganic mass to feed an appetite far beyond that of a normal human's but it seems this one is a mutate. It is not impossible to believe that one could instead take to eating both humans and their memories as this one has. While it has moved to a new hunting ground to avoid us we believe that it will eventually slip up and if it is anything like other Pretas then we have containment protocols.

Case File: Suspended.

​

It appears apologies are in order. The toll of the toil and sweat I've poured into my personal vengeance has robbed me of the time needed to share with you fine folks a macabre masterpiece or two. I find myself in a rather unique position where time is entirely on my side and still I feel the weight of metaphorical years upon my back.

​

But you didn't wait this long just to listen to your old pal Tattle moan about his private affairs. Oh no, you waited and waited to have your vicarious blood lust sated and sate it I shall. I'll drown your appetites for destruction in a performance of the ages. Just, please don't forget me when I'm gone and don't blame me for what I will do.

​

There's more to this world than a gruesome death. There's power in the little things, regardless of if you choose to see them or not...

​

-Tattle




Christmas day; the most magical time of year, celebrated differently accordingly to each culture. It is a period filled with cheer and joy, where you commonly are embraced by love and joy, as well as, surrounded by the most wonderful people around.
It's only at this time of year that people usually decorate a fresh pine tree with lights and colorful ornaments of their choice, surround themselves by the fireplace, letting its warmth feeling enwrap them like a huge fluffy blanket, and receive presents from their family members that come to visit them on this holiday. It's prudent not to spoil it to the children, as they still believe in Santa Claus.
And, there are a lot of various, fun customs like; whoever stands under the mistletoe, is bound to kiss the person next to them or the 'obligation' to leave a plate with cookies and a glass of fresh milk as a house welcoming to 'Santa', the North Pole guy who descends the chimneys of each house with a bag of gifts to put under the tree, or the custom to leave shocks hanging by the fireplace for the small presents.
It is such a fun holiday! However, that's not all that matters, the religious reason behind it is equally important.
If the holidays can be filled with lots of joy but also full of drama, now imagine that while involving demons.
١
١
١
١
١
The five Incubi boys, who had come into Sarah's life at the beginning of the school year, managed to stay with her throughout a whole year, following her ups and downs in high school. Despite her constant changes of humor and mental breakdowns, they remained supportive and surprisingly eager to stick around.
Unfortunately, they were still freshly known to her family and friends, thus she had to make some very painful sacrifices, so to speak. Sarah's family had insisted on her returning to their home for the holidays. Adding to that them collectively wanting to spend the holidays together, at the time, it seemed a good idea to bring the incubi along since she already considered them as part of her family, however, it would not be suited very well. After all, her parents still believed that they were the house servants. Bringing even one of them home for the holidays would have been... an interesting story.
With that in mind, she decided she would stay home with the boys on the 24th and invite Suzu and Naomi over, and visit my parents on the 25th. Sarah's feelings were quite divided; a major side of her felt remarkably excited since it was the first she'd spend Christmas Eve away from her parents' protective wing, and yet the other party felt a bit anxious and like slapping herself because she was actually forcing a part of her family to be alone on this once-in-the-year holiday. Still, she was feeling thrilled, it was a much-needed time for her parents.
In all honesty, it was rather hilarious to see the Incubi prepare Christmas Eve dinner. Her gaze landed on the dining room, which looked much like that of a fancy restaurant.
"For crying out loud-- Sam! Get out of the Kitchen!" Mathew yelled, beyond frustrated. It was the fifth time that Sam would sneak in and steal another treat; and all of that just before the supper.
"Shaddap ya, little runt! I'm hungry!" Said Sam with his mouth full and his stomach growling still.
"You have to wait for dinner then! It's almost done! Go sit at the table!" Mathew shouted a response, impossibly to raise his voice any further.
"Don't yell! I'm right next to ya!" Sam whined, covering his ears at the close proximity to which they stand to one another.
"SAM--! Didn't you hear your brother?!" Apparently, James was grabbing Sam by the ear as he was grunting continuously due to the pain enforced by his brother's fingers vigorously twisting his earlobe, "You are in the way! Out, now!"
"Gahh!" Sam finally found the strength to push James, "Fine, fine! Sheesh..." He rubbed his ear in an attempt to ward off the aching. "Now it's hot and bright red. Thank's a lot, James..."
"What was that?" James voiced dangerously, making sure that Sam knew that he would bring hell on earth if he didn't stop complaining.
"N-Nothing--!" And, he rushed through the double door and quickly sat down at the table.
"We told you not to go in there again," Erik gave him a 'told him so' look.
"That's what you get for stealing food ahead of time, Sam." Damien enhanced the idea.
"I swear to God I'll hurt both of you," Sam growled between clenched teeth.
"That's not really the way of treating your brothers, or is it? Do you want to end up in Santa's mischievous boys' list'?" Erik teased, trying to lighten the mood.
Sam's eyebrow twitched in irritation as he stood up and started to roll up the sleeves of his green woolly blouse.
Suzu shouted thrilled, nearly jumping like a little fan-girl at her first concert. "These boys are so much fun to watch! I already like the brute one~" And, promptly rushed to Sam's side to support and encourage the brotherly fight.
Sarah sighed in exasperation and raked a hand through her hair. Suzu and Sam were already so troublesome alone, if they were to end up getting together it would turn out to be an explosive mixture. She was naive if she thought she could prevent the evening to end in a fight; realizing she hadn't exactly thought that through, she crossed her fingers and hoped that it would not come to much.
Naomi bent over with a concerned expression at the scene displayed and whispered in her ear. "Err, Sarah? They are not going to fight, right?"
She shook her head in response. "Everything is under control, don't worry Naomi." and promptly dismissed her justified concern and went to take her seat at the table instead; Naomi was not far behind.
"Princess," Erik called tenderly, walking over to her seat. Sarah jolted from her spot in a startle; she stood very still and waited. He reached out for her hand and gently took it to his lips, planting a soft kiss over her knuckles while not breaking eye contact with her. "Merry Christmas, love," said Erik with a merry sparkle in his eyes.
Once again, an intense blush spread across her cheeks at the gesture, as usual. "Err... ah... I-I... T-Thank you, Erik! T-To you t-too!" I babbled unnerved.
"Eww--! Bo-ooh!" Both Suzu and Sam snapped seeing us being so lovey-dovey.
"I could almost throw up!" Said Suzu, mimicking the gesture with her finger to the side.
"Me too!" Accompanied Sam, doing the same.
"You guys are so lame!" Suzu uttered loudly and Sam quickly agreed. "Now, where's the food? What's the delay?! I want to eat!" Both of them, like two little mischievous kids, started slamming their hands on the table and repeating over and over, 'I want to eat'.
The others giggled at the situation. They were right to feel impatient. James and Mathew had assigned themselves to make the Christmas Eve dinner and had pulled out every recipe book in the library just to make sure they had the perfect menu. The aromas that wafted from the kitchen were intoxicating and almost heavenly. Sarah felt her mouth water just from the scent. It didn't help that the kitchen had pretty much become a locked-down territory. Unless you wanted an earful from James and Mathew combined, then it was the best that you stayed out of their work-space.
Erik pulled the chair back and gently guided Sarah by the hand around it, pushing it back at the end, like a perfect gentleman. "T-Thank you, Erik." she expressed her appreciation at the thought.
Erik kissed her cheek in acknowledgment of her 'thanks'. Then, he did the same with Naomi. "Miss Patterson."
"Thank you, Erik. So nice of you." Naomi smiled and also thanked him for the hospitality.
"There's a proper way of treating a lady," Erik said, keeping a kind smile plastered over his lips. "We man should treat your woman at every opportunity," then explained in a soft tone of voice, taking a brief glance at his princess all across the room.
She felt a blush working its way up her neck again, understanding completely what he meant. More teasing. Great. The boys were so mellow to this type of thing that they totally missed the point of only opening the presents at midnight. So, Erik had already given her his Christmas present earlier in the afternoon.
١
١
١
~ Flashback ~
.
.
"E-Erik...!" Sarah was taken completely by surprise when he showed up at her room with a gift box wrapped in golden paper and fixed together with red lacing. A colossal bow stood perfectly at the center of it. "You do know that the presents are to be given and open at midnight, right?"
Erik shrugged a shoulder and scratched the back of his neck, "Well-- of course I do."
"Liar! Now, there's no turning back," She smirked, already undoing the lace and ripping the paper off. "I'm curious! What is it?!"
"To be honest, this isn't the kind of present you should be opening near the Christmas tree..." His expression confessed that such gift didn't quite scream 'appropriate' to pry eyes.
Those words concerned her but, she decided to just ignore them and proceeded with caution. Still, she wary of what that box might hold. "Victoria's secret..." Her fingers pressed gently onto the red carton cover and felt her mouth gap open at what she read. "N-No way!" She quickly pushed the lid aside to look at its content.
"Do you like it?" Erik asked, biting his lower lip in anticipation.
"I-I..." She was left speechless; inside was a cute christmas outfit with its own sexy lingerie to go with. The outfit was from a very simplistic design, consisting of a heart-shaped short dress with red half-thigh socks. As for the lingerie that came with the setting, a strapless corset having garters attached to it and loin-cloth lace panties, commonly know as 'Merrywidows'.
Erik moved forward and whispered into Sarah's ear. "For tonight... It's a Small, hope you fit in~"
She tried to suppress her own embarrassment as much as she could but, the extreme blush searing through her cheeks made her into a cat trying to hide but forgot his tale out.
.
. 
~ End of the flashback ~
١
١
١
Her own private thoughts made her blush so, she averted her gaze down and started fidgeting with her fingers. Her heart caught in her chest; it was wildly racing at the thought of using that anytime soon.
Damien, a bit flustered himself, cleared his throat and tried to change the subject. "They're almost done, so we won't be waiting long."
"Hm~! Whatever it is they're cooking, it smells amazing." Naomi sang as she realized she would feast in a real banquet tonight.
"That's good. They've been working all day on the food." Erik praised.
"Man, they need to hurry the hell up!" Sam's stomach grumbled loudly again.
"Quit being impatient Sam!" Scolded James from the kitchen entrance.
Sam opened his mouth to fight back but instantly shut it, most likely thinking the better of it, and growled under his breath as he turned to sit again.
"You've gone soft..." Said Suzu with a disappointed tone.
"Shut up and sit too!" Sam placed a hand on her shoulder and pushed her down so she would sit too, who groaned as her bum met the seat.
Soon enough, James and Mathew began to carry larges plates to the dining room, setting them methodically around the table so everyone had the chance to get what they wanted regardless of where they sat.
Sarah was stunned once more by the sheer amount of food prepared, topped only by the intense aroma that melted almost perfectly in the air. It was like they were trying to take the record of how much food can be placed on the table from when they had arrived. Finally, the table was set, and are all seated, ready to dig in.
"I gotta admit, you and James did good, Matthew." Sam gave the food and the work diligently poured into it a sincere compliment.
"Heh, thank's Sam." Matthew's expression looked so proud of it.
"Sam and Mathew not fighting? It's a Christmas miracle!" Erik snickered at the unintentional pun and Sam frowned, his gaze an unspoken surprise.
"H-Hey! I'm not a complete asshole to him!" he shouted, stomping a fist onto his chest.
"Only sometimes!" Matthew's laugh was cute.
"Heh, well it is Christmas eve so it's a good way to get the habit of being nice started." Stated James.
"Very true." Erik nodded, agreeing.
Damien chuckled and, Sarah willed herself not to laugh at their exchange of words, but it was hard enough already. Both girls accompanied them in laughter.
They all ate dinner and talked about several topics, trying to include Suzu and Naomi at maximum. The dinner took at least an hour, but an enjoyable hour. James and Matthew started to lift the table. Despite James kindly refusing Naomi's help, he wasn't able to change her mind. So, the girl got up from her seat and went to help them in the kitchen. Erik as well disappeared from the dining room with the excuse of go lit the fireplace. At the end, who remained at the table were Sarah, Suzu, Sam, and Damien.
"Hey! Since those four will be occupied for the next hour, I have an idea to pass time!" shouted Suzu, rather enthusiastically.
Sam, with a hand supporting his chiseled chin, gazed at Suzu; he wore an intrigued expression on his face. "Say it already, Italian girl! What's the big idea?"
Suzu slammed her hand on the table. "So, here's the idea. Let's play that game called 'Never Have I Ever'." and thus, suggested a drinking game.
Damien and Sam stared back at Suzu, obviously not knowing in which the game consisted.
"Ugh--! Don't tell me you don't know the game!" Suzu sighed in exasperation. "Then let me enlighten you, innocent souls. The 'Never Have I Ever' game is a simple game that can provide entertainment for large groups. Each one of us as to come up with something ridiculous, or not, and say 'I Never Have I Ever...' and next add that thing."
Damien raised his hand questioningly.
"Yes...? Is he a little kid?" She whispered at last to Sam, who shrugged his shoulders dismissively.
"Can you give us an example?" inquired Damien.
"Hm... Ah! For example, one person says 'I never have I ever been in handcuffs' and the rest of us has to answer affirmatively or not depending on if it happened or not." Suzu briefly explained.
"Sounds fun!" cheered Damien, up to dive into the game blindly.
"Lameeee~!" Sam immediately boo-ohed Suzu's festive plan to keep them occupied.
"Wait on a minute! You still haven't heard the fun part!" Suzu rubbed her hands against each other mischievously. "The person who says 'I have' has to go... bottoms-up!"
"Now, we're speaking the same language!" Instantly Sam's playful mood was back.
A devilish glint sparkled suddenly in Suzu's eyes, "Let's begin then."
١
١
١
١
~ In the kitchen ~
.
.
While those four were still in the dining room jerking off, James and Naomi remained in the kitchen washing up the dishes.
"Looks like they are having fun," Naomi mentioned out loud.
"Looks like it, miss Patterson," James chuckled a response and glanced back at the others through the open window, "Very good observation."
Glancing up in the same direction as James, Naomi smiled, feeling a sudden need for levity. "I'm glad. Hope those two won't be too hard on that cinnamon roll~"
"Cinnamon roll... miss Patterson?" For a moment James looked confused in his speech, and then, he turned his gaze towards the blond girl beside him, inquiringly.
Naomi just giggled softly, "The ginger-haired guy... Damien, I think? He seems to be the quiet type, always in his bubble of solitude." and resumed her focus. "I'm sure Suzu will behave herself and won't be such a bad influence."
"Oh? So, you were talking about him... yes, I do hope the same." James wished, hoping that trouble wouldn't come to follow afterward.

Sarah Anderson, a young heir to the Anderson's Toy Company, has to face an entire world full of demons in order to surpass a Succubus who's trying to steal away the man she has fallen in love with.

****
Disclaimer: This is based on the otome game "Seduce Me & Seduce Me 2." Hope you enjoy the story! It happens a bit before the events with Diana in "Seduce me Otome" and before "Seduce Me 2 The Demon War"
Some facts narrated in the game may be altered as for some character's purpose in it.
All rights go to Michaela Laws, creator of the game.

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