If he would've just stayed out of it
He could've lived.
But now I'm glad he didn't quit.
His ignorance lead me straight to you
And as a result you lead me to...
My prize.
I could never havefound The Toll without your help.
So,” He claps“Be proud of yourself.
Your effort willbring the world to peace
As the world in theground will sleep.”
“Y-y-you'reafter Leo?” I say shocked “Why?”
“Because,”His tone soft and malicious “His destiny is to die.
That's the solereason he exists.
The whole reason heever did.
Now, he will servehis purpose
As the prized toolof Lord Death's resurrection.
As his greatestservant.”
“No!!!”Instantly, I jolt forward ready to attack
With one look from his eyes I'm blownback
“You think you can stop it?
You're out of your league.
I was chosen. Me.
To be the host
For Lord Death's soul.
Speaking of, he wants to say hello.”
So the host isn't me
Rather it's my brother who's a slaveunfree
Suddenly his voice changes into a deepechoing tone
Coarse like broken glass and jaggedlike stone
“You are at fault boy
For all that has happened!”
At his words, the air blackens
“Your existence was the key
And soon I will be free.
I will take what I'm owed.
Every life that lives,
Every soul that walks,
Will die cold.”
“You want cold?” Cries avoice “Then allow me!”
Suddenly, the entire room begins tofreeze
My brother turned into a living icesculpture
As the house begins to creak - Theentire structure
Right next to me Jack appears
“What the hell?! Was I notclear?!
Maybe next time you'll listen to meinstead of running off half cocked.”
I look at her with eyes of shock
My breathing hard
As I can't keep it in
I'm about to cry because of him
“We'll discuss it later.”She says
“We have to go. Now!”
“I don't think so.” Soundsa voice
As he arrives, leaving onechoice
“Detective Jameson.” I say,my blood beginning to boil
“We've found your culprit.
Now revoke my judgment.”
He looks at the ice
And says “My, Seers are comingout in abundance.”
As mana pulses from his eyes
With one look he breaks the ice
My brother stands there, cracking hisneck
I exclaim “What the heck!”
Then it occurs to me
Jameson just used eye magic...
I look at them both
“You've got to be kidding me.”I mutter
My brother's voice no longer deep “Bestnot to let them roam free.”
“Very well.” Jamesonreplies
“Care to do the honors?”
My brother gives a smile
Then gives a look at Jack and I, vile
Suddenly, Jack lets out a scream
As abruptly she crumbles to her knees
Next, he now looks at me
Suddenly, I'm witnessing a hellishscene
Just like the one from before
A group of people tormented by horrors
The image lingers
Then in a blinding flash
I'm witnessing a massacre
Then it fades to black
Trial24: Incarceration
If there was ever a time I wish I wasin therapy
This would be it
With all the crap that's been happening
My mind's going crazy
I'm overwhelmed
Two members of my clan are alive
And one's my brother - What the hell?
At least holiday dinners won't beboring
And what was with that verbaloutpouring?
Lord Death?
Who the hell is that?
Suddenly, I feel cold at my back
A voice echoing unclear
“Nate! Can you even hear?”
My eyes struggle open
As Jack gives me a slap
Instantly, I yell “Why the helldid you do that?!”
“Finally!” She sighs “We'rein a bit of a pickle.”
Looking around, my face goes sour
Looking back to Jack
Her expression says she's tickled
“Why're you smiling?” Isnap “This isn't good!
Damn it!”
I punch the iron back wall
“LEO!!!” I call
The throbbing in my hand feels far away
As one thought brings me pain
“I couldn't keep my promise...”
A tear leaves my eye
Jack replies smoothly “No time tocry.
We need to escape.”
“How?” I say giving intodespair
“The iron of this cell preventsyou from going anywhere
And I'm no good in this situation.”
“Do you just not listen to anyinformation?”
Jack speaks like I should know
“Come on, that lesson wasn't thatlong ago.”
She gives me a look as I look away
“You really don't remember thatday?”
She gives a sigh
“Fine, then how about this. Youmade a promise.
I know you, and you don't quit.
Find a way, whatever it takes.
Don't let this be one of yourmistakes.”
Suddenly, she fades to dust
“Jack?!” I call as a suddengust
It carries her through the bars
Beneath the door and past the guards
“Jack!” I shout
She really abandoned me...
Then out of the corner of my eye I see
A small scented candle flickering as itburns
Abruptly the flame begins to churn
He pops out quick from the wick
He looks at me confused
That's it!
“You're Leigh's familiar.”I say stepping to the bars
The flaming fox gives a yip like bark
Then looks at the door as if someone'sthere
Then he returns to the candle flare
If he's here, Leigh can't be far behind
But is she here to release me
Or claim victory?
I want to believe the former
As the question seethes in my mind
Instantly, the door opens
As he walks in
There's no way in hell I'm letting himwin
For an instant he looks concerned
“Where's your friend?” Histone earned
“She bailed on you huh?
Some people.
Don't worry, we'll get her.
After all she's evil.”
“What do you want Jewl?” Ibark
“You.” His eyes intentlyfocused on his mark
“Why are you after me?” Mytone blunt
“After's not really theright word.
I just want you to do your duty andserve.
The last remaining Seer as an O.D.
Serving directly under me.
How glorious would that be?”
“You know I've lived as nothingbut a criminal for 16 years,
Yet still you come here
Saying I can be an O.D..
That just doesn't make sense to me.”
“Eh, details.” He brushesit off
“Haven't you heard? I'm Chairman.
And I'm offering you a spot.”
Instantly, I look in his eyes
And I see memories of years gone by
Not just any memories,
He's best friends with that guy
With Jameson...
One memory in particular is potent
Jameson suggesting Jewl be Chairman
And he's not joking
Leaving the memories
I take a breath
“Your friend Jameson put me here.
Why do you need me if you've alreadygot a Seer?”
At my words he's taken aback
“Have you cracked?” He says
“Jameson's not a Seer.
I don't know where you got that...”
He looks at me and then laughs
“Aha ha ha ha, that's a nice act
But you're not gonna throw meoff track.
Think about my offer. I'll be back.”
Turning on his heel he steps to thedoor
Suddenly, there's a quake from thefloor
Not just this cell
The whole building's shaking
Using a communication spell he yells“What's going on?!”
The O.D. on the other end responds
“Sir, we're under siege!”
“Who'd be dumb enough to...”His body
