The Judges of Origin: Part 1

By David Fox Orr

The Judges of Origin continues the story of the Freaks of Origin. Fox is dying and in a foreign country. It's a race against the clock to meet his goals. Will he survive? Meanwhile in Origin, people are becoming increasingly aware of powers. It doesn't take the government long before taking an interest in those with powers, and with almost all o

• Language: English
• Publisher: David Fox Orr
• Release date: Feb 20, 2023
• ISBN: 9781087923734

David Fox Orr

David Fox Orr is a man who grew up with a huge appreciation for art and storytelling. He wrote many stories in his adolescence. Through life he became a critic, while not only seeing flaws in many modern works but envisioning a more enticing way to do them himself. From political tales to sci-fi adventures, he's grown up with many stories still fresh in his mind and ready to share with the world.

Book preview

The Judges of Origin

Part 1

David Fox Orr

© 2022 David Fox Orr. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Edited by Bree Lowry

Cover designed by Ryan Mulford

Table of Contents

Prologue

Act 1

Chapter 1: Waking the Demon

Chapter 2: Deathbeds

Chapter 3: Here’s to the Past

Chapter 4: Take a Breath

Chapter 5: Runaway

Chapter 6: Follow You

Chapter 7: True Friends

Chapter 8: Cinder and Smoke

Chapter 9: Walk

Chapter 10: And the Snakes Start to Sing

Chapter 11: Starless

Chapter 12: Faceless

Chapter 13: Point of No Return

Chapter 14: Shimmer

Chapter 15: Hey, Jealousy

Chapter 16: Storyteller

Chapter 17: Natural Born Killer

Chapter 18: Revenge

Chapter 19: More Than Words

Chapter 20: Times They Are a-Changin’

Chapter 21: Go to War

Chapter 22: Everybody Wants to Rule the World

Act 2

Chapter 23: Bum the Witch

Chapter 24: Incomplete

Chapter 25: Under Pressure

Chapter 26: Behind Silence and Solitude

Chapter 27: Made of Scars

Chapter 28: Foreword

Chapter 29: In the End

Chapter 30: Wrong Way

Chapter 31: My Name

Chapter 32: Danger Line

Chapter 33: Play the Game

Chapter 34: Breaking Out, Breaking Down

Chapter 35: Human

Chapter 36: Moth

Chapter 37: Moving On

Chapter 38: The Quiet Things That No One Ever Knows

Chapter 39: This is the Time

Chapter 40: Blood on the Ground

Chapter 41: We Can’t Stop

Chapter 42: Return of the Mack

Chapter 43: End of the World

End of Part 1

Prologue

Fox awoke as the plane jerked him into consciousness. He instinctively summoned a blade of darkness around his hand and began scanning the pitch-black room around him. As he realized he wasn’t being attacked, he began to breathe more easily, slowly piecing together what was happening. He looked over at Sin who appeared to have awoken rather violently as well. Fox breathed in deep, trying to push through the pain that was pulsating through his entire body. It felt like he was still on fire as his burnt flesh rubbed against his clothing.

Shit, he let out through gritted teeth, struggling to see his own burnt hands in the dark cargo section of the plane. He knew he would probably die without medical attention. If he wasn’t so young, he might have died already. He somehow needed to find this magical library. Somehow…

But this country is so large. Can I really find it?! How do I even begin to search? Fox thought through another painful gasp. The only thing he knew about it was that it was a library full of magical books somewhere in Eurasia. Timothy knew where it was but didn’t answer his phone when Fox tried to call earlier. Would Fox die in a foreign country, as a criminal, on his own, before he could conduct his mission? He looked over at Sin again thinking over the situation.

Sin murdered the woman he loved, the only good thing in this cursed world. Sin, who didn’t even belong in this one. Fox clenched his fist until he felt an agonizing sting realizing his fingers were ripping open. He no longer had fingernails, something he honestly hadn’t even noticed before. Not that it mattered. The only thing that matters is that Sin dies. He was no longer allowed to draw breath on this planet! If Fox were to die soon, he would make sure that Sin couldn’t harm anyone else ever again. He could probably seal him up and have him thrown into the ocean. Let him sink to the bottom to lay there forever.

Sin’s healing factor was something he had brought back from his own world, the ability to heal through anything. Fox had even sealed his power once before and blown him away in an explosion, but nothing seemed to stick. That same explosion was what caused Fox to become this burnt mess. He could work through the pain though. It was a constant reminder of the hatred inside of himself, a reminder of the task at hand.

Fox looked back to Sin one last time before something else caught his eye, something white floating around in the air. Fox turned to it and attacked, using spikes from his darkness, piercing it from several different directions. It stopped and then seemed to disappear. Fox stared in its direction, questioning whether or not there had actually been anything at all. Sin seemed to be rather startled by what Fox had done, and even Fox was beginning to question his sanity. Perhaps it was just a hallucination. Fox had no clue what kind of drugs were placed into his body while he was at the hospital. He shook his head, retracting the spikes. He didn’t want to show any kind of weakness in front of Sin.

He picked up his cell phone and pressed a button to turn it on, it’s green light illuminating the area around him. There were a few missed calls, all of them probably from Saiya, his adopted father. Fox shook his head and pressed the button to ignore the list before it showed that he had one text message. Fox didn’t use text messaging often—it was very time consuming and annoying to him. He debated ignoring it since it was probably Saiya as well but decided to open it. His eyes grew wide in the light of his phone as he read over the text.

There’s someone waiting to pick you up inside the airport…

Fox was very confused, but just now realized that the plane was no longer moving. Most likely the jerking was from them landing and now they had just pulled up to the gate. This was the only flight headed to Eurasia from the city last night, so Fox eagerly grabbed it, using his shadows to sneak himself and his prey aboard. He was lucky there were any flights out of the country at all, or that he could survive making the trip using that much of his power.

Who could have sent this text though? The number isn’t familiar, and it’s not like anyone knows where they’re going. How could anybody know? Sin shouldn’t even know. Could it be the police?! Fox had his cell phone off, so even if they could track him through the cell, they wouldn’t have known until now, right? Perhaps he wasn’t as careful as he thought. Fox felt a bit panicked as he noticed the door was being messed with from the other side. Of course, they would already be unloading! Fox quickly covered himself and Sin in shadow, running up against the wall and simultaneously throwing Sin against it. Sin let out a gasp as his body crashed into the metal interior. The wide door was brought down revealing two men with clipboards.

Fox had placed a large shadow around them, so as long as they remained against the wall, they shouldn’t draw attention. However, they needed to get out of there as well. The men slowly walked over to the packages, checking the numbers on the items, and marking them off on their clipboards. Fox took this time to slowly edge across the wall of the plane, moving towards the exit. They quickly left the cargo hold, and still using his shadow, they made their way across the plane before moving towards the stairs. This plane had passengers on it, so if they took their time, they could blend in with them and make their way inside while Fox contemplated his next move. Traveling with Sin was the tricky part. Sin could easily call out for help and have this turn into a fight against innocents; though, he hadn’t so far.

Lately, Fox was hesitant to believe that Sin actually wanted to die as he did before. But so far, he was being compliant. The actions Sin took while in Origin made Fox consider his doppelganger to be some sort of narcissist with delusions of grandeur, yet here he was—following along. He would have to be mindful of whether or not this was some sort of trap of his. After all, it would be easy for Sin to simply kill Fox and live out his days in Eurasia.

Fox waited outside the door of another gate to avoid the need to show a passport. He watched for a spot between passengers to walk into the line and blend. It was hard to watch multiple points with only one still-working eye though. He opened the door and then slipped inside walking alongside the shadows with Sin in tow. Thankfully, Sin was following without needing to be threatened.

After getting inside the building, Fox quickly made his way towards the restrooms. He caught a few strange stares from the people and children watching the burnt man speed-walk across the building. Once making it to the restroom, he had Sin wait against the wall to Fox’s right as he stopped to look at himself in the mirror.

This was his first time to see what he looked like after the explosion. There didn’t seem to be any flesh left on him, and the gray eye that he was blind in was more than a little unsettling. Fox stared back at the unfamiliar person, feeling separated from his own body for a moment. There was so much pain right now. He looked at his hands, which almost looked like he was an amalgamation of meat. What the hell am I now?! he thought, just before a scene began to replay in his head. The image of Cammy bleeding out in his arms. Here he was feeling sorry for himself whenever none of that mattered. He looked back over to Sin angrily before sticking his hood back up to cover up as much of his face as he could.

Done then? Sin asked. Fox didn’t have a reply. The only thing he felt for him was unbridled rage and hatred, so strong that Fox wasn’t even sure if he was human anymore. Certainly, the man in the mirror didn’t appear to be one, though he didn’t appear to be the Djinn he fought in the park over Christmas break either. It was supposed to be some sort of spirit of hatred that had powers similar to that of a god.

Fox needed to decide on his next move. He weighed his options before his mind took him back to the text he got. He almost forgot about magic, as usual. The person who sent the message could have only known where he was and what his goal was because of magic. Though to be able to do so meant they could be dangerous too. It could easily be a trap, but Fox didn’t exactly have a whole lot of options. He frowned before shoving the phone back into his pocket and shooting Sin another nasty look.

Follow me!  he commanded. His voice made him sound sick, and honestly, it hurt just to speak. Fox walked out of the bathroom with Sin close behind and headed towards the area where he assumed people would be waiting to pick up their families and friends. He would have to be careful and use his wits to quickly determine if it was a trap. He thought about perhaps using his power to make a black mask that covered his face. Though perhaps that would make him look even scarier, and he would have to create gloves as well to cover his hands. Not the best use of his energy right now.

Fox decided that conserving his powers in case of a fight was the smartest move. Of course, he was still getting plenty of weird stares from the passersby, but Fox didn’t let it bother him too much. In all honesty, he cared little for how he looked, and on the plus side, he no longer looked like the man he hated the most who moved through the crowds alongside him. Fox and Sin made their way down the escalators as one kid in front of them started to cry and hide his face in his father’s chest at his appearance. Fox was a bit upset with this, but mostly to the fact that it was drawing attention to them. Cops wouldn’t try and interrogate a burn victim, right?

I didn’t know you had someone picking us up! Sin said, causing Fox to notice strange man standing around with a sign that read FOX across it in big letters. Fox looked from the man standing there to back at Sin, who seemed genuinely confused. That was good. Sin, for all his scheming, couldn’t trick Fox. The person who knew they were arriving at least wasn’t working for him. However, that still didn’t mean it wasn’t a trap.

Fox looked back at the man standing there. He was probably in his late forties or early fifties. He was wearing a decent enough suit, yet didn’t quite give the impression of a businessman, or much worse, FBI. Though Fox wasn’t aware of what the Eurasian authorities dressed like either.

Fox walked up to the man reluctantly with one hand in his pocket, a knife-like blade created around two of his hidden fingers. The man seemed a bit startled by his appearance but then smiled, lowered the sign, and looked to both Fox and Sin.

You must be Fox? the man asked. Fox looked back at Sin, and then glanced at everyone around them. They all seemed to be moving around and uninterested in the three of them, besides a few people looking away quickly as Fox’s face turned towards them.

Who sent you? Fox asked as loudly as he could manage, still looking over the area. He seemed pretty non-threatening; however, Fox still had no clue who he was.

My name is Otto. I work for a very secretive group. We were informed of your coming by a young man named Elwin. He instructed me to take you to your destination, the man explained. Fox looked over the man suspiciously. Fox didn’t know anyone by the name Elwin, though according to this man, he knew of Fox’s coming. Fox shook his head still unsure.

I need more to go on than that, Fox admitted. The man sighed and looked around nervously.

I can tell you more, but not here. My group doesn’t exactly work in the open, the man said. Fox did have to admit he liked the sound of that at least. It seemed worth giving this man some more of his time.

Very well. Shall we go somewhere more private? Fox asked.

Act 1

The story begins in the eyes of the Freaks.

Chapter 1: Waking the Demon

Fox and Sin followed Otto down into the parking garage, which Fox was pleased with. If Otto tried anything it would be a lot easier for him to fight back without so many civilians around. Thankfully though, Otto seemed increasingly like Fox’s easy way out. He explained that he worked for a coven of witches that recently had taken a great interest in a young man who came from the Americas named Elwin. Elwin had all but taken over the group adapting to their forms of magic with his own unique powers. Otto also explained that Elwin had a great interest in Fox and was watching him after he left the U.S.—thanks to the help of powerful magic. Fox had a feeling this Elwin kid that Otto kept mentioning was actually Timothy. It certainly would add up very nicely. Though if it were true, Timothy had surpassed them all by a long shot now!

Fox found out that Otto was the owner of the library Fox had come there in search of. The library was on the second floor of his home. The building was known as Wissenhuter and passed down through Otto’s family for generations. Otto bragged that his great-grandfather was a powerful man with a love of art and magic who moved to London from Germany. Fox was a bit concerned that this meant they would be driving for a long time, but Otto assured him it would only take two hours for them to travel by car to Wissenhuter.

It all seemed a bit too convenient for Fox’s liking, but at this point, it was this or probably just end up dead in a ditch of some foreign country with his evil doppelganger still running amok. Perhaps I’m the evil one now, Fox thought for a moment. At this point though, Fox couldn’t afford to care. Time was short!

Fox and Sin got into Otto’s car. Otto asked Fox to sit in the front with him, but Fox refused, taking the back seat with Sin. He didn’t entirely trust Otto, and he definitely didn’t trust Sin, so sitting in the back was his safest bet. Despite his lack of trust, Fox still couldn’t help but nap most of the drive. His body was weak and in so much pain, but his paranoia and agony also kept him from getting much rest. It was sad to think of the beautiful old countryside scenery he was missing, but in truth, Fox needed to conserve his energy.

Fox awoke to the car stopping on a rather dreary-looking, old brick street. He noticed a few larger houses in the area that had been turned into small run-down shops, at least half of them closed already. As far as Fox could tell it was morning, though it could have just been overcast. He was definitely experiencing some jet lag with the constant need to rest and transferring between all the different time zones. Plus, he hadn’t really bothered to check the time or date upon landing.

Here we are! My little Wissenhuter, Otto stated proudly as he turned the car off. All three men quickly opened up their doors and stepped out to take a good look at the building. Fox noticed there was no actual label above the building Otto was looking at, yet other than that, it didn’t appear any different from the other abandoned shops around them. Fox stretched as much as he could without being in excruciating amounts of pain and quickly glanced around to make sure they were still very much alone. As far as he could tell that was still the case; however, now Fox was feeling a bit uncomfortable about where he had brought them. This little hovel seriously houses every single magical tome known to man?! Fox had been expecting a private piece of land, with a large estate, but perhaps that was the point. Besides, how many books on magic could there be? Finding the real ones would be the true chore here.

Interesting, Sin said with a rather sinister grin on his face. Fox grimaced. This wasn’t a school field trip. They had literally come all this way to find out how to murder him. Not to mention that look on his face; the man who took away my happiness and poisoned this world is smiling! Fox tried his best to calm himself down before he ended up attacking Sin in the street.

Fox and Sin followed Otto slowly towards the building. He pulled out a set of old looking keys and began unlocking the decrepit-looking dwelling. Fox was anxious to see inside, wondering what would finally await him after all this time. As Otto opened the door, he motioned for them to come inside. It looked dark, and musty and Fox was having reservations all over again about his experience. Did I make the wrong decision? Perhaps this is actually a trap? Or perhaps once the lights turned on, it will seem different?

Sin walked in first and seemingly disappeared as he stepped inside. Fox was thrown off and somewhat angered, quickly charging in after him. After taking a few steps inside, however, he realized that the scenery around him immediately changed. The building was now brightly lit and seemed much more inviting. In the corner was a little office, and further in front of them was a room with a staircase that led up to another floor, the one Fox assumed had the library, based on Otto’s earlier explanation. Fox stopped beside Sin and looked around in awe as Otto came in behind them, quickly closing and locking the door again locking the door from the inside with the same key.

Make yourselves at home. The library is upstairs if you’d rather get to searching immediately, Otto said rather friendly-like. Fox was a bit concerned. How much did Otto know about them? How much did this Elwin guy know? Clearly, someone involved had a good knowledge of magic to make this place so hidden. Fox didn’t even know there was a spell that could mimic Kathryn’s ability. Perhaps he should have been looking more into magic this whole time rather than relying on his powers? Otto taped a piece of paper across the lock and Fox noticed it had some kind of odd symbol on it. Even the locks were magic here. Fox was starting to wonder if he really could take Otto in a fight now.

Where’s Elwin? Fox asked, half expecting to find the man behind the curtain here waiting for them. However, now he was getting the feeling that besides the three of them, the building was empty, despite it being so lit up and inviting. To Fox’s dismay, Otto simply shook his head.

The coven hasn’t been here in quite some time, I’m afraid. I was only recently informed over the phone that you and your plus one would be arriving, and I was instructed to bring you here and explain everything, Otto said while looking at Sin. Fox wondered if Otto knew how much of a monster this man was. Though based on appearances, Fox probably looked more like the monster right now. A fact that before the last two days would have made his skin crawl.

It was clear to Fox that Otto didn’t have much to do with this supposed coven. He called himself an apprentice to them, but if they didn’t even use this place as a base, he was more of a glorified librarian. Which was fine, since it meant the man would pose little threat to them, and Fox only came here for these books. If he could just find a way to end Sin and then pass in peace, then all would be well. The fact that Elwin was able to call and give the man instructions made Fox wonder if he was wrong about his patron’s identity though. If it were Timothy, would he really have the money to pay this man to accept Fox? Or was this man just wanting to be a part of this group so badly that he was willing to be their pet?

Fox felt a sharp pain in his chest before he began coughing rather violently for a minute. Sin just stood there watching him, and Otto looked confused about whether he should do something or not. Fox was in some intense pain, but most of all he was pissed by how pitiful he knew he must look. Not because he cared about appearances, but because how feeble he felt. He still had unfinished business!

If you need to rest you can use the bed in the back, Otto exclaimed in concern as Fox began to regain control of his breathing. Ignoring the tightness in his chest, Fox took off his hooded jacket feeling more determined than ever.

No time for that. I need to see this library, Fox admitted, as he walked over to the coat rack and laid his jacket onto it. Sin smiled seeing Fox’s determination, and Fox was unsure what to make of it. Was Sin glad to see that despite being short of life he was still able to get this done? Or did he get some kind of other sick satisfaction in seeing Fox suffer so much?

Fox walked up the narrow, spiraling staircase with Sin following close behind him into what Otto had referred to as the library. It was a large room with books covering all the shelves on every single wall. There also sat a shelf in the corner with several random ingredients on it. It was a thing of beauty, and if Fox was here for any other reason, he might have taken the time to soak it in. He sighed, feeling somehow already dead. In a sense, he was dead right now. Living on borrowed time, but that was even more reason to push through to the end of his story.

Fox gritted his teeth and walked over to the desk which lay in the middle of the room. Luckily there were four chairs at the table, so he wouldn’t have to sit too close to Sin. He quickly scanned the two books that were on the table first. As far as Fox knew only the Coven and Otto were allowed in here, so if they were looking into books, they would probably be pretty useful. The first one looked to be in a foreign language. Most likely either Latin or German, either way Fox couldn’t read it. The other one’s title was one he had actually seen before. It was the same book Timothy brought over to his house whenever they were looking for ways to seal powers. They hadn’t gone over any of the other spells inside after finding a working one on the first try, but was there any point in looking further? Sin healed himself despite wearing the seal, so Fox figured the seal only kept the magic inside. Perchance there was a way to completely cancel out his powers.

Fox picked up the book and sat down in one of the chairs. The rigid wood against his burnt back was hell! He let out a painful hiss before pulling away from it briefly. Sin continued to look around the room ignoring Fox. He considered possibly sitting on the floor leaning against one of the shelves instead. It would probably be more comfortable than sitting there at least, and Fox could more quickly get books off from the wall as well. He got up from his chair and walked over to one of the shelves. The names on the titles appeared to be in English so perhaps this would be the best spot to camp out at.

Before sitting down though a thought occurred to Fox. Time passed by more slowly inside of his pocket world. He could go inside it to read, and less time would pass within the real world. Though of course time for him would pass by just as fast, so his own body would continue to deteriorate just at the same rate, plus the stamina it would take to control. Maybe it would be worth it just to get a leg up on Sin? He shook his head dismissing the thought. Being inside that world used up power and energy, not to mention the woman that could pop out at any time. Fox wasn’t sure he could handle her in his current state.

He sat down leaning against the bookshelf which wasn’t exactly comfortable but still felt better than the hard wood chair. He opened up the book feeling a little bit lost already. He needed to find a way to kill an infinitely healing being, and as soon as possible. His best bet was to read over all the spell descriptions and see if any might lead to his goal. He sighed again, doing his best to push through his afflictions and concentrate on his reading. Before the bomb that devastated his hometown a year back, Fox had spent many days and nights studying and reading. This couldn’t be much different!

Fox spent hours looking over every little possibility. There were so many interesting spells he wanted to learn, but sadly there was no time for such indulgences. He noticed the many stacks of books piled around him and his body weak with fatigue. He hadn’t eaten all day or last night, and the state of his body was weighing against him at this point. It was frustrating being so weak!

He found nothing on how to kill someone who was undying though. The best he could find was to bargain with the god who had given someone immortality, something Fox knew wouldn’t help in his situation. He had entertained one spell, even going so far as to cast it in the room, designing the circle with his shadows in midair. Sin seemed somewhat concerned during the casting; however, nothing came from it. It had been a spell to remove a curse. Fox figured as much would happen. Yet at this point, he was feeling particularly desperate. Fox did his best to fight through the pain of wiping some sleepiness from his eyes, before standing up.

You never looked through this one? Sin asked him. Fox looked at the book he was talking about and sure enough, it was the foreign one. Fox shook his head for a moment forgetting who he was talking to.

I can’t read any of it, he admitted. Sin smiled mischievously, letting Fox know that Sin could in fact read it. Fox scoffed. Of course, Sin was able to read it! Fox thought as he headed for the stairs. He planned to go down and ask Otto for some coffee. It would help curve his hunger and hopefully help him make it through the end of the day.

He started to make his way downstairs slowly. It wasn’t as agonizing traveling down them as it was up, but Fox still felt he was nearing his limits. Am I seriously going to fail? Will Cammy go unavenged because of my weakness? Fox shook his head and bit into his bottom lip.

No! I must succeed at all costs! Sin will pay for what he’s done! All of it! Even if it somehow ended up crueler than I originally planned, Sin will be made to pay! Fox nodded reconfirming his resolve before taking the next step and becoming aware of a conversation from downstairs.

No! They’ve both been just reading up there for hours now, Otto said to someone Fox wasn’t aware of. Fox stopped, waiting to see if he could overhear any sort of plans. He didn’t particularly like snooping on someone who had seemingly been so generous to him, but Fox honestly had no reason to trust him. Fox stood there as still as he could be so that Otto or anyone else couldn’t hear him.

Well, that’s what you told me, he said before pausing. From this, Fox figured that Otto must be on the phone. Fox didn’t hear a ring, so it was likely Otto was the one to have put out the call. Also, whomever he was talking to seem to know about Fox and Sin, so it had to be either the coven or Elwin. Yes. Yes. Is that really what you want to do? I thought I was supposed to let them learn, he said somewhat distressed. Fine where do you want me to bring them? Otto asked, causing Fox to push his back up against the wall making sure he couldn’t be seen from the first floor.

Shit! Fox thought as his mind began to race. Something was wrong. Perhaps the issue was Sin’s presence. Either way, Fox couldn’t allow himself to be taken away from this place. He could simply knock Otto unconscious. However, that’d require some fight, and he had been hospitable up until this point. Fox could simply take all the books from the shelf with him in his shadow world and sneak into one of the closed-out buildings to finish his work there instead. This was probably his best bet, which wouldn’t end in him hurting an innocent. The only ones who needed to suffer are he and Sin.

Fox slowly made his way back up the stairs trying not alert Otto of his presence, making it to the top of the stairs just outside the door that led out into the library. However, as he made it to the door, something caught his attention through the crack. Sin was pulling down his scarf that he had around his neck the entire trip. The scarf, as well as the rest of his too small clothes, had come from Fox’s collection, after they stopped by his house. Under the scarf, Fox could see that his neck had some blue discoloration. Fox placed his face against the door to get a closer look, unsure what it was he was seeing. It seemed to be in the shape of a hand. Fox was immediately taken back to when he attacked Sin in the hospital and had raised him up by his throat. Was that a bruise?!

Sin began to rub on it the way one would rub on a sore shoulder, and Fox watched in disbelief as the bruise disappeared from his neck. Fox felt a flood of emotions pouring over him all at once. Unable to handle what was going on with his body. It was like he was being attacked in every direction from the inside. One familiar feeling though was the burning sensation. Fox’s mind was flooded with images of last night. And his mind raced. Sin can’t heal?! No, he’s healing right now! Like he can control it! Could he always control it?! Why?! Doesn’t he want to die?! What’s going on?! Fox pushed open the door stepping into the room and causing Sin to instinctively freeze up, staring at him.

What the hell?! Did you just now heal?! Fox shouted angrily, knowing full well the answer, but losing restraint over his instincts. Sin looked at him a bit dumbfounded. Fox didn’t know what to make of any of this. Sin always healed on autopilot before, but that wound was made twenty-plus hours ago, and Sin only just now healed it. What’s more, he was hiding it from Fox!

That’s my ability, Sin said casually as if Fox was overreacting, which somehow managed to infuriate him further.

What the hell! Fox shouted moving closer to him. Sin raised his hand revealing the magic circle that he had apparently been carving into the wooden table. Fox stopped in shock. How could Fox not have noticed this happening?! Was he so invested in the books that Sin had created a weapon against him without his knowledge? Could Fox just kill him now? Fox blew him away in an explosion just the day before! So many things sprang through his head, that he nearly missed the white object floating in the air just outside the window. Fox glanced over at it and saw what looked like a floating eyeball. Fox recognized it as the object that he caught in the cargo hold earlier too. What was it?

Fox looked back at Sin who had that same damn smile and was reminded of where he was. Fox quickly looked back at the magic circle which had one symbol Fox recognized. It was the symbol for fire. The same one he often used to demonstrate magic to others. Except this circle was much more complex, involving two circles within each other. Suddenly from behind, startling Fox, Otto stepped through the door.

What’s all the shouting about? Otto asked rather concerned. Fox looked back at him before turning to look at Sin again, his ugly grin growing wider. Fox knew that Sin intended to kill them both then and there. Fox had suspicions about Otto, but he didn’t want him dead. The only person who needed to die was Sin. The man who was about to end them! Fox quickly brought up his dark world swallowing Otto, and then immediately grabbed himself, following an intense heat hitting his back. Upon entering his world, he looked back and saw an intense fire expanding slowly behind him.

Sin did activate a spell to try to kill him! A blistering burning sensation told him that his back had caught on fire. Fox felt weak and fell onto his knees trying his best to keep from either throwing up, passing out, or any combination of the two. Otto’s shout of confusion and terror as he looked around himself to witness his home engulfed in flames was not helping with his ailments. He used his power to cut the enflamed shirt off of himself. He felt the heat from the explosion that was going on outside of his world and instinctively began to move. Despite only being burnt a bit on his back, it felt like flames had already engulfed his entire body. He continued to move through the real world using his own shadow. Every inch felt like it was killing him, but he dared not stop knowing it could very well be his end.

Fox exerted every last bit of life trying to move forward as fast as he could, leading him and the man he had only just met today away from danger. Before he realized it, he had made it down the street to the river they had crossed on the way up that woke Fox. He pulled them out of the world stopping only just before it.

Fox screamed out in pain as he skidded to a stop. This was it. This was the last seconds of his life, spent helping a stranger. He knew it. The explosion continued in the background, the force of which startled both Fox and Otto, tossing them into the river. The strain from hitting the water so hard was a whole new world of agony for Fox, as he now struggled to hold his breath while his body began to submerge.

Fox looked on up above as his cheeks puffed out with the last bit of breath he had left. He saw the sunlight sparkle at the top of the river and knew that was where he should swim for. Except his body was far too exhausted. He reached out in his attempt to turn his body up. In a panic, he tried to summon his shadows to push him. He felt it extend out from his back just a little bit before fading away. His vision became blurry as the light started to look so far away. All he could feel was pain and exhaustion.

So, this is it? This is how I’m going to die? A stranger in an unknown town drifting to the bottom of a river saving an outsider, who for all I know, is now drowning right beside me. Fox felt himself slowly begin to fade, and he considered for a moment giving his body over. Whenever he transformed in the past, it always seemed to hunt down his target. If nothing else, it could surely make Sin’s life hell for a good while. But Fox knew it had a knack for attacking others too. After all, last time he let it loose it hurt Cammy…

Fox drifted further down feeling the coolness of the water now on his skin. I wasn’t enough. Wasn’t man enough to save my love! Wasn’t strong enough to avenge her! Wasn’t clever enough to stop myself from terrorizing the people I considered my friends. Such a worthless existence… He thought as he accepted his fate. At least soon enough the pain would subside.

Fox was suddenly jerked out of the river by an unseen person. Perhaps it was Otto, but it didn’t matter now. Fox was too far gone. His body was dragged up onto the ground where he got his last bit of fresh air. He convulsed on the dry ground, vomiting out the water that had recently filled his lungs. It hurt so much. The only positive aspect was that soon it would be no more. Soon nothing would matter anymore. All the hate and pain would just be gone. Fox attempted to look at the person who had come to save him, but he couldn’t even muster up that much strength as he closed his eyes ready to pass again. He figured he must look pretty pathetic right now. A burnt up and soggy man bleeding out onto a London street.

Unexpectedly a renewed energy started to refill him. For some reason, his legs felt deathly cold and then slowly began to feel fine. Was this what it felt like to die? The feeling moved up through him and into his Thigh now. This wasn’t death. If anything, it was like his body was being revived somehow! He opened his eyes and noticed a cloaked girl beside him near his face. She seemed young, and Fox didn’t recognize her at all. He felt the sensation working its way up his body. He looked at where the sensation was coming from and noticed that he was now surrounded by people in cloaks. Their hands reached out over him and some of them even chanted something he couldn’t quite make out as an eerie light glowed from their outstretched hands, which he now noticed were holding some sort of stick.

Fox chuckled slightly unsure what to make of the situation. This was crazy. He looked at the group all dressed in their cloaks and could only make out women so far. Was this the coven Otto had mentioned earlier? His deus ex machina! Helping his life stay trapped in his body so that he could live to fight Sin another day. It would mean living in torment still, of course, but that was alright. He was far from over with that bastard! Fox lay still letting them continue their ritual. Whenever they finished up with his hands, however, he noticed the skin around them had literally become renewed, almost as if nothing had happened, minus the missing fingernails. Fox lifted his hand in amazement. Were they restoring his body too?!

You shouldn’t move, said a familiar voice before one of the unknowns near his legs took off his hood, revealing it to be Timothy underneath. Fox smiled, resting his head back and chuckling before they moved up to his chest. That part hurt quite a bit more, perhaps because it was specifically healing his internal organs.

To think that he was right about Timothy finding this group and working alongside them. Helping Fox to make it to the library. And now saving his life. Who would have expected it from Timothy of all people? Teleporting here to study magic turned out to be the right call. As the coven made their way up to his head, he felt his mind go blank for a moment. It was like he was suddenly in a white room and all he could see in front of him was a large mirror. The mirror shown his reflection. Or at least the reflection he saw in the mirror at the airport. The burnt-up, angry man’s eyes glowed with hatred. Fox knew this feeling all too well. Sin could not and would not be forgiven. Upon healing, Fox would spend the rest of Sin’s remaining life hunting him down and making sure he truly understood what fear was. Fox wouldn’t just kill him; he was going to take his time and do it slow. The longer Fox could keep it going the better! Killing him seemed hardly enough now.

Fox pulled out of his haze, the group already standing and consoling Otto, who was crying as he looked off at his home in the distance. He wondered how long he had whited out for. Fox did his best to lift himself up yet found he didn’t have the strength for it. Timothy turned back around to him, wearing the hood once again. He leaned down close to speak with Fox.

I’m sorry, Timothy said before looking away. Fox looked at him a little confused. Timothy had saved his life. Why was he of all people sorry?

For what? Fox asked surprisingly weak. It seemed like that sudden burst of energy was dwindling out once more. Fox didn’t feel as if he were in danger of passing now, yet he would need to rest for sure. Timothy kept his head turned unable or unwilling to look at Fox.

I’m sorry I wasn’t there to help save Cammy, Timothy admitted. Fox was surprised by his response and finally felt some of the hate fade out, being replaced by an overwhelming sadness. Fox shook his head, tears now building up in his eyes as he was forced to remember the grisly scene. Her dying in his arms.

You came for me. My knight in shining armor.

No! That was my fault! I’m the one who has to live with it, Fox said, feeling the last of his anger turn into an endless void of sorrow. His body felt cold as if his tears were washing out over him and somehow lowering his temperature.

If I was there, I could have teleported you to her faster, or even have stopped him, Timothy said, his eyes now beginning to water as well. Fox shook his head; he didn’t want Timothy to feel what he felt. This pain, he didn’t want anyone else to feel ever! The memories kept playing over and over like a ghost haunting his mind. In some ways it was like having a piece of her still with him, in others it was his purgatory.

I wanted to see you one last time.

After I heard what happened from Cole, I did my best to keep an eye on you two, Timothy said, as the floating eyeball suddenly came into view. Fox’s eyes grew wide as the object slowly turned into dust. Timothy was controlling the eyes I saw?! He was using them to spy on us? That’s the only reason they had made it in time to save him.

I had Otto help you while we worked on a more advanced healing spell for your body, Timothy admitted. Fox looked to his friend as Timothy made a funny face. Minus the hair, unfortunately, he added, causing Fox to rub his bald head, and then move his hands down to the smooth section above his eyes. He probably looked pretty silly right now. Which was a bit embarrassing, but not something he cared much about.

Just before completing the requirements, I noticed Sin was reading from a book I left out for you on how to become more powerful in magic, and even craft quite the bomb, Timothy admitted. Fox felt a bit embarrassed, but that did explain the call Otto received before Sin blew the place away. Timothy must have realized what would happen before it did.

I couldn’t read it, Fox admitted feeling ashamed now that he let Sin get his hands on it. Timothy seemed surprised.

Oh, was it in a different language?! I guess I must have read it with a spell, he admitted. Fox felt like he was being pranked. Timothy had learned so much in just a short month! He was like a whole other person. Fox felt incompetent in front of him, and he was sad to admit that he actually was, considering everything that had happened. Fox sighed looking up at the sky and then closed his eyes. The ground felt pretty rough against his bare skin, but the annoyance was nothing compared to the previous anguish he felt.

I need a little bit, he admitted feeling like he was about to suddenly pass out. Timothy was a bit surprised.

Oh! I’ll make sure to get you to a bed, Timothy offered. Fox smiled.

After I wake up, we need to talk about the future, Fox suggested. He knew that going forth he would need Timothy’s help. Sin was on the loose now with presumably more power than ever before, and Fox was not about to let him kill another person he cared about. Some changes needed to be made for sure, and Fox knew he was going to need all the help he could get to ensure they happened.

Fox felt a little different but overall, he was the same. He was full of sadness, pain, and hatred. He would use this to his advantage though. He should be dead right now, and in a sense, he was. But now he could become the person he needed to be. The person who was enough to end Sin. Even if Timothy wouldn’t help him from this point on, he had to make sure Sin paid!

Fox’s eyes remained shut as his body lacked the energy to open them, instead, visions of Cammy continued to surge through his mind. How could Sin? How could anyone kill someone so special? It didn’t matter if Sin didn’t want to die anymore. He gave up the right to live when he took her away. The day that Fox died too.

I love you.

Chapter 2: Deathbeds

Cole sat alongside the rest of the group formally known as The Freaks. Kathryn was on his right side while Emily sat on his left, their eyes filled with tears as they watched the casket get lowered into the ground. Yet Cole felt distant from the situation. He heard none of the eulogy, and everything seemed to move much slower as his brain raced around, trying to piece together what’s around him.

How did he get here? Not just here at this place, but in this moment, unsure of what was going to happen? A man with the mind of a detective who could never reach his potential. He was so confused about what to do. Was just dying here a possibility? Perhaps he could bury himself underground with Cammy. After all, it was his fault that she was dead now, right? He pushed her to take on Dante without knowing the situation, and she went to attack Sin. That had to be the reason, right? What else was there? That was why Fox hated him. That was why he hated himself. He turned his best friend into a monster and his other friends into mourners.

His mind snapped back to reality as the coffin clacked against the ground, and the priest left the podium with a somber face. He had done quite a few of these lately. Cole knew him to be Pastor Jeff, someone Cole hadn’t known before this town had truly gone to hell. Though why did it even get this far? Could they blame the corrupt four that threw loyalty out the window becoming the trio of power? Could they blame a bomb that knocked out a seventh of the town’s population? Or perhaps a man from another world, whose selfishness was infecting them all? Cole knew who he was blaming. He knew it was his fault.

He watched the people walk up and throw a rose down into the hole in the ground, a few of them he considered friends. Cole wished he had brought a rose. It was the least he could do for the life he destroyed. He wished he had brought two for them both. Cammy’s mother and father watched people tossing in the flowers with their heads hung low. It must be crazy seeing your child die before you. Who would expect it? How could you? No one expected Cammy to die. She was supposed to be the safest of them all, and now here they were at her funeral. Cole noticed his eyes start to water, causing him to quickly wipe his eyes.

Why was he crying? When had he ever cried?! He didn’t cry when his father died. Didn’t cry for Amala… He didn’t cry when he heard about Cammy. Was he crying about his life? That was a rather pathetic and selfish prospect. But then he realized why. He was crying because he hated what he had become. Confused, scared, unsure, and the cause of such pain in the lives of those he had cared about. In truth, he cared about Cammy and the rest of The Freaks. But most of all, he cared about the one person he believed genuinely cared for him. Fox.

Cole looked up at the sky noticing how clear and sunny it was. If this was some movie, it should be raining down on them all. Cole almost wished it were to hide the tears. The tears of all the young men and women he sat alongside. They should be worried about things like which college to get into or how they were going to afford to live, not worry about which one of them would die next. Cole truly wished Fox had found a way to kill Sin upon leaving. Not just because he believed adamantly that Sin deserved to die, but also so Fox could get some kind of closure before passing.

Fox was most likely dead by now. He couldn’t have lasted long in that state. Watching them bury Cammy was somewhat metaphorical as Cole knew they were burying Fox too. Cole had gotten ahold of Timothy that night on the number Timothy gave him in case of emergencies. Cole hadn’t heard anything back from him since. He probably only found a corpse, and that’s why he never called back. Surely right, why else?

Suddenly the mood seemed to change as someone walked up to the grave wearing a black jacket and hood over his dress clothes. Cole thought it was a bit strange, but even more so how everyone who could see his face stood there looking at him in shock and terror.

Is that?! Cole heard a woman say before covering her mouth in shock. Cole was feeling even more anxious now. Who was here causing this commotion?! Here at Cammy’s funeral?! If they tried anything! Cole thought before suddenly the person knelt down, looking closer at the coffin.

Just then as all eyes seemed to be on the man, a portal opened up above him and hundreds of rose petals poured out from the other side. Timothy?! Cole assumed as the portal closed. The man stood up as everyone continued to watch in shock. Two officers quickly stepped up behind Cammy’s parents with their guns pointed at the man.

Freeze! they shouted. Cole felt a wave of panic wash over him. What would happen now? Were they going to arrest Timothy? Would it even matter? Why didn’t he just teleport out right now? Cole took notice of all the Freaks around him, acting nervously as well. Some of them were even attempting to make their way around to see the mystery man’s face. Then something happened that made everyone go up on edge.

Fox?! shouted Kevin Sims, as he joined the line alongside the other officers with his gun drawn. Fox?! There was no way, right?! Cole stood up from his seat followed by several others. People in the crowd started to talk loudly amongst themselves, making it harder for Cole to hear. Cole noticed Cammy’s parents were staring down the mystery man, and Cammy’s father looked livid.

What the hell are you doing here? I thought you were dead?! her dad shouted. Cole couldn’t believe it. This person was Fox? Cole was upset that he couldn’t see his friend’s face for confirmation. The man turned his head, further away from them unfortunately.

I’m sorry, he stated, making Cole feel like he might just faint. That was Fox’s voice! It had to be him! But how?! He walked forward before more cops showed up at the scene and one of the officers pointing his gun at Fox yelled as he looked over at the kids. Everybody, stand back! Several people moved back, but all the kids stayed where they were watching on at what would unfold.

You’re sorry?! For what? Cammy’s father shouted angrily. The man in the hood looked back at him and paused for a moment before speaking.

I’m sorry that I killed Cammy. I’m sorry that I couldn’t die, giving you your closure. And most of all, I’m sorry I wasn’t able to avenge her yet, he said softly. Everyone’s attention was dead set on him, and Cole doubted anyone missed what was said. Cole was sure at this point. It had to be Fox!

What?! Sorry, you didn’t die!? he shouted clearly losing it now. I trusted you with her! Trusted you with my little girl! And now we’re standing here over her corpse! he shouted, tears falling from his face. Fox didn’t advert his eyes this time. Cole could tell he was staring him dead on. Cammy’s father, or the sad broken remains of him, wiped away his tears before quickly turning and grabbing one of the officer’s guns from its holster. Cole recognized the officer to be Jason’s father and stared on in terror as Cammy’s father pointed a gun at Fox.

A tendril quickly came up and swiped the gun from his hands, before laying it down closer to Detective Sims. That was the second time magic was used so openly in front of everyone. What the heck was he doing?!

Fox! the detective shouted trying to take control of the situation. We need you to come with us and give your story down at the station. You’re wanted in connection with the murder of Cammy Campbell, Kevin stated plainly. Fox turned to him, revealing a bit of his face to the others. Cole’s eyes grew even wider now. He expected to see him horribly disfigured, but the man before them was almost just as he was before he left that night, except for the fact that he had no hair or eyebrows. What happened to him? Did Timothy find a way to save him? Is this really Fox? So much seems so wrong right now!

Sorry, Detective. Unfinished business and all, Fox said before turning his head towards all of them. Cole could see a dead look in his eyes now. It was almost just like the expression Cole had seen in the mirror this morning. What did Fox find there? Cole wondered. Then just as suddenly as he appeared, Fox teleported out through a portal. Cammy’s mother fell to her knees, and the officer with their guns drawn instinctively pointed their guns towards the crowd, freaking everyone out including Cole.

He’s gone, you morons! Cole shouted angrily. The cops pulled their guns back towards their belts, and several officers began to run around in search of Fox.

Shut up, freak! yelled Jason’s father back at him before picking his gun up off the ground. Cole was slightly taken back by the comment, but honestly, it wasn’t surprising. The town was terrified of the idea of people with powers, and after this display, there was probably little doubt in the minds of Origin’s citizens. Cole looked back up at the sky once more, noticing how disturbingly cheery it almost seemed. Yep. This is the perfect time for some rain.

Jason sighed and turned off the TV that he wasn’t really watching. He had turned it on to tune his mind out, but it didn’t help at all. How could he not think about what just happened? Not think about the monster Fox had become. Not think about how they just buried the girl he loved?! The one he was destined to be with! Everything was so fucked right now!

Jason wiped his eyes just as tears began to build. I can’t let himself cry. I’m a man now! He thought, trying to pull himself together, just as the door swung open and his father stepped in. He was clearly angry, and Jason could tell it wasn’t something that would pass easily. He sat up quickly, terrified of what his father might do, yet Jason couldn’t help but stare at him. In a huff,